A laugh riot is what both the Cyruses dished out on a visit to the city

Please… can somebody make the lexicographers devise more terminology to describe this funny err… humourous err... witty guy. We urgently need an apt term to define Cyrus Broacha's (non)sense of humour. Just make the word sound heavy, diffucult to pronounce, err… we don't know how actually it should exactly be. Alright! Let's give you an account of what happened on Wednesday, when he was here to judge the auditions of Roadies along with his namesake, Cyrus Sahukar, (With these two together, only they or God knows how auditions of an adventure show managed not to become those for a laughter show), probably then you might be able to help us with the 'greatest' adjective.

Cyrus Sahukar was quick to correct the misinformed among us that Broacha conducted any auditions, "In the afternoon, he was sleeping and then roamed around in the hotel, in just a towel." Broacha isn't amused and justifies his unavailability, "I was wondering how a girl from the city prepares for Miss Chandigarh. It wasn't roaming but serious catwalk and the towel was there because such hard work can be done only in very comfortable clothes."

Their presence on Roadies is to bring in some humour on the show (how desperately it is needed after Raghu's fits of anger). And they are missing and " praying for him too." Broacha is at it again, "He (Raghu) is out of the show owing to a head injury he got while a barber was shaving his head. His recovery and (difficult) hair weaving would take another two years."

Sahukar, for a change, was a little less funny and talked about his role in the auditions, "I'll not ridicule anybody, rather would make every contestant feel comfortable and confident." As expected, the senior Cyrus interrupts, "But Sahukar himself is ridiculous. In fact, to become a better human being, he spent four years with Mother Teresa, but she too failed at it and (shoe)d him, quite literally."

Besides VJing, the duo is also doing movies. Sahukar's role and relationship with Dilli 6 co-actor Sonam Kapur was "just dodgy rumours," as Sahukar explains. And Broacha was spontaneous; "He's telling a lie again. He shares a serious relationship with Sonam." Yes we 'trust' you, Mr Broacha, who, after VJing, acting and dancing (in Jhalak Dikhla Ja), wants to take up politics.

Sahukar will be next seen in Aayesha, which also stars Sonam and Abhay Deol, and Broacha is happy watching the 'circus'. But, there's Week that Wasn't, a TV show that takes up some of his time. "The show is so popular that it will now be made in Hindi as well. I used to get away with a lot due to the language barrier, but now I'll have to be cautious of many politicians, especially Mayawati," adds Broacha, who, interestingly, had at least one serious moment in his life: "Marriage."

However, both the Cyruses do appreciate the fact that Indians have become tolerant to humour, a reason we see them caricaturing different personalities. They even empathise with Shashi Tharoor's 'cattle comment' and feel that it was pure humour. "We constantly need to push the limits of humour and not restrict ourselves," adds Sahukar.

Simi Garewal needs to listen. She didn't like Sahukar making a spoof of her show called Rendezvous with Simi Girebaal. Broacha shares some 'serious' inside information, "She got confused between us and slapped me instead of him."

They aren't bothered much about the new breed of VJs. "The only difference is they are more good looking. We don't meet them as they call us uncles." Of course, that one comes from Broacha.

Please can we have a better term for him now!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Playing the perfect guest judge for MTV Hero Honda Roadies 7 auditions in the city, actor Emraan Hashmi was at his quietest best-maintaining perfect silence and with the least facial expression as the other three judges (Cyrus Broacha, Cyrus Sahukar and Nikhil Chinappa) giggled and nattered about the show. Well, that was expected out of Hashmi, don't we know he was playing the 'guest judge'. Coming to the core issue, the auditions of the show, Emraan says, "I have watched a bit of Roadies and I know this show has grabbed the nation's attention. I don't know what to expect, but this season there'll be a tinge of humour in the show and I would be playing the guest judge."

