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Role on One can never get over the nitty-gritty saas-bahu issues. But with some latkas and jhatkas from the all too familiar ghar ki tu tu main main, Tuesday saw Krutika Desai, Jayati Bhatia and Manva Naik, the famous telly mom-in-laws, in the city. Ashima Sehajpal talks to the trio about the show Saas Vs Bahu… Kaun Kisse Nachayega and the latest television trends.
“Television just can’t get better. We have the best things being aired to entertain audience,” says Krutika. Two decades old face of television and theatre, she says, “it is after a long time that I has found something interesting to be a part of television.” So how difficult is it to dance? “Daily soaps hardly leave me with any time for rehearsals, but then this show is one rare chance to try something out of the box. And the enthusiasm to perform is so much that I don’t mind practicing for hours together.” Proud to be associated with the golden era of tv, she blames the producers and audience for the saas bahu fixation, “Even if a somebody dares to introduce a fresh concept, the audience rejects it and TRP’s suffer. The channels in turn pressurise the creator to follow the tried and tested formula of saas- bahu battle and vampire’s shrewd games.” But on an optimistic note she adds, “The bubble has to burst as viewers are getting an overdose of these soaps.” The actor who has also done theatre preferred to stay away from the TV for a couple of years for the same reason. “I was left with no other choice, as in television either you have to do it or you quit. I couldn’t bear playing the same characters, so I took a break.”
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After playing the role of sasuma in numerous soaps the actor is excited about doing the same on the stage. Seen in Virasat and Kucch Is Tarah, Jayati Bhatia is having ball these days, “I am a trained Odyssey dancer and that makes me love this art. But then it hasn’t made anything easy, as we have to try at hands at every dance form from salsa to hip-hop to folk.” So what made her grab the offer? “The show had the concept that was offering a much sought after relief from the old so boring storylines. Also you get to perform with your friends under one roof.” While expressing her disappointment with the deteriorating quality of entertainment that television offers, she adds, “Nobody is ready to experiment and everybody opts for a safe path. If a mythology soap or a reality show becomes a hit, then all producers vouch for similar masala.” So is TV doing any good to the viewers? “Yes, at least they get to know, the jewelry which is in vogue and blouse designs that can render a chic look to saris,” quips she. Even with her kitty full of offers, the actor makes sure to be a part of theatre. “In times, when an actor is required to play the same roles again and again and there is a minuscule scope of any innovation, theatre assures satisfaction.”
A participant from the younger brigade of bahus, this actor is making sure that television does not bog down her acting spirit. Manva Naik seen in Teen Bahuraniya and Baa Bahu or baby says she is very particular about choosing a role in daily soaps, "The characters that I am playing in different serials have different shades and I am enjoying it thoroughly." Besides, she will be shortly seen making her debut in a Marathi flick. And she has all praise for this dance show, "Audience will connect to the show as it is showing the saas bahu relation in a different way. Also the USP of this show is the age group of participants which varies from early 20's to late 50's and even some are in 60's."
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Podcasters & piety
Faith as a fad? Gone are the days of our forefathers when religiosity was a personal matter. Flaunting more than following is the new buzzword for Gen Y. For, many of our brand-conscious youth like to wear their beliefs on their sleeves too, rather literally. Take Anjali Soni, a mediaperson, for example. The damsel does not believe in keeping her faith under wraps. She likes to wear it not just on her sleeves, but all over. Anjali has a kurta with the name of her favourite deity written all over. Even her jewellery pieces are all about religious symbols. She says, "For me religion means freedom of expression, to go to any place and to believe as you want to." She is not the only one. There are many others who like to Some like to wear their faith for its sheer style quotient. As Purva Gupta, an ex-student of Panjab University, has a fetish for pendants that have deities and religious symbols. She says, "I have one with the Swastik and the other one with picture of Ganesha. They are real cool and make a style statement." No wonder, she likes to keep them not just to herself, but gift to her friends too. Here, faith is all about fashion and flaunting it too. But if you thought it was all about trend, think again. There are many who like to be in touch with their spirituality, but in an innovative way. Take Shivangi Aggarwal, a law student at PU, "You have to keep the traditions alive in some way. I have a lot of other stuff too that have deities and religious symbols on them. Trust me, it's not only because of their style factor. I am a traditional person, I like to stay close to my roots." She agrees though that it does make one stand out in the crowd. She is not the only one, there are many who offer similar reasons. As Roopa Khanna, a BA final year student from MCM College, says, "I am a very religious person. In fact, every one is in one way or the other. My faith gives me mental satisfaction." Well said. This trend of wearing your beliefs and faith open and loud is a trend that's certainly here to stay. But then who is complaining? Things like spirituality and religion, after all, need to be explored in all their
dimensions.
