'The demand for a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna is unbelievable!'

Rajkumar Santoshi has no recollection of the day Andaz Apna Apna released!

"Has that film completed 20 years? Wow!" Santoshi exclaims incredulously.

"Its reach, appeal and impact are beyond anything I'd ever expected. I still remember when the producer Vinay Sinha had come to me with the idea of doing a film with Aamir Khan. Vinayji used to look after Aamir’s work. He convinced me to do film with him through my stomach. I remember he had brought delicious food for me. I had just done two back-to-back serious films, Ghayal and Damini. So we thought, why not a comedy? Little did we know Andaz Apna Apna would become such a laugh riot," he adds.

It was decided that Santoshi would script a laughathon about two warring buddies, human avatars of Tom and Jerry.

After Aamir came on board, Santoshi brought Salman into the picture.

"Both were big stars by then. They had no problems working together. During the shooting, they became better friends. There would be constant laughter on the sets,” Santoshi adds.

Santoshi clears the misconception of the humour in the film being improvised.

"Not at all! I don’t work that way. I direct my actors very closely," he says. "I work out all the scenes with dialogues well in advance. There is very little room for improvisation. All the jokes and gags in Andaz Apna Apna were worked out beforehand. People think Aamir and Salman decided to call themselves Amar and Prem to celebrate the movie Amar Prem. But their names had nothing to do with Shakti Samanta’s film. And Aamir's exclamations of ‘Aaila’ and Salman’s ‘Oui maa’ were also my idea.”

Santoshi says he used to give cues to the actors from behind the camera.

“Even during that sequence where Salman is fed julaab (laxative) and his love-confessions are repeatedly interrupted by his rumbling stomach, that ‘gud-gud-gud’ sound was being given by me from behind the camera. Salman didn’t know when the sound would come in. That added to the scene’s unpredictability,” he says.

There were many firsts in Andaz Apna Apna.

"I was doing comedy for the first time. Salman and Aamir came together for the first time. Until then, Paresh Rawal was a screen villain. We gave him a comic image. We revived the ‘Ajit-Robert’ jokes with Ajit’s son playing his father's carbon-copy. Raveena and Karisma Kapoor were brought together, and they exchanged names on screen. Raveena was named Karisma while Karisma was named Raveena,” Santoshi says.

Curiously, Andaz Apna Apna got a lukewarm response from the audience when it was released on April 11 ,1994.

“It was very badly marketed and distributed. Nobody knew the film was coming. We got a below-average opening. But over the years, it has acquired a cult status. People remember each and every dialogue of Andaz Apna Apna, just as they remember every dialogue of Mughal-e-Azam and Sholay,” says Santoshi.

Santoshi is now planning a sequel, thanks to public demand.

"I don’t believe in creating a franchise by doing sequels or building my own brand. But the demand for a sequel to Andaz Apna Apna is unbelievable. If I don’t do it, someone else will. I won’t allow that. I have ideas for two sequels. One of them is about Amar and Prem married and their life thereafter," Santoshi says.

However, it is unlikely that the sequel will bring back Aamir and Salman. “Firstly, the economic logistics of bringing Aamir and Salman together in the same film are mindboggling. Secondly, their working methods are very different, even though they’re good friends in real life,” he says.

Santoshi wants to make the sequel with younger actors. “The world has moved on in 20 years. I see a lot of filmmakers and actors doing an Andaz Apna Apna. I would like to see where the characters have gone after so long.

 

A volcanic eruption has raised an island in the seas to the far south of Tokyo, the Japanese coast guard and earthquake experts said.

Advisories from the coast guard and the Japan Meteorological Agency said the islet is about 200 meters (660 feet) in diameter. It is just off the coast of Nishinoshima, a small, uninhabited island in the Ogasawara chain, which is also known as the Bonin Islands.

Smoke billows from a new island off the coast of Nishinoshima, seen left above, a small, uninhabited island in the Ogasawara chain, far south of Tokyo on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013. AP Photo

The approximately 30 islands are 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) south of Tokyo, and along with the rest of Japan are part of the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire."

The coast guard issued an advisory on Wednesday warning of heavy black smoke from the eruption. Television footage seen on Thursday showed heavy smoke, ash and rocks exploding from the crater, as steam billowed into the sky.

AP photo

A volcanologist with the coast guard, Hiroshi Ito, told the FNN news network that it was possible the new island might be eroded away.

"But it also could remain permanently," he said.

The last time the volcanoes in the area are known to have erupted was in the mid-1970s. Much of the volcanic activity occurs under the sea, which extends thousands of meters deep along the Izu-Ogasawara-Marianas Trench.

