The chiffon sari can easily be called the bollywood sari. In fact, that’s how it is often known. (more…)

There are some questions that always puzzle and intrigue me. The answers, when I learn them, will fascinate me even more. I am very interested in knowing more about the Indian garment. I wonder if in Bollywood films, do they really pleat the actresses’ saris or do they merely just don an automatic “sari.” I know that in Devdas, the famous blue sari worn by Aishwarya Rai, took several hours to drape. I truly admire the beauty and grace of the nine yard Bengali beauty. The Bengali sari is so elegant and unique. It was upsetting that she didn’t wear that sari for very long in the movie. So much trouble for just a few seconds. What a waste.

Another question that puzzles me on a daily basis is that how, in the movies and on Indian television, do they make their pallu or dupatta firmly adhere to their head?? I know brides do it all the time. However, bobby pins are used many times. I’ve even heard of the use of safety pins…Ouch!! Another technique is to sew little hooks into the dupatta and then slide bobby pins through them, securing them through the head. Sure this is a great idea but I don’t have the time to do this to all my clothes! I wonder if they really do this on Indian television?? Any answers to my puzzling questions will be appreciated.

Going back to Bengali saris I just want to say that it saddens me to see them dissappearing. Everyone is draping the sari in the usual modern manner. Not that I have anything against that and it is perfectly fine but many drapes and styles are very sadly becoming obsolete…which I will discuss more upon later.

Online shopping has become a popular trend over the past several years. However, when it comes to sari shopping we prefer to shop in person most of the time. (more…)

Katrina Kaif said she loved wearing saris in Singh is Kinng. She is usually seen in Western clothes but shot an entire song in saris for the film. Well, at least someone in Bollywood finally realizes the importance of Indian clothes! Or, maybe not? The saris Katrina flaunts in this song are designed by none other than, the one and only, Manish Malhotra! The song was hot in the same location in Egypt where Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol filmed “Suraj Hua Madham” for Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

Speaking of saris, it seems that Bollywood has forgotten all about them lately. Remember the 90s? They were full of slim actresses in sheer, chiffon saris. What ever happened to our culture! All you see is jeans and halter tops and sometimes need to be reminded that you’re watching an Indian movie! Bollywood is seriously lacking in their filmmaking. I must say, I have not been the least bit impressed by new releases this year. Let’s just wait and see how the year ends…

Lara Dutta says she’s proud to be single. Isn’t that what all people who can’t find the true love and a decent relationship say to cover up what’s really going on? Well, I think so! When asked in an interview how single she is she responded, “I’m blissfully single.” One of Lara’s upcoming films include Sudhir Mishra’s modern version of Devdas where she plays Paro. “Sudhir Mishra’s Devdas isn’t really a period film. It’s very literate and layered and I’d have to dig really deep into myself to play Paro. She is dark, ambitious and self-destructive character,” says Lara.

Chamku is all set to be released this August. Dharmendra once again stars alongside his sons Sunny and Bobby Deol. He hopes for it to be AS entertaining as Apne. I hope for it to be MORE entertaining than Apne! I must say I was not impressed at all with Apne. What were they thinking? Perhaps they weren’t! Anyway, it seems they have left out Hema Malini once again in their “family movie.” Chamku is a romantic film. That’s a nice change from Apne, I must say. The film stars Bobby and Priyanka Chopra in the lead roles.

Back to Katrina Kaif…she will be seen alongside Bollywood’s Saawariya, who is none other than Ranbir Kapoor, in Prakash Jha’s political thriller Rajneeti. This political saga also stars Ajay Devgan and Manoj Bajpai. Seems to me like Ajay is trying to fit back into the Bollywood “scene.”

Last, but never the least, the news you have been reading this for…India’s master blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, will make his big screen debut with the Marathi film, Vighnaharta Shri Siddhivinayak. The movie is about the miracles of Lord Ganesha and aims to convey a social message. Movie producer, Rajiv Singhvi, prefers to call it a social rather than mythological film. He also mentioned that a number of Bollywood movie stars, who are devotees of Lord Ganesha, will make guest appearances in the film. The film will also have a voice-over by Amitabh Bachchan. Tendulkar will start shooting as soon as he returns from his cricket tour to Sri Lanka.