A month after author Robin Lewis said the company’s CEO Mike Jeffries wanted thin, beautiful customers in its stores and Jeffries responded with a statement saying the company was opposed to discrimination, it appears that the retail giant is getting some negative feedback once again. But this time, it’s for a different reason entirely, reports eonline.com.

Abercrombie has pulled a T-shirt that appears to reference the love life of musician Taylor Swift off the shelves, after fans bombarded the chain store with complaints.

The controversial top reads, “#more boyfriends than t.s.” — an apparent joke about the pop singer’s love life.

So many Swifties made requests for the shirt to be discontinued that the store even added a personalized greeting to their hotline.

The company’s corporate message system says, “Thank you for calling Abercrombie & Fitch public relations. If you are calling regarding the Taylor Swift t-shirt, please note this is no longer available.”

Swift has dated some of Hollywood’s most eligible bachelors, and has written songs about some of her ill-fated romances.

She’s been linked to Jake Gyllenhaal, Harry Styles and John Mayer in the past.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.

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MUMBAI: Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh’s own film Shortcut Romeo released on Friday, but he also wishes well for the fate of his close friend, actor Sonam Kapoor’s Raanjhanaa, which released on the same day. Neil feels the movies will mark a new beginning for both of them.

“Sonam in Raanjhanaa is completely transformed. I can see the change in her. I feel it would be like a new beginning for her. It’s like what happened to Karisma Kapoor after Raja Hindustani or Shabana Azmi in Arth,” said Neil.

Neil and Sonam became good friends when they worked together in Abbas-Mustan’s film, Players. They have kept close tabs on each other’s projects since, and even make sure they watch one another’s films.

There’s a healthy give-and-take of criticism from both ends. Neil himself feels a similar change in his own work in Shortcut Romeo.

“Believe me, I’ve never worked so hard. Because director Susi Ganesh is completely new to Hindi cinema and Bollywood, I was virtually the one-point stopover for the entire project in Mumbai,” he said.

The actor says he served as the hero, the chief assistant, the production co-ordinator and the spotboy on this one.

“My involvement with Shortcut Romeo was so deep that I forgot where the actor was left behind and the all-purpose project coordinator took over. Susi is completely alien to Bollywood. I had to lead him through the entire project. But I enjoyed every bit of it,” he added.

Neil is confident of Shortcut Romeo in spite of competition from his friend’s film, which is already doing brisk business.

“I know Raanjhanaa is a big one. Everyone wants to see the love story between Sonam and Dhanush. So do I. But we are advantaged by our budget,” he continued. “Raanjhanaa is an INR300 million to INR350 million project. We completed Shortcut Romeo within INR150 million although we shot in some of the most exotic spots in the world,” said Neil.

Nevertheless, Neil is all for Raanjhanaa, and even confident of his own film.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.

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MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar credits the film industry for all the name, fame, accolades, adulation, lifestyle and luxury that he has garnered in over two decades, saying “filmdom means a lot” to him.

Ever since he started with Saugandh in 1991, he has never looked back and the career graph of the 45-year-old has always spiraled up.

“This is my bread and butter. This is where I started… I am very thankful to the industry. It means a lot to me. In fact, it means everything to me,” Akshay told IANS.

Tagged as “one of the most profitable actors”, he delivered mega hits Housefull 2 and Rowdy Rathore last year, with both the films entering the INR1 billion club. When asked about the new title he’s been given, he exclaimed, “Who wouldn’t want to be an actor who gives profits to all his producers and exhibitors?” In the same breath, he added: “I feel honoured with this compliment. Thank you very much for it.”

There is a lot of talk about the quality of content in films, but box office numbers are important for survival, he said. “It is important for you to survive. It is important for the distributors and exhibitors to be happy,” he explained. “At the end of the day, these are the people who matter to you. The box office does matter, no matter what everyone says.”

As a beginner, he earned the tag of an action star after the hit Khiladi series including Khiladi and Main Khiladi Tu Anari. Subsequently, he moved to drama and comedy with Waqt  — Race Against Time and Hera Pheri.

With Khiladi 786 and Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobara, he is back to the action genre. “I enjoy action with comedy,” he asked.

“But this film [Once Upon...] is about romance and action. It is a deadly combination. I have enjoyed working in it. It is a different kind of genre. I am looking forward to the release,” he said.

Milan Luthria-directed underworld drama Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara, will release on August 15 to take advantage of the Independence Day holiday. It also stars Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha.

When asked about the box office prospects of the film, he said: “I have worked hard in the film. I don’t know whether I will achieve it or not, but I am very confident that people will like it and that is more important. I have been very honest with my work.”

He attended the India-Pakistan Champions Trophy match in London on Saturday to promote his film also. “I don’t know if it will help or not. It surely helped me have fun and that is what I went for,” he said.

Hectic shooting schedules and endorsements keep Akshay, who is married to actor Twinkle Khanna, on his toes. Therefore, he keeps his free time for his children, Aarav and Nitara. “I play with my children in my free time,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.

