So far, so good
Some of the films rocked at the box office, others did fairly well, still some others managed to make an impact. Punjabi cinema in 2011, couldn't get better
Jasmine Singh

Mel Kara De Rabba

After a long, long time…finally we had the jatt leave his fields and move to Chandigarh on a gypsy, enrolled himself in a university, fought student elections and did some foreign locale romance. Finally, the jatti slipped into a designer wear, though she still ran around the trees, but this time these were the palm trees! Before you wonder who has done what, it is time to take a quick look on how well and bad the getting better Punjabi cinema fared in the year 2011. As per the audiences, this year Punjabi cinema has performed appreciably well. Yes it was a nice break from makki di roti and ghar di kadi daru. Not that we don't like actor Gugu Gill roaring in his super high baritone, ma main tera badla lai key rahan ga, we love the refreshing change in the Punjabi cinema. In fact the entertainment industry all over Punjab is moving fast forward, trying to ape Bollywood. All said and done, who is complaining about it?

Better scripts, experimental kinds, different actors, refined themes, good technical know how, Punjabi cinema had both the Punjabi as well as non Punjabi audiences queued up at the theatres. It was the year of fresh faces and famous faces- Diljit Dosanjh, Jimmy Shergill, Gippy Grewal, Amrinder Gill, Yuvraj Hans, Aarya Babbar, Kabir Bedi, Gulzar Chahal and the omnipresent queen Neeru Bajwa including actors like Jonita Doda and Sudeepa Singh.

Newness in cast was of course a highlight of Punjabi movies, a different treatment too made them run for weeks together on the box office. This years' top scorer Mel Kara De Rabba, starring Jimmy Shergil, Gippy Grewal and Neeru Bajwa went down well on box office. The setting of a university life and the usual understanding the meaning of love was not something different, but the director Navaniat Singh ensured he infused life into the movie with peppy songs… and very 'Bollywoodish' camera angles. Bollywood actor Jimmy Shergill managed to strike a rapport in Punjab, garnering applause from his work and good number of female fans as well. Jimmy recreated the magic again with his home production movie Dharti based on student and Punjab politics. It was the time when we saw an MTV face in a Punjabi movie. Rannvijay made his debut with the movie. And if you were to believe, the good looking guy is all set to divert his attention to Punjabi cinema. Dharti did fairly well, and we got to hear some rocking numbers.

If it was Jimmy on one side, pulling votes in Punjab two new singer turned actors Gippy Grewal and Diljit Dosanjh rocked the scene in Jihne Mera Dil Luteya and The Lion Of Punjab respectively. The movies were again a hit, in Punjabi terminology. If not anything, we got some great musical hits from the movies. Rapper Honey Singh and Diljit gave Lak 28 kudi Da from The Lion Of Punjab, a song that would go down in party history and Fukrey from Jihne Mera Dil Luteya. The theme of both movies was young and with a college and university backdrop. Music was a highlight in almost all Punjabi movies released in the year 2011. Another young on the face movie with a multiple star cast Yaar Annmulle did appreciable business and it sure had some rocking numbers.

From young and experimental scripts, this year we had a dose of the regular as well. Harbhajan Mann as usual got the NRI market ringing with Yaara O Dildaara. A huge star cast of Kabir Bedi, Gulzar Chahal and Jonita Doda, the movie managed to make money in the NRI sector. Ek Noor, movie with a social theme made a slight impact at the box office. Movies with usual social messages were something Punjabi audiences did not give thumbs up to. We are young and roaring to go, the message is loud and clear. We need entertainment, even if it has to come from the farms of Punjab, it better be young and cool!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Street wise
From regular Indian chaat, to Italian pasta and noodles, the menu of street food has definately become extensive
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

It's the season of parties and fine dining restaurants of the city are obviously busy churning out gastronomic delight for their elite customers. But, we decide to go the street way, featuring some well-known hubs in the tricity that offer some lip smacking dishes to whet the festive spirits of a common man. Generally chaat, channa bhatura, gol guppa, tikki samosa, pav bhaji are considered to be the street food varieties. Liberating themselves from the ala carte menu some International and national dishes have steeped into the arena of street food variety and well.

