Difference between love & romance?

There are differences between men and women in their approach to love and relationships. True intimacy can be very different to "romantic love". "Romantic love" is sold to young women in many ways such as magazines, television, books and the internet. "Romantic love" can put sex before safety.

For young women "romantic love" may mean:

"Falling in love" just happens it is not in our control
We are seen as a better, more complete person if we have a partner
It's good to put your partner's needs before your own
Jealousy and bad behaviour are okay
Jealousy shows your partner really cares about you
If we love a partner we must trust and believe in them unconditionally

These ideas may encourage you to excuse bad behaviour instead of taking it as a warning sign and backing out of a relationship before you are too attached. One example of how we may excuse bad behaviour is: Excusing your partner's pressure to not wear a condom because that may mean you don't trust or love him enough.

For young men ideas of "romantic love" may mean:

I am the most important person in a romantic relationship
My ideas are usually the right ideas
I deserve unconditional love and support
I deserve my partner's trust, despite bad behaviour in the past
My needs are more important to my partner than her friends' needs
If I feel hurt and jealous I may not be able to stop myself hurting my partner
Jealousy is a normal part of a lot of relationships, not always something men can control

These ideas may have young men excusing some very unfair and hurtful behaviour that could lead on to a pattern of established abuse.

‘Rock On’ with the September issue of ‘Rolling Stone’

This proves the credibility of Farhan Akhtar’s awaited ‘Rock On’ as a film truly devoted to rock music. The September issue of the smash hit music magazine ‘Rolling Stone’ has got the entire team of ‘Rock On’ on its cover. The same magazine has already featured music Maestro A.R. Rahman himself on the cover of its Indian edition.

The film is one of its kind in the sense that it is the first Indian film made on rock music and revolves around a rock band. This issue covers an exclusive behind the scene look at film and also carries article featuring a classy photo shoot involving the four lead actors — Farhan, Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny and Purab Kohli, and the trio of Shankar, Ehsaan & Loy who have scored the movie’s rock based music. If this is not enough, you also have an interview of India’s only female rapper Hard Kaur.

Akshay Kumar’s in Khatro Ka Khiladi Act at Levi’s 501 Launch

After setting the Indian and Pakistani box offices on fire with the massive hit Singh is Kinng, Akshay (literally) set the modeling ramp on fire at a fashion show to mark American jeans and casual wear manufacturer Levi Strauss launching its brand Levi's 501 in India.

Akshay Kumar, who has become one of the biggest Bollywood stars in the past couple of years, has also snapped up some high profile brand endorsement deals as of late. Levi's is another feather in the cap for the 40 year old actor.

This global launch of Levi's 501 jeans has taken place across 110 countries and a local celebrity has been roped in to endorse this brand only in India. "This campaign gives us an opportunity to let a new generation of jeans consumers around the world know that the original, quintessential 501 jeans are contemporary and relevant to their lifestyle. Akshay Kumar fits perfectly as an ambassador for Levis because he understand the youth in India better than any research, which is perhaps the reason why he is so successful," said Levi Strauss India country manager Shumone Chatterjee.

Speaking at the launch, Akshay Kumar said, "The word unbuttoned appealed to me as it has special meaning. As I see it, Unbuttoning is not an act, but an attitude! I am very selective in choosing the brands I endorse. The image and positioning of the brand is of utmost importance. Levi's and me have a perfect fit in that respect. I am extremely excited about being a part of this brand and campaign - now and in the future!"

Akshay Kumar's fashion show debut saw him sizzle. He stepped on the stage with his shirt missing and his jeans on fire. After a brief pause, he walked the ramp with a bevy of beauties. Akshay Kumar was actively participating in the way it was run. He actually called for curvaceous models to accompany him on the ramp. According to the fashion choreographer Marc Robinson, it's rare to see this kind of active involvement and enthusiasm. And Akshay is one such among those. However, he made light of his first experience on ramp."Very easy. Seedha chalo. Dil kare toh beech mein ruk jao. Look left, look right, then walk again," he said, flashing his gummy grin.

"I have maintained myself well and I can carry any product that targets youth. I endorse products which I believe in," said Akshay.

"I strongly believe that Levis is a good brand and I have been associated with it since my childhood. The first jeans that my father bought for me was a pair of Levis," said Akshay who is the first Indian celebrity to have been incorporated by the company for endorsement. "Though the company has used various words to describe its new product, what I can say is that my butt looks good in the jeans," Akshay said at the launch of the Levis 501 brand.

Akshay will be seen in a series of ad campaigns for the brand. The first television commercial will go on air this week. On being asked what his wife's, former actress Twinkle Khanna reaction was to the television ad, Akshay laughingly replied "I have not shown it to her yet!"

Akshay Kumar seems to be able to do no wrong these days. The actor, who was very popular in the 90s as an action hero (and his much publicized relationship with Raveena Tandon), has come into his own over the past few years in Bollywood.