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It’s not the worst of your problems, but having a bad hair day can simply ruin your entire day. As if one bad hair day wasn’t enough, a new study reveals that women spend 20 years of their lives suffering from bad hair days, and that can affect their mood and confidence.

In a study that was done by budget hotel chain Travelodge in London, 2,000 women were surveyed to investigate how their tresses affect their mood when they begin their day. Findings showed that eight out of 10 women believe their glory, self-worth and beauty lies in their hair, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

From frizzy and fine hair to dry and damaged hair, along with the mornings when hair misbehaves, just adds to the daily frustrations of females which affect them emotionally.

On average, women wake up with unruly hair at least three times every week. That means they will be cranky for half the week. On average, a British female will have 7,332 bad hair days in a lifetime — equivalent to 20 years of her life suffering from bad hair.

While there are ways to deal with hair problems, the study shows that women let bad hair moments ruin their mood. They will feel depressed for at least four hours and 26 minutes during the day, while also feeling less confident.

“Women feel like entirely different individuals when their hair does not behave,” said Shakila Ahmed, spokeswoman of Travelodge. “Having unmanageable tresses can make a woman feel tired, grumpy and less confident. In contrast, a great hair day will make a woman feel sexy, confident and ready to take on the world.”

Bad hair day solutions:

1.  Greasy hair — Simple updos are the best. Just use a few clips and pins to hold your hair in place.

2. Wavy hair — For the days your uncontrolled waves are going everywhere, try simply braiding it. You can choose a French braid or a simple one to set that hair straight.

3. No time for styling — The classiest way to look trendy is with a ponytail. Whether you want to tease the front of your hair, tie the pony high or low, in any case, it looks great.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.

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Co-written and directed by Mrigdeep Singh Lamba, Fukrey paints a new coat onto some overdone clichés. Although it has its funny moments, Fukrey at the end will leave you thinking that something is missing.

The story kicks off with two schoolgoing boys, Vikas Gulati aka Hunny (Pulkit Samrat) and Dilip Singh aka Choocha (Varun Sharma), who daydream about landing an admission in one of Delhi’s biggest colleges. The two continuously fantasise about their after-school life, and how they will impress girls by making a grand entry on horseback.

Hunny is a heartthrob and wins peoples’ hearts with his boy-next-door looks and charm, while Choocha is more of his sidekick — a dimwit whose ‘dream’ gives birth to a mess. Choocha brings the humour element in the film, but it gets a bit annoying at times and makes you want to smack something across the screen to make him stop cracking stupid jokes.

The Hunny and Choocha duo has a unique gift — Choocha dreams and Hunny interprets those dreams, a winning combination. This results in the two often winning easy money. Then come the other two ‘fukrey’ — Lali (Manjot Singh), a Sardar who comes in contact with Hunny and Choocha to get a seat in the same college, and Zafar (Ali Fazal), an aspiring musician whose music fails to impress the mainstream industry. In the background of his struggle, he has a hospitalised ailing father to pay for.

The need for money brings these four men to the gangster Bholi Punjaban (Richa Chadda). A meeting inside Bholi Punjaban’s gym, full of mirrors, gives way to a comedy of errors, which ends up involving Zafar’s ex and Lali’s finance teacher, Neetu (Vishaka Singh) and Hunny’s love interest, Priya (Priya Anand).

The one-liners and funny moments in the storyline make it worth watching. However, as one would have expected, after seeing co-producer Farhan Akhtar’s name in the trailers, the movie does not live up to the expectations of Dil Chahta Hai or Luck By Chance.

The cast, which comprises debutants or second-timers, makes the movie a heart-warming and light comedy, with undertones of Delhi Belly and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! Bholi Punjaban’s entry picks the story up from the slump it went into right before the interval, but it’s too late to work in the movie’s favour.

The fear of losing the bet to Bholi Punjaban and getting caught brings all the characters to a moment of self-realisation that they were doing something wrong in order to attain money.

Fukrey is a fun ride filled with a madcap script. It’s not the sort of movie you would plan on watching with friends. However, if you happen to stroll into the cinema, you will surely come out smiling.

Verdict: The storyline is cliche, but the execution is pretty strong, making the movie worth watching. Rating: 3.5/5

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.

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Al-Fatah in Lahore, Agha’s in Karachi and Jinnah Supermarket in Islamabad are unmatched in terms of imported groceries, make-up and other essentials while international chains like Mango, Next and Accessorize are bringing the high street to Pakistan. There are still, however, some things worth making space in your luggage for. If you are off on your holidays, here are the top 10 things that should be on your shopping list:

1.   Bare Minerals Foundation — worn with primer, it’s the perfect foundation for our tropical climate. It is light, yet gives good coverage while managing to look natural. As with all foundations, do take the time to work out which is the perfect colour for your skin-tone — the wrong colour foundation will kill even the prettiest face.

