Nursing Soldiers Come Under Fire

A photo of two military mothers nursing their babies while in unbuttoned airman battle uniforms has created quite a stir on the Internet.

Air Force Sgt. Terran Echegoyen McCabe and Staff Sgt. Christina Luna - both in active service - agreed to be photographed in support of Breastfeeding Awareness Month for the Mom2Mom Breastfeeding Support Group.

“I’m proud to be wearing a uniform while breastfeeding,” McCabe told the Today Show. “I’m proud of the photo and I hope it encourages other women to know they can breastfeed whether they’re active duty, guard or civilian.”

But apparently, the women violated a policy that forbids military members from using the uniform to further a cause, promote a product or imply an endorsement, said Capt. Keith Kosik, spokesman for the Washington National Guard.

Crystal Scott, founder of Mom2Mom, was shocked that the photos have caused such controversy.

“A lot of people are saying it’s a disgrace to the uniform,” she said. “They’re comparing it to urinating and defecating [while in uniform].”

What do you think?

Wanna Enlarge Your Breasts? Try Breast Slapping!

Women are bombarded with images of big-busted women via advertising and the media, making many feel inadequate and leading them to regard bust size as a “life-or-death” issue.

Ladies who want to enlarge their breats should consider heading to Thailand to undergo breasts slapping. I am dead serious, ladies! Slapping? Yes, breast slapping is an officially approved method of breast enhancement.

Khemmikka Na Songkhla, a Bangkok beautician invented the method of breast slapping that was eventually approved by Thailands government health board in 2003 as a natural alternative to surgery.

Ms Khemmikka says she has enlarged the breasts of thousands of Thai women over the past 14 years – not with chemicals or silicone, but by using traditional massage. Reports show that breast slapping can increase breast fullness by 4 within 3-6 months of continuous treatment.

The treatment involves a kneading action that massages fat from surrounding areas around the breasts, and pushing them towards the breasts. The fat from other areas of the body eventually fill the breasts to create a fuller appearance and size. Breast slapping can be relaxing, stimulating and painful.

The routines were supplied by a Bangkok beautician, Khemmikka Na Songkhla , who has been pursuing a patent for her grandmother’s secret fat-kneading technique. Unlikely as it seems, the idea is to shift one’s unsightly bulges to more strategic areas up front.

When Ms Khemmikka was an adolescent, her granny mocked her for wasting time rubbing her nipples with a miracle cream in hopes of sprouting big breasts. She said she should rub the old-fashioned way, until it hurt. By repeatedly pushing any flab from her sides and midriff towards her chest, and afterwards dousing Ms Khemmikka’s breasts with ice water, her granny boosted her breast size by 4in and her confidence soared.

Ms Khemmikka, now 35, says her shapely breasts are all the advertisement she needs and has marketed the technique in her beauty parlour for 15 years. Six sessions cost $380, and yield an increase of up to 4in without injections, chemicals or implants.

But the lucrative business threatened to go bust after a client developed breast cancer and blamed it on her breast massage. Distraught, Ms Khemmikka asked the Health Ministry to learn if there could be a link with breast massage.

Dr Pennappa Sapcharoen, the deputy director of the traditional medicine division, told her no clinical trials had been done, but she was intrigued by the technique. The ministry launched a six -month study on volunteers aged 20 to 60, and found vigorous massage left their breasts cancer-free and measurably bigger.

Pennapa Subcharoen, head of the Public Health Ministry’s Thai traditional medicine institute, said Khemmika’s methods were equivalent to the exercises used by body builders.

“It is like men going to a gym to build specific parts of their bodies by lifting weights with that part,” Pennapa says. “In Khemmika’s case, she tries to move fat from parts it is not supposed to be to where it should be

Ms Khemmikka helped the Institute of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine to come up with its three-month regimen of self-massage and daily breast-boosting exercises. Dr Pennapa also insists that skinny girls must eat more if they expect to increase the size of their mammaries.

Khemmika, 34, advertizes on a billboard in front of her house-cum-clinic in a suburb of Bangkok that she can “beat small busts to be big.”

“The slogan is merely a ploy to draw people’s attention,” says Khemmika’s husband, Pasit. “In fact, we massage them or slap some parts of the body to enlarge the breasts.”

Khemmika squeezes, pinches and slaps fat and muscle on the upper chest, the sides of the torso, and the belly of clients with cream or gel in six 10-minute sessions. After the treatment, which patients say is painful, Khemmika instructs her customers in special exercise techniques and massage to keep their breasts in shape.

Her customers come from a wide range of backgrounds, ages and professions. They range from college girls in their early 20s to a 70-year-old retiree. Models, actresses and politicians have all attended her clinic, she says. “These women once had chicken-egg size breasts. After the course, they have become ostrich egg size,” she says.

But not all can attend Khemmika’s course. Khemmika has to turn down customers who are too skinny or do not have much fat on their upper chest or sides of their torso. “I just tell them: Go back and put on some weight before coming back to me.”

Many women thought this treatment was a joke when it was first reported, but the track record speaks for itself. And there seem to be no major risks associated with this technique. Go book your ticket to Thailand now.

Booby Trap: Breast surgery is the new rage in India

Woo hoo! It's Happy Cleavage Day. How should I celebrate?" tweeted Poonam Pandey on March 30. She did not get explicit about what she actually did on the "happy" day coined by a lingerie brand. But the self-proclaimed 21-year-old, who shot to fame during the Cricket World Cup in 2011 by offering to run naked around Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to motivate Team India, celebrates her cleavage every day. She posts pictures of her formidable bust line on Twitter and flaunts her assets in YouTube videos. Although she trashes the rumours, social-networking busybodies are busy figuring out the mystery of her breasts: "Did Poonam Pandey get a boob job done or not?"

Breast-watchers have found a new hobby: Tell real breasts from fake. On the 50th anniversary of breast implants, an Indian surgery secret is bursting out of the lingerie closet. The popularity of aesthetic surgery to enhance and reshape breasts is exploding in metro India, making it one of the top 10 countries globally. Cleavage is the new self-esteem. The market has expanded from socialites and film stars to upper and middle classes: Size-zero girls, wannabe brides, ambitious professionals to 40-something mothers. Despite a health scare over cancerous breast implants from France breaking out around the world this year, boob jobs are becoming something of a national pastime in India.

