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Ghosts exist and black magic works in Bollywood

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 12:12 PM PDT


Ghosts exist and black magic works. At least in Bollywood, where the upcoming "Ek Thi Daayan" is the latest in the list of films on witches, occult and the like, much to the dismay of women's groups who argue that witch hunting is not entertainment but a tragic fact that has led to women being targeted and even killed.
Recent films like "Raaz 3″ and "Talaash" have propagated the myth in the name of entertaining audiences and "Ek Thi Daayan" is the latest to tap into the regressive trend. Like "Raaz 3″ and "Talaash", the film is a big budget one, co-produced by Ekta Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj with Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma and Kalki Koechlin.
The focus of the film, releasing April 19, is on the 'choti' (plait) of the witch. But Ekta shrugs off any concerns that her film might lead to further exploitation of women in the name of witch hunting.
"I don't know what is so regressive about showing a daayan's choti. Those cribbing should delve into folklore from which the film draws its inspiration," she said.
What of the impact, particularly on gullible audiences for whom films such as this strengthen the belief that witches exist?
"Media must be more mindful of its social responsibility. When handling themes shrouded in violence and superstition, it must be careful to not fuel, reinforce and validate these ideas in the name of entertainment. There has to be self-regulation, otherwise such portrayals can do extreme harm," Madhu Mehra, executive director, Partners for Law in Development, told IANS.
Mehra's firm recently released a Witch Hunting Consultation Report on the "gender-based violence that violates women's rights and undermines their dignity".
Movies and TV serials on the theme fuel belief, she said.
"Several women are lynched, forcibly evicted from their homes and villages and killed once branded as witches. Studies show that witch hunting is not about superstition but a form of gender-based violence that targets women in rural areas.
"The entertainment and media industry needs to approach gender based violence on par with caste violence, bringing out the injustice of these practices rather than glorifying them," she added.
This is, of course, not a new trend.
Over a period of 100 years, Indian cinema has witnessed a barrage of horror movies – some pushing the concept of supernatural powers, and some propagating evil spirits.
There were also the 'Nagin' (snake) movies that showed a woman changing form to a snake to seek revenge. One of the most successful was the Sridevi and Rishi Kapoor starrer "Nagina".
For many viewers, these may translate to pure entertainment, but a huge chunk of people, especially in the country's interiors, believe in stories surrounding evil, supernatural, magical and mystical powers.
Villages in states across the country have reported horrific incidents of witch hunting.
Nevertheless, Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, who featured in horror films like "Raaz", "Raaz 3″ and "Aatma", feels it is imperative for filmmakers to have some Indian context or the other to be able to entertain viewers, especially the masses.
"In India, if we experiment with the horror genre, which we don't do much, we have to give the audience a good story, good performances, and layer it with fear. Only then it will be interesting.
"I don't think just slasher films, vampire films or zombie films will work because we don't have the roots of it in India. Black magic and devil worship are Indian concepts and it is easier to put those elements in our movies," Bipasha told IANS.
Entertainment vs reality? Filmmakers need to work that one out.

Beauty benefits of neem leaves

Posted: 05 Apr 2013 11:54 AM PDT

Neem leaves are easy to obtain and can be used as a beauty aid in many simple ways. We tell you why it should be in your beauty list...

The humble neem is often ignored by urban folks in favour of more synthetic ingredients, but it has been used in Ayurveda for over 4,000 years.

Purifying water

Boil a concoction of neem leaves (about 50 leaves in two litres of water) till the leaves are soft and discoloured, and the water turns green. Strain and store in a bottle. Add about 100 ml of this to your bath water to rid the skin of infections, acne and white heads.

Skin toner
This can also be used as a skin toner — just dip a cotton-ball into the liquid and wipe your face with it every night. This will clear acne, scars, pigmentation and blackheads. This potion can be used as a hair rinse to treat dandruff and excessive hair fall.

Face pack
Cut about 10 neem leaves and boil them with small segments of orange peel in a little water. Pound them to a pulp. Add a little honey, yoghurt and soy milk, to form a smooth paste. Apply this to your face (can be done thrice a week). This will clear acne and breakouts, dry up white heads, pull out blackheads and even reduce the appearance of pores. Honey and neem are excellent moisturisers.

