How to get more energy
August 31, 2007
Read on to discover the real reasons you’re tired, plus simple energy solutions
YOUR BODY’S THIRST.
Dehydration reduces blood flow to your organs, leaving you sluggish. Drink at least ten glasses of liquids such as water each day. If your pee is clear or pale yellow, you’re getting enough fluids.
YOU CRAVE CARBS
Who doesn’t? But the processed ones in white bread, cookies, and pasta cause your blood sugar to spike, then crash, leaving you exhausted. At least 50 percent of your diet should come from carbohydrates.
YOU’RE SKIPPING MEALS
Skipping meals, or even just not eating for a few hours, can cause blood sugar dips that leave you feeling weak. A great way to build all-day energy is to eat a fiber-rich cereal for breakfast.
YOU’RE NOT GETTING THE NUTRIENTS YOU NEED
Many women are short on magnesium, a mineral that improves cell efficiency, thus conserving energy. You need about 400 mg a day (most multivitamins have about 100 mg). To make sure you get enough, eat foods rich in magnesium such as peanut butter, green leafy veggies, and whole grains. Another nutrient we often fall short on: omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate metabolism and boost oxygen intake, thus increasing energy. They’re found in higher-fat fish such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon, so aim for a few servings a week.
YOU’RE WATCHING TOO MUCH TV
For every hour spent channel surfing, people walk 144 fewer steps. The result? Slow and steady weight gain that drags you down. To break the cycle, try limiting TV time, or watch it while you’re on the treadmill.
YOU’RE NOT GETTING ENOUGH DAYLIGHT
Sunlight triggers your brain to release specific brain chemicals such as serotonin, which is vital to boosting mood and energy. So step outside every day for a 20-minute walk, but don’t forgo the SPF — it’s the sunlight absorbed by your eyes that activates the brain’s pineal gland and signals the release of energising neurochemicals, so protecting your skin from UV rays won’t defeat the purpose.
YOU OBSESS OVER EVERYTHING
Women are prone to ruminating, be it a friend’s comment or a fight with hubby, which stresses us out and zaps our energy. It becomes a vicious cycle — stress brings on more rumination, which leaves us even more anxious and exhausted. Find someone you trust to vent to for five minutes, and then let it go.
YOU’RE GLUED TO YOUR CELL PHONE OR PAGER
They’re designed to make life easier, but these gadgets can actually increase anxiety levels by placing more demands on you throughout the day. And it’s worse for women, who are more likely to receive telephone calls at work from a crying child or a frustrated spouse.
YOU’VE GOT DIABETES
One telltale symptom: unexplained fatigue. When you’re diabetic, glucose or blood sugar — the body’s main source of energy — can’t get into your muscle cells. If you’re overweight and/or have a family history of diabetes, ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test to measure your levels. If caught early, diabetes can be controlled with simple lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise, lowering fat intake, and losing excess pounds.
NEED MORE ENERGY!
1. Go for a walk 2. Snack on nuts, not sweets 3. Pop a mint 4. Give yourself a massage 5. Have a banana 6. Sip green tea 7. Take a hike 8. Avoid energy vampires 9. Take a power nap 10. Do a mini-meditation
Five steps to lower Blood Pressure
August 31, 2007
Every day, millions of people quietly battle a silent killer. High blood pressure is an elevation in the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It affects almost one out of every three individuals. High blood pressure is considered a major risk factor for heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
There are several things you can do to lower your blood pressure.
The top five are:
EAT A HEALTHFUL DIET
Excessive sodium intake also has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure. Limiting salt intake to 2,000 milligrams per day may help keep blood pressure low. A diet of 1,500 milligrams or less salt is especially effective at controlling blood pressure. Sodium is found in many foods, so keep an eye on the ingredients list to help rein in your sodium intake. In addition, avoid adding table salt to foods.
