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Once in a century
Well-known Bollywood faces, including Shah Rukh Khan, Pooja Bhatt and Shekhar Kapur, have condoled the death of noted author-journalist Khushwant Singh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 99.
"Oh no Khushwant Singh is no more. He made our lives so much richer by his literary contributions. 'With Malice towards one and all'. RIP," Shah Rukh Khan posted on Twitter. Actress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt said Singh led a glorious life. "RIP Khuswant Singh What a life! Indeed what a life! Thank you for your words, your girth and your mirth." Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, "Truth, Love and A Little Malice'. An apt title for a book and for a life! A rare man with a rare capacity to look inwards. RIP, Khushwant Singh." Sandhya Mridul wrote, "Thank you for giving us a lot of truth a humour and a little malice... We loved you! Wish you had made your century... RIP Khushwant Singh." Actress Divya Dutta, who starred in the Pamela Rook's directed adaptation of 'Train to Pakistan', said his demise was the end of an era. "RIP Khushwant Singh! End of an era! Fond memories of 'Train to Pakistan' and the bond I shared with him! Will miss you!" Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur posted, "An Institution says adieu. His final joke upon us. RIP Khushwant Singh." Anchor Mini Mathur tweeted, "Oh. How he takes away with him an era of sassy humour and malice. The bold and bizarre. There won't be another one like you Khushwant Singh. RIP." Actress Neha Dhupia wrote," RIP Khushwant Singh ji...Between the bookshelves and the books you will always be remembered in a corner of our homes and hearts!" Actor-comedian Vir Das urged his fans to read the author's books. "We lost a national treasure in every sense of the word today. Go out and get a Khushwant Singh book. It just might change your life," he wrote. Sophie Choudry tweeted," Legend, icon, such an honour to have met him years ago. 'Train To Pakistan' will always remain one of my favourite reads. RIP Khushwant Singh ji." — PTI |
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Pocket dynamo
First things first, Sadhil Kapoor likes only to be addressed as Captain Tiao at present. He is happy that he can now exercise his favourite pastime — asking questions — not only on his family but on celebrities as well. Playing Captain Tiao on Disney Channel, Sadhil is having the time of his life. In Chandigarh too, he started by asking questions — answering some and having fun posing for shutterbugs.
This Ganesha from the hit series Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, is managing his studies (he is a class 2 student) and acting career (in last two years, he has done four shows and plenty of advertisements) pretty well. Supportive parents — a father who is into real estate business and homemaker mum — juggle their duties to accompany this nine-year-old to the sets. While the mother overlooks the day shoots, his father follows the son on outdoor and night shoots. Here is our chatty host who aspires to be an actor, answering some of our questions. How is it playing host on Captain Tiao? I love it. I interviewed Kapil Bhaiya, Jaaved Jaffrey, Vivek Uncle and many more. I get to meet them and also have fun. You wouldn't believe I ask so many more questions than they show on TV. How was it playing Ganesha on screen? Good. My playing Vinayak on screen and getting Captain Tiao show is Ganesha's blessings only. You know when we shot for Vinayak sequence, they brought ten white real mushkas (rats) on the sets. I had a stick with which I shooed them off; I didn't hit them, they are Ganesha's favourite. What do you like more - hosting or acting? Both, equally. Hosting is easy as for Captain Tiao, I shoot once a week. For Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, I had to go regularly for a long time, which was tiring. How do your schoolmates treat you? What do you like to study? They all call me Captain Tiao, my teachers love me too. I like English. Education is important; I want to become an actor but I would study side-by-side. Do you watch your own shows? I do and plenty more. I like Mahadev too — he is Lord Shiva. Once on a trip to Himachal, I saw Kailash Parvat through the telescope. That's where Lord Shiva lives — seeing that mountain is seeing Shiva. Where do you like to spend your vacations? In Amritsar — that's where my Nani and other relatives live. I have come to Chandigarh many times but this is the first time at Taj hotel. Who are you closest to in your family? My mamma and papa. What are your favourite festivals? Diwali, Holi and Rakhi. mona@tribunemail.com
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Tee off!
