A fun-filled Friday night

When it comes to letting their hair down on a Friday night, Kolkatans are more than willing to lead the way.

So, despite the first day of the zero hour restrictions in place, the regulars at Tantra, The Park, turned up to party.

Revellers were seen chilling out by the bar and couples cosying up with good spirits for company! Among the party people, the gang of Vishal, Sana, Dheera and Nikita had a whale of time soaking up the electronica tracks belted out by DJs Gaurav and Avinash. Long legged Suchira and Trishita looked pretty as they grooved and posed for our camera.

An event with a cause in Kolkata

It was a coming together of sorts on March 9, children from Hope Kolkata Foundation an orphanage , elders from an old age home Nabanir and the team that created “”BHASHA”" joined a day after HOLI to celebrate the season of Spring.

Drawn on the lines of an unique bonding between an old solitary man who is full of tantrums and a girl from the lower strata of society, “” Bhasha “” a megaserial is on air in Star Jalsha .

A joy ride on a tram amidst colors and exchanges of two generations who are on their own to face life culminated into an unique activity as quoted by veteran actor Haradhan Bannerjee- “”Never have I had

such a wonderful experience in my entire career, I am so happy to be able to participate in this unique endeavor by the channel.”" He was full of praises for Joyeeta who portrays the character “” Bhasha .

A round of “” Abir Khela”" at Esplanade Tram depot between elders and the children was the most touching sight for the crowds . The tram left on its journey from there towards Khiddirpore an back as all

participated in a Magic Show , Games , and a round of refreshments , The participants were gifted toys and small utility goods.

The channel will also be providing a month’s ration (rice & pulses) to the old age home and orphanage as an extended activity.

Holi bash by Amit Hathiramani

It’s that day of the year when revelling in colours becomes a must, bhaang no more a taboo. As the city got into a sab chalta hai mode on Thursday, we saw many letting their guard down at a city boating complex.

At a party thrown by Amit Hathiramani, friends and friends’ friends turned up for what you’d call a colour splash.

The celebrations started sharp at noon. As gulal was chosen over inorganic colours, revellers made up for the loss with beer bottles that were generously poured on one another.

Designer Abhishek Dutta, who gave his prim-and-propah appearances a break and turned up in three-fourth red pants, white tee and chappals, shared his style funda for the day. “White is a must for a celebration like Holi. For me, it was a welcome break as I was away for nine days for the fashion week,” he said.

As Abhishek took a sip from his first glass of bhaang, there were many joining him.

The party animals were also seen taking a pick from the phuchka platter and jalebis that were served hot. Sweet surrender!

Men’s grooming: 7 ways to effective shaving

Since the inception of shaving, men have played with different styles; from the clean-shaven look to the ever-popular goatee and the recent favourite soul patch.

But there is a lot more to a clean shave than just confidence boosting and feeling good. Your facial skin’s health can be strongly affected by the way you shave. Today, we take a look at how you can improve your skin, while looking your most suave and groomed, with these seven ways to effective shaving.

Set wet: After repeated shaving your facial hair is obviously thicker. Therefore, the best way to soften the hair is to splash water; your hair absorbs the water making it easier to cut. What helps the shaving process is a warm shower. Your pores not only open up but the blade is also gentle on your hair and skin. Water is the best way to avoid razor burns.

Quality matters: What makes up the foam is important. Make sure your shaving cream is rich in lubricants and moisturizers, the lubricants helps the blade slide down and the moisturizer softens the hair. The trick is – the less foam the better.

Shaving brush: Never slap the shaving cream on your face; instead use the brush in an upward stroke. The brush is important in three ways: it creates lather, raises the hair for a closer cut and removes dead cells. The brush is your secret weapon to a close shave.

Changing blades: A sharp blade gives you a clean shave. When you shave, you cut off the hair as well as dead skin. Depending on the thickness of your beard, change the blade after shaving three to seven times. To avoid bacterial growth, wash the blade with warm water.

Which direction to shave? Always shave in the direction of the hair growth. First, let your hair soften in the cream, then start from the moustache, followed by the chin which is the toughest. To avoid in-grown hair do not apply a lot of pressure.

After shave lotion: After you’re done shaving, wash your face with warm water. Now that your pores are open, it is susceptible to bacterial growth. After shave lotion will moisturize and soothe your skin.

Nowadays shaving lotions and after shave gels and creams come with healthy ingredients like aloe, which are good for your skin. Buy shaving products that suit your skin, and maintain usage until your skin displays signs of requiring a change.

Rocking evening at The Park

Rock music lovers had a great time at Someplace Else, The Park, as city bands took to the stage at the pub.

While Ifs & Buts, Monkey In Me and Rupsha and gang delighted revellers on Thursday, it was the turn for Split to keep the crowd grooving to their beats on the following Saturday.

On both the days, the bands played amidst loud cheers from those gathered at the pub. We spotted singer songwriter Neel Adhikary having a good time at the do on Thursday

Polish up on the hottest nail trends

New technology and styles can revamp your nails this year.

There was a time when women ruined their manicures even before they stepped out a salon. And not so long ago, homemakers and officer goers alike despaired about nail varnish that chipped, fell off or dried up their nail beds in a few days.

