|
|
|
|
|
Lage raho, Manno bhabhi!
Mr Perfect Effect
When it's Aamir Khan, you know that different has to be the buzzword. Just like his movies, his brand endorsements are also high on creativity and a new look
everytime. He went on to play different characters, from a yaraan da tashan Punjabi gabru to a Mumbaiya bhai in his Coca Cola commercials, the refined look in Titan campaign to the recent ones in the Tata Sky commercials. So far, the campaign has shown him as part an urban couple along with Gul
Panag. Then, he plays a double role of half man-half woman, dressed in a pink salwar-kameez and
dupatta, playing a Punjabi girl, while the other half sports a blue sherwani with moustache. The Sardar look is the most recent in the series. Hutch immortalised the pug, Aamir Khan, living up to his reputation here as well, has played most of the characters in his ads alone: a sherpa guide, a Chinese tourist, a pancaked housewife, Manno bhabi (he looked 'pretty' convincing too) in the Coca Cola commercials, to the most recent ones, the bride-n-groom act or the cranky old man Papaji in the Tata Sky ads. Others to join the list are Kareena Kapoor, who will carry forward her desi girl avatar in the upcoming Kurkure commercial and Even SRK extended his Don character to the Dish TV commercials. Humour, freshness, USP, going traditional with the characters, anything that works to catch the audience and customers as well. "Most international brands want to connect to the Indian audience and the new-found way is to create characters inspired by grassroots or day-to-day life. It adds to the whole storytelling concept that is both humorous and clicks well too," says Bharat Zutshi, associate vice-president, Crayons Ltd. Even the celebrity faces converted their exclusive hi-end appeal to a very grassroots appeal. "Abhishek Bachchan, as a sarpanch or sarkari babu in the Idea commercials or Aamir Khan as an elderly Sardarji, who is frustrated by the efficiency of Tata Sky, are able to bring in the consumer connection," he adds. Even in the new Kareena Kapoor Kurkure commercial, the emphasis is on bringing in the desi-cool concept through a personalised appeal. "It's a part of our desi beats concept, and Kareena will appear as a desi girl. The ad will be made by Imtiaz Ali and the whole experience and combination of desi taste and desi beauty will be the USP," says Vidhur Vyas, executive vice-president, marketing, Pepsico. Their earlier success was with Juhi Chawla, who with her chatpata character was able to connect to the brand and the public. "Kareena Kapoor defines the new generation, proud and comfortable in her skin. Also, it's something different from the westernised 'size-zero' image that she has recently come to be known for," says Bharat. More such attempts have been made by Saif Ali Khan and M.S. Dhoni for their Lays campaigns. But sometimes you don't have to have a celebrity face to build a character. Remember, the Maruti Suzuki commercial in which a little sardar boy is seen driving his toy car everywhere and when asked, replies, "Ki kara papaji, petrol khatam hi ni hunda." Well, in the latest commercial, the character has grown, the car is still running and the answer is still the same, "Petrol khatam hi ni hunda." " As long as the focus is on the USP of your product and the character is interesting, celebrity or not, your concept will work," says Bharat. Similarly, the maina and chaliya concept of Minto fresh ad have desi characters that stick to your memory. Well, desi characters are in and all we can say now is that there is no fun, without desipann! lifestyle@tribunemail.com
|
|
Lament for talent
Two decades of acting experience, 65 television soaps and numerous plays later, Sooraj still feels there is a lot to learn and to improvise on, "Learning to act is an unending process but there are strong contradictions today." He goes on to express his displeasure; "Acting is the easiest job these days. You don't need to be creative or talented; all you are required to do is just follow instructions." He feels the quality in terms of acting and the storyline of soaps have deteriorated considerably, "An actor's incompetence is covered by background music and editing wonders." But that doesn't make him lose all optimism, "I was hopeful somebody would bring in innovation in television and help us get rid of the sobbing soaps. And today, we are witnessing a change in the form of serials based on socially relevant topics." On a fleeting visit to the city to open a business venture, he makes sure to add, "Investing in business doesn't mean I am bidding goodbye to acting. I'll be soon seen in Sita or Gita and Hum Bhoot Bhagate.' Both of them are comedy soaps." One role he is looking forward