Adrenaline Rush
Jumping from tall buildings to fighting WWE wrestlers to dancing with fire, tellevile is doing everything possible to keep viewers glued to the idiot box
Ashima Sehajpal

Every time Terrence Lewis, choreographer and mentor of Dance Indian Dance (DID), posed the question, 'how far can we go to assure enough votes to a contestant?' It would set off retrospection for other reality shows as well. It's entertainment on the edge. If at all the reality show makers had a choice, the tasks would have been wilder, freakier and far more dangerous. Something like --- ride a tiger, feed crocodiles, run on a sharp-edged sword, swim the marshy pool etc etc.

But then with contestants jumping from 15 feet, fighting WWF wrestlers, dancing on a trampoline, doing wheelies, the Indian television industry has already gone too far to earn TRPs and might even go further. "The contestants can and their will allows them to. We don't impose any restrictions on them, as the competition was very tough," Terrence answers his own question.

The show presented India with dance performances like never before, where participants cart-wheeled, set themselves on fire and used props which were hitherto unimaginable. "But we ensured safety. At least, those in my team performed as per their caliber and never tried to outdo their limits. In fact, I used to test the stunts on myself and then teach them," says Terrence. The show, however, saw a contestant fracturing his arm, which forced him to quit the show. Salman Khan, the winner of DID, didn't mind performing stunts on the show. "We were never coerced to perform any stunt. It was only after we agreed, we were trained. Before performing the fire dance, I took formal training from the professional fire handlers." However, he still ended up hurting his back.

Unlike this show, in which the participants had an opportunity to practice their stunts, the other shows threw surprises. Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, a hit show of last year, too saw Meghna Naidu being rushed to the hospital. Nethra Raghuraman, the winner of Fear Factor, insists that the show adhered to international safety measures. "We were sure that the stunts were safe and that confidence helped me perform well," she says. The show grossed high TRPs for Colors.

She reasons out the popularity of these show, "Who doesn't like to watch action movies? Adventure shows provide the same thrill, action and drama." Saturation point of saas bahu soaps is also a reason for the audience to look for a new form of entertainment. She adds another psychological fact, "Because India doesn't have quality adventure sports infrastructure, these shows give viewers their dose of adrenaline rush as they identify with the contenders,"

Sufi Malhotra, Roadies finalist, fractured his leg ligament in a wrestling match with two WWE wrestlers. Shaleen Bhanot, Roadie II contestant, who shot to fame by winning Nach Baliye's last season, opines, "It's the prerogative of every contestant to decide what kind of risks they are ready to take. The limits have to be defined, as nothing is important than the health of contestants." And now when we are all geared up for MTV's Stuntsmania, let's hope there's no skidding or wobbling of bikes!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Fallen hero

Shocking and shameful! That’s how Mahesh Bhatt reacted to the news of actor Shiney Ahuja getting arrested on charges of raping his domestic help. On Monday morning, the who’s who of Bollywood woke up stunned and embarrassed. The actor who enjoyed both critical and commercial success with his movies like Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi, Gangster, Life in a Metro and Bhool Bhulaiya, was caught on the wrong foot when his 18-year-old domestic help accused him of repeated rape. The actor too confessed of consensual sex. The reactions are coming fast and furious, with stars and fans shaking their heads in disbelief. Amidst reports of Shiney’s so-called confession and the mixed reactions from Bollywood, confusion is in its peak.

“The ground reality is very different from what media is projecting. The police version came before Shiney was produced in court, where he denied that he made any such confession. So, the situation demands to suspend all judgments,” says Bhatt. He adds that Shiney has a clean track record in the industry and his behaviour was always proper.

But this is not the first time that Bollywood is witness to such an act. The long-listers include Madhur Bhandarkar, who was accused of molestation by Preeti Jain, a struggling actor. Director Sanjay Gadhvi and Aditya Pancholi had also been in news for the same reason. “There is no denying the fact that sometimes you do wake up to some brutal realities, but any exaggerations need to avoided,” Bhatt feels. — Neha Walia 

Johnny-Johnny, yes Karri
Ritika Kumar

After making waves at Cannes with his maiden film, India-born Hollywood director Nagendra Karri is all set to strike it big as the filmmaker is in talks with heavyweights Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russel Crowe for his second film Mobster with Depp being his favourite.

