Ayesha Gilani – Miss Pakistan World 2009



Ayesha Gilani – Miss Pakistan World 2009
By Sohaib Shah • Jul 28th, 2009 • Category: News

Aysha Gilani interview Ayesha Gilani Miss Pakistan World 2009

1. How does it feel winning Miss Pakistan World?

Winning Miss Pakistan World has already turned out to be an amazing experience, as new as it is. It’s so surreal. The runners up were beautiful, intelligent women, and honestly, I believe it was by a hair that I won. I am truly blessed to be given this opportunity to represent strong, independent, intelligent Pakistani women on a global level, and be the role model that Pakistani women need. I am so excited about the upcoming year, and hope to represent the past and future generations of Pakistani people worldwide exceedingly well.

2. Tell us a bit about yourself.

My family has lived and flourished in the culturally rich Lahore, Pakistan for 700 years. In 1971, my family migrated to the States, where I was born. We frequently take trips back home to visit Pakistan, and they are never long enough. Currently residing in the Washington, DC area, I run a successful business of makeup artists called Limelight Beauty Artistes, focusing on weddings and the fashion industry. My English Studies background has fueled my beauty columns in magazines such as Sapna Magazine, and Divanee Magazine. I’ve also come out from behind the scenes and started modeling myself. I love what I do because I adore meeting new people every day. Each day brings new personalities, new stories.

3. What is your educational background?

I am currently studying at the George Mason University, majoring in English Studies, with a minor in Business Administration. I have also trained with celebrity makeup artist Debra Macki, have taken and continue to take makeup artistry classes to expand upon my expertise.

In between my schooling, I have worked for the Washington Redskins (a National Football League franchise) Charitable Foundation, organizing events to benefit the less fortunate, and working with high profile clients to keep the Foundation running successfully. Previously, I was employed at a certified government contracting agency as Proposal Assistant and Editor. It was a big step to leave a stable day job to pursue my then part time makeup artistry business as a full time endeavor, but I have never looked back since, and am blessed to be able to do what I love as a career.

4. What interested you in taking part in Miss Pakistan World?

Ever since I was a little girl, people have always told me I don’t look Pakistani, and I don’t act Pakistani. How does one “act” Pakistani? Apparently, people expect Pakistani women to be quiet, introverted, shy, oppressed women. Au contraire! I have always been a confident, outspoken female standing up for her beliefs. Pakistani women do look like me, do “act” like me, I thought. And now is my chance to educate the world on exactly how driven and headstrong we are. As a child, my role model was my older sister. She spoke up for herself always; she was beautiful; she was highly intellectual. She was the complete package. I have two young nieces now who I only hope to be a role model for. There are millions of young Pakistani girls worldwide who need the same guidance. I can only hope to be just that.

I also aim to use this platform for yet another purpose. With several cases of disabled children right here in my own extended family, my Achilles heel is the less fortunate. Be it children suffering from Down’s Syndrome, or those displaced from their homes in Swat Valley, I will do everything I can to aid in their relief.

5. How has your family reacted to your being crowned?

My family has been rooting for me to win from the get go. They claimed they “knew” I would win all along, and were so proud of me when I won. They literally jumped for joy and cried tears of happiness. It’s funny and embarrassing at the same time that they introduce me to everyone we know as Miss Pakistan World, but I cherish the love and support they have always given me.

6. Do you have family in Lahore, Pakistan; if so, how have they reacted?

Much of my family resides in Lahore. Pakistan is still fairly new in the field of pageantry and some understand and some don’t. I am not ashamed of who I am, what I wear, what I speak, so I see no reason for being a hypocrite and preaching one thing yet doing another. I am a spiritual person at heart, but I firmly believe it is God and only God who can judge me.

7. What are your plans besides the company plans for your current year?

Aside from the many exciting duties the Miss Pakistan World title will bring my way this year, I remain involved in many activities. I continue to study at my university, as well as staying actively involved in the fashion industry in Washington, DC. As a member of the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, I work with fellow “profashionals” to further the DC fashion industry and bring it up to par with its New York and Paris counterparts. Also keeping me inundated is running my business, which I eat, sleep and breathe. I aim to open a premier independent institution dedicated to providing Limelight’s services within the next two years. I also dedicate my time to modeling, writing my beauty column “Steal the Limelight,” and, winding down with friends and family, which includes my two cats, Tony Montana and Mr. Meowgi, and two doves named Heer and Ranjha.

8. After your tough experience in Toronto for almost 10 days, has anything changed you as a person?

Indeed, out of every difficult experience emerges a stronger person. After six months of intense studying, working out, and other preparations, women from all over the world convened for a common goal, to become the next Miss Pakistan World. Ten days of hard work, essay writing, pop quizzes, working out, photo shoots, minimal sleep, hardly any time to eat, all while looking picture perfect will discipline any person. I pushed myself to the limit and beyond, and realized I am much stronger and more capable than I ever imagined. On the day of the pageant, while doing my makeup, I all of a sudden was hit as though with a ton of bricks with a high fever. My head started spinning, my voice started to change due to congestion, I was sneezing up a storm, and my eyelids became heavy with exhaustion. I said to myself, I’ll be darned if I let my body get the best of me on a day like today, downed some over the counter medications, had an energy drink, and focused on the bigger picture. Ten minutes later I was good as new and a few hours later, I was donning the crown and sash. As taught to us by successful image consultant and motivational speaker, Nyla Hasan, it’s ultimately mind over matter. If you put your heart into anything, you can achieve it. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you are right.”

9. What’s your advice to the people who have misconceptions about Pakistan in beauty pageants?

Our great nation, the land of purity, or Pakistan, was formed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the principles of Islam. What people often misconstrue is that Islam, and Jinnah spoke of this often in his addresses to the people, preaches acceptance of all creeds and equality for all. All types of people live in Pakistan, different religions, races, and schools of thought. While there are people who may be opposed to Pakistan’s involvement in beauty pageants, there are those with more open minds who support the advancement of Pakistan, and her involvement in the world’s arenas. People must learn to be civil and agree to disagree, respecting each other’s opinions. This lesson is one that can be applied to all humanity; live and let live, as preached by Jinnah himself.

How to Snack Without Getting Fat

Did you know that when you are on a diet, if you eat something and no one sees you - it doesn’t contain any calories! Of course that's not true...but it is how many of us think! Learn how to beat the hunger pains between meals.

Are you a secret snacker? Do you eat when you are bored, upset, angry? Does every day mean a chocolate bar for you? Snacking…the secret sins of most people wanting to lose weight.

snack on fruitAs a weight loss coach I find that people are often feeling so guilty about snacking they are embarrassed to talk about it openly. Women in particular laugh nervously when I ask them what happens to their food consumption around 4pm. This often is the time of the day when the “Snack Monster” rises up and takes control of them! Often these women berate themselves with ideas about being weak and out of control. They either eventually give up on their diet altogether or develop counter thoughts so they don’t feel so bad. “It didn’t really matter - it is fat free”. Or, “if no one notices, the calories don’t count”.