to is the negative character he will be playing in Aruna Irani's upcoming serial. He is also determined to stick to both mediums, television and theatre, and cites pragmatic reasons, "Television gives me fame and money and theatre offers professional satisfaction, which is impossible to expect from small-screen soaps these days." Sooraj began his career by doing serious roles in television soaps like Ajnabee and Daraar and the genre shifted to comedy after the play, The Perfect Husband, "The play and my role in it were very well received by people. It worked as an image makeover for me as I was flooded with comedy soap offers." In the play, he did the title role of the perfect husband who pretends to be a robot and fulfills all wishes of his wife. ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Chick lit
Available in bamboo, cane, jute, wood, faux wood and aluminum this is a thing of utility that adds style. While it’s the designer look that has replaced the good-old bamboo chicks, these days available are suede, chic looking cotton, silk and brocade blinds, lined with wooden, crochet, lace and intricate embroidery. Unleashing a variety, sector-22 is the place to checkout. Here you can get them custom made, or pick from the variety available. Aman Kumar, chick maker at sector-22 chick market, talking about the designs says, “Gone are the days of curtains, all modular houses are using shades. From plain cotton border chicks, we have a variety of decorative chicks that come lined with lace, shell and ring trimmings. We also have various designer chicks that come in vibrant hues and varied knits. Selling hot these days is the crochet, double tone chick that come in almost 350 designs”. That’s not all, if you are looking for some smart looking things to adorn your boundary wall available is Bamboo Jafri. Starting at Rs 20 per square feet the designs the price of Bamboo jafri’s goes up according to the design and pattern. For designer chicks the price usually starts at Rs 35 per square feet and can go up to Rs 350. And, if you are looking for plain border chicks the price varies from Rs 10 per square feet to Rs 20. For Amit Kumar who is into the business of chick making in sector-22, shades are no more a thing to hang on outer walls. “People now custom make chicks for their drawing room and bedrooms also. And with so many deigns and patterns to choose from the choice is galore. One can pick the different bordered chicks in vibrant hues, thread weaved hand made shades or machine weaved chicks. The price of the chicks depends on weaving and designs”, he says. “Though Delhi is where designs come from little innovation happens here”, says Amit.Having seen the trend change he says, “It’s more of fancy and classy chicks that sell. People like plain designs, crochet and two tone hues”. In vogue even designers are coming up with a range of blinds in their collection. Vimmy Singh, furnishing designer from Navyazari- design studio-34, says, “Its no more the plain bamboo blinds, but we have them blended with fabric. Right from silk to brocade we have used leatherette to give them a chic look.” Ask her how are they priced and she says, “We don’t sell by square feet but by piece. Starting with 1600 for a window the price goes up to Rs 5000.” For all you people out for chick shopping then Krishna carpets in sector-17 too has some great looking pieces. Right from bamboo to cloth they have cotton chicks in varied hues. From wood worked to beaded to colourful threads, it’s the designer chicks in fabric called leatherette and an embroidered fabric that is available here. Price starts at Rs 300 per metre and goes up to Rs 1500 per metre. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com
|
|
Welhome offers the largest and the most unique color palette with its wonderful mixture of varied prints and styles. For summer, Dipali Goenka, director, Welspun Retail Ltd. who also heads the design team of Welspun suggests green, lemon yellow and serene lavender for your bed room. Icy Blue in the bath section is what will add zing and bring in a serene atmosphere. Colors to reign your living room include a wide spectrum of brighter hues which include distinctly tropical and vibrant shades of forest green and brown. Curtains should be dressed up with persistently popular natural shades of beige and cream apart from orange and peach. With the help from the style experts at Welhome, you can build or rebuild your interiors with a soothing interplay of bright hues, bold patterns and summery accessories to create your own style. — TNS
|
|
