Citypulse June 08

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Wealth management at UBS. It’s all about being well connected. With you.

Wealth management at UBS is really about one thing: a relationship. A relationship that allows us to understand your needs, and connect the solutions that will help you meet them. That reassesses priorities as your life changes, and works proactively to keep our solutions aligned with your goals. A long-term relationship informed by more than 140 years of experience in managing wealth. Taking a comprehensive view that goes far beyond the balance sheet or the cycles of the market. Supported by the knowledge that comes from being on the ground in 50 countries worldwide. Designed to give you confidence that your financial decisions are sound and our commitment to implement them is unwavering. It’s the relationship we call “You & Us”.

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UBS is a premier global financial firm offering wealth management, asset management and investment banking services from its headquarters in Switzerland and its authorized operations in over 50 countries worldwide to individual, corporate and institutional investors. UBS AG Dubai Branch DIFC is regulated by the DFSA. © UBS 2008. All rights reserved.

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editor’s note

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ISSUE1 | June 2008 |

Director Parth Trivedi

Managing Editor Jawahar Chhoda jawahar@asjmedia.ae

Business Manager Zohrab Ismail zohrab@asjmedia.ae

Art Director Abid MG abid@asjmedia.ae

Writers Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, Philip Fenton, Stella Parker, Noel Ebdon, Francois Desroches, Vinay Nasta

Photography Getty Images, Iftikar Shaikh, Victor Besa, Ashraf Mailanji, Ejaz Husain

Cover Image Getty Images

Published by ASJ Media Office No 37, Al Thuraya Tower2, 7th floor, Dubai Media City, P.O.Box 500717, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Tel: +9714 428 0776 Fax: +9714 429 3237 This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any other form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this issue. The opinions and views expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to take specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for readers’ particular circumstances.

Dear readers ityPulse is our tribute to Dubai, the city that has given us all so much and continues to do so. Dubai is often referred to as the cultural melting pot of the world where different cultures blend and form what could in the future become global culture.

Similarly CityPulse imbibes the spirit of multi-culturalism and hopes to become a magazine that is not confined to any particular nationality or community. This is the magazine for Dubai residents, whichever part of the world they might belong to.

We have taken inputs from various sources and tried to present them in the most interesting and reader-friendly style. There is tremendous curiosity about Dubai in the rest of the world as we have discovered during out travels abroad.

Dubai is a city that has so many new ideas; a city with innovations to its credit, that one can only dream of seeing in other parts of the world. But there are no magazines that optimally showcase the vibrancy of Dubai to the rest of the world. This is where CityPulse comes in.

It mirror’s the lifestyle and happenings of the high society of Dubai and will endeavor to take the vibrancy of this electrifying city to the international community. We take you to the best parties and events not only in Dubai but around the world. So in this issue you can read about the Met Gala in New York, the Cannes Film Festival or the Zee Cine Awards in London.

Fashion and films have broken all boundaries. So Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan are as internationally renowned as Brangelina and Tom Cruise. So we take you to the tinsel worlds of Hollywood and Bollywood with the latest news and features. In fact, our cover story talks about five young and successful girls who seem to have everything except happiness. We are sure, our readers from all walks of life will identify and even sympathise with these It girls.

Where fashion is concerned, we showcase the latest collections by Dior, Kate Moss and Indian designer Pria Kataria Puri. We also present to you the latest jewellery collection by Cartier and watches by Ulysse Nardin.

Our beauty expert Francois Desroches tells you what’s in for make-up trends this season.

We take you inside the palatial hotel Westin and discuss the subtle nuances of its interior design. Our car expert Noel Ebdon offers you his opinion on the latest model of Bentley which according to himis for the people with a twinkle in their eyes.

The Chinese chef from The Fairmont Dubai shares his Szechuan and Shanghainese recipes and we also take you on a culinary voyage to some of the finest restaurants in the city.

The super rich segment tells you what the world’s elite is up to? These are people who make money faster than they can ever spend in their lives.

So you see, there is a little it of everything for everyone. Our endeavour is to provide you so much of material within this publication that you do not have to buy five different magazines to find out what’s happening on five varied fronts.

We hope you will enjoy our offering and will extend your patronage to CityPulse, which is sure to become your city’s favourite magazine.

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contents

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J’S Diary A run-down of the city’s best parties and events

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Cocktail Circuit We take you to New York, London and Cannes for the best parties across the globe

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Holly Happenings Take a look at what your favourite stars are doing

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Cover Story A look at the world’s most famous ‘It’ girls

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Power Couples Together these Bolly pairs enjoy a lot of clout

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Bolly Gossip A look at the shenanigans of the film stars

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Dubailand The city’s newest wonder

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Fashion Pria Kataria Puri unveils her festive collection

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Dior Days The famous design house showcases its cruise collection

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Mossing Around Kate Moss’ new look for the season

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Indian mysteries Cartier’s new jewellery is inspired by India

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Mothe’s Mansion French designer Cyril Mothe opened his stor in Dubai

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What’s New Find out what’s available in the stores?

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Keeping The Time Ulysse Nardin’s watches arrive in town

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Looking Forward To… The places and movies you can go to this month

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Competition Win ten bottles of Guerlain’s L’Instant Magic

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Horoscope Find out what the stars are saying

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A Word In Edgewise Choose your friends carefully

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Summer Look Pale’s out and colour is in

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Racing Around Find out the exceptional qualities in the latest Bentley

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Travel Treats Where are the jet-setters going for holidays?

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Interiors The Westin fuses modernity with traditionalism in its décor

100 Rest & Relax The spa at Shangri-la Hotel offers therapies that will soothe your nerves

102 Restaurant Reviews A culinary tour of the best eateries

104 Recipes Try Chinese this time

107 Book Reviews Read these books while travelling

110 Super Rich What are these people doing with their money?

112 1000 Words These pictures express more than words can JUNE 08 CITYPULSE 9

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J’s diary

ATM is party time Various hotels threw themed parties for their delegates and VIP guests to coincide with the Middle East’s largest travel fair

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he Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held annually in Dubai is the time to party. As much action takes place outside the exhibition halls as does inside. Once the delegates are done with the day’s business, they head on to the various hotels which host parties for them. This year was no exception. Of course I went to the exhibition and bumped into friends, social and professional acquaintances, said my ‘Hellos’ and went through the motions as I do every year. Sometimes you end up bumping into old pals whom you have not seen for many years. No such luck this year. But the parties went on with élan.

Brinda Hora, Caroline Ismail, Shujaat Yar, Cindy Yoong and Jonathan Teoh

Jan and Sharon Preterious

The Westin opening The first party I attended was the opening night of The Westin. Since it is a Starwood property, almost all the top honchos from the hotel group were present. Welcoming everyone was veteran Mike Scully, who is the GM of The Westin in addition to Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. One thing that everyone appreciates about Mike is that he is cool and enjoys his work thoroughly which is why he has been in this field for so many years.

Among the others whom we spotted were James Munro, who used to be the general manager of Sheraton Dubai Creek but has now moved on to Abu Dhabi, still with Starwood. Then there was Thomas Van Opstal, the present GM of Sheraton Dubai Creek, along with his wife Jing. Olivier Louis of One&Only Royal Mirage, Pam Wilby and Siggi Von Brandt of Le Royal Meridien and Grosvenor House, and many other hoteliers.

After the cocktails and fireworks, the guests headed to the many restaurants to savour the fine delicacies laid out by the hotel.

Ivana Romanello

Catherine Suphin, Tina Tragakis, Erin O’Neill and Chris Tragakis

Westin Giorgia Paggio and Marco De Martini

Helena Hyde, Michelle Bush, Giovanni Depergda and Fiona King

Vanessa Andel and Rob Nicholas

Manja Wiegand and Rob Jhons

Alicia and Jade Buller

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The Raffles cocktail The next day, it was time to go to the Raffles for their reception at the trendy Champagne Bar. This one was much smaller in size but also very exclusive. Guests were attired in their cocktail best and were mostly interested in mingling and chatting. Old friends Sue Potter of Wafi and Gail Clough of Laughter Factory fame were seen chatting as were Piali Normand and Sara Belhasa. Apart from socialites there were businessmen, event organisers and diplomats on the guest list.

Raffles

Sara Belhasa and Piali Normand

Evelyn and Alistair

Nabila Badro, Sandra Nahra and Lina Samman

Francesca Stancanell and Laura Inglis Zoya Sakr and Nisreen Sadek

Frank and Angela Ruttenties Sabikne and Saer Imad

Sue Potter and Hitiksha Vora

Demet Dogu and Amir Shafaat

Gail Clough and Mick Tausey

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J’s diary The Monarch The next day was even busier as I hopped from one event to the other. I began with The Monarch whose PR Director, Yvonne Luedeke, called me and told me that I should not miss their party as they had spent an enormous amount of money on an act that Dubai had never seen before. Of course after this call from Yvonne I had to go and check out for myself what was happening?

Champagne and canapés flowed freely among the well heeled guests. All eyes were on the ceiling as the special act began. It was by the Palazzo who are very popular in Europe. Two acrobats descended from the ceiling in the halo of spotlights. They gyrated to the music drawing tremendous applause from the spectators. The act continued after regular intervals and the acrobats made sure that they had everyone’s undivided attention. According to my sources, The Palazzo will most probably be performing in Dubai sometime in October and this was just a glimpse of things to come.

Rania Anthropole, Julien Gregor and Yvonne Luedeke Henning and Wiane Fries

Nirvana Govender and Devon Grfaham

Catherine and Andrew McDonnell

Mare Elston and Jack Greenwald

The Monarch Hana Farook and Salem Al Barghouty

Sahar Wahbeh and Lora Markova

Paul and Ellen Bishop

Marianne Walsh and Maria Ivanova

Julia Miller, Lisa Dobbs and Melanie Buttle

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The Fairmont After The Monarch, I headed for the neighbouring Fairmont where the theme was Venetian. The Fairmont is known for hosting the biggest ATM parties but this time they had shifted the venue from their massive ballroom to Club 400 so the crowd was smaller. Invites were being checked thoroughly by the over zealous bouncers who were acting as if they were guarding Fort Knox. After we entered, we were presented Venetian masks but it was simply too hot for me to wear a mask so I just carried mine in my hands. It will come in handy for some other theme party. Remember for their first ATM party, Fairmont had distributed pashmina shawls and this time it was the masks and cigars.

Ro0ckey Phillips and Kelly O’Conner

Rose Mooken, Ann Mukia, Shanna Gemmell and Kelly Wilson

The other night spots After meeting the Firmont girls, Amanda Drummand, Alka Patel and Farah Zoghbi, and greeting a few other guests whom I knew, I left and headed to the do at the Buddha Bar. This was a very small affair in the lounge of the trendy nightspot and I was invited specially by the hotel’s director of marketing Jaideep Bhatia. Pam Wilby, Siggi Von Brandt and Ravi Bhirani, all top executives of the hotel were busy looking after their foreign and local guests. Gerard Chevasson, the director of operations at Grosvenor House, looked extremely tired and quickly made his exit as his wife Sian and two daughters were waiting at home.

Then we headed for Kasbah at One&Only Royal Mirage which was filled like a can of sardines. People were everywhere, some dancing wildly, while others trying to shake a leg in the over-crowded space.

Since the rest of the venue was also packed with ATM revelers, we chose to leave and head home after a hectic evening. This is what ATM does to regulars. The parties are endless and the choices varied.

Even after attending all these events, I missed out the parties at the Movenpick and the Kempinski. Maybe next year I will make a greater effort to be everywhere. ❦ Pictures: Iftikar Shaikh and Ejaz Hussain

Lauren Odwell, Khaled El Khoury, Chelle Dauban and Lauren Fryer.

Fairmont

Irene and Sophia Triantafillou, Arnaud Sddrin, Farah Zoghbi, Charisse Kenion and Kathryn Roberts Stein Welper and Christina Ivonne

Marieke Siefers and Sharon Maret

Laura Porada, David Beath and Miriam Dahm

Tasneen Raza, Husain Mohamed and Nisreen Husain

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J’s diary

Polo pursuits Dazzling diamonds, shimmering silks, chic chiffons and luxury automobiles were the order of the day at the Cartier Polo Challenge

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ife in Dubai moves at a frenetic pace and time is simply flying by especially if you have a social calendar filled with activities. And by the grace of God, mine has always been full. I shall take you on a tour of all the best parties in town and also share a lot of gossip with you from Dubai’s high society.

The Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge has become a red letter day in the lives of the city’s high flyers. And why not, especially if you get to rub shoulders with diplomats and celebrities, film stars and sports personalities.

The event was held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, who also presented the trophy to the winning team, Qatar Airways. It was hosted

by Bernard Fornas, president and CEO

Above: The Royal guests, Princess Rayiah Bint Al Hussein and Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

Below: Guests dressed at their afternoon best with sunglasses making a major fashion statement.

Patrick Normand of Cartier with his wife Piali 16 CITYPULSE JUNE 08

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of Cartier International along with Patrick Normand, Managing Director of Cartier Middle East and South Asia. Patrick welcomed the guests along with his pretty wife Piali, who was dressed in a black and white ensemble, which she had bought in Paris. Of course Piali was wearing simple yet elegant Cartier jewellery.

She jokingly explained that she had to choose her clothes to match her jewellery instead of the other way around. And why not sweetie, if you have all those exquisite Cartier pieces to play with, then clothes surely come second.

It was Rolls Royces and Bentleys galore as extremely well dressed guests arrived at the venue. Among those we spotted were Nailesh and Minal Khimji, who had flown in from Muscat. Nailesh told me that these days he spends most of his time in Oman but also visits Dubai frequently. His brother Pankaj Khimji and his wife were also present. I entered at the same time as Richard and Padma Coram, who told me that they were so busy that day as they had five events to attend. This is certainly

enough to give me a complex.

Padma was ecstatic as the former Indian cricketer and commentator Ravi Shastri’s wife had given birth to a baby girl the previous day. Now you must be wondering why Padma was so happy about the news?

That’s because she considers Ravi to be her brother. Padma and Richard were sharing

Above left: Melita Toscan du Plantiers. Above right:Parmeshwar Godrej with Christian Louboutin.Below: A view of the guests at the Desert Palm.

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J’s diary except for jewellery designer Farah Khan-Ali, who was dressed in Mumbai taxi colours of yellow and black. But the disappointed Bolly watchers got a bonus when Salman Khan made an appearance at the end of the event.

Coming back to Cartier, a day before the polo match, they launched their Inde Mysterieuse collection (See page 80), which, as its name suggests, is inspired by India. Pieces from this magnificent jewellery collection were displayed at the Cartier villa at the Desert Palm. The collection was launched at the Burj Al Arab in the presence of VIP guests from Dubai and abroad. Bernard Fornas, president and CEO of Cartier International played host at this glittering event. ❦ Pictures: Getty Images

Bwrnard Fornas,president and CEO of Cartier International with Charlotte Rampling.

this news with all cricket lovers including the Khmijis and Shyam Bhatia. In fact, Pankaj Khimji immediately called up Ravi to congratulate him. This is the first baby for Ravi and his wife after nearly two decades of marriage which is why the occasion merited special attention. Most of the women looked smashing in designer garb but I must point out fashion designer Ayesha Depala, who looked very elegant in a pale gold ensemble with matching accessories. She was accompanied by businessman hubby Dipesh, who was beaming and fawning over his pretty wife.

Last year, the Cartier Polo Challenge saw a host of Bollywood stars descend at the Desert Palm. This year the Bolly scene remained dull

A guest poses with one of the pieces from Cartier’s Inde Mysterieuse collection.

Carole Samaha

Above: Joelle Behlok Nader with a guest.

Left: Charlotte Rampling and Christian Louboutin.

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J’s diary

Vaswanis wow Dubai They are the cynosure of all eyes with their lavish lifestyle that includes flying friends in their private jets to the hottest party towns of the world

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t was Rita and Sunil Vaswani’s 20th wedding anniversary and the celebrations went on for a week with everyone in their new social group throwing a party for the super-rich couple. The billionaire Vaswanis are the relatively new kids on the block and since the time they have arrived on the social scene, they have acquired centre stage. And why not, the Vaswanis own private jets and they take their group of friends on weekend sojourns to exotic destinations like Maldives and Ibiza, they keep on throwing parties regularly and are the guests of honour at parties specially thrown for them. In short, they are the people to know. And so everyone is trying their best to know them well.

So the parties to celebrate Sunil and Rita’s wedding anniversary were hosted by most of their friends. But the one that I went to was hosted by Sunil’s younger brother Haresh and his glamorous wife Lakshmi. I am very fond of this cool couple as I covered their lavish ‘million dollar wedding’ last year. Their party was at the Champagne Bar at the Raffles, which is the favourite haunt of Dubai’s rich at the moment.

Kamal Vachani seems particularly excited. He is seen with his wife Kamu, and Sunil Vaswani (centre).

Rita and Sunil Vaswani with their children.

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Haresh and Lakshmi had invited many of Sunil and Rita’s friends to celebrate the occasion. The guest list also included younger friends of the Vaswani children, who read out a note that they had written for their parents. Indipop singer Sukhbir sang a few numbers for the couple and later DJ Benson had the guests grooving to the latest Bolly chartbusters.