Your diet does not have to be like this!

You can lose weight without being hungry. You can learn to take control of the “Snack Monster” and your diet program can be one to set you up for success, not failure.

An important key is to learn how to recognize what your body requires, the signals it gives you, and learn how to respond to those signals appropriately – diet and guilt are two words that do not belong together.

Hunger is the body’s way of telling us we need to replenish depleted nutrients. Unfortunately our body can’t say “I need more vitamin D”. That would make things so easy! Many of us interpret hunger pains as our body saying “I need more fat”, “I need more sugar”.

The keys to healthy snacking while on a diet (and all other times!) are:

1. Know what foods to avoid, and
2. Planning – get yourself organized.

What is a healthy snack? One that contains little or no sugar, little or no salt (sodium), no white flour and no saturated fat. Check the food labels to see what is inside. Many foods are now labelled ‘fat free’ but are laden with sugars and will still cause an influx of calories which are diabolical when you are on a diet. Do not assume that ‘fat free’ means healthy! Western societies are eating more and more fat free foods, and yet obesity levels are rising faster than ever.

Healthy Snack Ideas For Diets
Organize Yourself to Stay on Track

Raw vegetables, such as celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, green beans, cucumbers, mushrooms or zucchini may be served with a low fat dip.

Plan to have a small snack mid morning and mid afternoon. It is much better to curb your hunger than to starve yourself.

Fresh fruit in season.

Plan your snacks as part of your overall daily food plan.

Low fat quick breads and muffins, such as pumpkin, zucchini, banana or bran.

Organize your week – especially if you work outside the home.

Non-sugared cereals, snack mixes made with popcorn and whole grain cereal.

Write a list of snacks for the entire week and make sure you shop ahead. Buy enough to last the whole week.

Low fat yogurt with fresh, frozen or canned fruit.

Buy a variety of healthy snacks so you don’t get bored.

Protein shakes with low fat milk or yogurt and fruit.

Studies show that people who have a healthy intake of food in four of five episodes throughout the day are less prone to obesity than those who eat three or less times during the day.

Snacking CAN be good for you...especially on a diet!

How To Get a Flat, Toned Tummy


One of the most common fitness questions this time of year is “How can I tone my stomach for swimsuit season”? Typically, people believe that the guaranteed quick route to obtaining a rock-solid six-pack is a path packed with hundreds of sit-ups or abdominal crunches. Wrong!



The reality is that even if you do crunches every day you aren’t guaranteed to get the stomach you desire. Getting those highly sought after, toned abs requires more work than just abdominal exercises. Plus, as far as stomach exercises go, sit-ups or crunches alone are not the solution.



We won’t go into detail about the muscles that make up the abdominal wall, but it’s good to know the basic information. At a high-level the abdominal/trunk area consists of 5 major muscles. It’s necessary that all of these muscles be exercised. It’s also important to utilize different types of training techniques like concentric, eccentric and isometric.



In addition to training those muscles, it is imperative that you also reduce the fat in your stomach area. If you don’t decrease the fat in this area, then you’ll never see well-defined abdominal muscles not matter how long and hard you train them.



The key to reducing body fat is a comprehensive workout program that consists of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises. Plus, don’t forget a healthy diet. Good examples of cardio exercises are: walking, swimming, aerobics, and jogging. Strength training can be done with dumbbells, resistance bands and even just your own body weight. Flexibility can be as simple as a few stretches held in place for about 20 seconds.



Now, back to the specifics of abdominal training. Traditional crunches can be a part of your abdominal training, but should be limited and certainly shouldn’t be the only part. To most effectively work your stomach area, it’s necessary to include about 80% rotational work. Rotational exercises are those that include twisting-type methods. Simple crunches do not fall into the rotational category because you simply lift your body straight up and down.



To most effectively train your abs, incorporate a lot of variety, including different positions and equipment. This will allow your muscles to continually be challenged, which is what will help make them stronger and more defined. Remember that you don’t have to lie on your back in the supine position to work your stomach area. There are hundreds of different ways to work them, including exercises in a standing position, on your side, raised on a ball, hanging from a bar, etc.



Don’t forget the importance of form. If you don’t use correct form when performing abdominal exercises, you’ll severely limit the effectiveness not to mention possibly cause an injury. Tips for correct form include:

*Don’t ever pull on your neck or head
*Don’t allow your legs to move, they should remain still -- let your abs do all the work
*Try to keep your belly button pulled in toward the floor throughout the entire move.

To get you started, below are a few sample exercises* with instructions. Start working out today, and you can show-off your toned abs in time for summer.



Basic Crunch: Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands lightly behind your head for support. Using your abdominal muscles lift your shoulders a few inches off the ground, pause briefly and return to start position. Complete at least one set of 10-12 reps.



Standing Towel Circle: Stand tall and hold a small towel (or resistance band) taut overhead. Contract abs and slowly draw a large, wide circle over your head and around your torso with your hands. Keep towel pulled taut throughout. Return to beginning position and reverse the circular direction. Complete at least one set of 8-10 reps in each direction.



Oblique Twist With Ball: Begin by sitting on the ball. Walk feet forward until ball is resting under your back -- body is now parallel to the floor. Place hands lightly behind head for support. Using your abdominal muscles slowly crunch up lifting your shoulder blades off of the ball and rotate left shoulder toward right hip. Return to starting parallel position and repeat then switch sides.

First lady wears Naeem Khan gown to state dinner

First lady Michelle Obama chose to wear a gleaming silver-sequined, cream-colored gown Tuesday night to the first state dinner held by her husband's administration. She was tending to her hostess duties in a strapless silhouette with the beads forming an abstract floral pattern that was custom-made by Naeem Khan.

She wore a matching wrap, a stack of bangle bracelets on her wrist and dangling earrings.

The guests of honor at the dinner were Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, making Mrs. Obama's choice of the Indian-born, U.S.-based designer seem very appropriate.

Earlier today for a preview of the event, Mrs. Obama wore a skirt by Rachel Roy, also an Indian-American. "That gave us a preview that she was going to use clothes to convey a meaning," said Mary Tomer, author of the new book "Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy."

"They were really thoughtful choices," she said.

"The nice thing about it is the Jackie Kennedy sort of appropriateness. Most people wouldn't know one way or another about Naeem's background, but if one sentence gets mentioned to the prime minister, then her subtleness would pay off," added Hal Rubenstein, fashion director for InStyle magazine.

Khan told CNN's Larry King that his goals were to dress the first lady in something "Indian, chic, simple but very glamorous."

Rubenstein said he was impressed that Mrs. Obama used her fashion knowledge to choose a sophisticated and regal style that paid homage to India without wearing a traditional sari-style dress, which could have come off as a costume next to India's first lady.

"I think she looks fabulous," said Tomer. "She walked out in something that's figure-flattering and chic. Naeem's work is known for glamour and embellishment and this dress seems to embody that. She's sparkling and radiant."