2.   Lingerie — great lingerie is incredibly hard to find here in Pakistan. Voluminous clothes mean we don’t need to worry about VPLs but the right lingerie can change the shape of an outfit and smooth out the little bumps and bulges we all have. Indispensable.

3.   A GHD straightener — forget Babybliss and those other brands in the market. Our frizz friendly climate means hair needs extra help and the GHD straightener is perfect for a salon style finish when you can’t make it to the salon. Quick and easy — use it once and you’ll realise why other straighteners are simply not in the same league.

4.   A great pair of designer heels — yes, we have some great shoe shops in Pakistan, but if you want designer shoes you can expect to pay extremely hefty prices. While you are overseas, you should be able to snag a pair at a sale or outlet for at least 30% less. If your budget doesn’t stretch to designer shoes, Zara, Massimo Dutti and Topshop do some great shoes that ape designer shoe trends.

5.   Ballet pumps — Tory Burch pumps are having a moment among Pakistan’s jet-set but there are plenty of other options. Tod’s do some great loafers and ballet pumps while some fabulous options are available are Jimmy Choo and Ferragamo. Catch the sales and you could score a pair for not a lot more than the price of a Menahel Mehreen semi-formal outfit. And the pumps will lift a host of different outfits — so they’re practically an investment!

6.   Batiste Dry Shampoo — occasionally available at Agha’s, it’s worth having your own stash for when you really can’t manage to wash your hair. Spray, massage and brush out for hair that looks and smells fresh.

7.   Artificial flowers — the only artificial flowers available in Pakistan are the plastic-looking cheap kind. Chen One does some decent artificial plants but you can get wonderful silk flowers abroad that look so real that you have to touch them to be sure they’re not. Try Sia or The One in Dubai for an amazing selection.

8.   Home accents — although Renaissance has recently made it much easier to find decent home accents here in Pakistan, it’s always worth looking around for decorative pieces when you’re travelling. Vases, frames, wall hangings — the possibilities are endless. The added advantage is that objects around your home will remind you of your various trips.

9.   Costume jewellery — Between Sunday bazaar, Accessorize, SanaSafinaz and Saddar, you can find a host of costume jewellery here in Karachi but it’s worth checking out high street offerings by the likes of Zara and Topshop as well as street markets abroad for the odd exceptional piece.

10. Tech gadgets — pick up the latest electronic items from abroad and you’re sure to save yourself a pretty penny. Whether you’re looking for a Wii U, a kindle or the latest video baby monitor, you are bound to find a better selection and cheaper prices abroad than you would here in Pakistan.

This is of course, far from a comprehensive list. Everyone has their own personal favourites that they stock up on when going overseas. What’s in your top 10?

Oxford-grad Salima Feerasta is a social commentator and lover of style in any form or fashion. She blogs at karachista.blogspot.com and tweets @karachista.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2013.

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Amna Ilyas doesn’t just walk into a room: she strides in the café with a leggy, coltish grace reminiscent of her catwalk, causing more than a few glances to shift interestedly in her direction. Her own gaze remains glacial, the practiced unseeing stare of the model who has to deal with attention by disregarding it. She throws her keys on the table, says hello in that worldly, husky voice, but then notices that we’re in the non-smoking section and makes me move to the smoking zone where she immediately lights up.

If I have been anxious about this interview thus far, I am now truly petrified. I spent hours last night deliberating over what to wear today and have drafted a list of impressive questions but will that suffice? Ilyas may not yet be a household name but with titles such as ‘Pakistan’s Couture Queen’ and ‘Best Pakistani Model’ being bestowed upon her, that is likely to change soon. She will be bursting onto the big screen this year, alongside the legendary Naseeruddin Shah in her upcoming debut film, Zinda Bhaag. A favourite at every fashion event, Ilyas is nominated for the Best Model at the upcoming Lux Style Awards and anyone who has seen her strut on the catwalk or pose for a shoot can tell why. Her talents as a model have been vouched for by renowned fashion photographer Fayyaz Ahmed who says, “Ilyas is one model I don’t think twice before working with; she is just effortless and professional in front of the camera!”

Between intermittent drags on one cigarette after the other, she talks about her experiences in the fashion industry. Like most models, Ilyas began her career when she was a teenager and now, at 22, has become one of the most sought-after models in Pakistan. Her irresistible ‘naughty but nice’ appeal has rendered her the sexy must-have model for designers such as HSY and Karma. Her famously slender legs are her USP, as are her dusky, sculpted features, and that indefinable something in her attitude. She exudes a bold, unconventional sexiness. While the boys go ga-ga over Ayyan’s rosy-cheeked, desi-girl charms, Ilyas’ urbane style finds a fan among women who instantly appreciate her fashion sense.

