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Tinsel take on terror
Born in Saharanpur, studied in Roorkee and settled in Delhi, Kamaal Rashid Khan believes in fulfilling one's desires before life is over. And he is all set to fulfill his dreams by coming out with his second movie (Desh Drohi, being the first one) Desh Drohi 2. Unfazed by the reception meted out to his first film, the producer, director and the actor claims his movie to be a success. "Desh Drohi was a hit, that's why I am coming out with a sequel. The movie earned four times the production cost and I got a really positive feedback," he asserted while addressing mediapersons in the tricity on Wednesday. Based on 26/11 Mumbai, Desh Drohi 2 boasts of an impressive star cast with Anupam Kher, Gulshan Grover, Sidharth Koirala, Abhijit Sawant, Raza Murad, Saurabh Shukla, Ashutosh Rana, Payal Rohtagi, Khushboo Sharma, Kamaal Khan and the tricity's sensation — Fiza (Anuradha Bali). "I saw Fiza on TV channels and found her perfect for a role in the movie. And next, we were on with the project," tells Kamaal. However, the major reason to rope Fiza in is her popularity: "She is famous today. Almost everyone in India knows her and I am sure if we cast her, people would go to see the flick." The movie is out an out a Fiza film, in which she is playing lawyer to Kamaal Khan, who plays an ATS officer. Directed by Sanjay Jha, the movie has roped in Sukhwinder to give the music and 'Bharat' Manoj Kumar is penning the songs. "It's an entirely patriotic film with the message that India is united," says
Kamal.
On being asked if it would be all right to make a film on such a sensitive issue, Kamaal says: "Mine is not going to be the only film. You will see at least 10 more on the same subject. There are people who want to know the truth and ours is an effort in that direction." A lot of research has gone into the film script, he claims: "We have talked to people actually involved in 26/11 - ATS officers, commandoes, common people who happened to be there and also newspaper cuttings, books and channel recordings were made optimum use of. However, it's not a documentary but an entertainment film in which at least 50 per cent part is real."
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Lawful pursuit
Fiery Fiza is not bogged down by the circumstances surrounding her. She stirred the Press meet with her strong comments in reaction to some questions. "Whatever is happening in my life, we all know about it. I am waiting for Chand Mohammad to face me and I will give him a befitting reply," she says. Though she ‘ feels betrayed', Fiza is still going strong: "I have embraced Islam and I will be Fiza till the end of my life. I will make the most of whatever life offers me." About her Bollywood debut, she says: "The life of Fiza is tough, but then, I guess this opportunity to act in a movie is a blessing in disguise. Kamaal Khan approached me with the script which is against politicians and I have accepted the role to play a lawyer in the film." However, she is not planning to move to Mumbai sometime soon: "Though the movie would be largely shot in Mumbai, I am not moving my base." The election campaigning and shooting will keep her on the move though. "Kamaal being supportive, I am hoping to handle both." A fresher in the field of acting, she says: "I have won prizes in singing and dancing but then Desh Drohi 2 is my first chance to act." About her future in Bollywood, she says: "I am open to other offers provided I like the roles."
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Think and choose
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has launched a nationwide campaign to increase awareness among people about their candidates contesting Lok Sabha polls, urging them to make an informed choice. The campaign "Sacche ko chune, Acche ko chune" (vote for integrity, vote for good people) by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) was launched by Khan in Mumbai on Tuesday. The thought provoking campaign consists of three advertisement films, print advertisements, internet and mobile communication. "Not only has Aamir Khan not charged for appearing in the advertisements but his company 'Aamir Khan Productions' has also borne the cost of the advertisement films," National Coordinator of ADR, Anil Bairwal said. Aamir has also roped in noted lyricist and advertisement film maker Prasoon Joshi as the creative head, Rakyesh Mehra as the director, Avinash Gowarikar as the still photographer and Shashi Sinha as the media planner for the campaign. The advertisement campaign will be made in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannad, Malayalam, Bengali, Assamese and Oriya languages in order to reach out to more people, Bairwal said. — PTI
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Bips tops the list
He has dressed Bollywood divas like Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, but designer Gavin Miguel says Bipasha Basu outshines them all when it comes to experimental dressing. She will surprise everyone with her new look in forthcoming film Pankh, he predicts. "She gives me complete freedom when it comes to dressing her up. She is very experimental and tries to change her look in every movie. The best part is that she carries herself so well that everything looks good on her," Miguel said. Miguel is styling Bipasha for Sudipto Chattopadhyaya's Pankh, in which she plays an imaginary character. The designer admits that he initially had thought Bipasha was "broad-framed", but his perception changed after working with her. "Initially I felt Bipasha was broad-framed but after I worked with her, I realised the fact that she has lost a lot of weight and now is svelte and sexy," he said. The Mumbai-based designer says Bipasha's look in the movie would be a total surprise package. "This time you will see Bipasha in a new avatar as she plays an imaginary character. She has a completely new look," Miguel said. The designer has been in the industry for over 10 years now but he hogged the limelight with Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion in which he dressed up the three leading ladies - Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Mugdha Godse. "Yes, it gave me exposure, but fortunately people in the industry knew me already because I let my work speak for me. I make customised clothes and whosoever I dress up, they buy my clothes and this is my major source of income," Miguel quipped. Miguel had also dressed Tabu and Priyanka Chopra at the recently held 54th Filmfare awards. Besides Fashion, the designer has showcased his work in movies like Road, Kaante, Dhoom, Dhoom 2 and Drona, among others. — IANS
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Marathon man
He is one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood, but for now Irrfan Khan has stopped signing on new assignments because he wants to focus on the role of a steeplechase runner in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Paan Singh Tomar.