Men have their own rationale. "Doc, can you do something about my breasts? I am getting married next month. I don't want to stand in a dhoti with my breasts hanging out." The young man, a software professional in Bangalore, wants to remove his "moobs" (or male boobs). To Dr M.S. Venkatesh, surgeon and professor at Ramaiah Medical College, he is just another patient of gynaecomastia, where hormones, genes, and sedentary life lead to abnormal accumulation of fat on male chests. The doctor cut out his breasts through a small incision below his areola (the small darkened area around the nipple). "Gynaecomastia is very common in Indian men," says Venkatesh. "Most of these are fatty accumulation that starts mostly during late puberty." When he started his career in 1994, he received merely 7-8 such patients in a year. Now, these comprise 35 per cent of all his surgeries.

Breast surgery has replaced the popular nose job in India in the last two years. With films, television ads, billboards and magazines showing six-pack male Adonises all the time and with new minimally-invasive surgery techniques within reach, men are reasserting their masculinity by taking recourse to new procedures in cosmetic surgery.

Courtesy India Today

Now, Maharashtra seeks Aamir's support for girl child

After well-known actress Madhuri Dixit reportedly turned down Maharashtra's offer as brand ambassador for tourism, the state has sought megastar Aamir Khan's support for its various public welfare schemes that aim to protect girl child, a top official said.

Health Minister Suresh Shetty said following the immense popularity of Aamir Khan's new tele-show "Satyamev Jayate",he has already written to the film star for support to the government's campaign against female foeticide, which is rampant in some pockets.

The state move came barely a day after Aamir Khan held a high-profile meeting with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on the issue of female foeticide and sought his government's initiatives to tackle the menace.

Besides, top stars like Ajay Devgn and his wife Kajol will make a documentary on "Save the Girl Child" free of cost for the state government, an official said.

"They have penned the script which has been approved and will now be taken forward," the official added.

Well-known Marathi actors Sachin Pilgaonkar, his wife Supriya and their teenaged daughter Shriya are the brand ambassadors for the state-run campaign against female foeticide. "They are endorsing this noble cause without charging any honorarium," the official said.

In his letter to Aamir Khan, Shetty said Maharashtra has so far registered cases against 317 sonography centres in the state found conducting unauthorized sex determination tests on foetuses.

Besides, 27 doctors and four families of persons who sought the sex tests have been convicted with fines and jail terms in 25 cases lodged under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act in the state.

Shetty pointed out that the four doctors have been deregistered by the State Medical Council and names of another 40 doctors have been submitted for deregistration after they were booked under the PCPNDT Act.

"So far, 34 sting operations have been conducted involving decoy clients. Seven doctors have been convicted with fine and imprisonment for revealing sex of the foetus to the decoy clients. Other cases are awaiting trial in the courts," Shetty added.

Highlighting various other measures initiated in this regard, Shetty appealed to Aamir Khan to support and associate with Maharashtra's cause of elevating the status of the girl child and campaign against sex determination.

Hamid Ansari gives away 59th National Film Awards

Talents from India's $2-billion Indian movie industry received from Vice President Hamid Ansari the 59th National Film Awards across various categories here Thursday. Veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee was also honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke award, highest honour in Indian cinema at the event.

Regional cinema dominated the award function, while Bollywood maintained a low key this year.

Top honours, including best feature film, best direction and best actor titles, were bagged by regional talents, while Bollywood's bold and beautiful Vidya Balan kept the Hindi film industry in the reckoning by receiving the best actress trophy for "The Dirty Picture". 

Vidya came on the dais in a rose pink-coloured sari with her hair neatly tied in a bun to receive the award.

The ceremony, hosted by actors Vinay Pathak and Saumya Tandon, witnessed performances by Anand Bhate, who won the best playback singer (male) title for "Balgandharva", and Roopa Ganguly, who won the same award in the female category for the Bengali film "Abosheyshey".

Bollywood composer Amit Trivedi and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya also took to the stage to perform "Agar zindagi", for which the latter won the best lyricist trophy. The song is from the movie "I Am".

The best feature film award was shared by Marathi film "Deool" and Kannada movie "Byari", while the best direction award went to Gurvinder Singh for his Punjabi film "Anhe Ghorey Da Daan", which also won the best cinematography title.

Marathi actor Girish Kulkarni came to accept his best actor trophy for his role as a good-hearted simpleton in "Deool".

The best supporting actor and actress awards were given to Appu Kutty for Tamil film "Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai" and Leishangthem Tonthoingambi Devi for Manipuri film "Phijigee Mani", respectively.

In the music category, composer Neel Dutt won the best songs award for Bengali rock musical "Ranjana Ami Ar Ashbo Na". Mayookh Bhaumik bagged the background score honour for Bengali film "Laptop".

Hindi films, though few in the awardees list, made their prominence felt through the presence of its actors and filmmakers at the event. The team of "I AM" Onir and Sanjay Suri came to collect the award for the film. "I Am" was named the best Hindi film of the year.

"Chillar Party" was adjudged the best children's film, and it also received the honour for best original screenplay writer. The 10 child artistes from "Chillar Party" added innocence and enthusiasm to the event and displayed respect for Ansari as most of them touched his feet before accepting the honour.

Amitabh Bhattacharya won best lyrics for "Agar zindagi" from "I Am", "RA.One" bagged the award for best special effects and the best choreography was given to Bosco-Caeser for "Senorita" from "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara".

The best costume designer award was shared by Niharika Khan for "The Dirty Picture" and Neeta Lulla for Marathi film "Balgandharva". Another shared award was for the best child artist. It was received jointly by Partho Gupte for "Stanley Ka Dabba" and by the gang of 10 kids for "Chillar Party".

Vikram Gaekwad won the best make-up artist for his work in "The Dirty Picture" as well as in "Bal Gandharva".

Big B reveals the Vanity Van story

Vanity vans are no more exclusive in Bollywood, says Amitabh Bachchan, revealing that they was first introduced by Mahmohan Desai. The megastar added that the late filmmaker gifted him one too.