While Lakshmi wore a gold-coloured ensemble, Rita chose to contrast it with a silver creation. Both the sisters-inlaw looked stunning in designer garb with matching diamond jewellery. â?Ś Pictures: Victor Besa

Left: Nitin Kalwani and Chimoo Acharya. Above: Aishwarya Popley, Mamta Valrani, Haresh Vaswani and Rajesh Popley.

Patti and Ishwar Chugani

Natasha and Vikram Jethwani

Above: Arif and Nira Mapara with a guest.

Below: The Vaswani women, Rita and Lakshmi.

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J’s diary

For the golden people

Shaan and Sonu Nigam entertained the top clients of Citibank’s NRI services

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itibank organised a massive event for its Citigold members at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. As many as 2000 preferred clients were invited for this musical soiree. The weather was perfect for an outdoor concert and guests were treated to entertainment by dancers as they arrived at the venue. Then the action shifted to the main arena where Mahalaxmi Iyer regaled the audience with hit songs.

The stars of the evening were singers Shaan and Sonu Nigam. First it was Shaan’s turn to take the mike and he did a commendable job by singing some of his foot-tapping numbers that had the audience grooving and asking for more. The same, however, cannot be said about the MC for the evening, Sajid Khan, who was simply not in his element and I told him so. Even Sonu Nigam, who followed Shaan, was not at his stage best.

Sufia, Shyama and Evita

Dancers entertained the guests as they arrived.

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We have seen him perform better. Backstage whisperers told me that apparently Sonu was a bit insecure about Shaan and it showed on stage. Another version given was that since Sonu had taken a long flight from South Africa and was flying back there right after the show, he was a bit tired. Wonder why these celebs overstretch themselves?

Anyway, the event was like one big mela (fair) and if you did not know where your friends and acquaintances were seated, you would simply go round in circles trying to locate them, like they used to do in Hindi films of the sixties and early seventies. â?Ś Pictures: Iftikar Shaikh

Swati Upa Swati Upadhyay, Priya and Usha.

Left inset: Naresh and Anju Chandiramani.

Below left inset: Sonu Nigam and Shaan.

Sajid Khan

Reshma and Dinesh Mansukhani

Mahalaxmi Iyer Atinirmal and Malishka Pagarani

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J’s diary

Flamboyant fashion The city’s glitterati gathered to witness the latest runway trends from India

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he fashion show organised by Chivas with prominent Indian designers turned out to be one of the best attended events in recent times. Dubai’s champagne and caviar set was present in full force and instead of the bubbly, they were trying out the special cocktails being prepared by the bartenders.

As we entered, we met David Freeborn of Chivas, who was dressed in a kilt. David was like a busy bee fluttering all over the place warmly welcoming everyone he knew and making the acquaintance of those he did not.

You name it and they were there, that is the women from Dubai’s Jumeirah and Emirates Hills sets, in all their designer and diamond glory. Speaking of designers, Neeta Lulla, accompanied by close friend Jazbyr Jamani, was socialising with people she knew while fellow designer Rocky S was also seen chatting with his admirers.

Kamlesh and Kaushika Hemdev of Ghanasingh Jewellers in Mumbai were also present. They had flown in to attend a wedding in Dubai.

Bollywood fashion designer Neeta Lulla with Jyoti Karmali.

Soniya Asharf, Shibani Makhija, Eesha Shah and Disha Manwani.

Some elegant creations by Raghuvendra Rathore.

Niti Keewalramani and Suna Nakhare.

Kaushika and Kamlesh Hemdev of Ghanasingh Jeweellers with businessman Rajesh Khatwani.

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Colourful attire by Neeta Lulla.

Above right: Even Vikram Phadnis modelled for Neeta.

Speaking of the fashion show, it was beautifully organised by Jyoti Karmali. Now on to the collections, Wendell Rodricks, who is from the sunny state of Goa, loves the waves so most of his creations are in layers signifying the movement of waves. His showstopper was a wavy white sari which was amazing.

Overall, Wendell’s segment was impressive.

He was followed by Raghuvendra Rathore, whose apparel showed a marked emphasis on the richness of fabrics. Then came Vikram Phadnis and if Wendell was sublime, Vikram was mundane. His was the most disappointing collection among the lot.

After Vikram, it was the turn of Rocky S to showcase his latest creations. Rocky’s line was modern and comprised mainly of cocktail wear.

Shantanu and Nikhil were next to display their styles for the coming season. Overall, I would rate their apparel as being mediocre. Then it was time to shield your eyes as Neeta Lulla brought out her collection which was made up of vibrant colours and was full of bling, Bollywood ishtyle.

She began with short frocks which one catty woman described as kurtas without shalwars.

Shika Bodani with Saanika Gandhi.

Bhavna Sabherval, Kalpana Danthi, Saranga Khambatta and Ninju Khatri.

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J’s diary Then Neeta showcased abayas which too were not outstanding. In between, Neeta also had a men’s collection with opulent sherwanis.

In the end, she brought out a range of lehenga-cholis and saris clearly inspired by Jodhaa Akbar. In fact, the theme music of the same film was played in the background during her show. It was clear that Aishwarya Rai was Neeta’s muse and her collection was inspired by the clothes worn by Ash in Jodhaa Akbar.

If I were to compare the six designers who were displaying their

creations at the fashion show, I would rate Wendell Rodricks the best followed by Rocky S. Raghuvendra Rathore and Shantanu-Nikhil were on the same level while Neeta Lulla and Vikram Phadnis were Bolly centric.

In fact, Vikram had actress Ayesha Takia displaying his show stopper.

It is a different thing that many people failed to even recognis her till someone pointed her out. Neeta on the other hand persuaded Rocky S and Vikram to showcase pieces from her men’s collection. ❦ Pictures: Iftikar Shaikh

Soonu Shivnani, Jiya Kalwani and Kiran Alphonso.

This pic, right and above right: Models displaying creations by various Indian designers.

Raj, Atinirmal and Malishka Pagaraani.

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J’s diary

Melodious soirée Kay Kay’s spirited singing got the guests grooving till late

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ndigo Properties hosted a lavish dinner at The Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club to mark their fourth anniversary. Ramesh Sawlani, Anand Lakhiani, Mahesh Tourani and Sunil Khubchandani, all of whom are partners in the company, welcomed the guests as they entered the dimly lit venue.

I bumped into many people including Anand and Hoora’s daughter Jharna Lakhiani and her fiancé Sumeet Khuubchandani. This couple is set to get married in Phuket in August and the families are busy making preparations for what promises to be a grand wedding.

Once the pleasantries were exchanged, guests were led to a section where a stage had been set up for the evening’s entertainment programme. But before that could begin, Mahesh Tourani made s short speech.

Once the formalities were completed, Sue and Bob Knott. everyone settled down for an evening of music. Kay Kay began on a low key by singing a few numbers from his private album but as the evening progressed, he sang some of his chart busters like Tadap tadap ke, Dil ding dong ding bole, Dus bahane kar ke and Hum hain naye andaz kyun ho purana.

After Kay Kay had exhausted his repertoire of hit songs, a DJ stepped in to play dance music which ensured that the guests remained on the floor. Luckily the weather was good and most of those present seemed to have a great time. ❦ Pictures: Victor Besa Rohit and Rinku Sawlani.

Anand and Hoora Lakhiani.

Drisha, Chimoo and Rohan Acharya.

Rita and Sunil Vaswani with their children.

Mahesh Tourani makes a speech while his Indigo partners Ramesh Sawlani, Anand Lakhiani and Sunil Khubchandani look on.

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Ridhi and Mahesh Dudeja with Hiten, Bharti and Raj Raja.

Sharon and Ashish Weston.

Mahesh and Rekha Taurani

Kay Kay enthralled the audience.

Soon to be married Sumeet Khubchandani and Jharna Lakhiani.

Zarin Gandheria, Samantha Alphonso and Jyoti Sahajwani.

The Mohanani sisters Gehna and Priyanka.

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J’s diary

La-di-dah lunch Dubai’s high society ladies gathered together to raise money for charity

T

he Children’s Hope Foundation (CHF) had its annual ladies lunch at the Park Hyatt ballroom. More than 100 women attended this glamorous event. The CHF committee led by Zenny Hirji and Deena Motiwalla had set up a mini souq where the guests could buy kaftans and candles. There was a long queue as a tarot card reader tried to tell the women what lies in store for them in the future.

As the ladies settled down, Shahida Siddiqui explained the advantages of colour therapy. This was followed by a talk on anti-ageing by Kamu Bhavnani who was also the MC for the event.

Then Deena Motiwalla made a short speech thanking the sponsors and all those who support this charity organization which works along with 60 other charities around the world.

After the formalities got over, it was time to chat and talk about how everyone had dressed and what were the latest jewellery pieces they had bought. ❦ Pictures: Victor Besa

Farida Ajmal and Minal Patwardhan

Powerful wives - Piali Normand, wife of Patrick Normand of Cartier and Neasa Lawless, wife of Gerald Lawless of Jumeirah.

Padma Coram, Jin Van Opstal, Zenny and Azra Hirji.

Rasha Abdulrazak, Naija Busheri and Lubna Qassim.

Kalpana Danthi and Ashumi Siroya.

Namita Rupani and Usha Rangnani.

Shahida Siddiqui and Juhi Khan.

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CHF committee members Claudia Meyer and Deena Motiwalla.

Shamira Mitha, Anne Marie Siffroy and Gul Nizari.

Muna Al GBurg and Jing Van Opstal.

Tamanna Odhrani, Kiran Shahri and Manisha Amarnani.

Lavina Bhatia and Shahnaz Merchant.

Saema Gailani

Natasha Lakhani and Neetu Shewakramani.

Rosemin Marji and Maryam Alibhai.

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J’s diary

A Jazz-y Evening A German band enthralled guests at the Mehta party

I

t is well known among his friends that Yogesh Mehta of Petrochem loves music. He not only supports musical shows in Dubai by sponsoring them but also attends concerts all over the world including the Montreaux Jazz Festival. So it was no surprise that he chose a Jazz band from Germany to perform at his annual party held at the Raffles ballroom.

Yogi and his wife Falguni wanted to keep it a small and exclusive affair so very few close friends were invited for the soiree.

The music had a hypnotising effect on melody lovers and many of them including Sanjana Borkotoky and Erach Khambatta actually sat on the floor to listen intently to the band. Those not interested in the music chatted away or chaated away with the pani puris, bhel puri and other delicacies.

The party theme was red and black and most of the guests adhered to it. I personally do not like colour themes because it feels as if everyone is wearing a uniform and you know how much we hated those during our school days.

After the Jazz performance, guests grooved on the dance floor to the tunes of DJ music. Yogi and Falguni personally ensured that everyone present had a great time. â?Ś Sanjana Borkotoky (right) and other Pictures: Iftikar Shaikh guests enjoying the music.

Neetu and Hemant Chadha.

The hosts, Falguni and Yogesh Mehta with the Indian consul general Venu Rajamony and his wife Sarla.

The Jazz musician from Germany.

Angie Kher, Naseem and Saira Menon with Arun Kher.

Rita and Sunil Vaswani with their children.

Gayathrie Zaveri, Anjali Chadha and Neelu Sahni.

Let's go party tonight.

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J’s diary

Behls on the Hills Warm hospitality, excellent food and a cosy atmosphere made the guests feel at home at the Behl dinner

S

umeera and Ajay Behl, who own the Kwality chain of restaurants and have several other businesses spread across many countries, hosted a dinner, which was part of their housewarming celebrations. The couple moved into their Emirates Hills home a few months ago and have since been hosting dinners for different sets of friends.

As we entered, we were greeted warmly first by Ajay and then by Sumeera, who was dressed in black. But the first thing you notice with Sumeera are her diamonds. She always has new pieces of jewellery and mind you these are not small.

Another thing that is a must at the Behls’ parties is food.

And why not, if they own Kwality then the food has to be amazing. And I can vouch for that. Whenever they have catered

Everyone loves Anu Sippy.

at my parties, the gastronomes have gone away wowed. So this time too was no exception. The rotis were steaming hot right off the tandoor. The desserts were to die for and the rest of the stuff too was above average.

Since the people were spread across the lawns, it was difficult to track those who were on the other side. But of course, the Behl’s hot favourites were all there and these include Deepak and Ritu Rampal, Jasjit and Goldie Jaaj, Brij and Payal Bhalla, Dhiraj and Poonam Rai, and Alok and Roopa Rawat. Apart from them, there were several other party circuit regulars. Anu Sippy had come along with hubby Rajan and her mother. Here I must say that despite being a part of the Jumeirah social circle where the ladies can be quite catty and unforgiving, not a single one of them has anything bad to say about Anu. She is an absolute darling and is adored by everyone.

Since the next day was a working day, many guests began leaving before the stroke of midnight while some were just arriving after attending a few other parties. But then that’s Dubai for you. ❦ Pictures: Ashraf Mailanji

Ajay and Sumeera Behl.

Roopa Rawat, Minoo Sheth,Kalpana Danthi and Maani Grfover.

So what are the Vermas saying to the Vakils?

Rita and Sunil Vaswani with their children.

The Kenyan consul general Prem Prinja along with his wife Amla.

Sarabga Khambatta, Alpana and Suman Dhanoa.

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J’s diary

And then…

We take you to events that are not covered by any other magazine

W

hile many of the parties and events in Dubai are covered by the Press, there are a few who do not relish the idea of cameras and social columnists invading their private space.

I am invited to many such dinners and parties but in my capacity as a friend of the hosts. And I shall take you to a few of these soirees held recently.

Businessman Deepak Danthi celebrated his 50th birthday at the Kewa lounge with a party for many of his friends. Almost the entire Emirates Hills and Jumeirah social lot was present at this party. Deepak and Kalpana were so busy looking after their guests that you actually had to go around the place trying to find them in the crowd.

Flamenco dancers entertained the guests after which a DJ played Bolly music. In between Deepak’s close friends made speeches that almost got lost in the din.

This was surely a very lively bash.

Saranga and Erach Khambatta of Crossroads Advertising hosted a small dinner at their house. This one was truly homely with home-cooked food and a very relaxed atmosphere. While some guests lounged in the living room, others found their way to Erach’s tiny private pub where the host entertained everyone with his witty anecdotes.

Gayathrie and Indy Zaveri organised a dinner at their new residence at Jumeirah. In fact they organised two bashes and many were wondering why

Deepak and Kalpana Danthi

they had to separate the crowd and have two parties instead of one? I know from past experience that whenever anyone has two parties in quick succession, it always invites controversies as people start speculating about the basis on which the guest lists were made?

Let me narrate an incident to you. A Jumeirah socialite invited me to a party.

I later found out from other socialites that they were in fact invited to the party she was throwing a week later. These ladies insisted that I should attend the

Gayathrie Zaveri

same party as them as I would enjoy their company more. At the same time the socialite, who had invited me for her party, passed by our table. After the pleasantries, it was brought to her notice that she should invite me for the other party and not the first one as I would get bored. This put the lady on the defensive and literally created an argument between the ladies at my table and the prospective host.

And this time was no exception.

Socialites, who were present at Gayathrie’s party to which I was invited, were heard murmuring and wondering why they were on the second guest list? Numerous theories about certain people being ‘happening’ and others ‘not happening’ were floated creating an unnecessary controversy.

I am sure Gayathrie must have

Saranga and Erach Khambatta

segregated the crowd due to lack of space but the rumours continued to fly. After all, most of us love a good gossip session and many are looking for excuses to chat about others, and ‘chat’ is a mild word.

Hashem and Munira Gangji had a cosy little dinner at their Park Hyatt residence. Here I met a guy named Ali Khan Lalani, who was telling me that a certain business magazine had referred to him as ‘rich’. Ali, though secretly pleased, was wondering if magazines can print such kind of stuff about people without asking them first? Well Ali, I wouldn’t mind if someone called me rich, there’s no harm in that, is there?

Salim Hirji, son of Bahdur and Zenny Hirji celebrated his 40th birthday aboard the Al Mansour dhow. Salim had invited a few of his own plus his parents’ friends. It was a bit humid and one could hear mumbled complaints that it was getting too hot for outdoor functions these days. But as the boat moved, the weather settled and everyone got busy chatting.

And this was not the only birthday party for Salim. The next day, the Hirjis’ close friend, Salim Hadi and his wife Zainul, hosted a small get-together for Salim at the yet-to-be-opened Eclipse bar at the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City. Given the fact that the party was organised by Tom Meyer, the general manager of the hotel, the service was impeccable. And it was Tom who managed to get the bar up and running even before it has opened to the public.

This is a fantastic place with magnificent views of the city and will soon become a hotspot. Co-incidentally, it was also Salim Hadi’s birthday the next day so there were double celebrations.