If you are in Costa Rica and looking for a 'high-flying' holiday experience, then check into a luxurious new hotel suite in the country that is built inside a converted vintage Boeing airliner. Earlier destined for scrap, the fuselage of a 1965 Boeing 727 has now been converted into a two-bedroom suite. Looking out from a hillside, the Boeing offers views of the ocean and the jungle from balconies built on each wing.The meticulously refurbished airframe also houses two wood-panelled bedrooms, a kitchenette, dining room and living area and two bathrooms. A spokesman for the Hotel Costa Verde described it as "the most exclusive hotel suite in Costa Rica". "We have refurbished a vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe, which in its prior life shuttled globetrotters on South Africa Air and Avianca Airlines of Colombia," he said. He added: "Our classic airplane, nestled on the edge of the National Park, is perched on a 50-foot pedestal."At this height, you will enjoy scenic ocean and jungle views from the hard wood deck built atop the plane's former right wing. — ANI
|
|
Matka chowk
The perception of danger is most pronounced when you go to the new multiplexes. After a series of bag checks and traversing through metal detector doors, you are accosted by a harassed looking woman who throws away your strepsils (no – food is allowed – Mam) and almost throws away your liquid hand sanitizer. After an altercation, which reveals the demerit of drinking that clear liquid in a small plastic container, one feels shaken and unsure of what lies ahead. I was eagerly looking forward to the new James Bond movie. The prelude made me think of some of the horrible things that can happen in a movie auditorium. My quantum of solace from the rugged and gorgeous Daniel Craig was marginal. Now, I prepare my jhola before I go to a movie. Even the parking lot of some of these new and fancy malls seems to be frightening, with innumerable men in blue and gray uniform using their assigned whistle like a drill sergeant – furiously making hand signals even when clearly defined signs for exits are posted all over the parking garage. One would think you have just arrived at Guantanamo Bay! Danger is omnipresent, like the office elevators that have a mind of their own. I was in one recently. When the elevator stopped and darkness drowned the cage, fear gripped my heart. However, I collected my hitherto known elevator wisdom and pressed the emergency button, which made no sound. My fellow inmate was a young courierwalla, who at this point began to shake his head and began a tale of all his harrowing ‘lift’ experiences. I waited for a couple of minutes expecting some help to arrive. The boy had other ideas – he started kicking the door. When I recoiled, he smirked and said – ‘ Mam, yeh lato ka bhut hai, yai aise hi kholna padega. Aapko pata nahi, koi nahi ayeaga madad karne.” And I thought the elevator is a symbol of technical progress! There are too many new perils in Chandigarh. Bees are biting because their land has been taken away! Autos are on strike on the day your car tyre has a puncture! You are forced to wait and watch the street chaiwalla make milky tea because you are double parked! I wonder what would be next. A Chandigarh bandh!
|
|
Hooked on a book
A book is not just a compilation of linguistic acumen, ideas that consume a lifetime, or just a healthy pastime for some. It is also a life changing experience. These wealthy warehouses of knowledge, and best friends forever, are also good stress busters. And all that and more became a reason for celebrating the World Book and Copyrights Day at Browser-8, in association with Big 92.7 FM. The day saw a short story writing competition being held, the theme was a book that changed your life or your best read ever. And like passion, age was no bar. “We have entries starting from six-year-olds to a 60-year-old lady who wants to share her experience with a book. The basic idea behind this event is to promote the reading and writing practices,’ says Jagdeep Kaur, chief operations officer, Browser-8. “Today most of us spend our time in offices, colleges and schools. Reading is something that we are missing on in life,” she adds. The event had three categories — children, teenagers and adults, compiling short stories in any of the three languages- English, Hindi or Punjabi. The results will be evaluated by the enlightened ones in the field of literature. One could see people turning into thinkers, on couches, lounge area, basement or the reading table.
|
|
New babe on bikini block
Skin show has taken a different dimension in the last few months with actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Minissha Lamba and Amisha Patel getting into the swim wear for their roles. Also with dozens of film and fashion magazines hitting the stands, actresses are making a bee line to be seen on the cover.