Come summer and it's time for the tees. From body-hugging tees to the ones with interesting one-liners for some of the fashion-conscious, summer means the season for tees.
Polo fans Polo-neck t-shirts are popular amongst the youngsters for the collars. "There is a certain royal feel to t-shirts," says Abhishek, a student. Fitness freaks "Perhaps summer is the best time to flaunt your bodies. And t-shirts make it much easier," says another Ludhiana resident. Line magic You can convey a lot through your t-shirt. "T-shirts in summer are perhaps the best way to convey to others "what's on your mind?", says Amit, another student. Colour code This season, printed t-shirts are in. "Although neons are out, monochromes are more popular this time around," says a shop-owner. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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Game on
Get into a cafe for a cup of coffee and you usually find books as well as newspapers lying on the table. And then suddenly, games like scrabble and chess catch your eye. Yes, more and more cafes in Ludhiana have started keeping board games in a bid to woo more clients.
Cafes are the place to refresh oneself and take a break, so what's better than adding more to your leisure time. "It is good that cafes offer such games as it is very refreshing along with some conversation," says Arundeep, a student. Shantanu, who works with a private firm as a marketing executive, generally visits the cafe during the afternoon break with a colleague and often plays a game of chess. "We come out to take a break during the afternoons. As chess is lying around, we lay our hands on it for a game or two. We sometimes play scrabble," he says. Raghav, from a cafe in Ludhiana, says people often come in to play games. It is good for the longer they stay, the more chances are they'd order another coffee or other item on the menu.
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Punjabi
Tadka Jasmine Singh In addition to his singing, youngsters look up to him as a style icon. He is known for his stylishly tied turban and for songs that every youngster in Punjab can relate to. Punjabi singer Ammy Virk from Nabha, Patiala, can be straightforward and absolutely nothing can make him say something he doesn't believe in. His track Date touched over 15 lakh hits on Youtube and his recently released song Bullet vs Chamak Challo has already touched the popularity charts. Ammy can surprise us when he says he is not in a hurry to turn an actor, and neither does he spin a magical notion of why he took to singing. Presenting Amninderpal Singh Virk uncut!
It was my mother who told me that I should try singing. I have learnt it. I am a singer because of my mother and I love her for having faith in me. Had I not been a singer I would have been a doctor. I have done my M. Sc in Biotechnology. Total livewire The energy at live shows is amazing. I like people clapping, dancing and hooting. It makes me an altogether different person up there. To learn or not to learn singing It is very important to learn singing; there is no substitute to learning. I am not a trained singer (he leaves it there). Movies… not so soon People think being an actor after being a singer is mandatory. But I am not in a hurry to be an actor. I will take it easy. I won't jump into it! Singer I want to collaborate with… I would have loved to sing along late Surjit Bindrakhiya. My kinda song Tu ni boldi….by Surjit Bindrakhiya. The best compliment I ever had… That I look stylish and tie my turban nicely. Worst compliment ever… When I shaved my moustaches for my song. My fans criticized me a lot for it. Riyaaz… Well, it is important to practice the art, but I don't do it.
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From the grill
Hometel Hotel, Chandigarh is organising Kebab and Biryani Food Festival. The festival is being organised at the open air Terrace Grill in the evenings. The beautiful ambience of the open-air restaurant lends a perfect match to the sizzling sound of the food.