Dressed in a cool white tee and rugged jeans, this actor, who has earned the title of serial kisser owing to his varied scorching, lingering, fleeting kisses 'that his roles have demanded of him', about his upcoming movies, he says, "Tum Mile is my forthcoming movie that will be released on November 13. This movie is a love story with a backdrop of the infamous July 26, 2005, Mumbai floods. It's a story of two star-crossed ex-lovers, who are re-united after a hiatus of six years under the most chaotic circumstances. As the story unfolds, they find out new things about each other and themselves due to the extreme conditions therein. Rest the audience will have to wtach the movie."

An integral part of the Vishesh films, we heard Emraan will be playing a role for Mohit Suri's movie on Australian racial attacks on Indian students. Says Emraan, "Yes, I will be playing a part in the movie, but it is still being scripted and most probabably, we would start shooting in December." Ask him about his role and he says, "There's nothing defined as yet, but yes, this movie is based on real-life characters, but won't be a judgemental movie. We would be showing the real picture."

Apart from his filmy career and his infamous kissing scenes, there was another controversy surrounding him. This time, Emraan controversially claimed that a housing society in Mumbai's upmarket Pali Hill locality refused to grant him permission to buy an apartment because he was a Muslim. Though Emran's allegations were condemned by other Muslim actors in Bollywood, especially Salman and Shah Rukh, later we read that Emraan backtracked from his accusation and termed the incident as 'miscommunication'. But here, Emraan yet again confirms, "This issue was escalated and politicized. There were childish stories written about it, but this happened to me. I faced bias, and when people said I was hungry for publicity this was not the issue. This could happen to anyone, be it of any religion then."

That was real estate reality, but back to films, his forthcoming projects. They are Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Raftaar 24x7 and, of course, Tum Mile (opposite Soha Ali Khan).

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Shub Vivaah, Rakhi ka Swayamvar and now Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayange - TV's obsession with saat phere seems to be growing

Rahul Mahajan, the bridegroom

Check out the one in red choli…oooh, awesome move! That tattoo looks tempting, inviting or dangerous in all sense of the word…which one's better, the one in the yellow lehenga or the one in the mirrored-duppatta?

You must have guessed the topic and the subjects of discussion here. Of course, it is a usual chick-pick session at the dandiya night. The traditional nine celebratory nights of navratras have turned into the most happening social events of the year and a mecca for the single souls in search of love, if not the lifelong kinds then at least the nightlong kinds. The non-stop nine nights of full flirting keeps Cupid on his toes, for the targets exceed the number of arrows in his queer.

But who can blame the guys when girls looking ravishing in their bare backs, barer arms and revealing cholis, have a pheromonic effect dancing to the tunes of dhols and disco dandiya. Even statistics show that in Gujarat, more people become a couple during Navratri than through any matrimonial institution, column or website. And so we have each kind searching for his or her kind. These are the licensed dating grounds where a game boy, a pasta fed burger king, a rich brat or a nattily dressed geek would be looking for no strings attached (relationship, not choli) pretty, ethnic, yummy Indian nari.

But just when you are looking for someone to be by your side, even if someone is already occupying that space, you need to make sure you don't hit blind arrows. There are certain rules or must haves for dandiya dating. Like what?

Let's start with guys. Now you don't have to show your Prabhudeva or even for that matter Salman Khan moves. But make sure you put your dandiya sticks to good use. And by that we don't mean making that poor girl handicap for life by breaking her finger bones with them. If she impresses you by her latka-jhatkas, at least you can chip in with some smooth dandiya moves. And let the chemistry work.

Another thing is to try not to look like you are just out of Rakhi ka Doosra Swyamvar (I heard they were coming up with the idea). Dress up ethnic, but not like Aishwarya Rai. Impress with your style and subtlety.

Let your eyes speak and not your mouth, (or some place else!) throw hints with that certain look and not salivate at the sight of a girl. You don't want to end up in jail, tagged as serious sex offendor.

Now, mostly these relationships don't last long, until you want them to. So, relax, ease out and let your heart make the decisions. But stay away from divorced, overdressed and pancake aunties, nattily dressed middle-aged NRIs and well, lecherous beer bellied uncles who can be seen lurking around to get hold of their preys. As for the girls, get that back polished, flaunt that handkerchief or piece of cloth you call choli and get your body moving to some dhol dhamaka. 

