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Word power
It's only words and words are all I have to take your heart away…the old boy band Boyzone crooned about the importance of words. In fact, it is these words that join together, give expression to a thought, a face to the emotions; it is with these words that the lyricists of Punjabi films create magic! They join the words and garnish them with a decent seasoning of their emotions, giving the songs shape and format. The lyricists in Punjab have always held fort with the private albums and now with the 'moving-ahead' phase of the Punjabi film industry, they are not only being seen on the radar but their works are being tagged and appreciated on social networking sites. Weaving lines
Many lyricist are nowadays are writing both for albums and films, but it is the magic that they create with words that gets the audience to talk about who are they. Gaurav Trehan, director Catrack Entertainment, has written four songs for the upcoming movie Sikander and for the movie Punjaban; he doesn't have to go to 'serene' place to write songs. "It comes naturally, words reflect a situation; they describe an incident which finally gets the character of a song," he says. Writing for albums is fairly different as compared to writing for films. Gaurav calls the whole process 'situation-based'. "Albums have a different situation and films have a different need altogether. It depends how the words fit; whether it is a purely commercial situation or otherwise."
Write note
They talk about the Facebook trend; they talk about the i-Phones, lyricists are often accused of going haywire in their creations. Celebrated lyrics writer Raj Kakra, who has recently turned a singer, has written songs for films like Jatt & Juliet and Jatts in Golmaal in addition to umpteen songs for private albums. He says, "The literary element in the songs written for films or otherwise has definitely come down. People dance on anything that makes sense or even if it doesn't." Preet Harpal, singer, actor and lyricist, who has written songs Keydey Suniyaarey toh kadaai and Jiney mera dil luteya, goes by the popular demand. "A song is totally inspired by situations and what is happening around in society. If lyricists are talking about Facebook or Whats app in their songs, it is the trend."
Creative liberty
Writing songs for films is based totally on the situation thrown in by the director. "This is where the freedom of expression becomes limited, while writing for a particular singer a lyricist has more scope for expression," explains Raj. A film has a different audience so a lyricist has to keep in mind the situation, the rhythm and everything else. Though most lyricists feel it is not tough writing songs for movies, lyricist and singer Debi Makhsoospuri, who is popular with his programmes Debi Live, counts reading as one of the important components of good writing. "Lyricists don't have much choice, they have to move with the popular trend. I try to keep my words neat and yes sometimes to entertain the audience with songs that are pulled from present-day situations." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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On a Love-ly turf
The rain-washed city roads lead us to the Elante Mall on Tuesday where the cast of Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya, including Sharry Mann, Yograj Singh, Binnu Dhillon, Rana Ranbeer, Jimmy Sharma and director Aditya Sood, arrive to promote their film.
As we engage in an interesting conversation with Sharry Mann, who has risen to fame on the wings of his debut song, Yaar Anmulle, he details rather eloquently on the progression of thought that led him to act in the Punjabi film. "Although my first priority will always remain singing, I attempted to act in the film as my fans wanted it. Also, on learning that Yograj Singh was to be a part of the film, I was all the more excited because I have grown up watching his films," he says. While detailing his role in the film, he shares, "I was way too excited to essay the role of a village boy, who apparently has no aim in life and is an absolute vehla. The film focuses on how his life changes after he falls in love with a girl. I could relate with the character and I'm sure that my fans will like me in the actor's avatar." Sharry maintains that acting in a film was an entirely different experience for him, "When you are singing a song, you have the poetic licence and the liberty to flirt with the situations, but when it comes to acting, it is an entirely different ball-game. One needs to get into the skin of the character and act according to the script. I enjoyed the journey and it will be conveyed in the film too when you watch it," he assures. Sharry, who has written and sung all the songs of the film, recollects, "Firstly, I was over-awed to be working with Yograj Singh. I remember saving money and buying cassettes so that we could watch his films when I was young." "Also, while shooting for a song, Ikki Hazaar, at Hazipur in December, the temperature had dipped to almost 2 degrees and we had to shoot in the cold weather in just a t-shirt! I will remember that for the rest of my life," he quips, while holding Aditya Sood responsible for the much adventurous shoot. Yograj singh will essay the role of the girl's father, who is a commissioner and has a very progressive thought process, "My character is very forward looking and he is perhaps the funniest in the film," he shares. "I have another comedy film in store and it's titled, Ishq Garari. It will be releasing in August," he signs
off.