Japan's chief government spokesman welcomed the news of yet another bit, however tiny, of new territory.

"This has happened before and in some cases the islands disappeared," Yoshihide Suga said when asked if the government was planning on naming the new island.

"If it becomes a full-fledged island, we would be happy to have more territory."

The Japanese archipelago has thousands of islands. In some cases, they help anchor claims to wide expanses of ocean overlying potentially lucrative energy and mineral resources.

Japan has plans to build port facilities and transplant fast-growing coral fragments onto Okinotorishima, two rocky outcroppings even further south of Tokyo, to boost its claim in a territorial dispute with China.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/japan-volcano-volcanic-eruption-new-island-volcanoes-japan/1/325909.html

20 Most Peaceful Countries in the World

Do you know which are the most peaceful countries in the world? Since 2007 each year, the Global Peace Index has been issued by the IEP (Institute for Economics and Peace) and is a measurement of nations’ and regions’ peacefulness based on external and internal measures. Although it seems like the world is becoming more cruel, according to the Global Peace Index there are 20 most peaceful countries in the world.

1. Denmark

Denmark tops the list of the most peaceful countries on Earth since it’s really a safe place to live. Even while Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, was under occupation by the Nazis during the World War II, it still did not fight. The point is that people living in Denmark prefer to focus on economic matters, instead of involving themselves in various armed conflicts. Danish people are very friendly, open and helpful. Personally I have been to Copenhagen twice and I wish I lived in this country. I’m pretty sure that those who have been to Denmark at least once could say the same.

2. Norway

Many people do not expect Norway to appear in the list of the most peaceful countries in the world. Perhaps, this is because of Anders Behring Breivik, mass murderer, who hit the pride of the country hard. Sure, it was an extraordinary incident, but according to the Global Peace Index Norway is one of the world’s most peaceful countries and friendly and safe place to live. Norway is the country with the highest level of human development in the globe, plus, the government of Oslo always places peace at the forefront of the priorities of the country.

3. Singapore

As an active member of the international community and, overall, a small nation, Singapore can never take its right to exist and security for granted. Since achieving its independence in 1965 as a sovereign Republic, Singapore has always concentrated on being a great neighbor, through establishing social, peaceful, economic, cordial political relations with all countries.

The country has worked with the United Nations and its supporting agencies on a great variety of efforts. It also participates in various global, unilateral and multilateral organizations to promote international cooperation, including WTO (World Trade Organization). Singapore is among the most peaceful countries in the world as well as one of the world’s wealthiest countries. The homicide and violent crime rates are lower than the criminal rates.

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4. Slovenia

A beautiful European country, Slovenia is also among the most peaceful countries in the world. The country got its lowest marks in funding for the United Nations peacekeeping missions, number of police and security officers, level of perceived criminality in society, number of organized internal conflicts, violent protests, and number of internal and external wars fought. I agree with the Global Peace Index and believe that Slovenia deserves its place in the list of the most peaceful countries on Earth. Moreover, with its wonderful cities like Maribor and Ljubljana teeming with unique culture, Slovenia is a fantastic travel destination.

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5. Sweden

One of the most beautiful Scandinavian countries, Sweden is located in the far north of Europe. Although Sweden is one of the biggest weapon exporters in Europe, the country has a low level of robberies (only 9,000 a year) compared to the United States (about 350,000 a year)! According to the Global Peace Index, Sweden is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, in spite of the fact that it’s among the world’s top arms exporters. Besides, Sweden has not been to war and has not participated in any combats for the whole 2 centuries

6. Iceland

Iceland was also ranked as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, staying out of the main conflicts in the world. Iceland seldom or never hits the headlines and despite the collapse of the Icelandic banks several years ago, the country is remained as an amazing place of spectacular natural beauty. Tourists from all parts of the world come to Iceland to view its huge glaciers and raging volcanoes, as well as numerous unique natural and cultural attractions in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

7. Belgium

According to the Global Peace Index, Belgium is one of the best and most peaceful places to live in Europe and on Earth. Situated in the heart of Europe, this small country holds a special place. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is home to the European Union and NATO. Belgium boasts medieval cities, beautiful town halls, majestic castles, and captivating natural beauty. Homicide and imprisonment rates are low in this country, even though Belgium did experience a crisis within its government over the 2008-2011 period.