Designer Khan is no stranger to helping women make a grand entrance; he has become a fixture on the Hollywood red-carpet circuit, dressing Beyonce, Carrie Underwood, Katherine Heigl and even Queen Noor of Jordan. Mrs. Obama's gown took three weeks at the designer's family workshop in India — with 40 people working on it — to complete, Khan said.

Of Mrs. Obama, Rubenstein said: "She looks like she's worth her weight in solid gold. What I love about her is that it's a pleasure to watch a woman of size and stature not apologize for her height and know how to stand tall."

President Barack Obama also drew Rubenstein's praise in his classic-style tuxedo. "I often feel Obama's suits are too big on him, but I think he got a new tux."

Tommy Hilfiger's estate in US sells for $20M


GREENWICH, Connecticut – Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger's luxury estate in Connecticut has sold for $20 million, about $8 million below its original asking price.

Sotheby's International Realty says the 20,000-square-foot (1,860-sq. meter) Greenwich mansion is being purchased by a family who toured it in September.

The mansion has eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms. It also features a 2,000-bottle wine cellar, indoor basketball court, sauna, massage room with a waterfall and home theater.

Hilfiger purchased the home in 2005 for $18 million. It had been on the market since February 2008.

The designer has moved to New York City.

The mansion is located on Connecticut's Gold Coast, a bastion of suburban perfection that's home to Martha Stewart and is considered the inspiration for the Stepford Wives.

Burberry creative head wins Brit Designer of Year

LONDON (Reuters Life!) – Luxury goods group Burberry said its Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey has won the 2009 Designer of the Year prize at the British Fashion Awards.

Burberry also won Brand of the Year at the ceremony held at The Royal Courts of Justice in London on Wednesday night.

Bailey said the 153-year-old British maker of raincoats, fashionable clothes and accessories will continue to show its Burberry Prorsum womenswear show during London Fashion Week.

Burberry, which runs 122 retail outlets, 255 concessions, 90 franchise stores and an e-commerce business in over 25 countries reported better than expected second-quarter revenue forecasts last month, helped by demand for handbags, leather goods and snoods.

It said it expected to open about 15 mainline stores over the full year, at the top end of its previous guidance.

Bailey has previously been recognized at the British Fashion Awards with the Menswear Designer of the Year award in 2008 and 2007 and with the Designer of the Year award in 2005.

He is responsible for the design of all Burberry collections and products, as well as all advertising, corporate art direction, architectural design, multi-media content and overall brand image for Burberry.

Best Dressed Of The Week


Best Dressed Of The Week, If you were planning to hit the red carpet in Best Dressed Of The WeekNew York, Los Angeles or London this week, a white dress was the only option to wear, with no fewer than four starlets to choose a Whiter Shade Of Pale. Diane Kruger and Ginnifer Goodwin chose colorless Narciso Rodriguez dress and 1 OAK, respectively, in New York, while Camilla Belle was a dream of Marchesa feathered in LA and Lily Allen went one way black and white, in London .

Meanwhile in Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles, Julianne Moore opted for a palette of citrus in RM by Roland Mouret and style icon in the making of Carey Mulligan chose a strapless creation by new celebrity favorite Prabal Gurung .

Victoria s Secret Fashion Show 2009


Victoria s Secret Fashion Show, Heidi Klum and her baby’s body later led the fashion parade at the annual Victoria’s Secret, who returned to New York with some new faces, after four years on the road.

The lingerie retailer admitted five women to his “Angel” Ranks – a designation reserved for top models – in front of a packed house Thursday night at the Lexington Avenue Armory. Are Emanuela de Paula, Chanel Iman, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Lindsay Ellingson and Candice Swanepoel.

But Klum, who gave birth to a daughter five weeks ago, was the crowd favorite in purple corset covered with a tunica media with poufs of tulle. He left the huge set, a castle of applause.

Musical guest Black Eyed Peas – especially Fergie, the only female member, dressed in black, costume jewelry – was another crowd-pleasing. Fergie came out later in a corset dress green.

Ranbir Kapoor the ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ to intensify the competition


Ranbir Kapoor has been nominated as the ‘sexiest man alive’ by the People magazine and to everyone’s surprise, he was standing tall and handsome in two day beard and ripped jeans with the issue of the magazine that has declared him the sexiest man alive. This honor to him definitely would further infuse competition among male stars where there are already established hunks are ruling the scene like Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

Himesh’s Kajrare first look


After flops like Karzz and Radio, Himesh is back with another movie. Check out the first look of Pooja Bhatt’s Kajraare starring Himesh Reshammiya and Pakistani actress Monalaizza. Do you think this will be a hit?

How Big B transformed into Auro


Audiences were amazed, how 60+ Amitabh Bachchan transformed into 13 year old Auro. Check out how special make-up artists made Big B into small Auro. Amazing.!



Salman to do some KICKing with Deepika


Director of Ghajini, AR Murugadoss is ready to make another Telugu remake Kick, this time kicking Salman Khan will be kicking for the director. The leading lady opposite Sallu will be leggy lass Deepika Padukone.

Sajid Naidadwala who is producing the flick says, “Murugadoss I’ve met and Deepika of course is already my leading lady in Houseful. I loved Murugadoss’s work in Ghajini and so did Salman. We were very clear about not getting the original Telugu director as I don’t believe in letting the South Indian directors do the Hindi remakes.”

“I don’t want Kick to look like Wanted 2. We’ll be shooting the action scenes in Tokyo.”

Hmmm..Salman with Deepika, wouldn’t there be a height problem?

Emraan Hashmi join the six-pack league


Emraan Hashmi was always criticized for his extra flab, but now for his next flick Once Upon a Time in Mumbai he has toned his body.

Emraan says, “My role in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai demanded it. It’s not just about six-pack abs; my character had to look physically tough. That was one of the key requirements of the script.”

Director Luthria says, “Emraan has always been the underdog and his character is that of a rebel, a dark horse…styled on the lines of James Dean. I wanted to break his ‘Serial-Kisser’ image and add shock value to the film. I chose Emraan and them styled him this way as it was extremely difficult to find a youngster who, in levels of intensity, could be equal and the same time opposite to that of Ajay Devgn’s character”

Emraan trained under Praveen Tokas Angular training method to achieve the lean mean look.

Like Emraan’s new look?

SRK: I wanted to be a pornstar

SRK always carries his witty jokes and liners with himself even to Arindam Chaudhari’s book launch. Arindam Chaudhari’s latest book Discover The Diamond, is inspired by the success of Big B, SRK and Rocky(Sylvester Stallone).

So when SRK came on stage, he said, “I was inspired by Rocky too. I wanted to be a porn star! (Sylvester started his acting career as a porn star).I’m going to work very hard, positively, and with clarity, to be a porn star.Main bhi Discover The Diamond in You padhoonga. Next time you hear about me, I’ll be the world’s biggest porn star.”