I am sure after reading these tidbits you know that some of the best chunks of Dubai society are covered exclusively in CityPulse. ❦

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cocktail circuit

Cannes do it

The world’s premier film festival on the French Riviera drew celebs in droves

A

s usual, this time too the Cannes Film Festival attracted its share of celebrities from all parts of the world. Among those who drew the maximum attention were Brad Pitt and the very pregnant Angelina Jolie. Brangelina were in Cannes for the premiere of Kung Fu Panda, an animated film for which they have lent their voices.

Earlier, the festival began with the premiere of Blindness by the Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles, who had previously directed City Of God. Despite the high expectations, the film turned out to be disappointing leaving many dismayed with its heavy and unusual topic in which the inhabitants of a city are afflicted with blindness and the government decides to quarantine them.

The other film which not only attracted attention but also the A-listers in droves was Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of Crystal Skull.This action adventure flick also disappointed the critics. But its premiere was a glittering event with Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett and many other stars in attendance.

Woody Allen was also at the festival with wife Soon Yi Previn and showcased his new film Vicki Cristina Barcelona, which stars Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz.

Rachida Brakni, Eva Longoria Parker and Aishwarya Rai share a joke.

Karen Allen, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford at the Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of Crystal Skull premiere

Brad Pitt with a very pregnant Angelina Jolie at the Kung Fu Panda premiere

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Faye Dunaway Rachida Brakni

Natalie Portman

Phoebe Price

Mischa Barton

Hofit Golan

Julianne Moore at the Blindness premiere

Cate Blanchett

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cocktail circuit From Bolllywood, there were Cannes regulars like Preity Zinta and Aishwarya Rai, who was this year accompanied not only by her husband Abhishek Bachchan, but also her in-laws, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan. Veteran actor Dev Anand was also in Cannes as his highly-acclaimed 1965 film Guide was being shown in the classics section Apart from the films, the after parties also attracted many celebrities. Among the major dos were the annual Chopard party and the one hosted by the Hindujas at their seaside villa where delicious vegetarian food was served.

Legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve also made her customary appearance and among other veterans spotted at this year’s film fiesta were Faye Dunaway and Goldie Hawn. Tough guys Mike Tyson and Jean Claude Van Damme were also seen at the various events that were part of the world’s most prestigious film festival. ❦ Pictures: Getty Images

Adnan and Lamir Khashoggi

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Cate Blanchett and George Lucas

Woody Allen and wife Soon Yi Previn Bono and Penelope Cruz

Jean Claude Van Damme

Salma Haydek

Preity Zinta Goldie Hawn

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cocktail circuit

Celeb gala in

New York

Stars dressed in their designer best, created mass hysteria in the Big Apple

O

ne would think that the Oscar night is the biggest celeb occasion in the US but this delusion was broken recently as Hollywood’s hot and happening stars, prominent fashion designers, media moguls and real estate barons turned up on the red carpet for New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’s gala opening of the 2008 exhibition, “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.”

This year’s honorary chairman, the Italian designer, Giorgio Armani greeted guests along with his co-chairs, the actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and American Vogue’s, editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, the woman behind the event.

Clooney joked that he had wanted to dress as Batman but settled for a midnight blue Giorgio Armani tuxedo.

Donald and Melania Trump

Eva Longoria Parker

Allegra and Donnatella Versace with Janet Jackson

George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Giorgio Armani

David and Victoria Beckham

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Claudia Schiffer and Valentino

Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo

Tom Brady and Giselle Bundchen

As the stars arrived in their limousines, hundreds of paparazzi and television crews screamed their names as they posed in front of the cameras and gave sound bytes to the microphones.

There was massive hysteria among the eager crowd as America’s power couples Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, David and Victoria Beckham, and Jennifer Lopez with her husband Mark Anthony, arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where the exhibition is being staged.

The tennis star Venus Williams and American Vogue’s editor-at-large, André Leon Talley, shared a red satin, super-cape for two that was custom-made by Chanel. Scarlett Johansson wore a Dolce & Gabbana gown and was seen sporting a large solitaire which has been presented to her by her fiance, Ryan Reynolds.

Iman and David Bowie

Eva Mendes

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cocktail circuit

Fashion designer Marc Jacobs confessed that he was wearing Superman underwear beneath his tuxedo.

The world’s highest paid model Gisele Bundchen arrived with quarterback boyfriend Tom Brady. She wore a revealing, backless and nearly frontless Versace creation.

Kate Moss arrived with designer friend Stella McCartney while couturier Valentino escorted Claudia Schiffer.

Inside the museum’s Graeco-Roman gallery were 30ft statues of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.

Dinner at this $7500 a head event was served in the Met’s 15 BC Egyptian Temple of Dendur, with tables arranged amidst massive sculptures of Kryptonite. ❦ Pictures: Getty Images

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Roberta Armani

Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen

Stefano Gabbana, Scarlett Johansson and Domenico Dolce

Natasha Richardson Christina Ricci Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng Naomi Watts 44 CITYPULSE JUNE 08

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cocktail circuit

wedding President’s daughter’s

Jenna Bush got married to sweetheart Henry Hagen at her dad’s ranch

U

S President George W Bush’s daughter Jenna got married to her longtime beau Henry Hager recently at her parents’ 1,600-acre Prairie Chapel ranch in Texas.

Henry is the son of the chairman of the Republican Party in Virginia.

At the post-wedding party, more than 200 family and friends were entertained by the Tyrone Smith Revue, a 10-piece party band from Nashville, Tennessee. Bush and Jenna glided across the dance floor to You Are So Beautiful, a ballad made famous by Joe Cocker. The newlyweds danced to Lovin’ in My Baby’s Eyes by Taj Mahal.

Jenna was attired in a classy Oscar de la Renta gown while Henry wore a dark suit.

The newlyweds will reportedly live in Baltimore’s Federal Hill section, where Henry will work for an energy company and Jenna will return to teaching. ❦

The couple with the wedding cake.

The table set-up

The Bush family

The reception venue

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from the grapevine

Stars shine

in London

B

Salman did a no show but SRK, Kareena, Saif and other stars had their British fans swooning at the Zee Awards

ollywood is known for its umpteen award ceremonies, most of which honour the same artists and do not spring any surprises where the winners are concerned. The Zee Cine Awards was no exception. The winners were mostly the same stars and luminaries who have won most of the other awards presented this year. What was different was the location. This year, Zee hosted its awards ceremony in London. “London is my favourite, favourite place in the world!” said Shah Rukh Khan when he received his Best Actor award for Chak De! India And once again, the award was presented to him by Rekha with whom he has formed a mutual admiration society. Wonder what Big B has to say about that given his often acrimonious relationship with King Khan. And by the way, the Bachchan family was not present at the awards function given their not so pleasant past history with Zee. Remember the fracas that had been created when Amitabh was made to sit in sixth row during the Zee Awards

ceremony held in Dubai in 2004.

And co-incidentally SRK also got embroiled in the controversy along with Bachchan’s best pal Amar Singh.

As expected, Kareena won the award for Best Actress for her spirited performance in Jab We Met. Shilpa Shetty proved that London was lucky for her by winning the Best Supporting Actress Award for her performance in Life In A … Metro.

Shilpa was

accompanied by her mom and boyfriend Raj Kundra.

Feroz Khan, who’s lost a lot of weight and looked frail, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. His former leading ladies, Rekha and Zeenat Aman, were in the audience to applaud him.

SRK did his Om Shanti Om act by inviting on stage many of his friends and colleagues but surprisingly he did not invite Rekha, who had also done a guest appearance in the film.

And Rekha even pointed this out to him to which SRK replied, “Oh Rekhaji, we have grown too old for you!”

Arjun Rampal

Shah Rukh, Kareena and Saif

Katrina Kaif Om Shanti Om

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Sophie

Deepika Padukone Dia Mirza

Lara Dutta

Karisma Kapoor

Hofit Golan

Raveena Tandon

Pooja Batra

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from the grapevine Katrina making waves Katrina Kaif won the British Indian Actor of the Year award, which was presented by UK Asian MP Keith Vaz. Addressing the audience which included many of her compatriots, Katrina said emotionally, “I wish all your dreams come true; as mine have!”

Apart from the stars, also present at the event were steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal and his family and Mumbai socialite Parmeshwar Godrej.

Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty

Where was Sallu But the big question on everyone’s lips was, “Where is Salman Khan?” Salman was supposed to perform at the event but according to industry sources, he refused to attend as he wasn’t happy with the way his segment was being choreographer.

But Salman did return the money paid to him by the organisers.

Na beta Karan Apparently, Amitabh Bachchan called up Karan Johar, who was one of the comperes along with Sajid Khan, and asked him not to ridicule Ram Gopal Verma’s Aag. At an earlier awards function, SRK had made fun of RGV’s debacle causing embarrassment to the filmmaker and also Bachchan. Of course, when Big B calls, no one refuses. So Karan had to acquiesce and give in to the request and according to rumours, the lines were changed to accommodate Amitabh Bachchan.

Speaking of K Jo, he and Sajid did the Richard Gere-Shilpa Shetty kissing sequence which had the audience including Shilpa in splits. And who played Shilpa’s character? K Jo of course.

Akshay’s ex factor Akshay Kumar was not present at the event and had he been, that too along with wife Twinkle, he would have bumped into three of his former flames. Pooja Batra, Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty all of whom were all at the ceremony.❦ Pictures: Getty Images

Lakshmi and Aditya Mittal, Anil and Sunita Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia

Govinda and family

Khan brothers- Sanjay and Feroz

Saif and Kareena

Shimit AZmin and the Chak De girls

Bonding well -Karisma Kapoor and Sanjay Kapur with Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty

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Will Deepika Padukone be MF Husain’s new muse?

SRK and Rekha

Kareena Kapoor

Zeenat Aman with the Kapoor brothers- Randhir and Rajeev

Anil Kapoor and Lara Dutta

Karisma Kapoor and Neil Mukseh

Katrina Kaif and Dino Morea

Daddy cool - Fardeen presents the award to dad Feroz Khan

Ranbir Kapoor receives his award

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hollywood news

Tinseltown

tidbits What have your favourite stars been up to?

Carey on Mariah M

Brad’s neighbours B

rad Pitt has denied that his neighbours in Franklin Village, Michigan, are unhappy with him for living there with his partner Angelina Jolie and their children.

Rumours were rife that the residents of Franklin Village were tired of the constant intrusion by the paparazzi stalking the stars and had organised an action group to make the couple leave.

However, Brad said that his family gets along with all the neighbours. “This is the first (time) I’ve heard of this, which tells me it’s mostly not true. I have lived and worked in the same location off and on since 1995 and have never had any problems with my neighbours... only paparazzi and those who peddle in sensationalism”.

That’s the Law J

ude Law is reportedly dating rock star Rod Stewart’s daughter Kimberly and the couple were recently seen kissing in the VIP area of the 195 Nightclub in Essex.

Jude was earlier married to Sadie FLove and then dated Sienna Miller.

ariah Carey is the best-selling female artist of all time. She is the only artist to have a No 1 hit in every year of the 90s. She also supposedly co-writes and co-produces most of her material.

Her debut album featured no less than four No 1 singles and won her the Grammy for Best New Artist and Best Female Vocalist. She continued churning out hits from her next five albums Emotions (91), Unplugged (92), Music Box (93), Daydream (95), and Butterfly (97).

Then in 2001 things started to go really bad for Mariah. She signed a mega record-setting $80 million five-year contract with Virgin Records only to have it revoked later. Her lowest point was shocking a MTV audience by performing an impromptu strip tease.

She later wrote senseless, suicidal messages on her web site. She explained it away as exhaustion. She took some time out and returned with an her album Charmbracelet but it failed to impress anyone.

However, she made a complete turnaround in 2005 with the release of The Emancipation of Mimi. It went on to win several Grammy Awards including the Best Contemporary R&B album and the Best R&B song for We Belong Together.

She recently released E=MC2.

Along with getting favourable reviews, she is unofficially competing with Madonna for the title of best female pop artist. She is poised to overtake music icons like Elvis Presley and the Beatles on the singles and album charts. And she still has a long way to go.

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Meg goes shopping H

ollywood star Meg Ryan was spotted in Goa buying Wendell Rodricks’ creations at the designer’s store in Panjim Wendell Rodricks told an Indian newspaper, “She walked into the white room of my store and absolutely fell in love with it as she’s a big fan of the colour.

She picked up eight outfits, including tunics and blouses”. Unfortunately Wendell himself wasn’t present at the store at that time.

Apparently his staff didn’t recognise the star when she walked in. “Only when she gave her credit card did they realise who she was,” Wendell added. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz have also visited Wendell’s store in the past.

Last year Ryan visited Delhi on a social service mission and visited Jehangirpuri, one of the poorest slums in the world. This time the Harry Met Sally star was on a holiday in sunny Goa.

Sienna bored with Rhys?

A

ccording to reports, Sienna Miller and Rhys Ifans are on the verge of splitting up. Sienna is said to be growing tired of Rhys, who she got engaged to in March.

A friend of the couple was quoted as saying, “Rhys seems madly in love with her still, but everyone is speculating Sienna has grown out of the relationship.”

Another friend of Sienna revealed to a magazine, “Sienna promised to spend a week with Rhys. He arranged his filming schedule, but at the last minute she cancelled her trip, saying she had to work. Rhys hit the roof when he called her and found out that she was partying in Los Angeles.”

Will Justin marry Jessica?

P

op superstar Justin Timberlake seems eager to settle down with his girlfriend actress Jessica Biel. In the past, Justin has dated women like Cameron Diaz, Britney Spears, Scarlett Johansson, Danii Minogue and Christina Aguilera.

It is rumoured that Justin will soon propose to Jessica and is also looking for a venue for the wedding, which could be the Caribbean island of Mustique.

It is also being rumoured that Jessica has not been drinking recently, prompting speculation that she might be pregnant.

Soul searching in Chennai T

he Oneness University at Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India, has become the favourite of many international celebrities.

Demi Moore is a regular visitor and recently, the 300 and PS I Love You star Gerard Butler also visited the University to seek peace and contentment. In fact, Gerard also sought advice on spirituality from Indian star Manisha Koirala, who is also a regular at the Oneness University. “A close Danish filmmaker-friend had told me about the Oneness University. When I checked out the University, I loved its environment and teachings so much so that I decided to stay away from public life and focus on spirituality. In fact the man I’m seeing right now is also very spiritual.

At this stage, I need a companion who’d share my passion for spiritualism. I’m trying to get him interested in the Oneness course,” Manisha said. ❦

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cover story

edge

Living on the These girls have everything that a common person could only dream of – name, fame, money – so why are they troubled? Bianca Brigitte Bonomi finds out...

T

heir faces bombard international magazine covers and their names are some of the most recognisable in the world. They are the Itgirls on the edge; plagued by substance addiction, and desperately trying to drag themselves back from the brink. Their short but scandalous lives play out like movies; from romantic comedy to train-wreck horror, and the world holds its breath as they lead their roller-coaster lifestyles. But faced with custody battles, heartbreak and unemployment, the lives of the rich and famous suddenly seem empty. These battered and bruised stars are wrestling to pick up the pieces of their shattering careers but is it too late?

Amy Winehouse

Back to Black?

Troubled singer Amy has become as notorious for her substance abuse as her jazz-inspired vocals.

The north London girl showed off her rebellious streak at an early age. Mixing cutting edge fashion with self-harm, the cockney crooner was expelled from the capital’s prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School for piercing her nose.

Her debut album Frank won Amy an Ivor Novello song writing award, but it was second album Back To Black that catapulted the fragile starlet onto the international mainstream. The biggest-selling album of 2007 in the UK, it shifted more than 1.85 million copies, and has sold another 1.5 million in the US. First release Rehab, about the singer’s refusal to seek professional help for her alcohol dependency, was an instant

chart topper, but Amy was after a different kind of hit. Her love of getting smashed was fuelling a worldwide tabloid frenzy.

With the arrest of her husband Blake Fielder-Civil in November 2007 on charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm on a pub landlord and attempting to pervert the course of justice, Amy’s catalogue of erratic behaviour became more extensive. From frequently turning up drunk for television appearances to having public and at times, violent, rows, Amy admitted to self-harming and experiencing huge weight loss. Friends and family feared for her life and a growing chorus willed her to “go, go, go” to rehab.

The waif powered on and acclaim followed fast. Scooping Brits, Mobos and MTV Awards, Amy’s East London flat was bulging with silverware. Then, in February this year, the soulful songstress bagged an unprecedented five Grammys - making her the first female British artist ever to win so many in one night.

The glory was tainted by sadness.

Following a spell in rehab, Ames was unable to attend the awards as the US did not grant her a visa on time, but instead she performed via satellite link-up from London. She was reportedly accompanied by medical staff from the clinic where she was undergoing treatment.

Lowest point: Being admitted to rehab after video footage emerged of her apparently smoking an illegal substance.

Proudest moment: Winning a recordbreaking five Grammys in one night.

Hope for the future? Although progress on her third album has stalled, Amy’s friends argue that she is doing well. Rumoured to

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In 2004, Britney married childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander for a “joke”.