Today she is dressed in faded jeans and an understated white t-shirt which highlights her toned physique and tan skin. Ilyas is already causing a stir around the café and our table is getting more than its fair share of attention. She speaks animatedly about herself with exaggerated hand gestures and I can’t help but wonder how a model of such stature can be so… chilled out! In the course of our conversation, I realize she is just another twenty-something, albeit with a job seemingly more exciting that the mainstream investment-banking and medicine most of us opt for. “I get to ghoomofy so much!” she says when I ask her what she likes best about modeling. “Plus, you know na, models always get a lot of attention,” she adds with a naughty laugh.

A natural at being under the spotlight, she is confident and self-assured, undaunted by the media. She grew up in the shadow of her elder sisters Uzma and Salma, both of whom have remained successful models themselves. “I don’t pay attention to the media, I do what I do for me,” she claims. I think it is safe to conclude that she is simply one of those people who attract a lot of attention and revel in it. The secret glances being shot our way have not died down yet but this is Ilyas’s domain. She jokes and laughs and shares stories unsuitable for printing but she entertains throughout.

It may be just the spotlight she relishes, but Ilyas had developed a true passion for her profession. I am shocked to hear that she has taken next to no time off in the past three years, without any intentions of doing so now either! Between back-to-back shoots, shows and travelling, she must be a workaholic, I ask. “Array no, yaar,” she responds, waving her hands as if to brush aside my assertion. “I love to chill too but my career is my top priority. Plus, I really, really enjoy getting my hair done,” she jokes.

But the pampering isn’t what drove Ilyas towards modeling. Her success can be attributed to her close friend, Aakif Riaz, who discovered and launched her in the market. “Shuru mein I never really want to model. But one day, Aakif took some snaps of me and showed them to a designer aur buss, that is how it all started. Thanks to my sisters, I knew the work well already.” So were they your inspiration, I inquire to which she jokes “I am my own inspiration.” Ilyas truly seems to have mastered the art of mixing business with pleasure, so much so that she finds posing without music hard and so prefers indoor shoots. “But kabhi kabhi shoots get very annoying. Like once, I shouted at the lighting guys because they were being lazy and not doing their work right. Sab ka time waste ho raha tha!”

This reminds me that an hour has gone by already and we must speed up to accommodate Ilyas’s next appointment: a martial arts class which she says is a great stress-buster. I had been made aware of her penchant for punctuality and professionalism earlier when she criticized other models for arriving late to shoots, throwing tantrums and not taking their work seriously enough. For Ilyas, this indicated a lack of drive and never would she ever behave so “badtameezily” as to keep people waiting! I begin to appreciate the dichotomy of her character: she is a combination of carefree indulgence with a diligent work ethic. Ilyas works hard but parties harder. She likes to take matters into her own hands, to the extent that she would rather wash her dishes herself than hire domestic help! This child of the 21st century is unafraid to speak her mind and unapologetic about how she might speak it, declaring that “If someone is being an idiot, I won’t hesitate to sunaofy them.”

Unfortunately, this kind of audacity does not always bode well in the showbiz industry and can lead to slander and libel. “She is known to have a bit of an attitude problem,” says Umer Mushtaq , a freelance fashion editor. “But I have known her personally since her schoolgirl days and have never met a more professional and hardworking young model. She is very genuine and straightforward. No dramas, no nakhray…sirf mehnat. No wonder every designer wants her!”

With her confidence, ambition and the massive success Ilyas has garnered in her short career, one would think she is all set for life but in reality, she is as confused about her future as the average 20-something. I inquire about her vulnerabilities and a fear as a person and her instant answer is “Shaadi!” In my head, I laugh at the image of her juggling to children whilst having her makeup done. “I don’t know if I can handle bachay wachay but I will try!” she confesses. “I can’t be a model forever so I am focusing on acting as well. Career tau bana liya hai but ultimately, I want to live a quiet life with a doting husband,” she adds and I can’t help but feel a bit surprised. She senses my reaction and quickly explains herself. “Kya karoun… I am a total romantic too na!”

For now, Ilyas’s chief concern remains her work. She believes she is currently living the peak of her career and showing no signs of slowing down, at least until she manages to give something back to the industry which has given her so much. “Modeling is still a taboo in Pakistan and people remain apprehensive of it. But I want to change that and make them see it as a respectable profession and promote a positive image of Pakistan through it!” As a closing note, I ask her to give some advice for young girls seeking a career in the fashion industry and she pauses a moment, as if reminiscing about her own days as a newbie model. “It is crucial to do your homework and learn the tricks of the trade. Gandagi har jaga hoti hai magar you have to stay clear of it. It is very easy to fall prey to exploitation if you aren’t careful,” she advises.

As Ilyas gets up to leave, I feel a twinge of envy and can’t help but compare myself with her. Not many people are blessed with the kind of energy and raw passion displayed by Ilyas. Suffice it to that this girl is on fire! This may have been the first time you have heard of her but I can assure you, it definitely won’t be the last.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, June 23^rd, 2013.

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Bollywood actor Divya Dutta, who has proved herself as an actor with movies like Veer-Zaara, Baghban and Delhi-6, says she now wants to try her hands at film direction.

