Asin strikes gold!

The annual Screen awards ceremony for Hindi films was held yesterday (14th Jan) evening. The whole of Bollywood got together to applaud the best performances of 2008. There was a proud moment for all Tamil cinema lovers when Asin was presented with the Best Newcomer award by yesteryear great Rekha. She was also nominated in the best actress category but could not make it. She said that Asin was really worth of the honor and that she had done a good job. Asin was also later seen speaking with Sanjay Khan (who was given the Lifetime Achievement Award) and Jeetendra, both of whom were very appreciative of her performance.

Meanwhile, Rahman added another two to his kitty, winning the best music award for Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na and the best background score for Jodha Akbar.

Other major awards are as follows:

Best Film: Jodha Akbar

Best Director: Ashuthosh Gowariker (Jodha Akbar), Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday)

Best Actor: Hrithik Roshan (Jodha Akbar)

Best Actress: Priyanka Chopra (Fashion)

Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan, widely favored to win the best male debut award for Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Naa was however beaten by director turned actor Farhan Akthar’s debut in Rock On.

Highly acclaimed film A Wednesday was presented with the Ramnath Goenka Award.

6 Keys to a Longer Life

1. Drink tea. You would expect this from the British, but the research showing tea’s ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol actually comes from Japanese and Norwegian scientists. Apparently any kind of non-herbal tea will do.

2. Sleep more and laugh more. People with chronic sleep problems have a higher mortality rate, whereas those who get a good night’s rest suffer fewer illnesses. People who cultivate laughter heal faster and feel better.

3. Take cold showers. Brrr! But research in England and Germany confirm that the chill enhances resistance to colds, boosts immunity and fertility, and reduces the risk of heart attack.

4. Drink something red. The British Medical Journal reports that red wine is highest in antioxidants, but acknowledges that the same value can be achieved by drinking red grape juice.

5. Eat less and exercise moderately. On the island of Okinawa, where residents eat 20 percent less than other Japanese, the age-related death rate is 60 percent lower. As for exercise, 30 minutes of moderate sustained activity five times a week increases life expectancy.

6. Get a pet and get married. Pet owners have lower stress, cholesterol and blood pressure, and see their doctors less often. While you’re at it, get a spouse as well. The single and divorced have the highest chance of contracting disease and dying from it.