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Books & Bollywood With books as scripts, Bollywood is now catering
to both book lovers &
Nobody likes to read nowadays. The rustling of paper has been taken over by e-books. No one has the patience to flip through 300 pages of text to read about the hardships faced by lovers or for that matter, even 100 something pages on a lighter topic like college days. So, as a result what we get is adaptations of these books on 70 MM. Yes, celluloid versions of books is what Bollywood is fancying and churning out for us viewers. Well, so buy yourself popcorns, cola and get ready to flip the pages, oops run through some of the book adapted flicks. Now, the fact that Bollywood is short of original ideas and looks up elsewhere for inspiration, makes sequels, works on remakes and more, is no news. But as far as book adaptations are concerned, it’s relatively new and creditable too. Why? To begin with thanks to filmmakers, today one and all are acquainted with some of the good ol’ classics. We would have remained ignorant of the magic of Sarat Chandra’s Parineeta had Pradeep Sarkar not chosen to translate it on the screen for us. Highly appreciated by critics, it also made Vidya Balan a star. Also in the line was Vijaydan Detha's Duvidha titled Paheli. Sadly though, despite of roping in SRK and Rani Mukherjee, this Amol Palekar’s effort failed at the box office, forget making it to the Oscars. Another hit flick a perfect blend of the director and audiences’ sensibility was Amrita Pritam’s Pinjar.
Talk of acclaimed writers in English and the tinsel town has ensured that their works are not just limited to the students of literature, but Bollywood fans too. Holding the Shakespeare’s flag is Vishal Bharadwaj. The response to Maqbool, aka Macbeth, encouraged him to make Omkara, aka Othello. And, the latter did wonders at the box office. Last year, we also saw the adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s The Blue Umbrella. Also, there was Irfan Khan and Tabu starrer The Namesake, based on a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri and Sooni Taraporewala. And if one was to talk of actors donning author-backed roles, then one name that pops up in one’s mind is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
To her credit are both hits and flops of various adaptations from eternal love stories to fiction. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's Devdas saw her as Paru. Interestingly, this was the book’s third adaptation, first in 1935 and second in 1955. Next, she did gidda as the elder daughter in Bride and Prejudice, courtesy Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Of her lesser-known author-backed roles were Mistress of Spices (Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel), Chokher Bali (Rabindranath Tagore's novel) and Raincoat. And, lest you think that Bollywood is alone that has fallen into this temptation, have a look at the Hollywood scene. The audience loved Lord of the Rings and Da Vinci Code, though many did prefer the book to the flick. Well, no contentions on that. For the child brigade there was The Jungle Book, The Chronicles of Narnia and of course Harry Potter!
The former by Atul Agnihotri will see actors like Isha Kopikar, Amrita Arora and Gul Panag. The rights for Five Point Someone too have been bought by Raj Kumar Hirani, if filmy magazines are to be believed. There is also the buzz that a film on Prem Chand's Kafan is in the making. Well, well, all we can say is that if literary writings can reach to us sans tampering, via the medium of silver screen, then we aren’t really complaining. purva@tribunemail.com
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A poetic voyage Orkut has been in news for all the wrong reasons. Be it for its role in a heinous murder, in widening the generation gap or simply as an addiction keeping the Gen Y confined to their rooms. So, it came as quite a surprise when we logged on to this social networking site (SNS) and came across a group of youngsters who were doing a lot more here than just scrapping or sending requests for friendship. These Orkut addicted boys and girls are the co-authors of a book on Punjabi poetry titled Kose Chanan. Log on to know more about their journey from Orkut to penning the book. It began two years back when 22-year-old Amrinder created a community on Orkut called Punjabi Poetry. Soon, like-minded individuals — Yudhvir, 28 and A.S. Sukh, 25 joined in. The trio began to use the platform to share their views on the degenerating state of Punjabi language and soon roped in many others who were committed to do something for their mother tongue. Well today, the community boosts of 4,300 members in all. Says Amrinder, who is now into web designing in Ludhiana, "We invited people who were either fond of reading or writing poetry." And as they exchanged scraps and shared views on the forum, 13 of them felt the need to take their love for the mother tongue a step further. That’s when the idea of a book clicked. Each of them, writer or non-writer, decided to contribute five poems each, and then get the collection published. As for the theme, tells Sukh, "Imagination, experience or a tribute to any member of the Sikh community dominated." The members, besides the trio, include Harjot (21) and Gurvinder (22) from Ludhiana, Parminder (28) from Mohali, Manjit (26), now working in Spain, Divroop (25) from Batala, now studying in Australia, Damanjit (21) from Patiala, Ibadat (23) from Ambala, Jasleen (25) from Delhi, Saavi (20) from Amritsar and Seema (42) from Amritsar. Each of the members contributed Rs 1,300 each and the book was christened Kosa Chanan, meaning warm enlightenment. Ask these budding poets to name their fave poets and they have a huge list — Amrita Pritam, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Mohan Singh and Surjit Patar. Interestingly, their favourite, Patar released the book in October last year. "We decided to give a credit to Orkut too for getting us together for this noble cause," says Sukh. And that explains the use of the site’s name on the cover itself. "When we joined Orkut we didn’t even know each other and today we are planning to start a society to promote the language," tells Parminder. So, how is the response? "We’ve send a few copies abroad through friends and family," they say. As for the rest, all you need to do to place an order is log on to Punjabi Poetry Orkut and get in touch with the publisher.
