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More the Merrier
Amar Akbar
Anthony, a saga of three long-lost brothers was a flick that provided more than many song and dance opportunities. It gave us, movie buffs, a chance to applause and whistle for all our fave actors at the same time. That was the 70s when the fad of multistarrer flicks began. It ruled for over a decade with flicks like Mera Naam Joker, Namak Haram, Deewar, Kabhie Kabhie, Sholay and more. Interesting storylines, a pack of actors and foot-tapping music including the John Jani Janardan song that saw ten stalwarts shaking a leg, the trend was a big hit. The trend faded for a while, but the good news is that it is back and that too with a bang. Cut to 2007 and the multiplex are showing multistarrer movies again. We trace the trend of these multistarrer flicks that are ruling the BO today. Lets begin with the actor-packed movies that enthralled us in 70s. Well, the kitsch-loaded 80s saw bigwigs like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Jeetendra who preferred single hero ventures. Was it that they feared the other actor will steal their thunder? One never knows. Then came the dull 90s when the directors didn’t get much of a chance to direct a whole pack. Thanks to the Khan brigade portraying their acting skills, the pricey superstars and the fresh faces who preferred staying away from character roles. Talk 2000 and the Gen-next of Chopras and Johars took charge of the empires and brought back star-studded flicks. Little Johar backed by moolah roped in Amit uncle, Jaya aunty, best buddy SRK, a special friend Kareena... and gave us Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Ghum. A little later KANK, Partner, Heyy Baby, Bunty Aur Babli, Dhol, Dhamaal, Eklavya, Omkara followed, and well, we are still counting. And while we are content spending Rs 150 and watching more than one of our favourite stars on screen, the stars are making additions to their resumes. Some want to step out of their typecast image, remember Emraan Hashmi playing a cop in Kalyug or a Riteish Deshmukh playing second fiddle in Bluffmaster and recently dream girl Hema Malini playing courtesan in Laaga Chunri... And then there are some who think it’s safe to debut with a whole lot of people, rather than alone. There are also some who have accepted the fact that they cannot possibly carry a flick alone. And, as a result we get to see flicks like Dhol, Dhamaal, Golmaal and more. Then there are some productions targetted at the greedy movie-buffs who want more than just many stars. Moviemakers are offering a combo of bunch of multiple stars and multiple stories. The formula for Salaam-e-Ishq was six stories and 12 stars who crossed each other’s paths only for an item number. On the same track is the forthcoming Dus Kahaniyan that has 20 stars including Suniel Shetty, Diya Mirza, Neha Dhupia amongst others. Well, now if the plot of the movie doesn’t allow you to role in many stars, then go in for a starry item number. Remember the trio Bachchans (now) that danced to Kajra Re and the 11 female actors who kept you glued to Heyy Baby. Talk bigger numbers and there is the Diwali slated release Om Shanti Om, which will see 31 stars swinging to Farah’s beats. Well, now that she has broken the records of John Jani Janardan, we are waiting to see who will break hers. But then, one must remember that a multi-starrer need not necessarily send cash registers ringing or audience whistling. For, a Jhoom Barabar Jhoom did fail and sole team led by SRK did win. Well, as of now, we hope to see the numbers continue to
rule.
