Banjo, the musical drama directed by acclaimed National award winning director Ravi Jadhav, has all the colours of celebration. The film celebrates the talent of street musicians who are god-gifted, but cannot pursue their dreams as they are trapped in their socio-economic conditions.  This musical drama is set with the background of festivals depicting banjo as an integral part of people’s celebration. Ritesh Deshmukh (as Taraat) takes the centre stage with his gang and the hero of the film - the instrument 'Banjo', setting the energy quotient high in the opening of the film.  

Plot of the film revolves around the musical journey of Taraat and his banjo group, who go through all the hardships and hurdles to make it big. Nargis Fakhri has a musical connection when it comes to her films, as she always remains the central chord of the musicians heart, be it Rockstar or in this case, Banjo. She plays a musician from New York who comes all the way to Mumbai in search of a banjo group. The film highlights the fact that an artist should be respected irrespective of his background, the place he comes from or his appearance and should be judged purely on the grounds of talent.  

Ravi Jadhav never fails to impress us with his visual treatment, as his story telling is always knitted with metaphors and symbolism. Vishal-Shekhar’s music is pulsating as every song has built the emotional graph in the film. Right from the opening to the final crescendo, you will be addicted to the theme music of banjo. It is refreshing to see Ritesh in a never seen before character. The dialogues are catchy, which give a decent pace to the film. You leave the theatre feeling happy and content (at least I surely did), as you watch dreams being fulfilled. 

Verdict: This is Riteish Deshmukh's musical treat all the way! Watch it.

Have you watched Banjo? Share your feedback with us in the comment box below or join the conversation on Twitter

Bollywood's stunning Mastani arrived in style. Deepika Padukone chose a magnificent Sabyasachi creation for the awards night, where she walked home with the Best Actress trophy. Styled by Shaleena Nathani, the outfit - a Godet skirt with cape - is inspired by the Spanish bullfighters. The beautiful emerald necklace and earrings by Tanishq complimented her outfit very well. Slick tied up hair, well defined brows, smokey eyes and barely there lips - Oh! We are floored already.

4. Divya Khosla Kumar

The Yaariyaan director never fails to make heads turn on the red carpet with her sartorial choices. For the awards night, she gave the traditional look a twist by taking us back to the retro era with her sharp eyes and 50's inspired up do (with hair tied up in a bun). The lehanga by Vikram Phadnis fitted her like a dream. We like how she added some fine ethnic jewellery, gajra and a small bindi to the look. Truly beautiful!

5. Sonakshi Sinha

Social media went crazy with live updates of all that happened in Madrid last weekend. After all, it was time for the annual film fiesta - IIFA Awards, where the best of Bollywood showed up. While some won awards, the others walked home with a lot of appreciation for their sartorial choices (Oh, the gorgeous Deepika Padukone walked away with both). 

The IIFA weekend kicked off with a press conference, followed by IIFA Rocks, where the best of those who work behind the camera (read - technical department) walked away with a trophy. We've got a round up of the best looks spotted on the IIFA rocks green carpet! Choose your favourite.

1. Deepika Padukone

The lady in black sizzled, as she brought an edgy twist on the green carpet with her Swapnil Shinde outfit. Styled by Shaleena Nathani, our very own Piku looked super hot and carried off the Farah Ali Khan necklace and rings by Anmol Jewels quite well with the outfit. Daniel Baeur's make up was totally on point as he opted for smokey eyes which, needless to say, caught everyone's attention. Oh, and we love that hairdo! Girl, you slay.

2. Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi looked like she had stepped straight out a fairytale. The gorgeous actress opted for a Saiid Kobeisy number in powder blue. Her overall look was kept simple, with side swept hair and minimal makeup done by artist Elton J Fernandez. Jewels by Anmol jewellery added a touch of bling. Definitely one of our favourite looks from IIFA rocks.

3. Freida Pinto 

Freida Pinto opted for a royal blue Elie Saab outfit, which looked great on her. A studded clutch by Sho+Co and jewellery by Jewellerybazaar completed her look. An elegant look, that Freida carried off gracefully with a super sweet smile. 

4. Divya Khosla Kumar

Divya Khosla Kumar looked charming. The pretty director - actor opted got her bling on with a beautiful Manish Malhotra outfit. Blush pink lips, drop earrings and hair tied up in a pony completed her sugar sweet look!