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New releases Mithya Starring: Ranvir Shorey Neha Dhupia, Naseeruddin Shah, Vinay Pathak, Harsh Chhaya, Saurabh Shukla Director: Rajat Kapoor After delivering some notable performances, Ranvir Shorey will be seen playing a lead role for the first time. Though he’s played supporting roles in each of his earlier films, his performances have always been appreciated and kept him pretty much in circulation. Finally in Mithya, Shorey plays the central protagonist, who has Neha Dhupia paired opposite him. A quirky comedy, the film has an amalgamation of Bollywood and underworld, told through a comic narrative. It has a brand of humor that has finally come to an acceptance amongst today’s audience. It revolves around a character who wants to become a hero and gets trapped into underworld. Directed by Raghu Romeo and Mixed Doubles fame director Rajat Kapoor, the film has a contemporary script. In fact, Kapoor had the script of Mithya ready with him for nine years. The reason he had to abandon plans for the film and instead opt for other films was that in those days there were hardly any takers for this kind of a subject. The film captures everything the Mumbai film industry is about — money, conspiracy, deceit, betrayal and lies. VK (Ranvir Shorey) has come to Mumbai, chasing big film dreams, like thousands of others. When fate makes him a pawn in a master game plan of the underworld, he unknowingly gets drawn into a whirlpool of events that will determine his future. Then an unexpected accident turns the tables for everybody involved. Now begins a chase that won’t stop at anything. VK is too deep into it now to step back. Unknowingly, he has become an imposter, an imposter who wasn’t. It is indeed rare for a film to make it to the most popular blogs and chat sites after merely one preview screening. Rajat Kapoor directs his most ambitious project yet, a comic thriller that will amuse as well as shock you. Showing at: Fun Republic, Batra Superstar Starring: Kunal Khemu, Tulip Joshi, Aushima Saawhney Director: Rohit Jugraj
And suddenly, the struggler is transformed into a Superstar. Public adulation and unwavering media attention, he receives it all. What would Kunal choose at the moment of reckoning? Truth or dare? Kunal is for the first time working in a movie, where he will be playing a double role. The movie is similar to Halla Bol, My Name is Anthony Gonsalves, Showbiz and Om Shanti Om because it is also based on the background of the Bollywood and some truths related to the industry. There are many other issues brought out in the movie and the action will also depict some good action sense, as Rohit Jugraj, who is famous for his action movie James, is the director of the movie. The promos of the movie show Kunal doing some great dance moves and it is said that he has prepared himself a lot for getting the act right. The movie’s subject is of the genre drama and tries to bring out realities of Bollywood and stardom. Showing at: Fun Republic, Suraj (Pkl)
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Little Interview The camera loves her. With her cute looks and sunny smile, Tulip Joshi makes a perfect model. And guess what, the pretty actress is back to commercial cinema with Shree Ashtavinayak’s Superstar, directed by Rohit Jugraj. Starring opposite Kunal Khemu, the Dhokha girl plays a journalist who sees Kunal’s rise from a nobody to a superstar and how it affects their love. What excited you about your role in Superstar? I was very excited working with director Rohit Jugraj and Kunal Khemu. I’ve done a commercial movie after a while and have thoroughly enjoyed it. What are the nuances that you have brought to your character? My character of a journo in Superstar is multi dimensional, extremely refreshing and lovable. Tell us something about the chemistry that you share with Kunal Khemu? I have been a fan of Kunal ever since I saw Kalyug. He is a brilliant co actor, someone with a mindblowing sense of humour, and is very helpful and grounded, despite being a volcano of talent. Though Dhokha won critical acclaim, it got a lukewarm response commercially. Did this disappoint you? When I read the Dhokha script, I knew it wasn’t going to be a commercial film but the subject was an excellent one and I am proud to be