|
|
|
|
|
Youngsters no longer have to struggle for that one chance. Thanks to reality shows, fame & stardom is just a song away!
It’s not like that anymore. Eloping from ek chotya sa gaon with 500 bucks, getting to Mumbai railways station and then spending the next few nights there. Walking miles to meet directors, producers with a desi sa portfolio or a self recorded tape, getting shooed away and, finally getting picked up by a big shot director, standing next to you at a pau bhaji stall. Ticket to Bollywood was a mehnat wala kaam until lately, when every second ladka aur ladki from a kasba started to get an easy ticket to fame and glamour, through the reality shows. Struggle in Bollywood will never be the same.
Lets see what Ishmeet Singh and Harshit Saxena, from Star Plus’s Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander have to say. In city to gather votes before the finale, the two gave a low down on their show and how accessible stardom is. “We have seen and gone through our share of struggle, says Ishmeet, who has been voted out from the show. We have stood in long queue, waited endlessly for our turn, auditioned to finally get a platform like this.” Agrees Harshit,We had to work hard to get here. This is just the beginning.” Dreamy eyed youngsters; this indeed is a new journey for them- stage, spotlight, constant pressure, grilling judges, harsh remarks and a fairly unfair voting system. Smiles Harshit, the charmer from Lucknow, “There’s a constant pressure to do well, but this is the demand of every competition. On the voting system, adds Harshit, “I sometimes feel it is unfair but at the end of the day, the channels has to make money too. But judges should have more say in such shows. At the same time, I think the number of votes also say a lot about a contestants popularity.” Singers with a rock star attitude, right! Smiles Harshit, “It’s about entertaining crowds, if I sing well and look good at the same time, it will work for me. Especially, when maximum voters are girls who definitely look for a complete package. Why do you think girls are voted out from the show soon”, he smiles. Favouritism on the show? “I can’t say much on that, I am here to sing and perform,” says Harshit. Camaraderie with other contestants? “There is no rivalry amongst us,” Ishmeet takes over. “Everyone is here to win, prove to the world that they are the best. So, it’s human to react strangely sometimes.” And boys, what about studies? “I have enrolled myself in Mumbai’s best college,” tells Ishmeet. “I plan to complete my bachelors in physiotherapy very soon,” adds Harshit. Nice to hear studies figure on their priority list, still.
We rock!
Child is the father of man. Must have heard that and living up to this are the small wonders of television game show kya aap panchvi paas se tez hain- Shreya Sharma and Milanjeet Singh Bhatti. Completely gung ho over fame, glamour, Bollywood, fans, Shahrukh Bhaiya and Rani didi, the two are can put the celebrities to shame wit their extensive future plans and that oh-my-god, I am loving it here attitude.
In city to launch the interactive digital format of the reality game show to mobile and PC platforms, we chat up with the kids who have a nineteen to dozen to say. Hear them out… She shot to fame as Sneha from the hit television serial kasauti zindagi kay on Star plus. Shahrukh Khan calls her his princess. All of 11, Shreya Sharma already has two hit shows and numerous advertisements to her credit. She bowls you with her charm and need we say scripted confidence. Ask her about her experience of working with SRK and she chirps: “It was a dream come true. I am enjoying all the attention I get when people recognise me at the malls.” She is already living a life of a star, juggling studies, shoots and movies. Excited about her forthcoming movie, Thoda pyar thoda magic, she says: “Rani didi is my favouite actress and I loved working with her and Saif bhaiya on this project.” Like a seasoned celebrity she refuses to disclose her future projects. Talking about how she feels on big stars coming to the show and making a fool of themselves, sometimes, she politely says: “ It’s okay for them to make mistakes. If kids can do that why not adults.” Talk of being politically correct and the little one knows it all. But with all the fame and admiration she gets, her career dreams take a turn when she says that she wants to become an astronaut. A glamourous one, we are sure! Another star from the show Milanjeet Singh Bhatti, a student of Delhi Public School, Chandigarh is awed by Shahrukh too. “I gave a written test, after which I was auditioned and then selected for the show. But all this while we weren’t told that we would be doing a show with Shahrukh. I am so thrilled to be with him on the show.” Milan adds: “He takes care of kids and constantly remind us to study well. Not to miss tips in football that he gives us.” This aspiring electronic engineer is full of life and verve. He can win your heart with his cute smile and knowledge. “The only reason why I am on the show is because it’s a quiz show”. Movies Milan: “nahi bus yahi. Yeh intelligent show tha”. If the offer comes from Shahrukh, “well, then soch sakta hun.” And we told you child is the father of man. Indeed. lifestyletribune@gmail.com |
|
On the road