Born in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, 26-year-old filmmaker whose first film Where are you Sophia got the opportunity to be screened at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, hopes to rope in the Pirates of the Carribean actor for the thriller.

"Yes, we are in talks with the three actors but I am particular pushing for Johnny Depp. He has shown keen interest in the script. We are also in touch with agents of Eva Green for one of the main characters in the film," Karri said.

Mobster is about organisational crime and its domino effect on the people. The story revolves around an ex-CIA whose life gets affected by it and how he changes the order of the mob. The story begins in New York and then travels India to end in Moscow, he said.

Karri is also planning to make the Hindi version of the film simultaneously and wants to cast Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for the lead role.

"I have some actors in mind. Aamir and Kamal Hasan are the two I would love to cast. Abhishek Bachchan and Rahul Bose are also in my wish list. I intend to talk with them in the coming weeks," Karri said. — PTI

Dare to bare
Quizzed about nudity, Kareena walks off in a huff

Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor had to eat her own words after stating that she "will do everything a role demands." The actor who was promoting her upcoming film Kambakkht Ishq was being quizzed about her swim-suit sequences in the film when she replied, "I am the kind of actor who does all kind of roles and also does everything a role demands." But as she got bombarded with questions about whether she will go nude for the cameras, the actor lost her patience and walked off from the media event.

The 'size zero' babe of Bollywood who had earlier created waves with her bikini shots in Tashan, plays a supermodel Simrita Rai in the film opposite Akshay Kumar who plays a Hollywood stuntman.

The 28-year-old actor also refuted reports claiming that she had demanded that the shots of her in a swimsuit be removed from the film.

"The shots are there in the promo and that goes to prove that I had never asked for their removal because if I had my producer and director would have done so," said Kapoor who is dating actor Saif Ali Khan.

Nudity has always been taboo in the Hindi film industry, especially in the case of actresses who are in the danger of being quickly stereotyped. Actor Nandana Sen who had shot in the buff for the film Rang Rasiya had later said that she will not shed her clothes on screen again as it had harmed her career. — PTI

Million-pound deal
Peter Andre signs Bollywood film

Major turns minor

For Mallika's sake

After shaking a leg with Bipasha Basu, Beijing Olympics' bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh turned a singer for another Bollywood siren Mallika Sherawat in a reality TV show.

The middle weight (75kg) pugilist, who returned to the country today after winning a bronze medal at the Asian Championships in China, recalled a meeting with Mallika on Sony TV's Dus Ka Dum hosted by Salman Khan, where he crooned for the damsel.

"She is from my state Haryana, so I sang a local folk song for her when Salman asked me and she couldn't stop laughing at that. It was fun to interact with her," Vijender said.

The duo shot for the show last month and Vijender said he was surprised by Salman's knowledge of Indian boxing.

"I was amazed that Salman knew so much about boxing and our boxers. He was very nice and we cracked a lot of jokes which you will see when the episode is telecast. Contrary to his media image, he came across as a good person," he said.

Vijender had danced with Bipasha in another reality show Nach Baliye last year.

Vijender would head back to Patiala in a couple of days to resume training. — PTI

Dil Chahta hai!

Acting is her priority, but Sonali Kulkarni says that she would love to go behind the camera and direct a film.

"I see myself directing a film in the future. Right now I feel more like an actor so I don't want to venture into that domain. But that is something in my mind which I would like to give shape sometime soon," Sonali said.

At the moment the actor, who is known for her roles in films like Mission Kashmir, Dil Chahta Hai and Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, among others, is upbeat about her releases this year, which include Mohandas, Rock Shock, The Man and Camp. — IANS

Multi-talented
Hrithik, Akshaye impress with singing, designing

One world, one language
Ashima Sehajpal

Daddy can do it!
Jackky Bhagnani, son of producer Vashu Bhagnani, debuts with Kal Kissne Dekha

Producer Vashu Bhagnani’s son Jackky Bhagnani is all set to create a tizzy in the constantly swirling world of newcomers. Having debuted with Bhootnath fame director Vivek Sharma’s suspense thriller Kal Kissne Dekha, opposite another debutant model-turned actor Vaishali Desai, Jackky is blessed with daddy Vashu Bhagnani’s confidence and has reportedly managed to impress producers in Bollywood. With a name like Jackky he is bound to evoke curiosity. In an interview to the Lifestyle he talks about his debut film and more.