part of it. For someone who shot to notice with Matrabhoomi, are you still awaiting your due? My due? I’ve received much more than my due in life. I was launched by Yash Chopra in a commercial hit, Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, then got critical acclaim with Matribhoomi, and am now in the Ashtavinayak film Superstar. These are some of the biggest banners in the country, what more can I ask for? I am getting more than my share of fame and fortune and am very grateful for it. I am working hard to be worthy of my good fortune. What is it that keeps you going despite the high pressures of this profession? I’ve never been a part of the rat race. I balance my personal life with my professional life and so don’t feel pressurised. What is your USP in an industry that sees new talents everyday? I think that I am one of the very few actresses who pull off a glamorous mainstream commercial role (as you will see in Superstar) as easily as I do for intense parallel cinema. What is your plus point as an actress? I like doing emotional scenes. I think I do them very easily, though there’s always a little nervousness every time I go on the sets. But then, I get so involved in the whole process. Tell us something about your forthcoming projects? Oh! I am doing three other films presently but you are going to hear some big news very soon. — Dharam Pal
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Youth speak FILTHY has always been the synonym for the game called politics. And who calls it so? The youth, the one who is expected to react, is merely whiling away time by commenting on the state of politics. The expectations are from the youth who is not ready to act. They have high ambitions for glamorous careers and keep on blaming the country for not providing paramount services in all spheres. They have their own ways of working for the nation. According to them, if they work for MNCs, they are giving good enough service to the nation by ensuring its progress in technical or other related fields. But, they are reluctant to understand what the nation expects out of them. To clean the dirt, you have to soil your hands in it. This is what the masses are least interested in doing. Who cares where the country is heading, we are only concerned with our vicinity and ourselves. If all presume that there are many to work, who is eventually going to work? No one. Take an example of all those cribbing about the political parties. If they think that the parties are reposing and not working for the well being of the common man, then they should go ahead and become a part of the process to cleanse it. Joining politics is considered a waste of life and caliber, but this remains a clichéd thought. Efforts is all that is required to clean the dirt of politics and make it an arena where the benefit and promotion of the nation necessitates people participation, which in turn is going to be beneficial for them and the posterity. Feel strongly about something? If you are under 25, this is the forum for you. Mail us your views in not more than 300 words along with a passport photograph at lifestyletribune@gmail.com
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Fire starters! Keep nippy nights at bay by tucking yourself into bed & cosying up to the warm glow of fireplaces
Nothing beats being snug like a bug in a rug in winters. Whoever said this, probably forgot that when you are in the middle of the coldest days of the last 16 years, rugs and coats simply aren’t enough. Especially so, for a city like ours, that’s facing biting frost even in February! With the sun refusing to smile down upon us, are quilts the only refuge? Well, not exactly. For, the city is cosying up with heart-warming fireplaces. The romance of sitting by a fireplace on a soggy winter evening is indeed reviving in town. While many among us associate fireplaces with nostalgia and an European decor, there are people like PJ. Singh, who never fell out of love with the fireplaces. Having installed a Roman fireplace in the sprawling living room of his three-canal house in Sector 33, this city-based industrialist shares a unique bond with his fireplace, " While the market today offers an interesting array of modern, electrical fireplaces, I could never get over the original ones that come with a chimney."