“I would love to direct films and it’s certainly on the cards,” said Divya, adding that there’s still some time before she dons the director’s hat. “I am lucky that I have worked with some wonderful directors so far — Madhur Bhandarkar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, among others. I am planning to direct films in the future, but nothing right now.”

Divya believes assisting a director before taking up the task single-handedly is not necessary.

“You don’t need to assist anybody to become a director,” said Divya, who is busy writing her first book in the meantime. She started on her book while shooting for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and became confident after writing newspaper columns.

“Writing is something I am doing right now. I was always passionate about it,” she said. “I am writing a novel right now — it comes naturally to me like acting.”

While growing up, Divya went to Sacred Heart Convent in Ludhiana. She was highly praised for her work in Shaheed-e-Mohabbat and later won 25 awards in the film industry. While Divya has been awarded the Best Supporting Actress in Veer-Zaara and Delhi-6, she has also been nominated for Filmfare and Star Screen Award twice.

Divya’s ambition and dedication is seen through the versatility of her career. Not leaving anything behind, she played the lead role of Shanno in the TV series titled Shanno Ki Shaadi. In total, Divya has acted in more than 60 films, including at least two international ones. She is also quite popular in Punjabi cinema.

Before the release of her most recent film Gippi, Divya made a statement about her love for versatility. “I have always tried to do different things — I have played the role of a friend in Veer-Zaara, a teacher in Stanley Ka Dabba, a con woman in Special 26,” said Divya, according to the Times of India. “It is a deliberate attempt on my part to choose different roles. I have never done cliched things.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

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Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh was spotted looking super hot at two different promotional events for his upcoming movie Lootera. The actor has swaggered back into the spotlight with an overload of panache and oh-so-hot looks. While Ranveer opted for a formal, slick look at Zee TV’s dance reality show DID Super Moms, he was seen in a more casual and relaxed attire at the movie’s promotional event held at Kolkata. Here is a breakdown of his looks: 

Hair

With his slicked back, messy hair and the sexy overloaded stubble on his face, Ranveer looks suave! Although he looks mature and confident with his hairy new look, we do feel that it needs to be toned down a bit before he starts looking more like Mangal Pandey!

Outfit

We are drooling over the whole James Bond like formal outfit that fits him like a glove. The crisp white shirt and the classic black suit sans the tie looks perfect on Ranveer’s chiseled body and we hope to see more of it in future! 

Accessories and shoes 

The bright orange handkerchief adds just the right amount of colour to the otherwise black and white outfit. With his fresh and sassy look and shiny black shoes, Ranveer is scoring high on our style-o-meter. There’s nothing more we could have asked for! 

Hair

Although we can’t say much about Ranveer’s hair, hidden under a hat, the gelled-back hair looks more like a layered bob from underneath. Having a bad hair day, are we Ranveer? Though it seems he has gotten rid of the extra long stubble, we are still wishing for that moustache to go away!

Outfit

With the blue and white striped shirt and distressed jeans, the Band Baaja Baaraat star looks uber-hot in the casual look that he is aiming for. However, we can’t help but feel a bit uneasy with the over-exposed upper half. Care to button up a bit?

Accessories and shoes

We love how Ranveer has made the extra effort of adding the charming, light grey bowler hat to his ensemble. However, the silver bling is a bit too much for our taste. The silver bangles and rings could have easily been replaced with a cool branded watch or a leather strappy bracelet. As for the shoes, we simply adore his chocolate brown, leather-incorporated sneakers. Definitely en vogue!

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

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MUMBAI: Actor Ali Asgar says he fails to understand the reason behind him being offered a woman’s role in comedy shows even though he has maintained a distance from such characters for almost a year now.

Ali played the role of a woman in the TV show Comedy Circus and is again seen essaying the role of an old woman in Colors’ comedy show, Comedy Nights with Kapil.

“There is no dearth of male roles. I am doing this woman’s role after a year. I am surprised why people keep offering me women’s roles. Maybe it is because I am good at it,” said Ali.

He plays the role of Kapil Sharma’s grandmother in Comedy Nights with Kapil. It was his friendship with Kapil that made him accept the offer.

“I agreed this time because I couldn’t say no to Kapil Sharma. [But] I am also not keen on doing women’s role every time,” he said.

“This character is something which I have not done before. There is a very lively character. The dadi is very energetic. It is a Punjabi family so there are larger than life characters. The dadi has so many stories, she is romantic and mad,” he added.

Ali is also currently seen in the show Jeannie Aur Juju and is in no hurry to bag more projects.

“Right now, my hands are full with these two shows. There is no time for anything else,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

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Supermodel Miranda Kerr has been every man’s fantasy since she became a Victoria’s Secret Angel. The Australian bombshell has men swooning all over her. However, one individual has taken quite an interest in the beauty — Steven C Swanson, a 52-year-old stalker, who has threatened to kill the supermodel.