IT is the cheapest way of travelling. And if you have little or no money for public transit, or if there is a lack of transportation, well, then hitch-hiking maybe the only way to get where you need to. Interested in making rah-chaltey friends, then again you can depend on hitch-hiking. Who knows you might even end up finding a date here! Says 23-year-old Manoj Sharma, who works in a call centre: “For me, it’s the best way of recreation. I like to make friends, and this is one way you get to make many.” Not only does Manoj solicit rides from people, he offers one too. He smiles: “I travel to Ludhiana every weekend. I must have given a lift to zillion people by now. Sadly, none of them was a pretty girl.” He stops only for the decent looking ones and never on the highway. On the other hand, Manpreet Bhullar has been really lucky. Laughs this P.U student: “I have never hitch-hiked myself, but, I have given a ride to umpteen girls. The good part is I ended up making friends with most. You know I look reliable and smart, not those gunda types.” It’s not a safe thing to do, we remind him. He says: “Oh, I don’t think so. It’s quiet safe. I give a lift to either girls or presentable strangers. I’ve a strong instinct when it comes to giving a lift.” Heard of hitch-hiking do’s and don’ts. You are going to get ample here, we just got one. Says Mehul Kumar from Sector-30, who oft hitchhikes to reach his office in Morinda: “It is a cheap way of travelling. With the kind of transport system we have, I don’t think I can ever reach office on time.” And how does he hitch-hike? “Simple, cars pass quickly. I use my neat appearance and good mannerism to convince that I am a genuine hitchhiker. That’s it. ” Now who said hitch-hiking was an awkward thing to do? Just smile, act happy and relaxed. Make eye contact, shave your face, and better still bring a woman along. A lift is guaranteed. Pratiksha Chauhan, a student from Sector-21 is another regular hitch-hiker, who likes the idea of travelling with a stranger. But the girl is very careful. She says: “ I don’t end up stopping everyone on the road, I take a lift only from the reliable looking people. Touchwood, I haven’t landed myself in any trouble so far.” She further elaborates: “I prefer to stop a car that has a girl driver. Else a couple or a ‘corporate’ looking guy, are a safe bet.” Now, hitch-hiking is not all that a serious issue, it can be the other way round too. As GCG-11 student Shilpi Kaur narrates: “It was raining hard and a middle aged woman gave me a lift. I sat next to her ferocious dog, but that was not it. She stopped by at every grocery shop looking for brown bread and it was only an hour later that she dropped me home. I promised myself to never hitch-hike again.” Well, so if you are careful, then hitch-hiking can actually be fun and interesting.
|
|
Wrath, Wrath go away
IF a marriage is the alliance of two souls, then argument is the spice that keeps matrimony going till they become spiteful and unbearable! According to recent studies, the health of a marriage is crucial in determining the spouse’s health. Fights -- and the way they are fought -- can make a huge difference to the quality of life. Wait, we are not advocating pouncing on your partner at the first opportunity that comes your way, but please do not act like a dumb spectator. The idea is to vent your emotions: Say your thing and also lend a good ear to your partner. Says Sarita Sharma, a homemaker from Sector 15, “I argue with my husband when it’s important. I don’t do so in order to win or lose a battle. Sometimes, it’s necessary to express your feelings vividly and blatantly. This can give rise to a form of verbal discussion that could develop into an argument. During the first few weeks of my marriage I was too scared to express myself, fearing it could turn into a sour argument. I suppressed my thoughts and feelings and the outcome was nothing great. I used to have major headaches, didn’t feel hungry and couldn’t sleep properly. And then one day I blasted off. And let me tell you, it was such a relief,” she smiles. Contrary to my expectations, my husband was actually happy that I had finally objected to something, she tells. “Definitely, arguments are not bad. It all depends on how you handle the situation.” According to a study on psychosomatic medicine presented to the American Psychosomatic Society, it was found that women who were unable to speak their mind in an argument with their spouses were four times likely to suffer from health issues than those who were able to express themselves freely. So, does this mean couples should constantly fight it out? “Certainly not”, feels Meenakshi Saxena, who works for a pharmaceutical firm, “Debate is not the solution to any problem; it just worsens the situation. I try to avoid arguments whenever I can until it’s inescapable. Then, too, I am careful not to worsen the situation by insulting my spouse, calling names, raking past or going on a silent trip.” At the same time, Meenakshi also opines that couples that argue within limits share a healthy bond. “They don’t go to sleep with a grudge or something troubling them.” Neeta Singh, another homemaker from Sector 36 is of the view that arguments are the key to a good marriage. “A healthy debate or an argument is good as long as you are not shredding your spouse to pieces. Try and talk out whenever you can. Don’t bottle up feelings. It only spoils the relationship,” she says. “I normally give a lot of time before I