Director’s cut
Excited as he was about his film, director Aditya Sood says, "The Punjabi film industry is brimming with comedy films and there was nothing much coming up on the romantic front, so I decided to make this film. Also, the story of this film was very close to my heart." It took him as many as six months to shoot the film all across India, "I shot this film in Hazipur, Manali, Hoshiarpur and Chandigarh; the reason why I avoided a shoot abroad is because I feel that the concept of the film matters and not the location," he says.
amarjot@tribunemail.com
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A fit bond
Motherhood is a significant milestone for women. A sure point from where the child becomes the priority and the self gets lost somewhere, in some ways.
All the mothers in the world fall into two camps, ones who efface themselves while bringing up the kids and others who strike a balance. Personal fitness is often a casualty amid all this. Today we talk to women in the latter camp on how they sneak out time each day not only from work, household chores not only to be with their children but also to work-out! This summer Dr Jyoti Kamboj, a gynaecologist, decided to make her kids Zoya (11) and Varis (5) learn how to swim. To facilitate her wards, this mum jumped into the pool herself! A week into the routine, this trio makes a happy picture. "Swimming together proves to be a wonderful start to the day. We get the 'workout' and 'together' time."
There is more that comes with it…"It's just a week that we started going together and already I see a marked improvement in the equation with my daughter. Zoya would remain irritated at me earlier for I wouldn't be able to give her as much time due to my professional commitments, but the scene is better now!" A work-out need not necessarily be a drab routine; this mother-son duo uses it to enhance their skills. They did jazz together first and Zumba followed! "To learn, enjoy and have 'together time' is the triple motive of our dance classes together," says Malvika, mother to 13-year-old Mukul. This mum, much in love with life, is always eager to explore something new and thanks god for the interests she shares with her boy! "I don't see myself struggling with machines to keep fit in a gym; I would rather find an activity, tow my son along and enjoy. What's life if we don't live in the best possible way!" says Malvika, who runs a boutique in Panchkula. Sonia and her mother like to walk and talk to wrap up their day. This teacher duo, after fulfilling their commitments by the end of the day, have reserved post dinner time to themselves. "Walking is Mamma's best bet at unwinding. I picked it early in my childhood, when she would take me out in a stroller. It has been so long, so much has changed, but not our late night date! This is the time to talk, share and guess what, it keeps us fit too," says Sonia. Well, if you decide, there is a range of options to choose from, suiting your individual tastes. Read aerobics, gymming, jogging, yoga…also, there are a range of activities to do within the confines of your home. Internet brings the world to you at a click. There are videos to assist you, with many aimed at new mothers who can do stretching, push-ups and more with babies (do ask your doctor first). Timm Hogerzeil's Kid Yogi offers a complete yoga routine aimed at the young, which you can do with your child or if peppy is what you please, order a Masala Bhangra Workout DVD — a workout that Sarina Jain popularised in the US. Living in as comfortable a city as Chandigarh, you can even opt to have a dance teacher or a trainer at home. So having kids is no more an excuse not to exercise, right? mona@tribunemail.com
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A fine balance
Divya Dutta
I can't remember of a single film set where I have not fallen. In fact, now it is considered my lucky charm. The contradiction is that people consider me grace personified and I am very happy with the title but when people see the other side of me, they are stunned. I remember when I got off my car on the set of my forthcoming film Lootera everyone stood up with respect to wish me. I was taken to the set to rehearse the scene. The assistant director shyly came up to me and said in awe, "ma'am it's an honour to work with you." I smiled and with an air of confidence got up to leave to get ready. The assistant offered to escort me alongside my staff and security. They were all walking straight and yes it was a smooth ground but I guess it was mother earth calling! Before they realised what happened I had done it. I was on the ground. My staff too scared to help me, and the assistant who was so in awe of me, had a very confused expression on his face. Well, it happens on all my sets and that too when it is least expected. So when I take up sports or adventure stuff like parasailing, paragliding and bungee jumping, which I have very successfully done in New Zealand and in India, my near and dear ones are always apprehensive. They think I will fall but that's where I don't. In Zilla Ghaziabad I did an entire action sequence fighting the goons. And yes I did not fall. Guess this is life too. We pass off the tough tests, it is the simple ones we get stuck with. (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Sweet treats!
