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Force 15
If it were not for ‘them’, it would be so easy to shake hands; hug and drop a small peck on your favourite film star’s cheek. If it were not for ‘them’, it would be easy to round up any celebrity and pester them for family photos. Lastly, without them around, we could meet Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Ajay Devgan, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor and chit-chat with them for eternity.
It is due to these burly men, who keep the crazy fans at bay, that celebrities look so unapproachable. Their stiff gait, the overstuffed muscles, and the dare-you-come-near attitude makes them a popular and feared fraternity: the bouncers. So, it goes without saying that you have to befriend them to get closer to the stars. (Especially the journalists who have to face the challenge of breaking and barging into the chakravyuh they set up around a star). And now this brute force, captained by Rubby Singh, head, Rubby Securities, is all set to flex its muscles in front of the camera. Almost 15 bouncers from the city will leave to handle the security and also act in Arbaaz Khan’s debut production film. Excited? Of course, they are. Prepared? Well, they always are. Jitters? They have escorted umpteen stars safely to hotel rooms, private parties and shooting sites. So, what is it that they look forward to? “Salman Khan,” the group echoes. “ Salman and Arbaaz are down-to-earth genuine people, who have no airs about themselves,” says Rubby, who will be joining him soon for the shooting at Jaipur and has also acted in the movie Ek.(He had a fight scene with Nana Patekar). “My boys have escorted almost all celebrities who come to the North, Abhisekh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Nana Patekar. They have tasted stardom in their own way,” he adds. “Some have even played small parts in some movies. But, this is going to be a big thing for them.” Avtar, Maninder, Jimmy, Vikram, Sikander, Mani, Vicky, Yash, Balwant, Tejinder, Iqbal are all set for the big show. “We have seen almost all stars. We know a bit about how they would behave with the public, what they like and what they don’t,” says Mani. “Rubby paaji has trained us to deal with all possible situations.” As for Rubby, who is getting offers from Bollywood and has also been approached by Sallu himself to handle security for him, bouncers don’t always have to be brawny. All the same, a thin, frail guy will never be taken seriously.” He offers, “My job is to escort the celebrities, make sure they are safe, that no one tries to harm them, the fans don’t bother them. However, we cannot be rude to the fans as well. This is where we use our brain and muscle,” he says, already distributing duties to his boys for the coming week. We ask them of any personal favourites from Bollywood. Salman, Arbaaz, Shahid … names are dropped randomly. “Shahid Kapoor goes to the Beas whenever he comes to the North, and I go with him. He is very decent. And so is Salman. He is a gem of a guy.” jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Vatavaran vistas
Green Warriors, a film made on the city’s environmental issue of saving a green piece of land in Sector 26 from the Administration’s plans of building a club for VIPs, has been nominated for the prestigious International Environment Film Festival of Asia, CMS Vatavaran-09. This year, the focus of the festival is on Natural Heritage Conservation and out of a total of 276 films, four have made it to this category.
Says the filmmaker Gaurav Chhabra, “This is one of the most prestigious environment-specific film fests. It has a broad canvas in that it includes workshops, filmmaking
sessions and more.” Adds the city’s green warrior, “My film has been selected to compete in some newly introduced categories at the fest like low-budget category and the policy change category devoted to environmental films that have invited government notice oraction.” What’s next? “ I’m preparing to showcase at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF-10) now,” he adds. His work rubs shoulders with other short films by local Chitkara communication students. The film Green Warriors has already been screened and appreciated at the Ahmedabad International Film festival-09 and has had over two-dozen screenings in the city. Having showcased at various institutes and schools, the film has turned into a campaign, thus setting a perfect example of video activism and participatory communication. The film will be screened in Delhi in the last week of October.
