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Life Style • Main News • Wellness

A ‘danda’ adds some fun to Malaika Arora’s daily workout.

January 7, 2022

I like to add a bit of fun to my daily routine by adding core strengthening poses like Trikonasana and its variations,” Malaika said. Even if you have mastered a yoga pose, you can always improve. In her challenging fitness classes, Malaika Arora shows us how to do that. Malaika mastered Parivrtta Trikonasana or Revolved Triangle pose recently, but with a twist. The 48-year-old used a stick or ‘danda’ in the practice.
Here’s how to do it.
*Avoid doing this pose if you have a neck or back injury.
Benefits:-
The pose strengthens and stretches the legs, and opens the chest which improves breathing, and helps aid balance. Doing it with a stick adds more pressure to the workout and keeps the core engaged.

Main News • Wine & Dine

‘Bright, refreshing, and spicy’: Padma Lakshmi shares recipe for ‘favorite’ chutney

January 7, 2022

“I know I say this a lot, but this Green Apple and Mint Chutney is one of my favorites condiments to make”, Padma Lakshmi has hosted television shows, written cookbooks, and is a self-professed lover of chutneys. Because of this, we couldn’t resist sharing her recipe for “one of my favorite condiments”  the refreshing green apple and mint chutney.
 Read on to know more about Padma’s delicious condiment. (Source: Padma Lakshmi/Instagram)
“Bright, refreshing, and spicy”, she captioned the post. Take a look here:
In Padma’s recipe, the chutney is meant to accompany red snapper preparations, but it is also delicious served with Indian snacks, chicken breast for a quick dinner, or just enjoyed as is.
Here’s the recipe, as per Padma’s Instagram post:
Blitz the ingredients in a blender and you’re bright and fresh, palatable chutney will be ready in no time!
Ingredients
*Green apples – chopped
*Tomatoes – chopped
*Green chillies – chopped
*Mint leaves – a handful
*Lemon juice – a teaspoon (it will help the chutney to stay fresh and prevent any oxidization)
*Water – a sprinkle
Would you like to try this super easy-to-make chutney recipe?

Beauty/Fitness • Main News • Wellness

All you need to know about designing a home gym that you’ll actually use.

January 7, 2022

No matter if you want to burn off those holiday cookies or achieve a healthier lifestyle, a home gym can be more convenient – and safer, as the pandemic continues.
For many people, the start of a new year means setting new fitness resolutions. A home gym can help you burn off all those holiday cookies or get in shape to start off a healthier year – and keep you safe from the pandemic. It’s not a necessity to have a dedicated home gym, but if you have the space, it can be a real luxury – especially if it’s well designed. To make it a place where you’ll enjoy spending time, give it some thought and concentrate on “It should have a pleasant atmosphere and suitable lighting.
Designers told us how they create a gym that is hard-wearing and a pleasure to use.
 Choose a well-lighted room.
Although it’s nice to have adequate space for your gym, it doesn’t need to be a huge room. “It’s not the darkest and most obscure corner of the house; on the contrary, it’s a bright, sunny spot.”The gym should be located near a bathroom, because “chances are, you’ll want to shower after your workout.” If you’re going all out, add a steam room or sauna to the gym. Knowing which equipment you will actually use is important since there are many ways to work out, from free weights to elliptical machines. There is now a blend of technology and luxury in the gym, and that’s the best ever.” Interactive fitness systems like Mirror, Tonal, and Forme are as unobtrusive as a wall-mounted mirror or picture frame.
Develop a plan for Gym layout.
It takes more than stacking equipment in an unused room to design a home gym – it requires creating a layout that flows.”If there’s a treadmill, there needs to be space behind it, in case someone falls off.” As well as space between machines.”Electrical outlets are essential near machines like treadmills and Peloton bikes, so extension cords don’t run across the room add floor outlets directly below the machines. Leaving open space in the middle of the room will make your gym feel less crowded, and will also enable you to practice yoga, stretching, and calisthenics.
Address the floor and walls beautifully.
A gym’s flooring and walls should be durable and easy to clean. Another option is to use cushioned mats, which can be laid out separately in discrete workout zones across a hard floor of wood, laminate, or concrete. “I would recommend two mats – one for weights, one for yoga.” Mats can also be positioned under stationary bikes to dampen noise and catch sweat drops.
Pay attention to internal lighting.
You do not need to flood your workout space with the kind of overhead light you’d find in a commercial gym. Dimming multiple fixtures with multiple layers of lighting can provide a more inviting atmosphere and allow light levels to be adjusted to suit various activities.
 Furniture and Accessories.
If you keep your gym clean and tidy, you will find it easier to stick with an exercise routine. Consider where you’ll store foam rollers, resistance bands, or boxing gloves when you’re not using them. In addition to providing a place to rest between exercises, benches, stools, and chairs can also be used to throw towels. Add audiovisual equipment to the room if you like watching TV or listening to music while you exercise. Consider installing a small station similar to a kitchenette when space permits. There is also a space for clean towels and a hamper for used towels. Our goal is to make it look and feel like a high-end gym as much as possible.