Celebrate the taste of succulent kebabs and aromatic biryanis with a variety of delicacies in vegetarian and non-vegetarian food that suites all the tastes and tongues. The kebabs and biryanis from North-West Frontier region which include Afghanistan, Pakistan and Northern India, are being prepared by the chefs at Terrace Grill, headed by Chef Sandeep Kapoor. The non-vegetarian variety include zafarani jhinga (prawns marinated in saffron and spices, tenderly cooked in tandoor), shan-e-samandar (whole pamfret marinated with Indian spices and yoghurt), sikampuri kebab (mutton keema tikki stuffed with khoya, hung curd, dry fruits and shallow fried on skillet), Patilae shahi tangri kebab (chicken legs stuffed with chicken keema with Indian spices and yoghurt) Lucknawi methi goli biryani (Lucknowi mutton biryani, slowly cooked in dum). Vegetarian kebab and biryani specialties are Saufiyani paneer tikka (cottage cheese stuffed with sweet tamarind and aniseeds coated with green masala and cooked in clay oven) lajawab shakahari chaps (soya chaps marinated with Indian spices with hung curd), nawabi mavaeaurdhaike kebab (hung curd and khoya, perfectly blended with chili flakes and whole coriander) and shahi anari biryani (aromatic Hyderabadi slow cooked dum biryani with cottage cheese balls and pomegranate seeds). Finish your meal with Terrace Grill signature desserts like shahi badam moong dal ka halwa, Hyadrabadi khubani ka meetha, double ka meetha, pista phirni and pan kulfi falooda. — TNS On till March 30
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Chandigarh ahoy!
The iconic streets of Sector 11, Chandigarh have been brought to life with the new Coca-Cola commercial featuring Deepika Padukone and Manjot Singh playing the quintessential young Chandigarians.
The TVC opens with the young Manjot Singh laying eyes on the desi belle Deepika Padukone enjoying a chilled bottle of Coca-Cola, the upbeat track beautifully echoes Manjot's excitement and thrill of locking eyes with the leggy lass. The excitement reaches its crescendo with Deepika goes across to Manjot and asks him for directions to Sector 11. The ad captures the colourful vibe of Sector 11 and truly embodies the message of 'Choti ho ya badi har khushi mein Coca-Cola'. — TNS
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star track
Anurag Kashyap talks about his first 'proper' commercial film Bombay Velvet which has a budget of nearly Rs 80 crore. He talks about jazz music, challenges, casting and more. Monetary challenges Recreating the world in which jazz and Bombay co-existed. Shooting-wise, I'm a minimalist-I don't spend much on sets. So, if you give me Rs 5 crore, I'll make a film that looks as though it cost Rs 15 crore to make. But what happens when I get an amount so big that I'm not used to it? Well, I have tried to make a film that looks like it took up Rs 200 crore. And that's a challenge in itself. Jazz-y era It almost disappeared by the mid 70s, but it never went away completely. Did you know Mohammed Rafi was a jazz singer who sang in Konkani before his big break in Bollywood? And if you observe closely, Hindi film music in that era was certainly influenced by jazz. A music lover will always find influences, the way I did. City with vices The story, of course. But also because I hate to see a beautiful city transform into something unappealing. Every now and then, we come across a beautiful old building that is pulled down, only to be replaced by a monstrosity. We've basically destroyed a city and my film is about the phase when greed began to take over. Bombay Velvet is basically about a city that is filled with vice. Dedicated soul With his rigorous training and the number of bruises Ranbir Kapoor earned in the process, he's almost like a real boxer now. There was a point when his mother (Neetu Singh) told me that she could no longer see her son get beaten up in the ring. But that's Ranbir - he gives his all to the character. Casting coup No. Aamir (Khan) initially had the script but he got busy with other things. Besides, the project was getting too expensive and I started looking for a younger face in the meantime. So, we went to Ranveer Singh, but we were getting a funding of just R30-40 crore at that time. Fortunately, Ranbir loved the script right away and agreed to come on board. This sorted out a lot of things on the financial front. Things become smoother from that moment onwards. That's when I felt this film would finally shape up my way.
Destination Gaya
Aamir's recent visit to Gaya in Patna has created a nationwide effect. The actor, who started the second season of his TV show Satyamev Jayate, has generated a ripple effect all over the country. It immediately became one of the highest talking points for his show.