— Chetna Keer Banerjee |
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Wait & watch
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IT got to be acting
His father Gurjeet Singh Bajwa, who is a retired air force pilot and is currently working as a gymnastics coach with the Punjab Sports Department at Patiala, wanted his son to be a pilot but Bajwa had some other plans. Bajwa has been into gymnastics since childhood and is a seven-time national player. But more than a gymnast, he is a charmer since young age and would entertain his friends and family members off and on. Slowly and gradually he started getting more passionate about acting but he decided to secure his carrier first. He did his B Sc in IT from Karnataka University, Bangalore, and then took his flying training at Patiala Aviation Club. Further, he did aviation course from Manila, Phillippines, to become a commercial pilot. After being sure that he could now take a risk and try to give his first love i.e. acting, at least one chance, Bajwa then moved towards acting. He says, "It required a lot of coaxing and effort. My father was initially hesitant about acting as a carrier, but I convinced him to give me one chance. If I fail, I can any time return to flying." He joined the Department of Indian Theatre at Panjab University, Chandigarh. During the same period he won a talent hunt show Aaja Nachle that was aired on MH1. He then got his first break in a music video by Sandy (Winner of Awaaz Punjab Di-2). Eversince there is no looking back. Bajwa has worked in some 15 music videos with Inderjeet Nikku, and many more still have to go on air. After tasting success, he shifted to Mumbai where he took part in Boogie Woogie in 2008. He met various producers and was then selected for a popular daily soap Kasamh Se but the show got off air. However, Bajwa didn't give up. His hard work has finally paid off. Bajwa is a semi-finalist of hit show of Colors, India's Got Talent. His gymnastics and unique dancing style charmed the judges, Sonali Bandre, Shekhar Kapoor and Kiran Kher, thus taking him to the semifinals. With this, his carrier took a U-turn and now Bajwa has been signed as a lead actor in the first-Punjabi action movie titled Mera Sohna Desh Punjab, which would be directed by Harish Parasher. Bajwa is a perfect blend of intelligence and looks and this has also won him an untitled Bollywood flick, which would be produced by Ad Labs. The movie has some famous star cast. Though he is excited about his Bollywood project, he cannot provide any details as of now. So, we will have to wait and watch how far passion takes him. We can only wish him good luck. |
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Gem of an idea
Kicking off in style, the recent BFW unveiled a multitude of innovative creations by top designers wherein we saw beautiful ideas getting transformed into marvellous creations. There were designs, colours, textures and styles, among them the jewellery trends. In terms of jewellery, garments were heavily embellished, accentuating ornamental details . What started as a trend among royalty decades ago, is now creating a splash on the fashion scene: brooches were noticed both on and off ramp. Leena says that even men can opt for brooches without worrying about looking odd. Brooches can also be worn innovatively and can be multifunctional, being worn as a pendant as well. Chunky neckpieces constructed using wood bangles and other innovative material added drama to the garments. Jewelled accessories in bold and bright colours completed many an ensemble. The inaugural day showcased some of the most exquisite and exotic fashion Bangalore has witnessed, where every collection being a masterpiece. Stunning models walked the ramp in beautiful attires and accessories by the budding and very fresh Indian designers like Abhi and Rahul, Zubin Vakil, Neelam Ashley and Bumica and Hirlal. With the curtain raiser exhibiting a cocktail of modern and traditional attire, Day 2 flaunted the high-voltage exquisite and exotic fashion ever showcased by some of India's big names . Designers like Sanjay and Shammy, Suman Chowdhary, Jatin Kochar, Manovi Raj Khosla, showcased their creativity, making use of cages and feathers in the ensembles to denote the free spirit of the woman. Fabrics like silk, organza and nets were used in the collection that was predominantly black and white. "The collection is all about presenting contemporary women and how they are. They are better than men. They are smarter," said Abhi. The off-shoulder dresses, cuffs with jewelled details and the Indo-western collections were some of the fashion trends witnessed this season. As expected, the garden city was able to give very vibrant, young, creative and stylish designs. On the last day, the show kept its promise of showcasing vibrant and dynamic designs from top-notch designers like Puja Rajvanshi, Babita Jai Shankar, Sanchita Ajjampur, Lokesh Ahuja, Jason and Anshu and the king of couture, Rocky S. Out spilled the Rocky S brand of masterful crafting of the beautifully embellished lehengas, anarkalis, and also a racy rock 'n' roll inspired line with a lot of lace and leather. Each piece was crafted with finesse. This event was all set to salute the doyens, encourage the Gen Next and move ahead to create an international property which talks of fashion as an industry, as a creative canvas and as a serious business. |