Entertainment

Top newsmaker of 2021 In National and International Entertainment World.

January 4, 2022

Aside from celebrity arrests, celebrity separations, and the takeover of foreign shows like Squid Game and Money Heist in popular culture, here’s a look at everything that set the eyeballs rolling this year in the world of entertainment.
Entertainment Desk
The movie industry did not have the biggest year this 2021. India’s film industry was rife with controversies, arrests, and legal scuffles in 2021. Unfortunately, these made more noise than actual film releases (when they occurred). We have compiled a shortlist of the entertainment newsmakers that made the biggest splashes, both nationally and internationally.
The Raj Kundra probe in pornography creation
A five-month-long investigation led to the arrest of actor Shilpa Shetty’s husband, businessman Raj Kundra. An FIR was filed against Kundra in February, which led to his arrest. Kundra, according to the police, was responsible for creating and distributing pornographic content via OTT services. Shilpa, however, denied having any knowledge of the matter during the investigation. After the investigation, Kundra was granted bail on September 20. The case is still pending.
Aryan Khan arrest, and Ananya Panday probe in drug trafficking

Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan’s son, was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on October 3 for an alleged drug bust. NCB asserted that there was evidence linking Aryan and his two other friends (Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha) to international drug trafficking, despite the fact that Aryan was not found in possession of any drugs. Aryan was finally granted bail on October 28. Although the bail formalities took a while longer than expected, SRK was released on October 30, much to the relief of his parents and fans. Despite his arrest, things got ugly on social media as they always do when such a big name gets involved with anything remotely controversial. While SRK’s loyalists mud-slung him, close friends like Salman Khan, Suniel Shetty, Hrithik Roshan, and Juhi Chawla stood by him. The NCB also questioned actor Ananya Panday about the case while Aryan served his time at Arthur Road Jail. After finding relevant conversations between Khan and Panday over WhatsApp, the NCB knocked on Panday’s door.
Munawar Faruqui probe hurting religious sentiments