Swanson entered a not guilty plea in court in relation to claims that he rang the police in Los Angeles and told them that he is planning to travel there. He said that he has planned his trip to Los Angeles in order to kill Kerr and claimed that she is his “soul mate”.

The Kerr obsessed 52-year-old lives in Sandwich, Massachusetts and reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He has been off his medication since March.

Despite that police has found photographs of Kerr all over his house, Prosecutor Danielle Horgan has requested $8,000 cash bail while Elizabeth Kliber, Swanson’s court-appointed attorney, has said that her client denies the allegations.

Kerr is married to Hollywood actor Orlando Bloom.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

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KOLKATA: Actor Ranveer Singh impressed the audience when he made his debut alongside Anushka Sharma in the rom-com Band Baaja Baraat in 2010. Since then, there has been no looking back for the newcomer. His next film, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, was also a success at the box office which earned the actor a special place in the hearts of cinema-goers, especially the ladies.

These days the actor is keeping himself busy shooting for his upcoming films; he is promoting his film Lootera which co-stars Sonakshi Sinha. It is releasing next month.

Appreciating co-actor Sonakshi’s managerial skills, Ranveer says he hardly has time for himself.

“It [life] is very off balance right now. It is completely skewed one way. I don’t have much of a personal life. You promote one day… you shoot all night. There really isn’t any time right now for a personal life,” Ranveer said.

“I think it’s alright because we are in our late 20s… we need to consolidate a career that’s just taken off,” he added.

The heartthrob praised Sonakshi for committing to multiple projects a year and said he learns the art of dealing with work pressure from her.

“We work double shifts — something I am very new to, which Sonakshi does all the time. She is such a busy actor. She has five releases a year,” said the 27-year-old actor. “She makes so many movies a year. She is one of the busiest actors in the business. I learn how to tackle the load of your professional life from her.”

After Lootera, Ranveer will be seen alongside actor Deepika Padukone in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Ram Leela which is set to release in November.

“I try and take out some time for friends and family to rejuvenate and recharge myself so that I can tackle my work afresh. But, yes, the sole priority in my life right now is my career,” added the hunk.

The period romance Lootera, is slated for a July 5 release.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

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World War Z, the story of a zombie pandemic starring Brad Pitt, was Pitt’s biggest opening weekend ever, easily outpacing the $50.3 million for Mr. And Mrs. Smith.

Last week’s top movie, the Superman reboot Man of Steel, was third, with ticket sales of $41.2 million.

Monsters University, featuring the voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman as monsters who flunk out of the college’s scare program, continued the tradition of hugely successful films produced by Pixar, a unit of the Walt Disney Company.

It was Pixar’s 14th consecutive film to head the box office during the weekend it premiered in theatres, according to Paul Dergarabedian, president of Hollywood.com’s box office division, easily outpacing industry projections of a $70 million weekend.

“It definitely exceeded our expectations,” said Dave Hollis, executive vice president of distribution for Walt Disney Studios. “The first film was so beloved and set such a high bar, so we’re ecstatic.”

Hollis said Monsters University was boosted by word of mouth.

“It’s turned into a bit of a date night option,” he said. “And there haven’t been a lot of family options in the marketplace.”

Distributed by Paramount Pictures, World War Z was delayed from its initially planned December release after the studio decided to reshoot the final third, pushing its budget from $170 million to more than $200 million, according to published reports.

Paramount said the film, which Pitt produced, cost $190 million to produce. Pitt stars as a former UN crisis specialist called upon to help defeat zombies who threaten to take over the planet.

The film had been forecast to rack up ticket sales of about $50 million, according to Hollywood.com’s box office division, while the studio said it was looking to the high 40s, given the competition from Monsters and Man of Steel.

“I don’t think there’s a person on the planet who thought this would open at $66 million,” said Don Harris, Paramount’s president of distribution. “These are pretty heady numbers.”

Man of Steel, which stars British actor Henry Cavill as the muscled superhero, has generated domestic ticket sales of $210 million, already more than 2006’s Superman Returns, which starred Brandon Routh and took in just over $200 million.

Directed by Zack Snyder, the current version was distributed by Warner Bros.

This Is the End, the apocalyptic comedy written by star Seth Rogen and his childhood friend Evan Goldberg, collected $13 million to take fourth place in the United States and Canada.

Now You See Me, starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg as magicians who evade the police after high-profile robberies, was fifth with ticket sales of $7.9 million, pushing its total domestic take to just under $95 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

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Users of social networking site Facebook in Pakistan have crossed the nine million mark, making Pakistan the 27th most popular country on Facebook, reported ProPakistani on Tuesday.

Out of these nine million users, 70% are aged 25 years or younger, while male users are 6.4 million in number and females 2.7 million.

According to an infographic by ThirdWorldStrategy.com, around 44,000 new Pakistani users join Facebook every week.

The report also reveals that over two million users are college graduates.

A visit to Pakistan has shown the duo how perceptions can be different from reality. “A lot of my friends and family had different perceptions of Pakistan but since my visit, all that has proven to be wrong. It will be interesting to see though, how audiences react to our music because the lyrics are in German,” said Rekless, whose real name is David Mayonga, prior to the concert.