He's had only one film fail at the box office in the past one year (Tashan), and now has a reality TV show (Khatron Ka Khiladi), and several upcoming films that all look very promising. While he still has not entered the league of the Khans: Shahrukh and Aamir, who have become producers making immensely successful films like Om Shanti Om and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na respectively, Akshay's success as an actor and entertainer has proved that this Kumar, is truly Kinng!

Katrina laughs off marriage plans

"I will marry next year," that's what the bad boy of Bollywood has been telling eveyone who keep asking him questions about his impending marriage with Katrina Kaif.

“I am so bored with this question which I have been asked so many times,” he says. “Every year I say ‘Next Year’ and this goes on.’”

However this year he sounds serious with his plans. Talking to a leading tabloid Sallu again replied, "I’m settling down in 2009 and would like to become a father immediately. "

According to sources, Salman has also popped 'the question' from several quarters: from the media to guests on his show 10 Ka Dum. Akshay made it a point to ask Sallu when he was planning to marry Kat, when he appeared on Khan's show with the actress.

But Katrina who has tasted success at the box-office recently is not as ecstatic.

She laughs off any talks of marriage. The actress says, "I think Salman said whatever he wanted to say. Let people make of it whatever they want. I have never commented on the personal side in the media. I don't wish to start right now."

Watch RGV's Phoonk, alone in a theatre and win Rs 5 lakh

MUMBAI: After the failure of Sarkar Raj and Contract (we're not even bringing up Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag), Ramu has devised a new way to promote his next film, Phoonk. This hardcore horror flick is set to release next month. And Ramu claims that Phoonk is the scariest of all his horror films.

So much so that now Ramu and Azam Khan, his producer, have, rather immodestly, announced a prize money of Rs 5 lakh for anyone who can dare to see the film all alone in the theatre. Darna strictly mana hai.

Azam Khan says, “We're confident that the film is so scary that it will be extremely difficult to watch it all alone in a theatre. We will be running a contest and giving out details on our website about how to participate in it. Right now we have decided that we will screen the film for the winners of the contest a few days before the release of the film, that is on August 22. At the moment we have planned four trials that we will screen in a preview theatre.”

The condition is simple - anyone who wants to win Rs 5 lakh has to watch the film from start to finish, without getting out of the theatre . The contest will be well-publicised . We are now working out the logistics of date and time.”

Although Ram Gopal Varma remained unavailable for comment, his close friend says, “Ramu is very confident of the film and knows that he has made one of the scariest film on black magic and that's why he is ready to challenge viewers.” Any takers?

Shilpa Shetty amidst controversies for her show

Shilpa Shetty’s ‘Big Boss 2’ has been very eventful right from the beginning. First, it was the sad exit of Jade Goody and now it is Rakhi Sawant who is going about telling TV channels that a contestant on the show has probably been changes because of Shilpa. Also, some people held a dharna in Lonavla in front of the Big Boss house, threw stones at the channel colors’ office and burnt Shilpa’s effigy.

Shilpa is outraged at Rakhi’s allegations and says,

“I don’t even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi. Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts?

How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen? I don’t think it’s right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way.

You may have an outspoken image that you’re always eager to uphold. But please don’t flaunt that image at my cost.”

To be known here that a person named Ramdas Atahavle was approached to go into the house. He claims he was dropped because of Shilpa’s manoeuvres.

Shilpa appears bewildered at these charges.

“It’s the channel’s prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show I didn’t even know who was going.

The format doesn’t allow the host to know the contestants. Mr Athavle claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead.”

An outraged Shilpa says, “Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn’t make it into Big Boss? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors’ office and burning my effigy?

Why me? Every time I’m associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone.”

My phone went ballistic on Tuesday. I’m in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I’m human and I don’t like my name being constantly used. Don’t hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies.”

Shilpa laughs at Rakhi saying,

“But really, Rakhi Sawant takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me?

I’d have Rakhi know that it’s the channel’s prerogative to decide the participants. I’m hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show.”

Source :- http://www.bollywood-stars.net

Neha Dhupia at the launch party of Lingerie brand

With a new number of companies frequently coming into India and emerging market in fashion led one more international brand to launch its product from India. The Secret Lingerie launched its range in Mumbai at a party with Neha Dhupia being guest over there at the launch party.

Source :- http://www.bollywood-stars.net/

‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ crew at a Press Meet

May be it a recovering act, after initial bad reports the crew of ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’ including Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Bipasha Basu met at Yash Raj studios for a press conference and the other one is scheduled within two weeks. All the best luck to ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno.’

Source :- http://www.bollywood-stars.net

Shahid-Vidya romance

A cheering crowd of fans greeted Shahid Kapur and Vidya Balan at the red carpet premiere of Kismat Konnection in the Capital on Friday night. And although the lead pair has been feverishly denying any romantic connection off the screen, everyone was asking them the million-dollar-question first up.

“It’s my private space, we are good friends, beyond that if people are going to write, there is not much one can do about it,” stated Shahid.

Vidya too made it clear that there was no romance in the air.