aman@tribunemail.com
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Here is your chance to show the entire nation that you still believe in the joint family system. And what better way to drive home your point other that getting together with your extended family and dance to the tune of Roop hai tera sohna sohna, a song that epitomised family bonding? However, the best part is yet to come — you also stand to win Rs 50 lakh in that process! Well, thanks to Zee TV, which has come up with this new reality show called Rock-N-Roll Family. Atul Verma, the overall in charge of the team, explains the concept — “It’s a family show that requires all three generations to be on stage. This is the USP of this programme that goes to say that in the age of nuclear families, there are people living in joint families and having a whale of a time.” Surjit Mishra and Rahul Shalkar who are here to judge the contestants emphasis that they are looking for families whose chemistry can be seen on stage. The audition that took place in New Public School-18 on Saturday saw as many as 16 families taking part. —
Parbina
Rashid
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O Sahiba... THINK Sahiba of Mirza Sahiba, chances are that you would visualise her as a tall, plump girl with a classically beautiful face. If you are thinking in today’s world where we are constantly fed with the concept that thin is beautiful, where did this full-bodied beauty concept spring from? Let us assure you; you are perfectly in sync with today’s taste. It is only that we are too used to see Sahiba as the one we just described above, at least on stage. Our Sahiba has a name — Navneet Kaur, who has acted in more than 50 stage shows of different dramatic version of the love tragedy. “When director Narinder Nindi approached me for the role in his production in 2001, I though to myself ‘Sahiba should look delicate and pretty’ but anyway I accepted the role because I loved that character so much,” she narrates. “But my apprehensions vanished after a performance for a Pakistani delegation, when the delegates came up to me and said, ‘You look exactly like Mirza who was also a young, beautiful and vivacious girl’. That was the best complement I have received so far,” says Navneet. Now she is a veteran ‘Sahiba’ after having portrayed the role for Atamjit and Gursharan Singh besides Nindi. “In fact soon I would like to direct my own Mirza Sahiba, which will defy the myth that Sahiba betrayed her lover and then later committed suicide. The fact is that Sahiba died of the shock when she shows Mirza being killed by her brothers and that is the image of Sahiba I want people to remember,” she says. Navneet has already made a platform for her dreams, which she calls Navneet Rangmanch. “Right now I am directing school children for their annual productions, but soon I would do independent productions.” Naveet also has the experience of working with Rani Balbir Kaur, Anjala Maharishi on stage and big names like Shekhar Kapoor (It’s a Different Sunday) and Anil Sharma (Gadar). Impressive, but if you ask her which is her true calling — stage or films, she will surprise once again. “To revive the NGO called CREE (Centre for Rural Environmental Education) which my grandfather had started in 1992. I am trying to bring awareness among kids about their environment through acting,” she informs. Well, do we see our ‘Theatre Age’ guy Zulfiqar Khan finally getting some competition? |
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first day first show IT is not a celluloid sensation against which all other movies will be measured, but it certainly engages you with its freshness of treatment. Not sizzling in scope, not even dynamic in depiction. Yet, the film touches a chord here, tingles a nerve there. Director Imtiaz Ali is not a Rasputin of romance like Yash Chopra, but he imbues his canvas with colours, which are bright. Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor — ordinary, simple souls facing their ups and downs as anyone else would do. The agonised past of one does not yield to the joyful present; the unspoken love of the other is not able to take the form of language. They are not meant for each other but end up together. If you believe in love without making it too mushy, then Jab... is for you. Funny, outrageous, its strength is Kareena Kapoor who fills the screen with her luminous presence. Bubbly and frothy, she lends a captivating innocence to her role. As a girl from Bathinda who tries to perk up a sullen Shahid Kapoor, Kareena’s ebullience makes us forget several inadequacies in the plot. Her encounters with the stationmaster and a bunch of baddies at a railway station lend sparkle to the proceedings. Shahid Kapoor is a perfect foil to Kareena. As a tormented businessman who learns the meaning of life from a vivacious stranger, Shahid makes us sit up and take note of his robust performance. His Punjabi-laced dialogues are spontaneous. How swiftly he switches over from serious acting to tomfoolery is a mystery. The sequences in which he incites Kareena to abuse Tarun Arora for leaving her in the lurch and where he convinces a hotel manager who thinks Kareena is a hooker to give them a room on rent for a few hours are hilarious. As Kareena’s uncle, Pawan Malhotra is impressive. Even after having spent about 50 years in Bollywood, Dara Singh has not been able to deliver his dialogues in proper Hindi. This movie is no exception. Tarun Arora playing Kareena’s lover looks more like a wrestler than a romantic actor. There are several other incongruities. Kareena and Shahid who are supposed to go to Kota by train to collect Kareena’s belongings, suddenly acquire a car and singing and dancing reach Bathinda. Again, Shahid who is unable to locate Kareena suddenly gets her address and traces her in Shimla. A surfeit of needless songs also retard the pace and could have been easily avoided. Forget these banalities and Jab... is a refreshing love story which has the potential of keeping you glued to your seats. Showing
at: Fun |
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OFF beat,
track
At times, it looks like a documentary sponsored by the union health ministry to spread a message about the perils of smoking. At others, it sounds like a flick promoting tourism in Siberia. But every time, it leaves you confused and fuming. At John Abraham for wasting his time and talent on something which does not even perilously comes close to being called a story. As an addict, he looks awkward and mechanically walks through his role. The same holds true for Ayesha Takia who as the wife of Abraham flints in and out of frames at a frenzied pace and looks not more than a glamour doll. Her implorations to Abraham to quit smoking are as artificial as her make-up. Ranvir Shorey as Abraham’s friend is a big bore. However, his encounter with his father in a toilet where he is learning the ropes of puffing is lively. The only saving grace of the film is Paresh Rawal who effortlessly essays the role of the menacing Baba Bengali, running a de-addiction centre called Prayogshala. But enough of your prayogs, Mr Anuraag Kashyap. Your experiment is totally disappointing. And pathetic too. Showing at: Fun Republic, Neelam |
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Carmen Electra left on-lookers stunned when she arrived in a low cut silver dress at Opera in Hollywood for the launch of a new lingerie brand, Rey’s Shapewear. Talking about her ravishing looks, the My Boss’s Daughter star said she wore slim-effect undies, and added that she allowed herself to eat junk food when she felt like having it. “I used to work out everyday and now I kind of try not to obsess over going to the gym every single day. I can allow myself to have junk food when I’m craving it,” she said.
