Exfoliate, moisturise and eat right to look good

Exfoliate, moisturise and eat right to look good. PHOTO: FILE

NEW DELHI: Keeping your skin moisturised is the best way to nourish skin but don’t skip exfoliation or healthy food to maintain the glow of the skin, says an expert.

Here are a few handy tips from Aparna Santhanam, celebrity dermatologist from Marico to make skin radiant:

Moisturising should be a basic body care regime required to keep your skin refreshed and nourished. Don’t neglect hands and feet.

Exfoliating your skin twice a week is important to maintain a youthful and brightened look as it removes dead and weary skin. Homemade concoction of crushed oats, honey and sugar grains is one way to do it.

Eat a balanced diet that consists of fresh fruits, coconut water, avocado and nuts, among other healthy food items.

Apply homemade skin-moisturising face pack too. Mix equal quantities of papaya pulp and honey and massage on the damp face for 15 minutes then wash it off with cold water

Aamir Khan honoured by US for Satyamev Jayate

Aamir says his aim is to sensitise Indians about social issues and help them find solutions. PHOTO: FILE

WASHINGTON: B-town perfectionist Aamir Khan is no doubt an achiever, given he is a three-time National Award winner and was also recently ranked among 100 most influential people in Time magazine. However, apart from being a splendid actor, Aamir is also known for his social activism through advertisements and his popular TV show Satyamev Jayate.

For the latter, Bollywood superstar has been honoured with a prestigious US award in recognition of his successful effort to create debate on India’s pressing social problems through the TV show. The 47-year-old actor was presented with the Inaugural America Abroad Media Award along with Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow and the International Centre on Non-violent Conflict (ICNC) at a ceremony held on Monday night.

Launched in 2012, the Sunday morning show, Satyamev Jayete, tackles some of India’s most pressing social problems – forced abortions of unborn girls, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, alcoholism and treatment of the elderly.

“I had no idea how the work we started back home would somehow interest those outside India,” said Aamir while accepting the award in person – a rare exception to his practice of not attending award shows. “My team and I are trying to do this show out of love because we feel that we are part of the problem and we are also part of the solution; we need to find that. We need to question ourselves and look inside as opposed to pointing outside,” he said after the ceremony.

Aamir, who was accompanied by his filmmaker wife Kiran Rao, said he is working on the next season of the show. “All my capabilities lie in the field of media and storytelling. So we try to combine our expertise and capabilities in storytelling and television and pick on social issues that we feel can make a difference,” he said.

Aamir Khan said, though it is nice to be felicitated here, he is more concerned about the Indian audience. “My main aim is to really work in India. To sensitise people about issues and see that we can find solutions to our own issues back home. I am looking to talking to Indians,” he asserted.

When asked by a Pakistani journalist whether he would work for a Pakistani film, Aamir answered, “I am a creative person. Whenever I receive an offer from any part of the world, which is of interest to me, I would like to do that.”

“The culture of India and Pakistan are the same. Our language is the same. There are a lot of similarities among us. So indeed, if there is any offer of a film from Pakistan, and I like the script, I would certainly like to do that,” he added.

Amitabh is no less than a President: Shatrughan Sinha

For over ten years, veteran actors Shatrughan Sinha and Amitabh Bachchan were frenemies. PHOTO:FILE

The younger generation in Bollywood is all about envy, rivalry, catfights and star backgrounds. However, unlike the budding youth, the veterans seem to appreciate each other’s efforts and are always humble and modest in their approach.

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who has worked with co-star Amitabh Bachchan in films like Dostana and Raaste Kaa Patthar, says that the latter is no less than a President. “His personality, education and body language command acceptance. Barring a couple of exceptions, I think he is no less than any former President of India,” he said in an interview with the Times of India.

However, even these oldies seem to have had their share of rivalry during their heydays. According to Rediff.com, Sinha said that after a long friendship, Bachchan just did not want to do films with him and that Bachchan’s most popular role to date in Sholay was first offered to him. “There are certain things that people are not aware of. Amitabh’s role in Sholay was first offered to me. But I was emerging as the lead in those days. I didn’t want to play such a role,” he asserted. “Amitabh went ahead [in his career]. We started meeting less and less but we did do a few films together, like Naseeb and Shaan. I must say Amitabh did not want me to do these films. I think Kaala Patthar was the last nail in the coffin of our friendship. He was very against of me doing the film.”

Nonetheless, after a decade-long rivalry, it seems that Sinha is all set to put an end to it. Right after his bypass, Sinha aka Shotgun made sure that he attended Bachchan’s 70th birthday. “Yes [I did attend]. By the time I reached, I was very tired. All along the way, I felt very weak,” he said.

He has even expressed his wish to do a film with Big B but feels that he is restricted due to his political career. “If I do a film, I have no problems doing it with him. I don’t want to do a film and then have my political commitments keep the producer waiting. Many filmmakers have wanted me, the most recent one being Tigmanshu Dhulia,” Sinha said.

