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Simply Punjabi
Guess what's the one trait of celebs that reaffirms their celebrity status? Let's us do the honours-unpunctuality. By now at least, we have learnt pretty well how to patiently wait for them. We practiced the same lesson yet again on Saturday when the cast of upcoming Punjabi film, Tera Mera Ki Rishta comprising of Jimmy Shergill, Kulraj Randhawa, Ghuggi and film director Navniat Singh made us sit idle for quite some time before they finally arrived to release the music of the film at Fame Shalimar, Panchkula. And then without wasting any time they began with their job they were here for-talk about the film, its music and their roles. Just Jimmy
Now Jimmy Shergill didn't repeat the clichéd claim even once that the film is going to be hakte in any sense. "It is a usual masala film, a complete family entertainer for the masses." His role is of an NRI boy in the film who comes back to Punjab to attend a wedding and falls in love with a girl. Nothing unusual indeed! But then he has something to claim and we hope it's true, "The movie is technically very sound and will take Punjabi cinema to the next level." Besides love for Punjabi cinema, there is another reason why he accepts role in a Punjabi film, "I would otherwise never get time to stay in Punjab. They serve as an excuse to be here for 40 days." And how can we forget to ask him about the V Shantaram award he has won for the supporting actor's role in A Wednesday. "In the last 14 years of my career in the industry, this is my first award and is really special. It is an acknowledgement of the hard work I have put in to get here." He feels that has brought one good change in him, "I have become a little choosey about roles. Unless something excites me, I am not game for it." He will be next seen in My name is Khan, a Karan Johar production and Johhny Mastana. Other than getting substantial roles, what really bothers him is piracy, "When I was shooting for Yahaan in Kashmir, I got to know how funds raised from selling pirated movies are used by terrorist organisations. It then came to fore after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and I wish stern steps are taken by the government to curb piracy." We wish the same. Here to stay
Just her second Punjabi flick, and Kulraj Randhawa has figured out how to go about her career. "I am not in the industry to make or break any records of coming in the maximum films in a year. All I want is to do roles that would add credibility to me as an actor." The actor who will debut this year in Bollywood says she would not stop doing Punjabi films. "Doing Punjabi cinema gives me the opportunity to contribute to Punjabi culture." So isn't it difficult to work simultaneously in Punjabi cinema and Bollywood? "It does not matter as long as the role offers to explore my potential as an actor. It also makes me feel special to win appreciation from people of my region." And now when this movie is all set for release, she has begun planning for the upcoming ones, "It is just the beginning of my career in Bollywood and I can't afford to take anything casually. I keep on improvising on my characters in Chintu Chintu and in Mastang ." |
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Comic concern
The comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi was just not in a mood to joke and right away began voicing his concern, "Punjabi cinema aims at popularising Punjabi language and culture but it can't succeed unless the youth of Punjab takes some responsibility. It has forgotten moral values and are least bothered about preserving our culture." Quite a lecture! Well, he doesn't forget to offer solution, "They should visit Canada to see how Punjabis are working for the respect of their culture." Finally he started talking about his role in the film, "I am playing a comic character who claims to be the only English speaking halwai in Punjab." And he is quick to add next that it isn't the usual role he has done in all these years, "I was a bit apprehensive while accepting this role since there is an emotional touch to the character, something that I haven't done before." Cast & crew
w Supporting star cast includes Anumap Kher, Raj Babbar, Archana Puran Singh, Dolly Minhaas, Gurpreet Ghuggi & Rana Ranbir, Jaidev Kumar . w Vocals for the film are provided by veterans of Bollywood Mika, Sukhwinder, Feroz Khan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Preeti Uttam Singh and Sunidhi Chauhan. Directorial debut