"At the studios these days, the largest space is taken up by the vanity vans for artists, talent, directors, writers .. It was never like this in our time... ok .. like earlier days! There were make up rooms if you were important enough, sharing an office space with two others if you had just started off, and did your changing and make up in the production bus that transported the staff and crew .. At times for an all night shoot, you just dozed off on the floor of the set... getting a room was a luxury," wrote Big B on his blog. 

"But Manmohan Desai, the master, was different. He had a back problem and needed to lie down as he travelled to the sets, so he built himself a van where a bed could be placed and put up a television set inside, something that was unheard of, and wait put a mirror at the back of the sleeping area, to watch the TV lying the wrong way round !! Why so ? Because he said the imagery is better when it reflects off a mirror !!! Its laterally inverted but so what he would say ! And then within a few days presented me with one,"

Amitabh says that in those days the vans used to have few basic facilities.

"It was not what vanity vans are like today. It had a bed, a bathroom, and seating with a fold out table on one of them. I put in a pull out make up tray with mirror, to do my make up in there and desperately tried to fix a music system within. It took several pioneering efforts to be able to achieve that, but finally it all came around, and because I had a general license for it, I moved around the city in it. 

"Gave me privacy. Gave me a bed to rest on for the hour long drives and a ready wash room ! Ecstasy and delight!! Ok so lying on the bed during movement was somewhat arduous at every bump or turn, you slid off to the floor. Nothing I could do about it. But the great innovator Mr Man Mohan Desai did have a solution. Seat belts that strapped him up as he lay !! At times it looked like contraptions used to pin down a violent patient in hospitals," wrote Amitabh.

Desai had teamed up with Big B in hits like "Mard", "Coolie", "Naseeb", "Suhaag", "Parvarish" and "Amar Akbar Anthony"

Agent Vinod Not Doing Very Well At Box-Office

Whether Saif Ali Khan’s new film Agent Vinod has met the expectations of the viewers and fans of the Bollywood star, is a totally different matter altogether but it seems the performance of the film at the box office has not met Saif Ali Khan’s own expectations. An all-India collection of Rs 37 crore in the first week was just not the amount Saif Ali Khan wanted from this film, which was a highly ambitious project of the producer.

Saif Ali Khan had huge expectations from Agent Vinod and hoped that after the release of this venture, his name will get added to the list of other three Khans, Aamir, Salman and Shahrukh, whose films bring home revenue of Rs 100 crores. While Saif Ali Khan had also predicted that the film had the capacity of reaching the magical figure of 100 crore in terms of revenue, but with the release of Agent Vinod, all those claims it seems have now fallen flat on ground.

Agent Vinod started well on first day with the collections of over Rs 9 crore. The hype created around the film helped it even in the weekend as well as its overall collections over the weekend were Rs 27 crore. But, after the period of initial hype got over, the film fell flat at the box office and made only Rs 10 crore in the remaining four days.

Saif Ali Khan did not leave any stone unturned to ensure that Agent Vinod is made on a large scale but rather than helping him, this has worked against the film. No wonder then, Saif Ali Khan is finding it hard to recover the amount of around Rs 60 crore he invested on this film.

The only factor working in favor of Agent Vinod is that there are no big releases this week. If Saif Ali Khan’s film cannot take advantage of this situation, it will end up making losses.

Tips to deal with sexual harassment

It's a story we've heard many times, of a woman being bothered by the persistent interest that a male colleague(sometimes even the boss) is taking in her. He may be direct about his intentions, passing lewd comments, issuing invites for dinner or coffee or flooding her with text messages. Or he may bother her in other ways, touching her "accidentally" or setting up situations in which she is left alone with him, and so on. Either way, she is left feeling helpless and angry. Confronting the perpetrator of this harassment may result in job loss, and not doing anything about it means a daily struggle of fending him off. So what to do? This is a pressing question especially today when more women are entering the workplace and are faced with this scenario regularly.

A November 2010 survey of 600 women employees in the information technology and outsourcing industry found that 88 per cent of them had faced some form of sexual harassment at work. In two-thirds of the incidents, the perpetrator was a superior at work, according to the survey conducted by the Centre for Transforming India, a Delhi-based non-profit. Other studies have found that 40-80 per cent of women experience sexual harassment by their male colleagues or superiors at work.

Though guidelines on sexual harassment were passed in 1977 with the idea of ensuring safe working spaces for women, most women aren't aware of their existence. "People are not yet familiar with the Vishaka guidelines, which state that a woman from an NGO should be appointed to the inquiry committee set up to investigate complaints of SH. Employers appoint women who are not acquainted with the issue of sexual harassment or women's issues and often choose some socialite who has no interest in the case," says Indira Jaising, Assistant Solicitor General of India and Director of Lawyers Collective.

What you can do
Every woman in the workplace needs to equip herself with information about what she can do if she is being harassed. It's important to pay heed to any sense of discomfort you may feel during your interactions with male colleagues and confront the problem directly. Advocate and equality consultant Naina Kapur believes that creating consciousness with knowledge is essential, as is making people accountable. She believes in bringing people around to a viewpoint with good communication. "It's about conversation and not about street protests anymore," says Kapur.

Jaising and Kapur both agree that women must speak up. However, a methodical approach is a good idea. Here's a step by step approach advocated by Prerna Sodhi and Shefali Anand, authors of How to Deal with Sexual Harassment at Work.

Communicate your disapproval
If you can avoid the colleague who makes you uncomfortable, do so. If you have to work in close proximity to him, avoid being alone with him. And tell him to stop his specific behaviour: If he stands too close, you can say: Can you stand away please, because such closeness makes me very uncomfortable. Or, if he touches you, say: Can you please avoid putting your hand on my shoulder because that makes me uncomfortable. "If the person has sent you a joke through an email or SMS, reply through email or SMS when asking him to stop," says Richard Lobo, head of employee relations at Infosys Technologies Ltd. 

Keep a record
If your colleague isn't getting the message, prepare to report him. Gather evidence to substantiate your claims. "Note down the date, time and details of each incident," says Sheeba Satish, HR manager for Fundsupermart.com, a mutual fund distribution company. Save any emails or text messages that contain inappropriate language. Try to use your mobile phone recorder to discreetly record his remarks.