AVOID SMOKING AND EXCESSIVE DRINKING
The nicotine found in tobacco products constricts blood vessels, causing your hear to beat faster and raising blood pressure for a period of time. Limit alcohol use to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. One drink is defined as one 6-ounce glass of wine per day, one 12-ounce beer or one 1-ounce shot of distilled spirits.
GET REGULAR EXERCISE
Exercising three to four times per week helps regulate high blood pressure, keeping in mind that the regularity of the exercise is more important than the intensity of the workout. Individuals should consult their physician before starting an exercise program.
LOSE WEIGHT
Shedding pounds, especially in the abdominal area, can immediately lower blood pressure and help reduce the size of the heart. A loss of just 10 pounds can make a significant difference.
TRY TO RELAX
Emotional factors may play important roles in the development of high blood pressure. Studies have linked numerous activities to reducing blood pressure. These include cognitive-behavioural therapy, transcendental meditation, active religious faith and participation in activities related to a faith community.
Movies this week
August 31, 2007
Ram Gopal
Varma Ki Aag
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Sushmita Sen, Mohanlal, Prashant Raj, Nisha Kothari
Action: From the dark underbelly of Mumbai city, a nihilistic new leader has risen to lord it over the underworld. His name is Babban (Amitabh)… Ram Gopal Varma’s take on Ramesh Sippy’s cult classic Sholay, also his favourite Hindi movie of all times, presents Amitabh in a redux of the iconic role of Gabbar, immortalised by Amjad Khan in 1975.
Dhokha
Cast: Anupam Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim, Tulip Joshi, Gulshan Grover, Ashutosh Rana
Thriller: Pooja Bhatt’s exploration of the deep, dark recesses of deceit. Police officer Zayed (Muzammil) loves his wife Sarah (Tulip) dearly. His life takes a dreadful turn when Sarah succumbs in a bomb blast in Mumbai. Worse, the massive wounds on Sarah’s body indicate that she was the cold-blooded suicide bomber, not a hapless victim…
Victoria No. 203
Cast: Om Puri, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill, Preeti Jhangiani, Sonia Mehra, Kamal Sadanah, Javed Jaffrey
Comedy: Late actor Vinod Mehra’s daughter Sonia debuts in this remake of the 1972 original. A horse carriage named ‘Victoria 203’ hogs the limelight after a diamond heist…
Chak De makes it to the Oscar library
August 31, 2007
The movie has scored very well at the box office and now Chak De India has won another accolade. The prestigious Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has requested a copy of the screenplay of the film for their library.
The script is now a part of the collection that resides at the Margaret Herrick Library and is made accessible for research purpose only; students, filmmakers, writers and actors are the regular patrons at the library. As per the rules the screenplay can be viewed by patrons in the library but it cannot be photocopied or circulated. Another milestone for SRK and Yash Chopra’s banner!
Shahid Kareena break up a stunt?
August 31, 2007
Is it on or not? That’s the buzz about the split of Bollywood’s cutest couple, Shahid and Kareena Kapoor. If reports are to be believed, the couple is heading for splitsville because of an alleged third angle to their love story. The spoke in this smoothly running wheel is said to be Saif Ali Khan.
Reportedly Kareena and Saif became close while shooting for Yash Raj Film’s Tashan. In Mumbai, Saif and Kareena are said to have carried their friendship furtherby going for dinners with friends to a popular suburban Chinese restaurant. How far this is true will only be known when either Kareena or Shahid decide to speak on the rumours. But he is in Canada, shooting for Nagesh Kukunoor’s Tasveer. And she is incommunicado.
We have been interactive in the couple’s relationship ever since they expressed love for each other for the first time on Valentine’s Day three years ago. They met through a common friend but Kareena has always admitted that it was her constant persuasion that led the shy and reserved Shahid to get into the relationship. And since then, the couple, secure in each other’s love and trust, have been together despite rumours about Kareena’s mother disapproving of their closeness. What went wrong, then?