Then on a serious not SRK said, I believe success is a wonderful experience, but not always one from which we acquire wisdom or knowledge… which is why success, whether deserving or not, can be enjoyed, but not passed on.Success is never final, just like failure is never fatal!”

Thanks for the advice SRK.

Hearing Loss Tests

Audiologists specialize in hearing loss and related disorders. If you’re suffering from hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), your doctor might refer you to an audiologist for a complete evaluation. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from an audiology examination.

When you arrive at the audiologist’s office, you’ll be asked several questions about your medical history and your hearing loss. Your answers will help the audiologist become familiar with your needs, formulate a treatment plan, and make referrals if necessary.

Next, the audiologist will perform a physical examination of your ear using a tool called an otoscope. This tool allows the doctor to peer inside your ear canal to check for excessive wax, blockages, infection, or irregularities that need to be addressed.

Once the physical exam is done, the audiologist will conduct a tympanometry test. During this test, the audiologist uses a probe to determine how your eardrum responds to a change of pressure inside the ear. It’s a painless test that helps identify problems which would decrease the eardrum’s flexibility, such as infection or fluid build-up.

After the tympanometry test, the audiologist will administer an audiometry test. This test evaluates how well you can hear different tones at different volumes. First you’ll listen to sounds through a pair of headphones. Then the doctor will put a bone vibrator behind your ear to determine how well your inner ear conducts sounds. The results of the testing will tell the audiologist whether you have conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or a mixture of both.

When all the testing is complete, the audiologist will explain the results to you. They will make a recommendation based on their findings. Then you can ask any questions you have regarding your treatment plan.

Some of the tones you hear during the audiometry test might be uncomfortable for a brief time, but audiology exams are generally painless and very useful for diagnosing and treating your hearing problems.


For answers to your hearing loss questions and to learn more about Bay Area hearing loss treatments, con

Top Diet Pills And How To Find Them

There is no one place that sells the best diet pills. In fact, the burden of finding out which supplements are reliable and which are not will be up to you. Of course, there are ways that you can do this using resources online, such as consumer reviews and watch dog sites. Through these sites you can find which sellers are more likely to sell the top diet pills on the market and, more importantly, what those pills are.

The good news is that once you are able to isolate what brands you are interested in using, there are a wide number of seller on the Internet that will give wholesale and discount prices. But if you are buying from an unknown store be sure to make sure there are no outstanding claims against them. You will also want to make sure that it is exactly the brand you are hoping for, and not a generic that they claim is similar. This is very rarely true, and it can be dangerous to use these products.

You will also have to pay attention to the amount of diet pills per bottle. Quite commonly you will find companies that will show a picture of a full sized bottle, but the order is actually for half or even a quarter of the number of pills. This will mean you will pay full price for half or quarter of a regular order. While dishonest, this isn’t actually illegal as long as they put in the number of pills per order in the fine print. Look out for this.

Tips For Your Dental Health

Your smile is the most valuable thing for your life. It is the fraction of your first impression. You can get a good smile if your teeth are like shining white and clean. It is very necessary that you should fix an appointment with your dentist at every six months. Many people from us do not take this advice seriously and they later on suffer because of poor dental condition. You can keep your beautiful smile with you forever if you care for your teeth. This regular visit to your dentist is very essential because it helps you cavities and infections away from your teeth and you will not suffer problem of early tooth decay. Your dentist would be able to tell you those necessary things which are related to oral hygiene.

It is very necessary that you should brush at least two times in a day. Your toothpaste should have fluoride and do not forget to change your toothbrush after the completion of three or four months. You should always keep a check on your mouth. It is not only the dentist but you can also some changes happening in your mouth. These changes could be related to your gums, fragmentation and tarnished teeth.

Now the next thing is flossing. During the course of dental care many people hop the process of flossing. Flossing is the main significant step which can take away vicious infection between your gums and the teeth. This plague is the main reason for tooth decay.

The next important step would be the proper diet. Eat properly and limit the consumption of snacks. Do not consume tobacco. Tobacco is very dangerous for your complete health as well as for your teeth. If you consume tobacco then it can give you gum diseases, bad smell and even oral cancer.

Hitler's favorite car makes comeback in Germany

By Dave Graham

BERLIN (Reuters Life!) - A car expert says he has tracked down Hitler's favorite Mercedes to a garage near the town that helped the Austrian-born Fuehrer become a German citizen.

Classic cars specialist Michael Froehlich said he found the bullet-proof touring car after charting its postwar travels from Austria to Las Vegas and back to Munich, where Hitler burst onto the political scene with a failed putsch in 1923.

"It was the best car in the world at the time. Better than the Bugatti, Bentley, Rolls Royce or whatever," Froehlich told Reuters from his office in Duesseldorf. "It was his favorite car: the one he used most often, which he used for parades."

After being commissioned by a Cypriot buyer to find the vehicle, Froehlich discovered it had been bought by a farmer near Braunschweig, where in 1932 local Nazi officials got Hitler a civil servant's job so he could claim citizenship.

"I thought it was an interesting job, but on the other hand I wasn't too thrilled, because my parents and grandparents suffered greatly under his regime," Froehlich said of the commission.

The dark blue car, which Froehlich said had spent decades in the basement of the Imperial Palace Casino in Las Vegas, was recently sold by the heirs of a Munich brewing tycoon before he traced it "in under two months" to northern Germany.

Froehlich said reports the buyer was Russian were mistaken, and rejected the notion that past owners of the vehicle with the number plate "1A 148 461" were admirers of the dictator.

"They weren't Nazis from what I can see, I think it's something they saw as a business investment," he said. "I can well imagine that an old Hitler banger has a certain value."

Froehlich declined to name the car's price tag, or give details about the buyer, but said the 1935 edition custom-made vehicle could fetch "more than 10 million euros ($14.91 million)."

Though he had not yet had outside confirmation of the car's authenticity, the owner's paperwork left no doubt, he added.

"The Mercedes sales register shows this 770 K model was ordered for the Fuehrer and Chancellor of the Reich in 1935," he said.

Only 88 of the series were ever made and the Braunschweig car showed all the special modifications made for Hitler, who had to be driven because he had no "Fuehrerschein" -- a German word made up from "driver" and "license" -- Froehlich said.

"He was a Fuehrer without Fuehrerschein," he said.

Paris Fashion Week

Maybe this season's designers have something to teach Wall Street. Unlike economists and politicians, far from gloom mongering, designers are thinking less about the world catching America's financial cold, and more about making women feel inspired and strong enough to withstand the pressures.

The mood in Paris, while more sombre than usual for spring summer, is confidant and focused on longevity. These are clothes that fortify, cheer up, and are not going anywhere without a fight.

Givenchy's Gothic glamazons look ready to take on the world in latticed bodices and leather patched denim. Balenciaga's armour-like foil jackets and rubber trousers look ready for lunar landing. McQueen's sculpted leather corsets, carved silhouettes and crystal embroidered all-in-ones look invincible. Positive thinking comes in the form of power and protection.

