A cup of calm

Fitness expert Deanne Panday shares a bit of the journey that led up to her book ‘I’M NOT STRESSED’, which she says will help you too

Deanne Panday’s debut book might be titled, I Am Not Stressed, but she wants us to know that it’s taken her a while before she could get to a place that was “stress- free”. “I am a perfectionist, and I am also very particular about time management, so it upsets me when people don’t value my time or when my expectations are not met,” says Deanne, who adds that she has learnt to manage stress better, over the years, by defining her priorities.

“You have to choose and plan what you want to do; (define) what’s important and how much time you want to invest in each task,” explains Deanne, who is a physical trainer for Channel (V) popstars and the pop group Viva, besides being trainer-consultant to the likes of Lara Dutta and Bipasha Basu.

“At the end of the day you don’t want to return home stressed and take it out on your family and friends. You have one life to live, you want to be happy, and to be there for the people who matter.” Defining one’s priorities also helps empower an individual to say ‘no’ to tasks that are not aligned with those priorities. “It’s taken me a while, but over the years, I too have learnt to say, ‘no’. That is my number one tip for time management,” she shares.

WHAT IS STRESS?

Understanding stress is a key component in managing stress, Deanne explains, which is also why part one of the book is dedicated to defining stress, its causes, and effects on the body. “If I can’t focus on anything I’m doing at the moment, that to me is stress,” explains Deanne, who lists working out and yoga among her favourite ways to de- stress.

Not surprising then that the book lists workout plans, warm-up exercises and stretches. “When I was younger, I always wanted to be active. My favourite now is yoga and deep-breathing, though I’m still disciplined about my workouts.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Deanne, who will soon celebrate her 43^rdbirthday, says that she too has her share of insecurities and concerns about the process of ageing, but that she is “not striving to be a size zero’’.

“I don’t get overly obsessed. I eat white rice and I ensure I eat every two hours. You don’t need to workout for two-and-a-half-hours a day, and you don’t have to run to the gym if you’ve eaten a piece of cake the previous day.” Her best advice for weight loss — Keep a food journal. “When you look back at what you have eaten over two weeks, you will be able to perceive the situation better. It’s only when you feed your system rubbish that you lean into a craving.”

5 FOODS THAT HELP YOU DE-STRESS

1. Dark-coloured fruits and vegetables like apricots,blueberries, beetroot,okra, peas, pumpkin

2. Low-fat cottage cheese

3. Nuts like almonds and pistachios

4. Oily fish like salmon and tuna

5. Decaf green tea or rosemary tea. Also gulp down water with a few squeezes of lime (lemon is a natural metaboliser)

SLEEP BETTER: CUT DOWN ON CAFFEINE

You know that coffee can keep you up. But you forget there’s caffeine in tea and aerated drinks as well. Here’s another revelation. Caffeine can swim around in your system for nearly 10 hours after you first drank it. So, the earlier you have your last cup, the better your sleep will be.

Deanne suggests you drink your last caffeinated beverage before 5 pm. And if you want to snuggle with a warm drink, opt for decaffeinated green tea, malted drinks or hot chocolate.

Relax Rx

· Create a drill based on physical and mental capacity. In fitness, one man‘s meat can be another man‘s poison.

· Live within one‘s means and role –a parent needs to incorporate fitness routines for the children, spouses to create routines that include each other.

· Yoga and yogic principles should become a way of life.

· Learning aromatherapy, acupressure or reiki can be beneficial.

· The Gandhian principle of simple living, high thinking should be adopted across the board.

· Relax with art and music.

· Keep medical support handy.

· Laughter in itself will make you let go of all that can cause you stress.

· Breathe correctly and deeply to increase oxygen supply to each cell in your body.

Ranaut reign

HB talks to Kangana about how she managed to stand her ground in Bollywood, the toughest land to grow in

I believe that attitude comes to a person with lot of fame and money, and I do not have so much to have an attitude

Kangana Ranaut, the fashionista of Bollywood, started her career with Mahesh Bhatt’s Gangster. The audience loved her, making Kangana one of the few actresses to gain a foothold in the industry without a “mentor”. She has since gone on to choose her roles well and has delivered hits such as Who Lamhe, Fashion, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai and Tanu Weds Manu. This year, her most awaited film ‘Rascals’ with Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan is set to hit the cinemas in October. We speak to the rather shy Kangana about the film and her personal life.