actually give it off to my husband that too once a while. I review the situation again and again, before I feel it needs to be discussed. And if this translates into an argument, well, then no problem. After all, I am being honest in my expression about something that I don’t like.” Agrees city-based psychologist Sunpreet Dhir, “Healthy arguments strengthen marriage. In fact, they are like an inevitable ingredient. At the same time, both the partners should be careful that they turn it into a battle of ego. Control your emotions and don’t let them rule the relationship. Rest always keep your cool and give each other time before jumping on to anything.” But, it’s not the wife alone at risk. Says Atul Sharma, a city-based businessman, “My funda is live and let live. Most of the times I laugh it off but when the need arises or when we both push each other against the wall, I know it’s time for a heated debate. If it doesn’t happen it’s sure to affect my work and my mood. I end up shouting on everyone in office, I lose appetite and my blood pressure fluctuates till I confront my wife.” Finally, argue because it matters, not to win a situation. It’s important to deal and sort out the thorny issues in a marriage, if only you don’t want them to pinch you time and again.
|
|
In a jiffy
Logging on to the chatting sites while at work, may put you in trouble, but online ‘work-related’ chatting via a messenger, won’t. “I log in to G-Talk the moment I land in office,” tells Sameer working with an insurance firm. His job? “To say a polite hello to all my prospective and current clients,” he tells. So, this way he doesn’t appear pushy and manages to slip a reminder. That’s a smart move. Listen to Rediff user Isha who has just joined a bank. “I’ve a lot of queries, as I am getting used to the game of numbers and targets, so I simply ‘ping’ my seniors at the head office and get my queries answered.” So, is it not disruptive, especially when you already have a mobile and e-mail to handle? “No, it’s a substitute for both,” tells another G-Talk user Hemant. He is into content development and prefers to chat up with his clients rather than waste time in calling them up or composing e-mails. Plus, in-between work chat, one can actually de-stress. “The status messages of the users does bring a smile to the face and then one can intersperse the chat with emoticons,” tells Neena, who changes her status message each day. For the uninitiated, a status message is the one that pops up along your chatting id and can be used to state anything from your availability to how you are feeling that day. Neena also manages to catch up with her friends here, after all you can’t be thinking about work all the time, she justifies. And how else does it help, when it comes to saving time? Instant messaging ensures brief conversations. “It doesn’t need a customary greeting, plus it is mostly in SMS language,” tells Isha. And that’s not all, you can simply ignore someone you don’t wish to speak to! How? “By not replying and letting them assume that you are not at your desk. Else put up a status message Away and reply selectively,” suggests Sameer. Now, if you are one of those whose facial expression says it all, then, this service was perhaps invented just for you. “My colleague need not know that I hate it when he is around, so it helps me hide my real feelings,” quips Sandeep working with a call center. He uses the Yahoo service. What an organisation needs at the end of the day is productivity, right? And If you can do that without those elaborate mobile bills and a migraine free head, then you’ve done it. So, go ahead and ping! purva@tribunemail.com
|
|
Master of Spices
HE fondly remembers his early modeling days with the likes of Annie Thomas, Diwakar Pundir and more. And doesn’t mind sharing with us that the flicks he acted in, years ago, are yet to hit the screen. He even appears comfy being introduced as Rohit Bal’s nephew. Model, actor, chef, and now anchor for Chakh Le India! on NDTV Good Times, Aditya Bal, lets us quiz him till we utter the word ‘food’ for from there on, he takes over. “I’m self-taught. My education in cooking is courtesy, self-experimentation and learning from chefs,” he says. Ramp to kitchen, how did that happen?He has been a part of many fashion shows, handful music videos and advertising campaigns for Levis, Boss, Maruti, Diesel and more. “Sitting at home and waiting for my flicks to be released allowed me to spend time in the kitchen,” he recalls. This was about two years back. Next, he worked in a friend’s restaurant in Goa and found his passion amidst the spices. For the next two years training at various restaurants, he learned more on Italian, Mediterranean, Continental and French cuisine. His fave bit about cooking? “Baking.” He owes it to his maternal grand mom, a legendary baker, as he likes to call her. You can catch him at his Mumbai home and lure him to bake you a pie or two! So what made him a part of Chakh Le… ? “It’s a fine mix of the three things I love, travel, culture and cuisine,” he tells. On the show you’ll get to see him travel around the country, absorb different cultures and try out street food, home recipes and restaurant delicacies. And he is discovering new tastes, especially North Indian cuisine. As for future, there’ll be food shows, experimenting and perhaps his own restaurant too. That sounds like a yummy plan!