Maybe it is not a coincidence that elements of Eighties and Nineties power dressing have surfaced. And while we have seen references to Alaia-esque cinched silhouettes in previous seasons, far from cheery florals, summer looks to be a season of rigorous tailoring, exposed zips, leather bodices and broad, padded shoulders.

At Christian Lacroix, there was no wading around in uncertainty or worry. Bright prints looked cheerful and little dizzy rather than sweet. Ruffles were moved to the back of the dresses and jackets and shoes. Matador-like trousers and cropped jackets embellished with pieces of mirror like embroidery look fierce and regal. Giambattista Valli offered pure escape in the form of Fifties hoop skirts in natural white and pale yellow prints, and his signature finale of voluminous ball gowns.

Layers of transparency, cut-outs, mesh and fringing are all big trends for spring/summer 2009. The parallels here seems obvious; aside from the need for lighter-weight clothes in summer, the work with layers of transparency reflects the feeling of precariousness and the need for more market transparency. Far from delicate, sheer layers are architectural and show the structure of the body.

The multifunctional all-in-one has been seen everywhere and in some interesting applications, including a sequin-covered evening dress/trouser hybrid at YSL, Stella McCartney's blush coloured silky all-in-ones and short shorts at Vanessa Bruno.

Instead of waiting for the penny to drop, quite literally, designers are being proactive and hopeful, and at the very least offering inspiration and protection.

Maybe this is a more constructive approach for those in finance. Clearly, there is much work to be done to right the markets, but when consumer confidence and the collective mood has immediate implications, maybe Wall Street should also focus on inspiration and protection.

Designer Favourites

THE riddle for finding the ultimate party dress has been solved. Just in time for Christmas comes the reintroduction of the ruffle shoulder dress from Poltock & Walsh.

"Due to unbelievable demand we have brought back the ruffle shoulder dress from spring/summer 2009 in a hue of nightshade blue with smoky blue ruffles," explains Katie Walsh, one half of the London-based label alongside Fiamma Poltock. "We love these colours, they are so effortless yet chic. And it's such an easy dress to throw on and feel pretty" - exemplified by Alexa Chung earlier this year when she wore a pearl-hued version of the dress to the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.

The dress will be available, made to order, for two weeks only from this Thursday at the Poltock & Walsh pop-up shop at Amwell Street's Trypolar concept store.

And if that's not reason enough to pay the shop a visit, the fact that there will be 50 per cent off the label's autumn/winter 2009-10 collection - which promptly made its way into the wardrobe of Kate Moss who bought 6 pieces - and that Katie Walsh will be on hand to impart her design wisdom, surely is.

The dress is priced at £448, available in sizes 6 to 14 from 57 Amwell Street or studio@poltockandwalsh.com. Open from 10.30 to 8pm on Thursday November 26 and 10.30 to 7pm from Monday to Saturday. The Poltock & Walsh pop-up shop will close on December 12.

Angels Delight

EVER since Balmain went mad for military influences two seasons ago (in fashion terms, we're talking autumn/winter 2009-10), its presence has been felt - from epaulettes to shoulder pads and Cheryl Cole's X Factor outfits, even - and now is your chance to get in on some of the authentic action. Angels, the famous costumiers, is holding its very own uniforms sale.

Following on from the success of last year's first public sale, the Oscar-winning wardrobe supplier is once again opening its doors, this time to sell over 250,000 items dating from 1900 onwards.

Pieces from the likes of The Great Escape, Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers will be up for grabs - displayed over three large rooms.

There will be an admission charge of £5 per person with a fixed rate for items - £20 for all coats and helmets and £10 for caps among them.

The sale takes place on November 28 from 8.30am to 5pm at 3 Boundary Road, Wembley, HA9 7ND.

Naked Ambition

MOST women in their late Thirties or early Forties would not relish getting naked in the same studio as a supermodel, but the issue is less problematic if you are a supermodel yourself. Claudia Schiffer has spoken about her naked cover shoot for i-D

magazine, alongside fellow models Eva Herzigova and Helena Christensen and has asserted it wasn't difficult.

"A great photographer doesn't stop you or give you boundaries," the 39-year-old supermodel said of the shoot with photographer Kayt Jones. "It's about flow and chemistry - you just go together like a wave," the News of the World reported.

The cover sees the trio pictured nude wearing only thigh-high leather boots - and it is not the first time they have been naked together lately. Two of the three - Herzigova and Schiffer - happily bared all earlier in the year along with Naomi Campbell, after much persuasion by photographer Mario Testino, for a shoot for the new Dolce & Gabbana fragrance collection (read the full story - and see the video here).

Salman Khan’s dream will come true with Veer next year


This dream has been a long time coming. When on Jan 22 the epic film “Veer” hits theatres, Bollywood actor Salman Khan would have fulfilled his dream of 20 years. The movie’s first look will be unveiled Friday with “De Dana Dan”.

“‘Veer’ has been a 20-year dream of Salman Khan. His involvement in this particular project is tremendous especially because he lived with the script for so long. It’s like a dream come true for him,” said a source close to the actor in a press statement.

The much-talked about film is about the bravery of a Pindari soldier and speaks of bravery exemplifying the courage of every oppressed Indian fighting for justice and independence. Directed by Anil Sharma, the film features Salman in never seen before avatar along with newcomer Zarine Khan.

Former Miss UK Lisa Lazarus too plays an important role in the film that also stars Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff along with Sohail Khan and Bharat Dabholkar.

“Salman has gone all out for this film. He has worked hard on his look for ‘Veer’ – right from the styling to his toned physique. The film has turned out great much to everyone’s delight and is touted as Salman Khan’s greatest work,” said the source.

Produced by Vijay Galani, the film will be realeased worldwide by Eros International.

Galani has roped in Sajid Wajid for the music and Oscar winner Gulzar for the lyrics. This is composer duo’s first historical film.

Khandala, (BollywoodWorld.com) Clad in a red sari and flaunting diamonds and emeralds, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Sunday exchanged wedding vows with London-based businessman Raj Kundra in a close-knit family affair here in this Maharashtra hill station.

“Everything went very well. All parents want their children to get married happily and that goes the same for Shilpa’s parents as well. They are very happy,” said Kiran Bawa, Shilpa’s friend and business partner, after the wedding.

“Raj and Shilpa both were very nervous before the marriage but now they are happy. We are going straight to Raj’s house in Mumbai,” she added.

Wearing a red sari designed by Tarun Tahiliani, the 34-year-old exchanged vows with Kundra as per the Bunt tradition, according to the Mangalorean community that the Shettys belong to.

The groom was sporting a maroon sherwani with golden embroidery and a turban with his face veiled by a sehra (string of pearls). He was also holding a sword in his hand, as per Indian tradition.

Kundra left Amrit Villa, located about five minutes away from Bawa Villa, where the wedding was held, in a two-horse chariot.

Photographers scrambled to train their cameras at the goings-on while curious star-gazers were kept at bay by both private and police security.