But not any more. Thanks to the newest nail trends, looking after your nails is no longer about finding the right nail polish. It is also about checking out the perfect cuticle oil, using the right buffer, using sanitized tools and wearing high tech nail varnish.

The newest manicures offered by some salons offer is the gel or shellac manicure that can last for over two weeks. It works with the help of a special UV lamp that cures the polish after it is applied and makes it last for a very long time.

One of the other nail trends this year is the colour green. It is one of the hottest shades in nail colours that should be on your must-have list. Look for pistachio or hunter green hues that are very happening shades this year. If green is not your favourite colour, you could try shades of orange, tangerine or coral instead which are equally big this season. And if you really want to your nails to catch the eye, picking up nail polish with glitter or nail polish is the way the go.

For those who want a more edgy style, the reverse French manicure is trendy too, where you use contrasting colour on most of the nail area and another shade along the tip.

So put away your old beige and pearly pinks and make way for the newest nail varnishes in town. Go in for manicures that cover your hands in creamy chocolate or heavy oils. Try the newest and gentlest cuticle lotions now in the store. Nails need just as much pampering as any other part of the body and with the new technology in the market we can do just that and more.

Protect your skin and hair during holi

Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain suggests tips to protect your skin and hair during Holi

Holi is celebrated at a time when nature renews and refreshes herself.

With a little care, we can do the same and also sustain our youth and beauty. The dry “gulal” and colours are generally not derived from natural sources. They contain chemicals, shiny particles of mica and even lead, which not only irritate the skin, but collect on the scalp.

Since Holi is played out of doors, sun-exposure can also have a detrimental effect on the skin. Apart from harmful UV radiation, exposure to the sun makes the skin dry by causing depletion of moisture and also tans the skin. People with dry skin can really suffer, even leading to itching, flaking and rough patches. Both the skin and hair can become dry and dull after playing Holi.

Remember to apply a sunscreen and moisturiser 20 minutes before going out to play with colours. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 and above. If your skin is prone to pigmented patches, select one with a higher SPF. Most sunscreens have built-in moisturisers. If your skin is dry, mix a little moisturiser with your sunscreen and then apply it. If you wish, you can use light daytime make-up, touch up your eyes with an eyepencil or kajal stick and use a lip gloss.

The real problem is removal of colours after playing Holi. After playing with the colours, do not wash your face with soap immediately, because soap is alkaline and causes further dryness. Instead, use a cleansing cream, or lotion. Apply this on the skin and massage it. Then wipe off with moist cotton wool. Remember to cleanse the area around the eyes too, using a light touch. A cleansing gel helps to dissolve the colours and facilitates their removal.

You can also make your own cleanser. Take half a cup of cold milk and add one teaspoon of any vegetable oil, like “til,” olive or sunflower oil. Mix well. Dip cotton wool into this mixture and use it to cleanse the skin on the face and body.

Sesame seed (til) oil can also be used to remove colours, massaging it on the skin on face and body. This not only helps to remove the colours, but gives added protection to the skin. Sesame seed (til) oil actually helps to counteract sun damage. While bathing, scrub the body with a loofah and remember to apply a moisturiser after your bath, while the skin is still damp. This helps to seal in moisture.

While washing your hair, first rinse with plenty of plain water to wash away the dry colours and tiny particles of mica. Then apply a mild herbal shampoo, working it into the hair with your fingers. Massage the scalp gently and rinse thoroughly with water again.

Add the juice of a lemon to a mug of water and use it as a last rinse. This helps to restore the acid-alkaline balance of the scalp. Beer can also be used as a last rinse. In fact, it will soften and condition the hair. Add the juice of a lemon to the beer. Pour over the hair after shampoo. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse off with plain water.

The day after Holi, you may have to deal with the effects of sun exposure, like dryness or tanned skin. Mix two tablespoons honey with half a cup of curd. Add a pinch of turmeric. Apply this on the face, neck and arms. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with water. Honey is a powerful natural moisturiser and helps to soften the skin, while curd will nourish and restore the normal acid-alkaline balance. It also removes tan.

Within the next few days give your hair a nourishing treatment. Mix egg yolk with almond oil or olive oil and massage it lightly into the hair and scalp. Then dip a towel in hot water, squeeze out the water and wrap the hot towel around the head, like a turban. Keep it on for five minutes. Repeat the hot towel wrap three or four times. This helps the hair and scalp absorb the oil better. Wash your hair after an hour.

Conditioning with henna will add shine to the hair. To the henna powder, add four teaspoons each of lemon juice and coffee, two eggs and enough curd to mix into a paste. Apply on the hair and wash your hair after an hour.

Sari gets a sexy avatar

Tied low on the waist, pinned high on the shoulder, paired with a mismatching blouse, woven in traditional fabric or crafted in sexy chiffon, the six-yard drape called the sari is being reborn on the Indian fashion scene.

Designers say experimentation with draping styles, endorsement by celebrities and an Indo-Western spin to this piece of clothing are popularising it among the younger lot of women.

Designer Varija Bajaj describes it as “the sexiest and most evergreen outfit that suits all body types”.