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Room for rivalry
We…the hostellers of campus…And they've been lucky to get into the 'limited seats institution'. Let's face it, the first preference, the low-priced option- the official campus residence. Hostels have countless advantages. "It's been three weeks since I've been staying in hostel now, I've stayed in paying guest accommodations as well and there are many restrictions, even in hostels though there are restrictions. I feel hostels are better," Daisy Mirza, U.I.F.T student, from Savitri Bai, assesses the pros and cons. What about nearness to campus? She says, "Oh yes, you can call that a plus point as well." Shouts Manika Ahuja, hosteller from Government College for girls, "The fact that where you attend classes and where you stay are a stone's throw away is a huge plus." Who's undermining the farewell and fresher celebrations part of any hostel. Adds Manika, "And so is the point that there are huge spaces and gardens." The long walk amid gardens, open spaces leading up to probably the Students Center. Space remains the biggest casualty in paying guest accommodations. There's uproar on the other side of the dice. "At least we don't have to attach everything to one socket for using any electrical appliance. And no hostel wardens, no restrictions to put up with," that's Neha Sud, B. Comm. student. They're the team paying guests. Initially the leftovers, but now they've taken over! The alternate that's become mainstream. Never mind the foundations strong or laying stone activities of still in construction hostels, the PGs accommodate huge fraction of the student population. And someone just said, 'We also don't have to leave immediately on completion of the course or studies.' The fellow instantly hears back, 'At least we are not assorted with people of all age-groups and backgrounds.' It's getting hotter! Anyways, handing back the microphone to the previous ones. Sukrant Bhatia, ex-hosteller, student, School of Communications Studies, has 'been there, tried everything and come back.' He opines, "Hostels are better, because you pick up a lot of friends and acquaintances as you go along. Here we have a huge circle, from different departments as well and it's happening during elections too. Elections? That had to be boy! He laughs, "Though during elections campaigning occurs in girls hostel; in boys rather it's raids that take place but you can't miss the action." To sum up, Garima Hooda, final year student, from MCM College says, "I have been a hosteller for six seven years now and recently shifted because of coaching and all. Though I miss hostel life like anything but I don't think it's a wise thing or even possible to compare the two, they are different things altogether." There we end! Amen.
manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Campus connect
Like is the tradition with, with every college in every column. We let the principals do the introductory talking. But Dr. Shyam Sunder, has been on either side of the fence, "When I was a student in this very college I was initially a little submissive then became student leader and little aggressive." On entering we caught him telling someone else, "My heart lies in this college…" Never mind the bias, what makes GC-11 different? "It would be the total atmosphere, the togetherness that you find here," is his clear and cut reply. Class apart
A few teachers would say, "Yeah, we are the only college that has a swimming pool." That too, in good great condition. Guess, the people even count it among 'the list of achievements.' "It's four feet deep to six and a half feet deep on the other side," informs the coach. Information technology block, detached gym area, first aid and health center form part of the regulars. Canteen calling
The mini open canteen is the main options here. A crowd round the kulcha-chana stall is perhaps the permanent feature. "If you ask me, one thing that's most popular here then I would say it's the samosa," says Akanksha Sharma, second year Biotech student. There were still three or four left in the oven! And what would the favourite hangout place be? "That's mughal gardens on the premises itself. It's a very quiet shady area amid sculptures plus that's quite favourite with girls." She adds, "And of course as they say the UMT is always there." Err…UMT? "Under Mango Tree!" Crowd puller
The slippers rule here and guys sporting shorts don't draw weird looks. In short everything works. And gels well with casual laidback easy atmosphere. What's important? To be comfortable. Shares Mohit Sharma, another bio-technology student, "We attract good professional crowd, some of PU toppers rest I feel, boys still are a majority on the grounds. May be due to the fact that this place till sometime back was a boys college." Oh, the girls will outnumber in no time!
manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Bakwaas Bytes
Heylo ladies…courtesies and greetings first…but no kissing or air kissing ok? The swine flu scare is still there. And, no American hugs either, only British style bows. Or, our very own Indian namaste. Anyways, where were we, what was I saying? Oh, my Gawd! These guys also no? When will they get cured of their 'ancient tradition' of passing comments, compliments or even complaints?