Spoiler Alert! Boss: Don’t fear, Akshay Kumar is here

What can be termed a mediocre film at best, is uplifted by the grandeur of Akshay's acting. PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI: 

In the growingly popular realm of South Asian cinema-inspired action comedies, Akshay Kumar is, perhaps, the most suitable actor. He may not be as buff as Salman Khan but his built and moves make the action sequences look real and his comic timing is close to perfect. Known for his dashing looks and for having a way with on-screen romance, Akshay propels the female viewer towards his films.

These are probably the reasons why one may feel the need to watch Boss. All the characters, other than Akshay’s, seem to be squeezed into the plot, which screams to be redeemed. Or maybe it’s vice versa. Maybe, Akshay has no place in the narrative and is simply made to be a constituent of the film for his star power — which, needless to say, is the only thing that breathes life into the film apart from some hilarious one-liners.

The story goes something like this: Surya (Akshay Kumar) and Shiv (Shiv Pandit) are the sons of Satyakant Shastri (Mithun Chakraborty), who is a school teacher by profession. Satyakant ends up kicking Surya out of the house and disowns him because of his repeated brawls with a kid during his childhood. Shiv grows up to be a handsome hunk who falls in love with Ankita (Aditi Rao Hydari), who happens to be the sister of a corrupt police officer Ayushman Mathur (Ronit Roy). Ayushman wants to get Ankita married to the son of a minister, so he arrests Shiv for crimes that he hasn’t committed.

You must be wondering where the story is heading. What about the missing brother Surya? Where did he vanish? The missing brother turns out to be Boss, a transport businessman. The story finally shapes up with him having to confront his father after years of abandonment.

The fact that Akshay doesn’t have a leading lady in the film is a pleasant change and gives the character of Boss the levy to act like an irresponsible and stupid person. What is a clichéd concept, the long-lost son’s yearning for his father and brother is tackled childishly in the film. The brothers recognise each other the moment they say something at the same time, just as they did in their childhood.

That is typical Bollywood for you. In fact, the history of Bollywood is full of scripts like that ofBoss’ — run-of-the-mill and lacking substance. Having said that, Akshay’s comic timing, as mentioned earlier, is excellent and some sequences do make the viewer laugh. For example, whenever Boss is having a meeting with someone, he sits on a “rocking chair”. That rocking chair is formed by an acrobatic arrangement of his own bodyguards, who keep on moving to-and-fro.

Styling was key to Anthony Desouza’s previous flick Blue and plays a crucial role in Boss as well. Akshay’s backcombed hair that occasionally drops on his forehead reminds one of the “Khiladi” he used to be in the 90s. Aditi Rao Hydari looks gorgeous and it seems like her stylist has learnt from all the blunders that were committed in Murder 3. Aditi’s eastern look in the film is dazzling. Shiv Pandit, who looks very much like Shahid Kapoor in some places, fails to leave an impression and is often overpowered by seasoned actors like Akshay and Mithun.

Yo Yo Honey Singh’s addition to the film’s music is cosmetic but the remixed version of Har Kisi Ko Nahi Milta Yahan Pyaar Zindagi Mein is refreshing despite its disappointing visual execution.

Verdict: Since Boss is the only family movie running in cinemas these days, it can be watched once. You’ll definitely enjoy it if you are an Akshay Kumar fan. Otherwise, you’ll probably walk out during the intermission! Rating: 2/5

Movie review: 'Krissh 3' - showstopper with heart

'Krissh 3' movie poster. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Yup, the desi super-hero comes of age. Kicking, dragging, screaming and gamboling down the nearest suburban shopping area, or peering up an airborne flight which develops a wheel problem.

Krissh, masked and magnificent in his missionary pose, is ready to take on the world… The big bad world of the dark power brokers who want to rob our earth of all its beauty.

There is something endearingly sincere about Hrithik Roshan’s super-hero act. The character’s innocence and his own delight at the double life that he leads as the working-class Krishna and his spectacular world-saver of a doppelganger Krissh come through in a series of dexterously executed action sequences that show the power of VFX to create a virtual reality on a par with the ones we have been watching with wide-eyed wonder in Superman, Iron Man, Spiderman…

Man, this super-hero knows his job. His timing as he poses spread-eagled for a take-off is quite awe-inspiring. Hrithik has great fun with all three parts. The scientist father (played with a vocal crutch that could have been avoided), the regular guy and the super-hero all seem real, even as the plot gets progressively mired in the incredible world of virus-infecting mutants who want to… yup you guessed it… destroy the world.

The first 15 minutes of this hurling and hefty homage to heroic hijinks is tame, almost limp. But once Krissh’s cape and mask are in place, the narrative gathers pace. Encircling the emotional quotient, grabbing hold of it and placing it in the centre of the special-effects couldn’t have been an easy job for the director.

Rakesh Roshan orchestrates the emotions in a flamboyant opera of opulence.

There are some effectively executed action sequences whose vivacity is compounded by the shock quotient provided by the villain Kaal, played by a steely-willed grim and menacing Vivek Oberoi.

