Man on a mission
Manpriya Singh

Former diplomat, politician and author Pavan Varma dons many hats. And each one adds a new facet to his persona…

Photo: Parvesh Chauhan Sometimes even the transition phase occurs at break-neck speed. In the past six to eight weeks, he’s quit foreign services, joined politics and launched a new book. As a former Indian Foreign Services officer, things in Pavan Varma’s life are constantly shuttling continents! What else would explain the parallel existence of eighteen highly regarded books and an introduction that runs pages long: Director-General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations; former Press Secretary, President of India, and India’s ambassador to Bhutan?

He laughs, “If you love something, you’ll always find time for it. Where’s the problem?” Only if the country that he’s obsessed with, that is India, took a leaf from one of the chapters of his latest book Chanakya’s New Manifesto: To Resolve the Crisis Within India! “It has been written at a critical juncture when we need to deal with issues. I have spoken of five key ones, namely governance, democracy, corruption, national security and the building of an inclusive society,” he talks of his nineteenth book, while in the city on the invitation of Chandigarh Literary Society.

The book

The book talks about a practical and detailed plan to bring about reform and change in the five areas. He elaborates, "The book is called a manifesto because it presents a blue-print for change. I hope it's read by the youngsters because their future is at stake, the most. I see a lot of alienation and discontent among youngsters." One of the reasons the book was launched among students at one of the IIT's and not in a five-star property!

It is time the connect between people and youngsters happened. "As a diplomat and bureaucrat, I had a certain of code of conduct, which I completely respected. I could not speak bluntly on public issues or governance, which now I can." At the moment, it's capitalising on the newfound freedom to the maximum, by also contributing to articles in newspapers.

The author

From Mirza Ghalib to Lord Krishna to the bestseller, The Great Indian Middle Class, to even one fiction, When Loss is Gain; at first glance, there might not appear anything common in his subjects. “I write on a variety of things because my interests are like that. Moreover, Ghalib I wrote on because I remember walking into one of the largest bookstores in Delhi and not finding a single book on him. It is just like walking into a London bookstore and not finding a book on George Elliot.” And that’s how Ghalib: The Man, The Times happened, to be followed by Havelis of Old Delhi, Yudhishtar and Draupaudi, Krishna: The Playful Divine, among others. He points, “You must have also noticed one thing that my pre-occupation is with India. Either culturally or socially or historically, in all my books, you’ll find a direct connection with India.” Only this time, he did not shuttle continents!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Vocal charm
Jasmine Singh

He puffs a handful of fresh air, opens his eyes to the balmy sun, closes them and let’s a smile sit on his lips. He has been here before, in the hills, in the freshness and in the greens. Angaraag Mahanta, aka Papon, the artist, enjoys his afternoon in Kasauli where he performs at the Rhythm and Blues Festival being held at the Baikunth Resorts.

Papon soaks every bit of what is around him…comfortable, he begins his chat. “My album The Story So Far, for which I won the GIMA award for the best pop album of the year, was conceptualised in Himachal Pradesh, in the hills, so it is a great feeling to be back in the hills again,” says the singer, whose soulful track Kaun Mera from Special 26 moved the chords of many hearts.

He accepts the adulation with a smile. Moving his hand, to keep the curly tuft of hair in place as the wind disturbs them; Papon has managed to whip up just the right notes for Bollywood. The latest addition is the song Inkaar from the film. You wouldn’t have forgotten Kyon, his track in Barfi! “As a matter of fact, I loved the track Kaun Mera very much,” he pauses, hoping he isn’t blowing his own trumpet. Well, certainly not…the artist from Guwahati — who started off with the electronic folk fusion band called Papon & The East India Company, sang his first song for Bollywood movie Dum Maro Dum, won the best male singer award in the Prag Cine Awards 2012 for the title song Ramdhenu in the Assamese Raamdhenu — likes to talk about the present, whether it is work, laurels or his approach to Bollywood work.

Let’s talk about Bollywood; we sense he would love to talk about it. “I approach the song (Bollywood number) in a certain way. Basically, I get to know the song; then what’s happening in the film, close my eyes and sing it. What you hear is what comes out,” shares Papon, who comes from a reputed family of singers. He was born to the Assamese folk singer couple Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta.

