Unique Times-Feb 2012

Vol 1.Issue No. 4. February 2012 ` 30

www.uniquetimes.org

LIQUOR = POISON

THE HOT & SOFT RICHA

A DAY WITH THE KHILADI AT MANAPPURAM FINANCE ADVT SHOOT BEAUTIFUL YOU: TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER THE NEW SINGING SENSATION OF KOLLYWOOD

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We Colour the World Beautifully

R

CO N T EN T S

16 A Day with the Khiladi at Manappuram Finance Advt Shoot

8 The Hot & Soft Girl

36 Let’s do it this way

Vol 1.Issue No. 4. February 2012 ` 30

www.uniquetimes.org

LIQUOR = POISON

THE HOT & SOFT RICHA

A DAY WITH THE KHILADI AT MANAPPURAM FINANCE ADVT SHOOT BEAUTIFUL YOU: TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER THE NEW SINGING SENSATION OF KOLLYWOOD

Cover Page : Denzilina Brown Miss South India 2009 1st Runner up Photo

38

The New Singing Sensation of Kollywood

30

: Aafoo

Beautiful you: today, tomorrow and forever

18

Media Focus The headline makers

>> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>>

20

32 The Sari - Now you see, now you don't Kind of A Dress.

24

Art of making life simpler

40

Trendy Nails

26

Technology

46

Health Queries

The pink city of India - JAIPUR

From the Editors Desk February, shortest month of the year- yet a day more this time!

A month filled with fragrance of romance in the air ! In a few days from now, the papers and hoarding will scream about the latest must have or ideas for expressing your love: a quiet lunch or even a tab at a reduced price, you have a huge range to choose depending on your pocket size . Reason - Valentine's day.

The question that comes to my mind at present is do we need a particular day to express our 'love' to any one?? It is quiet all around for the moment..

What is love? Somewhere I read,� True love is neither physical nor romantic.. It is unconditional.� It is also said, genuine love is patient , thoughtful, kind and forgiving.

It is spontaneous without any walls of mind, body & soul.

Today, 'love' has become an interesting topic for everyone.

Studies have revealed that children who do not receive sufficient love and care cannot survive; instead they become withdrawn and very aggressive. Like wise, teenagers show a tendency of depression if they are deprived of love.

And adults for that matter become ill both emotionally and physically.

In the end, they lead a hollow life.

I would say understanding others is the first step to love anyone. It is unselfish. It is expressed and directed outward towards others. Never wait for a day to celebrate 'love'. This has to be our life style.

Idea is, you do not have to wait for any moments sent from heaven to love others. This is an every second task. You may have difference on ideologies or behavior. But that should not stop your love any one. Love is what makes a person genuine, brave and empathetic towards others.

Each one of us is a valentine to some one or the other.

We will receive love when we start loving others.

Helen Keller said;''The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they must be felt with the heart".

Let us touch the heart of every one we meet during the journey of life.

Happy Valentine's day to all the warm hearts out there Let Every day be your Valentines' 365x24x7 !

Ajit Ravi EDITOR

EDITOR, PRINTER,

uniquetimesindia@gmail.com

Sreerekha R. Nair

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06 February 2012

The Hot & Soft Girl “Honestly, till now I never explored the script due to the language barrier.” - Richa Panai

Y

ou have seen this fresh face on

Hut, and Reliance Express. I also did an

right from my school days. They always

television, flaunting bright gold

appearance in the IPL Pune video.

let me attend beauty pageants, NCC

jewelleries of Bhima jewellers.

camps and other personality classes,

The svelte model-turned-actress, Rich

Beauty pageants that you have

which I believe today is well reflected in

Panai created waves in the Malayalam

participated so far?

my life.

film industry with her stunning

I have participated in Miss Lucknow

performance in three Malayalam

when I was doing my schooling and to

Your greatest criticiser?

movies, back-to-back. Hailing from

add to my happiness, Shabani Aazmi

My mother has always been my greatest

Uttaranchal and having done her

had crowned me. Then I went on to win

criticiser. Though she is sans any film

graduation in arts, she preferred the

titles like Miss Anandi and Miss North

hereditary and unknown to the

world of stars than any other profession.

India the following years.

Malayalam language, she watched all

After Bangkok Summer, Vadamali, and Sandwich, she is now on the constant

my movies from a common viewer's Despite winning all these titles, why

point of view and shared her opinions and tips to improvise my acting.

lookout of next project. UT caught up

didn't you attempt for your dream

with her for a candid chat. Excerpts from

pageant Miss India?

the conversation…

Blame it on my height that I could not

How did Bangkok Summer happen to

participate in the Miss India pageant.

you?

