Monday, 31 December 2012

Bollywood buzz: She who loves getting wet...

by lipika varma

Published Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Jacqueline loves getting wet

Jacqueline Fernandez (AGENCIES)

By Lipika Varma/Sanskriti Media and Entertainment Jacqueline Fernandez comes from Sri Lanka but this actress is in love with India, especially the rainy season makes her crazy. “I love monsoons but the population and pollution have deterred me from going out and enjoying the weather, it’s just boring. If I ever have to go out with my friends for a picnic then this is my favourite season to get wet and enjoy the lovely smell of the sand,” says Jac.

This actress also desires to do some catchy rain dance on screen. Jacqueline says, “I would enjoy doing a sizzling song in the rains or do a rainy item number. A romantic lovey-dovey song running around the trees with rain pouring down would be something great to perform.”

But while enjoying the season, Jacqueline takes complete care of her beauty and appearance. “We should wear bright colours during monsoons. I always shop for colourful raincoats or carry an umbrella. Also I always prefer wearing short dresses, something above the knees, so that my clothes don’t get wet and stick to my body. If I am still in Mumbai while the season lasts, I’ll make sure that I go with my friends for a long drive to enjoy the rains,” concludes Jacqueline.

Article rank
26 Oct 2012
Deccan Chronicle
LIPIKA VARMA

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SAJID SAYS SISTER FARAH PESTERS HIM TO GET MARRIED TO GIRLFRIEND JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ

It’s no secret that the Khan siblings, Sajid and Farah, are very close. At the launch of an upcoming serial, Veera, we received proof of the same once again. “I do ensure that we meet whenever we have the time,” says the director about his sister, adding, “But yes! I am a smart brother and I engage Farah’s services as choreographer whenever I am making a film. This serves two purposes. First I do not have to pay her anything and, second, I get to be close to my sister.” When we ask about rumours that he and Jacqueline (Fernandez) had broken up he says candidly, “I was also surprised to read this. I am in a relationship with Jacqueline. We are definitely seeing each other.”

Sri Lankan beauty's 'LBD' secrets revealed

‘Every woman should have an LBD’

Lipika Varma/ Sanskriti Media

Published Saturday, December 29, 2012

Jacqueline Fernandez. (GETTY)

Jacqueline Fernandez is just few films old but already has a strong foothold in Bollywood.

She will be seen in Race 2. This Sri Lankan beauty is riding high on her fashion fundas too.

However this beautiful model turned actor was in news for refusing to don two-piece bikini in Sajid Khan’s Housefull2.

Jacqueline also had the guts to turn down the offer of turning skimpy for Mahesh Bhat’s Raaz3.

“I feel I look the most beautiful with a clean face, i.e. in my natural self. I feel a sun-kissed face looks more attractive than even one with plastic surgery.

“While in makeup I feel it’s just fine but without make up after I have cleansed my face I feel fresh and so many of my friends have commented about my natural beauty. I like simple beautiful faces and so I like to maintain a simple sun-tanned face.”

“For my first Filmfare award I had worn my signature look of an animal print. I really cherish that look. I feel I looked the best with that typical attire on. The red mouth too I loved the most which is a classic shining look for both day and night,” she says.

Jacqueline’s advice to every girl, “A little black dress in any girl’s wardrobe needs to be there, it comes in handy when one needs to go on an emergency event.

“The black dress makes one look presentable and attractive too. Also a black dress can be adorned with pretty accessories of any colour. But the black dress needs to be kept plain and simple.”

Jacqueline also loves her colours. “I love bright colours. I am not much of a black person yet I keep a black dress for emergencies.”

Much like other actresses Jacqueline loves being casually dressed. “During the day time I love wearing comfortable clothes.

“I focus on accessories like boots, belts and add a bracelet to add to my natural beauty. For the evenings, I like to be immaculately elegant when I go for parties. I like to be feminine in every way. My bag and shoes I chose need to match my dress rightly.”

About her style statement she says, “Style to me is inimitable definition of myself. Style changes according to my moods I always prefer to bring out my persona well in whatever dress I choose to wear.”