Sunday’s wedding was the climax of the two-day festivities that included a sangeet ceremony Saturday night here.

The buzz around the marriage started early this year and had been steadily getting louder even though Shilpa denied it officially before getting engaged to Kundra late October.

Expected at the marriage were celebrities like the Bachchan family, Shah Rukh Khan and family, the Kapoors, Rekha, Farah Khan, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, the Deols and Sushmita Sen.

However, noticed prominently on the occasion were only actors Rohit Roy, Jackky Bhagnani and Tahiliani.

Shilpa also delighted fans by posting a blog entry titled “This is it” on her D-day.

“Thanks for all the best wishes from family and friends…Will write to you very soon… As Shilpa Shetty Kundra. This is it,” she posted on www.shilpashettylive.com/blog Sunday morning.

Shilpa met Raj after her win on the British reality show “Big Brother” in 2007.

Shilpa’s sister, actress Shamita who was participating in the third edition of “Bigg Boss”, withdrew voluntarily from the show to attend the wedding.

Nokia N900 is now available Stateside as well

Following the official announcement that Nokia N900 starts shipping in Europe last week, Nokia today went ahead and confirmed Nokia N900 availability in the USA starting from today. The N900 is not getting a subsidized deal with some of the major carriers but it will instead be sold independently SIM-free.

As our specs testify, the Nokia N900 comes with full quad-band GSM support and 1700/2100/900 UMTS/HSDPA support no matter what region it's targeted at. So, you should be getting 3G connection with T-Mobile USA, but only EDGE with AT&T.

The Nokia N900 is already shipping to users who pre-ordered the popular device. For the rest of you, Nokia N900 should be available quite soon in New York and Chicago Nokia Flagship stores, nokiausa.com and various independent retailers and e-tailers including Amazon.com for a price around 649 US dollars.

Akshay Kumar Holds High the Olympic Torch


Akshay Kumar received the Olympic Torch from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Trident-Oberoi in Mumbai, as part of Mr Harper‘s visit to India. As reported earlier this week on Bollyspice, Akshay, a martial arts expert, has been invited to be India's representative at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. "Anything remotely related to sports in India is reminiscent of Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, he has taken Asia by storm and has universal appeal," said a source for the event.

It's a busy week for Akshay as work begins today on Patiala House, his new film with Anushka Sharma. The producers are taking an unusual approach to casting a young Akshay for some of the earlier scenes of the movie - they are going to run a national competition to find a suitable 17-year-old. "The film's team was tired of auditioning and watching show reels," a source for the production said, "None of the boys fulfilled the requirements. So, Akshay suggested that they conduct a nation-wide hunt. The participants essentially have to match Akshay's height and body language."

Akshay has also signed up for Farah Khan's next Tees Maar Khan, her third directorial venture. The script has been written by Farah's husband Shirish Kunder and will begin filming in March. "I wrote this film with Akshay in mind," explained Shirish, "My first film Jaaneman was with him and we share a good rapport. Initially, I was supposed to direct Tees Maar Khan but since it's our first home production, Farah and I decided that I'll produce it and she'll direct it."

SRK takes The Zoya Factor to the big screen

Red Chillies Entertainment, a production company owned by Shah Rukh Khan has bought the filming rights to The Zoya Factor, a chick lit novel written by Anuja Chauhan. The film is being developed by Reema Kagti, director of Honeymoon Travels and will be directed by Vishal Punjabi. Vishal has been involved with Red Chillies Entertainment for a number of years and was the visual effects producer for Paheli, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee.

The Zoya Factor tells the story of Zoya Solanki who was born at exactly the same moment when India won the World Cup in 1983. It is soon realized that whenever she watches a match, India wins. When she doesn't, it results in defeat for the team. The cricket team decides that she is their lucky charm and invites Zoya to accompany the team to the ICC World Cup in Australia.

Says Harper Collins India CEO, PM Sukumar, "This is a book that was destined to be made into a movie." The author has said that she is looking forward to seeing Zoya come to life on the big screen. "I love Red Chillies' movies, and am sure the film will have large dollops of both humour and heart as in the book."

Founded in 2004 by Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri, Red Chillies Entertainment has produced popular jingles like "Yeh dil mange more", "Mera number kab ayega", "Nothing official about it" and "Oye bubbly".

Premieres of movie “Paa” cancelled in London and Dubai


New Delhi, The Dubai and London premieres of Amitabh Bachchan’s film “Paa” have been cancelled, but the superstar says he is looking forward to the Mumbai event that will be attended by Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

“The London and Dubai premiere have been cancelled. Several issues have cropped up and it would not be prudent to go ahead with it under such uncertain pressures and circumstances,” Amitabh posted on his blog www.bigb.bigadda.com.

“But Mumbai premiere is on at the IMAX Wadala on Dec 3 and Aamir and Shah Rukh have assured me of their presence there,” he added.

Apart from promotional events of “Paa”, Amitabh is also busy preparing for “Bachchan Sandhya”, an event to mark the 102nd birth anniversary of his father Harivansh Rai Bachchan on Nov 28.

“The arrangements, the invitees, the program and its functions, rehearsals for the recitation and getting the family to gear up for its participation is also keeping me busy,” he wrote.

Film Chance Pe Dance based on Shahid Kapoor’s life


New Delhi, (BollywoodWorld.com) Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor’s next project “Chance Pe Dance” has a slice of his own life as the film traces the journey of a struggler till he tastes success.

“Yes, there are many scenes in the movie that are similar to my life, but it’s not intentional, they have just turned out this way,” Shahid said in a press release.

The movie is based on a dancer’s life who enters a reality show after being rejected many times. Shahid, who plays the lead in the film, too had to give a lot of screen tests and auditions before he bagged the lead role in director Ken Ghosh’s 2003 movie “Ishq Vishk”.

According to a unit source, there’s another scene in the film where Shahid’s character is left with no option but to buy a second hand car due to his hardships, just like he had to in his own life.

Ghosh is directing “Chance Pe Dance”, and it also stars Genelia D’Souza. The film is being produced by UTV Motion Pictures and will release Jan 15 next year.

HTC HD2 is now available through Vodafone UK, can be had for free

HTC HD2 is now available in Vodafone UK. You can get one for free on 24 month contract and 35 pounds tariff or on 18 month commitment at 40 pounds tariff. The offers seem similar to iPhone plans through Orange and O2 so we guess Christmas shopping will pose quite some tough choices for the gadget lover.

The monstrous HTC HD2 is now available in the Vodafone UK network and you can have yours for free on either 18 or 24 month contract. A free HD2 applies to the 35 pound monthly tariff and the 24 month contract, while if you opt for the 18 month contract, you'll have to opt for a 40 pound monthly plan.

Truth be told, those offers are similar to the Orange iPhones's, so in the Christmas hype all will be up to the device, not the operator or tariff.

You can see the offers (including exclusive online ones) at the official Vodafone UK website.