“Over the past few years, designers and Bollywood have played a lot with sari drapes, embroideries and colours. However, the sari today, in its most sexy avatar, is targeting young girls”.

And innovations are being made in draping styles and blouses.

“Bikini blouses, backless choli styles, stitched saris, lehnga saris, cocktail versions like the one Priyanka Chopra wore in the ‘Desi Girl’ song are all targeted at the youth and, of course, the look is irresistible,” Bajaj tells IANS.

Designer Debarun Mukherjee adds: “The sari has always been a favourite silhouette for women and with the attire emerging as big trend, it is surely one of the sexy avatars a girl can look out for.”

If Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, Dia Mirza, Malaika Arora Khan and Anushka Sharma have given the sari a fillip by draping it with a modern twist, Vidya Balan is flaunting the traditional ones.

Niharica Rai, a 21-year-old PR consultant, tries different styles of draping a sari.

“Nothing can make one look more feminine than a sari and I feel there’s a maximum possibility for me to showcase that oomph factor in a sari,” she said.

“For me, the best way to wear one is to show the curves. The sari must be tied low on the hips, the pallu pleated tightly and pinned high on the shoulder to flaunt the waist.”

Thanks to designers, the sari has evolved and designer Nikhil Mehra confirms this saying it has seen a huge transformation from traditional to contemporary.

“Earlier saris were styled in a traditional way, but now it has taken a more Indo-Western look and this transformation attracts young girls.

“Last month Kajol wore a sari-inspired gown for Filmfare cover and now many youngsters are asking for the outfit. Such saris are ideal for girls who want to look glamorous with no compromise on responsibilities,” he says.

Options are plenty, styles are exotic and designs are created keeping body shapes in mind.

“Mermaid cuts and plain chiffon saris are best for the pearl-shaped body. If you have broad shoulders, it is best to opt for wide necklines and short-sleeved blouses with midriff-revealing saris,” says Bajaj.

If you are skinny, “choose fluffy or tissue saris with low cut blouses or corsets”, suggests Bajaj and adds, “Petite girls can go for georgettes and embrace long chunky necklaces and earrings.”

When it comes to those six yards, innovation has become a key word. For instance, Kiran Uttam Ghosh, known for her elegant and glamorous designs, has come up with a modern avatar for her pret line – Chiconomics.

“Today’s girl wants to do a lot of mix and match and keeping this mind, I recently launched saris, which are very fluid and light weight, giving today’s women the simplicity and drama of a well-cut ensemble,” says Ghosh.

Bangla food delight for celebs

Maach, mishti and much much more! No, we are not talking about the movie.

Celebs from Kolkata stopped by at city restaurants to savour delicacies from opaar Bangla. Said Rituparna Sengupta, who was at 6 Ballygunge Place, “I am a bangaal so my connection with Bangladeshi food is very natural. I also have a huge fanfollowing in Bangladesh. Whenever I go there, I make sure that I hog on fish. I loved the Chingri Maacher Bharta at 6 Ballygunge Place. I feel food has a huge role to play in bringing two countries together.”

Model Satarupa Pyne, who was at Oh! Calcutta, admitted that though she has to keep in shape, she never misses a chance to gorge on food from opaar Bangla. “When I went to Bangladesh two years back for a fashion show, I tasted several different preparations of ilish maach itself! Bangladeshi hospitality is deeply rooted in their food habits,” she said.

Actor Shaheb Bhattacherjee, who had joined Satarupa at the table, couldn’t agree more. “Some of my favourite Bangladeshi dishes are Mocha Chingrir Seekh Kebab and Chatu te Boal Maach.”

Krishna Somani

This girl-next-door face; Krishna walks down the ramp with loadsa panache. Keen on making friends within the fraternity and retaining a sense of fun, here’s your chance to know Krishna Somani a little more…

Vital stats : 35-26-36

Campaigns / endorsements : Reebok, Jordano, Vogue

Fitness regime : I don’t workout everyday, but I definitely am careful about my eating habits. And whenever I overindulge in eating, then I do everything like cardio, aerobics etc altogether. Otherwise for a fit body, I do go for a walk 4 days a week.

Diet plan : The three main meals – my breakfast, lunch and dinner are a must and then I keep munching something or the other throughout the day. I feel you just need to know what healthy food is all about and this includes junk food also, which we Indians just can’t seem to resist. No matter how much junk food you eat, at the end of each day, it’s rice, daal and roti at home that makes you feel full and satisfied.

Beauty tips : One thing I follow religiously before I go to sleep is to clean my face, no matter how tired I am. I never skip my cleansing, toning and moisturising routine. And then to keep my skin healthy, I drink lots of fluids, water and fresh fruits, as it makes my skin radiant and maintains the acidic level too.

Style statement : It’s very basic. I like wearing things, which are really comfortable, and yet stylish. For a party, I love classy evening dresses, but otherwise I am comfortable in skirts, casual dresses, trousers and t-shirts. And finally to accessorise the look, I carry a nice bag.

Success mantra : You really need to have everything together to be a good model. It’s all about your confidence, posture and the way you present yourself – so it’s a complete package you need to have to be successful.