The walnut coloured wooden fireplace with firebricks, log units and tongs installed in his room has been adding glow and warmth to winter dinners. But isn’t it cumbersome, we can’t resist asking. "A little, as it takes two hours to warm up the room walls. Also, one needs a lot of space to install these. But then, the cosy comfort it provides when lit and the aesthetic beauty it lends to the room when not lit, makes up for it all," chips in the avid traveller. He’s got this fireplace costing Rs 38,000 embellished with delicate carving, handmade tiles and display cabinets. Accompanying it are custom-made regency chairs. However, the man is also installing the new-age electrical fireplace, "Though it doesn’t match the romance of the real thing, it’s faster, convenient and mobile." Avers interior designer Supreet Dhiman from Woodcraft-Mohali, "Modern day fireplaces are the electrical heaters. Fashioned like fully functional fireplaces, these are priced between Rs 10,000 and 16,000. " But then, why prefer them to normal room heaters? "These are not just heaters but pieces of art that enhances the d`E9cor of the room," she smiles. Plus, these chimneyless and pollution free fireplaces can be easily shifted from one room to another. And filling us in on the kinds of fireplaces available in town is interior consultant A.P. Singh of Besten & Co, "Fireplaces are available in wood, marble and stone. While wood can be crafted esthetically to complement the interiors, stone and marble take care of the safety feature in a heat emitting log fireplace. These warm up in 20-25 minutes when switched on and another advantage with them is that one can opt for just the coal effect minus the heat when it isn’t too cold." Chips in retired IAS officer D.V. Bhatia, who installed an electric fireplace at his Sector 21 house last year, "As people are moving from gaudy interiors to minimalist d`E9cor, the fireplaces too are getting modern, clean-lined and classy." His walnut coloured Victorian fireplace is a combination of solid teak and granite with hand-painted floral motifs on columns and was bought for Rs 10,000. "The fireplace forms the heart of my drawing room, especially along with the Queen Anne wing chairs and coordinated tables, sofas and camisoles," he says. Well friends, how about getting charged as a Duracell bunny this chilly season? So, kick start those frozen knees and head for these fireplace hubs in town. It sure won’t be a winter of discontent! anandita@tribunemail.com
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Certified Glitter Says chief executive Karanvir Singh, “Hallmarking gives confidence to the customers that they are buying a certified thing.” Special lifetime upgrade facility and return guarantee is what Anaha has to offer. Hallmarking also assures maximum return on resale of jewellery, besides purity of gold. Apart from traditional jewellery, they also have kundan work on coloured stones to offer. The variety including rubies, emeralds, turquoise and more. Bold stones like brandy citren with traditional designs and piroi work is another attraction. “Piroi work is a detailed form of kundan work where pearls and stones are woven with gold”, tells Simran Singh, director jewellery design. As far as the prices are concerned, one can buy a kundan set for as less as Rs 2,000 or as high as Rs 2 lakh. lifestyletribune@gmail.com
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Sidelanes BRIGADIER Vinod Uppal and his lovely wife Raj complement each other perfectly. Perhaps this is because they were born on the same day. Their combined birthday party was the epitome of gracious living, sophistication and gentility. Neither had told us of the occasion but the cake we took seemed appropriate when we looked at the bouquets and the reflected glow on their faces. The guests were from the Army too. Surprisingly, I had met some of them earlier in my fauji avatar. It was encouraging to see them living life to the full in Chandigarh. Most looked confident, fit and ramrod straight. In true army style, they made light of aching knees, frozen shoulders, tennis elbows, accidents, and disabilities. The wonderful Forces camaraderie resounded in their laughter. `A0When General V.P. Malik and his wife Dr Ranjana walked in, I realised how young they still are. He has an enviable mane of peppered hair and a slim figure. She is a live wire with the grace and humility to put all at ease. If the hand that rocks the cradle creates geniuses and fools, an Army officer reaches Olympian heights with the wife always standing just behind him. All the wives I met have settled into active routines. Jassi told me about the goodness of Three Guard Ignatia, which sounds like ambrosia for the aged. Pritika is into TV films at Chandimandir, mirroring the lives of our faujis and their families. This is sorely required for the civilian population to realise how tough yet fulfilling army life is. Yogi was off on promotion to Tezpur. Their lovely daughter Yuvika is studying psychology. I hope she will use it for the benefit of our soldiers along the border, who often succumb to stress and loneliness. Pritika will have to stay back for the children, but looked very cheerful about it. Does anyone realise how much family life is sacrificed for the country? My son left the Army when he could not bear to be away from his wife and two babies. Within three years of leaving, he is working for TCS in the UK at eight times the remuneration. Is it not time our country realised that only patriotism and ancestral ties cannot propel youth to join the services?`A0 Considering we have the man/woman power, the logical conclusion would be to compensate`A0adequately to make life in the forces an attractive option. All of the above ranting strengthens the idea that those who are serving in the three Defence wings are very courageous, disciplined, hard working, talented and dedicated. Others, globally, are recognising and accepting this fact and literally paying for it. We, in India, are letting this national treasure slip through our fingers. The evening ended on a sweet note. Raj’s cheesecake is one of the best. She insisted it went watery but somehow it tasted better. It was good to celebrate with dear friends and to meet some of the best in the country. I do hope we all appreciate what they stand for!