What defined your childhood ambition?

They required five feet seven inches,

The director of the movie spotted me in

I always had this ambition of being an

while I was just an inch lesser, five feet

my ad for Bhima jewellers. When he

actress, and never a model. I also

six inches. Fate I say. But I never

approached with the script for the role of

wanted to participate in the Miss India

brooded over it. I moved ahead and won

Ganga, I realised it was time that I switch

contest as I was highly influenced by

three movies and many advertisements

my career from modelling to acting. And

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and

in my career thus far.

hence, my first movie.

Sushmitha Sen. Preity Zinta and Rani Mukherjee too have inspired my

Your greatest inspiration?

What was the level of discomfort that

passion for acting.

My parents are my greatest inspiration.

you faced while doing the few steamy

Despite not hailing from a filmy

scenes in Vadamalli?

Tell us more about your modelling

background, they were really supportive

assignments?

I am not a ramp model, I do modelling for print and visual media. I have done ads for various brands like Maruthi (South), Bhima Jewellers, Adidas, NIIT, Pizza

08 February 2012

I and Rahul Madhav were already friends since the Bangkok Summer

INTERVIEW

movie. I think because it was him that I

Tell us about the comments and

did not feel any uneasiness while doing

suggestions that you have received

the scenes. Otherwise, I am a very

from your fans?

restrictive person. A tad bit of

All my fans have always been very nice

melodrama was included in the song for

and honest with me. They would pitch in

me, which in turn boosted my

their suggestions and opinions which

confidence to do the scenes.

would help me to do something more.

Your three movies failed to make it to the

How about marriage? Are you seeing

box-office. What do you think possibly

somebody?

could have gone wrong?

Right now, I am seeing somebody. I

I believe luck also matters in one's life.

intend to enter wedlock with him by the

Chackochan's every movie has always

next year. Details would be exposed

made it to the box office and clicked well.

later.

Moreover, I guess the script also did not complement the expectations of today's'

Were you a nerd at school or the

script.

notorious little girl?

I was a very notorious kid at school.

How do you normally choose your

Since I was the youngest in my family, I

movies?

had the freedom to be me. I think I have

Honestly, till now I never explored the

not changed ever since, but relatively

script due to the language barrier. The

better now (LOL).

story used to be briefed to me and following that, I picked my movie. That's

An incident that you would never forget

how it worked.

in your life?

And now in the near future?

received my first ever award for

I will never forget the moment when I Now I have decided that I would

Vadamalli at the Asianet Filmfare Award

thoroughly go through each line in the

in Dubai. I have lots of fun and memories

script, understand the story and then

to cherish.

make my move. Hope that will fetch me success.

SMK

Photo: Suvodas

February 2012 09

most popular gift today.

y a d s ' e n i t Valen te a r b e l e c o t A day ‘LOVE'

T

here are different opinions about the history of Valentine's Day. Some experts say, it's celebrated to remember St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine".

This note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. Now, every year on this day, people remember and celebrate. Most importantly, they think about love and friendship and also think of Emperor Claudius and how he tried to stand in the way of love.They laugh and celebrate because they know that love can't be beaten!

Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Over time, February 14 has become the date for exchanging love messages and a celebration of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. The date is marked by sending poems and simple gifts, such as flowers, to loved ones and secret loves. By far, Valentine's Day Flowers are the

10 February 2012

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards.

Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14.

In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons.The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!�

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

There is another belief that on a leap year if a woman tell a man that she loves him, the man

VALENTINES

must marry her! Traditions have changed over the centuries, now its all different and new.

Every year a new trend is observed.

Years ago it was all about self written love poems and declarations of love, which moved to giving cards and flowers. Then it became the specific red rose. Now it has come to exclusive spa treatments for the couples, candle light dinner and music. Gifts has become notebooks and tabs.

Orange colored dress code : Already in love.

Blue colored dress code : Applications welcomed.

Black colored dress code : Not interested in love.

Yellow colored dress code : Failure in love.

Green colored dress code : Accepted a love.

Red colored dress code : Already booked.

White colored dress code : Double sided.

Times change, traditions change too, but the love always remains the same.

You have 364 days to celebrate love, but you have a single day to express it when love is in the air all around you! So make it extra special and celebrate love!