What is your criterion for selecting a film?

Script and banner. A good script and a good banner is half the job done.

What is your role in Kal Kissne Dekha?

I play Nihal Singh from Chandigarh. He is seemingly simple yet an unconventional boy. He talks too much and builds complicated gadgets in his spare time. The film story is a story of my journey to Mumbai.

Was it an easy character to play?

I underwent an acting course from Lee Strasberg in New York. I have also done few courses in dancing. I have done everything that is necessary for a debutant.

How was it working with director Vivek Kumar?

Vivek is a fantastic director and is 100 percent involved in filmmaking. All this makes it very easy for the crewmembers.

Kal Kissne Dekha is a suspense thriller. How challenging it is to work in this genre?

It was very different and interesting at the same time.

Your future projects?

I will take up new projects after the response to Kal Kissne Dekha. I hope it will do well. — Dharam Pal

Hair you go

Dabur’s Vatika Dandruff Control (VDC) shampoo is now there to address all hair woes, naturally - be it fighting the tough dandruff, flaky scalp, under-nourishment of hair etc. VDC is an all-in-one natural solution to keep your hair clean, lively black, conditioned and nourished, thereby stalling hairfall. 

Speaking about the product, Vikas Mittal, vice president-marketing , Dabur India Ltd. said: “Research proves beyond doubt that consumers fear chemicals in shampoo that rob hair of its beauty, luster and sheen over a period of time and is not a long-term solution one can follow. VDC is clearly and undoubtedly an alternate to such problems as it not only removes the tough dandruff through proven natural ingredients that work effectively on hair and scalp, but also conditions, strengthens and nourishes hair.”

VDC is now available with enhanced beauty benefits in three distinct variants — Naturally Clean, Hairfall Defense and Lively Black. All are marketed in attractive and vibrant packs with contemporary graphics. Vatika Dandruff Control Shampoo comes in three pack sizes: a sachet for Rs 1.50, 100ml for Rs 65 and 200ml for Rs 120. — TNS

Spice up
One for the road
Shahnaz Husain

When you are away from home; the time and means to make yourself attractive may not be easily available. So, what you need are a few tips to look pleasing, feel comfortable and relaxed.

Travelling light is an advantage, so you need items that are compact and portable. Get yourself a spacious shoulder bag and two small, plastic lined cases, for your toilet and make-up. Your beauty aids should be within easy reach, so that you can freshen up your make-up and alight from your journey looking attractive and self-confident. Searching for a lipstick or comb in a cluttered handbag can really test your patience.

* Before setting out on your journey, take care of a few grooming needs. Have your manicure, pedicure and hairstyling done, so that all you need is “touching up” while you are away.

* A short hairdo that you can just brush and arrange is best, while for long hair, take along a headband and hair clips, to keep your hair tidy. Elaborate hairstyles will demand too much time. Remember to take a scarf along to protect your hair from over-exposure to the sun, as well as from wind and dust. You will need it if you are out motoring, boating or even walking by the seaside or hills.

* The make-up items and clothes you carry depend’s on what your trip entails. If you are holidaying in a big city and expect to meet people, you will need a few good clothes and accessories, for dining out. Take a few in-between outfits that are neither too casual, nor too dressy.

*You will also need make-up cosmetics for the night. The lighting at night demands more colour, so include darker shades of lipstick, blush-on, eye-shadow and mascara. A hairpiece can provide instant glamour, without going out for a professional hairdo.

* Don’t forget to take your perfume, one or two good accessories and a neutral evening purse that goes with your dressy outfits. These will help to add the finishing touches.

