Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wake Up Early

A new study has found that people who wake up early are slimmer, happier and healthier than those who get up later in the day.
Researchers at the Roehampton University concluded that those who fight the urge to ignore the alarm clock complete morning chores faster, pack their children off to school earlier and thrive in the workplace.
However, night owls have a higher chance of feeling depressed or stressed and becoming overweight.
The researchers quizzed 1,068 adults about their health and sleeping habits and found that 'morning people' were out of bed by 6.58am on average, while 'evening people' waited until 8.54am to start their day.
At the weekend both groups enjoyed about an extra hour under the covers, with early risers waiting until 7.47am to get up and night owls lying in until 10.09am.
"There are morning people and evening people, and morning people tend to be healthier and happier as well as having lower body mass indices," the Telegraph quoted Dr Joerg Huber as telling a British Psychological Society conference.
The survey also found that people who watch a lot of television are more likely to skip breakfast.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is set to make his Hollywood debut with Baz Luhrmann's 'The Great Gatsby', says larger numbers of the global population watch Indian movies as opposed to Hollywood and that Indian actors are a recognizable force outside the country.

'Indian actors are a recognizable force outside Indian shores as well. I may be wrong in my assessment here, but it has been statistically proven that a larger number of the world population watches Indian movies as opposed to Hollywood - 3.8 billion to 3.2 billion,' Big B posted on his blog Bigb.bigadda.com.

The 68-year-old also said that there are many Indian stars who get more attention than their Hollywood counterparts in international projects.

'Stars from India getting global celebrity managers is an individual decision. Perhaps you are unaware, but many already do. Hollywood is a richer entity and has the advantage of a more universal language, but there are several examples that I have been personally witness to, where the Indian stars, with all due respect, has garnered greater notice than his Hollywood counterpart,' he added.

However Amitabh, who will be making a special appearance in 'The Great Gatsby', feels it is obvious that in a Hollywood project, American actors will always get prominence.

'At the end of the day we must remember a most basic fact. We are the Indian film industry and they are Hollywood from America. There shall always be a prominence to American actors in Hollywood, just as there is a prominence of Indian actors in Indian films. A ShahRukh, Salman or Aamir may well be an unknown face in one of the towns in midwest USA, but so would a Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise in Yavatmal or Giridih,' he posted.

'How many foreign stars have you noticed gaining prominence in Hollywood apart from that odd Omar Sharif, Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee? Even British artists, which really should be considered, nationwise, as individuals from the same community, have a limited presence.

'And how many Hollywood stars do we see in our films? Forget Hollywood, even artists from regional cinema in India have a rare presence in our own films - Hindi film artists in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam or Bengali films and vice versa,' he added.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Your Workstation

We've all heard it times and again that sitting all day long at the desk isn't really good for the health. Sadly, there aren't any feasible alternatives to this mode of working. While you can't just leave your job, you can surely do something which is beneficial for your health. Eating the right kind of fruits can help you overcome the negative effects of sitting like a robot all day.
Here are five power foods you can enjoy while sitting at your desk. They can work wonders for your heart, blood pressure, and can even improve your memory and concentration.
Five Healthy Foods to Eat at your Workstation
Walnuts
Some new researches have pointed out that walnuts have more (and better quality) antioxidants than almonds, peanuts, pistachios and many other nuts. All nuts have been found to improve lipids and can reduce the risk of heart diseases. Walnuts have also been found to enhance cognitive and motor function in animals with Alzheimer's. Experts recommend seven walnuts a day.
Five Healthy Foods to Eat at your Workstation
Cup of Green Tea
Polyphenols, one of the major ingredients of green tea, is known to help repair the damaged DNA and stimulate the immune system. Besides, research shows that green tea also helps in reducing the risk of cancers, including skin cancer and prostate cancer.
Five Healthy Foods to Eat at your Workstation
Popcorn
If there ever was a list of healthy snacks, this is definitely going to be on the list. In fact, many say that popcorn is the healthiest snack available. It is 100 percent whole grain and is big on fiber and antioxidants. If you can air-pop your popcorn and add a minimal quantity of salt, you'd have the best popcorn, say experts. If your office has a microwave, just make sure you bring a pack of low sodium popcorn to work.
Five Healthy Foods to Eat at your Workstation
Dark Chocolate
This, too, contains those powerful antioxidants called Polyphenols which combat the risk factors (like oxidation of LDL cholesterol) for heart diseases and also inhibit clotting. Studies have also indicated that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate daily can reduce blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Caffeine, another active ingredient of dark chocolate, can give you that much-required kick and a boost in concentration levels.
Five Healthy Foods to Eat at your Workstation
Fruits
Not only they help you conquer that “false hunger”, they are also brimming with nutrients which are needed to keep you going all day. You can choose between apples, bananas, mangoes, oranges, papayas etc. but make sure you carry some fruits to the office on a daily basis.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Aarakshan

The Punjab and Andhra Pradesh governments have cleared filmmaker Prakash Jha's 'Aarakshan' for screening and revoked the statewide ban they imposed on it. The screening of the film started in the two states Saturday afternoon.