The marriage lasted just 55 hours and sadly for Britney, nobody was laughing.

be launching a new fashion range (She is the favourite muse for Karl Lagerfeld) and continuing to attract an international cult following, the world is rooting for her to succeed. But Amy is considering divorcing husband Blake as he languishes in prison awaiting trial on charges of perverting the course of justice. It seems like it will take Amy a long time to bring her tumultous life back on track.

Britney Spears

Comeback Queen?

Everybody’s favourite pop princess has been having a bumpy ride. Britney stole our hearts when the tasty tartlet launched onto our screens in Baby One More Time.

Her all-American good looks and girl-nextdoor innocence made her an overnight phenomenon. But fast forward a few years and poor Britney has really been through the mill. Her journey into pop hell has taken

her from tattoos to tablets; AA to anger management. Who could have guessed that things would turn quite so sour?

Following her high profile split from fellow Mickey Mouse Club heartthrob Justin Timberlake in 2002, Britney’s behaviour became more erratic. In 2004, she married childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander for a “joke”. The marriage lasted just 55 hours and sadly for Britney, nobody was laughing. In September of the same year, she married dancer Kevin Federline, and within two years, Britney had given birth to two children.

The marriage was destined to failure and Britney struggled to cope. A stint in rehab was followed with revelations of bi-polar disorder and admission to a hospital psychiatric ward. In 2007 Britney hit rock bottom. The not-so-innocent girl shaved her head, allegedly attacked some photographers and their prone cars with an umbrella and started driving around LA aimlessly. She was frequently snapped partying with fellow IT girls Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. As her drinking sessions got longer, her outfits got skimpier. A foray of, quite literally, ‘toxic’ photos followed.

Britters was in tatters.

Britney’s disastrous performance at the VMAs showed the world the extent of her downfall. Overweight and out of shape, her sleazy dance moves were reminiscent of a middle aged has-been performing cabaret on a dodgy cruise liner. Britney looked like she had kissed goodbye to the showbiz world forever. The downward spiral continued for the wigged wild child with the loss of her custody battle to keep her children.

But in the biggest comeback since Elvis in Las Vegas, Britney released new album Blackout in late October 2007. Critics hailed it as a breakthrough, with some labelling it ‘her best album ever’. Even better news for the mother of two, Britney is in talks with K-Fed about custody rights and is now allowed to spend more time with her children. There is even talk of a reconciliation between the two.

Lowest point: Losing custody of her two infant children.

Proudest moment: Re-uniting with her mother after being forced into rehab.

Hope for the future? Britney is working hard to get her life firmly back on track.

The singer recently donated $25,000 to the American Idol charity project ‘Idol Gives Back’. She is back in touch with previously fired manager, Larry Rudolph, and sources say that they are working on a new project.

Her recent television cameo in CBS’ How I Met Your Mother was hugely successful

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cover story

In September 2006 she was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, and was sent to jail in June 2007 after violating her probation by driving with a suspended license.

and she is rumoured to be appearing in the upcoming Disney film High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

With a children’s clothing line also in the pipeline and more fragrances being marketed, Britney is definitely on the way back up.

Paris Hilton

Down and Out in Paris and New York?

Famed for the Hilton hotel dynasty and that tape, the billion dollar heiress has long been seen as something of a publicity-hungry waster.

Enjoying a whirlwind of constant partying and a luxury lifestyle, the social butterfly seems to be the girl that has it all. But recently the model-thin rich kid has shown signs of being less than happy with her life. So what’s up with Paris?

Hilton shot to fame in 2003, when she co-starred in fish-out-of-water “reality” show The Simple Life with Nicole Richie. Viewers couldn’t get enough of the stiletto wearing girls struggling to cope with “real” life on a farm in the American outback.

In 2004, Paris branched out and released her first book Confessions of an Heiress nicknamed Confessions of an Airhead - and became a partner in an Orlando night spot, thoughtfully titled ‘Club Paris’.

Two years later, the heiress ventured into the world of pop, releasing her debut album, called [drum roll please] Paris. Whilst children around the world rejoiced at her sugar coated lyrics and bubblegum pink outfits, more discerning critics slammed the album as a farce, joking that electronic super group Daft Punk used fewer synthesizers and less voice contortion technology.

Heartbreak was to follow. Hilton became engaged to Greek shipping heir [wait for it] Paris Latsis in May 2005, but the romance was short lived and the couple broke off their engagement later the same year. The heiress sought solace in her favourite New York clubs, but reports claimed that she was sick of being used as a ‘cash cow’ by hangers on, interested in milking her for every penny she had.

Paris then threw her diamond fingered hand to acting, hitting the big screen in the remake of the 1950s horror film classic House of Wax. Some argued that a wax work may have proved more expressive and the film topped an internet database of the worst movies of all time.

But the worst was yet to come. In September 2006 Paris was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and was sent to jail in June 2007 after violating her probation by driving with a suspended license.

Like all good socialites, however, Paris isn’t going to let a bit of bad publicity get her down. She is currently dating Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden, hanging around LA with a Buddhist monk, and starring in The Hottie And The Nottie, and is proving to the world that she is more than Louis Vuitton and pet chihuahuas.

Lowest moment: Serving time behind bars and crying bucketful of tears.

Proudest moment: Developing the “Paris” brand and making it profitable.

Hopes for the future? Paris’ new relationship is keeping her smiling. In a recent post on her online blog, the heiress said, “I’ve never felt so happy and in love, Benji is such an amazing

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Things came to a head in February 2007 when the painfully thin starlet admitted herself to a rehab facility and was forced to relinquish a key acting role, sending out a signal to Hollywood that her career was over.

guy and life has never been better.”

parents announced that their divorce proceedings had been finalised.

The split hit Lindsay hard. Despite regularly topping men’s mag polls - Lohan was voted number 1 in the Maxim “Hot 100” 2007, her alcohol and substance abuse problems began to surface. The star of The Parent Trap was seeing double, but there would be no happy ending. Things came to a head in February 2007 when the painfully thin starlet admitted herself to a rehab facility and was forced to relinquish a key acting role, sending out a signal to Hollywood that her career was over.

Her 2007 movie, Georgia Rule, was to cause LiLo yet more problems. A leaked letter from a studio executive to Lohan criticising her professionalism was made public. The film was widely regarded as a flop. In the same year, Lindsay’s flick I Know Who Killed Me earned her two nominations for worst actress at the Golden Raspberry Awards. Embarrassingly, she was awarded both first and second place. Lindsay was put out to pasture in the Hollywood hills.

Worse still, Lindsay has been involved in a number of high profile car crashes and has also served time behind bars for driving under the influence.

Lowest moment: Being caught and jailed for having illegal substance in her car.

Proudest moment: Being re-united with her estranged father.

Hopes for the future? Lindsay has finished her rehab treatment and looks brighter and healthier. A source has revealed that she has film projects in the pipeline, but it will take time to re-build her reputation in Hollywood.

Lindsay Lohan

Kate Moss

Time for LiLo to lie low?

Child actress Lindsay made her motion picture debut by playing identical twins in Disney’s 1998 remake of The Parent Trap.

Success beckoned and the fresh faced star accepted leading roles in Freaky Friday, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen, Mean Girls and Herbie: Fully Loaded. In 2004, Lohan branched out into music and has since released two albums, Speak and A Little More Personal (Raw).

But Lindsay’s public persona hid a troubled private life. Her father Michael spent much of his daughter’s pre-teen years in prison for security fraud. In 2005, he was sent back to prison for nearly two years for “aggravated unlicenced driving” and attempted assault. In 2007, Lindsay’s

Rolling stone?

Everybody’s favourite supermodel shot to fame after being discovered at the tender age of 14 by Sarah Doofus, the founder of Storm Model Management. Kate appeared on over 300 magazine covers and huge campaigns followed - Gucci, Chanel, D&G….. you name it, Kate’s done it.

But the international jet-setter and style icon has always courted controversy. In her teens, she was criticised for championing the ‘heroin chic’ look. Kate inisisted that her emaciated frame was “natural”. For a 12-year- old, yes, but for a teenager?

Then came Pete Doherty. The mixedup Babyshambles frontman, described by some as “needing a good wash”, became Kate’s new man. Pictures of the two

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laughing together, holding hands together, and er….allegedly snorting together, soon surfaced. Immediately dropped from some high profile campaigns, the supermodel was gathering moss.

Determined to forge ahead with a singing career, Kate became a regular at Babyshambles gigs. But her ghost-like vocals didn’t impress everyone. One fan put it simply, “She’s rubbish”.

But Kate has bounced back admirably.

She broke up with Pete in July 2007 and has taken full control of her career, which is going great guns. She has been branded the second highest paid model in the world after Giselle Bundchen and her range for Topshop (See page 78) seems to be doing pretty well. In fact, Kate also launched an

underwear collection last year.

In 2007, she made more money than she had in 2006 so the scandals have only heightened her appeal.

Lowest point: The reports of her wild partying along with Pete Doherty.

Proudest moment: Giving birth to her daughter Hope for the future? Let’s face it, Kate is still gorgeous and utterly chic. And it seems like her fans will keep supporting her brand of Cool Britannia for as long as she’s around. And her personal life also seems to be coming along fine. Kate is rumoured to be dating Jamie Hince, The Kills guitarist. ❦

Pictures of the two laughing together, holding hands together, and er….allegedly snorting together, soon surfaced. Immediately dropped from some high profile campaigns, the supermodel was gathering moss.

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big feature

Power

couples T

Bollywood’s hottest pairs create magic on and off the screen

heir onscreen chemistry might work sometimes but off screen, these Bolly couples surely pack a lot of punch.

Together they not only attract the paparazzi but also arouse the interest of large corporate houses which pay them astronomical sums for product endorsements. And then of course there are the films too. Some might have flopped but their newsworthy antics keep them in the tabloid headlines and ensure that producers still queue up to sign them. Let us look at Tinseltown’s hot couples

SAIF-KAREENA Tashan might have flopped and Saif and Bebo might not have displayed smouldering chemistry on screen but where Bollywood is concerned, they are still a hot couple. While Karan Johar has signed them for his new film, Bebo and Saifu are also enthusiastically looking for endorsements to cash in on their real life romance.

Strengths: Their attractiveness,

talent and impressive family lineage Weakness: Weak onscreen chemistry Prospects: They will remain under the spotlight as long as they are together and a hit film will further enhance their appeal

ABHI-ASH Though public interest in them is not as intense as it was before their marriage, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are still one of Bollywood’s top couples both on and off screen. The fact that he belongs to the Bachchan family and is one of Bollywood’s budding

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superstars and she is the Indian film industry’s highest paid actress means that financially they are a powerhouse.

Add to that their screen chemistry and success in Guru and producers find the duo very attractive together.

Strengths: Their success Weakness: Lack of onscreen chemistry which has been rectified somewhat with Guru but has so far not been consistent Prospects: If Sarkar Raj does as well as expected and if Mani Ratnam brings Abi-Ash together in his next film then there is no stopping this duo

now John and Bipasha are not working together in any film but they might do so if the script and money is right. And they are open to doing product endorsements together too.

RANBIR KAPOOR- DEEPIKA PADUKONE

AJAY DEVGAN-KAJOL U Me Aur Hum might have flopped but there is no denying the fact that this husband-wife duo is a powerhouse of talent. What failed in their latest film was Ajay’s capability as a director. But if given a good director and a zany script, Kajol and Ajay can still create magic together. And of course they jointly act as brand ambassadors for Whrilpool which also brings in the money.

Strengths:Their acting talent Weakness: Kajol does not have the same onscreen chemistry with her hubby as she does with SRK Prospects: Right now they are not doing any more films together but the endorsements continue. And who knows they might come together in films again if the right project comes up, but this time it better be right.

SALMAN-KATRINA He is the proverbial Bolly hunk while she is the pretty London lass. Together they exude a magical quality in real life which sadly has not transported to the screen, at least not so far. But Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraaj might change all that and the Sallu-Kat team might shine on screen.

Of course knowing Salman’s private nature, he has so far avoided doing commercials with his lady love.

Strengths: They are an attractive couple and both are doing very well career-wise Weakness: Their films together have not done very well except Partner where Kat was paired opposite Govinda Prospects: We’ll have to wait till October

to see if Yuvraaj strikes gold at the box office. Of course their romance is going strong despite occasional rumours of tiffs, but then which lovers don’t have them? Sallu-Kat are only being normal.

JOHN ABRAHAMBIPASHA BASU After Jism, none of their films have done well but there is no denying the smouldering chemistry they share both on and off screen. The endorsements they did together almost came to a standstill when relations were strained between John and Bips sometime ago. But now that things are back to normal, Bollywood’s hot couple is once again ready to rock.

Strengths: Their sexy looks and their hot chemistry We a k n e s s : They have not been terribly lucky together on screen.

Prospects: Right

He is the Kapoor scion and the hope of Bollywood’s first family while she is the daughter of India’s former ace badminton player. Both made their film debuts the same year and both have been appreciated for their performances. And despite a minor break-up some time ago, they are back together and have become Ti n s e l t ow n ’s hottest young couple. If the relationship sustains, they might get as much popularity as Abhi-Ash and Saif-Kareena.

Strengths: Both are young and talented We a k n e s s : T h e i r relationship is not strong yet and might not be able to pass the test of time. But we’ll wait and watch Prospects: They are appearing together in Yash Raj’s Bachna Ae Haseeno and this film will decide their fate as an onscreen pair. ❦ Pictures: Viral Bhayani and Getty Images JUNE 08 CITYPULSE 63

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bollywood news

times

Bollywood

Juicy gossip about the hottest stars

Akshay unhappy?

N

ow that Tashan has put a brake to his hit spree, Akshay Kumar is being extra careful with his next few releases.

This is what Percept Pictures found out to their dismay.

Rumours are circulating that Akshay Kumar is not happy with the way Percept’s Eight by Ten, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor and in which he plays the lead role, has shaped up.

The film’s unit had faced some production hassles in Canada due to which the shoot had been called off.

And it was decided than that the unit would return to foreign shores once the rest of the shoot was wrapped up.

But now Akshay wants to re-shoot the portions shot in Canada in New Zealand. This would mean double the cost of production for the hapless producers. Of course, knowing what’s good for them, they have denied any discord with their hero but the rumours are persisting and Akshay has still not allotted dates for the remaining schedule.

Love continues E

ven if many others in Bollywood are not really convinced about his acting abilities till they see him on screen in Love 2050, Ashutosh Gowariker is most certainly impressed with Harman Baweja’s histrionic talent. No wonder the Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar director has signed Priyanka Chopra’s boyfriend for his next film What’s Your Rashi, based on a novel called Kimball Ravenswood by Madhu Rye. And if you are wondering who will be Harman’s leading lady this time, then you don’t have to look very far. Yes, it is Priyanka, who will be seen on the screen once again with Harman. Wouldn’t it have been better if Harman started acting with different heroines rather than sticking to his girlfriend. Maybe the idea is that along with the film’s shooting they can also spend some quality time together off the sets.

Ashutosh, on the other hand, has moved away from his grand cinematic adventures to a more down-to-earth romantic comedy this time.

Hrithik’s kissing quandary L

ast time he kissed Aishwarya Rai on screen in Dhoom 2, he made lifelong enemies out of her in-laws for no fault of his.

This time Hrithik Roshan is being asked to do a kissing scene with Barbara Mori in his father’s film Kites to be directed by Anurag Basu. While Anurag is very keen that Hrithik do the scene, his father Raakesh Roshan is not too enthusiastic. Wonder whom Hrithik will listen to? Maybe his wife Suzanne has a solution?

Meanwhile Hrithik might not be able to show his passionate side on screen but he surely can display his toned body to maximum advantage which is probably why he is doing an underwear ad.

We are sure that all Hrithik wannabes will be flocking to the stores to buy the briefs that Duggu is promoting.

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Surely Unforgettable T

Not so Saif I

t is always said that when you reach the top, you should not forget the people who helped you when you were down and out.

Who knows on your way down, you might need them again? But obviously Saif Ali Khan does not believe in this adage. When Saif was not a big star, Farhan Akhtar signed him for Dil Chahta Hai, which became a major hit and changed the course of Saif’s career. But many years later, when Farhan approached Saif to do a role in his film Voice From The Sky, Saif quoted the astronomical amount of Rs200 million (Dhs18 million) to act in the film. A shocked Farhan politely told Saif that he does not need him and will work with another star instead. This is surely not the way to go Saifu, especially not with a top filmmaker like Farhan, who’s also been your good friend in the past. ❦

he Bachchan family’s Unforgettables tour has been mired in controversy since the time it was announced. First Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan were approached to join the Bachchans on stage. While Hrithik declined the offer Akshay agreed to be a part of the tour only to retract later. Then Bipasha Basu, who was supposed to be one of the star attractions backed out. Lara Dutta also decided not to join the Bachchans. Left with no choice, the organisers persuaded Akshay Kumar to change his stance and he agreed to join them in selected cities after much persuasion and of course a hike in fees.

Finally the cast for this mega world tour has been finalised.