Find a confidante
Share the situation with a colleague you trust in the office. She may be able to keep a watchful eye on the situation. But be picky about who you share this information with, and ensure that your confidante is trustworthy. A senior colleague or mentor who carries more weight in the organisation would be ideal.

Formal complaint
If the above doesn't work, make a formal complaint to senior members of the organisation, with whatever evidence or notes you have. Make the complaint in writing and keep a copyremember an oral complaint can be hushed up. Often women don't report sexual harassment for fear they might lose their jobs, but unless you are willing to take action, your problem will persist.

External resources
If your company doesn't take any action on your complaint or doesn't penalise the miscreant, you can approach the National Commission for Women, a women's group like Jagori, or Human Rights Law Network and the Lawyers Collective. They can approach the company on your behalf in an effort to force it to take action.

Create Plan B
Leaving your job should be your last resort. But before you take this step, it's best to start looking for another job. Leaving without an option may result in a feeling of powerlessness.


A look at the law
Legislation against sexual harassment in the workplace became a reality two years ago when the 2010 Protection of Women against Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Bill was formulated. The act seeks to create a safe, secure, and enabling workplace environment free from all forms of sexual harassment and makes it mandatory for all organisations, including private sector organisations, to form committees, headed by women, for the inquiry and assessment of complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace.

The bill terms any unwelcome sexual behaviour or advances-verbal, physical, graphic or electronic, including SMS- and humiliating or hostile conduct as sexual harassment. Students, research scholars in colleges and universities and patients in hospitals are also covered and more recently, domestic workers have been included.

"Employers need to have a clear and written policy that sexual harassment is misconduct and will result in dismissal. The message that it will not be tolerated should be sent out loud and clear. Sensitisation programmes at the workplace to put norms of acceptable behaviour in place are necessary and prompt action must be taken against the perpetrator," says Indira Jaising.

What defines sexual harassment

The verdict is out and the line that defines harassment has now been defined. Sexy is fine (thank you, NCW) but bitch is taking it too far (ok, Madras High Court). I am glad it's out in the open now. My personal confusion with these tags began in 1997 at the Miranda House college festival. I was on a date with this girl who I was drawn to because of her strong opinions on gender equality and her ability to roll thin cigarettes.

She told me she smoked them to make a statement. We were sitting next to the basketball court sipping fountain Pepsi and sharing her thin lizzy, watching the DJ belt it out. A handful of bored girls lazily moved their torsos on the makeshift dance floor like they were severely underpaid to do so.

After a while, the DJ who'd had enough of this nonsense turned up the volume and screamed into the megaphone "Come on you sexy bitches, I want all of you on the dance floor shaking that ass." I choked on my Pepsi and turned to my date to express my sincere disapproval at this sort of behaviour but she had vanished. The sexy bitch was right up there on the dance floor shaking that ass.


Over the years, I saw rappers, friends and even other women call the ladies all sorts of names and get away with it. I was led to believe that it was fine, we were now a progressive society after all, biatch! Under this illusion, I finally pushed my luck while launching a lad mag and found my team slapped with a defamation case for a seemingly witty caption in the magazine directed at a south Indian star. She refused to take it lying down.

To make up to my distraught team, I took them to a club where everyone went ballistic to some hip-hop song where the guy went "You sexy bitch!" With Dutch courage, I turned to a female colleague and asked her whether she'd mind if I called her a sexy bitch every once in a while. She said she wouldn't if I really meant it. "It's all about the context, you dog!" she laughed and went back to pointing her finger at the DJ and dancing. How about cow? "Absolutely not," her voice turned grim and she left the dance floor. I made a note. Bitch - yes, Cow - no.

I am happy that our courts are making similar notes. I have a list of adjectives that will work with the ladies in a variety of situations and would be glad to share it with the courts or genuinely interested men. But till the time we finish compiling the dictionary of politically incorrect words to avoid with the ladies, here's a piece of advice to you men - Don't call them sexy bitches unless you are a DJ and she's walked into your club.

JLo still friends with ex-husband

Singer Jennifer Lopez is proud of the way she has handled her "tough" split from husband Marc Anthony and says she is still friends with him.The couple, parents to twins Emme and Max, announced their separation last July after seven years of marriage.

"Without going into detail...it's just really, really sad. And look, we are still going through it, and it's emotional sometimes and difficult," contactmusic.com quoted the 42-year-old as saying.

"We're still friends - and we're parents but it's going to take time. It's tough. But for the most part, I feel very proud of the way we're handling it. I really do. We are doing the best we can for the kids. It's very dignified and trying to be above all the emotions and pain that come along with a divorce and a family breaking apart," she added.

Lopez is currently dating dancer Casper Smart.

Swimsuit model held for heading global drug ring

A swimsuit model, who was once voted one of FHM magazine's "sexiest women in the world", has been arrested in Australia on charges of heading an international drugs ring, a media report here said.

Simone Farrow was found hiding in a cheap motel on Queensland's Gold Coast. She will be extradited to Britain from Sydney, the Daily Mail reported.

The 37-year-old Farrow - accused of trafficking drugs in bags of bath salts from Hollywood - had at least 19 aliases, and was on the run for a month.

Farrow allegedly called for crystal methylamphetamine drugs to be mailed to New South Wales and Victoria hidden in parcels containing bath products.

Drug buyers sent cash to Farrow through post or deposited it at National Australia Bank branches into her bank account.

A member of the drug syndicate has committed suicide in a Hollywood motel, Sydney's Sunday Telegraph revealed.

I am the face of change in Bollywood: Vidya

Vidya Balan, whose film count includes mostly female-oriented themes, says the film industry changed over the years and co-incidentally she has become the face of this change.

"I believe that change doesn't happen overnight, it takes time. I am lucky that today when we are feeling the change, it's a co-incidence that I have become a face of this change," she said in an interview. 

Vidya gave strong performances in "Ishqiya", "Paa", "No One Killed Jessica" and "The Dirty Picture". The 33-year-old, who will be seen next in Sujoy Ghosh's "Kahaani", feels lucky to be present at a time when such stories are being written. 