You know, every college has a driveway, cause way, subway or whatever way -- that's not the point. The corridors, entry lanes from where everyone enters, including all the girls and guys, just sit back, watch and relax. Just when we were nosing around on campus grounds, there's this butterfly-looking bright babe who enters and out of nowhere a voice goes, "Where do I look? Get me the glasses please." How mean! So what if the girl was looking like a Christmas tree? By the way, what did he mean? That's the way they are, itching to say something, get attention. Shares a member of the rival gender, "Yeah, I answered in the same breath, what a loser." Ha ha…Good, good. Tit for tat! |
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I TONE
By now, the whole world knows Shah Rukh Khan was detained and interrogated for two hours at Newark airport. He being a youth icon, what do the young feel about the whole episode? Was there reason enough for SRK to feel 'humiliated' and 'angry'? The hip and happening seem to have an opinion...Yeah, if it's part of their security check and for everyone there's no harm complying with it. It would have been uncalled for had it been undue. Bhupinder Chauhan I don't think so much of hue and cry should have been raised. This has happened to other VIPs as well before but never before so much was made out of it nor did they make an issue out of it. Prabhjot Singh Everyday so many Indians are held up abroad at the airports. If Shah Rukh Khan was made to do for a day, then what's the big deal? I don't think it amounts to grave indignity inflicted on India as is being made out. Harsimranjit Singh |
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...Pride ride
Adding excitement to the Tour are the exceptionally gifted and stylish Ranna Gill and the trendy and beautiful Mandira Wirk from New Delhi, Mumbai's own Prriya and Chintan, Rahul and Gunjan, Hyderabad's super design talent Asmita Marwah and more, who will showcase their designs on the club runway. |
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Aspiration Club, an organisation of women to promote culture and values, celebrated Janamashtami and Teej festival at Chandigarh Club on Tuesday. The members through songs and dances related to these festivals presented the two-hour colourful event. The women dressed in their bright and colourful attires took part in various games, rangoli and mehndi competitions. Mangla Dogra, gynaecologist, was the chief guest on the occasion and gave away the prizes to the winners of rangoli. — TNS
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Tweet taste
After Priyanka Chopra, Sonam Kapoor and Mallika Sherawat, Bollywood actor Lara Dutta is the latest celebrity to enter the world of Twitter. The former Miss Universe, who is currently shooting for her upcoming film Housefull that also stars Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Jiah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, was helped by her co-star Riteish in setting up the Twitter account. "Hiya! Just set up my account with help from RD on the sets of Housefull! Very excited!," Lara wrote in her first tweet on the micro-blogging website. Riteish also expressed his happiness on Lara's entry in the world of Twitter. "Guys. just got Lara on twitter.@DuttaLara," the Hey Baby actor wrote on his webpage. However, Housefull director Sajid Khan was not too happy with the 'Twitter' activity on the sets of his film. "Hi guys, this is Sajid Khan. Please do this later as I need Riteish and Lara on the set, Sethji-Akki (Akshay Kumar) is waiting along with Arjuna," the director wrote on Riteish's twitter page. The 31-year-old actor now joins the list of Bollywood celebrities including Karan Johar, Uday Chopra and Gul Panag on Twitter and already has 484 followers just three hours after making her account on the popular networking website. — PTI
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Pair of performance
In the previous years, the awards have been graced by the performances of Bollywood artistes like Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Rakhi Sawant, Vivek Oberoi, Sukhwinder Singh, Koina Mitra, Tanushree Dutta, Aftab Shivdasani, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sivamani, Tisca Chopra, Sajid Khar and Anupam Kher. — PTI
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Bang on target
Set in Jammu and Kashmir, the film has Parzan Dastur and Ayesha Kapoor in lead roles along with R. Madhavan and Sanjay Suri. It revolves around teenage boy Sikandar Raza (Parzan), who dreams of playing football at the national level, and his friend Nasreen (Ayesha). But things take an unexpected turn when he finds a gun on the road. Sikandar's parents were killed by militants when he was four years old. And now he lives with his foster parents and he is only concerned about their happiness and football. One day, on his way back home from a school football match, he finds a gun lying on the road. Despite warnings from Nasreen, he picks up the gun and his life is never the same again after that — he enters into the darker side of his nature. The quiet yet strong Nasreen becomes Sikandar's conscience keeper and also tries her best to pull him out of the murky goings-on. But to her dismay Sikandar has sunk so deep that things go beyond his control. Jha says Sikandar is not a children's film despite having children as protagonists. " Sikandar is not a children's film at all. It just has two important characters as children but it's for everyone. Just like Taare Zameen Par which had a child protagonist and still appealed to people of all ages, this film too will appeal to one and all," said Jha. "Sikandar basically reflects the situation of Kashmir seen through the eyes of children... It's a film full of hope but told in a manner that is not preachy. It is involving and intriguing and connects at an emotional level. The underlining theme is about fighting against the odds, living up to expectations and coming out with a clear conscience," he added. Produced by Big Pictures and Sudhir Mishra, Sikandar has already garnered its share of positive reactions when it travelled to festivals like the Bollywood and Beyond Film Festival in Stuttgart, Germany, and the Los Angeles Indian film festival. Earlier slated for a March release, the film was delayed by the tussle between producers and distributors over revenue-sharing of forthcoming releases. — IANS
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I'm an actor; not a star
"Who says you can't be a star as well as a good actor, I want to be both. I am young but I know that acting is my passion but at the same time I don't want to be taken over by fame. I am just Ayesha for my friends and family and it would be horrible if that changes," the ninth grader said. Ayesha who plays a young Kashmiri school girl Nasreen in the film, said that her character is the conscious keeper of Sikandar, the protagonist played by Parzan Dastur in the movie which will release on August 21.