Confirming the list, Sabbas Joseph of Wizcraft, organisers of the tour told a newspaper, “Preity (Zinta) and Riteish (Deshmukh) will be at all the venues. Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit and Shahid Kapoor will be the guest stars in the US, Trinidad, The Netherlands and the UK.” Of course Sabbas was not very happy with Bips’ and Lara’s behaviour, “From the outset, Lara and Bipasha were definitely on, along with Riteish and the Bachchans. There’s photographic evidence of them confirming

SRK under siege I

t seems as if Shah Rukh Khan has become a victim of his own success and is being attacked from all sides. First Amitabh Bachchan blogged about SRK’s new TV show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hein and said that its ratings were not so good.

Then Aamir made fun of SRK on his blog by saying that Shah Rukh was the name of his dog.

And last but not the least, Shah Rukh was pulled up by the AntiCorruption Unit of the ICC, who told the Kolkata Knight Riders owner that he should not be in the players’ dressing room and their dug-out was out of bounds too. Then it was rumoured that Shah Rukh and the other team owners might be allowed 15 minutes in the dug out.

Like the other instances, this time too, SRK maintained his cool but in is trademark style he retorted, “I have no issue with them. Nor do I need to ask for 15 minutes to meet with the team I own. Now if I want to meet my team I will do so at my house, or in their hotel, not on the grounds for 15 minutes!” Keep your cool Shah Rukh and don’t let them ruffle your feathers.

their presence at last year’s IIFA.” He added, “My question to the people who opted out is, ‘You’ve had the hits and you believe your price is changed. But what about commitment?’ Also, let me remind the ones who are no longer on the tour that we’re showcasing Indian cinema on an international level. A Bachchan tour takes Indian cinema as far as it can go. According to me, being part of it is a matter of pride”.

Going the Sania way I

t is being said that Deepak R Gandhi’s new film I For India is based on the life of Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza.

Hemant Das, the director of the film told a newspaper, “The film is definitely inspired by the life of Sania Mirza.

“But it’s best to say that it is based on anybody who dreams of making it big and who chases the dream against all odds.”

When asked who was he considering to play the role of the sportsperson in the film, Hemant replied, “We have Esha Deol in mind”. We wonder if Sania is flattered with this choice?

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landscape

Dubailand:

Where fantasy becomes reality Philip Fenton finds out that in one of the city’s mega projects, many of your dreams will come true

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I

t will be twice the size of Disneyland and plays a key role in Dubai’s ambition to attract 15 million tourists a year by 2015.

But Dubailand is not just for visitors.

When completed, the three billion square foot development promises to have plenty on offer for Dubai residents as well.

Although the first phase isn’t scheduled to open until 2010, the chances are you’ve been to Dubailand already and didn’t even realise it.

Both Global Village and the outdoor show Jumana - Secret of the Desert are part of the massive development, which will stretch along Emirates Road from the Green Community as far as the Creek.

The Autodrome too is part of Dubailand, forming one of the five components of the upcoming MotorCity development.

It wouldn’t be Dubai without shopping malls and hotels, and Dubailand features them in abundance. The world’s largest shopping area?

Check. The longest strip of hotels in the world?

Of course.

But Dubailand promises residents much more than that. From the chance to sharpen your kids’ skills at the Manchester United Soccer School, to frightening the living daylights out of them with ultra-realistic animatronic dinosaurs at Restless Plant, Dubailand has it all.

“Dubailand will have 12 entertainment theme parks, including one of the largest water parks in the world,” said Saeed Al Muntafiq, CEO of Tatweer, which owns and manages Dubailand.

“The theme parks will also include the The Restless Planet, a dinosaur theme park being developed in cooperation with the British Natural History Museum; a complete Sports City featuring large state-of-the-art stadiums; the Great Dubai Wheel; the Islamic Culture and Science World; the Mall of Arabia, set to become one of the largest shopping centres in the world, and other attractions that cater to the entire family.”

Here we take a look at what’s on offer.

MotorCity MotorCity, like many Dubai projects, is being billed as ‘a city within a city’. What that means is that it will feature residential, business, sports and leisure facilities. MotorCity has five main components: the already operational Dubai Autodrome, Business Park MotorCity, Uptown MotorCity, Green Community MotorCity and the world’s first F1 Theme Park.

Unsurprisingly, it’s the world’s first F1 theme park, dubbed F1-X, that’s got people talking.

Due for completion in 2009, F1-X promises rides and educational exhibits to allow the whole family to experience Formula One. Developer Union Properties is tight-lipped about exactly what rides will be on offer, but rumour has it the park will include an F1-themed rollercoaster to demonstrate the g-forces encountered by drivers, as well as simulator rides, live demonstrations and a museum. It’s probably also safe to assume there will be the chance to do some driving,

largest shopping area, a staggering 40 million square feet. That will be divided into a number of large and small shopping malls, street level shops and even underground shopping arcades.

Shop till you drop, literally!

Restless Planet

although given that prices for driving a Formula One car start at about $5,000, it’s unlikely that will be included in the price of your admission.

“F1-X is sure to be an exciting place for families, adults, children, and anyone who enjoys adventure and is open to experiencing something completely different in entertainment,” according to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

As MotorCity’s website says, “You don’t have to love motorsports to live in MotorCity, but it helps.” Given the excitement already emanating from the Autodrome, that may well prove to be quite an understatement.

You might have spotted the strange looking ads for City of Arabia promising residents the chance to live among the dinosaurs. Restless Planet is why.

Scheduled to open by the end of the year, the park will feature 109 animatronic dinosaurs of over 40 different species in a 500,000 square foot space.

Managing director Mustafa Galadari promises an “extremely realistic and scary” but also “scientifically accurate environment”, which will mix entertainment with education.

The developers have even enlisted the help

Bawadi Bawadi will be the world’s largest strip of hotels, measuring a staggering 10kms. Developer Tatweer claims that, because the hotels will be interconnected, guests will be able to walk from one end to the other without ever going outside. The plan is for Bawadi to feature 31 hotels with a total of 29,200 rooms and more than 100 theatres and 1,500 restaurants. It will even include Asia Asia, the world’s largest hotel with 6,500 rooms.

Since there isn’t demand immediately for an extra 30,000 hotel rooms, construction will be staggered, with five hotels opening in 2010 and six more the following year. By 2014 all 31 should be ready.

One of the most interesting concepts among the hotels is the Holly Bolly Hotel, which promises “a unique fusion of Hollywood and Bollywood red carpet glamour”.

Arthur Fitzwilliam, managing director of investor Plantation Holding said: “The resort will bring the best from the two worlds of entertainment. A unique fusion of the East and the West, it will create a truly exquisite blend of the ultimate in showbiz.”

If that all sounds a bit much there will be plenty of places for residents and visitors to escape to, since Bawadi is promising the world’s

of palaeontologist Jack Horner, the technical advisor on Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park, to help with the design.

Although they’re remaining tight-lipped, the developers promise “computer graphics and high-tech special effects to take visitors from the Big Bang through the birth of the Earth, the creation of its mountains and oceans, and on to the age of the dinosaurs.”

The robotic dinosaurs are being produced by a Japanese firm called Kokoro Company, which also made the animatronic creatures for the National History Museum in London, including one which targets visitors wearing red as if they were prey.

Meanwhile the sets are being produced by Impossible Pictures, the same organisation that created the popular BBC television series Walking With Dinosaurs.

The whole thing will be enclosed in a 75metre dome, and the developers promise guests will experience earthquakes, eruptions and even meteor strikes.

Universal Studios Apart perhaps from Disneyland, Universal Studios is about as big as it gets, and Dubai will be home to the studio’s fourth theme park, after Florida, LA and Japan.

The good news, for anyone who has ever had to endure a queue for a ride in blazing Florida sunshine, is that most of the attractions here will be indoors.

So what can visitors expect?

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landscape Universal Studios has already signed up movie director Steven Spielberg as a creative consultant, and rides are planned based on movies such as King Kong, Jurassic Park, The Mummy and Beetlejuice.

Universal’s theme parks are famous for their thrilling and technologically advanced “ride-the-movies” attractions.

Visitors are also promised attractions with a theme a little closer to home, including watching Sinbad the sailor as he attempts to rescue the beautiful Princess Amoura.

And if you’re having so much fun you decide you want to stay, the planned Universal City Dubai will also feature 4,000 hotel rooms.

Dubai Sports City While all those rides might be good fun, sometimes you just need to get out of your chair and do some exercise. That’s where Dubai Sports City comes in. Billed as the world’s first purpose-built sports city, the development will feature four stadia: a 60,000 seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium, a 25,000 capacity cricket stadium, a 10,000 seat multi-purpose indoor arena, and a field hockey venue for 5,000 spectators.

Dubai Sports City will also feature Ernie products at lower prices. It’s a familiar and popular concept in many parts of the world, but so far it’s been slow to catch on here in the UAE. As Naser Ali Khammas, chairman of developer Al Ahli Group, said, “What we plan to create at Dubai Outlet City is a unique complex that will be designed to supply all the needs of shoppers, tourists and business people in one ‘Big City’ environment.”

The developer boasts that the mall will be the only one in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and India with sufficient space for all the world’s discount retailers under one roof – a potential market of 1.8 billion people. Mind boggling, isn’t it?. ❦ Els’ first golf course design in the Middle East, the 18-hole The Dunes at the centre of residential area Victory Heights. Should you need to brush up your skills the development will be home to the first Butch Harmon School of Golf outside the United States While you’re playing golf there’s plenty for the kids to do too with the world’s first purpose-built Manchester United Soccer Schools facility, as well as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) own Global Cricket Academy and a David Lloyd Tennis Academy. The academies area will also house a 3,000 square metre gym and an Olympiclength swimming pool.

The entire development is set for completion by 2010, with the golf course and villas ready much sooner than that.

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fashion

Silhouettes Given the fact that it is targeted towards the festival season, Pria Kataria Puri’s new collection Bombay Glam predominantly has Indian silhouettes catering to the happy and festive moods. You will find dresses teamed with churidaars and lehengas, and saris with a modern touch.

Bombay

Glam Pria Kataria Puri’s fall-festive collection is inspired by Mumbai’s glitz and glamour

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Formats Pria uses the basic western formats of draping, weaving and surface texturing without giving it an Indo –Western feel. In order to give her collection an international look, Pria borrows western techniques like the princess cuts, empire line, kalis and pin tucks.

She also uses a variety of pleating like box and knife pleating to add extra dimensions to the ensemble.

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fashion Fabrics In Pria’s collection you will find a range of fabrics from new age to traditional weaves such as lurex chiffon, silk lycra, taffeta silk, brocade silk, stretch satin, silk velvet, silk organza, chandelier lace and silk tulle. Yet another facet is provided by geometric and floral prints.

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AD

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fashion

Colours Since her endeavour is to make the apparel timeless, Pria uses vintage, metallic hues such as gold, silver, pale pink, ochre, off-white, teal blue, peach, pale to charcoal grey, and bronze.

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Embellishments Pria uses silk thread, sequins, lace and crystals to bring out the exuberant mood. Embroidery and lace trimmings as well as wide to narrow metallic origami technique belts have also been used to give a rich feel to the fabrics.

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fashion

Cruising with Dior Once again John Galliano has created a colourful and vibrant cruise collection

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hristian Dior unveiled its spring/summer 2009 cruise collection at Gustavino’s in New York recently.

John Galliano, the flamboyant Dior designer, attracted as much attention in his indefinable dress as the models on the runway did.

John has incorporated elements of his Latin American roots by giving a Mexican spin to the apparel with pleated skirts, flouncy off-the-shoulder tops and colourful sombreros

complementing the attire. Of course, apart from protecting you from the sun, these wide-brimmed hats also add a touch of style.

Galliano’s evening gowns also display the flounce factor with full skirts, tiered layers, bows and embellished necklines.

And next time you go on a cruise, don’t forget Dior’s rounded basket bag, which forms an essential part of this couture collection. ❦ Pictures: Getty Images

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fashion

Kate Moss’ bohemian spirit The supermodel, who is always on the move, unveils a collection for the jet-set

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ashion icon Kate Moss’ new Spring/Summer line is now available at Topshop. In keeping with the summer season when many travel, the collection is inspired by the bohemian traveller, with influences from Ibiza, Miami, India and beyond.

It includes exquisite feather-weight chiffon dresses and blouses in a palette of dusty hues, Aztec prints and 1940’s florals.

A fluid jersey is printed with hand-drawn nautical-inspired stripes, a Native American feather print or embroidered with intricate patterns. Rose pink shirting is scattered with stars or stripes and teamed with narrow leg kick flares.

Items to watch out for include gypsyinspired broderie anglaise adorning a midnight blue mini dress and antique

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white smock top delicately embroidered with cornflower blue stitching. Mini tunic dresses and capelets are trimmed with tiny glass bugle beading while a silk patchwork print dress with a cut-about hem is inspired by silk scarves. Prom-style cotton dresses are knife pleated, in sherbet yellow and green and white striped seersucker.

Cropped, bolero-shaped jackets come in pin-striped cotton twill, butter-soft slate grey leather or softly printed silk. An oversized navy blue blazer is finished with an embroidered anchor motif badge.

Dramatic eveningwear includes a stunning black crepe empire-line and floor-length gown with tasseled neckline, a jet black beaded flapper dress and a floor-sweeping black printed chiffon dress with waterfall ruffles. A Victorian matador cape is trimmed with black pom-poms made with twisted ribbon. â?Ś

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fashion

Unravelling the mysteries Cartier’s new collection is inspired by the richness of India

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nde Mystérieuse, the new collection of jewels launched by Cartier in Dubai recently, is the prestigious jewellery brand’s tribute to the mysterious land that is India.

Cartier’s relationship with that country goes back a century when the famed jeweller used to create exquisite pieces for Indian royalty. This new collection is modern but with a touch of traditional Indian artistry and motifs.

White diamonds and dazzling coloured gems create juxtapositions where lotus buds bloom into delicate flowers which embellish bouquet necklaces and filigree rings.

Jewellwry pieces are ornamented with amethysts or quartz jewels to create calyx shaped pendants that are reminiscent of exquisite fragrance bottles. At the same time, there are diamond links in geometric shapes that complement round iridescent pearls in necklaces of multiple strands. Diamonds mounted on wire strands adorn necklaces with drop pendants or in cascading girandoles.

Overall, the collection is light and fluid yet rich in its tapestry. It is subtly elegant yet makes an opulent statement in true Cartier style. ❦ Pictures: Getty Images and Cartier

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fashion

mansion Magnificient

French jewellery designer Cyril Mothe opened his luxurious store in Dubai recently with a fashion show

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yril Mothe is known as the rock star among jewellers and this was proved recently at the opening of his exclusive store in Dubai. On display were five new collections by the flamboyant jeweller.

The first, the Inca, consisted of a four-piece parure and 11 matching accessories inspired

by Inca architecture and colours. Made from black onyx and turquoise, diamonds and white gold, the necklace alone has a staggering 271 diamonds of 20 carats.

The designer also displayed the Samurai, Bali, Plume, and Andalusia collections, as well as Fleur parure, the Dragon necklace and Jungle Queen accessories ‘avant premiere’. ❦

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new products

Summer surprises The season’s latest arrivals in the stores

Lacoste’s limited edition fragrance Dream of Pink is for young women with a passion for life and a sense of energy. It is composed of diverse florals suffused with the sandalwood base note.

Max Factor has developed the Masterpiece MAX Mascara, which promises voluminous yet silky smooth and streamlined lashes.

Estee Lauder’s Resilience Lift Extreme Concealer SPF 15 offers lifting and hydrating benefits while hiding skin discoloration, fine lines and dark circles.

Lacoste Elegance is a multifaceted fragrance for the man who is always ready for new adventures. It combines a woody, spicy masculinity and distinctive dry down with an oriental fougère bouquet creating a scent that is simultaneously deep and bright, bitter yet sweet.

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Light Blue Pour Homme by Dolce & Gabbana is for the modern man who likes to take care of himself. The fragrance captures the fresh, spicy and sensual scents of the Mediterranean.

‘S’, the new fragrance from Escada, is a distinctive and invigorating scent for the woman who radiates energy and exudes a lust for life.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue (Pour Femme) is a fresh, floral-fruity scent that reflects the sexiness of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Many stars including Brad Pitt, Lindsay Lohan, Madonna, Jennifer Aniston and Sally Field have been seen wearing Tom Ford sunglasses. You too can buy pieces from his latest collection at Solaris, the sunglass boutique at Deira City Centre.

To make you feel refreshed and vibrant in the summer heat and humidity, Estee Lauder introduces its Summer Fun Refreshing Fragrance Sprays. The range includes fresh and clean Pure White Linen Summer Fun, flirty and lively Pleasures Summer Fun and soft, romantic Beautiful Summer Fun.

Hugo XY and Hugo XX are the first his and her fragrances from Hugo. The woody floral bouquet of Hugo XX and the aromatic green accords of Hugo XY complement each other. Although both fragrances are very different and individual, if brought together, they play an interesting match creating a sensual aroma.

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style

Timepieces that defy time Ulysse Nardin unveiled its latest watch collection in Dubai recently.

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hese stunning creations were first displayed at the 2008 Basel watch show in Switzerland These magnificent timepieces can be purchased at BinHendi Watches and Jewellery outlet located in Mall of the Emirates.