— ANI |
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Write to Renee
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I am 38 and marrying a 42-year-old guy. It is the second time for us. I have two kids aged 16 and 12 years and he has a college-going son. We are very happy together but his son is uncomfortable about us. My daughters are quite delighted. How can I make things better?
Renu Kataria, Understand the apprehensions of this young man. Boys are very touchy about their moms and you will be taking the place of his mother. Reach out to him in a way that he doesn’t feel you are threatening his position in his father’s life. It will not be easy but honestly, it will be worth the effort. *
I’m a 35-year-old single working woman and have been in a relationship with a 44-year old married man for four years. Though he has two kids, he has been telling me that he will leave his wife and marry me. Now he has moved ouy of the city and doesn’t call me often. I feel he is avoiding me. What should I do? Rachna Shrivastav, To start expecting marriage from an already married man is really asking for a heartache. What makes you think he would leave the comfort of his family life? Even if he does, what is the guarantee he will not do the same to you? Muster the courage to leave this situation behind. I do not see much in lingering on with it. *
I am 25 and have been in a steady relationship for four years, but I am paranoid about getting married. I have seen my sister’s marriage break up and don’t want the same to happen to me. My boyfriend has suggested consulting a therapist. Please advise. Sushma Rawat, I feel it would be good for you too go to a professional person and get rid of all your fears. Many people are scared of commitment, but why not take a chance in life? Come out of your emotional hiding. All relationships don’t end up the same way. |
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Art Symbiosis HOW many times you have walked into an art gallery and succumbed to temptation of buying a painting even if it is not your type? Of course, the artistic display and proper lighting do the trick. But then, it works the other way too. There are times you see art works being dumped in a storeroom, because of non-availability of display space in the main hall. And to think what the artist must have gone through to physically transport the creations from his studio to the gallery! But for every problem, there is an answer. And to resolve this one, both our artists and art curators are seeking refuse into the cyber space. E-sale of art is definitely in. Do a Google search, there is saffronart.com promptly connecting you to all select galleries in big cities. In its catalogue, there are over a thousand of original works from India’s established as well as budding ones. If for the artists, the link to a website definitely brings more exposure, galleries end up reaching out to a lot many buyers. Art Folio-9 for one, recently launched its website www.artfolio-india.com. “We did it only four months back and happy about the way things are shaping up,” says gallery owner Vandya Bagrodia. But do people actually select paintings based on what they see on their computer screen? Not really. For Vandya, things work in a combination. “People who come here to buy a painting want their friends and relative to have a look before making the final decision. In that case, the website comes in handy as they just have to give the name and the number of the paintings they plan to buy,” she adds. If a website is adding to a gallery’s sustainability, then it is helping the growth of artists. Former Government College of Art principal Prem Singh, who started his website www.canvasview.com, is happy the way his works are reaching the masses worldwide. “It’s making me more visible in the art circuit,” he says. And what kind of queries does he face when selling? “Buyers mostly want to know what kind of colours I am using,” he says. If individuals are waking up to the trend of being their own marketing agents, is it not going to affect art curators? “There are all types of artists, and most of them are not savvy when it comes to marketing their work. They prefer some professional to handle the commercial side. So, galleries and online sites like saffronart.com are going to survive, no matter what,” says Vandya. True, it is encouraging for artists and galleries too cashing on it, but it has a flip side. “Art galleries need maintenance costs and when we price a painting, these factors come into play. Whereas these online galleries can afford to lower prices,” says Bhavna Kakar of Art Konsult-Delhi. “Besides, with such sites coming up, exclusivity of paintings will be gone. It’s like prostitution of art where one painting is made available to all clients,” she adds. Well, like it or hate it — this trend is here to stay. But before you click to finalise that deal, here is a word of advice from experts — make sure the colour and medium are authentic; a painting in its physical form is quite different from its cyber form.