5. Bipasha Basu

The newly turned Missus, Bipasha Basu Singh Grover (Yes! That's her new full name) chose a blush pink Sabyasachi embroidered saree for the IIFA rocks evening. The delicate pink clutch and side swept hair with soft curls looked perfect. Bipasha went for a dark, smokey eyes and chose a nude lippie for the look.

6. Nargis Fakhri

Trust Nargis to never disappoint! She rocked the power suit look with an edge. The powder blue suit by Monisha Jaising looked fabulous on Nargis and we love how kept the overall look simple with nude lips and a slick ponytail. The nude pair of sandals compliments the outfit well. Ah! That suit fits her like a dream.

Got a favourite? Do let us know in the comment box below or join the conversation on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar

Love,

The Dancebee

Hola! Now, you must be wondering - didn't I attend the Art of Oiling event several weeks back? Well, the answer to that is, Yes! But sometimes, technology can play spoilsport and that is exactly what happened in this case. Post shooting a fun video for Parachute Advansed with Actress Nargis Fakhri, the video clip was saved and transferred to my old hard disk. Unfortunately, the hard disk got corrupt just a week after this event and as a result, I lost all my images and video clips, including this one. What's more? I had deleted these files from my computer as well, so I had no back up left. I gave up sometime back, and began filming a new set of images for the other reviews. But well, miracles do happen and it turned out, that I had accidentally copied this file to my Mom's pen drive weeks before, and she still had it on her. God bless Mumma Dancebee, really! And with that, ladies and gentleman, I got my video and it is now for all of you to see.

Here's the gorgeous Actress and Model Nargis Fakhri teaching me an Art of Oiling massage technique (mastered by Champi expert Moses Chundi). The technique also happens to be her favorite and is called - The art of Instant Energising.

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Love,

The Dancebee

Fitness is not just about hitting the gym, pumping the iron and achieving the much coveted six pack abs. It is also about inner peace. A de-stressed mind, body and soul is the perfect example of overall fitness, than someone who carries all the stress and tension from his/her daily life to the gym area. While we continue to discuss fitness in our Master Class series, The Dancebee tried to master the art of de-stressing with Parachute Advansed, International Massage expert Moses Chundi and actress Nargis Fakhri at an event recently. Here's a sneak peek into the awesomeness called 'Art of Oiling'.
PS: The set up at Villa 69 was all things fun. We loved how pure coconut water was served to all the guests in a blue glass (blue being the colour of Parachute oil bottles). Plus, the oiling kit on our tables were super adorable.

Our everyday life has become extremely hectic. Spending hours behind the computer and some more while commuting (and add to that, traffic if you are traveling by road) ends up making us feel exhausted. Taking out a day for yourself to indulge in a spa session is definitely recommended, but it is a luxury that not everyone can fit into their hectic weekly schedule. Keeping our fast paced lifestyle in mind, Parachute Advansed Knowledge Centre has introduced a much needed campaign, called Art of Oiling, which aims at to re-introducing the age old tradition of Champi, which has been well known across the globe, in making one feel rejuvenated and relaxed.

The campaign has associated with International massage expert Moses Chundi, who has developed a special, signature line of DIY massage techniques, and the gorgeous Nargis Fakhri (who is also the face of Parachute Hot Oil). These techniques are quick and simple, but come with plenty of benefits. Not only are they relaxing, but also energizes your body and mind from within. Psst! There is a special technique for instant facial glow as well. Cool, isn't it?

At the event, Moses demonstrated the Art of Facial glow and we noticed how Nargis was more than happy to get into the Art of Oiling mode.

Nargis confessed that she is a big fan of Champi and loves promoting benefits of oiling. She mentioned that the Art of Oiling is a widely accepted home-grown technique, that is gaining prominence in the West. While most massage centres have masseurs who perform the techniques on an individual's head, those alone at home who want a quick massage need not worry. They can invest a few minutes to indulge in some DIY massage techniques. Now you know, those age old oiling secrets that our grandma shared with us are extremely precious.

For a DIY massage, all you need is a bottle of oil, a towel (to save your clothes) and some 'Me' time. Here's how a quick guide to the Art of Facial glow, demonstrated by Nargis Fakhri and Moses Chundi.