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Maggi & midnight masti
Life means a lazy evening, four friends, mild rain and unlimited cups of coffee. Life means one prep leave, one night, one book and eight duffers. And life means Maggi, a hostel room that is abuzz even at 3.25 am and loads of fun! If you think these lines are from the latest SMS circulating these days, think twice. These lines come straight from the heart of any hosteller living in any of the university hostels, where 3 am snack parties or midnight meals are accepted culture. Don’t panic. Hostel canteens have not run out of food supply, but there are rules to follow. Hunger pangs often strike after mid night and most of the hostel canteens close down by 10. Then again worry not, youngsters have mouthful of options. Shares Sukrant Bhatia, a media student who stays in Meher Chand Mahajan hostel, “We splurge on paranthas when midnight hunger pangs come calling. Our favourite eat out is the PGI canteen. At night, it has more students than patients.” And then the dhabas in Sector 15 market and the bus stand act as the lifeline for us famished lot.” But there are those who want to enjoy their meal in their room. There are plenty of options available for those too. Says Mahesh Patel, a PU hosteller, “We stock our rooms with Maggi, chips and ready-to-eat food. Sometimes, we get the food packed from outside beforehand for our midnight feast.” But apart from the usual, there are some who like some thrill with their meal. Like this group of boys from PU, who like experimenting. “Though it’s not allowed, every now and then we cook in our room.” They echo. And who’s the cook? “My friend cooks yummy soup and then we experiment with eggs and the good old Maggi.” What about getting caught? “Not really, as we lock the room from inside,” smiles one of them. Well, talk of some real hot masala! While most of the guys prefer to go out to gorge on, girls make do with whatever is available inside. Swati Acharya, from Kasturba Hostel, says that buying things beforehand from the hostel canteen takes care of their late night requirements. “Since we are not allowed to go out at night, we have to make do with biscuits and other munchies at night,” she says. But then there are some daredevils who know how to add spice to their food as well as the hostel life. Like this girl from PU says, “Once we asked our friend to get a pizza for us and when he came, we told our warden that my father has come to deliver some emergency medicines. Kya karen, paapi pet ke sawaal hai!” With girls, we have some healthy options too when it comes to stocking food. Shares Shreya Sharma from GCG-11, “I make sure I have some extra stock of fruits or milk in my room. It provides for my hunger as well as keeps my diet in check.” Agreed. Since, we know that midnight snacking is not considered good for health. But then, when hunger strikes, who counts calories? And what rules? Midnight snacking with friends is like an adventure, sometimes with a tinge of a masti and an easy way to test our culinary skills too.