|
|
First day first show
De Taali Director E. Niwas would like us to clap for an incredible trio, Paglu (Ritesh Deshmukh), Amu (Ayesha Takia) and Abhi (Aftab Shivdasani). They are inseparable. Their friendship has stood the test of time. They have fun and frolic in a tree house whose walls are full of graffiti. If Abhi is an incorrigible skirt-chaser, Paglu is a prankster. Amu is a sort of matchmaker. The helmsman also wants us to applaud the twist in the story when the entry of a mysterious woman, Kartika (Rimi Sen), into Abhi’s life threatens to tear them apart. Suspecting her to be a conwoman, Paglu and Amu warn Abhi to stay away from her. However, with the latter bent upon marrying her, the two friends in desperation start devising plans to break the alliance. They are ready to do anything to separate the two —even if it means abducting Kartika. A clap for the awesome threesome, implores Niwas. But neither is the director a connoisseur of cooking nor are we cheerleaders. And, the three are awful. So, instead of a taali, we feel like giving a gaali. We pour scorn on him first of all, for garnishing his recipe with a liberal sprinkling of masala — puerile songs, plastic emotions, indifferent dances, and tasteless jokes. Then, for failing to tell us whether it was prepared in Singapore, Bangkok or Mumbai. We are also annoyed with him for taking a dig at RGV and trying to prove that it is better than his former mentor’s dish (Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag). Frustrated at Deshmukh’s clownish antics, Ayesha’s inept comic timing, Aftab’s Devdas act and Rimi’s desperate attempts to woo us by her skin show, we vow to make a sequel, De Thappad. Any guesses for whom it will be meant? Showing at: Piccadilly, Suraj (Pkl), Fun Republic Musty & exaggerated Khushboo If Rishi mistakes awkward grimaces for emoting, Avantika falls a victim to overacting. A scene in which Avantika undergoes labour pains in a park to the accompaniment of vulgar jokes by those surrounding her is in bad taste. It is a week that Bollywood will remember for all the wrong reasons. Showing at: Fun Republic Dard-e-Dil Haal-E-Dil Adhyayan Suman chose to debut with this movie. Papa Shekhar Suman, please take some interest in your son’s career. The film registers a strong visual impact and has a popular musical score. Both lead men show sparks and are sure to be noticed. There was a lot of hype and hoopla over the film but its shoddy writing camouflages the positives completely. — TNS Showing at: Batra, Fun Republic
|
|
Write to Renee
Richa, Chandigarh Emotional problems are the most painful part of our lives. Storing every thing within yourself will make you feel highly stressed. Don’t allow negative emotions overrule your life. There is not much point in abusing yourself with food. The child within you needs to heal. Nurture your being with self-love. Once you begin to feel that, you will let go off the anger and resentment that you’ve been carrying for years. Learn to break free of your pattern then you will naturally release yourself from food binges etc. These are just addictions that you have developed.
Roshni Monga, Chandigarh I think by your age and stage in life, you should be mature enough to know and understand life. If you have made a commitment in a relationship you must honour that. Your attraction to this new man is understandable, after all we are all humans. But, to overrule a childhood steady relationship should take more than just an attraction. Give it time and see how you feel about this new guy. Weigh your pros and cons. Also, remember we cannot allow our emotions to run away with us.
Raghav Survanshi, Hisar You cannot allow your emotions to overrule you. I can understand you parents perspective. They are just reflecting their own insecurity. If you can find a way of re-assuring them of your purpose you will surely be a winner. Definitely, starting a new phase in life with an added responsibility is really not the correct way to go about things. Convince them that once you settle down in your new job and new country you will definitely get married. Just saying that you are depressed will not get you anywhere. (This column appears weekly)
|
|
Little Interview SHE may call herself a tomboy, but the buzz is that she is the next hot Bollywood sensation. A chatterbox, she spends most of her time watching good classics. As for her mantra in life, she believes in going slow. Model turned actress Avantikka is making her debut with Pahlaj Nihalani’s Khushboo. A trained Bharatnatyam dancer, she shared her excitement over her entry into the tinsel town.