People have their own interpretation of what could be brewing. Some more unkind than the rest, say this is a publicity stunt to promote their film Jab We Met that will be released in October. Considering the couple failed to create any onscreen magic with their earlier films, trade analyst Amod Mehra says, “One cannot rule out the gimmick part. The couple hasn’t been hot with fans and over a period, when two people are so much in love with each other, the excitement dies out. So something like this can rekindle not just the romance back in their lives,
but also make them a garam pair at the box office.”
But others are of the opinion that it’s a minor squabble between the couple that’s been blown out of proportion. Says trade analyst Indu Mirani, “Kareena and Shahid are known names. They don’t need such publicity for the promotion of their film. Kareena will not resort to such levels. As it is, the film will meet its fate depending on how good or bad it is.”
Agrees Taran Adarsh, who’s known the couple for many years. “They are in a profession surrounded by good looking people all the time. But, I don’t think Kareena will give it up so easily. They are very committed to each other. She knows the importance of Shahid’s place in her life. It could be a squabble,” he says, adding that the couple does not need adverse publicity for their film in which they play lovers. “They are too dignified to use their personal lives for a publicity gimmick,” he adds.
Shahid and Kareena of all of Bollywood’s twosomes, were seen as the ones most likely to stick with each other. Kareena has always credited Shahid for bringing about a positive change in her. Says a friend of Bebo’s, “It’s not true. Bebo has mellowed down a lot since the time she met Shahid. He has been a calming effect on her. This has to be a minor squabble only.”
Did Kareena dump Shahid for Saif?
August 30, 2007
According to the latest buzz in Bollywood, Shahid-Kareena relationship has hit a dead end and the reason behind it is none other than ’single’ Saif Ali Khan, who reportedly did some serious damge to Bips-John love story as well.
The sources claim that it all happened on the sets of Yash Raj Films’ Tashan in Ladakh and later, Jaisalmer where Saif and Kareena instantly got attracted to each other. This news comes close on the heels of rumours that her relationship with Shahid is on the rocks.
However,Shahid’s close friend reveals that the actor is clueless about Saif’s closeness to Bebo as he’s in Canada shooting for Nagesh Kukunoor’s Tasveer.
But how serious is Saif about Kareena?
While Bebe has been in a relationship for a long time now, Saif seems to be in a mood to play games.So will this fling last is the million dollar question everyone is asking.
Kareena chose not to comment on the story but for more details, stay glued to this space.
Tanushree Dutta – The Brand Girl
August 30, 2007
It always feels great when you are chosen brand ambassador for a product, and Tanushree Dutta, we hear, is receiving quite a few such offers right now.
She’s also signed on the dotted line for one of them. Although she remains tight-lipped about the deal, we hear it’s a certain brand of jewellery that she will be endorsing. Right now, all she will say is, “It’s great to be considered as brand ambassador.
Previously I was busy establishing myself in Bollywood. But right now, it’s the right time to get into endorsing products.” Hey girl, it’s always the right time to strike ‘gold’, right?
Bollywood Actress with the best Butt
August 30, 2007
No celebrity body part in recent memory has achieved greater prominence than Jennifer Lopez’s derrière; it is said to have inspired a new trend in belowthe-waist surgical implants too. Cellulite be damned, her ample booty has made news yet again by being voted the best butt in Hollywood. Jennifer’s personal fame has almost been eclipsed by her own behind and it’s always ‘bottoms’ up for the sexy Latina. Husband Marc Anthony should know! BT asked some Mumbai’s celebs to figure out who had the sexiest butt in India.
RITEISH DESHMUKH —
I think my vote would go for Kareena Kapoor’s for sure!
DINO MOREA —
Malaika Arora-Khan has an outstanding butt! She really maintains herself well.
KUNAL KAPOOR —
I don’t know ‘cos they are all padded up. You don’t really know which one’s real and until I see one up close, I won’t be able to comment.
ROHIT BAL —
Malaika Arora-Khan! Nothing comes close to it. She is ‘butt’ ahead.
DJ AQEEL —
The sexiest butt in India is my wife, Farah’s. She has a fabulous body.