"I am lucky to be a part of Indian cinema at a time when such stories and roles are being written and I am getting a chance to be a part of such good films. I try to do my work honestly. It feels great to get so much love from the people," said Vidya who had stormed the industry with her very first film "Parineeta" in 2005. 

Releasing March 9, "Kahaani" is a thriller and shows a pregnant woman's struggle to find her missing husband in Kolkata.

The ex-factor in Bollywood

There are no permanent friends or foes in showbiz. The Bollywood GenNow pack, it seems, understands that bit more than ever before. Affairs lead to breakups. And then break-ups conveniently make way for 'friendships', because working amicably with a former lover is often the most viable ticket to a big hit.

New-age Bollywood is smart enough to keep personal problems aside if reuniting on screen with an ex-flame spells success. Unlike in the past, when a break-up in real life normally meant two stars would never come together to work in a film, no matter how well the roles suited them, the current lot seems to be far more practical in this context.

A prime example comprises Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. The duo was Bollywood's most glamorous couple for a while. Till Yuvvraaj in 2008, which saw them share cold chemistry on screen, bombed. Very soon, Katrina was cosying up to Ranbir Kapoor on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Raajneeti. The short fling with Ranbir over, Katrina became friends with Salman again. She was 'gifted' a major film soon enough - the Kabir Khan-directed Ek Tha Tiger, which will see her reunite on screen with Salman later this year, so what if latest buzz suggests she is more than friends with Ranbir once again.

While on Ranbir, he is back to working with ex-lover Deepika Padukone in Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani despite a very publicised fallout. In fact, the grapevine suggests the reason for Deepika's split with Kingfisher scion Siddharth Mallya was that she insisted on doing the Ranbir film.

Elsewhere, Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor are back to working together in Kunal Kohli's Teri Meri Kahaani after their stormy break-up last year. They will also be seen in Siddharth Anand's yet-untitled film. Does the ex-factor in signing films signify growing maturity for our newgeneration stars? Or are these desperate career moves, considering there are only those few stars who ensure bona fide hits?

Salman Khan & Katrina Kaif back together in Ek Tha Tiger
Kabir Khan's Ek Tha Tiger is being touted as 2012's biggest release. Salman is working in a Yash Raj production for the first time, and the spy thriller shot across continents marks Salman's return with Katrina for the first time since Yuvvraaj.

What happened: Katrina entered Salman's life at a time when he was nursing wounds of a break-up with Aishwarya Rai. Soon, Salman had taken up the challenge of moulding the half-Brit Kat, who still struggles to speak in Hindi, into Bollywood's number one female star. Almost all the initial films Kat bagged were because of Salman. The real turnaround came in 2005, when she starred opposite Salman, by then her steady boyfriend, in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?.

The break-up happened in 2008, shortly after Yuvvraaj bombed. Around the same time, Kat was drawn to Ranbir Kapoor on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Raajneeti. Twist in the tale came when Ranbir was reportedly floored by his Rockstar costar Nargis Fakhri a few months later. Kat demanded commitment, Ranbir insisted he wasn't ready to settle down, and Kat was rushing off to Salman for solace.

Kat and Salman have been friends since then though the buzz suggests sparks might again be flying between her and Ranbir. For now, she is back with Salman in Ek Tha Tiger. Wait for a Ranbir-Katrina announcement soon. This girl knows how to play her cards.

What will happen: For Salman, teaming with Kat again gives him options at the top level beyond Kareena Kapoor, since he is openly hostile towards Bollywood's only other superstar heroine Priyanka Chopra. A hit with Katrina will ensure box-office clout, and also re-affirm his status as filmdom's large-hearted godfather.

Katrina benefits more from the patch-up. She jumped the gun by latching onto Ranbir thinking he was all set to take over as number one, but realised after Dabangg that Salman was here to stay. Worse, Salman had aggressively started promoting Sonakshi Sinha and Asin, which was going against Kat.

Shahid Kapoor & Priyanka Chopra back together in Teri Meri Kahaani
Kunal Kohli's Teri Meri Kahaani is a love story that spans different eras. Priyanka and Shahid will essay four different sets of lovers as the story moves from one time period to another.

What happened: Even before they have wrapped up Teri Meri Kahaani, Shahid and Priyanka are all set to sign Siddharth Anand's next film. The decision on the part of both stars would seem strange considering they were not willing to even attend each other's calls barely a year ago after a stormy split.

The two stars came close on the sets of Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey and the real-life chemistry showed on screen, too. At the height of their affair, Shahid was spotted in Priyanka's house during an IT raid in January last year. Priyanka was all alone at home and Shahid is said to have opened the door to the tax officials at 7 am in his boxer shorts.

Even as the buzz gathered about their affair after the incident, the industry was shocked to know of their split barely a month later. The first signs were noted when Priyanka took off to the US around February 25, Shahid's birthday. Soon, it was learnt they were no longer a couple.

What will happen: Priyanka signed Teri Meri Kahaani for obvious reasons. While her talent is unquestionable, she urgently needs a strong role to prove her mettle once more - especially since her last heroine-oriented project 7 Khoon Maaf bombed. Kunal Kohli's film, which lets her play four different characters, is being touted as her most unconventional experiment yet. Also, given her animosity towards Salman Khan, who openly dictates terms in the industry, Priyanka doesn't have many options among male co-stars beyond Shah Rukh Khan. A patch-up with Shahid was imminent.

Shahid on his part needs a big hit after the debacle of Mausam, and Teri Meri Kahaani is a big project. He, too, seems to be fast running out of co-stars.

Ranbir Kapoor & Deepika Padukone back together in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a coming-of-age road movie. Ayan's earlier flick, Wake Up Sid, had worked wonders for Ranbir and the actor returns with Deepika for the first time since 2008's Bachna Ae Haseeno.

What happened: Deepika and Ranbir's romance started on the sets of Bachna Ae Haseeno. The reasonable success of the film brought them close.