A Brit university vice-chancellor has suggested that female students are a "perk" to be enjoyed by male academics. Terence Kealey, from Buckingham University, said many lecturers knew girls who flaunted their "curves" in the classroom, but he warned academics to "look but not touch".

He compared the experience to Stringfellows, the infamous London lap-dancing club, and the comments were made in a light-hearted article in Times Higher Education magazine focusing on the seven deadly sins of university life.

"Most male lecturers know that, most years, there will be a girl in class who flashes her admiration and who asks for advice on her essays. What to do? Enjoy her! She's a perk," the Telegraph quoted Kealey's piece on "lust".

However, the National Union of Students condemned his comments by saying that they displayed an "astounding lack of respect for women".

“So, sow your oats while you are young but enjoy the views - and only the views - when you are older," he stated.

But his comments have sparked a debate among academics on the Times Higher Education website. "I am appalled that a university vice chancellor should display such an astounding lack of respect for women," Olivia Bailey, women's officer at the National Union of Students, said.

“Many women studying at Buckingham University will be feeling extremely angry and insulted at these comments," she stated. — ANI

Judging Roadies, creating music, finding India’s ultimate rock band. What’s multitasking? Ask Nikhil Chinnapa 

Meet Nikhil Chinappa—the lanky celebrated MTV VJ who amongst other three judges was in the city enjoying his yet another stint as a judge. The hardcore music freak talks about Roadies 7, “This is unlike any other reality show, the graph and popularity of this show is increasing with every season. This time, like always, we have tried to make it better with a touch of humour and the seven deadly sins.” And will the gali galoch get better too? “It’s a way of life, we don’t tutor the participants. In fact, the stress of performance brings out the worst in them.” He adds, “Roadies is a different world, we have seen people change for better after the show. 40 days of hard task mastering and staying with your competitors makes you a different person.” And can he define these changes? “Participants become more confident and outspoken.” Hmm…that’s some change. So, is this the last season of Roadies, “NO” chorus the trio (Cyrus B, Cyrus S and Nikhil).

That’s about Roadies, but what about the Splitsvilla controversy (read Swagata)? “The girl was eliminated in the very beginning, but when made a wild card entry she happens to know everything, picks up fights and was just trying to grab attention.”

To his first love—music, “We have this show Rock On, where we are in the process to find the ultimate rock champion. This show is quite close to my heart as it involves music. Other than that, I have Sunburn music festival coming up in March. This is one of the biggest music fest that happens in Goa. This will keep me busy atleast till the beginning of next year,” says Nikhil. Any Bollywood movies that he’s doing, “I would love to, but I don’t have time to do anything else.”

Last but not the least, has the role of VJ’s changed over the years and he says, “Yes, it has from 14 to 16 hours a day, we now are working only a couple of hours.”

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com 

Jasraj Bhatti brings back a bronze medal from a cultural event in South Korea 

“Chhote Miyan Subhaan Allah….” Yes, the winner takes it all. The city lad Jasraj Singh Bhatti is back home with the bronze medal that he won at the third Delphic Games-2009 at Jeju (Seoul) island in South Korea. Jasraj (23) was a member of the Indian contingent of artists, musicians, writers and documentary filmmakers, selected by the NZCC, who competed with 1500 artists from 54 countries in different cultural events.

With this crowning achievement, Jasraj has done proud his alma mater St Johns school, DAV College and parents, actor duo of Savita and Jaspal Bhatti. Sharing his experiences at the World Cultural Olympics, as it is regarded, the unassuming intellectually composed Jasraj owes his success to his parents and MAD Arts Institute, which had really sharpened his aesthetic skills. Excerpts from a conversation held at Hotel Shivalikview:

Choosen to represent India in short documentary making, how did you take up the challenge?In fact, Jaspal sir was being nominated but he declined the offer, saying that NZCC must take a thorough professional. His profound faith in me and my enthusiasm to score a gold prevailed over all else. I struggled to relax and concentrated on probable themes.