- compiled from different sources

by SRA-

The generation today have even dress codes defined for the day.

If you are wearing a Pink colored dress it would mean that you are going to propose to someone.

Photo: UT

February 2012 11

LIQUOR = POISON [ An Ayurvedic View] N.K. PADMANABHAN VAIDHYAR

The system of Ayurveda has zero

have caused serious health concerns;

tolerance for liquor or its use. Ancient

unlike the damage caused by modern

Ashtangahridaya texts strongly

imported and other toxic forms of

advocates abolishing the making,

alcohol. Ayurveda sees liquor as poison.

selling or buying of liquor. The ancient

The human body works hard to

Ayurveda texts do not give detailed

eliminate poison from the system.

descriptions about specific ailments

Actually, the efforts and struggles to

caused due to alcoholism. Perhaps in

eliminate the poison in the alcohol from

olden times the naturally occurring

the body translate into the feeling of

fermented forms of alcohol could not

intoxication.

Modern days,

cultural and social

advancements could have contributed to the use of alcohol. People have both good and evil in them. His quest for an exotic lifestyle could have led him to seek the pleasures of liquor consumption. It is mentioned in the Vedas that the Gods did enjoy intoxicating beverages. They made it by squeezing the juice out of the leaves of exotic plants. According to legends, Lord Siva liked intoxicating drinks. His

12 February 2012

HEALTH

method was extracting Toddy from the

stream without having to go through the

IS THERE ALCOHOL IN AYURVEDA

roots of coconut trees.

digestive processes. Once in the blood

ARISHTAM?

stream, it first reaches the liver. The liver The ancient book of 'Arkaprakasham'

has the responsibility of cleaning up the

Yes, some Ayurveda medicines have a

discusses the subject of liquor in detail.

toxic elements in the blood. It has the

very low level of alcohol in them. It is

Ravana's wife Mandhodari wrote this

remarkable ability to perform over 500

important to understand that no alcohol

book using the knowledge passed on to

different major bodily functions.

is added to these medicines

her by Lord Siva. 'Arkam' means liquor.

When one drinks excessively, the liver is

deliberately. During the process of

The locally brewed Arrack must have

left with the heavy burden of cleaning it

fermenting some medicine, traces of

derived its name from 'Arkam'.

from the system. When it is regularly

alcohol is naturally formed. This alcohol

Arkaprakasam also describes making

taxed with such heavy duty, it gets weak

is not harmful like the commercially

alcoholic beverages by fermenting

and starts to under- perform. The pear

brewed alcohol which is fermented

fruits, roots, meat etc. It even discusses

shaped waist and large tummy are

solely for manufacturing alcohol.

fermenting human flesh to make liquor.

obvious consequences

of such liver

Unfortunately there are few who misuse

This points to the fact that peoples

malfunctions. Ayurveda has profound

this by intentionally adding alcohol to

knowledge about fermenting alcohol

natural methods to treat and reverse

these medicines to facilitate

was deep and extensive. Many become

such damages. Alcohol breaks-up in the

intoxication, and bringing huge shame

prone to alcoholism because of the

liver and some toxic elements formed as

to the genuine Ayurvedic system.

pleasant intoxication it gives soon after

a result slows down the alert responses

One of the 10 major actions of alcohol is

consuming it.

of the brain. That is how alcohol

its power to act quickly. ' Kashayas'

becomes intoxicating.

which are excellent medicines take time

Alcohol directly gets into the blood

February 2012 13

to bring about results, while 'Arishtas' bring quicker results. The presence of alcohol in 'Arishtam' helps the medication to mix with the blood faster, thus promoting rapid action. We have accepted giving small quantities of alcohol even to pregnant women ; and also as a broth in general health sustaining treatment. According to Ayurveda pundits, even poison can be used as medicine to restore health in rare circumstances under expert supervision. Lighter alcohol in small controlled quantity can boost appetite and expedite digestion. On the contrary, people who abuse alcohol will experience the ill effects

“Nowadays it is very difficult to get

of diminished appetite and

pure toddy which is not fermented.

IS TODDY CONSIDERED AN

digestion. During pregnancy small

Commercially available toddy is

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

quantities

is

polluted with traces of poisonous

administered for a short period to

substances like Diazepam. So it is

The initial pure toddy that is extracted

boost the appetite.

ideal to avoid even toddy.�

from Palmera or coconut trees has only

of

alcohol

very little alcohol. When it is left to turn pungent or when it is fermented, it becomes potent alcohol. Sweet toddy before fermentation is good for energy and vigour. A beverage made out of grapes and other ingredients added to toddy is very effective for controlling ailments caused by over-heating of the body. But nowadays it is very difficult to get pure toddy which is not fermented.