8. Czech Republic

A relatively new country, the Czech Republic gained its independence from the Soviet Bloc in 1989 due to the Velvet Revolution and its subsequent split with Slovakia. After the division of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic has largely concentrated on building a strong capitalist economy and creating a stable climate for investment. In 2009, the Human Development Index (HDI) ranked the Czech Republic as a country of ‘Very High Human Development.’ Renowned mostly for its magnificent capital city Prague and breathtaking natural beauty, the Czech Republic draws tourists from all over the world.

9. Switzerland

According to IEP, the Swiss maintain a well-functioning government and an open political culture. Illustrating the quality of government, Switzerland received the lowest score for political instability. It’s also among the world’s most peaceful countries that have low levels of violent crime. Although Switzerland is known for its neutrality in regional, international and global political issues, it maintains strong diplomatic relations with various countries around the world.

10. Japan

One of the most enchanting countries culturally, Japan has the third largest economy in the world. Since the World War II, Japan has been really peaceful, with little internal conflict and low crime. Moreover, the country maintains cordial relations with its neighbors. Japan has not had a professional military since the end of WWII. The country settles on an internal security force in order to maintain the peace. Personally I enjoy visiting Japan and I also consider this country to be peaceful as well as breathtakingly beautiful.

11. Ireland

With its rich historical sites, amazing green pastures and friendly people, it’s not surprising thatIreland is one of the most peaceful countries on Earth! Ireland is an overall fabulous country with a plethora of reasons for tourism! Its rich literary history, castle-topped hills, spectacular coastline and legendary hospitality make Ireland a wonderful place to visit any time of the year.

12. Finland

Finland is considered one of the most peaceful and livable countries, which is not renowned for its combative nature. Finland is still a country that embraces mandatory civil and military service for young people, and the country’s only participation in fighting has been as a part of joint United Nations peacekeeping forces. When speaking about Finland, I want to say about its education. Finland places education at the heart of literally everything. Finland’s education system is ranked fifth best in the world.

13. New Zealand

Each year since 2007, the Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked New Zealand as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. With a small percentage of its population in prison, limited military capability, strong relations with Australia and down-to-earth hospitality, New Zealand is a wonderful country to live in. This is a country of natural beauty, diverse scenery and quirky natives. Visitors from all over the world come to New Zealand to experience rugged landscape, breathtaking alpine glaciers, awesome beaches and fantastic geothermal and volcanic activity. The country is also renowned for its fine wines and there are a great number of grape varieties planted throughout New Zealand. So if you are a great wine lover, you should definitely visit New Zealand at least once in life.

14. Canada

Having one of the best standards of living in the world, Canada is also one of the most peaceful countries on Earth. It has a population of approximately 33 million people, yet it’s the second largest country in the world by area. With clean and safe cities, spectacular scenery and extremely friendly people, Canada is a wonderful and peaceful country to live in. The largest strike against the peace score of Canada is that it has a comparatively high military capability, though it currently is not involved in any conflict.

15. Austria

Austria is a small landlocked South Central European country which gains a place on the list of the most peaceful countries in the world for its stance on international politics. Since World War I and the break-up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and World War II, Austria has been content to embrace a life of peace and serenity. Many people claim that Austria is a great country to live in and I personally agree with them. After all, with its world-famous resorts in the breathtaking Alps, and magnificent cultural centers like Vienna, I think it’s not surprising to see Austria on this list.

16. Bhutan

According to the 2013 Global Peace Index (GPI), Bhutan is also among the 20 most peaceful countries on Earth. The point is, Bhutan has remained unchanged in international and domestic conflict in the last 6 years with a GPI score of 1.6 out of 5, 1 being really low. The report uses 22 indicators to measure internal peace, including number of police per 100,000 people, levels of perceived criminality, level of organized crime, and external peace indicators that include military expenditure as a percentage of gross domestic product and nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities. I personally think Bhutanese people are peace loving and they are well cultured. Plus, Bhutan boasts plenty of spectacular attractions for everyone.

17. Australia

Australia is a beautiful and peaceful country that offers cultural diversity, spectacular beaches, loads of breathtaking natural beauty, wonderful fauna and friendly people with an amazing sense of humor. Although Australia is a large country, approximately the same size as the USA, it has a small population of about 20 million, so there’s a lot of uninhabited space worth visiting. Australia’s low crime rate, stable political system, high standards of health care and well-maintained roads make it a safe and comparatively easy country to live in or just to explore.

18. Portugal

You might be surprised to know that Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, but it’s true. The country has been a member of the EU for roughly 26 years and it forms a part of the European Monetary System and use the single European currency. Portugal is the world’s 43rd largest economy according to the World Bank and it has one of the highest GDP growth rates among the OECD countries. The country has the low crime rates, great standards of living and a stable government. Plus, fascinating sandy beaches, golden plains and impressive mountains, a millennial heritage and vibrant cities make Portugal one of the best places to live in.