Pizza, pasta and grilled sandwich seem to have caught the fancy of many people and serving some great grilled sandwiches and desi pastas and pizzas in videshi avatar is the Panchkula's Sector 7 market. Here, you have varied hawkers lined up to sell best Indiansied version of Italian and Chinese food. At Singh's you can have some great grilled sandwiches and an average pizza with a lot of onion, capsicum and cheese. For pasta try Chaman's in the same market. This place serves pasta in cheese and tomatoes sauce. Well, once again this is the perfect Indian version of an Italian dish!

Want to try some Chinese then in the same market you can get munchow soup, talumein soup, gravy noodles, chilly cheese, fried rice, veg champs, spring rolls in some amazing flavours. Moving to our city beautiful the hub of street flavours sector 34 is another place where you can try Indian and Chinese dishes. Chaplin and Chow Choppe are some of the few joints that serve Chinese worth trying for.

Nevertheless, when talking about street food our Indian variety is no less and there are many small joints in the city that too in the central sectors that sell an amazing fare to eat. Apna Sector 17's bridge market has a chana bhatura walla whose, chana bhutara's sell like hot cakes and one must try them for that typical Punjbai taste. Sector 22 (opposite to Kohinoor) has a small shop that sells only a version of Indian fast food. Here you can savour, pav bhajji to noodles to tikki chaat and lot more.

In Mohali Katani in 3B2 and Amrit in Phase V market are the accepted hubs of street flavours. Amrit is very well known for its Indian pasta as it has chunks of vegetables topped with lot of cheese for that lure and that Punjabi tadka that any Punjabi would come back for! Katani

serves vegetable and tomato soup. His panner tikka too is a delight as the paneer chunks are nicely flavoured and the masala sprinkled on the top perfect to tickle the taste buds. In the end we would suggest hit the streets to savour the regular flavours!

Monday is the day
First day of the week may help you stick to your New Year health resolutions

Monday may indeed be the most effective day to reach people with health messages, a new study has found. According to a nationwide survey conducted by FGI Research for The Monday Campaigns, most of the people see Monday as the day for a fresh start: it's when they're most likely to quit smoking, start a diet or begin an exercise regimen.

The Monday Campaigns is a nonprofit initiative in association with Johns Hopkins, Columbia and Syracuse Universities.

"We think of Monday as the January of the week," Newswise quoted Sid Lerner, founder and chairman of The Monday Campaigns as saying.

"It's a call to action built into every calendar, giving you 52 chances for success," Lerner said.

Monday Campaigns' public health researcher Morgan Johnson also noticed a "Monday surge" in behaviours such as calling tobacco-quit lines and searching for health-related information on the Internet. Johnson concludes "people are clearly open to engaging in healthy behaviours on Monday, so it makes a good nudge day to help people stay on track." Starting each week with a reminder may offer an added boost for healthy behaviour. A literature review conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that weekly messaging can help change behaviours like diet and physical activity.

In addition, the FGI survey indicates that 74 percent of people thought a Monday start would help them follow through on their health intentions for the week.

— ANI

Mutual admiration club
Celebrities tell us about the celebrities they have looked up to over the years. What would we do without inspiration? Bollywood actors talk about their seniors that have inspired them. Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan top the list

With regards

Sonu Sood: I have always admired Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for his dedication and his acting. He is much disciplined and I got to learn a lot from him while on the sets of Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap. 

As you like it

Shazahn Padamsee:  I love Kajol for her smart career moves and talent. She does what she likes! 

Sweet gesture

Jackky Bhagnani: I respect Shah Rukh Khan a lot for the way he has established himself. 

Worth it: Shazahn

He wrote a recommendation for me when I did my acting course in New York and it was sweet of him to still remember that. 

Self made woman

Kainaz Motiwala: I think Madhuri Dixit is my inspiration because she established herself without a filmy background.

She is dignified and graceful. 

Awe inspiring

Sophie Choudry: I admire Mr. Amitabh Bachchan for his persona and his zest for work and life.

He is the most stylish actor we have. He is very classy and his humility is inspiring.

Stress buster
Let the party begin…
Renee Singh

Party time! Aha! Now isn't that exciting. No matter how serious we might be as people, a good party is definitely a true 'Pick me Up' I have always felt that as stress accumulates we need to unwind by just letting our hair down. No need to get into complicated Stress Busting techniques if we have learnt the art of partying.

