Priya Adivarekar || Diary of a Dancebee - Lifestyle | Bollywood | Fashion | Beauty

Film maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali's vision is splendid. We have seen him create magic with his extraordinary craft in some of his previous films, some of which have dealt with historical characters in the recent past. However, the director has left us speechless with the trailer of his next, the much awaited historic saga - Padmavati. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in the lead as MahaRawal Ratan Singh, Padmavati and Allauddin Khilji respectively, the film is all set to hit the screens this year on December 1. If the first look left you curious and excited, the trailer is bound to leave you mesmerised.

If the flawless, crisp trailer is anything to go by, then be prepared for a storm at the BO. We are mesmerised by Bhansali's world in the film, which looks royal, dark and intense. Every little detail in the trailer looks so well crafted, be it the costumes, set, characterisation, make up, BG score among others. The trailer has only two dialogues, but they pack a punch and how! Kapoor as the fierce and courageous Rajput ruler looks incredible. His presence leaves a strong impact. There is a sense of honesty in his voice and intensity in his eyes. Padukone's title character - Padmavati, looks magnificent. She displays the perfect blend of emotions, sincerity and grace. Of course, the menacing Khilji aka Singh leaves us awestruck. His dark, brooding eyes and ferocious avatar is stuff that nightmares are made of. However, with no dialogue, Khilji leaves you curious. We are definitely waiting to see more of these characters and their impressive performance. Honestly, December seems too far away!

We have been waiting to see Kapoor and Padukone together for too long. Finally, the film gives us a chance to witness their chemistry. They look beautiful together as the royal Rajput pair. As for Singh, it's not easy to leave such a strong impression in a trailer that lasts less than 3 mins. Singh's Khilji manages to do that and more, with his spine chilling looks and demonic personality. It's a visual treat to see three of our industry's most versatile actors together in a film. Needless to say, their incredible act and Bhansali's creative genius will certainly spell magic. So far, it looks like the trio will sweep all awards and their performance will be remembered for a long, long time. 2017, this is the film you were waiting for! Bring it on already.

Have you seen the trailer yet? What are your thoughts?

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Love,

The Dancebee

Our recent trip to Odisha was packed with tons of action (actually, lots of it) and madness. In between a packed itinerary and crazy schedule, we found bliss at some beautiful locations. Odisha has some really beautiful historical sites. However, one must not ignore their long, beautiful coastline. These virgin beaches tell their own stories. While beaches like Puri are usually packed with tourists, there are many others where one can enjoy some moments of peace. Luckily for us, in between all the adventure, we got a great opportunity to spend a few moments of calm in the lap of nature.

On one of the days during the trip, we took off from the main city - Bhubaneswar post sunrise, to explore some key locations and sites close to Puri and Konark. We were also asked to pack our essentials, as an overnight halt was arranged. Needless to say, I was curious, as the itinerary promised a quiet and calm experience close to the enchanting Konark marine drive. This long stretch passes by lush green patches, with nature all around (and according to some, even the chance to watch some deers pass by). As we passed Puri (which was buzzing with tourists) and drove towards Ramachandi Beach at Konark, (taking the Puri - Konark marine drive) we were transported to another world. A world of serenity, peace and a quaint ambience. And, guess what? Our halt was a resort that faced the a virgin beach between Chandrabhaga & Ramchandi on one side, and the Balukhand - Konark wildlife sanctuary on the other side. Quite an adventurous day, I must say!

The vlog offers a glimpse into our super short, yet blissful stay at the beautiful Lotus Beach Resort. Don't miss the highlights of an exciting video that's coming up on this channel very soon!
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Love,
The Dancebee

It’s back! The 19^th Mumbai International Film Festival 2017 is almost here and right now, every cinephile is busy chalking their respective schedules to ensure that they don’t miss any of the best films that will be screened this year. The euphoria to book the films a day in advance, the crazy excitement to shuffle screens and the fascinating conversations in the queue outside the auditorium makes this festival one of the most important event in a cinephile’s calendar.

220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages and only 4 films a day. Needless to say, there is a lot of planning required or else, it just gets crazy during the festival. So, in order to make your life a tad bit easy, we have listed some of the films, which you can watch out for. Take out your diaries and jot down the list already!

The Square

Christian, the curator of a contemporary art museum, hires a public relations team to build some buzz for his renowned Swedish museum. The team creates an unexpected campaign, and the response sends Christian as well as the museum into an existential crisis.

Directed by: Ruben Östlund

Section: World Cinema

#DancebeeApproved - Palms D’or winner at Cannes this year, The Square a Swedish satirical drama has a thought provoking storyline and will be an interesting watch.

24 Frames
It marks the final film of late Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, whose inspiration to make this experimental film was all about his curiosity to know about four and half minutes of what he imagined might have taken place before or after each image that he had captured.

Directed by: Abbas Kiarostami
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Kiarostami took 24 still images and used digital technology to expand each one of them into a flowing, live-action tableau. This sole thought makes the film inquisitive and thus, a must watch!

City of Ghosts
This documentary by Academy Award nominated and Emmy winner filmmaker Matthew Heineman looks promising and intense as the synopsis definitely gives a grave picture of a group of brave citizen journalists as they face the realities of life undercover, on the run, and in exile, risking their lives to stand up against one of the greatest evils in the world today ISIS.

Directed by: Matthew Heineman
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - The film premiered at the Sundance Festival earlier this year, and was acquired by Amazon. With rave reviews and incredible buzz, City of Ghosts makes for a must watch.

Devil's Freedom (La Libertad Del Diablo)
Mexican director Everardo González’s documentary - Devil’s Freedom, explores how fear and uncertainty have penetrated every level of Mexican society asking what meaning is to be found in this violence and the profound fear it engenders.

Directed by - Everardo Gonźalez
Section - World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - This mexican psychological documentary portrays personal stories giving an insight into the deepest fears and the most obscure traits of the human psyche. This will surely be an eye opener.

Stay tuned for Part II, where we discuss more interesting films!
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220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages. The festival has begun and we are back at doing what we do best - bringing you tons of updates and reports from the ongoing 19th Mumbai Film Festival. The list of best films can be endless. Still, we thought of working on a two part series that will give you a round up of some super interesting films at the festival this year. So, go register and grab your seats to witness the magic of world cinema unfurl! Here's our second part in the ultimate must watch list. Create your lists, everybody!

Loveless (Nelyubov)

A couple going through a divorce team up to find their son, who has disappeared during one of their bitter arguments.

Directed by: Andrei Zvyagintsev

Section: World Cinema

#DancebeeApproved - Zvyagintsev’s Loveless has earned critical acclaim. The film was awarded Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was also the Russian entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. This Russian drama definitely looks poignant.

Mother

A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. The film is a riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice.

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky

Section: World Cinema

#DancebeeApproved - Darren Aronofsky’s Mother is the much talked about film this year, thanks to its stellar cast and a thrilling plot. Aronofsky is known for his surreal, disturbing films. So, we are sure this one too won’t disappoint us.

Manifesto

Acclaimed visual artist Julian Rosefeldt brings us Manifesto, which features two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett in 13 distinct, must-see vignettes, that incorporate timeless manifestos from 20th century art movements. From anchorwoman to homeless man, Pop Art to Dogma 95; Blanchett's performance pays homage to the moving tradition of artist manifestos.

Directed by: Julian Rosefeldt

Section: World Cinema

#DancebeeApproved - A powerful actress. 13 distinct characters. One film! Well, that's the best thing ever. We surely feel this one deserves a place in this list.

I am not a Witch

Welsh-Zambian director Rungano Nyoni's first feature tells a story of eight-year-old Shula, who is accused of witchcraft. Officials take advantage. send her to state custody and later, exile her to a witch camp.

Directed by: Rungano Nyoni

Section: International Competition

#DancebeeApproved - Nyoni's first feature film looks promising, and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year under 'Director's Fortnight'. The director participated in the Cannes’ Cine Fondation Residency as a major talent in 2013.

Ajji

This year, the India Gold section has a great lineup of films. However, for us, one of them stands out from the rest, and that is film maker Devashish Makhija’s - Ajji. This revengeful thriller has a 65 yr old grandmother as the central character, who decides to take revenge against the rapist of her nine-year-old grand daughter - Manda.

Directed by: Devashish Makhija

Section: India Gold

#DancebeeApproved - The trailer is gripping and dark spiking the curiosity and interest to not miss this film for anything. Ajji premiered at the Busan International Film Festival last month and if the trailer is anything to go by, this one will definitely leave you awestruck.