A singer, composer and record producer, Papon places himself at both places — an independent artist and Bollywood singer — with ease. “Yes, if you are doing some independent work then it gives you an edge with whatever you want to do and if you are recording a song for a film, then it is working according to the script,” he says.

Up, close & personal

Angaraag Mahanta, is known by his nickname Papon is an Indian singer, composer and record producer from Assam. His music covers genres such as ambient electronic, acoustic folk, new age Indian classical music and it has been identified as having traces of pentatonic Mongoloid notes, local river song influences as well as ghazals.

Papon has performed with the Midival Punditz and Karsh Kale at various festivals around the world, including the Paléo Music Festival in Switzerland, Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore and Oslo World Music Festival in Norway.

Angaraag was nominated twice under the Best Folk Album category for his two Assamese folk albums Gomseng (Bihu) with Rashmi and Phagunar Gaan (Holi Songs) at the GIMA awards 2011.

First foray
Jasmine Singh

Actor Karanvir Vohra has done well on the small screen. Now, he is shooting for his first Punjabi film Love You Soniye. We catch up…


Three’s company: (L-R) Tanya Abrol, Karanvir Bohra and Teejay Sidhu. Photo: Parvesh Chauhan
It was Teejay who wanted to do a Punjabi movie, she asked me, but I wasn’t sure because I speak Mumbai kind of Punjabi. We decided to go for a recee to Punjab and the kind of response we got from the college and university youngsters was awesome. I decided to go ahead with the movie; now that we are rolling I can see it as part of our destiny

Endless recee, preparing a blueprint, selecting the right material and the people to execute it all…“making a movie is like building a house,” swears actor Karanvir Bohra, shooting in Chandigarh for his first Punjabi film Love You Soniye.

Everything on the sets of this film has to be perfect; all details need to be taken care of. Even if it looks like one big family affair — as Karanvir’s wife Teejay plays the lead actress opposite him and his father has handled production for umpteen Gujarati and Hindi films — it cannot be treated as one. “Once I am in this project, I will make sure it goes well. I have selected people who have the right intention and who can understand the spirit of this project,” says the actor, who has much more to share.

Wife inspired

“It was Teejay who wanted to do a Punjabi movie, she asked me, but I wasn’t sure because I speak Mumbai kind of Punjabi. We decided to go for a recee to Punjab and the kind of response we got from the college and university youngsters was awesome. I decided to go ahead with the movie; now that we are rolling I can see it as part of our destiny,” adds Karanvir, talking in detail. He is sure a perfectionist!

Sizzling onscreen

“The onscreen chemistry; well, Teejay is not that filmi romantic kinds. She is a Canadian, ‘what’s up dude’ kind of lover, but on the sets she is completely Bollywoodish kinds; she has got this glitter in her eyes when she sees me,” he smiles. It’s love happening all over again!

Team spirit

Being a producer and acting in the movie is not easy; I am glad that I have a great team of director, co-actors, spot boys; everybody knows their job and does it well. And then of course, I have my father supporting me, which takes away much of the pressure.

Getting along

Creative differences between two actors are not uncommon; on the sets of Love You Sohniye, there are no sparks. “If I feel something should be changed or done in a certain way, I express my views and not impose it. I am not adamant, I let things take their course. Teejay and I decided to do the project together, so we pretty much know what we have gotten into.”

It was Teejay who wanted to do a Punjabi movie, she asked me, but I wasn’t sure because I speak Mumbai kind of Punjabi. We decided to go for a recee to Punjab and the kind of response we got from the college and university youngsters was awesome. I decided to go ahead with the movie; now that we are rolling I can see it as part of our destiny

Telly love

“I haven’t said goodbye to television; once I finish working on this film, I would resume television. Let’s see whether I play a positive or a negative character.”

Love You soniye

This is a total family film, which has the right mix of all elements. I play a character that is funny, at the same time, he does not make any extra effort to be funny. You will love the film and all the characters in this film, which we are expected to release in the month of May.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

First-day-first show
Two much action!

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

Directed by Jon M Chu, G.I. Joe: Retaliation is an American science fiction, based on Hasbro’s G.I. Joe Toy, comic and media franchises. It is a sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which was released in 2009. G.I. Joe: Retaliation features Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson in the lead roles with Channing Tatum, Arnold Vosloo, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, and Lee Byung Hun reprising their roles from the first film.