19. Qatar

According to the Global Peace Index, Qatar is the most peaceful country in the Middle East and one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Violent incidents are very rare in this country and the crime rates are relatively low compared to other industrialized nations. Qatar is one of the most flexible and liberal countries in the Middle East where women have many rights, including working, driving and voting rights. The country is undergoing transformation under the National Vision 2030 to achieve a diversified, sustainable and advanced economy.

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20. Mauritius

According to the GPI Report 2013, Mauritius is one of the most peaceful nations on Earth and it was also ranked the most peaceful country in Africa. The strong score of this island country in the GPI highlights the relative stability of the region and thus further promotes it as a trusted platform for wealth management services and estate planning.

'How do you define the word 'love'?----Answers From Love Guru

The Love Guru has answers to all your relationship problems.

Is your love life down in the dumps?

Has your chosen one left you for someone else?

Or maybe you don't know how to approach the person you fancy?

Don't fret! We've got just the cure for you.

The all-knowing Love Guru chatted with readers and offered relationship advice. 

For those who missed the live chat, here's the transcript:

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manisha satpute: I just recently began dating a boy I met a year ago and we really like each other. I thought I could just let go of the first guy, but I can't let go! I keep thinking about him all the time, and I feel really bad because my new boyfriend is so loyal, and I repay him by looking at other guys! Even worse. How to stop my self?

Love Guru: manisha, you tell us how you plan to stop yourself. You are being unfair to your present relationship, if not plain unfaithful. If you know you are doing something wrong, it shouldn't be so difficult to stop, isn't it, unless you are enjoying being 'bad'?

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delta: Love Guru, How do you define the word 'Love' ?

Love Guru: Delta, love is how the person in a relationship defines it. It could range from lust to longing to a feeling of togetherness to anything, even friendship. What is yours?

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chirag Cheran: Hi I have fallen for my friend but I don't know how to go about the right way of telling in her that I have fallen for her. We are really good friends I'm male and 23 and she is 20. We have know each other for about 2 years and have been good friends on and off for the past 2 years.

Love Guru: Chirag, this good friend on and off for two years throws me completely. Ignoring that, however, so you have fallen for your good friend. If you are good friends, why the hesitation in letting her know how you feel? Or, fishing to find out how she feels towards you? Is that such a difficult thing to do?

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soniyaiyer: I have been living with my boyfriend for the past 2 years. My problem is he is a Non-Veg and I am pure Jain Veg. How to handle this situation? plz advise.

Love Guru: soniyaiyer, I am tempted to say how about having separate kitchens? But space being what it is, precious, let me ask. Does he ask you to cook his non-veg food? If he doesn't, it's half the battle won. As to the rest, ever heard of give and take? Maybe he agrees to no non-veg at home, while you don't protest if he eats meat outside... What say?

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Rafiq Qureshi: I had a peculiar problem. We were classmates from ninth standard. We love each other a lot. She belongs to an orthodox brahmin family. She is trying her best to convince her parents. I told that I will talk to her parents as they are forcing her to marry with me. What to do?

Love Guru: Rafiq, let me get it straight. You love each other a lot, but you don't want to marry her?

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nita nagpal: So it has been around 2 and a half years since I broke up with this guy and now all of a sudden I'm really missing him. I find myself being unable to sleep because I can't stop thinking about him and what we had before things went wrong. How to over come from it? Please, advise sir.

Love Guru: Nita Nagpal, these two and a half years you were not in a relationship? If you felt nothing all these days and suddenly you feel a twinge, I think it is a passing feeling, and it will pass given time.

Debunking the first night myths

First night is always anticipation and aspiration fully loaded. But one should go about first night experiences carefully and in a matured manner.

In an arranged marriage, there will be too many preconceived notions and too many expectations regarding marriage, in particular consummation. One of the things being the first night myths. Here's a list of things not to expect on your first night

A rocking sex
Come on. Think practical. Both of you are too tired to do anything after all those rituals and the reception. So give each other some benefit of doubt to each other and not expect any rocking performance. Try to be happy even if it were some nice sessions of cuddling and intimacy.

You need to experience orgasm
This also is like expecting too much from each other. Because giving each other the climactic pleasure comes after some time. So allow yourself to learn more on his or her preferences and turn on points and wait a bit for the momentum to pick up.