What Will People Say?

Nisha (16) lives a double life. At home, she is the perfect Pakistani girl with a family life. When out with her friends, she is a normal Norwegian teenager. Things take a wrong turn and Nisha lands in Pakistan, where she is forced to adapt her parents' culture.

Directed by: Iram Haq

Section: Discovering India

#DancebeeApproved - Nisha’s double life would surely make it an interesting watch and finding more about her struggles in Pakistan as a norwegian teenager.

So, which film is on your must watch list already? Join the conversation on
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The festival of lights is already here, but one of the most important festival in a cinephile’s life has come to an end. The 19^th Mumbai International Film Festival 2017 will draw its curtains tonight with the closing film - Omerta, starring Rajkummar Rao. The week long festival gave us some wonderful cinematic experiences and memories, that shall stay with us for long. With 220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages spread across 5 venues, it was nothing less than a cinematic visual treat.

Day 1: The day started with Annemarie Jacir’s Palestinian film - Wajib. It had a simple storyline, that of a father and his estranged son hand delivering the wedding invitation of his daughter. The film gave us an insight into the relationship between the father and son. It also focused on the aspect of a Palestinian living in Italy and a Palestinian living at home. Played by real father-son duo Mohammad and Saleh Bakri, the story explores different facets about how it is different to be an Arab in Nazareth. Up next was Ana Asensio’s ‘Most Beautiful Island’ a tale of an illegal female immigrant who is trying to make a living in New York, but ends up in a dangerous game, all for the sake of money. Director, writer and actor Asensio surely lured the audiences with her effective opening and gripping story, which makes strong comments about the life of an illegal immigrant in New York city. She surely envisioned the film in its cruel reality.

Day 2: We kickstarted the day with a much awaited screening from the Discovering India section titled - What Will People Say? Directed by Iran Haq, the film stars some powerful Indian actors including Adil Hussain, Sheeba Chaddha, Rohit Saraf among others. This Norwegian coming-of-age drama film explores the life of a 16-year-old Norwegian teenager; a carefree girl outside with her friends, but at home, she adheres to her Parents and their culture. When caught red handed with a boy in her room, she is sent to Pakistan, where she is grounded and forced to follow and accept the norms and culture. It is indeed an impactful film with a stellar cast. While the day began with Discovering India, it ended with one of the most talked about films in the India Gold section - Ajji (Granny), directed by Devashish Makhija. This thriller leaves you numb and uncomfortable, especially around the climax. The film does not have a background score. So, one can actually hear the audience gasping and reacting to the proceedings in the auditorium. The silence of the horrendous crime is deafening, but Ajji is powerful and fearless.

Day 3: First on our list was ‘I am Not a Witch’ – a film by Zambian born Welsh director Rungano Nyoni. The plot follows a nine year old girl Shula, who is identified by the local community as a witch and is forcefully sent to a witch camp. At the camp, one can witness how all the witches are treated. They are tied with a ribbon, so that they don’t fly away. The film depicts the corruption and vague display of witches as attraction for humans.

Day 4: All Darren Aronofsky fans in the house got together for an early morning show of the American psychological thriller - Mother! (the title includes an exclamation mark). Right from the opening scene to the climax, Mother! is spine chillingly disturbing and stands true to Aronofsky's style of film making. Jennifer Lawrence kept the audience at the edge of the seat with her terrific performance.

After experiencing seven days of pure cinematic bliss, it's time to get back to the humdrum. But, not without saying - Adios, MAMI! See you next year with many more captivating films.

Did you watch any movie at the 19th Mumbai Film Festival, 2017? Share your experience by commenting below or join the conversation at

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Most of us have more to our personality than what meets the eye. Shraddha Kapoor is one such talented artist, who wears more than one hat when it comes to her incredible skills. As an actor, she has her kitty full with interesting film projects, including a biopic based on Badminton champion Saina Nehwal, a Tollywood film - Saaho, opposite Prabhas among others. Off screen too, the actress has been juggling various commitments, ranging from promotional events for her film to shooting for commercials. However, none of this has stopped Shraddha from taking out time for all that she loves and swears by. Music, being one such passion that is closest to her heart.

On a gloomy weekday in Mumbai (a little before she hurt herself. the actress is currently on bedrest and we wish her a speedy recovery), we met the charming actress for an interaction. Surrounded by trendy optical glasses in various colours and styles, Shraddha (being her vibrant, chirpy self) stepped out of her room in a chic, comfortable attire and instantly brightened up our day. Over cups of freshly brewed coffee, we settled down to discuss the other side of Shraddha Kapoor’s personality. Excerpts from our conversation:

Ever since your debut, how have you managed to maintain the right balance between your career and passion? How do you take time out for riyaaz?

The thing is, I got the opportunity to take my passion the next level through the films that I was a part of, and went on to sing for. So, I did have the time. I have given music the attention that it deserves in my life. Also, I truly believe if you really love something, it is possible to make time. One must make time for anything that they are passionate about, aside from pursuing their professional commitments.

Did you take any formal training for music or singing?

Yes, I have taken some formal training. I particularly trained for Rock On 2, recently. Plus, coming from a family with a musical background, I was lucky to get the chance to train with my Nana (Pandit Pandharinath Kolhapure).

Was there any point in life where you thought you could give music a chance and a make career in that field?
I feel that although professionally I am an actor, I am getting the opportunity to do the things that I love. Being an actor, singing, dancing; I love all of this! In fact, I also write, but I haven’t had the chance to share my writings with the world. I also paint. So, I am doing everything that I love and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Who has been your biggest influence, when it comes to multitasking and creating a fine balance between career and passion?

Jim Carrey was quite an influence during my growing up years. He is a fantastic actor, and he also paints very well. His paintings are absolutely fascinating.

I am doing everything that I love and wouldn’t have it any other way

Image Source: Filmfare Magazine (2017)

Music or acting, which one would you choose as your first love?
It would be very difficult to make a choice. Both acting and music are extremely close to my heart. And, I love dancing also. So, the choice between all of these is extremely tough.

You have sung quite a few popular songs for your films. Which one was the most challenging to record? Was there any nervousness?

I think the first track that I recorded - Galliyan (Ek Villain) was quite challenging. When you do something for the first time, it always has an edge to it. There is always a sense of nervousness. Thankfully, the song got a great response and I was very happy to see the reaction. Even Rock On 2 was a challenge, especially since I was playing a singer. The script demanded that I sing my own songs and I had to ensure that I do my rehearsals well.

Your last film, Haseena Parkar, had you essaying the role of a woman who evolves over the years. Was the process of getting into the skin of a character, in a film which is based on true events, challenging for you?

Absolutely! I had to show the character’s journey from 17 to 45, which is the range of her age in the film. You know, the different transitions and changes in various phases of life, right from her teenage years to 20s, 30s and 40s are very distinct. She evolves through the years and to be able to do justice to her evolution while essaying the role was a big task. Haseena has experienced a lot of loss in her life and to be able to portray a character who has experienced so many things, it did get quite challenging and emotionally heavy.

Image Credit: Rohan Shreshtha

When you do something for the first time, it always has an edge to it. There is always a sense of nervousness

You have a strong following down South and finally, you are making a debut in the Telugu film industry with Saaho, opposite Prabhas. Excited?

You know, when I signed Saaho, the makers very sweetly old me the same thing and I was very excited, happy to know that I have fans down South. Saaho is going to be a multi-lingual film and it will be shot in two languages simultaneously, which is in Hindi and Telugu. It will further be dubbed in some more regional languages. Naturally, I am very excited about my Tollywood debut!

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Love,
The Dancebee

Beauty on a Budget is back, and this time, we have got a bunch of hero products that are perfect to fight against dry skin. Well, it's that time of the year again. There's a slight nip in the air that proves that winter is almost here. Tis' the season which individuals with dry - sensitive skin dread the most. I cannot stress enough on the importance of -- right choice of products, correct skin care routine and perfect amount of moisturization; especially during winter. To beat those winter skin issues away, it's important to tweak your routine with the perfect product, that suits your skin type and concern. While we covered a list of 5 Winter Moisturisers under Rs 500 in a previous post, we have a round up of some really good body lotions and moisturisers, that will ensure your skin is well moisturised and the wallet looks happy.

