The visit of actors Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif to the city saw more of commotion and less of interaction

We expected fans to screech, shout and even scuttle to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars—Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor, at the Provogue showroom in Manimajra for the promotion of their movie Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani along with the producer Ramesh. S. Taurani. But the crowd inside the showroom going overboard was not expected. The scene was no less than ‘hoodlums’ being let loose and for a sound byte, we had to go by what was hardly audible and at last used the only resort—telecom services (read mobile). Anyhow, all is well that ends well, and a talk with the latest heartthrob of the nation, the blue-eyed boy of the Kapoor khandan---Ranbir made our day and story too.

The couple of APKGK made a perfect Bollywood entry, with the crowd hooting and shouting their names, the pretty woman Katrina came dressed in a sky blue dress and our handsome hunk Ranbir looked stunning in his black leather jacket, white tee and blue jeans. Wearing black shades, he greeted the crowd with Sat Sri Akal and said, “It’s great to be here”, and Katrina, the lady with gossamer skin and spotless face, said, “It’s always a pleasure to be in Chandigarh and a survey tells me that Punjabis watch my movies more.”

Having visited the city for the shooting of Namastey London and Singh is Kinng earlier, Katrina chose not to speak more and walked away saying, “Its enough for Chandigarh.” But for our brawny boy, he spoke at length about the movie, his character, future projects and his affair with cinema.

The fourth generation of the first family of Hindi cinema, Ranbir says, “ I am proud to carry forward the legacy of my family and I only see advantages of being a Kapoor.” Ask him is there any pressure that he feels, being from a family of great actors, “My family has been contributing to cinema for a long time and I am not weighed down by expectations. I work hard and deliver my best.” Well, has the tag ‘Kapoor’ helped him in a smooth entry into bollywood? “There’s a lot of competition in the industry. Numerous actors who are better than me, but I believe in hard work and honesty and I am doing that to prove my mettle as an actor.”

Talk about playing varied characters in his upcoming movies (read APKGK, Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year, Rajniti) and he says, “I enjoy working on different scripts and adapt to the characters that I play. Though I am lucky to have got different characters for different movies, the look of an actor should not be the USP of the movie.”

What about style, his father (Rishi Kapoor) has been a style icon of his times, “I don’t follow a particular style but dress according to the character of the film.” And what about tips from Mom and Dad? “I got no tips when I entered the industry. They didn’t tell me what to do and how to do. I have grown up in a family that has been closely associated with cinema. Movies have been a part of our day-to-day life and I have made my mistakes and I am learning from them.”

Playing a spurned lover in APKGK, about the movie he says, “This is my first comedy and I love experimenting with news scripts. We had a blast shooting this movie and with director like Raj Kumar Santoshi, making of the movie has been great and we hope the audiences like it too.” So, does he relate to the character of the movie and he says, “It’s a fictitious character and I have enjoyed every moment of playing the character.”

What about love? “Love is strange, and that is why I believe in the title of the movie Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani.”

His upcoming projects, “I have Rocket Singh—Salesman of the Year to be released in December, Rajniti and another movie with Priyanka Chopra.”

Last but not the least, what about this jodi (read Ranbir and Katrina), “This jodi will become a gajab jodi,” he signs off. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

After Punjabi numbers and Bollywood songs, Labh Janjua has a Hollywood number to his credit

Labh Janjua is a name that needs no introduction. Travelling his way from Punjab to Hollywood, Janjua’ songs have taken the entire nation by storm. He was in Patiala city as a special guest at the inter-zonal youth festival organised at Punjabi University campus on Wednesday. And guess what? The hall was jam-packed just to catch a glimpse of the singer who to his credit has hits like Jee Karda (Singh is Kinng) and Soni de nakhre (Partner).

Janjua, who shot to fame with his bhangra song, Mundian To Bach Ke that was remixed by Panjabi MC in 2002, is nowadays the most sought-after name in Bollywood. Hailing from Khanna city in Ludhiana district, where he learned music under a well-known local teacher, late Jaswant Bhawran, Janjua got his first Bollywood break in 2007, in the movie Hattrick. Since then, he has sung numerous songs in movies like Jai Ho, Dev.D, Singh is Kinng, Garam Masala, Dhol and Krazzy 4.

Talking to mediapersons about his journey, Janjua said, “I have worked really hard for establishing myself in the industry. Punjabis are very warm people but when it comes to Mumbai, no one helps anyone. One has to make one’sown way to success. As far as I am concerned, I have had my own share of problems, but I am glad that my hardwork has finally paid off. I have recorded almost 64 songs in Bollywood till date”

Elaborating on his future projects, Janjua said his first Punjabi film Siyasat would soon reach the audiences. “I am playing the lead role in the movie and also given the music as well. Veteran actor Guggu Gill and Patiala-based heroine Teena are the other actors. I am also working on another Punjabi film in which I am playing a negative role. Another Hindi comedy film produced by Kesar Matharu is also in the offing.”