“I do not crave for any trends. I don’t think trends exist. All that is old turns new after a few years.

“Actually trend according to me is what an individual may create for self. Like now sixties and seventies trend is coming back in vogue. I feel whatever I think about my dress become a trend for myself and may be for others if like my style statement.”

“My favourite designer is Mandira Wirk. She always designs impressive wonderful stuff which also ranks as classy. Anything she designs for my persona it befits me very well. It is a fact she knows all my measurements that I need not worry while she designs dresses for me.”

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Shah Rukh: Women get raped because men rape them, not because of what they wear

Bollywood superstar jumps into burning debate after Delhi gang-rape

Lipika Varma

Published Sunday, December 30, 2012

Shah Rukh Khan has always been surrounded by women. His grandmother had brought him and she taught him to respect women.

“I can never allow myself to even address a woman rudely. My grandmom has inculcated deeply within me that a woman needs to respected at all times.

Now with my daughter too I can never address her sheepishly. I always address her as ‘aap’ (respectable form of ‘you’ in Urdu) ,” he says.

Shah Rukh Khan says of the Delhi gang-rape victim: “I am extremely shocked, saddened and disgusted.

“I have been watching and reading a lot about it. We hear some talk about women inviting trouble because of the way they dress or when they travel alone late at night.

“I would like to say that women do not get raped because of these things, they get raped because men rape them. That is the main issue here.”

He adds, “Men in our society need to understand this, we need to take a call. It is a very sad incident.

Instead of politicising it, we should take action by making more stringent laws, having courts that can dispense justice swiftly and of course, we should have a special task force in every city, every state, which should look into such heinous crimes.

“I have been brought up by women, I have been surrounded by women, have been personally and professionally been encouraged by women in every sphere of my life. I have an immense amount of respect for women.”

Sunday, 30 December 2012

‘Women get raped because men rape them’- SRK

by lipika varma

Published: Fri, Dec 28, 2012

Posted by: AVS Newsroom

Actor Shah Rukh Khan who has been raised by women says he has the utmost respect for them. “I can never allow myself to even address a woman rudely. My grandmom has inculcated it in me that a woman needs to be respected at all times. I even address my daughter as ‘aap’.

Extending his support to the gang rape victim he said, “I am extremely shocked, saddened and disgusted. I have been watching and reading a lot about it. We hear some talk about women inviting trouble because of the way they dress when they travel alone late at night. I would like to say that women do not get raped because of these things, they get raped because men rape them. That is the main issue here.”

Thursday, 27 December 2012

Priyanka Chopra springs another surprise

After the music launch, it's a noble endorsement! Here she opens up on her triple happiness...

Lipika Varma/

Published Monday, September 17, 2012

Priyanka Chopra (AFP)

Priyanka Chopra’s double celebrations have left her nervous and excited. On one hand, there is the immense appreciation for her performances in ‘Barfi’ and on the other there is her international debut – as a singer.

But that’s just part of the story — news is that Priyanka will soon be playing yet another important role, though this time for the cause of the girl child.

Firsts up, the album; ask the former beauty queen and she sounds all excited. “You wouldn’t believe it, but I am a lot nervous. My hands are shaking. And just to pep me up, I was reading reviews of my performance in ‘Barfi’ all through the day, and now that I am all set to release the album, I am feeling confident. Tomorrow I will spend the entire day listening to what you have thought about the song. I am flying day after to L.A. where they will be shooting the official video of the song,” says Priyanka with an exuberance of child.

Interestingly, neither music nor acting was on Priyanka’s mind a few years’ ago.

Going into a sudden flashback, the ‘Fashion’ actress says, “I grew up listening to an eclectic collection of music. While dad was a fan of Mohammed Rafi; mum would play Beetles, Rock and Metallica. Mom, in fact, was also a huge fan of 50 Cents, and had taken me to the concerts. That’s was my childhood, and its music. I grew up with a lot my dad and mum’s fight over music, and of different kind of music. But even then I never thought I would sing ever. I never thought I would be an actor someday either. If I did what I thought I would have been an engineer today. I have written and co-written all these experiences in life. It’s a mini biography and speaks of my life and my initial experiences. It will have different genres from club track to pop track and ballads.”