The very idea of initiating the journey of Satyamev Jayate from the very spot where a lay man had broke down a mountain all by himself. This concept sank in precisely with the theme of the show. It conveyed what a single human can achieve. The man named Dashrath Manjhi invested 22 years of his life to break the enormous mountain just to create a road for the villagers which made their travel easier. The entire scheme was very well executed which gained massive traction and attention from the audiences across the country. Also, the fact that Aamir Khan had also mentioned the story of Dashrath Manjhi in the first season of the show, it was indeed a surprise to all the viewers to witness the incredible story of Dashrath Manjhi so closely. This one will stay with the audiences as the reactions which have been received on the story have been everlasting. It has definitely created a nationwide impact across country for the message that it has conveyed.
Friends again
Harman Baweja is totally cool with his ex Priyanka Chopra and they chat at times. He has even become thick friends with Shahid Kapoor. They had stopped talking when Shahid and Priyanka started dating.
Wedding bells for Tanisha?
Armaan Kohli has taken Tanisha to meet his family and wedding bells could be around the corner. However, Kajol has revealed that she is not too happy with her
sister's choice.
Holi spirit
Hrithik Roshan celebrated Holi with Farah Khan Ali and Zayed Khan, his brother and sister-in-law. Susanne Khan was nowhere to be seen. Hrithik has maintained a great equation with the family of his separated wife.
Father figure
Actress Shazahn Padamsee is currently shooting for debutant director Mukul Mishra's film Siddhartha in Manali. She will be seen as Mahesh Bhatt's daughter in the film. She says, "He's someone I deeply admire and respect. It's going to be like a dream to have him as a co-actor, especially in the role of my father." The story is about a boy who is lost in the brothels of Varanasi and comes to Manali, where he meets Bhatt's character, who sees Buddha in him and helps find answers to his questions. He is at the lowest point in his life when he comes to Manali and it is here that he meets Shazahn Padamsee's character and falls in love with her.
On discount
Saif Ali Khan usually charges Rs 4.5 crore per endorsement but he has slashed his fee to Rs 1.5 crore for a new endorsement. He wanted to bag it and he does not have too many brands in hand right now.
Nargis upsets Akshay
Akshay Kumar is upset with Nargis Fakhri because she walked out of the remake of Shaukeen at the last minute in favour of a Hollywood project that has come her way through her alleged beau Uday Chopra.
Unceremonious exit
Salman Khan walked out of a promotional title track of Fugly which he had agreed to shoot with Akshay Kumar. The reason, they say, is that he does not like to share the limelight with anyone. Akshay is not happy, of course.
Adieu to erotica
As Sunny Leone decides to shed her past and focus on her histrionics, it turns out that Ragini MMS-2 may well be her last Bollywood "erotica". While Sunny will continue to look sexy in her future films, she will take a break from the Horrex (horror and sex) genre after the release of the sequel. Smiles Sunny, "I am ecstatic at the response that my sexy songs and steamy scenes from Ragini MMS-2 have received. While I loved doing all of this, I now want to explore the actor within me."
Ragini MMS-2 promises to not just spook the pants off you but offer enough sizzle. The makers have left no stone unturned to make it the sexiest scary film. The film's promos unabashedly show Sunny in an avatar not seen before in Bollywood. It has bagged an 'A' certificate thus offering viewers a complete, unrestricted experience of spooks and sensuality. "Sex and horror is a lethal combination. They are proven sellers," says Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures. "When oomph is combined with horror, it creates an entirely new experience for fans of the genre. A sense of arousal only sweetens the view." Concludes Sunny, "Ragini MMS-2 is the hottest film I've made in Bollywood." And coming from her, that's saying a lot!