You have been selected as the brand ambassador for the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011. How does it feel?

I am happy to be a part of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011 this year, since this event is centered on one of the most fashionable and celebrated occasions in India. We have some of India’s best talents presenting their collections here and I hope my association helps in taking Aamby Valley India Bridal Week 2011 to greater heights.

You’ve starred in two comedies earlier this year; and now Rascals. Are you turning to comedy, after doing some wonderful thrillers?

I don’t want to be typecast that I am fit only for these certain kind of roles. I want to try everything possible and when I am getting a chance, why should I not take it up. I have done every role to the best of my capacity, whether it is thrillers or comedy.  I’ve constantly redefined myself and tried as many roles as possible.

What is your character in Rascals?

Rascals revolves around two conmen Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan. They fall in love with the same girl — that’s me — and they try different ricks to outwit each other and woo me. It’s a complete comedy film and it is worth seeing their tricks.

According to reports, all is not well between you and Sanjay Dutt?

If that is so, please ask him the question.

You did not even attend the music release of the film?

I had some prior commitments and I could not make it for the music launch.

Is it true that you demanded an additional Rs 10 lakh to complete the dubbing?

These are all baseless rumours and I don’t know who is starting them. The dubbing is complete and the film is all set to release now.

Is it true that you have been using your proximity to Sanjay and Manyatta to improve your stand in the industry?

I have told you, this is all not true. And if you want any further explanation, you can go and ask anyone else this question.

You generally refrain yourself from speaking to the media. Why?

I am a very lonely and a shy person. I don’t talk much and I prefer to just be by myself. That’s why I generally do not go out in the open and talk to the media.

So, do you have an attitude?

I believe that attitude comes to a person with lot of fame and money, and I do not have so much to have an attitude. It is just my nature to keep to myself and that’s why I do not talk to the media every now and then.

You are an outsider in the industry. Are you happy with how far you have come in five years?

I started my career in 2006 with ‘Gangster’, and from then on, I have just let work speak for myself. I have not required any godfather, and I am very happy and proud of myself. I have achieved a lot in these five years. I am very thankful to Maheshji, for having trust in me and offering me Gangster. I would like to thank all my directors and producers and the audience for appreciating my performance and giving me a place in the industry.

Are awards important to you?

Awards are another form of recognition of effort, so that feels nice. It feels really nice to take an award as we all work very hard on the films that we do. I would definitely feel honoured to accept an award, which is an appreciation of my hard work.

What has been the single most contributing factor for your success?

My sister. She’s like a rock. She supports me through everything.

Do you still keep in touch with Aditya Pancholi?

No. It ended. But I am sure that we are there for each other if we need any help.

Are you seeing anyone?

I think the media can answer that question better. The persistent rumours of my link-ups really trouble me. I have been linked to several actors like Dino Morea and Ajay Devgn and even Hollywood actor Gerard Butler, after I broke up with Adhyayan.

Are you in touch in Adhyayan?

No.

What is your idea of romance?

There has to be lots of respect in my relationship. And there should be lots of attraction. Also, my man should feel like I am the ultimate, hottest woman there is and I should feel that he is the hottest guy there is.

What you do when you’re not shooting?

I go to my dance guruji in Versova. Or I hit the gym, or do meditation and yoga.

Did you have to go on extra exercising and diet for sporting a bikini?

This was the first time that I am sporting a bikini. I definitely had some reservations earlier, as everyone around me would be in clothes. But I finally managed to give the shot. David sir was very clear that he did not want me to get super lean and lose all my curves. He specifically told me he wanted me to look like a woman and not like a little boy! Kalpesh, who’s been my trainer for a few years now, stopped cardio for me totally. I was doing some weights but mostly freehand exercises to enhance my curves and look feminine and sexy. For a week before the shoot, I avoided eating fried or sweet stuff.

A role you would love to play?

I would love to do a period film and play a character like Anarkali in Mughal-e-Azam.