*If you are on a sightseeing trip, or on a vacation by the sea or mountains, your cosmetic and wardrobe needs will differ. The emphasis will be on comfort. Casual wrinkle-free clothes, (T-shirts, jeans, skirts, salwar/churidar kurtas), lightweight shoes, a scarf and sunglasses will be needed.

* As a tourist or on vacation, you will need more skin-care cosmetics and fewer make-up aids. Since you may spend more time in the sun, take along a sunscreen and moisturiser. Sun exposure is more profound by the waterside or near snow. If you are out in the sun for more than 30 minutes, re-apply the sunscreen. This means that you should carry it with you. Exposure to the sun, wind, heat or cold can really dry out the skin and can even cause irritation and sensitivity. Also, take your cleanser, because you will need to remove all the dust and grime that has collected during the day, while you have been out of doors. Moisturise your skin daily too, so that you replenish the moisture loss. This itself is a protection.

* For your make-up, carry an eye-pencil, kaajal stick and lipsticks that are suitable for day wear. Perhaps, a lip-gloss will do. Eye make-up that smudges easily is not for the tourist. You will also need pressed powder (compact) and powder blush-on. Remember to take a few tissues. If you have oily skin, or the weather is hot and humid, pre-moistened tissues are what you need. Carry them in your handbag when you go out, to clean and refresh your skin. Apart from these, take a deodorant and talcum powder.

* When you travel. Either by air or on land, you may have to sit for long hours. Avoid tight clothes. Your feet will also suffer, so try to keep them raised with some support, to help circulation and prevent fatigue. You can try a few foot exercises while sitting. Wiggle your toes and make circular motions with your feet. Occasionally take a walk down the aisle, to stretch yourself. Also, try to relax and ease your tensions.

They will rock you
Summer is the time to get creative and innovative. This is exactly what our campus rock bands are doing
Manpriya Khurana

Rock rocks! Nothing exclamatory about it. Listeners of old world melodies, carols or even lullabies, would deep inside concede. Does anybody really need a reason to rock? Nah! Still there’s one, so how about June for justification! It’s summer and what are city bands up to, about to, are they jamming or jammed? See for yourself.

Carrot Fish

“What do we name the band? We were brainstorming and suddenly someone in a jiffy comes up with Carrot Fish. It’s liked unanimously, passed, voted and that’s how it came into being,” explains Sahil Sarin, the drummer. So much for the name, winning Campus Rock Idol 09’ and Rockathon 09 in Shimla didn’t happen in a jiffy. Just as the graduation from songs on fluff and floss bordering on pretty girls and lollipop to slightly substantial things! “Our track Mary represents society and how things have gone way out of hand, while yet another talks of politics and politicians,” he continues. Graduation, not just of lyrics of opinions, the band, influenced by British Rock, dealing with reggae, punk also believes in ‘not restricting them to any particular genre’. Elaborates Sahil, “We are influenced by a wide range of Brit rock bands. British rock is very different from American rock as it’s very simple and has a lot of feel to it.”

As of now, it’s working ‘day and night’ for Sahib Singh, Nitish Malhotra, lead guitarist, Joydeep Singh, and Pulkit Sharma, lead vocalist. “We are currently working on an album and in the middle of launching it. It has five tracks, so let’s see.” 

F-luxx

Watch out guys! They are not just ‘some rock band’. As Puneet Tandon, aka P. Feat, a DAV college student, likes to correct us, “We are the first hip-hop crew from the city”. There’s one more, ‘let me set the record straight’ statement. “We don’t do stuff on alcohol, sex, violence, drugs, instead prefer to take up causes through our music.” So much for the beginner’s music initiation. Not surprisingly, their video Jo Desh Ke Khilaf Hain originated out of Mumbai terror attacks anguish. Continues Puneet, “Our uploaded track had 500 downloads in three days.” He adds, “At times, our music’s just for fun. Sabse Behtar, another upload on you tube, we talk of how we are the best.” The fun tale wasn’t so initially, with local radio stations not playing their audios, parents not supporting their acoustic experiments financially, not to forget juggling studies as well. “Passion makes you manage and balance it all,” adds Deepanshu Goyal, specialising in Punjabi rap. Recalls Puneet, “We shot one of our videos in an under-construction house sneaking in from the back door.” From spelling hip-hop to telling what rap is, it wasn’t a smooth sail to ensure uninterrupted supply (Yeah, that’s what F-luxx means). Says Puneet, “Now there’s a rock band in every classroom, and yes we might have a collaboration and do hip-hop and rock together.” 