Nivea Nourishing Body Milk

One of our personal favourite body lotions, packed with nourishing properties and the lovely signature Nivea fragrance. This is a no-nonsense body lotion, which does it's job of hydrating and ensures there are no signs of dry. rough skin.

Price - Rs 75 onwards (depending on size)
Skin Type - Dry to Very Dry Skin
What we love? - Easily Available. Enriched with Almond Oil. Pleasant fragrance. Nourishes the skin and keeps it hydrated for a good 4-5 hours.

Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Restore

Many of us swear by Vaseline petroleum jelly, especially during winter. This body lotion incorporates micro-droplets of the same jelly, which leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished. The price point, plus a pump bottle, scores big for us.

Price: Rs 235 (400 ml)
Skin Type: Dry Skin
What we love? - Non-greasy. Pleasant fragrance. Provides good hydration for 3-4 hours. Best for use post shower, as it locks in moisture very well and absorbs quickly.

Dove Purely Pampering Body Lotion - Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla

Hands down, one of the best from this particular range by Dove. The rich texture, which is non-greasy and extremely hydrating, also scores brownie points. Perfect for all skin types, and the fragrance is simply divine!

Price: Rs 295
Skin Type: All Skin Types
What we love? - Heavenly fragrance, which is subtle and calming. Shea butter provides long lasting nourishment. Rich texture.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Body Moisturiser

An all time favourite by Neutrogena. Perfect for dry, rough skin that needs some pampering. The texture is rich and thick (it's a moisturiser after all, duh!). It absorbs within a few minutes and leaves the skin feeling extremely soft and supple. Stays on for a good number of hours. Recommended for dry, rough skin.

Price: Rs 449
Skin Type: Dry Skin
What we love? - Enriched with Glycerin. Fragrance - free (also available in a fragrant version). Rich texture.

Kaya Intense Hydration Lotion

Light texture and a pleasant fragrance, coupled with the perfect amount of nourishment makes this lotion a must buy. Absorbs really quick. Post application, the skin feels smooth and really soft.

Price: Rs 450
Skin Type: All Skin Types
What we love? - Fab combination of shea butter and kokum. Soothing fragrance. Non-greasy.

There you go! Stock up on your favourite lotion / moisturiser and ensure your skin stays nourished all through winter. Do you have a favourite that's not on this list? Let us know by leaving a comment below or join the conversation on
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Love,
The Dancebee

There is no stopping Vidya Balan! With a perfect success rate in the industry packed, topped with some of the most impactful performances in the last decade, winning hearts, earning accolades, sweeping awards (even scoring a hat trick), becoming a CBFC board member and more; the actress is clearly one of Bollywood’s finest, most talented gems. Close to twelve years after her debut as the charming Lalita in Parineeta, Balan continues to dominate as one of B-town’s leading ladies, as film makers continue to line up with author backed roles for the vivacious actress. This time, Balan is all set to charm the audience as Sulochana in a fun, slice of life film titled - Tumhari Sulu, where she will be seen multitasking as a home maker and a late night show RJ. As the film gets ready to hit the screens tomorrow, the vivacious actress spoke about her character and discusses cinema, life and more in an exclusive chat with Diary of a Dancebee.

What was that one trait or element of your character - Sulu, that stood out for you?

The very fact that she is a complete enthu-cutlet. That’s the perfect way to describe her! She is full of life, fun and is always ready for challenges that come her way.

Just like Sulu, do you think women today are more open to experimenting with their professional choices, as compared to the time when you started off or were still in college?

Absolutely! They are definitely open to experimenting with their career choices and even multitasking a lot more. But, while women today have more opportunities, there is also a lot more pressure and responsibility. That doesn’t mean women back then didn’t have any of it. However, the hectic lifestyle today has changed a lot of things around us. Everything around is so quick and fast paced. Today, most women spend hours traveling from home to work and back. They also have personal commitments and responsibilities to look after. So, while the scope is much better, the pressure has also increased.

The hectic lifestyle today has changed a lot of things around us

Personally, how do you maintain a fine balance between both personal and professional life?

Honestly, I don’t think I am good at maintaining a fine balance (smiles). I don’t multitask much, when compared to women who travel for hours, work for long and also run their homes successfully. That’s one reason why I think the term ‘housewife’ should be replaced by ‘home maker’. She is the one who truly brings the home together. It’s not an easy task! I remember that while traveling by local trains during my time as a student at St.Xavier’s College, I used to see women cutting vegetables on their way back. They would carry small zip pouches with some pieces of vegetables, cut them and place everything back in separate pouches again. Being in a position where I don’t have to cook, buy groceries or perform some of the tasks that home makers have to do every day, since my house help takes care of it, makes me feel that I am not really multitasking in anyway. At least, not when compared to the women who spend hours maintaining a balance between their personal and professional commitments, with all the pressure around. Hats off to them!

Professionally, was there any point in your life where you wanted to take up something else, other than acting?

I don’t think I could ever do anything apart from acting. I never thought of any alternate career. As cliched as it may sound, but I have always wanted to become an actor (smiles).

I don’t think I could ever do anything apart from acting

Image Source: Filmfare Dec - 2016

What is your earliest memory of cinema and watching movies while growing up?

You know, I wasn't really into watching a lot of movies when I was a kid. We didn’t make frequent trips to the cinema hall as such. The only time we used to watch something would be on Doordarshan, when they played Hindi films around Sunday evening. My mom introduced me to regional films, which were also played on Doordarshan during the weekend. My first exposure to world cinema was in college. I remember, MAMI - Mumbai Film Festival had just started off and they were looking for volunteers. I excitedly signed up for it, and was assigned the task of announcing the film name with details before every screening. That was my first tryst with world cinema. I was mesmerised by the enchanting world of movies, and felt lucky to witness some exceptionally crafted films from Iran, Europe, Japan, France among others. From then, there was no looking back and I fell in love with cinema forever.

What has been the most special takeaway for you from any of the characters that you have essayed so far?

It’s interesting how every character that I have essayed on screen has been so different from the other, and each of them have had traits that are so unique. Again, it would be difficult for me to make a single choice, because all of them have left an impact that will stay with me for long. From among the recent ones, let’s take Sulu as an example. She is a complete go-getter. Her response to everything would be “Main Karegi.” That kind of confidence is very hard to find. It is very inspiring and encouraging. Definitely a special takeaway for me!

All the characters I have essayed on screen have left an impact that will stay with me for long

What according to you was a career defining moment or perhaps, a turning point in your life as an artist?

It would be very difficult to choose just one. There have been so many important moments, that have not only got me awards, acclaim and recognition, but also helped me become what I am today. Right from bagging a film like Parineeta as a debutant to essaying a challenging character like Monjolika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa and working in a film like The Dirty Picture; all of them contributed in some way or the other. I feel among my early films, Bhool Bhulaiyaa was extremely important. Another film was Ishqiya. I ventured into a completely new space and it gave me immense creative satisfaction as an artist. So, there has always been a lot to learn and be thankful for.

What’s next on the cards for you?

As of now, there is nothing. I am in talks and have also heard a few ideas. Hopefully, something new for 2018 shall come up soon.

What do you have to say to your fans, especially the 'VB' family on social media?

They are the sweetest, aren't they? Thank you for all the love. You guys are way too sweet.

Are you excited to watch Tumhari Sulu? Let us know by leaving a comment below or join the conversation on

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Love,

The Dancebee

Winter is upon us, and those with normal to dry skin have already begun prepping up for the dry, harsh weather ahead. While the market is packed with an array of skincare products, it can be quite overwhelming to choose what suits our skin type and concern. However, we are fans of brands that focus on specific concerns and highlight them prominently. One such brand happens to be Mitchell USA, that was launched recently in India. With a strong focus on anti-ageing, pigmentation, discolouration among other concerns, some of the skin care products by Mitchell USA look quite promising, especially for the ongoing season.

Recently, the brand invited us to try some of their latest beauty products. Since I did not fit the requirement for these products, which mostly focus on anti-ageing (and I strongly believe it is important for me to present an honest opinion for you guys), I decided to invite a close friend for this experiential. Over a period of 7 days, she tried some of the products from the brand's ' Age-Less' range. Here's presenting an introduction to the brand, along with a 'tried and tested' honest review.
*Note: None of us at Team Dancebee are huge fans of any product that endorses fairness or skin brightening. For us, beauty comes from within and has nothing to do with colour, shape or size. It helps that our volunteer too was on the same page as us. So, although the range also highlights skin brightening, we will not be focusing on that aspect, because we don't endorse 'fairness' in anyway.