Treat yourself to a New Years Bash to get the spirit going in you, it's a great time of the Year to burn away the last year's stresses and bring in the New Year with a whole new and fresh perspective.

I remember even as kids we all used to look forward to parties and frankly begin to plan them months in advance. Planning the food menu's and the music and of course the new outfit was all a part of the excitement.

As we have allowed life's stresses to take over it seems that these small joys have also become clinical. We just hire someone to plan the party for us and then we go about trying to enjoy it.

In today s fast track life perhaps planned partying is a good option as lifestyle's have become far more sophisticated and complicated and the simplicity of just partying has been lost, each one seems to be trying to outdo the other at the party scenario.

Yet, since life has become busy with most couples working the need to unwind grows and partying as one of the options could well be planned through professionals. Don't give up on this great option because you didn't have the time or the inclination.

Treat yourself to a party

Much as a whole lot of us like to 'pooh pooh' at the party goers and shun the whole scenario I personally think it's one of the greatest Stress Busters.

Connecting with people

Since we humans as a species are social animals, connection and communication are strong stress busters.

Music and stress

Music has great power to access emotions and redirect them. The parties give us a chance to listen to music and uplift our spirits into any mood we desire.

Have fun at a party

• Let go of the burdens you are carrying
• Forget your work for once and chill
• Don't worry about individual differences, just mingle in the crowd.

Decide to enjoy

• Let the music float you into the world of your dreams
• Be the creature you want to be without inhibitions
• Allow yourself the freedom to be just Yourself
• Things to consider while partying
• Be mindful of your behavior
• Do not use excessive alcohol even if you are the legal age to do so
• Avoid aggressive people and aggressive behavior
• Do not drink and drive, hire a driver or a cab

Complicated matters

Men who struggle with new complicated Christmas gadgets feel twice more reluctant than women when it comes to asking for help to understand the basic operating instructions of the device, a new study has revealed. They will either fume, swear, sulk or they will blame their new smartphone, iPad, games console or sat nav and say it does not work.

Women, on the other hand, are much happier to accept help, and are much more grateful for it. — ANI

Star Track
Congratulations and celebrations!

Renowned South cine and celebrity couple Dhanush and Aishwarya of the Kolaveri di fame celebrated their platinum day of love by exchanging platinum love bands of a certain collection at a jewellery store in Chennai.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhanush recalled his past, “It was the most special day of our life when we realised true love for each other and decided to tie the knot.”




Love birds: Dhanush and Aishwarya

Bebo’s celebratory weekend

Kareena Kapoor attended the midnight mass at Mount Mary Church with her mother Babita, sister Karishma, Saif Ali Khan and his children. Post the family Christmas celebrations, she’s scheduled to fly to Switzerland for her annual vacation with Saif.




Party time: Kareena Kapoor

Dress rehearsal

Anushka Sharma is preparing for her film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola directed by Vishal Bhardwaj in which Imran Khan is her co-star.

It is a dark comedy.

All set: Anushka Sharma

North bound

Sonakshi Sinha is in Punjab shooting for Son of Sardar with Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt. The film is a comedy directed by Ashwani Dheer.


Shooting star: Sonakshi Sinha

Chatter box
Aman loves being bad

Villainous role: Aman Verma

Talented actor Aman Verma will be soon essaying an interesting character in Zee TV’s hit prime time show Chhoti Bahu. Aman has been roped in to play the role of an Asur (demon) and he will prove to be a formidable opponent against Lord Krishna’s Godly powers. The current track in the serial has been well received by viewers and Aman Verma’s powerful entry will surely add an interesting angle to the story.

An Indya source informs, “The storyline shows that Lord Krishna decides to teach Barkha a lesson for killing Radhika. Krishna assumes Radhika’s shape and enters the Rajpurohit household post which there has been a series of miracles inexplicable to normal human beings leaving inmates baffled. Barkha is suspicious and catches Radhika (Kanha in disguise) inadvertently performing some magic tricks. She decides to teach Radhika a lesson and introduces a man who is nothing short of the devil’s incarnation. He has dark supernatural powers whose job will be to give Kanha a tough fight. He is the quintessential Asur who is equally powerful and will rise against the Lord.”