And though the album is in English, at heart the desi girl is very much an Indian listener. “I never realized how big it is going to be, and if it works how important will it be for India. It took me a lot of hard work in understanding myself. I wanted India to be a part of the album hence the music is Indian with a lot of desi instruments used for the music. I want the world to get the taste of our culture. When I shot the video I felt that the world has to experience Bollywood. And let me tell you, I will have a lot of that. The album is English, which will allow the global audience to enjoy it too. However, the heart is Indian. I would also love to perform live on stage. It’s just the beginning of a new journey.”

And though she is thoroughly enjoying the new phase in her life, she wouldn’t chose any one thing. “Given a chance, I will always try to sing as well as act. When I can attribute to both singing and acting, why choose any one. I would choose both,” says the actress.

Come October Priyanka will be seen taking another big role. Priyanka says, “I have always believed in the cause of girl child. I feel it is one of the biggest atrocities being committed towards them. Earlier too, I have worked with NGO’s, which take the cause of promoting the welfare of the girl child. I’m doing my bit in order to enhance their progress. Recently, I have donated a few sewing machines, so that they can build on a new skill and be independent. I am also the National Brand Ambassador for UNICEF, and will start working with them soon.”

Lara Dutta set to bounce back on screen

The actress shares her plans for balancing work with the duties of a new mom

Lipika Varma/

Published Monday, May 21, 2012

Mahesh Bhupathi and Lara Dutta seen together during her baby shower ceremony. (Pic: Twitter)

Recently, Lara Dutta released a DVD on prenatal yoga. Now, yoga is not new to Lara who has been practicing it for nearly 12 years now and also has a few exercise DVDs to her name.

Married to tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, Lara realized the value of prenatal yoga during her own pregnancy.

“Earlier, women restricted their movements during pregnancy, but now this has changed. Women have become health conscious and know the value of exercise. Mahesh and I understood the importance of keeping
fit while pregnant. Prenatal exercises are, in fact, more valuable than postnatal ones. If a woman exercises during her pregnancy, she will find weight issues easier to deal with later. So, I decided to be
a part of this DVD to make women understand the essentials of keeping fit during pregnancy.”

Click here to read Lara-Hesh move love match to Dubai

In spite of practicing prenatal yoga herself, Lara had her baby through a caesarean section. “I had a C-section because of the way my daughter Saira was placed,” Lara clarifies adding that she bounced back to normalcy quite quickly, probably thanks to her exercise routine.

When not launching DVDs, Lara is enjoying motherhood and discovering what it means to be a mother. “The love for your child becomes so absolute that the reality of who you are becomes very clear to you
because this is completely reflected in your child. This unrestricted love, which you experience, makes you extremely susceptible. It also makes you conscious of the world and everything in it,” says Lara,
waxing philosophical.

Click here to see pregnant actresses show their baby bumb

The birth of her daughter Saira has also cemented her relationship with husband Mahesh. “After Saira was born, our relationship extended to another level. Our bonding has definitely strengthened. Both Mahesh
and I love Saira and are always trying to do our best for her in whatever manner possible. She is totally using and abusing me and I am very happy about it. She is a superb and beautiful little girl. She is
a delight to be around and I am thoroughly enjoying being with her,” Lara reveals.

We wonder if all the attention she is lavishing on four-month-old Saira makes Mahesh a tad jealous. She laughs at the suggestion and confides, “In fact, I have to wait for Saira to be out of his protective arms. He is very fond of Saira. Whenever he is around, she has to be with him. Now that he is away, I can get all the time I want with Saira.”

Wonderful as her time with Saira is, Lara is already looking forward to work. “I am in the process of signing a film. The film will probably go on the floors sometime in August. With regard to a film from my production house, we are still in the initial stage of finalizing the script. Once that is completed, I shall make an announcement,” she says.

Wouldn’t work take away her time with Saira? “Not at all,” says a determined Lara, “I am not going to work around the clock and all my commitments will be planned very carefully. The time reserved for Saira will be all hers. I am going to make an equal distribution between her time and my professional hours. It is just time management between work and home.”