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Monday no motoring
The word pollution is not new to us. Nor is traffic congestion. Visit Panjab University on any day and the words take on a different meaning altogether. It resembles Delhi’s Connaught Place during rush hour. Guys zipping on their bikes and scooters or showing off their SUVs. There are regular jam sessions, no not the musical type, but of the honking type. Keeping in view the increase in the traffic on the campus, the authorities had earlier decided to call for a No-Vehicle Day but it’ll be implemented now. “It’s a voluntary call for one and all to observe a no-vehicle day every first Monday of the month. It’s like an awareness campaign and all departments have been informed about the move,” says Prof Naval Kishore, dean student’s welfare. Till now, it has met with a mixed response. We dig in for the student’s take on this move. Green Ho
The city is synonymous with greenery and when it comes to Panjab University, it surely wins hands down. But the menacing traffic is eating away the charm and serenity of the campus. Agrees Sukrant Bhatia, a student of the Department of Mass Communication, “Though bringing your own vehicle is hassle-free, it also means noise and air pollution. If you look at the larger picture, one day sans vehicles would make a huge difference in bringing down the pollution level here on the campus.” And with all the talk about saving the environment, it’s a welcome move. Sakshi Kapoor, a fine arts student, seconds the opinion, “It’s all about making a start and the rest would follow. If we really want a more eco-friendly campus, then more such initiatives should be taken.” Pocket friendly
With inflation eating away everyone’s budget and fuel prices skyrocketing, one day less in your fuel consumption is worthy enough reason to bring out a smile. Shares Sameer Sharma: “With price hike, maintaining a car has become real tough. I am delighted that for at least for a day, I won’t have to bother about filling up my fuel tank.” Agreed. It’s a win-win situation as less fuel means more saving. Sure your geri route routine might suffer for a day, but then you can utilise the saved fuel money on your date! No noise
With one day less of honking and that mad rush to get a parking slot, you can enjoy the campus on foot. And it is healthy too. “Walking is so much fun. Thanks to the show-off culture, now everybody wants to flaunt his or her swanky cars,” feels Naina Katoch, a chemistry student. Well, for now Monday is your foot-march day. So, you don’t have to slog it out at the gym. Not game for it
Despite all efforts, there are some who think the other way. “One day without a car in the university is almost impractical. Without much options available, it may not find many takers,” says Jaskaran Singh, a chemical engineering student. He adds: “And since it’s not mandatory, I do not think it will work out.” The authorities feel otherwise. Says Professor Kishore, “Since we have residential area on the campus, it becomes difficult to enforce this rule as mandatory. But it is a step towards making the campus eco-friendly.”
Well, the mantra for the success of the ‘global cool effect’ seems to be — think global, act local! |
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See you in September
And the promise of the Happenings to See you in Should you sing in praise of September in Chandigarh as the velvety translucent blanket of soft cottony clouds gently recedes towards the snuggling mountains for you to wake up to a bright sunny day? If the seemingly inconsequential question has just popped out into your head on the first day of September, just hop on your jaunty lil’ car and zoom around. A city and its crowd beaming in the September sun will come back with an answer to say the month calls for carousing in Chandigarh too. The geri route blooms with budding professionals blossoming in teeny-weeny skirts with bright floral prints. Loathsome tan’s fear haunted them all during the summers, but is the last thing on their ever-shifting minds, now! Rain, washing away the crispness and poise of their apparel, too is an apprehension of the past. As the sun’s oblique rays, at last, heartens them to shed ever-shielding cotton jackets, even waterproofs, they team the stuff with good backless tops that expose a daring-do attitude. It’s more of less all around, like it was never before. Take a turn towards the green belts touching the route. Youngsters commemorate the summers of their lives in the not-so-hot weather. Here… there… everywhere…. Reposing on the front seats of their semi-limousines parked in the ‘valleys’, they curl their legs out of the open doors as the gentle, not-so-humid, breeze caresses their fair visages, blowing away the dire need to sit in air-conditioned joints. The plummeting roots of gigantic trees, that have withstood the vagaries of weather, serve as swings as the younglings sway towards pleasure, oblivious of the clock that’s silently ticking. Go to Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Lesiure Valley... anywhere. As you tread on the track to charm, little birdies excitedly chirp into your ears, telling you its time to rejoice seasons in the sun that’s not exactly overhead. Look around and you see little green hedges standing pompously; all washed up. They have turned luminous, actually. It’s like the limelight has caught them proudly in their glorious act. As you walk along the parapets of cobbled stones on Sukhna Lake, the sight is simply out of this world. The animated waves, energised by the mountain winds, breaking against the footsteps with little patience only to move back and attack again; the bright and cheerful boats popping up and down, playing with the multi-directional breeze; and couples walking towards romance, their hands held in tight grip — it makes you wish September stays.
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So dated!