Good storyline

The movie is fantastic. I love the storyline and the concept. Also, I think this one is better than The Rise of The Cobra. However, I don’t like the fact that Duke dies in the movie. But I was really happy to know that Snake Eyes turns into a good guy.

Manas, student at SD Public School

Cause and effect

I like the effects and the action scenes in the movie. The drama and storyline of course adds a rich flavour to the movie, but the 3D effects and the film is so well-constructed. There’s not a dull moment in it.

Vivek, student at Government Model School, Sector 16

Himmatwala

Directed by Sajid Khan, Himmatwala is a Bollywood action romance film and an official remake of the 1983 blockbuster by the same name, directed by K Raghavendra Rao starring Jeetendra and Sridevi. The film features Ajay Devgan opposite Tamannaah in the lead roles. The film has been jointly produced by UTV Motion Pictures and Vashu Bhagnani.

The retro feel

The film brings back the 80s and that’s the most unique thing about the movie. Though most of the directors have tried to bring back the 60s and the 70s on screen, recreating the tone of 80s is a new concept and I think that Sajid Khan has done due justice to the era.

Kapil Kaushik, Student

Well begun, half done

The movie gets much better during the second half. I think Ajay Devgn pulled the dialogues pretty well as he belongs to the 80s. I liked the comedy too but it is a one-time watch.

Ishita Madaan, Student

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: An unexpected guest may gate crash. A romantic mood will add a happy colour to the toughest situations. Your hardwork will put you on the good side of your boss.

Tarot message: Plan your life carefully to avoid any in-built delays.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Magic number: 41

TAURUS: The ‘Ace of Pentacles’ starts your day with energy and confidence. You have a better chance of achieving success. Friends can disrupt domestic bliss.

Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be prepared to make compromises.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 33

GEMINI: This is a great day to get your ideas down on the paper and start planning your next project. Today is a good day to complete pending work. Work with tact to attain your goal.

Tarot message: Focus on one thing at a time to get the bet results.

Lucky colour: Lemon.

Magic number: 39

CANCER: Romance and creativity are highlighted. This is also a perfect time for initiating a new personal project. Family matters will keep you busy in the evening. The change of job is not advised.

Tarot message: Listen to your inner voice of wisdom.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 27

LEO: The "Queen of Swords" highlights fashion and charm. Romance is on the cards. Do not allow the feeling of frustration affect you. A curious mind will take you to some interesting places today.

Tarot message: Learn a lesson from previous mistakes.

Lucky colour: Coral.

Magic number: 60

VIRGO: Your card "Five of Swords" reveals physical activity and pleasure. You must cut down on spending. If you are in a sedentary job, balance your daily routine with some social activities.

Tarot message: Think before you speak to avoid misunderstandings.

Lucky colour: Indigo.

Magic number: 42

LIBRA: It’s the right time to begin new projects. Make important calls, write up a proposal and do anything that requires a starting point. Enjoy this evening with your spouse.

Tarot message: Fitness routines are advised for a good health.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 54

SCORPIO: Business dealings can fall due to lack of details and information. Confusion over priorities will cause a havoc in the workplace. Loved ones will support your ideas.

Tarot message: Stay determined to achieve success.

Lucky colour: Blue.

Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: A career switch is likely. You will spend a lot of time on planning. Business matters are fairly under control. Consider getting involved in charitable work. Lose yourself in romance this evening.

Tarot message: Do not drain your energy or resources on others.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 55

CAPRICORN: At the end of the day, you will be proud of what you have achieved and will be rewarded. Health needs immediate attention. Long-term investments will bear good results. The burden of work increases for women.

Tarot message: Be honest.

Lucky colour: Rust.

Magic number: 38

AQUARIUS: A special romance in your life will seem detached and hard to communicate with. Let them know you care respect their space. Work life will be smooth. Health will be good.

Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 40

PISCES: Your card "The Devils" boosts your self-confidence. Expand your social circle, learn new hobbies or plan a vacation. You will meet new people who will become your firm friends.

Tarot message: Resourcefulness will bail you out of a situation.