Commercially available toddy is polluted with traces of poisonous substances like Diazepam. So it is ideal to avoid even toddy.

DISEASES DUE TO ALCOHOL ABUSE. The most affected is the liver. Liver diseases are not easy to detect in the early stages. Once confirmed, there are effective medicines in Ayurveda.

14 February 2012

HEALTH ALCOHOL CRAVING CAN BE TREATED. DRAKSHADHI DECOCTION (Kashayam) taken one ounce in the morning and at night can help reduce alcohol craving. This is ideal for people who have difficulty to kick the habit of alcohol abuse. When under treatment with Drakshadi, one should refrain from alcohol, tobacco, meat and fish. There will be excellent results after just 28 days.

Shred 20 grams each of Kurunthotti roots, Raisins, Sathavari bulbs, tie the mixture within a clean cloth sac. Boil it in the mixture of 200ml cow's milk and 800ml water. Keep boiling until all water evaporates. Squeeze the essence out of the sac when it cools down. If one takes this milk decoction continuously for 41 days, alcohol craving will be completely cured. The body will get brighter with more vigour.

ALCOHOL IS POISON. Alcohol is poison. Do not make it, give it or consume it. - Sree Narayana Guru This is the most famous and harsh criticism on alcohol in Malayalam. Sree Narayana Guru has simplified what is discussed

in

detail

in

the

'Ashtangahridaya' for ordinary people to understand. 'Madhya vikriya sandhana dhanapanani varjitham'.

Sree

Narayana Guru took this from Ashtangahridaya and conveyed it in a simplified manner.

According to

Ayurveda principles also, alcohol is poison.

N.K. PADMANABHAN Vaidhyar, Nupal Remedies Private Limited, Kadavanthra, Kochi.

Ph: 0484 2206560 Photo: UT

February 2012 15

A Day With The Kiladi UT takes you back to the day when Akshay Kumar Landed Kochi for the Manapuram Finance ad shoot By the Dubai Take 01 advertising company.

The day finally happened for the Manapuram Finance as well as the crew of Dubai Take 01 advertising company.

The long scheduled wait for Bollywood's kiladi actor Akshay Kumar for the Manapuram finance ad finally came to an end on 14 August, 2011.

The Dubai Take 01 crew members and Akshay's team were under high speculation if Akshay would be able to make it up for the shoot the next day in the first available early flight after his shoot till 5 pm. After availing special permission from Manapuram Finance to rope in a special chartered flight for the actor, Akshay Kumar and his team made it to the Nedumbaserry airport, Cochin at 7.30 pm. Akshay was accompanied by his

16 February 2012

SHOOTING

security personnel, hair stylist, make-up artist and of course, his physical trainer.

It was indeed a gala affair when Akshay stepped his foot on God's own country.

The whole city was in full-throb excitement. Many places had billboards sporting the caption 'Manapuram Welcomes Akshay Kumar'. Asianet channel gave in a special coverage on his arrival.

full enthusiasm. After the delectable lunch, the team watched Santhosh Sivan's Urumi along with Akshay Kumar, who was a little confused after watching the movie, though his translator did his job to the best. The Dubai Take 01 also presented the sculpture of an elephant as a token of their gratitude to him. By 3 pm, the star took leave for the Nedumbaserry domestic terminal, to catch his flight to

Mumbai at 4 pm.

This, according to Dubai Take 01, is an unforgettable day that will always be cherished by each member in the team.

The crew also extends their sincere and heart-filled gratitude to the Manapuram Finance for their bountiful support and assistance throughout the beautiful venture.

SMK

Akshay Kumar was driven to the Taj Malabar hotel where his stay was scheduled. The shoot was slated to happen the next day at the D D Retreat Centre.

The actor, who is known for being punctual for his work, made it to the sets at 8 am.

The shoot took its roll on time and strode forward sans any delays and obstacles.

His zealous participation and co-operation was highly commendable and inspirational for the others. He was very friendly with everybody, including the drivers in the sets. His shoot was scheduled between 8 am and 5 pm.

Surprisingly, as the shoot went on smooth, the team was able to pack up before 3 pm.

The traditional Kerala cuisine was also spread for him, which he indulged in in Photo: Sinat Savier

February 2012 17