ATUL KASBEKAR —
I think it would have to be Shilpa Shetty’s butt. She has by far the best body in the industry.
Be it Malaika, Shilpa or Kareena, our Indian divas sure can give JLo’s desirable booty a run for its place in the butt ratings!
Muzamil Ibrahim is the new hunk in Bollywood
August 30, 2007
Watch out for Muzamil Ibrahim, the brawny newcomer who’s making his Bollywood debut in Pooja Bhatt’s film, released today. Papa Mahesh Bhatt, who has launched the likes of John Abraham and Emran Hashmi, is of the opinion that Muzamil stands head and shoulders over all his discoveries. Maybe he does. And he’s got plenty of ammo to take him where he is going. Good looks and, awe-struck reports say, better acting abilities already. People are talking about him.
The 23-year-old model stretches his gymmed-out body lazily and smiles in his eighth floor suburban residence, “I didn’t except so much but I overwhelmed by all the praises coming my way.” The film, which deals with terrorism and youth, will be screened for students of Aligarh University and the NSUI (National Students Union of India), got rave reviews. Pooja Bhatt is keen on screening it across other university campuses as well, to create an awareness against terrorism in the minds of misguided youth.
Muzamil is not new to terrorism himself. Coming from Kashmir Valley, he has seen the beauty of the state being ravaged by terrorism down the years. Now he is happy to be in a movie that has the potential of influencing the youth against the dreaded malaise. Before Dhoka, he was offered roles in Dus, Apna Sapna and Money Money, but strangely waited for the right script to come along. His role in this film appears tailor-made for him.
“I’m certain this movie will stir everyone’s conscience, especially the youth who are misguided by religion,” says this boy from Kashmir. “The youth of today are burdened by the the problems faced by their elders in the past. But times have changed. We are progressing towards a better India. Why be clouded by past miseries? Let’s face and fight it out together. The power is within us, we are the youth, the energy of the country.”
The Bhatts have signed him on for their next movie as well. From being a most sought-after and highly-paid model, Muzamil has come a long way in a short time. He won’t give up modelling, however, because it helped him get a foothold in Bollywood. “I was studying engineering, when I was spotted to become a model, and once I stepped into this world, I knew where I would head. I was quietly and steadily working towards it. Honestly, I wanted to be launched by the Bhatts because I believe they have the Midas touch,” he admits.
Is he styling himself on anyone? “I’m an ardent fan of Dilip Kumar, Dharmendra, and Amitabh Bachchan. Shakti is one of the most inspiring movies I have ever seen. I would rather look at the institute called Dilip Kumar than ape a Western star,” he says, giving that smile again.
Ferena Wazier the new Bollywood Hottie
August 29, 2007
Ferena Wazier is the newest entrant into showbiz, and the young actress has already hit the big league. The Kashmiri, who grew up in Scotland, has a music video with A R Rahman, another with Harihan, a film with Oscar-winning No Man’s Land director Danis Tanovic, and a film each with Ketan Mehta and Soni Razdan!
Over a glass of lassi, Ferena introduces herself to Patcy N, and chats about her films…
I was born in Scotland. When I was 2 or 3, we returned to Kashmir for three years, where I lived in a village with my grandmother. My mom is an Urdu teacher in Scotland, while my father is into real estate. I have two brothers and a sister who works with the refugees. One of my brothers is studying construction management, and the other medicine.
As a child, I wanted to be a teacher. My family wasn’t very supportive about my becoming an actress, considering our history in academia. But, over a period of time, they came to terms with it.
I did my schooling in Scotland, and also studied acting at London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) for six months. I would visit India during my summer holidays. I have done a workshop with Satyadev Dudey and theatre with Alyque Padamsee.
I did shows of The Vagina Monologues in Britain — a fantastic experience. Three years ago, I came to India for the Pushkar camel fair in Rajasthan, and met (photographer) Farrokh Chothia on that trip. He recommended my name to a few agencies. Within a week, I got an offer for the magazines Elle and Seventeen, along with some ads. I then got Anurag Kashyap’s Allywn Kalicharan, starring Anil Kapoor.