Hair conditioner
A paste made of neem leaves boiled in water and honey, and applied to the hair, leaves it well-conditioned, without frizz and dandruff free.

Healer
Extracts of neem leaves and seeds produce pain-relieving, antiinflammatory and fever-reducing compounds that can aid in the healing of cuts, burns, ear aches, sprains and headaches.

Root cure
The bark and roots of the neem tree have medicinal properties; in powdered form, they can be used to control lice and dandruff. Neem has anti-bacterial properties that help fight against skin infections such as acne, psoriasis, scabies and eczema among others.

Pour oil on it
Neem oil, leaves and neem extracts are used to manufacture health and beauty care products. Some products that use neem include soaps, bath powders, shampoos, lotions and creams, toothpastes and neem leaf capsules. They can be used to increase immunity, as a skin purifier or even as insect repellents, and pet care products.

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nilgonj


Are you wearing the right bra size?

Posted: 04 Apr 2013 12:38 PM PDT


A century after the invention of the bra, most women are still wearing the wrong size. Here's how to get the perfect fit.

A bra that doesn't fit well can spoil the look of the most expensive dress in your wardrobe.

3 Simple steps to the perfect fit

1. Throw away your measure tapes
Measuring your bust is not the key to getting a great fit. Stand by the mirror and start by taking a look at how your bra fits you and then consider whether you need to adjust your back size or cup size following steps 2 and 3.

2. Find the right back size (28-40)
The back size relates to how the bra fits around your body. The band around your body provides most of the support, so it should be firm but comfortable. It should be horizontal and not ride up at the back at all. If it is loose, or it rides up at the back, try a smaller back size (but remember to increase your cup size). Your bra will stretch with wash and wear, so we recommend a new bra that fits you when fastened on the loosest (outside) hook.

3. Find the right cup size (D-L)
The cup size relates to the volume of your breasts. The wires at the front should lie flat against your rib cage and should not dig in, rub or poke out at the front. Your breasts should be enclosed in the cups and you should have a smooth line where the fabric at the top of the cup ends and meets your bust. You shouldn't have any ridge or bulging over the top or sides of the cups, even if you are wearing a balconette style or lower cut shape.

Why you should choose a well-fitted bra
When your bra back or cup size are right, you will get great support that will give your upper body a good shape and protect your neck, shoulder and back muscles

7 Classic bra faux pas

The Quadraboob

Q: Are your breasts spilling over the cups?
A: The cup size of your bra is too small. You could try a bigger cup size.

The Superdrooper
Q: Do you feel your breasts aren't getting the support they deserve?
A: The back of your bra is too big and your straps may be too loose. Try a smaller back size.

The Ledge
Q: Does your bra give you over
uplift transforming your breasts into something that resembles a shelf?
A: It's likely the bra cups and back size are too small. Try a size bigger.

The side boob
Q: Are the wires in the side of your bra cup sitting on your breast rather than your ribcage?
A: It's likely that the cup size is too small. Try a cup size bigger.

The big stand off
Q: Does the front of your bra not sit flat on your sternum or breastbone?
A: The back size of your bra is too big. Try going down a size.

The high rider
Q: Is the back of the bra riding up?
A: The back size of your bra is too big. A small backsize should help this.

Saggy cups
Q: Do you have too much fabric creating wrinkly cups?
A: The cups are too big. Try a smaller cup size.

I am okay with kissing scenes: Ayushmann Khurana

Posted: 04 Apr 2013 12:34 PM PDT


Ayushmann Khurana on his connect with the city and why he doesn't mind doing intimate scenes...

Do you feel your resolve to sing in every film will be good for you?
If someone has the talent then why should he not sing? Yes, there have been actors and playback singers in the past, but I don't go by past experience. If I did then I should not have worked with Shoojit Sircar or Rohan Sippy, because Sircar's films had not found BO success before Vicky Donor and even Rohan (Sippy)'s last film Dum Maaro Dum wasn't a hit. I have won so many awards for my singing and I can sing well, why not? Having said that, it's not mandatory that I will sing in every film. My voice is not only good for Punjabi numbers but other genres too. But I don't mind if other playback singers sing for me.