Yes. I always dreamt of making it to Bollywood someday.
I couldn’t have asked for a better start. It’s a dream come true. I just hope it does well.
Pahlaj is my dad’s friend and he had seen me in an ad campaign for Dabur. Next, he signed me for the lead role.
I play a bubbly Punjabi girl who lives in a joint family. She falls in love with a South Indian boy and the story moves forward from there.
He is a good actor and has an amazing amount of energy.
He is a genius. He is extremely patient, at the same time very clear about what he wants in each scene.
Shammi Kapoor. — Dharam Pal
|
|
Tune in, Punjabis
WARMEST hearts, largest spirits and the greatest zest for life, that’s how we know Punjabis. Now, imagine getting to watch a channel that brings to you all this and more. Just TV Punjabi that goes on air from Monday claims to be a channel by the Punjabis, for the Punjabis and of the Punjabis all across the world. At the heart of the channel are kingsize programs — soap operas, countdown shows, love stories, horror series, reality dance shows, weekend movies, live events, lifestyle programming and more. You’ll also get to see stalwarts like Kanwaljeet and Poonam Dhillon on the channel.
—TNS |
|
Return of the ex
While news of Lindsay Lohan getting cosy with her DJ pal Samantha Ronson hasn’t stopped making the rounds as yet, the actress is already being wooed by ex-love Calum Best.
The Mean Girls star’s former beau had come down to Los Angeles for his new TV show, Calum: The Best Is Yet To Come, and is reportedly sending sweet text messages to Lindsay! The pair have been involved twice already but remained friends after splitting up, and now with Calum in town the sparks surely seem to be flying again. “Calum can’t wait to see Linds - whenever they meet they always seem to get it on,” said a source. Meanwhile, Lohan and her alleged she-love Ronson, who were seen on P Diddy’s yacht in Cannes, have been inseparable. And now the talks are on for an engagement too.—
ANI
|
|
Sunday Celebration
TUNE in to NDTV Imagine today to celebrate the colours of India. A special event Tyohaar Ki Bahaar will feature on-stage song and dance performances by Shweta Tiwari, Eijaz Khan, Naman Shaw, Surveen Chawla, Chaitanya Chaudhary, Megha Gupta, Krishna and Ketki as they celebrate Basant Panchami, Baisakhi and more. The two-hour special will also provide insights into mythology and superstitions behind these festivals. —
TNS |
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
YOU don’t really like a client, but he is important for your deal. The pretty face at the workstation bugs you, yet you have to ‘spew’ sweet words for normal functioning. Replying to endless number of e-mails each day is giving you e-stress. The ever- ringing mobile is ‘the’ gift of technology you love to hate. Not to forget that your life is a close race against time. Now, what if a click could take care of all your work woes and more…? Welcome to the world of instant messaging service that promises productivity, communication, relief and more, all in a jiffy!
EXPERT cooks (read directors) are away. Their understudies are having a whale of a time. They prepare their dishes with the savoir-faire of their illustrious seniors. While one of them wants us to savour his recipe and De Taali, the other wants us to feel his product’s Khushboo.
ELSEWHERE, someone wants us to enjoy the fragrance of his offering. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. The boy is ambitious. The girl is emotional. He has highflying parents and wants to go to New York. She has a simple family and hates to go to the USA. The girl’s father is initially opposed to the union. But later agrees to it. Ultimately, love triumphs. But does the food smell well? The answer is as difficult to find as the logic behind the preparation. The director is not sure whether he wants to demonstrate the power of true love or the clash between two cultures. Whenever he is in doubt, he puts on strobe lights and goes on psychedelics. The result: pelvic gyrations become the order of the day and the story takes a backseat. Much of the footage is wasted on the fights between the main protagonists, Rishi Rehan and Avantika. Mumbai filmwallas’ idea of a typical Punjabi family is a boisterous group of men and women who are constantly performing either bhangra in their homes and talking of lassi and makkhan or threatening to shoot and kill people at the slightest provocation.
SOME stunning locales, a bunch of new kids on the block and an apology of a script — a disaster from the word go. What did the producer, director and actors see in the script of this film? The writer, Dhiraj Ratan, does not even seem to know the basics of screenplay writing. Even the screenplays of Tashan, Jimmy and Hastey Hastey were better!