What? - Mitchell USA Age-Less range of products

Price: Rs 550 onwards

What do they promise? - Mitchell's age-less range is your non-invasive solution for tightening, lifting skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone.

Ingredients: The age-less product range contains Lotus BioRepair MT Complex, which combines extracts from Sacred Lotus Seed (which the brand claims is approximately 1288 years old), with peptides, antioxidants, amino acids, anti-inflammatory botanicals and algae extracts

Tested on: Female, 35-year-old (name with held on request)
Skin Type: Combination
Test period: 7 days (One week)

Product Trial & Review (as stated by our volunteer): Before starting off with this trial, I went through the product details of each item to understand the concern it targets. According to the brand, the range is curated and crafted specially for Indian skin type and tone. After understanding all the products, I created two regimes, one each for day and night.

Day Regime: I start off by using the Papaya Brightening Cleanser. It promises to refine pores and leave the skin feeling smooth. The texture is creamy, and naturally, it has a fruity fragrance. I like massaging this cleanser on my face for sometime, before rinsing it off. The product did not dry out my skin, which helps. The fragrance was a bit too fruity for me, but the cleanser did a decent job. This was followed by the Lift & Firm Tightening Serum. A little bit of this product goes a long way. Lastly, I used the Skin Energiser Peptide Hydration Cream. Although the texture was smooth and creamy, it absorbed very well. The fragrance is subtle, which I like. It hydrates pretty well and creates a good canvas for make up as well.

Night Regime: After removing my make up, I cleanse my face with the Papaya Brightening Cleanser. This is followed by the Lift & Firm serum. I used the Night Therapy Anti-Wrinkle cream, which has some good repair and nourishment properties, which works well on your skin overnight. I like to massage this product all over my face, leaving the eye & neck area. Then, I used the Lineless Eye complex, which is an excellent under eye serum and one of my favourite products from the range. It helps reduce puffiness and minimises fine lines. Finally, I massaged the neck area with Neck Therapy Refining Cream. Neck is usually the most neglected area, and it helps that they have a product dedicated to it, which helps in improving the skin texture and firmness. Twice a week, I used the Skin Polish Exfoliating Cream (I skip cleansing, as this one does a fine job anyway). It's a creamy, grainy exfoliator. The product is wonderful, as it helped remove all the excess dirt, sebum quite efficiently. All the creams, including the exfoliator, have a standard fragrance, which is subtle.

Post Trial Experience: A week is not enough to understand the way a product works on your skin. It takes a good amount of time for them to work their magic. However, while sticking to our deadline, there are few things that I did notice. Firstly, the eye serum was fabulous! It helped reduce the puffiness to a good extent. Also, it hydrated the eye area really well. Secondly, I loved the neck therapy cream. It hydrates the neck area and works well to improve the skin texture. I am sure there will be a visible difference with continuous use. Definitely a favourite, and I will be re-purchasing it for sure. Lastly, Peptide hydration cream is a good addition to your daily regime for winter. It moisturises the skin really well and keeps it supple for a good number of hours. Another product that I wouldn't mind repurchasing. The cleanser was just like any other, and the fragrance kind of put me off. So, that's not on my favourites list. The night therapy cream was also pretty good.

Pros: Elegant, easy to carry packaging
Subtle fragrance (except the face wash)
Fine texture
Absorbs very well and leaves the skin feeling smooth
Does a fine job of living up to some of the promises
Hydrates and nourishes the skin very well

Cons: Promotes skin brightening
Not cruelty free (or at least, that's what we think)

Final Verdict: Overall, it was a decent experience. The range scores full marks in the hydration, packaging and quality space. Wish they go a little easy on skin brightening.

Big thank you to our volunteer for taking time out and testing these products for our readers!

Have you tried any product from the house of Mitchell USA? Join the conversation by commenting below or follow us on
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Love,
The Dancebee

The Shaadi season is here (I mean, everyone on my timeline is getting married or engaged somewhere), and we can always do with some inspiration to get together the perfect outfit. Be it your BFF's sangeet, cousin's wedding or a colleague's reception; we are always on the hunt, in order to put together the perfect look for each and every occasion. And of course, celebrity outfits end up being some of the most popular references.

While the fate of her most popular upcoming film - Padmavati, is yet unknown, actress Deepika Padukone left us impressed with some stunning looks in the last couple of weeks. We have seen her create ripples on social media with her gorgeous traditional looks, especially those picked for Padmavati promotions (more to come, though only once the release date is confirmed). She also spotted at some award functions and parties, where Deepika glowed and how! We picked some of our favourites, and decided to put together a list of looks that will give you just the right amount of inspiration needed for the season. So, who's ready to shake a leg on 'Dilliwali Girlfriend' a la Ms Padukone?

The Golden Gal

Outfit: Raw Mango

Jewellery: Tanishq

Perfect for: Wedding

Tip: If you want to brighten up the look, go for a bold lip colour.

Maharani Vibes

Outfit: Anamika Khanna

Jewellery: Tanishq

Perfect for: Mehndi / Sangeet

Tip: Statement earrings or jhumkas are all you need to accessorise this look. Keep it simple, and let your outfit (especially the bold colour) do all the talking! Don't forget to 'wing' it (your eyeliner, duh!)

Floral Love

Outfit & Jewellery: Sabyasachi

Perfect for: Cocktail Party / Reception

Tip: Add some drama with well defined brows, kohled eyes. A neutral / nude lipstick should go well with this look. Don't miss the highlighter. Glow baby, glow!

Traditional Touch

Outfit: Raw Mango

Necklace: Tanishq

Earrings & Bangles: Jaipur Gems

Perfect for: Wedding

Tip: Your mom / granny's vintage gold jewellery would be a good addition to this gorgeous traditional look.

Black Beauty

Outfit & Jewellery: Sabyasachi

Perfect for: Cocktail Party / Reception

Tip: Turns heads with this modern take on the good ol' saree! Smokey eyes, a pair of earrings, embellished skinny belt, a ponytail (or even a slightly messy bun) and the perfect attitude; be prepared to cast a spell!

Gaga over Green

Outfit: Shailesh Singhania

Jewellery: Tanishq

Perfect for: Wedding

Tip: A sleek bun never goes wrong! Especially when you wanna flaunt those stunning jhumkas. If long sleeves ain't your thing, you can also go sleeveless (with a deep back) or opt for a elbow length to throw some major princess vibes.

Make a Statement

Outfit: Sabyasachi

Jewellery: Amrapali

Perfect for: Mehndi / Haldi

Tip: While statement earrings do all the talking, a bindi is the perfect addition to this simple yet stunning look. Highlight your eyes well with kohl, winged eyeliner and well defined brows.

Party Ready

Outfit: Anamika Khanna

Jewellery: Farah Khan World

Perfect for: Cocktail Party / Reception

Tip: Keep it simple with a natural, minimal make up look. A bold lippie like red or orange will add some lovely vintage vibes. A sleep, off parted bun is perfect to finish the look. Keep it classy!

So, are you ready to rule the wedding scene with your #ootd this season? What's your favourite pick? Let us know by commenting below or Join the conversation on

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Love,

The Dancebee

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's fairytale wedding at a heritage property in Tuscany is all over our timelines. The duo, who got married at a private ceremony in Italy on Monday, looked every inch a power couple in love. Right from the dreamy set up to the stunning outfits, every detail grabbed a lot of eyeballs. The couple chose to announce their big day with a post on their respective social media accounts and needless to say, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook went crazy with constant RTs, reposts and shares. In fact, Kohli's post on Instagram went on to become the fastest to reach 1 million likes in less than a hour.