Lucky colour: Golden.

Magic number: 28

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 30...

The Sun Sign Aries, number 3 and zero and the Planet Jupiter, make you charming, ambitious, talented, helpful, dignified and a highly methodical person. Your patient attitude will lead to good results.

Financial matters will bring success but observe vigilance as carelessness will lead to losses. You will bond over friendships and cherish some affectionate moments. Romantic connections are also in the horizon. Your dominating and stubborn nature can pose problems but eventually you will learn self-control. Maintain your integrity through silence. Your intuitive qualities will work in your favor and amass popularity. Try your hand at poetry, photography, or dance as you are likely to excel in these fields. Be attentive and affix concentration so as to not to miss out on occasions. Many interviews and opportunities are on the cards. Gather courage and face the hurdles alone without expecting help from anyone.

Try to prioritize so as to avoid chaotic situations. Your financial conditions will improve. New friendships will result in long lasting connections and will be profoundly helpful to you .Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius or Capricorn will prove great pals. Career networking and personal associations will appear typical payoffs during this period. The work pressure is likely to increase in the near future. Handle pressure diligently and pay adequate attention on all aspects especially your health. You will restore harmony that results in mental happiness by being in the natural surroundings. Observe precaution in your eating habits and follow certain restrictions when it comes to your diet. This period will result in fast recovery from illness and treatment will be beneficial. You understand situations intelligently and your maturity comes a long way in handling romantic relations .You will spend quality time with your partner and even contemplate your future together. Travelling is on the cards for the purpose of business and profession. You may also travel around the world in order to suffice your own self development purposes. This period pinpoints an inclination towards spirituality and mystic interests.

State of Mind: Energetic

Compatible signs: Capricorn, Gemini

Lucky colours: Grey, Electric Blue.

Lucky days: Saturday and Sunday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 7, 13, 22, 37.

Nagesh Kukunoor Nagesh Kukunoor (March 30, 1967, Hyderabad) who shares his birthday with you, is an acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter. He is known for several movies, including Hyderabad, 3 Deewarein and Iqbal . His movie, 3 Deewarein won the Best Story award at the 2003 Filmfare Awards. Bollywood Calling was a satirical look at the Bollywood industry through the eyes of a failed Hollywood actor. Besides writing the movie, he also acted in it. His latest movie 8 x 10 Tasveer fared average at the box office with Akshay Kumar and Ayesha Takia in the lead roles. It was a thriller with a touch of Hollywood style cinematography. He is expected to perform well in 2015 as per his stars, which anticipate commendable work.

Chatter box
Too many cooks don't spoil the stew

The fun and excitement on sets of Masterchef Kitchen ke superstar soared to alarming degrees as the STAR Parivaar arrived there. The popular Bahus of STAR Plus, Sandhya and Gopi Bahu were invited on the show along with their parivaar by the three chefs, Sanjeev Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor and Vikas Khanna, who judge the show.

During the show, the judges decided to give a spicy challenge to the bahus, wherein they had to prepare those dishes of which they had never heard of before. The top 12 contestants were also asked to help them. The basic aim of the competition was to decipher that who between Modi and Rathi family would win the title of ‘Kitchen ke Superstar’.

When contacted Sandhya aka Deepika she said, "I've always wanted to cook for Vikas Khanna and today it's like a dream come true. The entire family of Diya aur Baati Hum also had a great time. We are thrilled to be on the show."

To find out, which Parivaar will win, tune into STAR Parivaar bane Kitchen Ke Superstars on March 30, at 9 pm only on STAR PLUS!

Of contentment and acceptance

Jennifer Winget is glad that her new show Saraswati-chandra, which has been directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been well accepted. She talks about the role and her experience.

What do you like about your role?

In spite of being a small-town girl, Kumud is confident and bold. Also, she voices the right and knows how to move on if she falls down. Though she knows that she's beautiful, she is not arrogant about it. Meanwhile, she's traditional and she loves her family.

Are you interested in working in the movies too?

I'm always running short of time. I did one film in between but I don't know what happened to it. The movie has not been released yet and I'm looking at it as an entirely different experience. Presently, I'm looking at what I can give to my show.

What is the toughest part of your job?