Rhapsody in Blue The FREAK Blue Phantom is a symphony in blue crafted in 18-carat white gold. The bridges and metal parts have been treated with a stainless blue titanium based alloy offering a spectacular view of this timepiece.

Blue Seal Limited Edition – Maxi Marine Chronograph  This is a rugged all weather sports chronograph with a selfwinding movement.  The case is crafted in 18-carat rose gold or stainless steel and fitted with an exhibition case back. Each case is individually numbered.  It is available on 18-caratt rose gold bracelet, steel or rubber bracelet, or leather strap with folding buckle.  The Blue Seal is limited to 999 pieces in 18-carat rose gold and 1846 pieces in stainless steel.

Lady Diver This stylish timepiece is for ladies who prefer to lead the way. It is sporty yet refined, suitable for diving but also transforms itself into a piece of jewellery. It is available in stainless steel or 18-carat rose gold with various dial combinations, with or without diamonds.

Golden Dream This beautifully crafted 18-carat ladies watch features a gold case embedded with 40 differently shaped diamonds.

A mother of pearl dial studded with 12 diamonds enhances the charm of the concave shaped watch case. The 30 diamonds on the rotor inside the movement create a moving circle of diamonds as the rotor winds the watch. ❦

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beauty

Eye

know it all

Francois Desroches tells you about the make-up you should use this summer

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s far as make-up goes, less is more…

Or this is at least what people choose to think when summer is in full swing and the mercury in full rise! Since no fashion diktat or specific rule says that a light hand is mandatory when doing your face in the summer months, girls should still be allowed to have fun with their make-up pouch, that is. But since they have been persuaded that they should only play the sobriety card in the seduction game, today’s beauties shy away from fancy vibrant palettes when it comes to jazzing up their eyes.

But it so happens that, just like after a thundershower, the rainbow is making its way back into your make up hues and textures this season.

The ‘glamour without colour’ dogma is old news, I’m afraid. And the right way to outstage the J-Los and Sienna Millers of the world is to play with contrast, indulge in shocking associations, by mixing and smudging the most unconventional shades.

Does it mean we are back to the disco years and their funky kaleidoscope of colours? Not quite. And yet, it is all about making sure you apply the right shades in the best possible combinations.

Here is how to go about it, ‘emphas’eyes’ the softness of your entire eyelid by applying a light base from lashes to brow in a sandy, beige, neutral hue, remembering that when it’s hot, nude is…cool. Colour wise, glitzy garish gold is a “no, no, please!” Why? Simply because it tends, by optical effect, to make your face appear shinier than normal. And remember - you wannabe golden girl - that you are at the office, not attending Elton John’s birthday bash!

Discreet in medium brown and semi-matte in texture, a mushroom-tinged tone works wonders for shading the outer corner of your eye first, then eventually the socket of the mobile lid.

Next, “Don’t be afraid of the dark” is my belief when you want to “dramat’eyes” the expression of your eyes. To do so, go from mild to wild in the bathroom mirror, because when it comes to trendy chic make up, black is an absolute must! But please, no strong eye contour or heavy eye pencil at this point! (only Amy Winehouse can overdose on über thick eyeliner, dear!) A discreet application of kohl (in lustrous black or warm chocolaty brown) will do the trick for a dreamy, sultry, enigmatic result.

To complete the look, velvety, thick, and

stretching from Dubai to Hawaii, long lashes must become your grooming obsession. Coat them first with a volumising, curling and lengthening mascara in luscious black. Wait until perfectly dry, then apply a lighter blue or violet-coloured mascara, only on the tips, for a more vibrant, ‘opened-up’ look.

That’s all it takes. Have fun, be cool, and to do so, stay in the shade! ❦ Francois Desroches is the Middle East public relations and training manager for Guerlain, a fashion designer and a TV personality.

Pictures: Getty Images

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Dubai National Advertising

Dubai National Advertising

info@softnlovely.com

cars

enhanced Perfection

Noel Ebdon tells us that the Bentley stable has something more potent with the Continental GT Speed

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extra setting. Rather than just on and off, they have added a middle entley is one of the best examples of ultimate luxury in of the road setting, which allows you to play a little but saves you automobiles. Yes, there are more expensive and faster when you get it wrong. You can get the tail sliding under hard cars available but nothing blends that unique mix of cornering, but if it starts to get a bit wild the on-board computer comfort, styling, quality and prestige quite as well as the steps in and brings things back onto the straight and narrow. once English brand.

So what is it that stands this car apart from its stable mates?

With Rolls Royce filling the slot for the company Chairman There isn’t a single item that makes this the car to have. It’s a or the Lord of the Manor, and Ferrari and Lamborghini lining the simple mix of improving everything to give harder edged drivers garages of flamboyant Europeans, Bentley has always been the something to enjoy, without altering the widely regarded GT for preserve of the jet-set with a twinkle in their eye. those that want to enjoy a slightly softer drive.

Today, the brand has changed very little. It is still seen as the The Bentley Continental GT Speed is easily the optimum ideal mix of Rolls Royce luxury with Aston Martin performance, example of a car company being able to converge both luxury One of the most potent proofs of the company’s engineering and speed into a single package. Where most other companies prowess is the newly launched Bentley GT Speed. Based on the struggle to bring the two happily together, Bentley has managed hugely popular Continental GT, the new car looks almost identical to seamlessly merge the two into what can only be described as to its lesser powered sister. A few small cosmetic changes at the an automotive powerboat. If you have deep pockets and only the back, a new grill at the front and some neatly crafted 20-inch alloy best of everything will do, then nothing but the wheels are the only differences between the two GT Speed will successfully fill that void on your cars. All but the most eagle-eyed car lovers could Engine: 6 litre W12 luxury villa’s driveway. ❦ be forgiven for failing to differentiate the tw Power: 600 bhp Some critics really have a problem with the Acceleration: 4.5 seconds rear of the car, but it grows on you over time. The Top Speed: 326 km/h front is classic Bentley, with the huge chrome Price: $240,000 grill gapping at you with its razor-esque teeth.

Once inside the car, you’ll immediately notice that despite its overall size, it doesn’t seem quite so big. The rear seats are at best occasional, whilst the fronts are close to perfection. But what really grabs you is the total quality of the whole package. Bentley interiors really are something rather special. The stitching, leather and quality is amazing and you find yourself running your hand over the seats just to enjoy the feel of the absolute best materials available.

On the move, the Bentley is very similar to the standard GT, although you can immediately feel the extra 48hp from the twelvecylinder engine under your right foot. It also has a slightly more aggressive exhaust note just to remind you this is something a little more powerful. What Bentley has done is simply tightened the old package. With a little more power, harder suspension and stronger brakes, the GT of old starts to look a little soft. But this is no oneoff race version. The changes still leave the car as a useable tourer.

It’s just more agile and focused.

Bentley has also fiddled with the traction control to give it an

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travel

sojourns Summer

From green meadows to sun soaked beaches, the holiday choices this season are varied

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his is the time of year when Dubai residents start preparing for their holidays. While some expatriates like to head back home to meet their families and get back in touch with their roots, others like to go globe trotting and explore different corners of the world. We asked a few people what their travel plans were this summer and they pointed out certain destinations which seem to be very

popular among the tourists this season.

These are

Munich, Germany With its rich and diverse culture, the Bavarian capital has always been a favourite with travelers from the Middle East. It’s a potent juxtaposition of the old and the new, the traditional and the trendy. So while you will see Muncheners dressed in designer garb strolling along Marienplatz and Maximilliansplatz, the main shopping areas of the city, you will also bump into children wearing typical Bavarian attire and heading towards weekend fairs. This is also the time when you can go and relax at the sprawling English Gardens or walk in the woods of Nymphenberg or take a day long trip to King Ludwig II’s Neuchwanstein Castle at the foot of the Alps. Apart from sightseeing and shopping, Munich has also emerged as a major health care centre of the world with the most

modern hospitals and health care facilities. No wonder it is such a favourite with travellers from the Middle East.

New Zealand This is a country where you will find nature at its best. The mountains and the streams, the forests and the sea, the hiking trails and the surfing beaches, New Zealand has it all. From the sophistication of big cities like Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, to the rugged mountain peaks and the lush greenery of the countryside, you can explore it all within a matter of weeks.

And the fun is doubled if you are driving through the picturesque scenery which unfolds as you move from one place to the other.

Istanbul, Turkey This is where Europe meets Asia and where history has many tales to tell. Istanbul is not only at the confluence of continents

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Petronas, and for others it is a city filled with Oriental mysteries. For some it is a reasonably priced shopping destination and for others it is a haven of relaxation.

If you wish to truly explore Malaysia, then after visiting Kuala Lumpur and the Genting Hills head on for the jungle and mountain trails to see nature’s plentiful bounty while the islands and the beaches beckon ocean lovers. Malaysia is a consummate holiday experience.

Switzerland but also at the cultural crossroads of the universe. See the magnificence of ancient architectural marvels like the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace or take a cruise along the Bosphorous. Visit the bazaars for shopping or stop over in a hammam for relaxation. Spend time exploring the streets during the daytime and then party at night. Istanbul is full of bustling energy and enduring mystique.

No wonder it has been the favourite with travellers for many centuries.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Kuala Lumpur is many things to many people. For some it is a big city with gleaming towers including the twin

Enjoy the cool and comfortable weather conditions at the bottom of the Alps.

Take leisurely strolls on the green meadows and soothe your frayed nerves.

Go shopping in some of the most exclusive stores in Geneva and Zurich or just take a boat ride on Lake Geneva.

Head off for the peaks at Jung Frau or Matterhorn and soak in the best scenery that nature can offer. This is the place where the picture postcards come true, where you can still hear the cow bells and the yodeling, where you can enjoy walking in the villages while not too far away from modern cities.

Mediterranean and the Oriental cruises remain popular, many adventurous travellers are headed either for an Alaskan cruise or a sail on the Caribbean. A cruise not only puts you in direct touch with nature but it also helps relieve the stress and strains of daily routine by helping you disengage from the world at large and enjoy an undisturbed holiday surrounded by the sea. Of course the panoramic sunrise and sunsets are an added bonus. â?Ś

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interiors

Westin influence Dubai’s newest landmark offers the glitz of chandeliers and marble mosaics along with the cool elegance of pastel shades and modern furniture says Stella Parkes

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rom the moment the scaffolding around it disappeared to reveal the neo-classical lines of the hotel’s façade, The Westin Dubai became a distinctive talking point.

However, it’s not until you’re atop the sweeping driveway and into the hotel proper that it becomes apparent how different The Westin Dubai is.

Tranquil isn’t perhaps a word often used to describe a hotel lobby, but the sense of peace here is almost palpable. The overwhelming impression is one of light and space yet

don’t be fooled into thinking there’s not a lot going on. From the moment guests cross the threshold, they give themselves up to the ‘Westin Difference’ a blend of soothing white tea scents, signature music, calming botanicals and atmospheric lighting that transports visitors into a world of relaxing and revitalising sensory experiences.

Michael Scully, General Manager of The Westin Dubai and its sister property next door, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi said, “From the moment our guests arrive they should feel The Westin ambience and this not only includes

our stunning interiors.”

It was the job of Italian interior design studio Suditalia Décor, to imbue the hotel with its physical charms.

Not surprisingly, they turned to Italian craftsmen to grace the sprawling property with many of its stunning interior features and furnishings.

“The strong architectural personality of the hotel gave us our starting point for planning the interiors,” explains on-site designer Massimo Bertelli. “The interiors have been designed to provoke continuous feelings of ‘déjà vu’ as

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familiar objects are given a new modern twist but still evoking their traditional charms.”

The hotel is adorned with objects such as the stunning chandeliers crafted from enough Venetian glass to sink several gondolas, yet never gaudy or overworked. The lobby is home to the most outstanding example - a breathtaking contemporary concoction of slivered jewel-coloured glass with fibreoptic lighting that showcases the sheer expanse of the hotel atrium. The chandelier is suspended atop an extensive and intricate mosaic on the lobby floor that took Italian artisans seven months to craft – viewed from the upper floors of the atrium the mosaic’s design jumps up to greet the eye in threedimensional glory.

At the back of the lobby, a library filled with books on the history and culture of the region entices guests to sit and soak in their surroundings rather than simply pass through, as does Sin, the appropriatelynamed chocalatier, and the teahouse Jing where elaborate Oriental tea ceremonies are performed for the guests.

The entrance floor level of the hotel is also the location of the two venues that have already set the pulses of Dubai’s party people racing. Oeno is a jaw-droppingly chic wine bar situated on two levels linked by a glass spiral staircase. A dazzling mosaic of Bacchus presides over the whole proceedings – again allowing traditional and contemporary aspects of design to harmonise. While Oeno’s lower level caters for serious epicureans with its dedicated wine and cheese tasting rooms, the mezzanine floor is all about relaxation with sofas and ergonomically-designed ‘chill-out’ pods.

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interiors

and chrome are the overriding design elements while a funky feature wall with multiple inserts for bottles and fibre optics set under the glass bar offers guests pure visual theatre.

From a design – and gastronomic – perspective The Westin Dubai’s restaurants couldn’t be more different. Blue Orange, an all-day dining concept is, thankfully, light years away from the chafing dishes and airport ambience formula favoured by many of its ilk. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf flood the airy space with light and calm.

Mosaics abound on the walls as does a signature ‘swirl’ that is an oft-repeated theme throughout the hotel.

Lively Hunter’s Grill House with its African prints and polished wood interior is the perfect foil for the finest beef and game the menu specialises in - all cooked in

full display from the open kitchen.

The Spice Emporium pulsates in the rich reds and golds of the Far East while details such as the steel sculptured leaves running riot across the ceiling offer an unexpected design twist.

Of course, the argument as to what really makes successful hotel design is either won or lost away from public gaze in the guest rooms – a fact that The Westin Dubai have taken on board quite seriously within its 294 rooms and suites.

Decorated in the tasteful muted colours that are the hotel’s hallmark, the guest rooms are dominated by the (trademarked!) Heavenly Bed. It consists of no less than seven layers consisting of a custom-designed pillow-top mattress set, a cosy down blanket, three crisp sheets ranging in thread count from 200 to 250, a

comforter, duvet and five plush pillows.

In the stylish bathroom, yet another celestial experience awaits. This time it’s the Heavenly Bath designed to give guests the bathing experience of their life featuring a custom-designed Speakman shower with two heads to provide more power and wider water coverage.

Ah yes, The Heavenly Spa. Decorated in neutral tones of grey and beige, accented with the use of natural textures and materials including wood and stone, is the cornerstone of the hotel’s focus on balance and harmony.

The hotel’s outdoor area is integral to the Westin experience. Most of the guest rooms are sea-facing, the spa offers a balconied chillout area overlooking the beach and every food and beverage outlet has the option of outdoor terraced seating with views over rolling manicured lawns and the stunning 1,200m meandering lazy-river style pool. The ultimate Westin dining experience is dinner a deux under the stars on one of the pool’s four islands – it’s not (as yet!) actually billed the Heavenly Dinner – but it might as well be! ❦

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your spa(ce)

Fabulous fusion

Away from the hubbub, relax your body and soul with an energising and revitalising massage

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sk any yogi and he will tell you that for a healthy mind and body, it is imperative that the five elements –metal, water, wood, fire and earth - are perfectly balanced. Then the yang (positive) and the yin (negative) energy also has to be in harmony. With our lives going topsy-turvy and stress becoming an everyday essential, how do we balance these elements of life? Well the easiest way is to cut yourself off from the world, put your mobile phone on silent and simply head for a spa. The therapies not only make your muscles relax, they even soothe your mind.

The Chi Spa at Shangri-la offers several different types of treatments.

One of these is the Aroma Vitality, which is designed to strengthen the body’s vital energy. It is a combination of Swedish, Shiatsu and reflexology and offers the benefits of all three.

The lights are dimmed and soft melodious music plays in the background. As soon as you lie down and feel comfortable, the therapist bangs a gong which signals the beginning of the therapy.

You are asked whether you need, low, medium or high pressure on your body. And I must say that the high pressure I asked for is not as excruciating as it is in some other spas. Here it was just right and the massage using aromatic oils continues till you reach a complete relaxation

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mode, so much that you literally fall asleep.

The pressure seems to unwind your nerves and puts you in a different frame of mind where you stop worrying about sending e-mails or receiving phone calls or reaching a meeting on time.

At the end of the treatment, the gong sounds again waking you up from a blissful stupor and bringing you back to the realities of daily life. But at the end of the 90-minute treatment, you feel that you should be pampering yourself more often in order to beat the stress and strains of routine existence.

The Aroma Vitality massage costs Dhs430. â?Ś

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restaurant reviews

The old and the new From tried and tested eateries to the city’s fresh hotspots, we take you on an adventurous culinary voyage

fried prawns served with a sweet garlic sauce, which were amazing and according to him the most delicious he’d ever had.