Ace fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee was roped in to design the wedding ensemble for both the bride and groom. We couldn't take our eyes off Sharma's blush pink lehenga, chosen for the wedding ceremony. Sabyasachi's idea was to chose a colour that would perfectly blend in with surroundings of Tuscany, rather than stand out. The blush pink outfit with tropical flora and fauna was hand embroidered in silk floss. Exotic birds and butterflies were rendered with needle craft. And, guess how many karigars worked on Sharma's lehenga? 67! Yes, you read that right. 67 karigars worked over a period of 32 days to create this stunning ensemble. Beautiful jadau jewellery (handcrafted in uncut diamonds, pearls and pale pink spinel), minimal make up and a neat up do, perfectly set with flowers, completed her look.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 12, 2017 at 5:02am PST

On the wedding day, the bride and groom complimented each other, as they chose hues of ivory, blush pink and gold for their respective outfits. The floral theme dominated, right from the set up to outfits and even the bidaai ritual, where family members were seen showering Sharma with rose petals all around.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 12, 2017 at 9:43am PST

For her Mehendi ceremony, Sharma wanted a colourful outfit. Sabyasachi created a boho look, full of colours. We absolutely love the graphic lehenga in fuchsia pink and Indian orange (mango shade might ring a bell). The outfit is handprinted by famous Kolkata based block printers and hand embroidered with gota and marori.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 12, 2017 at 9:37am PST

At the engagement ceremony, one couldn't help but fall in love with the vintage vibes all around. Sharma was keen on wearing a velvet saree. The designer chose to create it in their signature Gulkand burgundy hue. The saree was hand embroidered using miniature pearls, zardosi and marori. The look was accessorised with a stunning uncut diamond and pearl choker, with matching studs. Minimal make up, kohl rimmed eyes, a neat bun with perfectly set red roses and a bindi completed Sharma's lovely vintage look.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 12, 2017 at 5:13am PST

In a joint statement released yesterday, Sharma and Kohli said - “Today we have promised each other to be bound in love forever. We are truly blessed to share this wonderful news with you. This beautiful day will be made more special with the love and support of our family of fans and well wishers. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey.” The couple will be hosting a reception in New Delhi for their relatives on December 21, which will be followed by a reception for industry friends and cricketers in Mumbai on December 26.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 12, 2017 at 3:49am PST

The newly wed couple will travel to South Africa, where Team India captain Kohli will start prepping for the upcoming series. The newly turned Mrs will spend New Year’s Eve with him and then, return in the first week of January to kickstart the next schedule of Anand L Rai’s film with Shah Rukh Khan in Mumbai. She will also start prepping for Sui Dhaaga, as the shooting starts in February 2018 with Varun Dhawan. Sharma will also be busy with the marketing and promotions of Pari, which is scheduled to release on February 9, 2018.

Virat, on the other hand, will be playing the series in South Africa for 2 months which includes three Tests, six One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 International (T20I) matches. Post their wedding, the newly wed couple will be shifting to their new residence in Worli (Mumbai) towards the end of December, once they return from Delhi.

Here's wishing #Virushka all the very best for this beautiful new chapter in their lives!

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The 'Force' is back. And this time, be ready to get blown away by its sheer brilliance. The latest film from the Star Wars franchise is all set to release tomorrow. Helmed by Rian Johnson, The Last Jedi is the second film in the sequel trilogy and comes almost two years after the first film - The Force Awakens, was released worldwide. However, Johnson's debut in the Star Wars ' Galaxy' is a bit more superior when compared to it's predecessor in the sequel trilogy. Packed with lots of drama, action, the perfect touch of humour and tons of unpredictable moments; The Last Jedi has it all. But, is it enough to keep you hooked on throughout its running time of 152 minutes? Read on!

Discussing the plot in detail may give away too much from the film (and we certainly do not entertain spoilers). However, The Last Jedi starts off exactly from where The Force Awakens left off. The First Order is ready to launch attacks against the Resistance forces, seeking revenge for destroying their super weapon. Meanwhile, the stories of principal characters like Rey (Daisy Ridley), Kylo (Adam Driver) among others unfold simultaneously. On a faraway planet named Ach-to, Rey comes across Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). However, a mysterious connection between Rey and Kylo may lead to something unusual. Between the battle of the forces, crisis around the last Jedi looms large. Be prepared for unexpected turns and tides to come your way, that will leave you awestruck and shook.

As the battle rages on, we are also introduced to new characters like Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) - a Resistance maintenance worker, who goes on to become an important part of the fight against the dark side. Then, there is DJ (Benicio del Toro) - a rather enigmatic Thief. Finally, there is Vice Admiral Holdo (Laura Dern). Add to that, the good ol' droids and Chewbacca. Each character effectively contributes to the build up towards the film's climax, which will keep you hooked. If these new characters aren't enough, the adorable Porgs are sure to bring up quite a few 'aww-worthy' moments. Ditto the cute new space horses called 'Fathiers'. Beautiful crystal foxes add some magic.

Shot across Ireland, Croatia and Bolivia; the team magnificently creates the world of Star Wars in and around some stunning locations. The Last Jedi is visually delightful, with marvellous CGI work. Full points to the action department for some incredible face offs, especially a really cool lightsaber action sequence. Mind blown, for sure!

Beyond the wonderful characters, marvellous storytelling and delightful visuals; The Last Jedi explores some really important themes. Right from start to end, the dominant theme of 'Hope' is highlighted during key moments. It brings about the good and bad side of 'Power'. While Johnson deals with an underlying tone of melancholy, betrayal, revenge and anger in the film; he wonderfully balances the same out with courage, resilience and belief.

With the introduction of new characters, the film takes an important step towards the future, while keeping it's heart in the rich past. It creates important bonds between the characters, which helps bring out their individual personality really well. Some moments in the film also accentuate the human side of certain characters and their emotions, creating an instant connect. For e.g Kylo Ren's sense of conflict or Rose Tico's act of gratitude for Finn (John Boyega). There is a lot more to this film than what you may expect.

On the performance front, Driver is simply brilliant! He does complete justice to the menacing, evil and wounded Kylo's inner turmoil, with his excellent act. Ridley's portrayal of toughie Rey is superb. Tran's Rose Tico is refreshing and a welcome new addition. Umm.. Would it sound too cliche if I confess that General Leia's entry turned me a little sentimental? Especially since this is the last time we get to see Late Carrie Fisher essay the role? However, Fisher was flawless as General Leia, and it's tough not to get all emotional while watching a tribute credit roll out in her name. Hamill as Luke Skywalker is fabulous as always. Boyega delivers a fine performance as Finn.

Full of surprises and unexpected twists, The Last Jedi moves a step ahead and provides wholesome entertainment. There are very few movies that can create an impact like this film does. The kind that makes you leave a cinema hall with not just with tons of emotions, but also a sense of optimism. A ray of 'Hope' at the end of darkness, all for the future. The beautiful last frame (before credits roll out) is proof. Ah! Princess Leia, you would be so proud.

Verdict: Highly recommended! This is one of the best films to come from the Star Wars franchise in a long, long time. Do not miss it for anything!

☆☆☆☆

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Love,

The Dancebee

Almost every second girl born in the 90s will tell you, "Uff! He was/is my first crush." Most of us have seen numerous movies starring this charismatic actor. Most of them on repeat (and now, even on Netflix). There is no limit to the fan mania and buzz surrounding him. The actor, who has graced several magazine covers (including Time) and has got a room full of awards, turns 52 today. And even after all that 'crazy' love from more than a million fans and endless compliments for his performances, one thing remains the same - His smile, those dimples, the signature air hug pose and his down to earth nature. Yes, we are talking about none other than, the birthday boy - Shah Rukh Khan. Naam toh suna hi hoga!

While zeroing down to 'just' ten films was a mammoth task, we managed to list down some of our favourites, that we can never get enough of.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Any conversation related to King Khan is incomplete without this gem of a film. The fact that most film lovers still can't get enough of DDLJ is the reason why it holds the record of being the longest running film in the history of Indian cinema. There is no one who hasn't enjoyed swaying to the tunes of Zara jhoom loon main and loved Rahul's antics throughout the film. Raise your hands if you couldn't stop going 'Aww' when Rahul says 'Palat' or observes a Karva Chauth fast for Simran. C'mon, just how brilliant was SRK in this one?

2. Devdas

One of my favourite performances by Khan, Devdas was all things beautiful. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama was one such film, where we saw Khan stepping out of his comfort zone and portraying a character that has earlier been impeccably essayed by Dilip Kumar saab. But, despite the remake tag, Khan gracefully stepped into the shoes of Devdas and presented an award winning performance. The climax and Devdas' downfall is enough to give you goosebumps and a few tears. Tissues, anyone?

3. Kal Ho Na Ho

If Devdas made you shed a few tears, be prepared to cry bucket loads in Nikhil Advani's Kal Ho Na Ho. How can anyone not fall for the chirpy and fun loving Aman Mathur. Khan earned accolades for his portrayal of this young man, who is a terminally ill patient. Remember the popular dialogue - "Naina, kaash mein tumhe bataa sakta, mein tumhe kitna chahta hun. I love you, I love you very, very much Naina." Who else spotted several people crying in the theatre, while shedding a tear or two? Also, who can forget the immortal 'Kantaben' and her chronicles. A lovely rom-com with tons of emotional moments, and an unforgettable performance by Khan. That climax was literally 'to die' for.

4. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

I have lost count of the times I have seen this film and it is almost impossible to believe the fact that KKHH completed nineteen years in 2017. Rahul and Anjali (played by Khan and Kajol respectively) are one of my most favourite Bollywood on-screen couples, and needless to say, they were absolutely adorable. Not to forget, Rahul's attire in the film became quite a rage way back in 1998. Those GAP sweatshirts, silver chains with a pendant bearing the initials 'cool' and figure hugging Polo Sport tees were everywhere. There are endless memorable moments and dialogues in the film, but how can we miss - "Hum ek baar jeete hain, ek baar marte hain. Shaadi bhi ek hi baar hoti hai, aur pyaar, pyaar bhi ek hi baar hota hai."

5. Swades

While most cine-goers termed this film as 'passable', I think this is one of Khan's most under-rated performances till date. This Ashutosh Gowariker film was quiet ahead of it's time and showcased the reality of rural India in an amazing way. SRK's portrayal of Mohan Bhargav was brilliant and once again, showed a different side of his acting ability. The change from a mineral water loving NRI to someone, who is willing to go all out for his village folks, was a treat to watch. The most poignant moment? Undoubtedly, the water scene at a station. It is hands down one of the best scenes in recent times.

6. Mohabbatein

*violins playing in the background* "Maine aaj tak sirf ek hi ladki se mohabbat ki hai. Aur zindagi bhar, sirf us hi se karta rahoonga." The autumn leaves and turtle neck knit sweaters will instantly remind you of the loveable - Raj Aryan. Be it those eyes that long for Megha or the effervescent personality and charming style with which he played the violin, Khan made Raj Aryan look every bit the lover boy that he was. The film may not have earned him awards (except a few critics choice trophies), but his depiction of Raj surely made its way into our heart.

7. Dil Toh Pagal Hain

Music, camera and spotlight! Voila, the teaser promo of Dil Toh Pagal Hain created a frenzy among every Yash Chopra and SRK fan (I must have been just four or five-years-old around that time, but can never forget the hysteria that was DTPH). I remember watching the film thrice in a theater, only because of my love for dance and to witness Nisha (Karisma Kapoor) - Rahul's adorable chemistry. But hey, we must give it to Rahul, who in his quest for 'Maya', realises what true love can actually do. Incredible songs, fabulous choreography and a top notch performance by SRK (and others too), what's not to love here?

8. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

How can we ignore Rahul Raichand and his funny ways of winning Anjali's heart? Despite the star studded cast and growing popularity of Hrithik Roshan around the same time, Khan stole the show with Kajol in this one. Ever noticed how Rahul can't stop nagging throughout the film - "No drinking, no smoking! No der se aana aur yahan se jitna jaldi ho chale jaana," - or the hilarious arguments that he just doesn't seem to win against 'Poo'? Rahul was the perfect husband, son, brother-in-law and brother, any family could ever ask for. This family material guy was exceptionally essayed by Khan, who added his own charm to the character with his excellent, natural dialogue delivery.

9. Veer Zaara

Squadron Leader Veer Pratap Singh. Sigh! This man. Another one of my personal favorite performances (and film) happens to be this. Khan's natural emotions, expressions, body language and attitude makes this character extremely special. One just can't take their eyes off the actor when he walks around in this uniform. He looked stylish in those new golden hair streaks, brown leather jackets, ray-ban aviators and well fitted pathani suits. And what do I say about the ease with which he delivered this splendid performance? Look into those eyes and any girl would melt when Veer says - "Sarhad paar ek aisa shaks hai, joh aapke liye apni jaan bhi de dega." Play this film and watch a hundred girls go 'Haaye' already.

10. Chak De! India

Reserved the best for the last. One of my favourite films, Chak De! India not only made thousands of Indians rekindle their love for Hockey, but also presented Khan's career best performance. Just look at that fine act. Only a seasoned actor, who has always worked hard to ace every scene, can put life and soul into a character like Kabir Khan. Every time I watch this film, I just can't stop raving about Khan's performance and the way he has displayed varied emotions in a span of 153 minutes. Forget the 70 minute speech, it was like Khan took an oath himself to make sure that "Ki yeh 153 usse koi nahi cheen sakta." Though the girls may have got their share of accolades, it was Khan's powerful performance that won many hearts. Watch the scene where Khan can't believe his eyes and tries to sink in the feeling that India has indeed won the World Cup, and you will know what we are talking about. My only regret - Khan didn't get the National Award for this well deserved, flawless performance.

Special Mention: Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa - One of SRK's early films. Despite experimenting with different genres, Khan left a mark in this heart warming, beautiful tale, with an adorable performance.

Khan and his 'Must watch' list of films is quite an endless one. Om Shanti Om was cute, and so was Main Hoon Na. The actor is surely best with the highest number of memorable films and on this day, we pray that he keeps entertaining us with unforgettable performances in the years to come.

Happy Birthday SRK!!!

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Love,

The Dancebee

The much awaited trailer of Neeraj Pandey's Aiyaary is finally out and needless to say, the perfect blend of drama and thrills in this Manoj Bajpayee and Sidharth Malhotra starrer has certainly left us impressed.

Aiyaary revolves around two strong-minded army officers, who have completely different views. Still, they are correct in their own respective ways. The film has Malhotra essaying the role of an army officer, who shares a mentor-protégé bond with Bajpayee. The trailer showcases Major Jai Bakshi (Malhotra) as a loyal and obedient officer, who idolises his mentor Colonel Abhay Singh (Bajpayee). One thing leads to another with some interesting turn of events, leaving us curious as to what exactly results in the two being pitted against each other. It not only dwells on the mystery of how the protégé turned against his own mentor, but also hints at an ongoing scam, that risks the reputation of the entire Indian Army.

While Bajpayee is seen as a strict and focused army official, who can go to any extent to protect the dignity of the Indian army, Malhotra's Jai Bakshi showcases a drastic change in intentions. It gives us the impression of an honest, loyal officer gone rogue. But, what brings about this change? Of course, to find our answers and unravel the mystery, we have to wait and watch the film!

Apart from a very strong and powerful looking Malhotra and Bajpayee, the ensemble cast too creates an impact. The film has some power packed performers including Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah, Adil Hussain, Kumud Mishra and Vikram Gokhale. The film also stars Rakul Preet Singh and Pooja Chopra, but we get to see very little of them in the trailer. Mishra's character showcases some shades of grey, along with Hussain. Vikram Gokhale and Anupam Kher are seen in authoritative positions, but we know very little about their characters as of now. But, it is the final frame featuring Naseeruddin Shah that catches our interest, with a powerful closing statement. That has certainly upped our curious quotient. Say 'Aye' if you agree!

Aiyaary has been in the news since quite sometime. Ever since Malhotra posted a few on-set pictures and videos on his Instagram stories, the buzz has been strong around this film. Even the poster generated good reactions. As part of the pre-release promotions, the makers had earlier released a sizzle to the film, showcasing some interesting behind the scenes. They were successful in raising the bar and creating some good excitement around the film.

The film marks Pandey's return to direction after two years (his last directorial M.S. Dhoni released in 2016). The biopic not only won accolades from the audience and industry insiders, but also emerged victorious at the box office. The ace filmmaker has previously won hearts with his appealing films that have a realistic touch, be it A Wednesday or Special 26. If the reaction to Aiyaary is anything to go by, we can certainly predict that the audience is keen on witnessing yet another splendid film by the director.

Personally, we absolutely loved the intriguing trailer. It is perfectly presented and well edited. Both Malhotra and Bajpayee create an impact with their strong personality and presence. Gotta take a moment to appreciate how amazing Malhotra looks in that uniform! With some strong detailing and perfect elements in place, we are quite sure Pandey will leave us on the edge of our seats with this striking film. Needless to say, we are surely in for a treat! Who else is looking forward to January 26, 2018 already?

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Love,

The Dancebee

If Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra's respective Instagram accounts (and stories) are anything to go by, it is clear that the duo are having a great time shooting for their next - Sandeep aur Pinky Faraar. Currently in its second schedule, the cast and crew are shooting for the film at Indo-Nepal Border, making this entertaining thriller the only flick ever to be shot at this location.