On January 1, stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui was arrested for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus. The complaint was filed against the comedian by Eklavya Singh, the son of a BJP MLA. Munawar, along with four others, was also accused of holding a show without following all Covid protocols. According to Munawar’s lawyer, the case against him was filed only as a result of political pressure. On February 6, Faruqui was released from jail after spending nearly a month in jail after being granted bail. As the Supreme Court granted interim bail to the artist, it cited the FIR as vague.
 The Tandav controversy
Tandav, helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar, was one of the most anticipated web series of the year. Tandav immediately caught everyone’s attention after its release on January 15 when it made some creative choices. Initially, the trolling happened online, and then things gained momentum and the first FIR was filed against the makers by BJP MLA Ram Kadam for violating ‘religious sentiments.’ In Lucknow an FIR was filed for portraying Hindu deities in a negative light, and the show was also accused of ‘spreading communal tensions.’ Abbas Zafar issued two statements, the first consisting of an apology, and the second confirming that he had decided to ‘implement changes’ so as to avoid upsetting anyone unintentionally. Additionally, multiple FIRs were filed against the team in Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh, calling for a complete ban on the show.
Shershaah and Sooryavanshi’s success
PVC Vikram Batra’s biopic Shershaah, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, won enormous popularity from not only fans, but also industry insiders. Presented the story of the late decorated army officer, the film was applauded for its subtle depiction of patriotism. The film was bankrolled by Karan Johar. In the meantime, Akshay Kumar’s Sooryavanshi was the first de facto hit at the box office in 2021.
The rise of Adarsh Gourav and the success of The Great Indian Kitchen
Adarsh Gourav, the actor of The White Tiger, was also a new face this year. Adarsh starred in the Netflix movie as the lead role, which earned him a BAFTA nomination as well as catapulted him to stardom. Hollywood legend Meryl Streep will now work with Adarsh on a new drama series, Extrapolations.
Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen proved to be a thoughtful, well-made and necessary viewing thanks to its home-grown success. The film, directed by Jeo Baby, won great acclaim for its depiction of gender dynamics in a new marriage and the entrenched patriarchy that follows women everywhere.
Separations
As the year comes to  a close, some of the most beloved celebrity couples decided to call it quits and forge independent paths while promising friendship to each other. Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao in their joint statement about their split, said, “We have shared a lifetime of experiences, joy, and laughter, and our relationship has only grown in trust, respect, and love.”. Today, we are starting a new chapter in our lives as co-parents and The pair announced that they continue to work together professionally as well. They announced their separation in July.
Another popular couple, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Naga Chaitanya, announced in October that they were no longer together. The former couple tied the knot in 2017.
The Meghan Markle-Oprah Winfrey interview
One piece of news dominated the papers and websites earlier this year, The Oprah Winfrey interview of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. People wept, their mouths were agape, and ‘revelations’ were delivered. Meghan confessed she contemplated suicide after Harry stated on record that he felt trapped in the royal household. The massively watched interview raised issues relating to mental health and racism.
Britney Spears finally freed from conservatorship
Almost 14 years long conservatorship ended, that controlled Spears life and monetary situation. The conservatorship got dissolved by Los Angeles judge and finally let her free. The conservatorship came into place when Britney was only 26 and had become a new mother. Controlled by her father James Spears, the legal binding was enforced post Britney’s very public mental health battles. Her fans rejoiced after Britney thanked the almighty on social media after the landmark announcement. Currently, she and her sons are enjoying their teenage years as she prepares to be married.
International entertainment
Even as the world became obsessed by South Korean entertainment squid game and Kim K dominated headlines, there were other happenings that managed to shake up the readers.
Foreign language shows caught global fancy from Squid Game to Money Heist Audiences went gaga whether over South Korean show Squid Game and Spanish-language show Money Heist were all people could talk about once the shows were released on Netflix. Money Heist’s loyal and ever-growing fan base could not have been more eagerly anticipating its final season. Squid Game creators have revealed they are working on a second season.
Marvel love
Marvel Studios hasn’t lost their mojo entirely due to Shanghai and the Legend of Ten Rings, Spider-Man No Way Home’s box office success, and the internet love they have received. Fans are having a hard time connecting with the company. However, the latest Spider-Man flick helped change things. Five days after its release, No Way Home reached the milestone of Rs 120 crore in the Indian market.
 Comedian controversy
The first incident was when Dave Chapelle was under fire for making objectionable jokes about the trans community. As well, back home comedian Vir Das apologized after his jokes about transgender people quickly went viral online. Although Vir asked for forgiveness for the ‘uninformed’ nature of the joke, Chapelle does not believe he should be canceled. He stated that he will not make jokes about the trans community in the future, elaborating further that he will not be summoned to discuss issues that upset them.
 
 