The two artists began their journey in the German music industry when they were only teenagers. Based on the outskirts of Munich, they stepped into the industry when a completely new music scene was emerging. “A new scene was being created at that time — we had a lot break dancers, graffiti writers, and we were the only two DJs in our age group. However, it was quite evident that this was going to grow,” said 32-year-old Rekless.

At a time when American hip-hop was influencing quite a number of artists but the basic facilities of music were inaccessible in Germany, the duo felt inspired by hip-hop as a medium to express themselves. “People from poorer backgrounds could not afford turntables at that time so we started out by break dancing; we wanted to be a part of this growing culture,” Rekless continued. “However, with time passing, more and more people started to understand and grasp the idea behind hip-hop — to give yourself a chance to express yourself no matter where you come from.”

The growth of the German hip-hop scene, that was only limited to performances in an underground network of parties and concerts, eventually broke out and became a mainstream phenomenon. This is something that Rekless said had a huge impact on the field of music. “The artists were mostly trying to please the media and there was this whole trend of gangster rap that was being imported. We were also offered major deals but we said no, we are not going to do that,” he said.

After being away from the music scene for a couple of years, the duo is now part of a resurgence of hip-hop. Sharing his passion for his work, Al-Rock, whose real name is Sebastian Wegner, added that he has always enjoyed performing live and creating different sounds using turntables. “When the hip-hop genre was initiated, the DJ played the main part. Nowadays, it’s like the rapper is mostly in the front and at times there is no DJ, so music is missing the scratching,” said Al-Rock. “I think that there is no limitation when it comes to being a DJ but the most important thing is doing it with rhythm.”

The duo will soon be releasing a promotional free-style album in two weeks for the largest hip-hop festival in Germany called Splash! Festival.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2013.

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LOS ANGELES: American TV drama series Mad Men, which began in 2007, has been one of the top most-followed programmes. The sixth season finale of the Emmy-winning drama Mad Men was watched by 2.7 million viewers, matching last season’s record high, as the AMC period-advertising series wrapped up a season of change for lead actor of the show Don Draper.

US cable channel AMC said on Monday that the finale to the 13-episode season was the network’s highest rated, citing a 5% growth in its share of television viewers this year.

While the overall viewership was stable, there was a drop in viewers within ages 25 to 54 demographic coveted by advertisers, with 1.3 million viewers, down from 2012’s 1.4 million viewers.

Enigmatic advertising executive Draper, played by Jon Hamm, faced his biggest challenges this season as he grappled with late ‘60s cultural changes, as well as drifting apart from his wife as he engaged in a steamy affair with a married neighbour.

In the finale, Draper finds himself unraveling at the seams as he tries to counter his excessive drinking, a suspension from his firm by his partners and efforts to come to terms with his own identity.

The episode ends with Draper taking his three children to the brothel where he grew up.

Draper’s character is partially based on Draper Daniels, the creative head of Leo Burnett advertising agency in Chicago. During the ‘50s, he had created the Marlboro Man campaign which was a super hit. The other side of Draper’s character is based on Rosser Reeves, who became the chairman of the Ted Bates agency. He was known for his advertising techniques and professional accomplishments.

As the series unfolds, it is gradually revealed that Don Draper is an assumed identity. The character’s name is actually Dick, short for Richard Whitman. Dick was born in Illinois, to a young prostitute, who died while giving birth to him. The baby was then handed over to his biological father Archie, short for Archibald Whitman, who is married to an evangelist woman named Abigail. Later in the show, Dick remembers the abuse and violence he had to face with his father and stepmother. Eventually, Dick’s father dies from an accident, leaving behind another son (Dick’s half brother) and Abigail, who end up living at a brothel with Abigail’s family.

Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner said in recent interviews that season seven, scheduled to air in 2014, will be the final one of the series.

The drama is a strong player during Hollywood’s awards season, often taking top television honors for its cast and creators at both the Emmys and Golden Globes.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2013.

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CHENNAI: AR Rahman is an Indian composer, singer-songwriter and music producer. Described as the “world’s most prominent and prolific film composer” by Time, he has also been given the title, The Mozart of Madras.

In a new coffee table book titled Reflections, the double Oscar winner looks back at countless memorable moments he has spent with those who have worked with him through the years.  The book is a tribute by Rahman to singers who have influenced his music. It is also a heartwarming tribute by the singers to the composer.

“He is the special man who shared with them his unique and compassionate style of working and who helped them tap into and discover musical potential which sometimes they did not even know they possessed,” professional  photographer T Selvakumar, the author of the book, said in a statement.

Published by Audio Media Inc, Reflections will be on sale starting from July. The proceeds from the book will go in to support the charitable work of AR Foundation. Touched by the book, Rahman said: “Twenty years after my first film, I am pausing to reflect on the people who have contributed so richly to my music. I am happy that these wonderful individuals have been so beautifully photographed by Selva.”