Mozilla to award 10 add-on developers with a Nokia N900

The guys over at Mozilla are organizing a contest for Maemo mobile browser add-ons and are willing to award the top 10 developers with a new Nokia N900 each. If you're a developer, you can participate in the contest by submitting your add-on for the mobile Firefox browser for Maemo at the contest homepage.

The Maemo 5 based Nokia N900 started shipping a few days ago but we guess it will be a few days before all stores get theirs. So this challenge is your chance not only to get it for free but also to be among the first N900 owners.

To participate you have to develop an add-on for the mobile Firefox web browser and submit it before December 7, 2009.The judges will choose which TEN addons offer best user experience and innovation.

If you already have developed an add-on for the mobile Firefox, you only have to confirm that you want to take part in the challenge. Well, that is.

For further details on the rules follow that link.

The organizers are ready to supply the participants with all the needed SDK tools as well as with useful tips and personal advices. The deadline is just around the corner so hurry up. The clock is ticking.

Samsung denies speculations of dropping Symbian and WinMo


It seems that the launch of the Bada OS hasn't spelled doom for the Samsung Symbian / WinMo portfolio after all. The company has contacted us and denied the claims made by HMC Investment Securities about Samsung leaving only Android and Bada as their operation systems of choice in the foreseeable future.

Here is what the official statement says:

Samsung has not made any change in its strategy of supporting multiple open operating systems. We believe this strategy continues to provide consumers with a variety of choices of rich mobile content and applications. To provide more choices to meet consumers' many different taste and preference, we will continue our 'multi-OS' strategy.

As an an initial member of Symbian Foundation, Samsung continues to cooperate with Symbian Foundation. Windows Mobile is also an established operating system with solid market position and its own set of strengths. Samsung will continue working closely with Microsoft to provide a range of continually evolving Windows Mobile based smartphones in the coming years.

So obviously Symbian and WinoMo fans have nothing to worry about. One of the major players promises to remain in the game and so we should expect more cool devices to come with the two platforms.

Madonna & Gabbana


WHEN rumours start - like for example that Louis Vuitton favourite Madonna is to be the next Dolce & Gabbana campaign star - there is only one place to go for a confirmation: Twitter. Stefano Gabbana himself has Tweeted that the Material Girl will be the brand's next face and the designer is delighted with the images.

"The campaign with Madonna is beautiful (4 me)," Gabbana Tweeted yesterday, before adding, "I can't say anything about [it]!!!"

The designer, who happily Tweets on any subject - from lunch with Anna Wintour to his love of plastic, couldn't resist Tweeting throughout the shoot.

"On the shooting with Domenico......We are at the last shot...M [Madonna] is simply beautiful...We're very, very tired but very happy as well....To have Madonna in our campaign is a dream come true."

SEE THE DOLCE & GABBANA CATWALK ARCHIVE

A Stylish Solution


IT'S never been easier to warm your neck - and your heart - thanks to Tonic (the feel-good/do-good website) and Citta (a non-profit dedicated to providing assistance to marginalised or indigenous communities). The two organizations have joined forces to create a limited edition pashmina scarf, designed by Lucy Barnes and hand-knitted by members of the Citta Himalaya Women's Centre in Nepal, with proceeds funding the new Citta Jaisalmer Women's Centre in Rajasthan, India, which will provide local women access to classes on health, hygiene and nutrition for themselves and their families.

Even more heart-warming: Thandie Newton, Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie, David Byrne, Susan Sarandon and other notables who have changed the world with their words were asked to select a word that holds special meaning in their lives, and the Nepalese seamstresses embroidered the chosen words onto each scarf in Sanskrit, allowing them to learn a valuable new skill they can use to fund their independence - and allowing the wearer to snuggle up in a scarf declaring their "strength" (chosen by Queen Latifah), "resolve" (Sting) and ability to "surrender" (Thandie Newton).

"I'm hoping that Citta can work with more designers to help them make exquisite, unusual products and also provide a way for very poor communities to make a fair living, have access to basic health care and educate their children," Lucy Barnes told VOGUE.COM. "I think this is also very important to the consumer - that production be ethical and environmentally sensitive throughout the whole process, from sketch to finished design in the store. If we demand it, en masse, it will happen."

The scarf, available exclusively at www.tonic.com, will retail for $100 and will help 100 women in need

Fashionable Influence


THE London Evening Standard has unveiled its third edition of The 1000; an annual publication celebrating the 1000 people most responsible for shaping and changing London. As always, the fashion industry's key players figure prominently, with Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman ranking within the city's most influential figures.

Also ranking highly in the list are designers Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Sir Paul Smith and Burberry's Christopher Bailey. New additions this year include Tom Chapman, who founded Matches with his wife over 20 years ago; Christopher Kane; Harvey Nichols buying director Averyl Oates; shoe designer and VOGUE.COM blogger Rupert Sanderson; designer Erdem Moralioglu; new Halston helmer Marios Schwab - as well as models Lily Donaldson and Naomi Campbell.

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PICK OF FASHION'S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Shoe Trend


IT'S one of those quests that is not easily satisfied - where to find a great wedge heel boot? Seems that the wedge, although dominant last year, has stayed in women's minds as something highly comfortable and practical to raise height and remain chic in winter months.

Dermatology guru Dr Frances Prenna Jones has been searching and Samantha Cameron also confides she's been on the hunt too. Now if her uptake is as anywhere near as influential as that Zara shoe, then that's a sure run of sales.

Here some clues: consider a crepe sole - hard wearing and has bounce, as seen at Burberry; black looks great from knee to heel - a sold architectural piece - try Chanel for a blow out; brown suede looks divine with an autumn/winter country mood - a cord jacket and pale jeans topped with a Maison Michel fedora.

SEE THE BEST WEDGE BOOTS OF THE SEASON

Stunner of ‘69


“The first Gap item I bought was with my first-ever paycheck,” Ugly Betty’s Becki Newton remembers. “I was scooping ice cream at Carvel, and when I got my paycheck, I went to the Gap and bought a black dress with little sleeves and white flowers on it.” While she’s come a long way from Carvel, the actress still supports the all-American brand; she was among the revelers last night at the Nylon-hosted launch party for Gap’s 1969 Jeans Shop in New York. The bilevel store—the retailer’s first in Soho and a permanent version of the 1969 Jeans pop-up shop in L.A.—was packed to the gills, and the crowd was in a shopping mood. (The party featured 30 percent off the entire collection, with a percentage going to Feeding America.) Emmy Rossum had a chance to stock up on scarves and admire the costume jewelry before the band TV/TV took the stage for a live set. Upstairs, Robert Verdi was more in the 1969 mind-set. “I was 1 in ‘69,” the stylist mused about the retailer’s founding year. “Which means that number also marked my fashion debut.” We guess fashion plates are born, not made.
—Bee-Shyuan Chang

On Our Radar: The Generic Man Nadia lace-up


Speaking as someone who likes a bit of boy-ness in my wardrobe, I’m always pleased when menswear favorites go femme. Think the boyfriend jacket, the boyfriend jean, and now the boyfriend shoe. The Generic Man’s Brandon Day and Kevin Carney kept hearing that the ladies loved the kicks they made for dudes, so they decided to produce identical styles on a women’s last. Now in their second season, they’re jazzing them up a bit more, offering feminine tweaks like patent piping and Pop colors like yellow and purple that you won’t find in the men’s range. Works for me. I may like boy style, but as a wise woman once sang, I enjoy being a girl.