— PTI |
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Contemporary, stylish and trendy-that's the word on the latest collection from Swatch, the famous Swiss maker of fashion watches and jewellery. Accessible, colourful and full of surprises the Swatch Fall Winter 2009 Collection presents a delightful variety of new creations. Each new model belongs to a family, and each family represents an emerging theme from the leading edge of the fashion world. The themes give expression to the latest developments from contemporary design labs and galleries, allowing hot fashion trends, street-wise style and the urbane elegance of haute couture to enhance the entire collection.
The swatch Fashion Themes for the Fall Winter 2009 Collection speak to a diverse audience of trend-conscious women and men in contemporary cultures around the world. Five themes contribute to this new collection, each offering a pleasing variety of choices: Jungle Hearts is alive with art and opulence, speaking to a woman of exquisite tastes and a sharp eye for the details that make fashion count. Cuddle-Crafts has the warm and cosy feel of a world full of cute and cuddly things. Exceptional adventure and the call of the wild inspire Edge of Adventure's extremely clear and cool designs. Master Class brings news to men of an eco-future where functional luxury, creativity and vision shape a new industrial landscape. From city streets around the world comes Streetpainters and its cutting-edge fusion of fashion, street art and the urban youth culture.
Everyone is a dreamer. Some people just dream big but give up when they come face-to-face with reality. Only a few have the courage to give up everything to follow their dreams. At 22, Patiala-lad Nav Bajwa is one such dreamer who has not only fulfilled his dream but has also lived upto his father's expectations.
Thirty designers, 50 models, four days and plenty of colour, mayhem and, of course, fashion. Bangalore kept pace with the latest trends and styles, in apparel as well as accessories.
With this backdrop, the Blenders Pride Bangalore Fashion Week was conceptualized as a project set to position the city as 'The Ultimate Destination' for fashion in India.
Fashion designer Leena Tipnis, who was spotted wearing one at the BFW, thinks brooches are definitely trendier now. "Every brooch is a style statement and can make a lot of difference to one's attire," says Leena, who feels that the beauty of brooches lies in the detail. 
Who came first, the hen or the egg? Sounds silly? How about squabbling over something 'fruitful'. They say grapes are sour and inevitably battle ensues. What's better; the PG's or the hostels? Arguments, allegations, counter points, defenses, accusations…Welcome to a mini- parliament! And the debate's just begun.
How could anyone miss the next-door neighbours of GCG-11? Hang on, there's a correction, 'Not we, they're our neighbours. Geographically speaking, you cannot go to the girls college without having been through here,' remarks a fresher. Looks like most on the campus have not the wrong attitude but just the right perception! From all boys to co-educational and recently to post graduate, the Government College-11 is ever changing. This is how…
For security sake
Why cry?
No big deal
After a successful inaugural Blenders Pride Magical Nights Tour last year, 2009 promises more; redefining the scope by taking its exact 50-day caravan of fashion, music and partying to 11 cities. Hosted by the acclaimed designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna of Cue, and Vikram Phadnis, the Blenders Pride Magical Nights Tour will be co hosted by Bollywood divas Dia Mirza or Minnisha Lamba this year. The tour starts its groove on July 22 with Guwahati, reaches the city on August 20 and closes on September 9 with Pune.
Celebrating the talent of India's young achievers, this year's Rajiv Gandhi National Awards will see some of Bollywood's big names performing at the extravaganza including Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra.The event to be held on August 19 at the National Centre for Performing Arts would also see Mahima Chowdhary, Esha Deol, Hussain Kuwajerwala, Raju Shrivastav and Vishal-Shekhar perform at the event.This year in the list of awardees, Shahid Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have been adjudged as winners in the Best Actor and Best Actress categories respectively.Stars like Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan and Rani Mukherjee have been the recipients of the coveted honour in the
past.
After making comedies like Chalo America and The King of Bollywood, director Piysush Jha returns with suspense-thriller Sikandar. Releasing Friday, the film is about the tensions in Kashmir seen through children's eyes.
Ayesha Kapur, the young actor who made her debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black, wants to be a star, but without having to sing and dance around trees in masala movies or have her normal life taken over by the trappings of fame. The 14-year-old who will return to the silver screen after a gap of 4 years in Piyush Jha's Sikandar said that acting is her passion, but she is scared that the attention that comes with it, might change her.