Kapoor and Chopra are currently undergoing what is said to be the most challenging shooting experience of their respective careers. Film maker Dibakar Banerjee has taken the lead actors of his directorial, to shoot at the international border of India and Nepal, that is constantly under radar for illegal immigration. In addition, the actors have been filming crucial portions in day and night shifts, amidst freezing temperatures that often go down to 0 degrees.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 20, 2017 at 1:57am PST

“Dibakar is filming extremely intense and gritty portions of the film at the Indo-Nepal border. The portions will show the tension between Arjun and Parineeti’s character. These are crucial and defining moments of the film. The area where the two are shooting is exactly at the border and is constantly under alert for illegal immigration and smuggling. People use an inflated rubber tube as a flotation device on the Kali river at the border and make this risky crossing in the thick of a wintry night. So, shooting has been quite difficult. Local authorities have been of tremendous help providing the crew with assistance and necessary security,” informs a source close to the film.

A post shared by Yash Raj Films Talent (@yashrajfilmstalent) on Dec 13, 2017 at 9:24am PST

This new information builds more curiosity around the thriller! Knowing Dibakar, is he exploring and filming something around the theme of smuggling with the two lead characters of the film? Guess we won’t know these details anytime soon, and will have to wait till August for answers.

Meanwhile, the shooting schedules of Yash Raj Films’ Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar has been quite adventurous in many ways. The cast and crew braved the Delhi smog during a schedule in the capital city. Next, the film’s crew shot important portions in Jhulaghat - a village in Uttarakhand, which may face the risk of being completely submerged underwater because of the construction of a dam. If it becomes a reality, Banerjee’s film will end up being the only one to have a visual record of this quaint town on the big screen.

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Sandeep aur Pinky Faraar will have Kapoor essaying the role of a Haryanvi cop, while Chopra steps into the shoes of an ambitious corporate. Both the actors have reunited after their 2012 hit - Ishaqzaade. The film is scheduled to release on August 3, 2018.

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After a fairy tale wedding in Italy, newly wed couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma hosted a high profile reception at the Taj Diplomatic Enclave in Delhi last night. Among the key attendees were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricketers Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir among others. The reception was also attended by close friends and family of the duo. Highlight of the evening included an energetic performance by legendary Punjabi singer - Gurdas Mann.

While the guest list grabbed attention, fans of the power couple were naturally excited to see their respective looks for the occasion. Needless to say, they did not disappoint at all! Kohli and Sharma elegantly walked out of the reception venue, and posed for the media at a special area created for the latter. Once again, the bride and groom went for a top to toe look designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, which clearly focused on reviving (and promoting) Indian handloom. While Sharma looked stunning in a traditional red Benarasi saree, Kohli went for a classic black textured silk signature bandhgala. Their respective outfits and the choice of colour complimented the duo very well.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 21, 2017 at 7:13am PST

Kohli chose a white silk kurta with hand woven brocade churidaar to go with his bandhgala. House buttons in 18k gold added the perfect touch of blind to the overall look. He teamed it with a beautiful hand embroidered antique Pashmina shawl from the designer's 'Kashmir Revival' project. A pair of traditional mojris (once again, from the designer's accessory line) completed the look.

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 21, 2017 at 7:18am PST

Sharma looked every inch a glowing bride, as she posed for the shutterbugs with her husband in tow, minutes before the main reception. According to Sabyasachi, Sharma wanted to wear a traditional red outfit for her reception, and he picked 'the one' from the by-lanes of Peeli Kothi in Benaras. Nothing better than a good ol' beautiful Benarasi saree, complete with traditional bangles, a neatly tied up bun, fresh mogra gajras, heavily kohled eyes and sindoor. Of course, we couldn't take our eyes off the heavy heritage uncut diamond choker, which was paired perfectly with jhumkas, both from Sabyasachi's bridal jewellery collection. The hair and make up was perfect, and complimented the overall 'desi' look of the bride very well. Sharma gave hundreds of brides-to be some serious wedding outfit goals with this gorgeous look! And well, the ace designer believes, copies of this look will flood the market very soon. We couldn't agree more!

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@teamdancebee) on Dec 21, 2017 at 7:23am PST

We are excited to see their next set of looks, especially at the Mumbai reception, which is scheduled on December 26. But so far, which look did you like the most? The dreamy outfits at Virushka Wedding or the traditional look at Delhi reception?

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Wait! What? 2017 is almost over? Where did the year fly away and who did this? Honestly, every year, it gets difficult to believe that the year flies away like a strong gust of wind. Imagine, we are in the last week of 2017 already. Nevertheless, like every year, we enjoyed some fascinating conversations with some of the most popular, celebrated personalities of the Indian fashion, film and beauty industry. It's amazing how year after year, we have managed to raise the bar (*touchwood) and keep you entertained with our exclusive interviews, without resorting to unnecessary tricks.

We have always enjoyed these candid conversations, which are frank, to the point and refreshing; devoid of gossip and the unnecessary addition of uncomfortable, personal questions. Thanks to the fabulous response from our readers and followers, some of these interviews have crossed more than several lac views and have been widely read, appreciated. And here we are, back with 'Dancebee Rewind', to bring you some of the best inspirational, straight from the heart quotes from the most read interviews of 2017.

Read part I& part II of our interview with Shah Rukh Khan

Read our full interview with Shahid Kapoor here

Read our full interview with Vidya Balan here

Read our full interview with Ranbir Kapoor here

Read part I& part II of our interview with Sidharth Malhotra

Read our full interview with Shraddha Kapoor here

Read our full interview with Varun Dhawan here

Stay tuned for Part II of our special 'Dancebee Rewind' feature.

Here's wishing all our beautiful readers a blessed and Merry Christmas. Lots of love!!!

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Love,

The Dancebee

As promised, here we are - back with Part II of 'Dancebee Rewind'. Like every year, we enjoyed fascinating conversations with some of the most popular, celebrated personalities of the Indian fashion, film and beauty industry. In case you missed the previous post (Part I), go ahead. Grab a cuppa and catch up here!

Alright then, here we go! We bring you some of the best inspirational, straight from the heart quotes from the most read interviews of 2017.

Read our full interview with Akshay Kumar here

Read our full interview with Katrina Kaif here

Read our full interview with Hrithik Roshan here

Read our full interview with Sushant Singh Rajput here

Read our full interview with Sonakshi Sinha here

Read our full interview with Ayushmann Khurrana here

Read our full interview with Parineeti Chopra here

Here's wishing all our beautiful readers a blessed and Merry Christmas!
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Love,

The Dancebee

The much awaited Mumbai reception hosted by newly wed couple - Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, finally unfolded last night. After a fairy tale wedding in Italy and a high profile Delhi reception, the couple invited friends and members of the film fraternity for a special evening, organised at The St Regis (Lower Parel). Apart from the families and close friends, there were a host of renowned guests, ranging from Kohli's team mates from the Indian cricket team to Sharma's co-stars and friends from Bollywood. As usual, the paparazzi went berserk, as they snapped several a-listers walked the specially created red carpet and photo-op area. Among the key attendees were Sharma's debut film co-star Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and family, M.S Dhoni and family, Ranbir Kapoor among others. Highlight of the evening included Khan dubbing a popular film dialogue for Kohli, and the couple's incredible dance on Punjabi numbers.

However, apart from the usual insider stories (which isn't our domain), what stood out were the outfits picked by the couple, as well as the attendees. Here's a round up of some top looks sported by Bollywood celebrities at the event.

The Couple - Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 1:50am PST

Once again, the bride picked a Sabyasachi outfit for the event. According to the designer, Anushka wanted an old world glam look. The smokey grey lehanga was crafted with hand beaten thread, texture sequins and cut organza flowers on an embroidered tulle base. Renowned craftsmen from Lucknow rendered the dupatta, which was clinched on the wait with Sabyasachi's popular 'Bengal Tiger' belt. We loved how she opted for soft tousled waves and kept her make up minimal, with just lightly flushed cheeks, soft smokey eyes and a rose nude lipstick. The diamonds around her neck shone bright, as hand crafted necklace and pair of earrings (with rose cut diamonds, solitaires and briolettes) added a special touch to her glam look.

The groom went for a navy velvet bandhgala, a classic look by Raghavendra Rathore. White pants, brown shoes and a pink shirt completed his look for the dazzling do.