parbina@tribunemail.com |
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For that royal look THE bridal season has begun with a bang and brides and grooms to-be have begun taking the rounds of shops and beauty salons. With the city springing up new surprises every day there is no dearth of attractive money saving offers. The latest is the launch of a make-up boutique by VLCC. Bollywood and international make-up experts have designed seven different looks - five for the bride and two for the groom. Royal bridal, mystique bridal, royal evening, mystique evening, day look are the ones for the brides and groom royal and mystique groom are for the grooms. Infact, VLCC has designed the packages for the brides and the grooms which include everything from pre-bridal treatments to diet and nutrition, hair and skin, dress and jewellery and physiological counseling. Yet another unique feature about the boutique is the name that is associated with it. Ace designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee is the colour consultant. He will advice the make-up artistes on what colour tones of make up will suit the dress. He will even provide group counselling to families and premier clients. The make-up artistes are no less either. VLCC has got them trained by make up experts from Chanel and Mac othet than leading make up experts from Bollywood. Thinking about the charges? The packages start with Rs 3,000 and go up to a whopping Rs 48,000 depending on whether you choose a three-month package or just the wedding day one. The bridal charges are between Rs 5,000 – Rs 8,000. The inaugural packages will even include a gift hamper that contains a free gift and most importantly a CD with diet, lifestyle, health, fitness, beauty tips and colour consultation by Sabyasachi
Mukherjee. |
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Matka Chowk NOW that Dussehra is over – and the high-tech Ravana has burnt duly –we are waiting for the queen of festivals, Diwali. Last year’s experience has taught me a few lessons and I would simply be foolish not to remember them this year. And this year, I would be a smart survivor. Never venture into Sector 17 after the clock has struck 6 pm. If you do, expect to walk home and pick up your car the next morning. *
If you have to go shopping, especially at a peak hour, make sure you eat a full meal before you venture out for it would take the energy and strength of a Sumo wrestler to execute your purchase. And if you think, you could get a quick snack for fortification, you will be entombed by the time the food arrives. *
Forget about traffic rules and police patrols. Fend for yourself – is the traffic rule of the day and going forward and backwards are both not exercisable options. *
If you want to buy sweets, hit the stores right after your morning walk. If you are unable to do that, hire a young boy to buy your gift packs. Get him to untangle your deepmala also. *
Prepare to be surprised when opening gifts – along with son papdis, floating candles and dog collars will also be found. *
Flex your muscles for responding to 101 Diwali SMS, some of them will tax your eyes seriously. *
When you get the new age diyas, don’t le them get wet. *
Don’t forget to buy milk a day before – things of every day need sometimes magically disappear on Diwali day. *
Get lots of change, you will need it. *
Don’t argue with your maid before Diwali. *
Take your ATM card anytime you step out of the house. *
Get a brand new DVD to watch on the day after, to fight post-Diwali blues. Open a packet of Kurkure and chuck the pedas. Also, don’t forget – this is the time to invoke brightness in your life with the hope of discovering light amidst darkness, achieving happiness in place of ignorance and spreading of love amidst hatred and violence. So, light the lamp in your heart too. |
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Sunday Planner
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food fest is the best thing to happen to a foodie. Manor-26 offers 13 sizzlers and 10 infused combos. While the sizzlers are pretty much the regular fare, new on the menu are Indian, Chinese and continental fusion combos starting at Rs 205. Indian combos include rice, paneer or chicken gravy; sauté vegetables with a papad adding to the Indian feel and taste. Chinese versions includes rice or noodles or both with a paneer hot garlic gravy, spring rolls and sauté veggies. “The Chinese combos are hot and spicy, the Indian chatpatta and the continental rich and non-spicy,” explains chef Prince Kumar Chauhan. Garnished with cut and fried Spanish leaves, neat spring onion flowers and the desi touch of the papad on the Indian combo they sure look mouth watering. Eastern Bonanza
It’s a treat for every home lover. The North East Crafts Fair offers cane and bamboo home products and furniture. Shop for trays, bowls, baskets, contemporary garden furniture, sofa sets, moodas, tables, et al. Do check out the sarees, woven bedspreads, wall hangings, shawls, jute bags and coin purses, bottle holders (an excellent buy if you gift wine bottles) and trinket boxes. And, what’s better than seeing the craftspersons weave wonders right before you? Festive Colours
Adorn your pretty hands this Karva Chauth as Bollywood mehndi specialist Veena Nagda is here with her team of three. Ask for the expert at Ebony and step out with Arabian paisleys or traditional style henna covering your hands. Priced between Rs 200 – Rs 1000 the process is quick as it just takes just 15 – 20 minutes per person. — TNS
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