I love my job and I have been treated well by the production houses with which I have worked with so far. I've always been taken good care of and I've received a good response for Saraswatichandra too. So, I have no complaints with my job.

Do you keep a tab on what's being written about you on the net and elsewhere?

Though I'm not on any social networking site, I receive messages from my fans so I know what's happening.

Professional to the core

All smiles: Somya Seth
All smiles: Somya Seth

Somya Seth, who is essaying the peppy role of Aaradhya in Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat, observes a fast every Monday. She does not eat food or drink water for the entire day until the next morning. However, neither does she let this affect her work schedule, nor does she throw any tantrums on the sets.

In fact, for the Holi sequence, she arrived on the sets at 6.30 am and was shooting all through the day. Also, she slept on the set only so that she could be on time for the next day's shoot too.

A source reveals, "We were shooting in scorching heat, but she did not complain even once. She is a thorough professional and she does her work with a huge smile."

All set for the next round


Grand reunion: Madhuri, Karan and Remo

Dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa is back with the new season and the judges this year will be the same as last year.

Meanwhile, actress Madhuri Dixit, who has already started shooting for the promo, tweeted, "On the sets, having fun shooting for #jhalakdikhlaja with @Remo_dance and @Karan25! So excited!"

Also, Karan Johar added, “On my way to shoot the promo of #jhalakdikhlajaa.... Remo...Madhuri and myself!!!”

Twists and double turns

Mohit Raina has ascended the ladder of success with his show Mahadev. And if you are a fan, get ready for a double dose from the next week onwards. In Life Ok's Mahadev, Lord Shiva's look alike, the evil Jalandhar, will enter the show bringing in a new twist.

Twice the fun: Mohit Raina

Making merry

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been a huge hit and now the producers have a new reason to celebrate.

Their successful show completed 1,100 episodes last week. The show is delivering high TRPs while keeping the makers, channel and actors happy.

Good show, guys!

Celebrations ahead: A still from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma

A touch of reality
Manpriya Singh

A tin roof, a rural house, a small cottage, a cut tree, a wooden cart, a flower pot—there’s beauty in simplicity, the one that often escapes the eye. Which is why Pune-based artist Milind Mulick’s series titled Almost Real brings out the surreal in the ordinary.

His affair with common places and the average continues. Washerwomen with buckets around, an Indian man in a yellow turban, a wooden cart amidst greenery, a hillock with huts and cottages on it, little dwellings jostling for space—each painting draws on an element each. There’s one that brings out the beauty of a rural house right next to a chopped tree. While the other underscores a cycle leaning against a chipped wall.

“Like any other artist, I began landscaping with nature and rural areas but gradually moved onto things and areas that I experience everyday.” He adds, “To an artist, perhaps, the beauty of the world becomes enhanced. I am fully involved with the scene.”

Moving on, there are plenty of street scenes, though slightly repetitive in nature, nevertheless each unusual in its own way. A road scene, a passerby, a man on a cycle, an old man walking with a stick, a cycle and an auto-rickshaw sharing space on a street and the raw beauty of a street on a rainy day. “These are the works from the past two years. When you step out on the roads, there are houses of economically weaker sections of society. Then there people whose lives are spent on the streets itself.” He adds, “To me they all represent the everyday life and they are real to me.”

Science of art

A major in engineering, rather than arts, doesn’t fit in but the fact that he’s been drawing since the age of five and doing water colour landscapes since the age of 13, takes care of a lot of explanations. He shares, “I am an artist solely because of my father, who is a great painter. I can’t recall the time when he actually taught me to draw, but I naturally follow what he used to do.” He adds, “I began painting water colour landscapes with my father early in my childhood.” Edward Wesson, Charles Reid and John Pike remain among his ultimate inspirations.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

On till April 4 at Art Portfolio— 9, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh.

What PC loves…

Priyanka Chopra is a hot-and-happening superstar and soon-to-be an international pop singer. Here is a list of her favourites from food to photos

Big screen

I am a sucker for romance. So my favourites are Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Jerry Maguire which I have seen more than a thousand times. My favourite line is, "You had me at hello!" In my experience in the industry, I have also learnt that when you commit your time to someone, your time belongs to them and you simply have to focus no matter what you are going through.