Navaniat Singh, who is making debut as a director with this film let us know the most important fact about his venture, "It is a kind of a remake of DDLJ in Punjabi. The movie is a landmark in the history of Bollywood and I hope TMKI will also be in the history pf Punjabi cinema." Worked as assistant director of Mitti Wajan Mardi, he pledges to make more Punjabi films, "Punjabi cinema is growing and what proves it all the more is a lot of mainstream Bollywood actors are eager to work in Punjabi films." ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Mona Grimly real and grossly sinister, that’s Gulaal, another fiery fable rolling out of maverick filmmaker’s stable. Soaked in the colour of revolution, Anurag Kashyap’s latest outing is a compelling tale of power, ambition, deceit and manipulation. Set in the sordid dunes of Rajasthan, Gulaal begins with a murky world of student politics and soon transforms into a raging rebellion — powered by a bunch of eccentric royals — that threatens to blow away the democratic system and restore the old world order. Dukkey Bana (Kay Kay Menon) leads the secret army of Rajput radicals who want to restore Rajputana from the government. He picks up recruits from local colleges and varsity campus which has become a hotbed of violence, a proverbial badland where anarchy rules and chaos prevails. Here he meets Ransa (Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh), the embittered son of an erstwhile ruler and manages to convince him to fight the election for the post of general secretary. However, when Ransa is eliminated by the rival group, led by his illegitimate siblings Kiran (Ayesha Menon) and Karan (Aditya Srivastva), the schematic Dukkey backs Dilip (Raj Singh Chaudhary), a close friend of Ransa, in the polls. The nerd manages to win, primarily riding on a sympathy wave, much to Dukkey’s delight. But the gullible Dilip falls for Ayesha’s feminine charms and ends up losing his seat to the temptress who now rebuffs him and pitches for the powerful Dukkey. Crest-fallen, Dilip, now, refuses to be a puppet and trains guns on those who have used and abused him. The film has a multidimensional narrative which bears clear stamp of Anurag’s now-famous abstractness. The screenplay by Raj Singh Chaudhary, Aparna Chaturvedi and Kashyap is intricate, though the pace dips towards the later half. Gulaal is a powerful social commentary, for, it speaks about issues like sectionalism and caste affiliations which are plaguing our country. The director also effectively explores the dynamics of royalty vis-a-vis the democratic system. The casting is brilliant with Kay Kay lording over the bunch of newcomers as an outlandish ogre. Chaudhary, a faint-hearted unwilling entry into the political arena, is a perfect foil to his pervasive evil. Abhimanyu as a royal scion and Deepak Dobriyal as Bana’s key henchman are impressive. The women, though relegated to the backburner in this all-male show, are brilliant in their brief appearances. While Ayesha as a thinking coquette oozes confidence, Mahie Gill looks convincing in her modern, mujra-singing courtesan avtar. Jess Randhawa’s character is hastily sketched. Piyush Mishra deserves a special mention for his provocative poetry and scintillating soundtrack that give Gulaal its true colour. mona@tribunemail.com
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Bollywood beginning
Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Ismail, who play slum kids Latika and Salim, respectively, in director Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire, would be appearing in cameo roles in Kal Kissne Dekha. “We are really feeling happy that slowly we are turning into actors and everybody is treating us like actors. We never thought we would be able to achieve all this fame. I never thought and never dreamt that I would act in a movie and would become an actor,” said Ismail. Ali too was excited about her Bollywood debut and narrated their role while talking to reporters. “In this movie, we are coming by a plane after winning Oscars. Then Jacky (debutant actor) comes to know that there is a bomb in the plane. He then rescues us and helps in diffusing the bomb,” said Ali. Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor also said that they should continue getting opportunities in the Bollywood. “It will be really sad if these kids are in the limelight for a bit and that they suddenly disappear. I just hope they keep getting chance that can elevate what they started off with. I just hope it’s not the end and it’s just the beginning,” Kapoor said — ANI
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Better late than never
He made his Bollywood debut in 2001 and a Filmfare award came eight years later but Arjun Rampal feels that’s not late a recognition. “It’s better late than never. I don’t think recognition came late to me. I don’t belong to this industry, so it took me some time to learn the lessons,” says Arjun. The model-turned-actor won the Filmfare award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Rock On. And now he is all set to follow the celeb style as Rampal’s nightclub ‘Lap’ will throw its doors open to revellers in the capital in August. He is also quite excited about his upcoming movie, Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti, in which he plays a politician. “None of the characters in the film are inspired by any real-life character. As an actor, we observed people and then portrayed our roles. They are all fictional characters who have been made realistic,” he says. He declines to follow the footsteps of his peers and join politics in future. Sporting his trademark long hair, Arjun denies reports of going bald for the character in Rajneeti. “I think it’s not always necessary to shave your head to portray a politician. Nowadays politicians are quite stylish,” Arjun stresses. After the Rock On concert in Dubai to help autistic children, Arjun is back in the country with plans of all India tour. Rampal began his career as a ramp model, but now feels comfortable and satisfied with the role of an actor. His performance in films like Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear earned him critical acclaim. He has a few films in store — Kunal with Amitabh Bachchan and Houseful and the capital may miss him during the upcoming fashion fiestas. —PTI