Entertainment • Main News

Tiger Zinda Hai

January 1, 2022

Salman Khan says snake bit him thrice, but they parted as friends: ‘I clicked a photo with it’
By Saman Luqman
The actor announced PavanputraBhaijaan, the sequel to BajrangiBhaijaan, and also gave hint that there will be No Entry 2. Salman also spoke about the snake bite incident snake bit him thrice, but they parted as friends: ‘I clicked a photo with it’.
The actor celebrated his 56th birthday at his Panvel farmhouse with his family.Talking about his upcoming films he said K.V. Vijayendra Prasad is a good director. He has written the script of BajrangiBhaijaan (2016), and now he is writing its sequel too, and has named it PavanputraBhaijaan. As soon as he completes it, and I complete shooting these two films (Tiger 3 and KabhiEidKabhi Diwali), I’ll start shooting it. There might also be a sequel of No Entry, Tiger should release by December 2022.” He also mentioned that Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathan will come before that.
Salman explained the snake bite in detail and said he left the snake in the woods. In Panvel, the farmhouse is in the middle of the jungle, so a snake had entered one of the rooms. As soon as the snake entered the room, kids became scared, so I went in to look and asked for a stick, the stick that came was a small one so I asked for a longer stick, and they gave me one, with which, with a lot of love, I picked up the snake and brought it outside, where the snake wrapped itself on the stick and then began climbing upwards.
Salman, a man known for his dry humor, then described in detail how the reptile bit him. “The villagers here know when snakes are around,” he said. They screamed ‘Kandhari, kandhari, kandhari’ as it is a Kandhari snake. That is when the snake bit me, then there was chaos when they screamed ‘chaavla, chaavla, chaavla’ (the snake has bit), then the snake bit me again. “Hospital, hospital, hospital,” they screamed, saying that I should be taken to the hospital right away. During the commotion, the snake bit me again, as it was a bit venomous. When I was taken to the hospital, we learned that it was not the great kandhari, but a different kind of snake.”
“When we returned from the hospital, we saw the snake was still there, so we took it back to the jungle. In the meantime, I have taken anti-venom for almost all snakes, including great snakes (kandharis/cobras), vipers, because we weren’t sure if it was poisonous or not, just by looking at it. After I was given the shot, I was kept for six hours for observation,” he explained.
Salman thanked the hospital staff for treating him. He was taken to MGM Hospital in Kamothe, New Mumbai. “My sister was quite scared, but I made friends with the snake and got a picture with it,” he said. The snake must have also bitten me because it got scared the hospital was very quick to respond. They were well equipped; they had anti-venom for all kind of snake bites. Our commissioner of police — Bipin Kumar sir, our MLA SandeepNaik, all rushed to the hospital too, and it helped a lot.”
Salman said, “When my dad (veteran screenwriter Salim Khan) came to know about this incident, he called to ask if the snake is fine and alive. So I told him Tiger (from the actor’s Tiger ZindaHai) and the snake both are alive (chuckles). We did not hurt the snake, we made sure we handled it with utmost care and love.”
Salman also shared his plan for the New Year’s. “It is all going to be about spending time with family, as they are all here. I first wanted to meet my mother, but it took some time, but she was the first one to wish me on my birthday. It is my birthday and I am feeling good to be surrounded by my family.

Entertainment • Main News

Here’s how body shaming impacts mental health in Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi’s film Double XL

December 25, 2021

If you use abusive language, call names, make negative comments, you are essentially transgressing a boundary,”
SonakshiSinha and HumaQureshi starrer Double XL are taking the bull by its horns with its trailer release. The story revolves around two confident plus-size women.
|| Saman Luqman
In the trailer, Sonakshi and Huma’s self-deprecating dialogues seem to be directed at people who have mocked them in the past, and who may do so again, given the plot of the movie for which they have gained weight.
Many celebrities have openly talked about body shaming and body positivity, calling out those who judge others on the basis of superficial beauty and unrealistic standards. Despite the fact that fat-shaming was normalized in India for a long time, with many movies of yesteryear lampooning characters with a particular weight, things seem to be changing now.
Remember when the AyushmannKhurrana movie Dum LagaKeHaisha (2015) had a plus-size BhumiPednekar cast in the lead role? This film was inclusive without preaching and sent a positive message to the world.
However, things remain shadowy on social media. For plus-size people displaying their confidence even actors who have gained weight to appear in a movie there is an army of trolls waiting to mock and tear them down.
“Any verbal bullying – using abusive language, calling people names, putting down their looks, physique, body image, fat-shaming, etc. essentially means you are transgressing a boundary.
According to the experts we need to be body positive, we need to feel comfortable with our body, since “body image is integral to our self-esteem”. “When people start commenting on our body, it has an impact on our self-esteem and that can result in having an impact on our overall well-being. Online bullying in the context of fat-shaming makes people feel bad about them, especially young people. They may end up feeling inferior, may even have hesitation about meeting people; they may develop social anxiety. It affects their relationships, academics, performance, and feeling good about themselves. People may constantly feel like they don’t measure up to others, which can negatively impact their overall life.

Wellness

In a 1K -km bicycle ride, Milind Soman completed the ‘Green Ride’