$290 to $365, available at Bird, shopbird.com, and Stuart & Wright, stuartandwright.com, both in Brooklyn.

Bollywood Search Google Web bollywood.com Bollywood Community! Now make your own Bollywood fan groups, post videos, events, blogs, and participat


By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Nov 11 (IANS) A series of merchandise aimed at children is being planned after the release of "Paa" in which Amitabh Bachchan plays 13-year-old Auro suffering from the premature ageing disease progeria.

Also, on Children's Day this Saturday, Amitabh as Auro will appear on television with a very special message for children. The initiative has been taken by AB Corp Ltd, who is producing the film, to connect Amitabh's character with children across the world through an Auro blitzkrieg. The fans will have Big B merchandise including dolls to play with.

"We're most definitely targeting 'Paa' at children and parents alike. Mr. Bachchan's Auro is a special child suffering from an extremely rare age-hastening disease. Auro could've easily become lonely, isolated or abandoned," director R. Balakrishnan told IANS.

"'Paa' shows how special 'special kids' can be. It has a message on parenting rather than any disease. When your child is born with a special impairment you need to make him feel special, not unwanted or isolated," he added.

There are now plans to do special shows of "Paa" to collect funds for the Progeria Research Foundation.

"We really had no concrete plans to tie up with the Progeria foundation. Though our protagonist suffers from the disease the film is not about progeria. It's about how special children can fill your life with special brightness.

"Not for a minute does my protagonist's special condition qualify his relationship with his parents. That's why we avoided pitching 'Paa' as a progeria project. However we'd be more than happy if our film proves helpful to children who suffer from this rarest-of-rare diseases," said Balakrishnan.

"We're still to work out details since we hadn't really planned any Progeria events. We're definitely holding a charity screening of 'Paa' of which the proceeds will be given to the Progeria foundation in the US," said the director.

Big B & Rashid Khan record song for 26/11 victims; Gowariker to shoot video


By Subhash K. Jha Bollywood Hungama News Network

After singing for 30 years in films -his first song was recorded for Mr Natwarlal in 1979-- Amitabh Bachchan has joined vocal forces with a trained and renowned vocalist like Rashid Khan, the singer whom the formidable classical maestro Pandit Bhimsen Joshi had once chosen as his successor.

The coming together of India's most popular actor and part-time singer with the classical maestro happened for the album Sound Of Peace, dedicated to the victims of Mumbai's 26/11 terrorist attack.

Aadesh Shrivastav who helmed the project, composed its music and is in the process of finalizing a music video featuring the Big B and Rashid Khan, says the Big B simply swam across Sameer's words of world-peace.

The Big B confirms modestly, "Yes, Rashid Khan and I have sung together. The system of recording these days allows a lot of freedom to sing how one is comfortable. That's how I managed it."

The music video, for which efforts are on to get Ashutosh Gowariker to direct, will feature the Big B with Rashid Khan and Aadesh Shrivastav. Footage from the barbaric occurrences during 26/11 from 2008 in Mumbai will be interspersed with scenes from 9/11 in the US from 2001 and the London subway bombings of 2005.

Says Aadesh, "We initially planned to make this a Hindi -Urdu album in memory of the 26/11 victims. But we've now expanded it into a comment on global terrorism. Mr Bachchan is now in the process of recording an English version of the peace song."

Manisha Koirala to Enter Politics


Nepalese beauty Manisha Koirala has confirmed that she is to enter Nepalese politics either as an independent or possibly as part of the Nepalese Congress. Three members of her family have been Prime Minister of Nepal at one stage or another so the decision is a serious one. The actress, who currently has roots in Mumbai and Los Angeles, is planning on moving permanently to Nepal. “My political plans are in the formative stage,” she says. “However, I do realise that if I’m to take the plunge; which I have decided, I will then need to spend a lot of time in my home country.”

Meanwhile, Manisha has a number of movie projects that she has to finish. Always an actress with great depth, she is looking forward to My Friend Pinto, a Sanjay Leela Bhansali production that will also star Prateik Babbar. “I’ve been dividing my time between Mumbai and the US, where things are going well between Chris, my partner, and I,” she explains, “Cinema will always remain my primary passion. After I did my friend Deepti Naval’s film Do Paise Ki Dhoop Char Aane Ki Baarish I’m hungry for even more challenging roles.”

Always a social activist, a UN goodwill ambassador with a particular interest in working hard to prevent the trafficking of Nepalese girls for prostitution, Manisha is looking for meaningful roles that reach out and touch - her most recent being the Onir short movie I Am Megha which looks at the conflict in Kashmir and the future hopes for peace.

I share a higher level of comfort with Aftab Shivdasani – Aamna Sharif


New Delhi, (BollywoodWorld.com) She refuses to comment on her relationship with Bollywood actor Aftab Shivdasani, but actress Aamna Sharif admits that she shared a high comfort level with him while working on their second film “Aao Wish Karein”.

“Since this is my second film with Aftab (after ‘Aloo Chaat’), the comfort level is definitely higher. He is a wonderful actor and this film he has produced and co-written too,” Aamna told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Releasing Nov 13, “Aao Wish Karein” is being produced by Aftab.

“It was great to see how he managed both the roles of an actor and a producer. He took care of everyone in the crew and mine too. When he had to shoot, his whole concentration used to be on acting. But after the pack up, he used to completely become a producer looking after different things,” she added.

Aamna, who became a household name after featuring in the popular daily soap “Kahiin To Hoga”, forayed into Bollywood with “Aloo Chaat”. She says that she accepted Aftab’s home production because she liked the script.

“I was offered this film on the sets of ‘Aloo Chaat’. I gave my nod to it not because it had Aftab, but because I loved the script and my role,” she said.

The film is a fairy tale revolving around a ballet teacher and a 12-year-old child, who falls in love with her.

Asked for the reason behind doing a fantasy caper at a time when Indian cinema’s focus is on realistic films, the actress said that her priority is doing different kinds of roles.

“I want to do different things. I don’t want to limit myself to a particular kind of cinema. As it is ‘Aao Wish Karein’ is not a hardcore fairy tale. It has got its share of realism too.

“It has elements of a fairy tale, but the characters are very believable. People will relate to those characters,” said Aamna, who wishes to work with her favourite actor Shah Rukh Khan some day.

She is willing to return to television if something nice comes up.

“I would love to be attached to television. It’s just that it requires a lot of time; so I want something that is good and suitable. TV was the one that gave me recognition and I would definitely take up if something interesting comes my way,” Aamna said.