You need to fake an orgasm
This also is avoidable. Since this is going to be the beginning of your journey to the most intimate moments, instead of faking all types of ecstatic emotions, just be romantic and talk about your preferences and know-how about sexual positions.

You should talk sex
First night is meant to be an ice breaker. So, even if you do not talk sex it does not mean that your sexual life will not take off. In reality, it is not like that. Enjoy those moments together and just chill. Try to spend some cozy moments together and try to figure out each other's likings.

It ought to be the man first
This is another myth. What if the man is expecting some initiative from the woman. So, be open and share love and not preconceived notions that you have been fed with.

Super ways to perfect your kissing technique

You may not believe it, but if you're on a date with a woman or cosy with someone at a house party and things are going well, when you lean in to kiss her, that may determine whether or not you'll be going any further with her.

The perfect kiss can make your girl desire you like you can't imagine. The incorrect kiss can leave you wondering what went wrong. It's up to you to perfect your skills.

No doubt every woman likes to be made out with differently and while it's not a case of 'one size fits all', they all like to feel that the man who is kissing them feels a strong desire and passion for them.

So keeping that in mind, here's how to use your lips to turn on the heat with her:

Setting
Opportunities will present themselves now and then, although you won't always be lucky enough to find the best place. The trick is to learn how to spot and take advantage of those opportunities. It could help you end up with a lovely, long term relationship.

Don't be shy. The next time you two are together in public, but in a place where you'll are relatively alone, maybe near the sea the shore at sunset, or even stopped parked in the car during an evening drive, sense the mood and hold her. Give her a soft, moist kiss for a few seconds.

Not only will you be thought of as spontaneous, but the right setting will give her romantic notions a serious kick, and she will cherish that moment.

And while you're kissing her. Don't go too fast and try to feel her breasts up or put your hands in her pants immediately. That's an amateur move. She'll pull away.

Instead, be the romantic stud of her dreams. Caress her back slowly, hold the small of her waist, gently cup her face with both hands. As her passion increases, intertwine your fingers with hers. Make her feel several sensory inputs of pleasure.

The right energy
You might have seen many mushy films, but remember that this is not a Mills & Boon book or a soap opera. Don't be dramatic or she might burst out laughing. The important thing is to deep kiss her passionately and make her feel like she's the only woman in the world who matters to you.

If things are going good, you can slowly pull back, stop kissing her and look at her before she moves in to continue again. When she comes in, let your lips lightly brush hers.

Explore
Long durations of kissing on the mouth solely can get boring. Feel free to kiss other parts of her face like her earlobes, cheeks, eyebrows, or even just one lip at a time.

Then when her breathing increases and you feel her responding very well, that's when you should move down to her neck, collarbone, shoulders, and her hands and wrists. Make sure that you show her that you desire her.

Don't focus just on her lips. Probe inside her mouth and massage her tongue with yours. You will find her doing the same thing. Do not bite her lips and definitely don't suck her tongue or lips. And avoid stupid soap opera type kisses where you constantly sway your head from side to side. Follow these moves when you are next having a romantic evening with your girl.

5 Things that women love in men

While men ogle women and start forming their opinion, women too notice a few primal things in men as soon as they see them, and this first unspoken impression opens the door for future communication. We give you five tips to make that first impression count.

Physical appearance
Your physique or physical build is the primary feature that any woman notices within a few seconds of seeing you. This includes everything from height to weight, features, hair, eyes and more. So, guys spend some time at the gym to stay healthy inside out. And, don't forget about personal grooming. Please keep your hands and nails clean, for instance.

Style sense
In next few seconds, your fashion and style sense is on her scanning radar. The way you dress up speaks a lot about your personality. This doesn't mean that you have to look like a movie star all the time, but avoid making silly fashion mistakes like wearing sport shoes on formal pants. You may not know, but she will notice all these things and more.

Confidence
Women love bold, upfront and confident men who have opinion and views. During initial conversation, she tries to know how confident you are and how you approach things, positively or negatively. Accordingly, they get positive or negative vibes from you. Be positive and humble while talking to a woman and put forward your point too. However, don't try to lead a conversation, have a conversation with her. Don't try to act smart.

Communication
Women label you boring if you can't keep up the conversation. So, leave those one-liners, hold her attention and make the session lively. The more you communicate, the more she will know about you. She might notice your communication skills, so be yourself and avoid arrogance.

Sense of humour
Women love guys who have a good sense of humour and who can make them laugh. They are quite popular with women and they feel comfortable and candid with such men. Start the first conversation on a light and funny note to churn out the positive results. Avoid dirty jokes during first conversation and earn bonus points with healthy humour.