Driving Iron

With one member into professional golfing, and the other in the US, Driving Iron juggles not just time rather time zones. They might quote the usual, ‘friends came together and started jamming’ story but that’s where the banality ends. “A friend of mine, Akal and I started jamming around five years ago. I used to write, did about 15 to 20 tracks,” Gurbaaz Mann, addresses the introductory questions. He continues, “As we further started working, out of those with 13 tracks, we headed to a studio. Doesn’t profession take a backseat in front of passion, that too when things are straight from the heart. Elaborates Gurbaaz, “We lost a close friend around four years ago in a road accident and one of the tracks is based on that.” Otherwise, “It’s like storytelling, the old fashioned way and at times, doesn’t make for easy listening,” says Gurbaaz. Back to the group, Sehaj Bakshi, another member, is pursuing bachelor’s degree in music production and composition from the US, other members being Akal Sujlana, Sujjan Singh. “We’ve done a video Easy Love and we’ll release it later on.” Should be something! 

De Innovatives

They’ve been done to death. Are yet undone. But what is the four year old, seven-member band, currently doing? “We’ve been working for the past two years on our album Freeed, but since it’s recession we don’t have hopes of launching it soon,” says Nirdosh Sobti, guitarist and vocalist, for the “only band in the city to be doing professional gigs.” Never mind recession, fast forward to album. “It has nine tracks with fully commercial, fusion kinda music.” And album apart, the video Duur, shot around Chandigarh, deals with people below poverty line, while another upload on youtube is a tribute to 26/11. Currently the crew, including Neha Behl, vocalist, Namrata Sobti, base guitarist and Jaspal Singh, Harsh Sobti, Goldy and Gagan is almost off to Mumbai. “We are a full time band, stay together, work together 24x7.”

And are off to Mumbai soon to launch our album.” What about Chandigarh? “It’s a pensioner’s paradise, people here are not receptive to original tracks they want you re-playing well known numbers. Whereas in other cities, this is just not the case. They scream for original work.” .” Here’s hoping Mumbai works !

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Facebook face-off

Rock it right
Neha Walia

Rock music in India has always got step-motherly treatment. An untouchable, a death sentence, tagged noise and not music. We might have got inspired, influenced and intimidated, but never actually rocked, literally!

While our unlimited supply of Elvis Presley, ABBA, Deep Purple, The Doors, Bon Jovi, U2, we never actualy explored the genres of Rock music. It was meant for the ones who wanted to be fashionably rebellious. It was only in the 90s we dared enough to dabble in pure rock music Indus Creed even came out with videos that MTV was quick to promote and bands like Pentagram, Parikrama that became synonymous with college fest gigs. With them, we finally had our own rock bands – and they inspired others to step ahead with their devilled guitars. 

i Tone
United colours of a continent
What’s one thing that makes a university what it is? The foreign students & cosmopolitan culture. Shouldn’t ideally every continent be represented in a classroom? What can we do to make Panjab University attract more foreign students?

More the merrier
What I feel and I’ve seen is that foreign students mostly come here to study literature and honours subjects, just like Indian students go abroad to study business administration, marketing, finance and the like. So, if we could have more and wider variety of subjects that attract them, I think it’ll work.

Evanka Madan, Biotech student

Words worth
Panjab University loses some of foreign students to Delhi University. There are many factors for this— first, Delhi is the capital, second its lifestyle. But otherwise if PU wants to attract foreign students, it should up the infrastructure, quality of education and include more language courses.

Shubham Goel, Biotechnology student

Take care
We have a really good curriculum, what we should do now is, go on tell other people, I mean they should know the study options are available. Marketing well is half the battle won. Secondly, any foreign students who come to study here, should be really taken care of, only then they’ll go and tell others in their home country about it.
Manisha Nagi, Engineering student