The affair was stormy from the word go. Ranbir's parents, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, didn't exactly like Deepika's wild lifestyle. Worse, Rishi Kapoor openly admonished Deepika in interviews after she, along with Sonam Kapoor, took a few jibes on Karan Johar's talk show at what they suggested was Ranbir's philandering ways. In less than a year, there were chinks in the relationship - especially when Ranbir was drawn to Katrina Kaif on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Raajneeti.

What will happen: Both Ranbir and Deepika desperately need a saleable co-star. Ranbir cannot be paired with cousin Kareena Kapoor on screen, and his only option is Deepika if you consider he is still shy to work with Katrina after the break-up.

Deepika is in the dire need of a hit after a dismal 2011 that saw the duds Aarakshan and Desi Boyz. On her part, she has been insisting nothing is wrong between her and Ranbir even after the break-up. She has been trying to get close to him for a while now - in fact, she has been known to organise screenings of her films for Ranbir even after their split. She is also said to have aggressively lobbied to bag Ayan's film.

On screen, Ranbir and Deepika will probably be seen together frequently from now on, since it suits both to work together. Off the screen... it's an open playing field for both right now.

Spice up V-Day with romantic Bollywood movies

Valentine's Day is here and many would swear there's nothing like grabbing a couch with your partner and watching one of your favourite romantic tales from Bollywood to celebrate the day. For added pleasure, you could keep a bucket of popcorn handy!

We have shortlisted some films you could pick from to enjoy the special day Feb 14: 

"Jab We Met" (2007): Full of life and zest, "Jab We Met" was a blissful tale. It tracks the entertaining journey of two complete strangers who fall in love. The on-screen chemistry of Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur pepped-up the narrative and is billed as one of the best romantic comedies so far.

"Cheeni Kum" (2007): Absolutely unconventional in its theme, "Cheeni Kum" is a sweet romance that blooms between a 64-year-old chef and a 34-year-old woman. Despite a huge age gap, their attitudes meet and eventually they fall in love. The superb performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu made the saga convincing and it can be watched any time.

"Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na" (2008): A complete contrast to "Cheeni Kum", the Imran Khan-Genelia D'Souza-starrer "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" is a puppy love story about confused youngsters who couldn't differentiate between love and friendship. Thanks to the fresh treatment and energetic performances, the film turned out to be a crowd puller. The youth-centric film's music was like a cherry on the cake.

"Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" (2008): Small town romance has its own distinct flavour and that is what Aditya Chopra tried to capture in the film through Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma. A middle-aged, mild-mannered guy is head over heels in love with his pretty wife, but she is in love with someone else. He decides to win her love by transforming into a loud and fun-loving young guy from a boring 'babu'. "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" spreads a message that being ordinary makes no difference if the love is true. Music was the icing on the cake, especially tracks like "Tujh mein rab dikhta hai" and "Haule haule".

"Love Aaj Kal" (2009): A modern-day love tale, the film has two love stories from two different generations running side by side. It underlines that love has the same essence, irrespective of age and time. Thanks to the storyline, the youth connected with the movie, which had Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone as a warring couple. The soulful music and songs like "Aaj din chadheya" and "Yeh dooriyan" added flavour to the romance.

"Dhobi Ghat" (2010): More than a movie, it is seen as a fantastic work of art. Different from the regular romantic fare, the film brought a lot of diversity and innovative ideas into Indian cinema. Critics loved it, so did the audiences. Starring actors like Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar, Monica Dogra and Kriti Malhotra, it is a mature and sensitive tale that appealed to a niche audience.

"Band Baaja Baaraat" (2010): Everything about the film was over the top and loud, with loads of colour. A career-oriented Delhi girl meets an unpolished guy. They first become business partners and then the inevitable happens - they fall in love. The fun-filled, natural performances of Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Singh complimented the movie described as a sensible new age romantic comedy.

"Tanu Weds Manu" (2011): Love at first sight is what happens in the film when R. Madhavan's character Manu, an NRI, meets Tanu, a loud and confused girl. After a lot of dillydallying, Tanu realises the true meaning of love and reciprocates. The intensity in Madhavan's acting and his suffering while seeing Tanu drift away from him tug at the heartstrings. It boasts of good music too, including some fast dance tracks.

Rockstar (2011): Ranbir Kapoor-starrer "Rockstar" is one of the best musical love stories in recent times to touch the hearts of movie fans in India and abroad. The storyline and acting enthralled the audiences. The film is about a jaat boy and his journey of becoming a rockstar. It's interesting to see how love played a major role in his success.

Pankaj, Shabana team up again after 20 years

The casting of Vishal Bhardwaj's "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" (MKBKM) just got more interesting. The film already boasted of an interesting cast comprising Pankaj Kapur, Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma and now Shabana Azmi is on board.

"I am the hugest fan of Vishal's work as a music composer and as a filmmaker, and so is my husband (lyricist Javed Akhtar). Yes, I am cast opposite Pankaj Kapoor who is an exceptionally talented actor," said Shabana. 

She is paired with Kapur and this is Shabana's first film with the talented Pankaj since the highly-acclaimed "Ek Doctor Ki Maut". 

"Technically, we've done two films together in the past. But I didn't have any scenes with Pankaj in 'Mandi'. We were together as a couple in 'Ek Doctor Ki Maut'. Pankaj was absolutely brilliant in that. It's always a pleasure to work with a challenging actor," said the veteran actress.

There have been many attempts to bring these two super-talented actors together but all were foiled by scripts that either one or both didn't like.

Apparently when Bhardwaj, who has earlier worked with Shabana in his first directorial venture "Makdee", offered her the part in MKBKM, she begged off wondering what would there be in it for her. 

Earlier this week, Shabana went through a looks test for her part in the film. She will be sporting a very unusual look in this comedy where nothing is as it seems, including the actress.

Hopefully Shabana's makeup would make her look less scary than she did in "Makdee".

The Padma Bhushan actress laughed and said: "For the witch's role, Vishal and I went the whole hog. To this my poker-faced husband's comment was, 'To play a witch why did you have to put on makeup?' Can you imagine? My own husband," said Shabana.

Incidentally, the actress is one of the minuscule minority who thinks Pankaj's directorial debut "Mausam" was remarkable. 