"This is the most physically and mentally demanding film of my career. If I give attention to anything else, I won't be able to do justice to this role," Irrfan said. "You see steeplechase is a far more complicated form of marathon. It demands a continuous rhythm as one runs and jumps. It's the most difficult task I've ever undertaken as an actor," he added. Unable to cope with the heavy demands on his body and mind, the 46-year-old Irrfan has stopped work on all other projects. "I've steeplechase experts constantly working on me. I'm trying to stretch my body to its limit. I have to look convincing as this long-distance steeplechase runner. Otherwise, the film falls flat. I can't afford that risk at this stage of my career. "There're lots of talks for new projects, both national and international. But I'm not signing anything. I have to devote all my time to getting the steeplechase right." |
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India shining
The films of showman Raj Kapoor will be the main attraction at a year-long cultural extravaganza to mark the 'Year of India' to be held in Russia, where the late actor enjoys a huge popularity. As part of celebrations of 'Year of India in Russia' festival, India will also organise various cultural activities like fashion shows, music and dance concerts and art shows. "Given the popularity of Raj Kapoor among the Russian people and his old association with this country, we will organise screening of a number of his films during the festival here," Karan Singh, president Indian Council for Cultural Relations, said in a video press-conference from Moscow. Apart from this, several new genre Bollywood films would also be screened in the festival to create interest in Indian cinema among Russian youths. Kapoor's films like Mera Nam Joker, Awaraa, Shri 420 and Ram Teri Ganga Maili are very popular in Russia and Russians also have a special liking for songs and music of Kapoor's movies. Singh and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victor Zubkov will inaugurate the celebrations for 'Year of India in Russia' at a gala ceremony in Moscow tomorrow. Besides this, India will also be the theme of Moscow book fair to be held in September this year. "Last year we celebrated 'Russian Year in India' during which a number of programmes were organised across India. It got overwhelming response from people from all walks of life," Singh said. — PTI
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Structuring Sindbad
There are fests for entertainment and then there are food fests for flavour. Drawing a sea of gourmets, we all know food festivals are more about fare than about ambience. But adding a subtle twist to their three-day Arabian Food festival at Hotel Mountview-10 would be a luxurious ambience. Under the able guidance of Prof D.S Kapoor of Government College of Art-10, students are creating an Arabian ambience of ‘Ali Baba, Chalis Chor’ with 40 caskets and a cave type of entrance to the Arabian theme village. Adding more to the Arabian environs will be a life-size Alladin ka chirag, big bird of Sindbad the sailor and a genie that would come out of the Alladin’s magic lamp. Ask D.S Kapoor about the team members who are creating the Arabian fantasy and he says, “We are a ten member team. Students of the College, from I, II and III year are involved. Infact students who have passed out from the college are also part of the creative team.” He adds, “To further transport people to an Arabian world there would be belly dancers to entertain.” Further, the service staff shall also wear Arabian dresses while serving the choicest delicacies of Arabia. —TNS
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Recession override
I wish I had my own company, I wish I could start my own venture, I wish I could’…who hasn’t at one point of time reflected on similar lines? Do success stories of McDonald’s, Google, Microsoft not inspire but possess you? And did you just get laid off too? Perfect! Sameer Guglani and Nandini Hirianniah, founders, Morpheus Venture Partners (MVP), are set to lead an entrepreneurial revolution. The details… “When we started out, it took us two months to just register the name, because we simply did not have access” recalls Sameer, an entrepreneur from Chandigarh, of his struggle to co-found Madhouse Media in 2004, India’s first online/offline movie rental company. “A process which, given the right expertise and access, shouldn’t take over a week,” adds Nandini. Both went ahead and founded Morpheus Venture Partners, focused on start-ups at early stage wherein they engage with teams for the first six months mentoring, giving access to the right network, product strategy, launch strategy et al and spend 15 hours a week with them. “It’s on the lines of Y Combinator, a company in the US, started just three years ago and already has 120 companies to its credit,” says Sameer. Not to forget The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), a non-profit organisation founded in ’92 by professionals, executives, committed to fostering entrepreneurship. There are no free lunches in this world. What’s in it for them? Says Sameer, “We do not charge anything and instead take the equity, four to eight per cent of share.” He adds, “Because we know how difficult it is to pay and hire professional services in the initial phases.” Listing the 10 companies MVP has already helped conceive, including their first, Instablogs, a citizen journalists-based news and blog network that already has 600 journalists to boast of, Sutra People, a start up hiring firm that hires freshers, says Sameer, “We look for teams that have ‘never say die’ attitude, mission, passion and an open mind.” Chips in Nandini, “For those who are not prepared, we also have Friends of Morpheus, wherein we also give our services informally.” Too hell with recession, India’s future looks bright! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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THEORY Top ten Shiv Kaushal It has been said that a well-trained dog is a happy dog. Dogs need the security that a consistent set of boundaries brings to their lives, and dog training is the way to instill those boundaries. Here are the 10 essential dog training principles you should follow to provide your Hugo with the structure and boundaries that both you and it require for a happy relationship. Know your goal: Before you begin to train your dog, think about what you want to accomplish. Do you just want your dog to be a better listener and better behaved than it is, or do you want your dog to know every trick under the sun? Everyone has their own preference as to how well-trained they need or want their dog to be, as well as how much commitment they are personally willing to put into the training process. Think about the end result you are seeking, and plan your training accordingly. One dog, one trainer: Having more than one person involved in the training of your dog can easily confuse the animal and slow its progress. Dogs will learn to recognise the commands you are teaching them more quickly if your voice is the only one doing the commanding. This may frustrate other members of your household who want to participate in the dog training regimen, so be sure to explain how important it is that the dog be trained in the proper way. Use the dog’s name: This is important, and something that many people forget when training their dog. Always say the dog’s name, and then issue the command. If you forget to do this, don’t be surprised to find your dog giving you one of those “are you talking to me” looks, or ignoring you entirely. Positive reinforcement: When training your dog, always use positive reinforcement, rather than a scolding tone. When a command is obeyed, reward your dog with a pat on the head and a few kind words so that the dog will associate the action with the reward. Do not punish failure to follow a command by yelling or other negative actions. Rather, correct in a gentle way and redirect the dog to the appropriate response to the command. You want your Hugo to view the training as a positive experience - not something to be feared. Dogs will be dogs: Too many people get frustrated at their dog’s slowness to learn, or by their failure to pick up on a command even after multiple sessions. If your dog is a little slow to respond in some areas, do not get upset. Dogs are less intelligent than people, and require a great deal of repetition for successful training. Be patient and the dog will eventually retain the information. One command at a time: Another mistake the average dog owner makes is attempting to train multiple commands at once. Sure, we would all love it if our Hugo could learn to sit, stay, roll over, fetch, and bring our slippers in one training session — but it just isn’t going to happen. Teach commands one at a time, and be patient enough to give the dog time to learn that one command before moving on to the next. Begin with the most basic of commands. Mind your tone: When training your dog, be sure to use a calm and soothing voice that entices your dog to respond. Yelling your commands will only cause the dog to become confused and unsure of itself. If you startle your dog, it will lose focus and stop responding. Keep it simple and short: Be aware of the fact that your Hugo will not be focused on the command for more than half a minute, and often times less than that. Because of that, you have only a short window to reward or correct the dog when it responds to a command. Remember the sequence: command, response, reinforcement. You command, the dog responds, you reinforce immediately. Alternate environments: Plan training sessions for your dog that take place at different locations. If you usually train your Hugo at home, be sure to change the environment on a frequent basis so that the dog learns that the commands it learns are applicable in every location. Don’t forget to follow up: Even after the training is over and your dog has learned all of the commands and tricks, the two of you will still have work . Check your dog’s memory frequently, using the commands and letting it respond. This will help the dog to retain the command information long-term, and will also provide it with a feeling of accomplishment when you reward the dog for obeying. shivkaushal@yahoo.com
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For your kitty
People for Animals, Chandigarh has the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and just forever and ever: w One charming and energetic female dog named Dolma, who is 1 year old. She has an amazing brown coat and is a mixed Gaddi. w Two beautiful adorable female pups, only 3 months old, who have a lovely white and brown coat. Hindustani breed with pure Hindustani adda too. w Two female and one male kittens are looking for a family. They are sterilised and have been vaccinated too. They love to be pampered and enjoy family outings too. For any information, contact: PFA-Chandigarh at 0172-2749080, 2749211from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Or visit us at #1522, sector 11 D, Chandigarh. www.pfachandigarh.com
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Calculated love
Couples wondering if true love will last need not visit astrologers, for a mathematical model by a top Oxford don may provide the answer. A team led by Professor James Murray, a maths expert at Oxford University, have perfected a model whereby they can calculate whether the relationship will succeed or fail. "I am still absolutely amazed that human emotions can be put into a mathematical model and that a prediction can be made," said Murray. In a study of 700 couples, the professor predicted the divorce rate with 94 per cent accuracy after they subjected themselves to a mathematical test, the British daily said. Murray's calculations were based on the simplest of things - a 15-minute conversation between a couple on contentious issues, such as money, sex, or relations with the in-laws. Ranging from plus four to minus four, Prof Murray awarded positive or negative points depending on the conversation. Prof Murray, a Fellow of The Royal Society, said the scores of the wife and the husband were fed into the mathematical model and plotted onto a graph. The point at which the two lines meet illustrated the marriage's chances of success or failure. He said "Most stable relationships are those which take a more old-fashioned view and see marriage as mainly about companionship." —PTI