Apparently you were not happy with the promos of your flick, showing your kissing scene.
I had an issue with the promos because the scene was unnecessarily taking the beauty of the song away from the film. But I am okay with kissing scenes. Which new actor is not kissing on screen today? Films require realistic scenes and if a particular scene requires some kind of intimacy then I am not averse to them.

Meaningful films are doing well of late. Will it be a challenge to do meaningful roles, yet be commercially successful?
There is no challenge in a 90 crore film doing well at the BO and registering a 100 crore collection. The challenge is in doing a small film which has a good run at the BO. Then it means that the script is strong and you didn't require expensive locales and big stars to sell the film. After Vicky Donor, the expectations are high but I will continue to do roles that I can relate to.

It was rumoured that after Vicky Donor, you didn't want to work with small actresses. Now you have a three film contract with a big production house. Many say success has gone to your head.
I am working with two newcomers in my next film. Success can't go to my head because I have had very humble beginnings. I still anchor TV shows. Many say that TV actors don't go far and the kind of roles I do will not take me anywhere, but I don't let such negativity affect me. I am trying my hand at acting and singing and if that doesn't work I can always go back to anchoring, do radio or theater.

You lived in Ahmedabad for two months. Did you enjoy your stay?
Yes, I did a course in MICA. I feel Ahmedabad is a very interesting city with great people. I have been here many times now and enjoy being here.

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nilgonj


7 Interesting facts about women’s breast

Posted: 02 Apr 2013 11:49 AM PDT


They are soft, warm, beautiful, bouncy, sensitive, sexy, curvy, but apart from these are you aware of any other interesting fact about a woman's breasts?

Breasts are probably the most beautiful part of a woman's body. They can easily be counted among one of the first things men notice in women. Women are always conscious about their breasts; however, with all due respect, they know very little about them. Apart from arousing sexual desire, breasts also symbolise beauty, femininity.

We put together some lesser-known facts about breasts which every woman, or man for that matter, must know.

1. The left breast is usually bigger: It's little hard to notice but the left breast is always bigger than the right one. They are never exactly the same size. Nipples also come in varying sizes, and they also point in different directions.

2. Every woman has hair on areola: It's a big turn-off for men but it's a fact. Each woman has between 2-15 dark, straight strands growing. The darker your skin and hair, the darker the nipple hair. Breasts can also get blackheads and pimples. So, always take special care of your breasts.

3. Average breast weighs 0.5 kilogram: The average breast weighs about 0.5 kilograms. Each breast contributes to about 4-5 per cent of the body fat and thus 1 per cent of the total body weight of an average woman. Breasts get fatter as women grow older. Also remember that smokers will have saggier breasts than non-smokers.

4. Over 2 million women have fake breasts: From Pamela Anderson to Katie Price more than 2 million women have breast implants. The figure shows how much women think about their breasts. Not every woman who went under the knife is always pleased with the results. The average age of a woman who gets implants is 34.

5. Breasts get bigger when aroused: Breasts become taut when aroused.

6. Breasts don't like bouncing around: Jogging, walking and aerobics can cause your breasts to bounce around. Always wear a proper bra to minimize the bounce, so that you can also reduce your breast pain. Remember, the main function of bras is to protect the health of your breasts.

7. Breasts can go out of shape: It sounds strange but sleeping facedown can sometimes misshape your breasts. Always take care of your sleeping position so that you maintain the firmness and shape of your breasts. The best sleeping position is to sleep on your side, with a pillow under them for support as you sleep.

I might strip again: Poonam Pandey

Posted: 02 Apr 2013 11:42 AM PDT


A chat with Poonam Pandey, who shot to fame after dropping inhibitions, er clothes, after Team Kolkata's victory last year.

Would you call yourself the biggest Team Kolkata fan?
In a way, yes. But Shah Rukh Khan is my personal favourite...

You shot to fame last year after stripping for SRK's knights. What are your plans this year?
I can't say anything right now. It all depends on what my Tweethearts suggest. Main jis team ko support karti hoon, woh jeetta hai — that's the popular notion. Yes, a huge surprise is in store. But I would be a spoilsport if I reveal it before the beginning of IPL. Come on yaar, terrorist agar bol de kya dhamaka hoga, toh kya faida? It actually depends on my fans. Their wish is my command.