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Frills, fabrics and footwear…
Screaming heat, peppy music, twittering female voices and air thick with body mist. That was Vanity Fair-an annual exhibition of Indo-western wear, accessories, artifacts, home accessories and more. Definitely a vanity affair, the two-day exhibition that got under way this Saturday sees great but a little high-on-the-pocket products and, above all, a class of people who love to parade their clothes and jewellery. Enter the all decked-up and cluttered arena and you would sight women with bag full of goodies, flowing fabrics, twinkling trinkets, shiny handbags and chic footwear. But what caught our attention at the entrance was Kidsown- a stall where you can leave your kid and shop around easily. Now to the main thing-fabrics, footwear, charms, home linen etc etc… Pret & coutureFor women who love to shop, this is surely a paradise, for you can pick tunic, kurtis, skirts, saris, suits and tops here. Starting with something different the stall Crazy Daisy from Delhi had some interesting things. A line of kiddie wear, in retro prints, here you can pick tunic tops for yourself and some smart dresses for your darling daughter. The next stopover was Kurti, a stall from Jaipur. Simple, yet elegant, this place has reasonably priced cotton kurtis and salwars. Perfect for us journos. That's not all you have to take your pick, as there are numerous stalls and some amazing fabrics and clothes to check out from. Fancy frills
The exhibition has some good collection of handbags, footwear and belts. More in vibrant hues, it was a riot of colours in this section, but what we found a little different from others was a stall named Adaa by Sunanda. She had some interesting jute bags lined with brocade, sequins and pearls. Rest you can try Coral, Phive Rivers, Rush, Foot Essentials, Ruhi's Rectangle and Stiletto. Wood wonders
Attention grabbing was the stall of Tiger Lily. With artifacts and wooden stuff this stall sure had some great stuff. From outdoor furniture to a life-size boat that is actually a candle stand, here you can pick floating candle stands, lanterns, jharokhas, cane elephant, pot stands and more. Other than this, Xtuti had artifacts in wood and metal, Heritage Furniture Company has solid wood furniture in classic art deco and contemporary styles. For more, you need to visit. Home and more
A place where you can shop, shop and still shop there's a variety waiting to be explored. Looking for home linen, check out the messy threads for real fur 'n' leather rugs, cushions, bedspreads with throws and matching lamp shades and Rasberrie for designer bedspreads, quilts, table linen and curtains. For tableware, check Studio Pottery for fine dining experience, Crazy Daisy for retro trays and some cute decoration pieces like a bike or a cycle. Jewels of desire
Couldn't end without saying trinkets. Sirjana has some wonderful trinkets in traditional and contemporary designs. Silver and gold-based check this out for some fab earrings, bangles etc. Other than this Nidhi's collection of fashion jewellery and hair accessories is quite interesting. On at Whispering Willows till
today jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com Films and fusion
Bring home the stars. That's what some Bollywood-inspired creations at the Vanity Fair promise to do. Dominating the red-carpet styles are diamante or crystal-studded evening dresses and high-end fusion wear in pastels, with beige and lemon being the palette for the season. It was but natural for the tinsel-town touch to be there in the Pink Soda collection of Shivali Jaggi and Kanika Khanna from Delhi. Kanika fiance's is an upcoming director in B-town, having been associated with productions like Bachna Ae Haseeno,Fanaa,' etc. Pointing to a richly embellished red-carpet tunic, Shivali says that loads of fusion marks their collection this season, with metallic leather to chords and pearls being used for embroidery. The fused look is further enhanced by the combinations of pleating and roussing that define hemlines as well as yokes. The cuts are the summer collections are more of A-lines, less of Anarkali style, adds Shivali. |
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Archo fiesta
continues…
And the madness continues…Day nine at the ongoing annual festival of Chandigarh College of Architecture Archo '09, was no different from when, where and how we left. In fact, there's double the excitement, triple the enthusiasm and 'into four' the energy with some of the events being jumbled up, tossed and rescheduled at the last moment. Perfect! So the athletic meet doesn't get over till mid noon. The much awaited, listed for afternoon tattoo designing, doesn't happen till late in the evening. Who cares? As long as it happens. As do the other equally innovative activities, comprising tile designing, costume designing, volleyball final, jewellery designing, pitcher painting, wire moulding.