Not king khan, just chotte nawab

Saif Ali Khan talks to HB about his career graph in Bollywood and his personal life

I am happy right now, but I would be happier when I have six super hits in a row. I started off as a terrible actor and from there now I am at a position where I am considered quite good

When this young Nawab entered the industry, everyone thought of him as a complete misfit. Despite being veteran actress Sharmila Tagore’s son, he could do nothing right in Bollywood. With his long hair and awkward dance moves, he was never really taken seriously as an actor.

But suddenly the tides turned. And for the better. Saif is now the most sought after actor in Bollywood. Every director and producer wants to piece of the Chotte Nawab. However, he still remains very sceptical about what he does. He always chooses his films carefully and now sees to it that nothing every goes wrong.

The actor recently went through a difficult time on the personal front with the passing of his father Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi on 23 September. The original Nawab, Pataudi succumbed to a lung infection and was laid to rest in his family burial ground.

You rarely come out and talk to the media?

I am not really media shy, but we come from a family, where it was not considered good to speak about oneself. That’s the reason I prefer to let my work do the talking.

It’s been a while since we saw you…

I’m a private person and I like it this way—hanging out at home with family after work or gong on a holiday. I also like my career to be on my terms. I think I was influenced by my fatherin this regard. I don’t mind not being seen everywhere.

Where are you today in your career?

I am in a very good place. This year definitely looks very good to me and it will be interesting to see what happens. I hope things will move to the next level. I am occupied at the moment as a producer. I look in to the creative part of production. I love to conceive an idea and execute it in totality. I don’t look in to finances at all. It is just not my cup of tea and I have my partner who does the same.

So are you comfortable in the industry now?

It was never about me being comfortable. It is now that people are comfortable with me. I am growing, though there is so much more room to grow. I am happy right now, but I would be happier when I have six super hits in a row. I started off as a terrible actor and from there now I am at a position where I am considered quite good.

Are you talking about being at par with the other three Khans?

I am not going to answer that, it might sound cocky.

Do you visualise being one of the Khans in the industry, or do you leave that for the other three?

I leave that status to them. They have done fantastically well and they deserve their success. You can call me Pataudi in that regard. I can never even touch the films that they have done.

Looking at you, it does that seem that you are a very passionate full-time actor?

I am very passionate about work though it not full time. I even love to do other things.

It’s said that you are a very moody person?

Sometimes yes. I’d say I am human. The sad part is that people don’t remember the good things you do; they simply focus on the bad things.

You seemed to be very settled in your love life…

I am. Kareena is the best thing to have happened to me. I already feel married. It just needs to be legalised on paper and that will happen when the time is right.

Has Kareena been a turning point in your life?

Yes, of course. I feel I have mellowed down a lot. I have become more house proud and settled in life, which i never felt earlier. I am making up my apartment and doing a lot of things to set up my place. I give full credit for that to Kareena. She is the one responsible for what I am today.

She takes a lot of care about your diet and fitness too?

Yes, she is like a watchdog and sees to it that i am in the best of shape.

And marriage?

It will happen in near future and we will let everyone know.

Will Kareena be Begum Pataudi?

She’s a queen in her own right and doesn’t need me to make her one. But I see some people in Pataudi calling her Choti Begum.

Do you interact with your co-stars on the sets?

No, not much. I like to keep the work atmosphere pleasant. I might crack a few jokes and fool around though.

Do you regret doing any films?

Yes, a few of them. But then again, I learnt from them, got paid for them and ran my house with them. Though at times, I wish these were better films.

Did you ever think of taking up cricket as a career?

I can’t play cricket — well, not as well as Ajay Jadeja. I played a lot of cricket in school. I enjoy the game, it is in my blood. But I didn’t want to play club cricket. My dad used to play on a professional level. At least now I’m working with the best in my profession in India.

Tell me about your childhood…weren’t you a wild kid?

Yes, very wild (smiles)! But I still remember those golden days. We used to have so much fun. I was in boarding school in Winchester, England. I remember that there was this good-looking, tough Italian guy in my school. It was my first night in school and he came up to me saying that I am very sweet and chikna and that he wants to sleep with me on the same bed. I was 11 at the time and started crying. Then I realised it was a prank. That was funny. There are so many other such incidents, there was so much freedom over there.

Who are you closer to — your mom or dad?