"Both me and my husband loved 'Mausam'. I think it has something to do with the Padma Bhushan. All recipients of the honour love 'Mausam'," she said

India losing music genres due to Bollywood: Shubha Mudgal (Interview)

Shubha Mudgal has nothing against Bollywood, but the veteran singer with deep roots in Hindustani classical says if everyone keeps running after creating masala songs for the industry, it may prove to be a threat to other genres of music specific to Indian culture.

"Today we see Bollywood music being played in every household, mostly because they are easily accessible. I have nothing against Bollywood music as I really enjoy it. But in the process we are losing out on the other genres. It would be very tragic if we lost them, as a lot of it will never come back," Mudgal told IANS in an interview.

The 53-year-old is trying to do her bit in popularising and preserving the wide variety of musical styles and genres through her festival "Baajaa Gaajaa" for the past three years.

She is now gearing up for the fourth edition, to be held in Pune Feb 10-12.

The festival will see as many as 100 artists from all genres of music like rock, blues, jazz, Hindustani vocal and instrumental music, Carnatic vocal and instrumental music, as well as folk music from different parts of the country, performing on stage.

"There's a huge variety in Indian music, whether old or adapted ones that highlight the diversity. We see a majority of Bollywood music played, but that doesn't represent the entire Indian music. There is so much to be shared. The whole idea behind the festival is to promote and propagate Indian music," she said.

The magical voice behind chartbusters like "Ali mora angana", "Ab ke saawan" and "Mann ke manjeere" is Mudgal's. But her presence in Bollywood has remained limited so far because she doesn't consider herself competent enough to keep up with contemporary songs.

"I've sung for Bollywood occasionally. But whatever I sing, it has to be something that I do justice to. I don't see myself singing the kind of songs that are being composed nowadays," she said.

"If I try something like this, I would fall flat on my face. I don't fit into the current crop," she said.

Mudgal has done playback in films like "Laaga Chunari Mein Daag", "Lajja" and "1920".

A lover of music genres such as khayal, thumri and dadra, Mudgal explored Indian pop music in the 1990s. Her albums "Ali More Angana", "Ab ke Sawan", "Pyaar Ke Geet" and "Mann Ki Manjeere" went on to become hugely popular.

While pop albums have seen a downfall in the Indian music industry lately, Mudgal said: "I don't agree that pop albums have lost their charm. Just like we have parallel cinema along with commercial cinema, there is alternative music industry that is producing, executing material of all kinds and has a vibrant collection of music.

"There are many people who are coming up with albums with their original songs and compositions," she added.

Honoured in 2000 with the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honours, the singer says the music industry is poised for growth thanks to technology.

"Technology has powered the way artists distribute online. Although technology has provided a larger distribution channel, the independent avenues of publishing and distributing the product have marginalised and become more expensive," she added.

Genelia-Riteish prepare for love and movies ever after

After keeping mum on her love affair with Riteish Deshmukh, actress Genelia D'Souza is finally talking about it. With just 10 days left for their wedding, the 24-year-old says she is impressed with her to-be-husband's spontaneity as an actor.

"I feel Riteish is a phenomenal actor. The best part about him is that he is so spontaneous that he can come up with things on the spot, which was great," Genelia, who is ready to tie the knot Feb 3, told IANS.

The duo made their Bollywood debut together with "Tujhe Meri Kasam" in 2003. In the following year, they shared screen space in "Masti", and now, after eight years, they are featuring together in "Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya". The romantic comedy, directed by Mandeep Kaur, will release Feb 24.

"I am hoping that we have both grown (as actors) and both of us are lot more responsible for sure....When I started off I had no clue what I was doing...but it's great to work with someone with whom you share such a close relationship," she said about working with Riteish, son of Mahrashtra's former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh.

But does their real life chemistry translate to a sizzling reel life chemistry too?

"Chemistry is about two people looking good together. But I also think it's about how it's written. You are too smart an actor when you know how to pick up each other's pain and that's how chemistry comes....we (Riteish and I) discovered each other as actor after seven long years," said Genelia.

For now, the actress is uber excited for her D-day, and says she is busy wrapping up all her shopping for it.

"I have always been in a happy space and of course now it gets more special," she said, adding that the couple deliberately kept their private life away from paparazzi so far.

Now is the right time to talk about their relationship, she feels, but wasn't willing to give out details on the preparations of her special day.

"It's just a genuine thing that you keep some amount of dignity. Even now, I am ready to talk about it, but I will not make it a story and draw eyeballs. It's just 10 days left for my wedding and it will be stupid of me not to talk about it! But it's just that I am still a little guarded and like to keep my private space," she said.

Like many Bollywood actresses who continued to work in the industry post-marriage, Genelia plans to do the same.

"I will continue acting but haven't decided to how much extent. However, work for me has never been about south or north; it's always been all about films," he added.

'Gangs of Wasseypur' is not Indian 'Godfather': Anurag Kashyap

The year 2012 will see a series of experimental and out of the league cinema. Established filmmakers are trying their hands in 3D and period films. One of the more reputed names of Bollywood, Anurag Kashyap is also coming up with a period drama this year. The first part of his much awaited film ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ will hit the theatres in May, while the second part will be released towards the end of the year.
IBNLive asked Anurag about his upcoming film.
“The film is about the gangs of Wasseypur, a small place near Dhanbad in Jharkhand. It’s a family drama which is set across three generations and six decades.”

So, are we going to see a different kind of mafia in the film?
"The film begins with the coal mafia but gradually moves away from it."
What was the inspiration behind taking up such a subject?
"Actually the quirkiness of the story attracted me. It’s an epic revenge drama. We have fictionalised the facts."
Does it have any resemblance with ‘The Godfather’?
"See, it’s not the Indian version of ‘The Godfather’. The story is completely fictionalised keeping the identities of the people and logistical elements in the mind."
Anurag also expressed pleasure about working with Manoj after a long gap, "Manoj is a brilliant actor and it’s a pleasure working with him."
Nawazuddin, a relatively lesser known face in Bollywood, is playing one of the pivotal roles in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, but Anurag has high praises for him.
“Nawaz is an extraordinary actor. You will see a lot of him this year. He is in almost every important film releasing this year, from ‘Talaash’ to ‘Shootout at Wadala’. In my opinion, his talent can be compared to Irrfan Khan. He has been in the industry since 14 years but didn’t get noticed. His natural acting is his strength.”
Rajkumar Yadav, who is playing a very important character in the film, reveals some details about the film, "It starts from 1940 when the mafia had first entered into the mining business. ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ is all about small town gangsters."
The film boasts of a more than 150 people cast which also includes the likes of Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin and Piyush Mishra.