But being in the glamour world where beauty sells, isn't that a dicey statement to make? "Of course, looking pretty is a valuable thing, but then talent matters as well", said Anjana. "At the end of the day, it is about coming up with a balancing act. Being 'just pretty' or 'just talented' doesn't help because one of them working just in isolation can't take you anywhere. You have to have a good mix of both." With Jashn, Tum Milo toh Sahi and Allah Ke Banday in the pipeline, life is certainly looking up for Anjana. "Certainly. I am glad that these are turning out to be good times. I stand by all my decisions in the past and, regardless of whether they have succeeded or failed, I have no regrets," she said. — IANS
|
|
Koffee break
You have seen him in Reebok, Standard Charactered Bank, ENO, Kotak Mahindra Finance, ICICI Bank, ads and in films like Firaaq, Zubeida, Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai, Darna Mana Hai, Kyun Ho Gaya Na, Netaji. These films brought this young actor directly into the limelight. Now, he is blazing the silver screen with big banners in the Bollywood. We chat up with Rahul Singh, a well know name in Hindi, English threatre and some top modeling assignments. You worked with Nandita Das in Firaaq. How was the experience on the sets? She is very talented, hard working both as an actor and director. It was a good experience working with her. She has different approach to his craft. How did Shyam Benegal's Zubeida and Netaji come to you? When Shyam Benegal contacted me, I was a bit surprised. I am grateful to Benegalji who gave me a chance in these two excellent films. You think very highly of Sudhir Mishra, the director of Dhruv? Sudhir Mishra is a talented director. He is respectful to each and every unit member who works with him. I am working with him in Dhruv. He has put a lot of hard work in this film. What is your equation with Madhur Bhandarkar? It has been a good experience working with him in the forthcoming movie Jail. What is your passion? I am passionate about life. I love acting in all forms. I like to write script and dialogue also. I wrote dialogue for Kaizad Gustad's Rani and Sanjay Gupta's Kaante. What are your other projects? I am currently working in Jail, Delhi Belly, Chamki, Abba Ka Kua, Dhruv, Tara Sitara, Sikandar, Raftaar, Click and Marry, Basra and two untitled films for Manmohan Shetty and Prakash Jha. — Dharam Pal
|
|
Although Shah appreciated the work of Shakespeare, but he said that performing his play was difficult in India, since the people don't speak in Shakespearean English accent. "To perform a play of Shakespeare in India is impossible. I did try it once. I realised, it can't be done simply because the people who speak in that English accent are not here," said Shah. Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's preeminent dramatist. — ANI
|
|
TAURUS: "The Princes of Cups" infuses you with a youthful disposition so you will be flirtatious, but be careful not to ignore or hurt the one who counts most in your life. Love can take a turn on Wednesday if you aren't thoughtful, generous and loyal. Focus on meditation & yoga. Tip: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Scarlet. GEMINI: "Nine Cups" full of light lotus blossoms and greet you as loving relationship flower with commitments. You feel moody and easily moved by whatever is happening in your environment. Defend against clashes on Tuesday. A trip near by will be therapeutic. An Aries person is demanding. Tip: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Coffee. CANCER : You draw " The Ace of Cups," which brings beauty , pleasure and happiness. Subtle pressure within organisations, or even on friends, seem necessary to get things done. You should also pay attention to your motives; ensure they are positive. Science and technology hold promise for you. Lot of new opportunities will come your way, which will make you feel positive about your future. Tip: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Royal blue. LEO: "The Hanged Man" helps you to move into new and better situation. Miscalculations or written errors may provide new insights into present business problems. Remain patient and listen for new instructions. The outside world may put some serious demands on your time and energy, but you also need to take care of some of the most important things at home. Tip: Try not to get carried away by your initial success. Lucky colour: Yellow. VIRGO: Avoid verbal battles, and try to make compromise. Life continues on a smooth path in the same old hunky-dory manner. You have to watch out for cutting out the junk from your life, using an imaginary pair of scissors. Have a more steady approach to things without losing your head. Tip: Make a deciding choice and then live with the outcome of your decision. Lucky colour: Deep crimson. LIBRA: Total love and togetherness as revealed by the "Page of Pentacle" card is the positive start of life together. Be kind to people who depend on you. Keep your eyes open for an awesome opportunity. A gentle and friendly approach can resolve an old conflict. Tip: Be cautious in your action and speech. Lucky colour: Pink. SCORPIO: "The Fool' infuses you with courage. You find ways to express your creativity & emotion. Your personal interests are likely to be stagnant. Look for depth of feeling and character when choosing a partner. You may want to shut out the world. Take a few days to get your priorities straight. Your sense of duty tells you that work and service to others must come first. Tip: Do as many courses as you can to get ahead of others. Lucky colour: Bottle green. SAGITTARIUS: The "Chariot card" interprets it as having 'focused energy' and concentration on a goal, because of which even the impossible gets done. 'Karmic speed breakers' and circumstances will compel you to put aside grey thoughts and aim for the sunbeam instead. Pets, children, home, gardens can take much of your time. Tip: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. CAPRICORN: "The Ace of Pentacles" sends a remarkable indication that now is the moment to achieve family happiness. A father figure comes to your aid. Thoughts of giving up midway are high. So weigh pros and cons wisely. For some, a flirtation is a likely and happy distraction on Wednesday evening. Cancerian surprises you with a generous gift Tip: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red AQUARIUS: Your card "Ace of Swords" invokes success after hard opposition. Participation in a charitable activity is indicated. The share market yields good profits after the recent uncertain phase. Tune in to your favourite music and unwind with loved ones on Thursday. Be patient on Friday. Tip: Wait and watch. Lucky colour: Crimson. PISCES: "The Five of Pentacles" brings many opportunities in your life. An array of mixed feelings overwhelms you on Monday. An important project is likely to encounter hurdles. You have to test a number of permutations and combinations to fine-tune your business strategy. Tip: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Peacock green.