Both of them. When I was a kid and needed hugs and cuddles, then obviously I turned to my mother. But when it comes to some sound advice, then my father was the most amazing man in the world. He was a complete gentleman and I wish I were more like him.

What makes you happy?

Peace of mind, good work and a balanced life between family and friends.

Do you even practice yoga?

Besides usual workout routine, I also indulge in calming yoga session along with Kareena Kapoor.

Any specific diet?

I have a monitored diet which focuses on food with high energy content and low fat content. An ideal diet design includes a mix of 45 per cent carbohydrates, 30per cent proteins and 15per cent fats. Kareena plays a vital role in helping me out with my diet.

Melbourne diary

Dinner @ Mughal Indian Rest with Laxhman & Dravid

Hello Bollywood NYE

 

MKOP Party Pix

Indian Executive Business Awards 2011.Special Guest Apache Indian from the UK

Awards & With Apache

Indian Executive Awards

On Stage

Rani-Aditya Chopra love boat on the rocks?

They’ve been together for a while now and for a while there were rumours that they were going to tie the knot. But now it appears that Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji’s relationship is on the rocks. Apparently Adi, who is very friendly with Rani’s parents, recently went to meet them. And no one seems to know what happened but from the moment he stepped out, things have not been right with the couple. Witnesses say he was angry when he strode out.

 

SRK working on his new office now

Whenever Shah Rukh Khan does anything, he does it in style. His motto in life has been that if anything is worth doing then it’s worth doing well. Even a small thing like doing up his office has his complete attention to detail. He’s personally looking into the redesign. Gadget freak that he is, we hear his office will have state of the art facilities. Apparently, Gauri is traveling to China to shop for furniture for the office.

SonakshiSinhaCinderella

The unit members of ShirishKunder’s directorial film were apparently in for a rude shock, when they were told that their heroine SonakshiSinhawould not be available to shoot post 1 am because daddy ShatrughanSinha has stated that his precious daughter has to be home by midnight. The film, Joker, for which she is shooting, also stars Akshay Kumar, and both the stars were informed that for a while, shooting would begin at 10 pm and continue through till 3 am. Just as the shoot was to start, Sonakshi’s office told the unit members that she won’t be available post 1 am. Now, we hear, Shirish and gang are trying to convince Shatruji to extend his daughter’s curfew.

 

Salman Khan opens a dispensary

Actor Salman Khan has opened a charitable dispensary at his own house. But the star,who is shooting in Dublin, has maintained a low profile about it and has instead asked his friends in NGOs to spread the word as discreetly as possible about the arrangements made for medical consultation and treatment of 40 patients every week. “There is a garden opposite Salman’s apartment in Bandstand at Bandra, where he has arranged for a medical camp every Tuesday. Currently, there is only one doctor, who attends to the 40 patients on that day. The cost of consultation for each patient (Rs 300) is borne directly by Salman. He even bears the cost of follow-up treatment if necessary.

 

When Shreyas ran away with Minissha

Looks like we have a new prankster duo in B-Town — ShreyasTalpade and ‘Hum Tum Shabana’ co-star MinisshaLamba!

Sources say that the pair got along like a house on fire while shooting and recently on the last leg of the comedy and even pulled of a prank on the entire team. One of the scenes involved the duo to be jet setting on a speed boat and Shreyas initially told the crew he didn’t know how to use one….so everyone on the sets was a little worried about going ahead with the scene, but nevertheless they continued. After a few rounds on the waves, director Sagar yelled cut, but Shreyas continued riding the boat and sped away with Minissha until they no longer could be seen on the water. Everyone on land thought he had lost control of the speedboat, and search parties were sent out for the two. But after some time Shreyas came back with Minissha and a huge smile on his face! Apparently he has always been good at water sports and this was just a prank!!

ROSHNI CHOPRA FOOD POISONED

Lately, Roshni Chopra has been having a difficult time. After a case of exhaustion while running around the country for two shows as well as the promotion of her debut film, it is reported that the actress was not feeling too well while on the sets of Comedy Circus, which she is hosting, a bad case of food poisoning, apparently. But instead of cancelling her shoot, the intrepid actress took two injections and has been visiting the nearby hospital for her saline drip in between shoots. The entire crew is justifiably both worried and impressed.