Celebrity deaths in 2011

They entertained, educated and enlivened our lives with their talent and sheer brilliance. As another year draws to a close, it is time to remember their magic and say adieu once again to some of those who left us in 2011.

Bhimsen Joshi: In what was described as the sun setting on Indian classical music, the iconic Hindustani music vocalist passed away at his hometown Pune Jan 24 at the age of 88. The Bharat Ratna awardee was known for his mellifluous 'khayals' as well as his popular renditions of devotional 'abhangs' and 'bhajans'. But he also lent his powerful, moving voice to cinema in Hindi films like "Basant Bahar'"(1956) with Manna Dey, "Birbal My Brother" (1973) and "Ankahee" (1985).

Anant Pai: It was his creativity that gave generations of children their first glimpse into the fascinating world of Indian mythology and history. Shorn of any esoteric abstractions, it was Uncle Pai's Amar Chitra Katha comics that taught children simply and easily the intricate lessons of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and introduced them to the myriad characters from the ages gone by. Pai, who also introduced the Tinkle comics series, died Feb 24 at the age of 81.

Sathya Sai Baba: He was widely revered as god and attracted a following of millions of people, who flocked from across the world to his home in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, which went from obscurity to global fame. Sathya Sai Baba preached an eclectic blend of Hindu religion. He died April 24 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy but also controversy, with sceptics questioning his proclaimed divinity and investigators finding cash, gold and silver worth nearly Rs.59 crore from his residential quarters.

M.F. Husain: With his flowing white beard, intense gaze and penchant for walking barefoot, he met the stereotype of the genius artist. The prolific, phenomenally successful painter died June 9 in London, far away from his beloved India, at the age of 96. It was a virtual exile for the country's best known artist, who left home in 2006 after being hounded and threatened by rightwing activists for his paintings of goddesses. He yearned to get back. Alas, that was never to be.

Shammi Kapoor: Hindi cinema's "Junglee", "Professor" and "Bluff Master" who jolted audiences out of their lethargy with his romantic war cry of "Yahoo", which is said to have inspired even Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang, died after a long illness Aug 14. Shammi Kapoor, 79, who jived and rock-and-rolled like no other before him and redefined the image of the traditional hero to become an enduring style legend, gave his last performance in the fittingly titled "Rockstar" that released after his death.

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi: India's cricket legend, who personified style on and off the cricket field, died Sep 22 when he was just 70. The former Indian captain, who was felled by a lung infection, played 46 Test matches for India between 1961 and 1975. With cricket, cinema and royalty making for a heady cocktail, the late Nawab of Pataudi, who was married to actress Sharmila Tagore and whose son Saif is one of Bollywood's biggest stars, was never out of the limelight.

Bhupen Hazarika: The bard of Brahmaputra fell silent for eternity Nov 5. But his haunting melodies "Dil hoom hoom kare" and "Ganga behti ho kyon" resonate through the country, particularly his homeland Assam. Hazarika, who gave voice to the aspirations of millions in the northeast, died at the age of 85 in a Mumbai hospital. His funeral four days later in Guwahati saw an upsurge of humanity, with some crying, others barely managing to hold back their tears.

Hargobind Khurana: The Punjab-born scientist, who made the US his home, won the Nobel Prize in 1968. Khorana shared the prize with Robert Holley of Cornell University and Marshall Nirenberg of the National Institutes of Health. Khorana, who died Nov 9 in Massachusetts, revolutionised biotechnology with his pioneering work in DNA chemistry. He was born in India in 1922 in a small village in Punjab that is now part of Pakistan.

Dev Anand: Bollywood's very own Peter Pan finally said sayonara Dec 4 this year at the age of 88, an actor who epitomised the suave lover romancing his way through generations of heroines -- from Nalini Jaywant to Zeenat Aman. With a legacy of some of Hindi cinema's finest films and best loved songs, Dev Anand acted, directed and produced unflaggingly for six decades. From "Baazi" in 1951 to "Chargesheet" in 2011, it was an untrammeled joyride - for us and for him. The star died, but the sparkle lives on.

Shabana is a perfectionist: Javed Akhtar

He is a wizard of words and she the face of parallel Indian cinema — Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi make an enviable couple. After almost three decades of marriage, the writer-lyricist admits he is still in awe of his “perfectionist” wife whom he lovingly calls ‘Dr.No’.

“Shabana is a perfectionist. A lot of people think she is extremely picky and choosy about her work, but that’s her temperament…she won’t say yes to a script unless she is totally convinced. If she reads 100 scripts, she says no to all except maybe three or four! That’s why I call her Dr.No,” said Javed, who tied the knot with Shabana in 1984.

Javed, 66, says even though Shabana has too many criteria for zeroing in on her films, she gives the projects her all once she gives the nod.

“It is amazing how much she dedicates herself to her work. When she takes up a film, she takes her role very seriously and goes into small details to get the role right.

“I remember Shankar Mahadevan saw Shabana’s ‘Morning Raga’ in which she has played a Carnatic singer, and he told me that looking at her poise in the movie, no one could ever tell that she didn’t know classical singing. So that is what Shabana does…she perfects everything!” he said.

The writer-lyricist, who is hosting Zee Classic’s new show “Classic Legends”, said even in personal life, Shabana is “perfection personified”.

“Whether as a wife, daughter, sister or friend…she goes out of her way to make people feel special. She always remembers all birthdays and makes it a point to wish everybody,” he said.

Though Javed’s meaningful songs suggest his romantic streak, Shabana once told an interviewer that her husband has “no romantic bone”.

To that, he said: “People who work in circus, do they come back home and jump from pillar to pillar? So, why ask me this!”

Shabana is Javed’s second wife. He was earlier married to writer Honey Irani, with whom he had two children — filmmakers Farhan and Zoya.