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chatter box
couple chemistry: Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij
Hardwork pays
Actor Rahul Sharma, who has featured in shows like Kahani Chandrakanta Ki and Teri Meri Love Stories, is currently seen in Raakesh Paswan's Ek Ghar Banaunga, where he plays the lovable Akash. He talks about his role and background. How was your period of struggle? It was very bad and difficult. When I came to Mumbai, I shared a living space with my friend. I was a shy guy and my small town living showed up. I didn't know how to speak English, but I was confident about my acting skills. After close to a year, I got a Vodafone print advertisement. Even for my current show, I had 15 mock shoot and was finally selected. How is your working equation with co-star Ishita? It is very good. From the very first day, we had good tuning with each other. We have a good chemistry. We have contrasting natures, but we get along quite well. There are lot of scenes in the show with a bike. Are you a bike person? Yes, I love bikes. I had never had a ride on a Bullet before. First time I thought it would be difficult, but now I am in love with it. What is your background like? I belong to Dausa, which is the second smallest town in Rajasthan. I have completed my graduation and BSC from there. Who inspires you? My dad and grandfather; they have worked really hard in life. They have taught me how to deal with the ups and downs of life and be a self made man. — HRM
Yaariyan on telly
The first blockbuster hit of 2014, Yaariyan, is all set for its World Television Premiere on Star Gold, on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at 8 pm. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, the film has been directed by Divya Kumar.
Sangram’s back
Wrestler Sangram Singh, who was last seen on reality show Bigg Boss, is all set to return to television. He will be seen playing a police officer in Life OK's show Supercops V/s SuperVillains, a crime-based drama.
Woman power
Zee TV's Doli Armaanon Ki will see a highpoint this week as Urmi will make some bold choices. In the coming episodes, Urmi will detest the men who lie to their wives in order to spend private time with another woman. Urmi will strongly opine that a woman can tolerate anything and everything, but when it comes to lies she is forced to put her foot down. Samrat will not like anything of this and have a major confrontation with her before his family.
Cameo calling
Actor Raj Premi, who will be seen in film Bombay Velvet, is also doing a cameo in Nikhil Sinha's Hatim. He shares, "I am playing a villain who is an out-and-out negative character in Hatim (Rajbir Singh). My character's name is Kirtaaf and he has kidnapped two of Hatim's friends to make his master Zargam happy. Zargam is the ultimate enemy of Hatim. Kirtaaf feels that once Zargam is happy he will give him a good inaam."
Money can’t buy happiness
Bollywood star Aamir Khan, who is currently busy with his TV show Satyamev Jayate, says his monetary earnings from the programme are less but he is enriched by the experience of meeting different people. Aamir feels he earns less as he doesn't do advertisements anymore. However, touching the life of others keeps him motivated. As they say, money can't buy everything!
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New Releases
Producer: Balaji Motion Pictures Ragini MMS 2, a sequel to the hit film Ragini MMS, has been produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and directed by Bhushan Patel. Ragini MMS 2 is also a horror-thriller. The film stars Sunny Leone. The cast includes Saahil Prem, Sandhya Mridul, Pravin Dabas, Soniya Mehra, Anita Hassandani, Divya Dutta and Kainaj Motivala. The song Chaar bottle Vodka, picturised on Sunny Leone and Yo Yo Honey Singh, is already a hit and so is Baby Doll.