For the main course I requested Sandeep to ask the cook to prepare a vegetarian pizza but with a twist. I asked him to put cottage chees along with black olives and mushrooms. I got the idea from a cottage cheese pizza that I had tried at the same outlet during a special pizza promotion.

And I must say it was delicious. This time was no exception. My friend’s choice was the seabass from France cooked in saffron aromatised olive oil, artichokes and sea urchin, which too was superb.

For dessert I chose the nogat and chocolate ice cream which was the perfect culmination to an excellent meal. A fruit bowl was what my friend requested as he is more health conscious than I am.

Once again my opinion that Vivaldi is one of the best Italian eateries in town was strengthened as the service, ambience and overall the food were all above average.

SPICE ISLAND Renaissance Dubai Hotel Multi-cuisine Dhs169 – Dhs289 per person

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VIVALDI Sheraton Dubai Creek Cusine: Italian Price: Dhs300 per person

pice Island at the Renaissance Dubai Hotel is like an institution where multi-cuisine restaurants are concerned. They were the first ones who had introduced the ‘all you can eat and drink’ concept in Dubai many years ago. And it seems to be working till now except that the rates have understandably gone up. But you have three choices whereby the food remains the same but what changes is the beverages.

The ambience remains as lively as ever with boisterous diners exchanging jokes or simply sharing anecdotes. There is so much food that you can easily feed an army and the types of cuisine you can try is

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ivaldi is my favourite restaurant at the Sheraton Dubai Creek. And there are many reasons for it.

Firstly the consistency in food standards, which has been maintained since the restaurant opened nearly five years ago. Secondly the service, which has always been courteous and pleasant, and thirdly the location, which is breathtaking by any measure. Vivaldi boasts of a panoramic vista of the famous Dubai Creek that no other restaurant in this city can offer. With all of this, no wonder I choose this outlet whenever I feel like having an Italian meal.

As we were ushered to a corner table with a fantastic view of the creek below, Sandeep the restaurant manager stopped by to inquire what we would like to have? I chose the linguine allo oilio( linguine tossed with garlic, olive oil and chilli flakes), which was about average. My companion selected the pan-

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simply amazing. If you prefer Indian, then head for the tandoor station and try the chicken tikka or savour the dal and curries.

Otherwise head for the Thai, Chinese or Japanese corners. Sri Lankan choices were also available on the evening we were dining but this was part of a special promotion.

As usual, I headed for the sushi counter to try out the Japanese delicacy after which I tried the samosas and spring rolls. All these were delcious and made a good start to the dining experience.

For the main course it was pasta made a la minute while my dining companion tried lamb and Thai curries. Surprisingly the Thai food was mild compared to the chicken curry, which was spicy. Among the desserts, the chocolate cake was to die for and simply melted in the mouth. Once again the dinner at Spice Island turned out to be a sumptuous one.

ambience was chic. Dining at Fire & Ice was a genteel experience in a city where you won’t find too many fine-dining restaurants.

INDEGO Grosvenor House Cuisine: Indian Price: Dhs300 onwards per person

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ndego is the signature restaurant in Dubai of London-based Michelin star chef Vineet Bhatia, who specialises in presenting Indian dishes in a modern format. He also adds new ingredients to traditional dishes creating a delicious blend of the old and the new.

The meal began with a lentil soup that in Indian terms is referred to as sambhar. This was hot, spicy and delicious.

For starters, we ordered the non-veg mix kebab platter with smoked salmon, tandoori prawn and lamb sheek kebab. Among these, the tandoori prawn and smoked salmon were delicious. The vegetarian platter included paneer (cottage cheese) tikka, which was average; sev batata puri, which was quite nice and the aloo tikki, which was very nice.

In the main course, we ordered lamb shank, which was not exceptional but the mixed masala vegetables with paneer were amazing. The dal tadka, however, was bland and could have done with a sprinkling of spices, both for flavour and taste. But the piece de resistance came right at the end. Yes, I am talking about chef Vineet’s special creation, the chocolate samosa. You have to try it to believe how delicious it is.

Indego is an exclusive dining place which is favoured by the rich of Dubai. The food is light as the portions are not as large as in normal Indian restaurants. Each item that you order is plated and not necessarily meant to be shared. So if you like something, you

FIRE & ICE Raffles Dubai Cuisine: Modern French Price: Dhs400 onwards per person\

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he restaurants at Raffles Dubai have created quite a buzz and Fire & Ice is one of these. As you enter the venue, you see a lounge and a bar where you can try 190 different kinds of wine.

Move further inside and you see that the décor is minimalist and modern, very New York style. We are led to a corner table and once we were seated, the server appeared with a pleasant smile on her face.

The three types of bread that were brought to our table were hot, freshly baked and very delicious.

We decided to try the degustation menu so that we could sample small portions of as many delicacies as possible.

Among the non-veg items we tried, the smoked salmon and the duck terrine were fabulous. In vegetarian, the tempura was amazing as it was not oily at all. The sweet and sour sauce certainly added to the taste.

After the starters, it was time for the second course and the Cantaloupe tagliatelles served with mascarpone penne rigati, orange salad and roquette salad set the mood for the pumpkin Vanilla cappuccino, which followed.

The main course was composed of wild mushroom creamy risotto which was a bit too creamy for my taste as I prefer my risotto to be a bit dry. In desserts, we were served something which is off the beaten track. This was hibiscus nitro soup with hibiscus espuma and Szechuan pepper. You must try it, if only for its unique taste.

The service was pleasant and the servers very polite. But what was truly amazing was the presentation. The crockery used for every course was different and unlike any I have seen in other Dubai restaurants. The

end up yearning for more, like the sambhar or the chocolate samosas.

The ambience at Indego, like its cuisine, is Indian, but with a modern twist and the service is courteous as you would expect from a restaurant of this calibre.

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kitchen kings

reopening of the Grill Room, a two Michelin star restaurant.

From London, Steven travelled to Bangalore in India as a chef de cuisine for the Taj Group.

One year later, he joined The Fairmont Hotel in Dubai.

When asked about his culinary style, Steven said, “I always apply a holistic approach to my cooking,” and added. “Using the freshest of ingredients and working with authentic flavours ensures that there is honesty and sincerity in everything I prepare for my guests.”

When asked whether his emphasis was on taste, flavour or presentation, Steven replied, “In Chinese cuisine, there is a heavy emphasis on taste and flavour. I try to stay true to this with my interpretation of popular Shanghai and Szechuan dishes. And which one of these cuisines is his favourite? “My favourite is Shanghainese cuisine. It’s light, healthy and seafood-based. It relies on quick execution and easy preparation, which is something I appreciate a lot.”

Every chef adds something to make his/ her creations special, Steven is no exception. “I try to think outside the box. I stay true to the original flavours of the cuisine but add my own nuances, which is indicative of my culinary training in European fine dining cuisine.”

Steven’s cooking style is a delicious mixture

Oriental

Delights Shanghainese and Szechuan recipes by chef Steven Liu

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hef Steven Liu, who hails from Taipei, Taiwan, is the chef de cuisine at the award-winning Spectrum On One restaurant at The Fairmont Dubai. He was only 16 when he discovered his love for cooking and he got this trait from his mother. His father, who worked as an international cruise line captain and baker, also introduced him to the wonders of food.

Steven’s interest in culinary pursuits was further heightened when he began working at a local fast food eatery. In order to further his ambitions, Steven enrolled in the

Kai-Ping culinary school in Taipei. He later worked as an apprentice at the Ritz Landis Hotel, After a short stint as a scuba instructor in Bali, Steven returned home and took up a post at the Sherwood Hotel. From here onwards began his association with Fairmont Hotels. He moved to London where he worked in many prestigious outlets including the signature restaurants at The Savoy and The Dorchester. hotels Steven later joined Chef Ollie Couillard and got involved with the creation of new restaurant concepts including the

of traditional and innovative. “I keep to the traditional method of cooking for the basics and the method. Innovation comes from the embellishments, which showcase my personal culinary style.”

Steven has selected three recipes for our readers, We wanted to know why he had chosen these particular recipes? “These recipes are the ones that truly represent Shanghai and the Szechuan province. They’re popular national dishes which will entice not only our East Asian patrons but will also find resonance with many international gourmets.” ❦

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Deep-fried whole hammour in Yu Shig style Serves two Ingredients 1pc whole hammour 15gm onion 2gm garlic 2gm ginger 2gm spring onion 2gm coriander 10gm celery 10gm bell pepper 10gm eggplant 1gm chili flakes 2gm sugar 5 tbsp red chili paste

2 tbsp soya sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil Salt and pepper to taste

 Sprinkle corn flour on

Method  Clean the fish and scrape off the scales and gills. Wash under running water. Dry the fish with a paper napkin.  Dice the onion, celery, bell pepper, eggplant and chopped garlic, ginger and spring onion.

the fish and deep fry in oil (185ºC) for 10 to 13 minutes. Once cooked, remove the fish.  In a hot wok, sweat the garlic and ginger and add the diced vegetables.  Season the vegetables with chili paste and the sauces.

Finish with spring onion, coriander and sesame oil.  Plate the hammour and add the seasoned vegetables.

 



Method  Clean the scallops and remove the veins under running water. Dry with a paper napkin.  Peel the asparagus and 

cut it into pieces of three inches each.

Finely chop the garlic and ginger.

In a pot, blanch the scallops in boiling water for 10 seconds.

Remove the scallops and cool in a bowl filled with ice water.

In a hot wok, add the vegetable oil and sweat the chopped garlic and ginger.

Add the asparagus and the scallops. Fry for three minutes.

Season the scallops

Ingredients 5gm honey melon 5gm watermelon 3gm grapes 5gm lychee 20gm sugar 10gm tapioca 20ml coconut milk 5 mint leaves 1 tbsp lemon juice 2gm agar agar* 8gm almond paste Method  In a medium size pot under high heat, combine the almond paste with sugar and lemon juice.

Bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Add the agar agar and cool in the fridge.  Cut the watermelon into small cubes.  In a medium size pot under medium heat, add cold water.

Stir in the tapioca and slowly increase the heat until the tapioca turns crystal clear.

Strain the tapioca and cool it by placing it in the fridge.  Mix the tapioca with coconut milk and fruit. Add the almond paste mixture and dress with mint leaf.

Wok fried green asparagus with scallops Ingredients 150gm scallops 50gm green asparagus 2gm garlic 2gm ginger 2gm spring onion ½ tbsp sesame oil 1 clove star anise 2 tbsp fish stock 2 tbsp vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste

Si Mi Lo

(Fresh melon and lychee with almond jelly and coconut tapioca)

with salt and pepper and star anise. Add the fish stock, sesame oil and sprinkle the spring onions.

*Agar agar is a gelatinous substance that is prominent in East Asian desserts.

It can be used as a vegetarian gelatin substitute and as a thickener for soups, jellies and ice cream.

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book reviews

Thrillers take the cake

From museum heists to marital discords Books courtesy Borders, MOE

Third Degree

By Greg Iles Dhs75 his is a book that talks about changing relationships and how they affect a suburban American household and lead to senseless killings.

Dr Warren Shields lives happily with his wife Laurel and two children, Grant and Beth, in a big house set in an affluent neighbourhood. Things are going normally till Warren discovers a love letter in a copy of Pride And Prejudice lying in his library. He jumps to the conclusion that the letter was written to Laurel by her lover. From here onwards begins his journey downhill as the situation deteriorates hour after hour and develops into a hostage drama.

Except for certain long passages, the book keeps you hooked as you try to guess how the story will evolve and who will emerge the winner?

A good summer read, you can take it with you on holiday or read it on a long plane voyage.

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Jumping The Cracks

By Victoria Blake Price: Dhs75 his is one more installment in Victoria Blake’s Sam Falconer series. Sam is a private investigator and this time she returns to Oxford to open an office there along with her partner Alan Knowles. Little does she realise that a chance meeting with a man will trap her into looking after his Chihuahua, which in turn will lead to murder and mayhem.

Like The Looters, here too the backdrop is of a museum and the robberies that are taking place there. But unlike the former, here the characters are more down to earth and don’t lead the heady and ostentatious lifestyles that Harold Robbins’ Manhattan residents do. Even the story here is more plausible and moves at an even pace keeping your interest alive till the end.

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Rita and Sunil Vaswani with their children.

The Looters

By Harold Robbins and Junius Podrug Price: Dhs125 hen he was alive, Harold Robbins was known for spinning tales full of sex, sin and sleaze involving the rich and famous of America. Prominent books of his included Betsy and The Carpetbaggers.

After his death, his estate has been publishing his books which have been completed with the help of his friend Junius Podrug. The Looters is one such endeavour.

It is the story of a museum curator Maddison Dupre, who is on the lookout for a centerpiece for the Piedmont Museum where she works. She finds a golden mask that belonged to Sammu-ramat: Queen of Babylon.

This mask was stolen from the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad during the American invasion of 2003. And it is known to leave behind a murderous trail and it ends up destroying anyone who possesses it. Madisson is no exception. The moment she acquires the mask, her troubles begin. What follows is a saga of death and destruction that envelops all those who were associated with the US$55 million purchase.

The Looters starts off in a very promising way as the action moves from New York to London to Zurich to Malaga. But somewhere along the way, the story loses momentum and tends to drag on for no reason at all. Even the climax fails to impress and the revelations are a bit disappointing. Wish the writer had invested more time in developing a plot that went deeper. But still the book is worth a read if you on a beach holiday and want to kill some time while you are sunbathing.

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book reviews

Damnation Falls

By Edward Wright Price: Dhs70 dward Wright’s Damnation Falls is a page-turner from the word go. It has its share of suspense, drama and anxious moments when you feel sorry for certain characters and wonder why life can be so unfair to some?

The chilling story is narrated by Randal Wilkes, who is a disgraced journalist.

Wilkes is offered to write the memoirs of his friend Sonny MacMahan, who is the former governor of Tennessee. Wilkes accepts the offer and heads to Pilgrim’s Rest, a place where both he and Sonny spent their childhood and a place that has mixed memories for both the men.

The moment Wilkes lands in his hometown, the trouble starts. First Sonny’s mother Faye is killed along with her caretaker Opal. Then another man gets murdered leading Wilkes on a wild goose chase that unravels mysteries that have lied buried since many decades.

Damnation Falls is one of those books where the author keeps the reader engrossed from page 1 till the end. Like in any suspense novel, the arrow of suspicion points in different directions till it focuses on one particular individual. Edward Wright not only maintains the momentum but also creates an atmosphere that is ripe with danger. The dark nights, the mists, the shadowy figures moving through the landscape all add to create the fear psychosis. And the end when it comes is equally mystifying. A must read.

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Critical

By Robin Cook Price: Dhs85 his is one more medical thriller by Robin Cook and this time too the prolific writer does not disappoint his readers.

Angela Dawson has everything going for her. She is the owner of three specialty hospitals and is in for a major windfall with an IPO coming up. But even before her euphoria could subside, she discovers that things are not as hunky dory as she thought. There are mysterious deaths taking place in all her hospitals and while not many have put two and two together, pathologist Laurie Montgomery has noticed the pattern in these deaths.

And she has every reason to investigate as her stubborn husband Jack is headed for surgery in one of Angela’s hospitals. This despite repeated requests by Laurie to postpone the surgery.

But Laurie had not realised that by interfering, she is not only antagonising Angela Dawson but certain other elements who will not even hesitate to take her life.

How Laurie deals with this problem forms the crux of the story. Robin Cook weaves a web of suspense, deceit and murder with the same finesse as he has done many times in the past.

As people keep dying one after the other, the tension keeps on increasing till you are desperate to find out who’s behind these deaths? But surprisingly the revelation is not as dramatic as the rest of the book and you feel let down to a certain extent. But despite this, Critical is an eminently readable book.

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Where Are You Now

BY Mary Higgins Clark Price: Dhs125 arolyn MacKenzie and her mother Olivia wait with bated breath every year for Mack to call. He is Carolyn’s elder brother who disappeared one day without any trace.

Since then, he has decided to stay away from home and only calls his mother on Mother’s Day. But Carolyn feels that enough is enough and that she cannot take any more of this torture by her brother. She decides to find out where he is once and for all and close this subject forever. But little does she realise that her resolve to solve this mystery is going to upset someone who wants to make sure that the hidden secrets never come out.

This book is vintage Mary Higgins Clark with the right dollops of suspense and thrill on each page. The characterisation is superb with each character managing to stand out even in a crowd. The author also throws a suitable number of red herrings to ensure that the readers do not find out the identity of the culprit till the last page. Definitely good holiday reading.

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the super rich

object Money’s no

These are people for whom money literally grows on trees. They earn much more than they can ever spend

Billionaires’ abodes Would you want to know which are the 10 cities in the world that have the largest concentration of billionaires?

Well, here is a list compiled by Forbes.

Moscow New York London Los Angeles Hong Kong Istanbul Mumbai San Francisco Dallas Tokyo But what makes this list so interesting is the facts associated with this finding. Like for example, Mumbai is the world’s seventh largest city in terms of billionaire population but in terms of wealth of resident billionaires, it comes on top with an average net worth of $7.6 billion.