Dubeyji offered to help me with diction and breathing techniques. He recommended my name to Soni Razdan; she was making a period film in the 1930s and was looking for a Punjabi girl. It is based on a novel called Difficult Daughters by Manju Kapur. The working title is Amritsar: A Love Story, and shooting has yet to begin. It is about a young girl who falls in love with her teacher, becomes pregnant before marriage and becomes his second wife.
Ferena Wazier the new Bollywood Hottie
Right now, I am shooting for Ketan Mehta’s period film Rang Rasiya, where I play a Parsi called Freny. The film is set in the 1870s, and is based on the life of famous painter Raja Ravi Varma. I play one of his best friends — a frank, bubbly girl.
Ketan Mehta is a sweetheart; he is very gentle, but strict as well. On my last shooting schedule, I wasn’t supposed to learn dialogues; I just had some scenes. But, during the shoot, Randeep (Hooda) injured himself and I was told to do my last few scenes. I told Randeep I hadn’t learned the dialogues, and he told me to memorise them quickly. When they were ready to shoot, I forgot the lines. Ketan Mehta yelled and said I had the whole afternoon to learn them. I got it right on the second take.
The film has been shot in Karjat, Pune and Mumbai.
I have just finished shooting music videos for A R Rahman and Hariharan.
Rahman is a very nice man, very down-to-earth and humble. I spoke to him when we shot in Mumbai and also at the Taj Mahal. The funny thing is I was shooting for both music videos at the same time, so there was a conflict. Rahman’s group wanted me on the set for their shoot, while Hariharan’s group wanted me for theirs. So I did a 12-hour shift, running between the two. Even funnier was that Rahman was the chief guest for the launch of Hariharan’s video!
I played Mumtaz Mahal in Rahman’s video. We shot for four days. Rahman is also featured in the video, but I didn’t have too many scenes with him.
There are a couple of other projects lined up, but I am not allowed to talk about them just yet. There is a three-movie deal with a corporate house, but people say you jinx yourself if you talk about a project before it is announced.
I have a film coming up with Danis Tanovic, director of No Man’s Land. It is set in Pakistan but we will be shooting in Patiala, Punjab. It is a controversial, but true, story. I play a traditional Pakistani girl, and we hope to shoot in November. Danis is a very passionate artist and director. He also has a strong sense of right and wrong.
I don’t know how I bagged this role. I was in London and had to get back to India when a casting director who had seen my screen test for Difficult Daughters called.
I have other international project with a German filmmaker, where I play a Bollywood Diva who is a brat. It is about Bollywood crews that shoot abroad, in places like Switzerland, from the point of view of the Swiss.
I came to India because, when they cast an Indian girl in Britian, they want dark-skinned girls. When I auditioned, they would say I was too pretty to be in those films.
In India, the idea of beauty is very different from the West. Here, they love fair skin.
Initially, I thought I could have this perfect life living between India and Britain. But, in reality, it doesn’t work like that. At some point, you have to decide. I joined Atul Kasbekar’s company, which got me some endorsements. They have been like a family to me and made it very comfortable for me to stay here.
I love old black and white movies. I love Madhubala, Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari. I used to love Rajendra Kumar. In today’s time, I think Madhuri Dixit is fantastic. Sridevi was great, Aamir Khan is a fantastic actor, and Saif Ali Khan has evolved. I think Ritesh Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade are interesting and have a lot of potential.
I would like to act with all actors. I am happy working with Ketan Mehta because I think he is a fantastic filmmaker. I would like to work with filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Yash Chopra, Farhan Akhtar — I like all kinds of cinema.
I love my lifestyle here. I can’t see myself doing a 9-to-5 job. I like the unpredictability of my life. I love the process of learning. I am learning classical singing and Kathak. I love the melodrama of Hindi cinema, the colours and costumes. I feel very happy to be here.”
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