Gang of Ghosts
Producer: Ratan Jain Gang Of Ghosts, an adaptation of the Bengali hit Bhooter Bhabhisyat, stars Sharman Joshi, Anupam Kher, Mahie Gill, Parambrata Chatterjee and Meera Chopra. The movie has some beautiful tracks like the peppy number Aala re aala mast bhoot aala, which has been choreographed by Himanshu and picturised on Sharman Joshi, Mahie Gill and newbie Meera Chopra. Aankhon Dekhi
Producer: Manish Mundra Actor-writer-director Rajat Kapoor's comedy Aankhon Dekhi is being touted as a different emotional journey of an idealist in his late 50's. The film stars Sanjay Gupta, Seema Pahwa and Namit Das. A Mithiya Talkies production, Aankhon Dekhi, promises to be different. Lakshmi
Producer: Satish Kaushik, Jayantilal Gada, Elahe Hiptoola, Nagesh Kukumoor Lakshmi, a true story of heroism and extreme courage, a story of a child whose spirit could not be broken, has already won the Audience Award at Palm Springs International Film Festival. The film stars Monali Thakur, Shefali Shah, Ram Kapoor, Nagesh Kukunoor, Satish Kaushik, Flora Saini and Vibha Chhibber. — Dharam Pal
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Astro turf
ARIES: Turn your attention to matters of money today. Go over the figures and see where you stand. If there are problems, discuss them with partners or close associates. Forgive and forget is the best policy.
Tarot message: Follow your path. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 49.
TAURUS: Enjoy a friendly gathering in your neighborhood. Luck is on your side today. With love partners, co-workers and even rivals, you will be
favoured. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action.
Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 64. GEMINI: Listen to your heart, regardless of what your head keeps telling you. Are you doing something to please somebody else at the expense of your
own needs? Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power.
Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 30. CANCER: Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job, which is the best way of boosting your reserves.
Tarot message: Learn from past experiences. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 52. LEO: Older people and family commitments can take up your time. Don't try to dodge your commitments. Children will need extra attention.
Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from coming to your own conclusions.
Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 60. VIRGO: A recent training or practice programme should pay off big-time today. Enter a competition that will stretch your abilities and offer a fantastic prize. Contract and agreements can be
finalised. Tarot message: Try to accomplish longterm tasks. Lucky colour: Golden.
Magic number: 42.
LIBRA: A joint meeting will be held to review the situation and plan a future strategy. Financial gains will accrue through relatives and well-wishers.
Tarot message: Take thing one at a time, instead of multi pronged attacks. Lucky
colour: Orange. Magic number: 55. SCORPIO: Those eligible will decide to get married and obtain blessings of their family. A certain misunderstanding with a close relative will get cleared.
Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom even you don't like them.
Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 65. SAGITTARIUS: Today will be slow moving. Women will pass through a period of depression. Domestic matters proceed well. Financial situation should ease.
Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. Lucky
colour: Red. Magic number: 28. CAPRICORN: Students: you are unlikely to face financial problems. Do not argue with elders. Do not push the point, let it go and you will find out what it is.
Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project.
Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 58. AQUARIUS: You are unlikely to be in the mood to start new jobs. Health can put a dampener on your plans. The best outlet for pressure is passion and romance, so turn your thoughts to love.
Tarot message: Never fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 29. PISCES: Look forward to a fulfilling day. Let your imagination go and enjoy the creative ideas that manifest today. You are likely to be oversensitive towards others.
Tarot message: Try a new off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 44.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is March 21...
You'll have the support of a very diligent co-worker to get out of a complex situation, which requires time and patience. You'll have more intuition and will be able to make the most of current opportunities. You'll spend some unforgettable times with your beloved. Those born in the last decade will be really busy and must learn to manage their time efficiently. Otherwise, they'll be snowed under work at the office. Students will be busy with studies, preparing for forthcoming examinations. Money matters will go well. A romance can spring from a friendship. Positive colours: Yellow, Cream, Purple, Red. Select days: Thursday, Tuesday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, Red coral, Ruby. Charity on birthday: Donate white edible items or dresses at any school or a religious place.
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Singer first 
Television couple Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij are out on their second honeymoon in Las Vegas. The happy couple has been showing off their pictures on social networking sites for some time. Strangely, a few months back, things were not too great between the couple as they couldn't give each other enough time. Looks like the trip to Las Vegas more than made up for it.
You share your birthday with Rani Mukherjee (March 21, 1978), who made her acting debut with a supporting role in the Bengali film Biyer Phool (1992). She began a full-time career in Bollywood with the 1997 social drama Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), which won her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her reel and real life may face some obstacles in 2015.