How did you accomplish the task of making a four-minute documentary on Jeju and nature\?With three days’ time, I made an extensive research, visiting places, interacting with people from diverse backgrounds through my interpreter and driver having over nine-hour shoots of cities, the countryside and historical buildings. I observed that all sorts of development, even industrial growth, making of townships and beauty of nature is their first love. I incorporated the same thought in my film with the general world music in the background and interactions of people for corelation. But the South Korean team, knowing the nuances of their folk or contemporary music, scored better.

What were your strengths and weaknesses?It was my first endeavour to compete at an international level. But my experience as creative director in making another award-winning, three-minute film Nanhi Chidiya, Ladla Driver and now the serial, Thank You Jija ji, paid a lot. If I had got two hours more for editing, the gold medal would have been ours. The incompetent interpreters and language problems were a great problem. It is just the beginning of achieving my aim: Jis din se chla hoon, meri manzil pe nazar hai / Ankhon ne kabhi meel ka pathar nahain dekha.”

Hair stylist Jawed Habib, in town for a salon launch, gives a low down on the mane trends for the festive season

It’s astonishing what a pair of scissors can do, just two sharp knives rubbing against each other, a snip, a cut, a clip and viola, a whole new look emerges. Precisely why Jawed Habib, in Panchkula on Wednesday to launch his salon, Jawed Habib’s, sounds pretty positive for his profession.

“Our industry is recession free. Because hair will always grow and you can do facials at home, might do colouring at home, anything else, but a hair cut you need to get done at a salon.” That isn’t the only reason why he went ahead and opened the nth Jawed Habib’s. “We already have one at Sector 35, even Panchkula here is a part of Chandigarh only, moreover it’s a nice area, the market here had potential, so we opened up.” He adds, “Moreover, the people here like to dress nicely, eat well, look good.”

No wonder, the flair of the North will have him go on ‘snipping spree’ in the next two months. “We are coming up with around 15 salons in the next two months itself.”

The list of places for other salons runs round and round across the interiors of Punjab and Haryana. “Next week it’s is at Rohtak, we’ll also be reaching Karnal, Hisar, Malerkotla and other Punjab areas. In fact, we’ll be at Moga within two months.”

The red and cream interiors of the place, remind of the festivities around the corner, the trends in colouring, the style of the season. “Festival time is like a show, so lots of colour will be in, like shading, in which there are two shades of colour used for the hair and it all looks extremely natural.”

He adds, “The lifestyle is getting busier, so shoulder-length hair with layering to add body, the fringes, colour playing an impact, and the like will define the trends for the coming month.”

Back to where we began from, so what will make the latest entrant stand out? “It’s basically a spa-salon, you can come here and spend the entire day, it isn’t just a beauty parlour.” He adds, “Rather it’s a school as well. So, if you wanna come and learn about let’s say about spa, you can come enroll.” Rewind, relax, learn, whatever, you’re welcome. 

On the concluding day of the Lakme Fashion Week, the city-based Inter National Institute of Fashion Design crowned Masaba Gupta as the Most Promising Designer of the Year in the Emerging and Gen Next category at an exclusive felicitation ceremony.

Masaba represented a label that is comfortably and proudly Indian. The collection was themed Kattran (meaning patchwork and rustic in Sanskrit). Indian fabrics like ikkat silk and jute were used. It included striped pyjamas, dhotis, jackets, saris and jumpsuits.

The INIFD was the official knowledge partner for Lakme Fashion Week 2010 and had also instituted the said award that carries Rs 1 lakh.

The winner was selected on the basis of various parameters of style and aesthetics, by Ashley Rebello, Rahul Mishra and Mahek Chhal “Wanted” fame. 

People for Animals, Chandigarh have the perfect companion for anyone who is ready to be loved unconditionally and just forever and ever.

One female kitten, 1 month old, white and black in colour and one male grey colour kitten, very active and cute for adoption.

Two beautiful and adorable male pups, 1 month old, white and brown colours, Hindustani breed, healthy and playful for adoption.

For any information, contact:  PFA-Chandigarh at 0172-2749080, 2749211from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday- Saturday or visit us at # 1522, Sector 11 D, Chandigarh.www.pfachandigarh.com