Kandla Nijhowne A punnet of strawberries almost always seduces you with its colour and luscious appeal. Before you know it, it's into your shopping basket! You may promptly push it into the fridge but within a day you will find that the pretty berries become 'weepy' and squishy. Strawberries have a very short shelf life, loosing firmness very rapidly. A perfect way to use up the sad ones is to make frozen lollies, a cool and tangy sweet treat. They are easy to prepare and such a revelation! You can make a creamier version too by doing a layered effect where half the mixture has some whipped cream folded into it. Then, you will need to freeze the lolly in two installments. Freeze one layer first, then pour in the second mix. This will ensure a clean division line. You can also play with more than one fruit flavour for any lolly. A mango and strawberry or watermelon combo looks and tastes superb!
Strawberry lollies
Method
(Nijhowne is Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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Rahman magic once more
This summer, treat your ears with the soulful music of the Academy Award winner AR Rahman as he brings his brand new composition, Raanjhana, your way-a perfect cocktail for your summer music needs! Sung by Jaswinder Singh and Shiraz Uppal, the song plays upon the innocence that runs parallel with the small-town romance and is etched with the shades of Banarasi folk music with a contemporary twist. If you have not yet heard this song on the radio or television, search it on You Tube and delight yourself! Virgin sound
The music of this song is nothing like you have ever heard before and the way this has been sung makes it sound all the more different, yet appealing. I remember listening to the song for the first time while I was flipping through channels and it's been a few days now, but I have not been able to get this song out of my mind. Lovedeep Gulyani, student Romantic interlude
Whenever I listen to this song, I am enveloped in the romantic embrace of its lyrical and musical appeal. I love it and I think AR Rahman has done wonders with his magical music. Also, I like the vocals and musical effects too. Shyama Sharma, student Signature touch
To put this song in a genre would be to deprive Rahman of the credit that he deserves for his creativity that drips in the song. The sound is truly magical and it has more than just music that adds much substance to it. Not only is it wonderfully choreographed, but the lyrics of the song make it all the more beautiful and fascinating too. Surbhi Vashisht, student --
As told to Amarjot Kaur
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The Drama queen is back
Known to be the television queen, Ekta Kapoor is back on television with a brand new serial Jodha Akbar that unravels the historical journey of Jodha and Akbar and will be telecast on Zee. Ekta, who is excited about the show, talks about why she took it up and more…
Why did you make a historical show? I wanted to make a historical show because I have never done it before and I wanted to explore various avenues of creativity and wanted to get out of my comfort zone. We traced the basic journey of Akbar and added the tana-bana of relationship that he shared with his family members, including his parents, Mahamanga and Jodha. What made you choose the story of Jodha and Akbar? This is the story of an emperor, his power and ambition, which makes him arrogant and then when love comes his way, it humbles him. It is a story about love in the times of hate and woven around a religious-cultural pattern. Will there be any similarity between the Akbar of several movies, including Hrthik Roshan and the one in this show? The biggest mistake will be to compare this Akbar to the earlier ones. Every Akbar that we have seen so far belonged to a certain era. The Akbar in this show is a 21-year-old. The films could only show some per cent of Akbar's story in the time span of three hours, but in this show, we will show the journey of his entire life. Why did you cast Rajat Tokas to essay the role of Akbar? I wanted an actor who was mature yet innocent and Rajat was a perfect choice. It was a dichotomy, but I am glad to have found it. Do you get enough time to spare for both, films and
television? I have very efficient teams who can handle many projects at a time. Though I am involved in all of them, my focus is on films rather than television.
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Varun’s a gadget guru
Varun Dhawan, who gathered a fan following for himself post Student of The Year, is addicted to technology and loves social networking too. He talks about the same as he has been roped in for a number of technology brands in the country. Nowadays, technology is not a hobby but the need of the hour. I have a busy schedule and I travel a lot because of my profession so I cannot watch TV or read newspapers. I rely on my mobile and tablet for everything. Near and dear
Being connected and staying up-to-date with technology is the mantra of today’s youth and I don’t see anything wrong with it. We have so many channels of communication. Social media keeps us connected to our near and dear ones, no matter where they are and I am totally into it. You don’t miss out on anybody’s special occasions whether marriage, birthday, graduation, promotion, etc. Facebook first
Facebook is a very important part of my life. I am proud to say that I am among the first few people who joined Facebook, way before it was launched in India. Facebook had just been launched and it was limited to campus use and it was more exclusive. I was studying in the UK and I was 16-years-old and I joined it. In touch, always
I am on almost every second social media platform. I have a large group of friends across the world and we cannot always meet up and chat, so we bond via social media. I know what is going on in everyone’s lives. Sometimes, people drop by too if they see my status mentioning that I am in their locality. Of course, meeting friends in person and enjoying a meal or a party has its own charm. Working at it
My room is a den for gadgets. I love stocking up on gadgets related to music and movies. So I have cameras, video games, gaming gadgets, portable hard disks and other such inventions. The hard disk is very useful as I can carry information and entertainment wherever I go. I want a huge 3D television in my room now and I am working towards getting it.