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Poles apart
They say people with opposite traits make for loving couples, but a new study is not obliging with the belief. The research, published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology, says when it comes to personality, people seek partners with their same qualities - but say they want someone who is different. To reach the conclusion, researchers quizzed 760 members of an online dating site to answer questionnaires regarding their personality traits, as well as the traits they would want in an ideal long-term partner. They then were asked if they most wanted a partner that complemented them, or resembled them. The answers showed a preference for someone with the same sort of personality; the traits, which included neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, all had positive participant-to-partner correlations, ranging from .51 to .62. "When asked about their preferences for a mate, people may partially draw upon lay theories of romantic attraction rather than their true desires for a mate," Live Science quoted Pieternel Dijkstra, a professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and the study's lead researcher, as saying. - ANI
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writes No woman, no life I am 21 and have serious problems on confidence level. I feel I lack self-esteem and although I have everything a college going young man could ask for, except a girlfriend. The only time I approached a girl and asked her to be friends with me, she rejected me. Ever since I have had problems with talking to girls. I feel I will make a fool of myself again. My confidence is shaken. Each time I gather the confidence to talk to a girl, I shy away. My studies are being affected. Please help. Anil Nighawan, ChandigarhTrust me, you're sailing in the right boat. Women have a habit of rejecting men just to prove a point. She did you a favour by allowing you to think about yourself. Your confidence cannot possibly hinge on one girl's rejection. There are many knocks you will be getting in life, in the job market etc. You have learnt a valuable lesson; whatever comes easily in life is anyways not worth having. Just toughen yourself up and learn to carve a macho for yourself in the world. Just get on with your studies, concentrate on just making friends. Reach out with a certain level of confidence and an a couldn't care less attitude. Girls love that. Friend in need
I am worried about a girlfriend who has been living in am abusive marriage for the past 15 years. Although her husband is not physically abusive, emotionally it seems that she is a complete wreck. But the strange thing is that she thinks this is normal and all men are supposed to treat women like this and the women are supposed to bear it. I have over the years watched her going through many depressions even her kids seem to be emotionally disturbed. I really want to reach out the heal her but do not know how to go about it. Can you advise me on what could be suggested to her? Neelima Sen, In your childhood years if you have been treated badly by your mother or father then unfortunately you start associating this behavior with love. You start believing that each time you are going through a bad patch in their marriage, it is a man's way of showing the cares for her anyway, this is like a pattern in the mind. This is like a prison of resentment and depression is a refuge. The human mind takes in order to run away from it all. Your friend has probably developed a comfort zone in emotional abuse during her childhood with her parents. Now she is still living the same pattern and feeling happy in it. She is associating being treated badly with actually being loved. You can help by asking her to open her heart out to you and try to pour her emotions from her childhood onwards. Try and help her to stand up for herself in a positive way. Traumatic childhood
I am 23-year-old-guy who grew up in a family where my parents were constantly fighting with each other or shouting at us. I was told many times that I was crazy and I actually started to believe that. But now I feel I have started understanding myself better and all the fears that I have are due to my bad childhood. Can you help me to heal my childhood scars so that I can lead a normal life and not be logged down by fears and phobias? Do you think having a girl friend will help? I am scared of having a relationship. Sumit Kalra, It is wonderful that at a young age you have understood your problem so well. You must realise that your parents who are a product of a different generation and probably grew up with a lot of false ideas about life. Unknowingly they are saying things to you, which are actually projecting their own childhood fears. Do not hang on to all the negative things told to you by your parents who are still emotionally immature people. Age has nothing to do with maturity. Take your inner child into your loving care, soothe the pain and your childhood traumas will slowly recede. Once you are free from fears you have every reason to have a normal healthy life. Having a girlfriend is definitely a good proposition, someone who cares for you and understands you. Much luck, you are on the right track. at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or Life Style, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chd |
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