“We are co-stars who get along well, which is what shows on screen and that’s about it for the moment,” she said.

True or false, the romantic rumour surely promoted the movie in a big way. But the stars couldn’t help but disagree.

“I think a good film always does well. If the film is good people will like it. Nothing else can make it work,” said Shahid.

“Honestly I don’t know how much all this hype helps. A good film works irrespective,” added Vidya.

Well, only time will tell if Shahid and Vidya can connect with the audience or not. Meanwhile, Vidya, who’s been repeatedly slammed by the fashion police, believes that the movie has helped her connect with her style quotient like never before.

“I have been getting a lot of compliments for my look in the movie. I am sporting a new western look,” she stated.

Well, that’s a little hard to believe and will have to watch the movie to really know if Vidya can be taken at her word.

Source :- http://www.bollywoodstars.com/

What is Love

"Love is like quicksilver in the hand. Leave the fingers open and it stays. Clutch it, and it darts away."

"Love has no awareness of merit or demerit; it has no scale... Love loves; this is its nature."

A Nice Story about Love

I once had a friend who grew to be very close to me.
Once when we were sitting at the edge of a swimming pool, she filled the palm of her hand with some water and held it before me, and said this: "You see this water carefully contained on my hand? It symbolizes Love."

This was how I saw it: As long as you keep your hand caringly open and allow it to remain there, it will always be there. However, if you attempt to close your fingers round it and try to posses it, it will spill through the first cracks it finds.

This is the greatest mistake that people do when they meet love...they try to posses it, they demand, they expect... and just like the water spilling out of your hand, love will retrieve from you .

For love is meant to be free, you cannot change its nature. If there are people you love, allow them to be free beings.

Give and don't expect.
Advise, but don't order.
Ask, but never demand.

It might sound simple, but it is a lesson that may take a lifetime to truly practice. It is the secret to true love. To truly practice it, you must sincerely feel no expectations from those who you love, and yet an unconditional caring."

Passing thought... Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take; but by the moments that take our breath away.....

Life is beautiful!!! Live it !!!

Lucky And Mann

Researchers (Hatfield & Rapson, 1995) have broken up love into two main types:

* Passionate love which involves continuously thinking about the loved one and also involves warm sexual feelings and powerful emotional reactions.
* Companionate love is having trusting and tender feelings for someone who is close to you.

Now one of the best known theories of love (which means an educated guess that isn't proven fact) is Robert Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love.

The three components of the Triangular Theory of Love are:

Passion, the feeling physically aroused and attracted to someone.

Passion is what makes you feel "in love" and is the feeling most associated with love. It also rises quickly and strongly influences and biases your judgment.

Intimacy, the feeling close and connected to someone (developed through sharing and very good communications over time).

Intimacy is what makes you want to share and offer emotional and material support to each other.

Commitment, pledging to your self and each other to strengthen the feelings of love and to actively maintain the relationship.

Commitment is what makes you want to be serious, have a serious relationship and promise to be there for the other person if things get tough.

Now Sternberg also uses his Triangular Theory of Love to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about love:

Is there love at first sight?

This is when we are overwhelmed by passion, without any intimacy or commitment (both of which take time). Sternberg calls this infatuated love, Because there is not intimacy or commitment, infatuated love is fated to fade away.

Why do some people get married after being in love for a very short time?

This is a combination of passion and commitment, but without any intimacy. Sternberg calls this Hollywood love. This is where two people make a commitment to each other based on their passion. Unless intimacy develops over time, this relationship most likely will end.

Can their be love without sex?

Ah yes, companionate love, where intimacy and commitment are present without any sexual passion.

Why doesn't romantic love last?

Passion and intimacy without commitment is Romantic love. When the passion fades, and the intimacy wanes, the relationship ends.

This a close friend sent me e-mail:

Infatuation vs. Love

Infatuation is instant desire - one set of glands calling to another.

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It takes root and grows, one day at a time.

Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager, but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would just as soon not examine too closely. It might spoil the dream.

Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It gives you strength and grows beyond you - to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by their presence, even when they are away. Miles do not separate you. You have so many wonderful little films in your head that you keep replaying. But near or far, you know they are yours, and you can wait.

Infatuation says, "We must get married right away. I can't risk losing them."

Love says, "Be patient. Don't panic. Plan your future with confidence."

Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. Whenever you are together, you hope it will end in intimacy.

Love is not based on sex. It is the maturation of friendship, which makes sex so much sweeter. You must be friends before you can be lovers.

Infatuation lacks confidence. When they're away, you wonder if they're cheating. Sometimes, you check.

Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. They feel your trust, and it makes them even more trustworthy.

Infatuation might lead you to do things you will regret, but love never steers you in the wrong direction.

Love is an upper. It makes you feel whole. It completes the circle. It fills the empty space in your heart. Love is elevating. It lifts you up. It makes you look up. It makes you think up. It makes you a better person than you were before. If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you don't have. If there is no love in your life, whatever else there is has a lot less meaning.

The secret of our being is not only to live but to have something to live for.