The Russian capital Moscow is at the top with 74 billionaires with an average wealth of US$5.9 billion.

New York, which was at the top last year is now ranked second with 71 billionaires whose average wealth is US$3.3 billion while London is home to 36 billionaires.

Istanbul boasts of 34 billionaires followed by Hong Kong (30) and Los Angeles (24).

Britain’s richest

Lakshmi Mittal

Indian steel baron Lakshmi Mittal has been ranked as Britain’s richest resident, for the fourth year in The Sunday Times Rich List 2008. Mittal and his family’s total fortune is worth an estimated $54 billion.

Kirsty and Ernesto Bertarelli

Mittal is followed by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, with a $23.5 billion fortune, and the Duke of Westminster -- the richest property developer in Britain, who is reportedly worth $14 billion.

The Hinduja brothers -- Sri and Gopi -- are at number four at $12.5 billion. Alisher Usmanov, a former prosecutor in Uzbekistan, who appears at number five, built his $11.75 billion dollar fortune through steel and ore mines.

A former Miss United Kingdom from Staffordshire, Kirsty Bertarelli, is the highest placed woman, at

number six, alongside her 42-year-old husband, Swiss biotechnology tycoon Ernesto Bertarelli.

Next on the list are Hans Rausing and family, who developed the Tetra Pak, the shipping owner John Fredriksen, the retail millionaires Sir Philip and Lady Green, and David and Simon Reuben, who aree in the British property market.

Ambanis fly higher In a first for a residential building in Mumbai, the Ambanis are constructing a helipad atop their 20storey home, Seawind at Cuffe Parade.

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Roman Abramovich

abuts the sea, and a swimming pool.

There is also provision for basement parking. Ratan Tata is known to be a collector of automobiles. A BMC source revealed that interior designers from Singapore and Hong Kong are being consulted for the project.

Realty record

The Duke of Westminster

the mansion is a whopping $230 million. Aditya wants to move into a house on the London street where his father Lakshmi Mittal lives and he has been searching for such a property for a long time.

Now, Aditya is all set to buy the house owned by Noam Gottesman, an American hedge fund mogul.

Ratan's dream fulfilled Hans Rausing

At present, both Mukesh and Anil use the ’copter landing facility at Mahalaxmi racecourse for local travel.

Apart from his younger brother Anil and his family, and their mother Kokilaben, Mukesh Ambani, is also at present living at Seawind till his new multi-storeyed residence, Antilia, which is under construction, is completed. Mukesh has sought permission to build a helipad at his new home too.

His dad's neighbour According to newspaper reports, Aditya Mittal will soon be the proud owner of a home overlooking the Kensington Palace.The price tag of

Indian newspapers have reported that Ratan Tata, chairman of India’s Tata Group, has begun work on his postretirement home, on a plot touching the Arabian Sea, at Colaba in Mumbai.

According to sources, a detailed proposal for the bungalow has been submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for necessary approvals and demolition work has started on Cebine’s, the building that currently occupies the plot. A Tata subsidiary owns the land.

Tata’s bungalow spread over a sprawling 1,238 sq metre will be a three-storey structure and as per the architectural plans submitted to the BMC, there will be living areas of 600 sq ft each on either side of the first two floors.

The bungalow will also have a reading room towards the rear which

Indian film star and BJP Member of Parliament, Vinod Khanna, set a new realty record in India by buying a flat at the Il Palazzo building in Mumbai for Rs1,20,000 ($2800 or Dhs10,320) a square foot. Il Palazzo is located at Little Gibbs Road at Malabar Hill, a charming, upmarket residential enclave where the creme de la creme of Mumbai live.

Khanna paid a total of Rs300 million ($7.02 million or Dhs25.8 million) for 2,500 sq ft (carpet area) sea facing flat located on the 13th floor of the B wing. The Khannas already own an apartment in the C wing of the 21-storeyed Il Palazzo.

The flat was sold by Citibank.

Top models Gisele Bundchen has been named the highest earning model of 2007 for the the second consecutive year in a list compiled by Forbes.com.

The 27-year-old supermodel earned $35 million last year.

This was two million more than she earned in 2006 and over twice as much as Heidi Klum, the second highest earner in 2007.

Kate Moss has dropped one place to third position. Orlando Bloom’s girlfriend, Australian Miranda Kerr, is a new entry at number 10. ❦

Giselle Bundchen

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1000 words

Take your

pick

Pictures speak louder than words and this is abundantly clear with these offbeat pics that take you to all corners of the world

PICTURES: Getty Images.

THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE SHIRT Eton Shirts have launched ‘The Worlds Most Expensive Shirt’, The Eaton Diamond, on the occasion of their 80th anniversary. The shirt, priced at $45,000, has seven coloured diamonds that adorn the studs and cufflinks. You can see it at the Eton store in London, England.

WANNA CUP? The Blue Cross animal charity organised a tea party at the Oxo Tower restaurant in London to raise funds for animals in its care. Here’s Romi, one of the star guests.

A FLORAL BILLBOARD This ‘flowertising’ billboard is made up of 400 fresh roses,1500 carnations and 1000 chrysanthemums and over 102,000 petals.The board promoted the Children’s Society Garden in the run up to the Chelsea Flower Show in London, England.

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IN FULL BLOOM Moss phlox flowers are seen in Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

An Olympic-themed flower exhibition in Wuhan of Hubei Province, China, where nearly two million pots of flowers are displayed.

HI CACTI A presentation of cacti by Southfield Nurseries at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, England.

SCULPTED IN SAND A security guard stands on a sand sculpture at the Noah’s Ark Sand Sculpture Park in Beijing.

The park is the biggest in China and displays about 100 sand sculptures.

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looking forward to

Tinseltown

treats

The films that will draw you to the theatres this month

Son Of Rambow

Cast: Bill Milner, Will Poulter, Jules Sitruk, Jessica Stevenson, Neil Dudgeon, Anna Wing Director: Garth Jennings he film’s central character is Will (Bill Milner), a young boy whose family belongs to a fundamentalist religious sect that has strict rules about not watching TV or movies. But Will has a wild imagination. He draws pictures of dragons and monsters and concocts stories of fantastic heroes.

At school, he becomes friends with Carter (Will Poulter), and one day at Carter’s house, Will sees his first movie, a pirated copy of First Blood. Suddenly, he becomes obsessed with “Rambow” and he and Carter begin making their own Rambowthemed movie. They are then taken under the wing of Didier (Jules Sitruk), the ultra-popular French exchange student. With him on board, the door to being “cool” opens wide to Will. But his mother (Jessica Stevenson) senses that her son is being drawn into worldly activities and asks a church friend (Neil Digeon) to intervene. This is a ‘feel good’ movie of the type that used to be very popular in the 1980s.

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The Bank Job

Cast: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Richard Lintern, David Suchet Director: Roger Donaldson

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he Bank Job is a heist movie in the classic tradition. Given the fact that political intrigue and espionage are also a part of the plot only makes it more fascinating.

Terry Leather (Jason Statham) is a dodgy East End character.

He runs a car-sales garage and is in debt to a loanshark. Terry is happily married to Wendy (Keely Hawes). However, when ex-flame Martine Love (Saffron Burrows) needs someone to help her with a heist, she approaches Terry with a proposition. The idea is to steal the contents of a safety deposit box in a bank. Terry chooses to believe Martine but does not realise that she is indeed a puppet in the hands of an MI5 agent named Tim Everett (Richard Lintern), whoalso wants a part of the loot from safety deposit box 118.

The Bank Job has been described as a smart, well-paced and exciting entertainer.

Ashayein

Cast: John Abraham, Prateeksha Lonkar, Shreyas Talpade Director: Nagesh Kukunoor his is the poignant tale of Rahul Singh (John Abraham), a compulsive gambler, who wins a bet and throws a party in celebration. The same night, Rahul proposes to Nafisa (Sonal Sehgal) and then announces their engagement. But then suddenly he collapses.

In the hospital, he learns that he has only 90 days to live.

He leaves everything behind and moves into a hospice. Here his life undergoes a dramatic change thanks to the people he comes across. With Nagesh Kukunoor at the helm, you can expect something special.

English films courtesy: Gulf Films

Kung Fu Panda

Cast Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Ian McShane Director(s) Mark Osborne, Po the Panda (voice of Jack Black) dreams of being a martial arts master, but is in reality a fat, lazy, black and white slob. But when his town is threatened by evildoers, a group of real kung fu experts need to transform Po into the legendary “chosen one” who is destined to save the day.

This one is surely ideal summertime family viewing.

Mere Baap Pehle Aap

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Genelia D’Souza Director: Priyadarshan nce again Priyadarshan, Pareah Rawal and Akshaye Khanna team up in this film, which promise to be a laugh riot.

It is the story of a widower Janaradhan Wishvanbhar Rane (Paresh Rawal) and his two sons Chirag (Manoj Joshi) and Gaurav (Akshaye Khanna). Gaurav thinks that it is his responsibility to look after his dad and he does so by maintaining strict discipline where his father is concerned. Especially because Gaurav feels that his dad will get spoilt in the company of his best friend, Madhav Mathur (Om Puri), who is a divorcee and desperate to get married.

Suddenly Gaurave comes across Sheekha Kapoor (Genelia D’souza) who stays with her guardian Anuradha (Shobana), who is Janardhan’s first love.

Gaurav and Sheekha vow to get Janardhan and Anuradha married and in the process become soul mates.

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Hotel

hopping The exciting culinary offers at the city’s top hotels

Truly Asian

A

siana restaurant at The Raffles Dubai offers a menu composed of delicacies from countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.

Each dish is authentically prepared and delicately presented by chefs in the restaurant’s open kitchen. The eatery, open for lunch and dinner, offers sweeping city views from every seat.

For more information, call 04 3149888

Mussels galore

E

xecutive Chef Marcus Gregs of Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai is holding a scrumptious mussels promotion at the Italian restaurant La Veranda from June 15th-22nd every evening from 7pm onwards. You can taste mussels cooked in a variety of international styles like Moules Marinieres, Mussels Italienne, Mussels Belgium Style or Mussel “Far East” Style The mussels will be sold by the gram with prices starting at Dhs50 for 500gms and going up to Dhs145 for two kilograms, meaning the more you feast the more reasonable it gets For more information, call 04 3366000

Mango Mania

T

his month, Ashiana, the Indian restaurant at Sheraton Dubai Creek, is laying out a food fiesta composed of the king of mangoes - the Alphonso.

Some of the dishes to look out for are Alphonso phirnee (a traditional Basmati rice and mango pudding, flavoured with rose), aamra khand (creamed hung yoghurt and diced mangoes, perfumed with green cardamom and mace), or Alphonso kulfi (the famous Indian ice cream combined with Alphonso mangoes and almonds).

Prices start from Dhs26 net per dish.

For more information, call 04 2071733.

High Tea

T

he Lounge at Park Hyatt Dubai serves High Tea daily from 3pm to 7pm. Keeping up this ancient English tradition, you can have three courses, starting with assorted crust less finger sandwiches.

Next, savour the taste of freshly baked raisin and apple scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and, finally a selection of tea pastries. You can have a choice of fine teas including Imperial English Breakfast, Imperial Earl Grey and Darjeeling. The Afternoon Tea is priced at Dhs115 per couple.

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astrology

Star

gazing

with Vinay Nasta E-mail: nastavinay@yahoo.com

Gemini

Libra

Aquarius

T

T

May 22-June 21 hink twice before taking major decisions. But when you make one, stick with it. Success will come but with great effort, so do not lose the focus and belief that ‘you can do it’. Spending time in solitude such as walking on the beach, strolling in the park or swimming and reflecting on your life in a positive way will do wonders for your growth as a person.

Cancer

June 22-July 22

T

he month will be positive, especially if you are working in a partnership, either in business or a relationship. Things will go smoothly. However, analyse everything that comes your way in a logical and realistic way. Stay grounded. A barefoot walk on the grass in the evenings would stabilise your mind.

Leo

July 23-Aug 22

T

ravel and change are very likely this month. If you are seeking commitment in a relationship, you may find that it is hard to come by. Have patience as this is just a passing phase. Keep your communications clear and to the point with people around you. Unexpected good news could come your way.

Virgo

Aug. 23-Sept. 23

D

on’t give up before even trying properly.

Be extra cautious when dealing with property matters.

You may experience problems or delays relating to your home or the purchase of a new house.

However these challenges can force you to seek new directions that can be more beneficial to you. Re-evaluate and check carefully before you sign legal papers.

Sept. 24-Oct. 23

Jan. 21. - Feb. 19

appiness and good news related to children is in the offing. Although you have worked very hard to get where you are, you will still need a little more patience before joy and fulfillment comes your way. But it will come for sure.

Keep things simple and avoid being over indulgent. It is a good time to check and bring your finances in order.

H

his could be a time of absolute endings and new beginnings.

You have to accept change, but do so gracefully rather than reluctantly. Mostly it will be positive. Take advice from someone you trust before taking any major decisions.

And be open to their viewpoints. Make more effort to socialise rather than spending time alone. Do things that help you build your confidence.

Scorpio

Pisces

C

I

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22 hange is in the air. Go with the flow rather than resist the changes that come your way, as that will only delay things. If you have been planning to spend some quality time with your loved ones, this is thee appropriate moment to do so. Some gain of property or money through your family is likely.

Sagittarius Nov. 23 -Dec. 21

I

Feb. 20-Mar. 20

t is a good time to make crucial decisions especially if you are in a serious relationship. Be gentle and kind in choosing y o u r words when communicating with others.

Overall, it is a good time to delve deep within and look at the needs of your inner self. Get yourself a spa treatment or enroll in a yoga/ fitness class.

Aries

Mar 21 - Apr 19

t will be wise to trust your own intuition or gut feelings and not doubt it. New ideas that you have been thinking about need nurturing, so they can be put into action. It is a great time to research and plan for these ideas to materialise into something solid. Watch out for people who seem very friendly on the surface but are actually manipulative.

ou could experience feelings of insecurity or perhaps loss due to unfair means used by certain people. However persistence will pay you rich dividends and you will begin to gain control and learn to deal with your weaknesses.

The key phrase is “Don’t give up” Commitments, marriage or relationships need to be reviewed and reflected upon.

Capricorn

Taurus

H

S

Dec 22. - Jan. 20

ave a youthful approach to life and seek new ways and approaches to handle tricky situations. You may feel challenged about a particular matter, either related to children or new ideas that you want to work on, and feel kind of stuck and confused. Remember this is only a passing phase. Watching the early morning sunrise would enhance your energy and enthusiasm.

Y

Apr. 21- May 21 ustained efforts will bring you victory. Be assertive, believe in yourself, and unexpected good news could be on the way.

Do not over depend on others and do not wear your heart on your sleeve. Do things that make you happy, as you could be very moody and emotional this month.

Judge others by their actions and not their words. ❦

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a word in edgewise

Fair weather

friends Don’t trust everyone who claims to be your friend for you could be in for unpleasant surprises says Jawahar Chhoda

I

am a person of a very friendly disposition and tend to get close to people very quickly. And till recently, I was naïve enough to believe that whoever was nice to me to my face was my friend. The important words here are,’ till recently’.

The year 2007 brought about a tremendous change in my outlook where friends and friendship was concerned. That’s when I realised that everyone who spoke sweetly to me was not necessarily my friend.

First of all, let us analyse what a friend really means.

1) He or she is a person with whom you feel very comfortable.

2) This comfort level ensures that you can be yourself with your close friends without being judged.

3) And since you are so open with those you consider your friends, you begin to trust them implicitly.

4) Of course if you trust them, you share your innermost secrets with them without fear of these being disclosed to anyone else.

5) You also assume that your friends will stand by you through rain and shine, that they will be your pillars of strength in times of need, which could be emotional, social or financial.

6) You believe that on sharing with your friends your joys are doubled and your sorrows are halved.

But did this happen with me?

Not really! I was extremely comfortable with a few people whom I thought were my friends, which is why I opened up my heart to them. My trust and my assumption that they were like an extended family ensured that I confided in them without thinking about the repercussions. And I did assume that these men and women would stand by me through thick and thin. I shared joyful moments with them and they did comfort me during distressing times.

So what went wrong? Why did I change my attitude towards friendship?

That’s because I realised that these ladies and gentlemen, whom I thought were my closest friends, were actually sitting on the fence. While I thought they would stand by me through trying times, they let me down when I needed their emotional support the most.

Knowing full well that I was an extremely sensitive person, they broke my heart without much ado. Not only that, they even breached the tenet of confidentiality in friendship.

So were they my friends? Not really. And am I sad to lose them?

Initially I was but later I realised that they weren’t worth my emotions. This

turmoil helped me separate the wheat from the chaff. Today I have fewer friends but these are people who have stood by me for a long time. They care for and respect my feelings unlike the fair weather pals I had before.

Until recently with my trusting, disposition, everyone was a friend to me till proved otherwise. These days, most of them are social acquaintances till proved friends.

Moral of the story: You can choose your friends, so exercise this choice very carefully. Get close to those who enrich your life, not the ones who play with your emotions and leave you heartbroken. ❦ Picture: Getty Images

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