Shah Rukh Khan

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 3:54am PST

Harry made quite a stylish entry at Sejal's wedding reception (Sorry, but we couldn't help say this). King Khan picked a formal outfit for the event. A classy three piece black suit, with printed pocket square and floral lapel pin, completed his look.

Sridevi

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 4:08am PST

The actress dazzled in a stunning pashmina and velvet saree in black and blue, with Tilla Kashmir Zari. The outfit had some beautiful intricate and unique artwork, and Sridevi looked every inch a diva. She chose to accessorise the look with a heavy gold necklace and a pair of earrings.

Priyanka Chopra

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 3:59am PST

Priyanka Chopra made a quick entry at the reception, hours after delivering an inspirational speech at the Penguin Annual Lecture in Delhi. The global girl went all traditional and picked a Gold Banarasi Weave Saree, with a green blouse, both from her own collection. Temple style jewellery, bindi, soft waves and bold lips completed her look.

Ranbir Kapoor

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 3:55am PST

RK kept it cool and classy in a formal outfit for the do. Sharma's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil co-star picked an elegant checkered Canali suit for the occasion. A matching Hugo Boss neck tie, with a pair of black formal shoes by O'Keeffe.

Katrina Kaif

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 3:58am PST

Fresh from the success of 'Tiger Zinda Hai', where the actress earned accolades for her fierce avatar, Katrina made a stylish appearance with her sister - Isabelle, in tow. Her powder blue cascading trailer skirt and embellished crop top by designer Manish Malhotra was certainly one of our favourites. She kept it simple with minimal make up and soft tousled waves.

Varun Dhawan

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 3:53am PST

It's been a good year for the actor, and we couldn't help but notice the glow on his face. Varun walked the red carpet, looking dapper in a three piece navy blue suit and polka dotted pocket square. A pink necktie added the perfect pop of colour to his stylish outfit.

Kangana Ranaut

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 9:35am PST

The feisty actress walked the red carpet like a 'Queen'. She picked an ivory gold Kanjeevaram saree from designer Sabyasachi's Vasanthalaxmi collection, along with a textured silk blouse. Classic uncut diamond, emerald and pearl jewellery crafted in 22k gold (all from the Sabyasachi jewellery collection), along with fresh flowers wrapped around a vintage bun, soft make up and juttis by NeedleDust added the perfect 'royal' touch to her overall look.

Sidharth Malhotra

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 1:43pm PST

For someone who always makes a dapper entry, Sid is never the one to disappoint. The 'gentleman' Sidharth chose a classic royal blue bandhgala by designer Manish Malhotra, with ivory floral thread work on the sleeves and aged velvet mandarin collar, paired with classic black shoes by Dune London.

Rekha

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 1:42pm PST

The diva made an entry, looking her stylish best as always. Rekha's traditional look is always hard to miss, and for the much talked about reception, she chose a gold and purple saree, paired with a pink blouse and golden potli bag. She heavily accessorised the look with layered necklaces and studded earrings. Bright, bold lips, flushed cheeks and a sleek bun with neatly placed fresh gajras rounded her look.

Madhuri Dixit Nene

A post shared by Team Diary of a Dancebee (@bollywooddancebee) on Dec 27, 2017 at 1:45pm PST

The 'Dhak Dhak' girl made a glamorous entry in a Tarun Tahiliani emerald green and gold zardozi border saree, paired with a hand embroidered tulle blouse. She picked a pair of jhumkas to accessorise her look. To finish the look, she opted for bright lips and a neat up do wrapped with fresh flowers.

What's your favourite look among the attendees? And, what do you think about the couple? Which outfit is your pick? The dreamy look at Virushka Wedding, traditional avatar at Delhi reception or the Old world glam at Mumbai reception? Take your pick!

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We are almost close to 2018. The brand new year is hardly a few days away, and once again, many of you will have wish lists, check lists and goals ready. It's that amazing when we look forward to welcoming the year ahead with hope, new aspirations and dreams. And of course, make a list of new projects or take up 'never before done' activities with utmost excitement. What better than penning down ideas and thoughts on a brand new planner? Ah! The smell of freshly printed and ordered stationary, especially planners and organisers. For stationary lovers like us (Oh! I am a huge fan of cute stationary), it's like some annual ritual.

Everybody loves to see an adorable new planner, waiting on their work desk, packed with carefully created to-do lists, schedules, check lists and notes for the year ahead. If you are one of those who still hasn't found the perfect one for the new year, don't worry! We've got you covered. Here are some of our favourite planners for 2k18, that will keep you motivated and organised in the brand new year. Cheers to the New Year!

This is your Year Planner

Available on: Card Affairs

Price: Rs 700

Who doesn't love all things magical and unicorns? Well, we sure do. And, we absolutely love this adorable special edition planner, which motivates us to believe that '2018' is certainly our year. A solid planner, packed with 200 neatly organised sides, with columns for schedules, priorities, reminders and checklist.

Shapes - 2018 Planner

Available on: Amazon

Price: Rs 1500 (currently available on discount)

This one's a no frills planner! Complete with pages for monthly tasks, travel memos, annual calendar and more. There is also enough space for marking birthdays and important dates. A complete list of Indian holidays, along with lunar calendar dates are added to this handy planner.

Dream Demand Hustle - Gold Edition Planner

Available on: Card Affairs

Price: Rs 700

Dream, believe and achieve; our mantra for life! Add to that, the perfect amount of hustle and there is no stopping you. How about a planner that echoes your thought? The Dreams Demand Hustle gold edition planner is perfect for the boss girl in you (and each one of us). Planning, scheduling and creating ideas becomes fun, when you have a beautiful planner waiting for you on the work desk. Comes with 200 sides, with columns for tasks, priorities, reminders among others.

Travel Journal

Available on: LetterNote

Price: Rs 600

Travel the world like there is no tomorrow. Make those dreams a reality by jotting down notes, thoughts and creating plans for your trips. All this and more, in a bright and simple Travel journal. The journal comes with approximately 192 pages, which has been sectioned into - Plan, Organise, Remember, Schedule, Manage and Explore. Some of the most important sections include maintaining a record of travel expenses, creating checklists for packaging, traveling among others. If you love traveling, and exploring various parts of the world tops your wish list for the year ahead, then you must buy this!

Chic Happens - Planner

Available on: PropShop 24

Price: Rs 700

Cute, pink and all things chic; there were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect little planner. Staying organised cannot get more stylish than this. This 75 page planner by Paper Town is perfect for the workaholic, who likes to jot down ideas, priorities, to-do lists, schedule meetings and delegate new tasks everyday.

Health & Fitness Planner

Available on: PropShop 24

Price: Rs 2500

Who said planners are only restricted to organising your work life? Hell no! Investing in a planner to maintain your fitness goals, records and achievements is a must. And, what better than this lovely Health and Fitness planner by Blac Panda? The pages are well sectioned, with sections for weekly workout log, daily and weekly meals + vitamin intake, progress tracker among others. There are special sections for maintaining exercise ideas, jotting down obstacles faced and also keeping a check on the monthly 'before & after'. The motivational quotes are definitely a plus. If 2018 is all about getting fit, then this is one thing you must definitely self gift.

A Gentleman's Planner

Available on: Card Affairs

Price: Rs 550

Looking to gift the man in your life (be it your father, brother, friend, husband or just about anyone) something special and unique? Look no further! This stylish planner, perfectly created for 'Gentlemen', can be a great gifting option. We absolutely love the cover, and also like how neatly the planner is sectioned, with check lists, reminder columns and more, spread over 200 sides.

Have you found the perfect planner already? Well, we have got way too many favourites! How are you preparing to list down goals for 2018? Leave a comment and Join the conversation on

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Love,
The Dancebee

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The Ultimate Must Watch List - Part I | 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017

The Ultimate Must Watch List - Part II | 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017

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The Dream Chaser - Shraddha Kapoor | Exclusive Interview

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Celebrity Style Files - Wedding Edition | Deepika Padukone

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi | Film Review

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Be Prepared to get Intrigued - Aiyaary | Trailer Watch

On The Sets | Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra explore the Indo-Nepal border

Celebrity Style Files - Wedding Edition | Virushka Reception

Best of 2017 | Best Inspirational Quotes from Celebrity Interviews (Part I)

Best of 2017 | Best Inspirational Quotes from Celebrity Interviews (Part II)

Celebrity Style File | Virushka Reception (Red Carpet - Mumbai)

Stay Organised in 2018 with these Quirky and Cute Planners