Would you strip once again if your fans so desire?
If they want, I'll strip again.

There are celebs who've stripped for a cause. Would you like to do the same?
I wouldn't say people haven't approached me to do a repeat for a social cause. But I'm yet to sign up for any. I'm a bubbly kind of a girl... my fans love me and my idea is to entertain them.

Any social cause which is close to your heart?
I haven't thought of any. Actually, I'm busy shooting for Nasha...

Was there a lot of pressure after you said you'd like to strip if Team India wins the World Cup?
Yes, there was pressure. Even after Team Kolkata's win last season, there was pressure. So, I thought why not? Maine shauk se kiya hai.

Are you supporting Team Kolkata this year?
Filhaal toh kuchh socha nahin hai. SRK is and will always be my fave, but I'm not too sure which team I'll be rooting for.

Aren't you scared of inviting wrath from the activists?
If I'm not judging others, why should others judge me? Whatever I'm doing is not any crime. Mujhe logon ko entertain karna achha lagta hai.

What's your family's reaction? ?
Main sab kuchh bol ke nahin karti hoon. When I uploaded that picture of mine on Twitter, my parents had no idea. They came to know much later. Pehle woh bhadak gaye thay. Par akhir mein mann gaye.

And your friends?
Honestly, I don't care much about what others think. But my friends have always been very supportive.

Any regrets that you are known as the girl who stripped for Team Kolkata?
I have no regrets. If I'm happy, I don't bother much. Jo chand logon ko problem hai, that's their issue, not mine.

What would you do for a role opposite SRK?
Filhaal toh main nashe mein hoon. Baad ki baat baad mein...

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The casting couch exists in Bollywood even today: Maushmi Udeshi

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 06:01 PM PDT

Model-actress Maushmi Udeshi on nepotism in Bollywood and her plan of action

With her very first television ad for a reputed coffee brand, Maushmi Udeshi had managed to capture the imagination of the masses. Since then, Maushmi has done numerous music videos, regional films and shook a leg with Akshay Kumar and Govinda in Priyadarshan's Bhagam Bhag.

Maushmi, who was in Vadodara recently says, "I started working at the age of 14 and I am proud of whatever I have achieved in the last 10 years. For me, life has never gone according to plan but there are absolutely no regrets for the choices that I have made. I have been very choosy about my work and have never compromised on my values."

Elaborating further about her experiences in the film industry, Maushmi says, "Unless you are born with a silver spoon in your mouth and belong to one of those powerful star families which have a great influence on Bollywood, people tend to take you for granted. Casting couch was always a part of the film industry and it's very much prevalent even today! However, I have managed to not fall prey to this menace. At present, I am doing the lead role in Parakashtha, which will be directed by Jagmohan Kapoor."

I don't consider myself perfectionist: Aamir Khan

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 05:53 PM PDT


Aamir Khan, who played a cop struggling to cope with the death of his young son in 'Talaash', says the film was "emotionally exhaustive".

"The role of 'Talaash' was tough. The loss of the son in the film was emotionally exhausting. I had to start shooting thinking something really traumatic as that would set my mood," Aamir told reporters at an event.

Aamir said he had to go deep into the "space of loss" to step into the shoes of his character on the screen.
'Talaash: The Answer Lies Within' was a mystery film directed by Reema Kagti and produced by Excel Entertainment and Aamir Khan Productions, starring Aamir, Rani Mukerji, and Kareena Kapoor in the lead.
On often being dubbed as a "perfectionist" actor, Aamir said he disagreed with the tag.
"I don't think I am perfectionist. I don't think there is any such thing in the creative business. I don't consider myself perfectionist," the actor said, adding that he gives his best when it comes to his characters.
"I leave no stone unturned for any of my films," he added.
Aamir said he did not think much about being successful but enjoys doing his work.
"I don't know why I am successful so far. I don't think about it. I just enjoy my work and give my best. I want to surprise and challenge myself. I want to give audience something new every time," he said.
Aamir, known for experimenting with his looks, said he liked his get-up in films 'Mangal Pandey' and 'Ghajini'.