Dream roles

I would love to play Ingrid Bergman's character Ilsa Lund in Casablanca. I love Waheeda Rehmanji's work too. I have been fortunate with the roles that have come my way. Some of my most challenging ones have been Kaminey, Saat Khoon Maaf, Fashion and What's Your Raashee? and it was so fulfilling doing them.

Holiday spots

I am a complete beach babe so I love going to Bali and Thailand's islands like Koh Samui. I love doing nothing for at least one week in a year. It is hard for me to get time off. In free time I love wearing ganjis with shorts and slippers.

Food fundas

I am a big foodie. I love the Punjabi food that my mom makes like parathas, sarson ka saag with makke ki roti. I love her feeding me. I love lasagna and junk food like burgers and pizzas and I eat quite a bit of everything.

Photo fetish

I love taking pictures and I am a big photo person. I love gadgets and stay quite updated. I love taking pictures, so I can preserve memories and discuss them with friends and family. I want to be able to show all this to my grandchildren. I love natural pictures which capture the moment instead of posed-for pictures. I feel among Indian actresses, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone look great in pictures.

Global print

This summer the design team at the Levi’s takes inspiration from patterns borne from diverse cultures – African, Indian, Hawaiian – and mixes these together to create a modern cultural hybrid. The renewed expression – through mixing prints with pattern, prints with prints, pattern with pattern – creates a vibrant new language for print embellishment. This ‘cultural mash-up’ has inspired design across dresses, shirts, blouses and tanks in the Spring Summer 2013 Women’s Collection.

Jeans as a vehicle for print is the big story for the season. Cropped bottoms are freshly presented in a bright mix of colour and print, as the seams continue to grow shorter this summer! Tonal palm prints, text prints, and bold and ditsy floral prints on denim are just a few of the exciting renditions in the line.

The shirts, including iconic classic westerns are expressed in a vibrant explosion of colour through plaids and textures. The blouses and tanks take inspiration from geometric block prints and paisley motifs. — TNS

Taxing issues

Katrina Kaif had a successful run in the year 2012. With two releases, Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Ek Tha Tiger, she ended the year on a high note. Both her films crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office. Jab Tak Hai Jaan saw her romancing Shah Rukh Khan. It was also the last directorial venture of Yash Chopra. Ek Tha Tiger earned her critical acclaim and she was seen romancing Salman Khan in this one. With two blockbusters in her kitty Katrina Kaif has been in demand.

Being the most sought after actress, Katrina is also the busiest and the highest paid actor. And recently, she became the highest advance tax paying actress as well. She has reportedly paid an advance tax of Rs 4.5 crore, beating most of her contemporaries. Kareena Kapoor is a little behind her having paid Rs 4 crore as advance tax. Whereas Priyanka Chopra has paid Rs 2 crore as advance tax on her earnings. Payment of advance tax has just become a recent trend that seems to be catching up fast. It is becoming a means to measure that, who is the most successful name in the industry. Kaif said, "Paying regular taxes is the right thing. It just enables the smooth functioning of the state and (once the taxes are done) actors like us can continue with our job of entertaining our fans." Among the actors, Akshay Kumar has been declared as the highest advance tax payer and Amitabh Bachchan comes second to him.

One more time

No Emraan Hashmi film is complete without the star passionately wooing his lady-love with beautiful songs and kisses…and Ek Thi Daayan will not disappoint his fans!

When Yaaram, the first song from Ek Thi Daayan, was released on air, it won huge compliments from music lovers for its stunning vocals (by Sunidhi Chauhan) and Vishal Bhardwaj's stellar composition. But it also caused an outcry from Emraan Hashmi fans the world over, demanding that his part of the duet (rendered by Clinton Cerejo) be shown in the promos. Paying heed to his fans, producers Ekta Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj have released Emraan Hashmi's version of Yaaram, which will hit the television soon.

As far as the kissing scene is concerned, a source says, "It's a passionate moment in a song sequence called Kaali Kaali and has been very aesthetically done. The set was emptied out and only the bare minimum technicians stood back to capture the scene."

However, the kiss will not be seen in the film's new trailer, which comes out this week, given the CBFC's instruction to remove it. So the audience will have to get a 'taste' of it in the movie, when it releases worldwide on April 19.





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