Not so long ago, Misha saw Prateek in front of Kiran Theatre. They knew instantly…they were meant to be together for the rest of their lives. Glances, smiles and numbers (both landline and residence address) were exchanged. And then came time for the most important question (apart from I LOVE U), which would decide the fate of their ‘just beginning’ relationship. Let’s meet. Ok. Both desperately wanted to. Decided. Wimpy’s at 11 am sharp. Let’s make it Hot Millions. Or, let us keep is at our friend’s place. How about a long walk at the lake or a stroll at Leisure Valley? Whatever, meet we must. So, the new love met at Hot Millions, talked and talked and we found them talking at the marriage altar also. Oh! How sweet. That one date in the perfect city led to a life-long relationship between Misha and Prateek. It was then, but now sadly, there aren’t many places that can be called the perfect spots for a date. So what do you do if you met your dream partner and have to him or her out for a real date in the city. Tell us people… “I haven’t thought about it actually,” smiles Diljot Kaur, a student at GCG-11. She ponders. “Well, there isn’t any place where I would like to take my guy for a date. The cafes are always flooded, gardens and park is a tacky idea, and driving around the city is such a foolish thing to do”. So, where will she finally go, if she has to? “In that case, I would go to Panjab University. Park our vehicle in front of the Law Department and just chat up as long as we can, without the fear of being seen by parents and relatives.” Our very own PU and Stu-C zindabaad! Diljot is not the only one who would prefer to maaro a date at PU. Saksham Chaichi, working for pilot training programme, finds PU as the best place for a serious date. “You can sit just about anywhere in the PU and I’d prefer the AC Joshi Library. I find the place quiet romantic.” But why PU, we ask these two. They tell us that it is any day better than going for a movie at the PVR or having coffee at Café Coffee Day. All these places are crowded. Forget about privacy, rather there is a constant fear of being seen by someone you know. For some the focus has shifted from the PU campus to Stop ‘n’ Stare, the CITCO run restaurant in front of the Government College of Fine Arts-10. Youngsters find the place apt for a quiet date. “It’s an interesting place for a date. Go there in the evenings. It is so much less crowded at that time.” Now we know why so many stories start on the campus. Off late, some freaky youngsters have discovered a brand new place for a date. “The Jayanti Devi Dam,” offers Gautum Sharma, Anuj Gupta and Tarundeep Gill. “You will not find a single good place in the city which is date key layak. The usual good hotels, eating out joints are so boring.” For this trio, these places are all khap places. There is nothing romantic about Barista or CCD. Date is always special and Jayanti Devi is one such place that offers privacy with a touch of romance.” But all the talks of development, new malls, a new metro hold no substance for the youngsters who want the city to provide them with just one place where they can go for a date. Something like Mumbai’s Marine Drive.
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Cheers for coffee
Here’s a piece of good news for women who love coffee. A Japanese study has found that women who drink a lot of coffee may have less risk of developing cancer of the uterus.
Led by Japan’s health ministry, the study monitored some 54,000 women aged The researches of Japan’s National Cancer Center have found that women who |
For Bobby’s sake
Actor Bobby Deol says he would've been in a fix if Priyanka Chopra hadn't agreed to play a deglamourised role in his recently released home production Chamku, in which he has an author-backed role. "Priyanka is a sweetheart. She plays a deglamourised role in Chamku. Most heroines wouldn't want to get into that space, especially in a film that's driven by my character. But she agreed," told Bobby. While Bobby plays the title role of a Maoist in the film, Priyanka, who is his love interest in the movie, is a schoolteacher. Bobby's elder brother Sunny too had serious problems finding a female lead for his home production, The Man. It was Shilpa Shetty who came to Sunny's rescue. Apart from Priyanka, Bobby is thankful to Riteish Deshmukh who plays a cameo in Chamku. "Riteish was very sweet. He agreed to play the small part of my friend in Chamku without a second thought at a time when he's busy doing major projects," said Bobby who had once agreed to play Riteish's elder brother in Vikram Bhatt's Bardasht. Bobby has now another problem at hand. After losing 10 kg for his role in Chamku, he is now heavily into chocolates. And his family is very worried. "It wasn't easy for me to lose weight. But once I made up my mind, I did it. But now I'm trying to make back that weight and bingeing on chocolates. I'm even stealing them from my sons," laughed Bobby. More dilemmas— Bobby had to cut his hair really short for the part. "I was reluctant. But it was one of the pre-conditions for doing Chamku. I was wondering if I should grow it back to the way it was. I've decided to stick to short hair. I feel I can play more characters this way. Also, my hair dries after a shower even before I towel it. I also don't have to use any hair product." Released Friday, the brutal film about oppression, injustice and Maoist rebellion "I play a guy who never gets choices in life. He has no beliefs, no desires until he meets a woman who makes him realise he has the right to happiness." Bobby recently appeared on the reality show Dus Ka Dum, being hosted by Salman Khan, and says it was his first ever appearance on any such show. "It was my first reality show, and with Priyanka. In the beginning I was nervous. I've known Salman for years. He used to take me horse riding and for bike stunts. In 2000 and 2003 we did stage shows together. He made me comfortable on the show. So did Priyanka," he said.