December 21, 2021

To make the environment healthier, MilindSoman said simple steps like joining a carpool, planting trees, cycling instead of driving, and quitting smoking play a huge role.
BY SAMAN LUQMAN
In order to raise awareness about air pollution, fitness icon MilindSoman rode his bicycle 1,000 miles from Mumbai to the national capital.
The 56-year-old barefoot marathon runner cycled 150-km a day to propose state gas utility GAIL India Ltd’s ‘HawaBadlo’ campaign that promotes use of cleaner fuel and healthy lifestyle to tackle pollution.
The ace started his journey from Mumbai on December 3, 2021 he reached the national capital on Sunday evening.
At a function organized by GAIL here to mark the conclusion of the run, the supermodel said small changes – such as walking or cycling for short distances need to switch over to cleaner energy sources as EVs and CNG would make a big difference to the world.
Soman, who prefers running over cycling, says he took to the bicycle after four years to test his physical fitness. “Actually it wasn’t tough.”
Every individual has to set physical goals and exercise daily.
“Nature did not create our mind and body for comfort. It is designed for challenges, hard work. If you don’t use it for what it is made for, it will degenerate,” he said.
The Green Ride passed through Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana before reaching the national capital.
“If we eat healthy, live healthy, we won’t have to worry about the environment,” he said. “If we make right choices for individual health, consume as much as necessary, if we chose health less polluting fuels such as electricity, that is going to make a big difference.”
GAIL chairman and managing director Manoj Jain, the firm’s Director (Marketing) E S Ranganathan and Director (Finance) R K Jain were present on the occasion. While Jain said, he has always been at the forefront of the fight against air pollution.
More than two decades ago, the company began as a natural gas transporter and marketer and introduced CNG in the nation’s capital in a bid to combat pollution caused by alternative liquid fuels.
Its social media initiative ‘HawaBadlo’ which strives to raise awareness against the menace has reached netizens over 100 million times.
“As part of its commitment towards raising responsiveness for sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle GAIL partnered with ‘Green Ride – EkPehalSwachhHawaki Ore’ which is a unique initiative by MilindSoman to raise awareness and inspire people to do their bit towards cleaner air,” Jain said.
Soman said small steps like opting for a carpool, planting a tree, choosing to cycle rather than take a car, and quitting smoking play a huge role in making the environment healthier.
“Will continue to champion for this cause and other important ones through more such initiatives in the future,” he added.

Main News • Persona

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021

December 21, 2021

LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned Miss Universe 2021 at the grand finale held in Eilat, Israel! The prestigious international pageant hosted by Steve Harvey brought together 81 delegates from around the world.
HarnaazSandhu received the crown from last year’s winner, Andrea Meza, who took the stage, towards the end of the evening, to announce her successor. Miss Paraguay 2021 Nadia Ferreira was named first runner-up, followed by Miss Universe South Africa 2021 LalelaMswane.
Nine prominent and influential women made up the Miss Universe 2021 judging panel, including Adriana Lima, model and actress; UrvashiRautela, Miss Diva 2015 – Miss Universe and actress; Lori Harvey, model and social media personality; Iris Mittenaere, Miss Universe 2016; Marian Rivera, model and actress; Adamari Lopez, actress and host; Rena Sofer, actress; CheslieKryst, Miss USA 2019 and TV presenter; and RinaMor-Goder, Miss Universe 1976. In addition to Singer Jojo, NoaKirel performed at the event.
Chandigarh’s fun-loving girl won the hearts of everyone at the international pageant. Her favorite activities are acting, dancing, swimming, and horseback riding. She studied public administration for her master’s degree. The versatile, compassionate, and confident girl, Harnaaz, is now all set to leave behind a remarkable legacy that would inspire thousands of individuals.
The announcement of the new winner was made on Miss Universe’s official social media account. Sharing the victorious moment, the handle posted, “The new Miss Universe is…India!.”
Expressing the feeling after her victorious moment, Harnaaz said, “Namaste, Universe! Thank you to each one of you for supporting me. Always believing in me and making me feel worth it. Now, this is the time to save the universe; let’s do this together.”
After 21 years India brought its crown back home. Kudos to the queen on her grand victory! You have made INDIA proud! India’s HarnaazSandhu makes it to the TOP 3 at Miss Universe 2021, held in Eilat, Israel.
The competition this year was neck-and-neck, with all of the competitors showing outstanding skills. The Miss Universe 2021 judging panel included a power-packed team of nine prominent and influential women, including Adriana Lima, model and actress; UrvashiRautela, Miss Diva 2015 – Miss Universe and actress; Lori Harvey, model and social media personality; Iris Mittenaere, Miss Universe 2016; Marian Rivera, model and actress; Adamari Lopez, actress and host; Rena Sofer, actress; CheslieKryst, Miss USA 2019 and TV presenter; and RinaMor-Goder, Miss Universe 1976. The extravaganza also featured exceptional performances by Singer Jojo, and NoaKirel.
Her popularity was evident from the beginning of the pageant, and she earned one of the top three honors at the global competition.
You are a queen! Congratulations!

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