Aman Verma explains, “This is going to be a very challenging role. I will enter the Rajpurohit house as Vishwanath, an estranged uncle of Dev (Avinash Sachdev) who left home 18 years ago. My character has shades of grey which will be kept under wraps under an able guise of a smart attire and suave look. It will be tough to play the role of an Asur battling the God himself. Looking forward to the challenge.”

He further adds, “I like how people love to hate me. That’s a gratification. In this show, they needed an actor to match the intensity of the main lead. So here I am.” Ask him about doing negative roles and he says, “As long as I am acting and doing my best, I can sleep peacefully every night, feeling content.”

Tune into Chhoti Bahu every Monday to Friday 7:30 PM, only on Zee TV.

Emotional act: Sohail Khan

Sohail’s commitment

Ek Baar Jo Maine Commitment Kar Di, Fir Main Apne Aap Ki Bhi Nahi Sunta – Sohail Khan it seems is living up to brother Sallu’s vow to the fullest. While shooting for everyone’s favourite comedy show Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur’s Grand Finale, Sohail Bhai got emotional when Krushna Abhishek did a satire portraying Archana Puran Singh starting a hunt for the new judge for the next season. Sohail Khan was so moved by this that he affirmed in front of all, that come what may it’s a assurance from him that he will always watch all the episodes of the next season of the show. We do believe you Sohail!

Like mother, Like son

It must be the first time ever in the history of Indian television that a mother and son are seen on the same channel. While mom Vibha Chibber is seen playing the toughie Mrs. Bindeshwari Kaushik in Zee TV’s Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein at 10 pm, beta Puru Chibber has been roped in to play the role of Manav and Archana’s grown up son, Sachin Deshmukh in Pavitra Rishta that airs at 9 pm on the same channel. Vibha Ji talks about her son’s ambitions saying, “Actually I always thought my son would grow up to be a cricketer, as he played cricket exceptionally well. But in his 10th class, he declared he wanted to act. I did theatre in Delhi so I came to Mumbai for him. In a way, his ambitions fuelled mine and I am glad we are both working for Zee TV.”

Confession time

In the upcoming episodes of Sony’s Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, Ashutosh’s friend Armaan and Nidhi’s friend Rohan will try to get both of them together, so that they can confess their love to each other. Nidhi has confided in Rohan that Ashutosh does not love her. On the other hand Ashutosh told his friend Arman that Rohan is the right guy for Nidhi as he is younger and will keep her happy. Oblivious to both of them, Arman and Rohan make a plan to bring them closer. Will Arman and Rohan’s efforts be fruitful?
In love: Kritika Kamra and Mohinsh Behl

Gurmeet’s favourite holiday spots

Beach man: Gurmeet Choudhary

With a body like Gurmeet Choudhary, it’s no surprise that the actor loves beaches. He loves to travel and visit various places. We quizzed Gurmeet about his five favourite holiday spots.

Goa

I keep going to Goa whenever I have free time. This year alone I’ve visited Goa six times. But I never really get bored of Goa. I feel very fresh and rejuvenated.

Dubai

Dubai as they say is a place for women to shop. Debina loves to shop in there. So I’ve been forced to like the place. We keep visiting Dubai every now and Debina goes on her shopping spree.

Bangkok

It’s a special place for me because Debina and I had gone there for our honeymoon. We have many special memories attached with the place. It has to be our favourite.

Malaysia

I went to Malaysia for five days on a package deal. I got a lovely resort which served amazing food. It was ideal. I hope to visit there again in future.

Puri Jagannath

I like it because I find solace in there. It is also famous for Lord Vishnu’s temple. I keep visiting there to seek blessings. Also, I love the beaches there. You will find no one there unlike other places.

Pink City tour

Imagine’s Beendh Banunga Ghodi Chadhunga shot in the picturesque locales of Jaipur and had a blast.

The whole unit shot in various hot tourist spots and mixed work with pleasure.