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"My films are not crossovers but genuine European films. I have been doing international films. I have already done a German film with Veit Helmer titled Gate to Heaven that even got pulled up for the European Awards. Now I'll be doing an Italian film with Matteo Morazzo. The shooting will start next year," Masumeh told. She refused to reveal any further details on her international project as "the deal is still in talks". Gate to Heaven was a little tough for Masumeh because she had Since then she has been seen in films like Maqbool as Pankaj Kapur's daughter, Padmashree Laloo Prasad Yadav, Woh Lamhe and Dus Kahaniyaan. Her upcoming Bollywood project is Shona Urvashi's Saas, Bahu Aur Sensex, which is releasing Sep 12. It's Hollywood studio Warner Bros' first Indian venture. Describing her role in the film, she said: "My character is called Kirti. She is a girl who would do anything for money as money makes her world go round. "The film shows the urbanisation of India and provides great comic space for me." The film is a parody on the unpredictability of everyone who watches daily soaps. "I admire Konkona's career graph a lot. She has really shaped up her career well with unconventional films." Not many people know that Masumeh is a fitness freak and has been principally trained in Kathak and belly dancing. Apart from Saas Bahu..., Masumeh will also be seen in Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug as an alcoholic who is sent to a rehabilitation centre.
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The advertisement that sees Britney clasping Brand's leg sees Russell's say: "Harder! A little bit harder!" When Brit, 26, giggles: "No, I don't want to hurt you", Russell, 33, replies: "You won't hurt me, darling. I like it." "The chemistry was amazing; they were flirting like a couple of teens," the Daily Star quoted an observer as saying. "They have kept in touch and Brit's really looking forward to seeing him again for the pre-show rehearsals," a pal of Britney's added.
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Though Jade and Jack split earlier this year but he has been constantly at her side since she was diagnosed with cancer. Goody wrote to Queen's Counsel Recorder Lucraft begging him not to lock up on-off love Tweed, 21, so he could help her fight cervical cancer. But the convicted Tweed got 18 months imprisonment and hours later Jade tearfully went with eldest son Bobby, five, to comfort Tweed's mum Mary. The weeping TV star told a pal: "This couldn't have come at a worse time. I'm in bits. I'm devastated. Jack is my rock." — IANS, ANI
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KOFFEE
BREAK
How do you maintain fitness despite such a hectic work schedule? Can you share some of your beauty tips? Fiama Di Wills, Kingfisher, Maybelline, Levi's Strauss, Tissot, Pepsi, are some of the brands that you endorse. What are the factors that make you associate with a brand? How would you compare your look in Bachna Ae Haseeno with that in your debut movie Om Shanti
Om? How was the experience of working with Ranbir Kapoor in this movie?
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Brian Hyland makes a pledge to meet in September and ‘seals it with a kiss’ in his 1962 song. A year before, Rock Hudson, in American millionaire Robert L. Talbot’s character, breezes in early for his annual vacation into a luxurious Italian villa. He bumps into a group of young American girls trying to fend off a gang of oversexed boys in Robert Mulligan directed flick Come September. Remember Bobby Darin’s Multiplication and the Come September theme?
Actress Masumeh Makhija's career hasn't fared well in Bollywood since her debut in Chupke Se, but she has bagged international films and is happy flaunting them.
Having already worked in a German film, she is ready to star in a yet-to-be titled Italian venture.
Pop diva Britney Spears is reportedly smitten by British comedian Russell Brand. The duo who will be hosting the upcoming MTV VMA's together have already shocked the viewers in USA with their flirtatious TV commercial for the star-studded bash.
Ex-Big Brother star Jade Goody is devastated after she learnt that her boyfriend Jack Tweed has received a jail sentence for battering a youth.
Tweed and his pal James Mattock, 29, were found guilty in July of battering 16-year-old Daniel Steele with golf clubs. 