|
|
|
| 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 | |
Television is a one-shop stop for innovation. The ones who don't agree with me must still be suffering from the sop-opera syndrome, but the ones who do, know what's the underlying meaning here. We are talking about the most important and the most interesting selling point of television, commercials. Now hold on, even with the whole kabab me haddi image of TV ads still doing rounds, the world of tele-advertising has never looked more tempting. And our stars seem to have understood the tough competition here. The grand brand ambassadors, after an exhaustive race of endorsements, are now fighting for their small screen space. How? By getting into the skin of their small-screen characters. Get into the act and sell your product is the current mantra.
"There's hardly any difference between an actor's work and a white-collar job. In both cases, you dress up well, reach the office on time and earn your bread by doing monotonous work," comes the critical analysis from television actor Sooraj
Thapar, who was in the city on Saturday, as he compares the television industry of the past and present.
It’s summer time, time for dimness and shade, and a perfect time to shop for chicks. Earthy and natural they not only add beauty to the décor but provide insulation against summer heat. Trendy addition to your home décor, these slick pieces sure catch attention.
Welhome, India’s largest chain in organised home textiles is offering complete makeover solutions this summer to bring in a whiff of freshness to your home décor. This summer sees the launch of some immaculately styled home décor products in bed and bath linen, that are also available in co-ordinated sets to give you a theme/story to take home. The specialized style team at Welhome will help you tone up your house with the latest trends for summer and spruce it with your inputs to give it that personal touch.
Dangers lurk in the most unlikely places. Who would think that withdrawing money from an ATM would be a hazardous affair? I read about the unfortunate city resident, who was trapped in a Sector 17 ATM, only to be detained later by the bank officials for damaging the door. Next time I step into one of these I would double check the door.
Anjana Sukhani says she is game for bikinis if her role really demands it. Though she has adopted a glamorous persona in films like Golmaal Returns and Salaam-E-Ishq, the actress is yet to join the bikini brigade.
"It's not in my wish list either. However, there comes a point in your career where you get a film that requires you to shed your inhibitions. Of course, the role that I play has to be of utmost importance - if it is justified for the character to wear a bikini, then I won't fret about it," told Anjana.
"I'm very sure about the fact that posing seductively for the camera doesn't really pay. It can't help you grab work. What eventually matters is how talented you are and whether you can deliver goods on the screen," said the actress who had grabbed attention in the Cadbury ad with superstar Amitabh Bachchan.
Bollywood has witnessed an inflow of some good and talented actors into its fold. One such multifaceted actor is young Rahul Singh, a product of Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and British Film institute of London.
Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah launched a DVD consisting of works of Shakespeare on the occasion of 445th birth anniversary of William Shakespeare. Noted film critic Bhawana Somaaya also accompanied Shah during the DVD release function on Friday.
ARIES:
Though the "Knight of Swords" gives you a new vision,
overindulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward the ones you
love, and let bygones be bygones with those who have upset you in the
past. Start off with a clean slate. Silence is bliss on Monday. Tip of
the week: Be cautious in your action and speech. Lucky colour: Chocolate
brown.