Both states set up special committees to see if there was anything objectionable in the film.

The committees appreciated the film and did not find anything offensive. So, they passed it for release after filmmaker Prakash Jha made some minor changes in it, a statement from Prakash Jha Productions said.

'It is a relief that the film is finally going to release in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab. I'm overwhelmed by the show of support from the common citizens of India who are going to watch the film,' Jha said.

'It is reassuring to know that the right to freedom of expression is a real right for every Indian citizen. We are working towards getting the film released in Uttar Pradesh as well,' he added.

'Aarakshan' deals with the issue of reservation in academic institutions and has Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. It ran into trouble for certain dialogues which are offending to the feelings of a certain section of society.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

DELHI BELLY Gets Good Start

Aamir Khan Productions and UTV's co production DELHI BELLY, which released last Friday, has become a huge success.
The sixth venture of Aamir Khan Productions is a mass grosser in India. It opened with 7.15 crore on Friday, 1st July. Saturday collections went up to 8.50 crore and increased to 10.75 crore on Sunday, giving a sum total of 26.4 crore business only over the weekend. With films opening to merely 10% to 40% maximum in the recent past, this seems like a new wave that has hit the Indian cinema.
The overall cost of the film is 24 crore which includes production, print and publicity as well. So, recovering is already done and the business in the coming days will also be something to watch out for given the terrific start of the film and also the revenue it is expected to generate from non-theatrical avenues. It opened across 1200 screens with major occupancy in multiplexes across the country.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Shahrukh Khan

Still The Eager Student!
Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan had everyone on the sets of Red Chillies Entertainment's ALWAYS KABHI KABHI impressed to no end.
The actor sure did give the newcomers a lesson on perfection-while on the sets of the song in which SRK makes a special appearance he asked the director Roshan Abbas for the lyrics and would keep rehearsing with choreographer Caesar until he got the steps just right.
Amazed to see SRK do 20 straight rehearsals, the kids were in complete awe of him!
Says a source, "The kids were awe struck watching SRK rehearse - they wondered where all the energy and enthusiasm came from and how he managed to focus on the task minus distractions even after so many years. It was then that Roshan told them that's what makes a superstar."
Says Roshan Abbas, "Shah Rukh's keenness to learn the lyrics and the steps had the kids spellbound. They got to see what goes behind making a superstar first hand. I was shocked to see the energy and vigor they came out with after this experience."
Set with the backdrop of a high school, ALWAYS KABHI KABHI is a story of four unique lives trying to compete with the pressures of growing up and the firsts we all experience in school.
Directed by Roshan Abbas ALWAYS KABHI KABHI is the launch pad for four of the newest Gen X faces Zoa Morani, Giselle Monteiro, Ali Fazal and Satyajeet Dubey.

Monday, May 23, 2011

The Grand Finale Designer

The 'Kolkata based young & talented designer' incorporates ethnic handwork yet his designs have a true global appeal. His simple design philosophy "Personalised Imperfections of a human hand" with inspirations from deserts, gypsies, prostitutes, antique textiles and cultural traditions of Kolkata has got rave reviews globally.
Credited with making the national female attire - saree look 'sexy', Sabyasachi has converted many a western outfit-lover into a saree loyalist.
Labelled as "Bollywood's main boy", Sabyasachi has worked on prestigious Bollywood projects like Black, Paa, Raavan and Guzaarish.
Sabyasachi will be creating an exclusive collection for Wills Lifestyle that will be retailed from Wills Lifestyle stores across the country.
Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive - ITC's Lifestyle Retailing Business Division, said, "This year Wills Lifestyle completes 10 glorious years and as a tribute to Indian Fashion we are delighted to announce Sabyasachi as the Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale designer. Sabyasachi's collections are known for International styling with an Indian soul thus showcasing true heritage of India.
Wills Lifestyle Grand Finale has always set new benchmarks in creativity and entertainment and has showcased the best of Indian fashion talent. Sabyasachi will further strengthen the tradition and create magic on ramp in his signature style.
Our aim is to broad-base fashion and make designer wear accessible. Sabyasachi will be creating an exclusive collection that will be retailed from Wills Lifestyle stores across the country."
Mr. Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, "Sabyasachi is one of the most coveted designers of the country with a unique style and artistic taste. His collections are imaginative and inspiring and we look forward to have him as the grand finale designer for Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week. FDCI also appreciates the initiative taken by Wills Lifestyle to make designer wear more accessible through these designer tie ups."
Speaking on the occasion Sabyasachi Mukherjee said, "It is indeed an honor and privilege to be the Wills Lifestyle grand finale designer. The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week platform is a powerful one and I hope to be able to create a collection that will delight the patrons of the label. It is a significant engagement between both the brands and I am sure the audiences will be thrilled to view the show and access the creations on display."
The Wills 'Lifestyle Grand Finale will take place on Sunday, April 10th, 2011 in New Delhi at Pragati Maidan.