They got to visit Khatu Shyamji, Albert Hall, Rajmandir, Jal Mahal, Bapu Bazaar and Johri bazaar.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The day starts calmly leading you into a false sense of security. Trusting people who have just appeared on the scene is not recommended. Financial transactions are likely to improve.
Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.
Lucky colour: Grey
Magic number: 27

TAURUS: Live and let live is a good motto currently. If a task seems overwhelming, break it down into simple steps. Concentrate all your energy and efforts towards concluding the task at hand.
Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work.
Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 38

GEMINI: Life seems full of contention at the moment and it is hard to get along with others. The postponement of a deal could cause you anxiety. Love life will be intriguing. Your social reputation is on the rise.
Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance.
Lucky colour: Purple
Magic number: 40

CANCER: Conditions at home will be pleasant enough. Do not speculate. It’s critical to arrange a balanced life-style. Health problems will cause no worry. The day will end on a low beat.
Tarot message: You need to act for yourself and for no one else.
Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 28

LEO: If there is work to be done, go ahead and complete it. House work can be handled efficiently. You have more freedom of action at work. Evening will be full of fun.
Tarot message: Focus on your goals and don’t let temporary setbacks affect you.
Lucky colour: Violet
Magic number: 36

VIRGO: A close rapport may be developing between you and a colleague. Spending time together in off hours will increase the alter action. Not the right time to contemplate changing jobs.
Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youthful origin.
Lucky colour: Orange
Magic number: 62

LIBRA: Many of you have been working constantly for an ambitious career path. Team work is the key note of the day. Older people may drum up certain problems for you.
Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work.
Lucky colour: White
Magic number: 56

SCORPIO: The crowning fulfillment of achieving your goals may arrive soon. Stay focused on personal vision as you take the last steps to reach a journey’s end. Consult professional people for legal worries.
Tarot message: Infuse your efforts into professional achievements.
Lucky colour: Bottle green
Magic number: 59

SAGITTARIUS: Get on with any job that is in hands. A secret love affair will bring you an added pleasure. Do not get involved in any land deal. Pedestrians should be careful for careless drivers.
Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks.
Lucky colour: Rust
Magic number: 44

CAPRICORN: The Page of Swords reveals a good time to tie all loose ends together and take care of details with perfection. You may find people rather unreliable. As the day progresses you will feeling more comfortable at home.
Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty.
Lucky colour: Blue
Magic number: 49

AQUARIUS: You will be able to make a right connection effortlessly. Someone you care about will see you in totally in new light. Children will bring great pleasure to the parents. Good business opportunity comes your way.
Tarot message: Trust your heart rather than confusion yourself.
Lucky colour: Red
Magic number: 61

PISCES: The door-way to profound knowledge and insight may open through a wise acquaintance. Love blossoms at workplace. Friends will be helpful. If you want to impress someone important you will find the right approach today.
Tarot message: Do not let anyone get take your advantage.
Lucky colour: Brown
Magic number: 31

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 26...

Capricorn sign and 26 bring 2012 on the work front that is industrious, demanding and determined. You will be able to succeed in any business venture that you will choose this year. You will receive profits and gains which are more than the efforts that you have put in. The year 2012 will also serve as your means of advancement for more success in the future. Have some time to finish projects or plans that you weren’t able to conclude during 2011. Fortunately, all your goals, may it be long term or short term, will all bear fruit this year. Bad news comes your way early in 2012 and might keep you off-balance for a few months. Try not to act rashly; though you may be tempted to take quick action, you’re much better off slowing down and waiting to see how it all shakes out. Those born in the 70’s will be really busy and must learn to manage their time efficiently. A discussion may help to calm or end a recent problem or even illness. Emotional issues may require more patience than you were expecting to have. Increased aggression and energy is likely and may inspire you to expect almost too much from some members. Blessings from a matured person will steer you towards spirituality. Impulsive words or actions could break down doors and connect you with someone who rocks your world. But carelessness might rub a sensitive partner the wrong way.

Mood: Emotional.

Compatible signs: Virgo, Libra.

Lucky colours: Brown, Yellow.

Lucky days: Monday and Wednesday.

Lucky numbers: 8, 13, 24, 40, 44.Lucky gem: Round  Moonga [Coral].

Lucky flower: Sunflower.

Jared Joseph Leto (December 26, 1971) is an American actor, director, producer, occasional model and musician. He rose to prominence for playing Jordan Catalano in the teenage drama My So-Called Life. Leto is the lead vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and main songwriter for 30 Seconds to Mars. He formed the rock band in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, along with his older brother Shannon Leto.