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Australian singer Kylie Minogue has slammed rumours that she and ex-boyfriend Olivier Martinez have rekindled their romance. The 39-year-old singer addressed the rumours at the launch of her new bed linen range, and said she was not starting a family with the French film star. The duo was clicked together in Paris recently, one year after their break-up. “I had dinner with my ex-boyfriend and next thing I know there’s a debate about whether we’re having a family. We didn’t even talk about that. As I’ve maintained, we’re friends,” Kylie said. While she was in Paris, she was pictured arriving at Martinez’s Paris apartment and they were also seen walking back to her hotel on the Left Bank Next day, the couple was seen taking Martinez’s dog Sheba for a walk, and when the pop star was back to London the next day, she was welcomed by rumours that the pair was back together and considering marriage and children. — ANI
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If the accelerator pedal in the car is too flat and positioning of the foot is nearby parallel to floor, load on calf muscle is increased. Therefore it should be positioned at right angle to the ankle. — Dr Ravinder Chadha
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TAROT TALK ARIES: The Ace of Pentacles will fill you with confidence and help you realise your dreams. The things that you have been delaying will now start to show results. Brimming with energy, you know that you have the ability to be a leader. Lucky Colour: Cherry. Tip of the week: Arrogance will not be rewarded. TAURUS: Strength card reveals this would be the week of love. Single and attached Taureans would both enjoy the warmth and passion of love. Relationships would improve and you would be able to relate to others with sensitivity. Work would move smoothly. There may be some conflict regarding property. Lucky Colour: Golden. Tip: New offers must be put on hold, as their outcome is uncertain. GEMINI: Your card The Moon shows emphasis on money matters and it is essential that you don’t get drawn into speculative ventures. Avoid lending and borrowing of money. Your spouse or partner would be understanding and supportive. Some of you may plan pleasure trips. Lucky Colour: Sea green. Tip: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. CANCER: The Emperor shows you believe in taking care of issues right there and then. However, you need to get others to see your point of view too. On Monday you would be filled with energy make the most of things on all fronts. Lucky Colour: Light brown. Tip: Frankness remains your strong point. LEO: In this week you draw Queen of Cups and it would be wise for you to be cautious. Be focussed on the tasks at hand. Relationships would be warm. Wednesday would be your lucky day. Money would not be too much of a bother. Lucky Colour: Brick red. Tip: Perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. VIRGO: Knight of wands shows many of you would have to work doubly hard, since co-workers will not be helpful. Businessmen should be extra vigilant. Family would bring joy. Single Virgos may receive a suitable alliance. Lucky Colour: Forest Green. Tip: Leave the past in the past. LIBRA: Nine of Wands reveals that your tendency to be stubborn may lead to difficulties at work. Businessmen should submit tenders. Use the weekend to meet new people. Lucky Colour: Midnight blue. Tip: Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact. SCORPIO: Your card The Hierophant shows most of you have been working too hard lately, so its time to relax now. It is advisable to change certain old habits that may be causing problems in relationships. Financially, there would be some respite from spending and also sudden windfalls. Pay attention to your health. Lucky Colour: Lotus pink. Tip: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. SAGITTARIUS: The Priestess shows this would be quite a productive and profitable week for most of you. Socially, friends and family will keep you busy. Finances would be strong, however curb spending extravagantly. Unexpected guests may take up time. Lucky Colour: White. Tip: Balance in all aspects is recommended. CAPRICORN: The Three of Cups shows that the atmosphere would be light and optimistic. You may get some positive news at work. Some of you may make travel plans with your beloved or family. Finances too show a promising trend. A good week to buy or sell property. Lucky Colour: Pink. Tip: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. AQUARIUS: You draw The Five of cups, which says someone could try to outshine you at work. Some of you may get news of a promotion or increase in responsibilities. At home, things would remain placid. Lucky Colour: Green. Tip: Focus on professional changes. PISCES: The Star the card responsible for activity at work will keep you on the move. However, you would need to balance this with your personal commitments. Playing outdoor sports would stimulate your body and mind. Lucky Colour: Cherry. Tip: Don’t involve yourself in more than one activity at one time.
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Anyways, back to apni
Mumbai, let’s see what the times ahead have to offer. If you read and
re-read Chetan Bhagat’s One Night at the Call Centre and Five
Point Someone, then get ready to see its celluloid versions.
If you have a dream, protect
it, even from yourself`85 Superstar is an action drama based on the
reality of the entertainment field. Life’s essentially about choices.
Kunal (Kunal Khemu) defines the youth of today – he dares to dream of
making it big in Bollywood one day. Kunal wears the tag of a Bollywood
struggler lightly, as he knows it is only a matter of time before he makes
it into the big league. Until, that is, life decides to play a prank on
him. The entry of the rich, debonair, Karan (Khemu), in Bollywood as well
as his life, crushes all of Kunal’s dreams.
If opting for outdoor fireplaces consider lightweight concrete or painted/plain ceramic tiles.
KUNDAN jewellery has changed, dominated, and now we know it is here to stay. For, we in the city now have the country’s first and only 100 per cent Hallmarked kundan jewellery store. Anaha-17 now holds the licence from Bureau of Indian Standards to sell hallmarked jewellery. Hallmarking is the certification of purity of gold granted by a government-approved agency to jewellers.