“Through arduous long nights and day-long rehearsals and recordings, my half-sleepy and tired, unassuming and self-effacing musicians and colleagues stood tall by me, sharing and celebrating my success,” he added. Rahman has scored for music for a string of Bollywood, southern and international films. He made a mark globally with the soundtrack of Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, which won him two Academy Awards.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2013.

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Hip hop artist Joseph Cartagena aka Fat Joe was sentenced on Monday to four months in federal prison and was fined $15,000 for failure to file tax returns on more than $3.3 million of income.

The 42-year-old rapper faced the possibility of up to two years in prison after pleading guilty in December on two counts of failing to file with the Internal Revenue Service.

US Magistrate Judge Cathy Waldor gave the Bronx-born rapper credit for paying $718,000 back in taxes prior to his sentencing and for his charitable work.

The court received more than 60 letters on his behalf, including one from Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz, who cited Cartagena’s efforts to donate computers to local schools.

Cartagena apologised to his family and friends, saying he let them down. He said his six-year-old daughter was being taunted in school by classmates who said her father was going to jail.

“There was a lot going on in the years that I didn’t file my taxes, but it was my responsibility,” he said. His hits include the 2004 song Lean Back.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2013.

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British born Amir Khan first caught our attention when he became the youngest World Boxing Champion at the age of 17. Apart from boxing, Khan is also known for his expensive yet stylish taste in fashion and is always dressed to impress. However, when he tied the knot with Pakistani beauty Faryal Makhdoom on May 31, we were confused who the bride was! Khan was over-dressed and left us disappointed as a guy who, despite such impeccable taste, got it all wrong. Sigh!

The charge sheet

Hair

Khan has pretty decent-looking hair and he probably should’ve gone au natural. But no, he seemed to have forgotten the definition of subtle that night or maybe, he was too excited about the wedding. Wearing a turban is fine as most grooms like to go the traditional way. But this oh-so-gaudy red jeweled piece of work on his head makes him look like an extra from Jodhaa Akbar.

Make-up

YES! We do believe Khan chose to apply make-up on his special day because no one can get that orange in just a day. We have nothing to say to this, except WHY Khan? WHY?

Accessories

We believe that Khan has been spending time in his mom’s closet playing dress-up. He wore everything that he got his hands on. First the turban and this garish golden tussled scarf followed by a Kundan necklace of sorts. Did he borrow that from Feryal? And is that a SWORD? Has Shahjehan put you on gate duty or what?

Outfit

TOO MUCH! There is just too much of everything. Why is there so much embroidery? So much orange? So much red? So much gold? Grooms should also get a part of the spotlight on their wedding day, but with this ensemble, Khan chose to literally become the spotlight with all those bright colours. We really wish that the hunk could’ve gone with a more subtle choice in sherwanis. Perhaps an off-white and light gold? Or even a plain black!

Bail Out!

Atif Aslam

The popstar looked handsome and sophisticated on his wedding day in this off-white sherwani which had minimal embroidery — just how they should be! We aren’t too sure of the over-sized turban, but it works with the overall ensemble.

Shahroz Sabzwari

Son of veteran actor Behroz Sabzwari, Shahroz shocked us all when he tied the knot with gorgeous VJ Saira. He looked cute and charming in his white sherwani and chose to go with a cool look by ditching the traditional turban. And he has definitely scored some extra points with that smile!

Shahzad Sheikh

The heartthrob looked charming in this simple sherwani with silver embroidery. Though, we’re not fans of grooms with turbans, but this cutie makes it work!

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2013.

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NEW DELHI: Are you ready to hit the gym? Before you do, why not start the day with some snacks that will not only energise you but will also help you get in shape!

The main aim of working out is to stay healthy and to keep yourself in shape; the right food options play a vital role in this.  Put in some almonds, apples or bananas in your diet, which are packed with essential nutrients. This will not only rejuvenate you but also reduce the risk of muscle cramps — a must need for your body!

Here are five quick snacks that provide the much-needed energy and power you require:

Bananas:

Bananas contain high potassium content and help reduce the risk of muscle cramp during exercise. Lack of sodium is one of the main reasons that cause muscle cramps, but potassium helps reduce the risk.

Brown bread:

An individual can have a brown bread sandwich also before hitting the gym. You can make the sandwich with almond butter and marmalade or jam as this provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and necessary fat.

Yoghurt and berries:

One can opt for a bowl of low fat yoghurt with a handful of blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. These are an excellent source of nutrients which protect muscles from radical damage that can be caused by excessive exercise.

Crunchy almonds:

A handful of almonds are considered a great pre-workout snack as they contain 15 essential nutrients, including vitamin E, potassium, fibre and calcium. Also, according to a research, almonds do not contain as much calories as believed.

Apples:

One can have lemon tea or coffee without sugar, or an apple before a workout session. The sugar content in apples is moderate.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2013.

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