The reschedule threatened to overthrow our hopes of catching any of the events till a loud announcement 'use as much of quantity as possible but make sure you use everything' signaled the silver lining in the cloud. It was for jewellery design and all that the participants had was foil, beans (white and red), wire, cutter. And of course, their brains and skill! Because, its not easy making a necklace out of the 'above mentioned paraphernalia'. But then, these are the guys who'll be turning bricks and marbles into marvels and wonders! Meanwhile, an enquiry elicits from a girl the details of costume designing. Ayushi Goel, 2nd year student from Kalinga house, says, "This year I'm gonna be participating in costume designing, last year we were given newspaper and pins and we had to make a costume out of that." Yet another Jaskaran Chauhan, says, "I will be a part of tattoo design, we do have a concept. It should look like tattoo but there has to be something architectural about it. If we are given a theme then I'll go accordingly." Doesn't look like the festival fatigue has set in with these guys? C'mon ninth day! Answers Mohit Vij, the house captain, "As it is, it is Saturday and Sunday, there are no classes. In the evening it's going to be more and more crowded with participants." He adds, "In fact, towards the end, it goes on increasing because few of days will be left." Don't know, but the students sure have a huge hangover awaiting, one they might be compelled to beat with classes! manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Choose right
A journalist's time is public property! Exactly what we were made to feel this Saturday on an invite by the Environment Society of India. No expression qualifies enough for overreaction, when you're lured into meeting Ruskin Bond and end up with not even his personal assistant! Blue Umbrella, Big business, The train stops at Shamli and those Kasauli hills eternalised in his works. Oh my god! What should we ask him? What should we leave? Where to begin? Did he watch Blue Umbrella? Did he like it? Has he read Harry Potter? Perhaps the full-on excitement doubled up the despair. So much so, that a seemingly good gesture like launch of two environment programmes hardly measured up. So, don't wish to know what went wrong? How he could not make it? None of the explanations, excuses would console. Bygones! The first programme, Pick Right, circles on making choices that promote energy efficiency, resource conservation and aims sustainable consumption. The logo 'Choices can make a difference' talks of just them. The choices, we mean. So choose a bicycle, bus, or your feet to traverse distances. Then, choose between saving or planting trees, so on, so forth. Says S.K. Sharma, president, Environment Society of India, "We have even compiled a record of all the birds spotted at Sukhna Lake in the past one year." Some news for environmentalists and bird watchers. The other of the twin programmes, gives another choice. The right to choose environment ambassador, someone who can create greater awareness and encourage all of us to make the right choices for growth with sustainability. So who do you think it can be? Hari Prasad Chaurasia or Hard Kaur? Mahendra Singh Dhoni or Manmohan Singh? Give your suggestion at www.ceeindia.org. Go ahead, the choice is open
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chowk
Chips overload Sreedhara Bhasin PepsiCo has done more harm to our city - ecologically, than some other evils that tower over the small packets that are strewn all over. Have you lately counted how many Lays potato chips packets or Kukure packets have crossed your path? Those are wind-blown like the autumn leaves, sometimes perched on treetops like the aloof cheels. The foils are shining in the deep recesses of the hedges and tree-trunks where the foraging squirrels have dragged them. Those are floating in the water with the rising fish and causing great consternation to the beautiful aquamarine kingfishers that wait patiently by the lake. The packets are in the stomach of many road-roaming hungry animals. The howling of a particularly persistent street dog that has been bothering my night sleep might have been caused by plastic indigestion. I believe Indra Nyooi's ingenious 'Indianization' of the so -called chips was a brilliant stroke that catapulted her to dizzying heights. Who would have known a little masala can go so far in furthering one's career? Since the so called simple oil and salt potato chips became 'magic masala chips', hundreds of young Indians took to them like fish to water, in the process leaving a trail of empty packets dense enough to fill all the wetlands of the Sunderbans. I bet, the man eating tigers of those mangrove forests have already bitten on a few crunchy packets flowing in from the main lands, for even in the remotest villages the chaiwalla now has recharge cards and Kurkure. The chips revolution has filled our sewers with non-biodegradable waste and will eventually choke all our landfills and small water bodies, unless we resort to paper or recycle the packets for further usage. It is already bad that we are drinking milk highly laced with hormones