Nargis Fakhri loves to travel and has stayed in many countries around the world. She chose to become a model so that she could travel the world for free. She talks about her favourite destinations and shares some travel tips. Single and loving it
I like travelling on my own and don’t mind my friends coming with me. Being on your own gives you time to
introspect. I have taken many vacations with friends but I want to go on a solo holiday now. I also think that many actors and actresses going on a holiday together will be fun! Wild child
I remember visiting Costa Rica, a few years ago and it is a real paradise on earth, especially for nature and forest lovers like me. The rainforests have unique flora and fauna. There are so many adventure activities because there is the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other side. I loved my holiday in New Zealand too where I did jet-skiing, abseiling, water-rafting and caving. All roads lead to Greece
I feel everyone ought to visit Greece at least once. There is great beauty, food, culture, music and very many tourist places over there. The people are amazing! You can settle in Greece, really! The islands and historic ruins are unmatched in their beauty and awesomeness. It has everything you need for a great holiday.
On the sidelines
Second best: Pooja Gupta
Reading between the lines
Jackie Chan’s India bound
Action superstar Jackie Chan, best known for Rush Hour series, The Myth and The Karate Kid, is all set to visit India this month as a part of the China Film Festival to be held in the capital. Indo China Economic and Cultural Council (ICEC), State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television and People's Republic of China are jointly organising the China Film Festival, which will be held from June 18-23. "Jackie Chan is visiting Delhi in conjunction with the China Film Festival. Chinese Zodiac, his latest film, also directed by him will be the opening film of the six-day festival. He is here as a part of a 20 member delegation visiting India," said Irfan Alam, member secretary, ICEC. Chan will be a leading member of the delegation visiting India, along with actors and those involved in creating these moving images, from the Chinese film fraternity. The film festival will offer a variety of films from alternative, contemporary, action, adventure, new age cinema to period dramas. The 59-year-old had previously visited the country in 2008 to participate in, Kamal Hassan starrer, Dasavatharam's music release function. Chan worked with Indian actress Malika Sherawat in The Myth. —
PTI
Kim Kardashian upset with Kanye West?
Pregnant reality TV star Kim Kardashian is reportedly upset with boyfriend Kanye West for throwing his birthday party in New York last week instead of LA. The 32-year-old Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, who is no longer able to fly as she is due to give birth to the couple's first child early next month, is upset that the rapper celebrated his 36th birthday at a star-studded bash without her in New York City, reported a publication. "Kim is so close to giving birth and she's big and uncomfortable and knowing Kanye partied with all of their friends really made her mad," a source said. The rapper celebrated with his friends including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Nas, Kourtney Kardashian at a restaurant, because he was performing at the Governor's Ball in the
city.—PTI
Back door exit
Huma Qureshi cannot cook even though her family runs a restaurant chain. She loves chocolate and would love to have a chocolate factory that serves chocolate delicacies. Sweet nothings: Huma Qureshi
Hopping onto Hollywood
Neetu Chandra has, apparently, bagged a Hollywood film with director Joe Johnston. She was chosen because of her Indian features. She will go to Los Angeles next month to sign the contract. She auditioned via Skype.
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Real on reel
Khushboo Kamal, who is currently seen in the show, Piya Ka Ghar Pyara Lage, will now be seen in Vikram Bhatt's thriller, Ankur Arora Murder Case. The film features the disturbing issue of a boy, who dies on the operation table due to medical negligence and it is based on a real-life incident. "I met Vikram Bhatt and he asked me if I wanted to do an important role or play the main lead in the film. I told him that I was fine with essaying an important role and that I liked his kind of cinema. He was impressed with me and I got the role. He even told me that he would give me an opportunity to work in his future ventures too," said Khushboo. Khushboo plays the role of a catholic nurse, whose name is Rossina while KK Menon essays the role of a doctor in the film. "I love murder mysteries but this is a thriller! It's a film about medical negligence," she shares. Khushboo also had a nice experience while interacting with the nurses at the nursing home. "I visited the Ambani hospital to meet nurses and observe their expressions and body language because this was the first time I did such a role. They gave me some valuable pointers," she said.