That Kaal is evil goes without saying. Oberoi, in in his desperately dark den, wheel-chair bound and determined to be the consummate anti-God, doesn’t quite strike the terror in our hearts that Xavier Bardem did the last James Bond film ‘Skyfall’.

But Oberoi is adequately sinister with a touch of wry humour that comes to the surface in unexpected moments.

But after Hrithik it is Kangna Ranaut who plays the most interesting character, most interestingly. Gliding into skin-hugging leotards and leather outfits, she seems to bring an underlayer of pain to her evil part. It’s a tough role, as it has no reference points to fall back on. Also because Kangna has to walk the tightrope between being an automaton and a full-blooded woman. Kangna pulls it off with aplomb.

But Priyanka Chopra is wasted. Wonder what has happened to her lately! She seems to be trying hard to make an impression in under-written parts.

Krissh 3 has its flabby moments and moments that go haywire in pursuit of entertainment. But the narrative holds together. Technical aspects are quite often remarkable, creating visuals that veer towards vitality with a gusto that earlier super-hero films in Hindi missed by a wide margin.

Ra.One, anyone?

S. Thirru’s cinematography is sumptuous yet never over-saturated. The riot of colours and drama is minimised. Krissh’s flight across the skyline and the ravishing rubble of orchestrated destruction are captured in an ethos of reined-in exuberance.

Chandan Arora edits most the kinetic material with an eye on austerity of expression. But some scenes, specially in the beginning, are lazily put together, as though the narrative was clearing its throat before the big on-stage audition.

The music (by Rajesh Roshan) and the songs add nothing to the film’s very high entertainment value.

At last we have India’s first truly global super-hero film. Hrithik Roshan slices through the sky skillfully weaving through the emotions and drama and adventure to create a complete entertainer. There are no concessions to vulgarity in this super-hero saga. Younger viewers would specially enjoy Krissh’s ability to connect with kids.

Rakesh Roshan combines the breathtaking SFX with a high level of emotion and drama. The result is quite often exhilarating and spectacular.

What a Diwali dhamaka this is!

Has Jemima Khan re-united with Hugh Grant?

They may have split over six years ago, but it seems cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan’s ex-wife Jemima Khan is still seeing her ex Hugh Grant.

The 39-year-old editor, who recently ended her short-lived romance with comedian Russell Brand – which was a shocker to say the least – was seen attending the Unicef Halloween Ball at One Mayfair in London on Thursday night alongside Hugh! And we thought it was over…

Jemima dated Hugh from 2005 to 2007, but remained friends following the split, according toDaily Mail. Her Halloween outfit was inspired by Oscar-winning movie Black Swan while Hugh seemed to have left his outfit planning till the last minute – he wore a cat mask.

It was recently revealed that Jemima and Russell, who started dating in June, had split because Jemima felt he wasn’t “boyfriend material”. “They do get along great and have a lot in common, but she doesn’t think he’s mature enough for her to consider a serious relationship,” a source had told the Daily Star.

Get the look: Casual is the word

The talented Sanam Chaudhri never fails to impress on the red carpet with her edgy fashion choices.

Sanam Chaudhri is not just a talented fashion designer, but is also a true style diva. The talented young woman never fails to impress on the red carpet with her edgy fashion choices. She charmed us with a rather casual outfit at The House of Ensemble Bridal Showcase, accessorising it with trendy accessories and her divalicious attitude. Here is how you can get a similar look:

Hair

Sanam left her hair down with loose waves at the ends. We adore this beach-inspired hairdo. Rough dry  your hair, add a bit of anti-frizz and apply a small amount of Tony & Guy’s beach curl spray (Rs800) at the ends. For finishing touches, keep your wild wavy hair to one side.

Outfit

The newly appointed chairperson of Fashion Pakistan Council knows exactly how to walk into an event in style while remaining comfortable. She pairs a simple colour blocked sleeveless blouse with a pair of sandwashed jeans. A similar top can be found at Mango (Rs3,000) or Debenhams (Rs4,500). As for the jeans, fold the ankles of your straight cut jeans and you are good to go.

Make-up

Although we can barely see any make-up on Sanam’s face, she looks fresh. She keeps it subtle with refreshing pink lips and perfectly lined eyes. Use Maybelline’s Colour Elixir lip-gloss in Anethyst shade for your lips (Rs1,500). For the eyes, try out Maybelline’s Line Stiletto ultimate precision liquid eyeliner (Rs1,200).

Accessories and Shoes

We love how Sanam has spruced up her casual outfit with an uber-trendy pink bib necklace. The touch of colour on her black and white outfit is bang on trend. While she sports a simple silver watch, we wish she had chosen something chunkier — maybe a cuff bracelet or bangles. Check out Accessorize for a similar necklace (Rs2,500).  At first glance, not everybody will fall in love with those printed peep-toe wedges, but in case you enjoy adding a bit of funk to your look, visit Nine West (Rs6,000) for a similar pair.