and pesticides. If the cows now take to munching on the reside of magic masala smeared inside the packets, we might end up drinking milk that will make us grow two more hands (not that, it wont be useful!). Now that India is hooked on junk food, we cannot reverse the trend. The adage "Eat more fruits and vegetables,' is popular in glossy magazines that showcase women with unblemished skin and great hair. The average Indian guzzles more soft drinks than ever and eats more packaged beverages than ever before. Masti and maza have become synonymous with masala and chips dipped in it. In my childhood, there would be these women who bartered old saris for steel bartan. My mother bought great many containers by using her old cotton saris. Maybe, we can motivate the chips eating mass to recycle their empty packets for free ring tones! matkachowk@gmail.com
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TAROT TALK ARIES: You draw Nine of Wands you are the kind of person who does not like the feeling of obligation. As a result, asking or receiving favours is something that you do not relish. In this week, you would try and repay all those who have at sometime or the other helped you out. Lucky colour: Cream. Tip of the week: Thursday and Friday are not the best days to spend a lot of money. TAURUS: The ace of pentacles says at work, you may find Monday somewhat tough. However, things would smoothen out as the week progresses. Matters relating to tax and law would be resolved in your favor. Your spouse or partner may need your love and support. Lucky colour: Crimson. Tip: Resolve conflicts through discussion. GEMINI: The Universe says socially, romantically and personally, this would be quite a fortunate week and you would be able to make commitments and plan weekend trips with loved ones. Businessmen should refrain from entering partnerships in this week. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: You will need to learn how to cope better with success. CANCER: Your card The Hermit says procrastination should be avoided at all costs. This would also, be a good time to bond or connect with an old friend, with whom you may have lost touch. Although not the best time to travel, you may do so after careful planning. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Tip: Wait and watch. Impatience will lead to failure. LEO: The Hanged Man shows confusion and misunderstandings that may ruin the romance. However, you should be able to resolve this with tactful communication and lots of affection. Travel would also, be a part of the week, and it would be quite enjoyable, if done on Wednesday or Thursday. Lucky colour: Black. Tip: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. VIRGO: Two of Rods card says till Wednesday, you should make an attempt to appreciate and encourage co-workers. There may be some changes in your personality that may not be wholly welcomed by friends and family. Lucky colour: Brown. Tip: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. LIBRA: Princes of cups says emotions and feelings would fill you up in this week and there would be times of highs and lows. However, you would make an attempt to calm things down and achieve a sense of inner balance. Lucky colour: Turquoise Tip: Money matters and health may also, need some looking after in this week. SCORPIO: The Tower says this week may be packed with a lot of activity and interesting happenings. At home, there may be some serious emotional conversations that may change many aspects. At work, do not let other people control your life, take charge and be assertive rather than aggressive. Lucky colour: Red. Tip: Boost your confidence with positive thinking SAGITTARIUS: The situation at work would intensify and your patience would be tried to its limits says Five of pentacles card. However, all your efforts would pay off later. Also, this would be a good week to revise your professional goals and aim a little higher. Romance would shine for everyone. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Tip: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. CAPRICORN: The wheel of fortune reveals you should focus on building and protecting your name and honour. Do not let outside interferences ruin your relationships. Socially, you would enjoy the company of new friends, however, be tactful in conversations. Lucky colour: Golden. Tip: Keep a close watch on any niggling health problems. AQUARIUS: Four of Swords reveals this would be quite a productive week for those of you planning to start your own business. Health may not be perfect due to the burden of overwork and extra pressures. Lucky colour: Orange. Tip: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. PISCES: This would be a week in which most of you would end up spending more than what you accounted of says Knight of pentacles. However, there is no point getting distressed about it, rather look around and see what options you have for additional income. In other words, helping one another would be the theme of the week. Lucky colour: Citric green. Tip: At work, rivalry and competition would push you to do your best.
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