Jennifer Winget aka Kumud in Saraswatichandra, unlike her contemporaries, doesn't mingle with the cast during breaks. She apparently rests in her make-up room. While this might irritate a few people, the cast and crew are okay with her behaviour as long as she does her work on time.
Indrani Haldar aka Leena Roy Chaudhary in Life OK's Savitri is suffering from liver problems, yet she has been shooting crucial scenes in the show. The cast and crew, who were amazed at her professionalism, supported her throughout. Now, she is recuperating at home.
Vidya adds spark
From fiction to reality
Amar Upadhyay, who is known to essay fiction roles, has been roped in for a crime based reality show, recently. The actor will now anchor the crime-based reality show, Savdhan India. Along with Sushant Singh, who is already hosting the show, Amar will be the new face of the show. "The moment I received a call for this show, I took it up without a doubt. I have done fictions earlier, but I wanted to experiment with something new on television. Shows like these create awareness among the masses, while aiming at the betterment of society. I think it is very important to create awareness about the crime," says Amar.
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Astro turf
ARIES: The card "Eight of Swords" bestows saturnine influence and problems are bound to arise at home. A disagreement with your partner will not be resolved for a few days. TAURUS: Budget goes topsy-turvy. If your physical fitness is a concern, start a yoga class and nurture your well-being in a gentle and mindful manner. Health needs attention. GEMINI: Home and family affairs will be enjoyable. Personal plans will be opposed by friends and will be much harder to carry out. You will have to be away from your comfort zone today. CANCER: You are on the crest of a lucky wave. The married will be able to see more of each other. Do not sign new agreements. Today will be a hectic day for businesspersons. LEO: Use your own judgment while taking important decisions. Do not demonstrate your anger to anybody. Enjoy an evening with your friends. A restless attitude is likely to prevail. VIRGO: A most tiring day if you have to work. Be willing to change your behaviour. Women: emotionally you will be feeling rather insecure. Romantic luck will boost your spirits. LIBRA: You card "Ten of Wands" shows deception. You will feel irritated at work. A new deal may bring monetary gains. Women: control your diet, and focus on exercise. SCORPIO: You can safely delegate responsibility of work to others. A chance encounter with a stranger may leave your heart beating wildly. SAGITTARIUS: You are unlikely to have any difficulty in concentrating. A Taurus person will play a major role in your life. Diplomacy and tact are the keywords for the day. CAPRICORN: Students: do not neglect your work. Keep business activities open and aboveboard. Parents' health needs attention. You are likely to enjoy a peaceful day at home. AQUARIUS: Get into work early because as the day unfolds, everything can become disjointed. An influential person may acknowledge your work and encourage you to take your career further. PISCES: You will achieve success despite all the problems. Job seekers will be summoned for interviews. A business deal is likely to go through and give you a more secure income. |
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I have always been into extra-curricular activities in school and college NCC, NSS, trekking camps, adventure sports, scuba diving, parasailing, I have tried everything confidently and successfully. But, it is a talent of another kind that I gradually discovered which is the talent of tripping and losing my balance while walking! The irony is, I can successfully do stunts, trek mountains but when it comes to simple walking, I trip anywhere anyhow!
Ingredients
Nargis Fakhri’s wanderlust
Pooja Gupta, who plays a heroine in Shortcut Romeo, feels sidelined by Ameesha Patel during the promotional activities as Ameesha is going all out and hogging the limelight.
Anushka Sharma and Sushant Sungh Rajput have left for Belgium to shoot for
Peekay. He took along the book Young Titan: The Making of Winston Churchill by Michael Shelden and she took along a crime thriller novel called Dark Places by Gillian Flynn.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have kept everyone guessing about their relationship status. They enjoyed a dinner together at a suburban restaurant in Mumbai and sneaked out from different exits. This amused the other guests.
Huma and the chocolate factory!
Jennifer stays alone
Indrani's not well
On a gloomy monsoon day on Sunday, actor Vidya Balan decided to add some zing to the lives of the contestants and crew of Zee TV's DID Super Moms. Dressed in a jarring loud costume like her character Neetu in Ghanchakkar, the actor enamoured judges Terence Lewis, Marzi Pestonji, Grandmaster Mithun Da and of course, the sixteen excited super-moms who were dancing for the first time on the coveted stage of Dance India Dance!