On being questioned about his first Hollywood project, Janjua claimed with pride that he would be the first singer from Punjab to sing for a Hollywood movie. “I am proud of being a Punjabi. But I am sorry to say that our mother tongue is in great danger. I request you to contribute in whatever way you can in preserving our language and culture. Also, strict action should be taken against the defaulters,” he added.

On being asked what would be his suggestion to youngsters, he said, “There is no shortcut to success. So work hard and be patient.” 

I do not want to repeat myself:Urmila Matondkar 

Bollywood beauty Urmila Matondkar who seems to be on a self-imposed sabbatical from films says that she does not want to walk the beaten track and repeat the kind of work she has already done.The 35-year-old actress, who has appeared in very select films in the past few years, was in the national capital today to walk for designer Jaya Rathore's bridal collection on the last day of The Wills India Fashion Week here. "I have reached a stage in my career when I do not want to do the kind of films which I have already done or act in films which are not worth my while," said Matondkar.

The actor, who shot to fame with her role in Rangeela in 1995 was last seen in Karzzz last year opposite Himesh Reshammiya.

Talking about her stint on the ramp, Matondkar said, "I have always liked walking on the ramp because it involves style and glamour and I do identify with Jaya's designs, so I agreed to walk for her." The actress believes that when a celebrity endorses a designer's collection, it does increase the glamour quotient a tad bit."If the designer is talented, her creation will attract attention automatically. And if a celebrity endorses the clothes that does increase the glamour and attraction little bit," she said.

— PTI

I was scared walking the ramp with Katrina: Ranbir Kapoor

Bollywood youth icon Ranbir Kapoor turns showstopper along with model-turned actor Katrina Kaif at the Rohit Bahl show of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week here but says he was nervous while sashaying the ramp with her."I was pretty nervous to face the stage with a veteran model like Katrina. The idea of walking the ramp with her made me go blank every time I thought of it. 

It was she who led me beautifully to the stage making me feel comfortable with her," says Ranbir, who was here with Katrina to promote their film Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani set for release on November 6.Donned in Rohit Bahl's exotic collection Ranbir emerged in cream colour sherwani-style coat with pyjamas and Katrina had an embellished similar colour tunic to team up with him. 

With models such as Muzzamil Ibrahim, Carol Gracias, Jessy Randhawa, Nayanika Chaterjee and Lisa Hayden, Bahl's says his show at the grand finale of the fashion week was based on 'Exotic India' signifying the country's inherent luxury.

"My collection signifies the golden bird and the golden peacock, which India was known before the British era. The collection is called Yasas, a name which the nation was once known by for its elegance and grandeur," Bahl says.

"The fabric used in form of rich velvet, net, muslin in deep red, green shahi (princely) colours portrays the Indian woman," Bahl says.

Bahl says Bollywood stars add an 'x-factor' to fashion shows besides the models on the ramp. Appreciating Bahl's work, Katrina says, "Rohit has always been innovative, passionate and fearless about his designs and creations which make him the cherry of the cake. His designs have always left the audience applauding." On Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani, she says love is 'ajab' rather than 'gajab'. "Love is more ajab than gajab. To the outsiders, it may seem ordinary but for the two in love, it's gajab or rather strange." — PTI

Suneet Varma's swan collection showcased 

Suneet Varma showcased his exclusive collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week with Bollywood actor Amrita Rao as his muse on the fourth day. Varma, showcased his Spring Summer '10 Collection titled The Life of a Swan based on Pyotr Llyich Tchaikovsky's classic ballet rendition, The Swan Lake."The concept of the show is Swan Lake and it's Tchaikovsky who is one of the greatest playwrights of all times. 

So to actually do a play that was based on his characters and to create the Swan like structures to actually tell each model that you are a swan from the play from Act-1, Act-2 and Act-3, it was a fairly different thing." Top line models of the country set the ramp on fire with their impeccable catwalk.

However, the highlight of the show was Bollywood actor, Amrita Rao who walked the ramp for Suneet after hiatus. Whereas Amrita Rao was all praise for Suneet Varma, she said, "I think I like the fact that he customises it and that's exactly what he did to my clothes. He found certain character which he played along with and everything from colour schemes to the way he wanted my hair to go on one side because the back was very interesting and it was completely his creation." This year's Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, the 14th edition, which commenced on October 24, has lured 110 designers to showcase their collection with nearly 48 models displaying their creations on the ramp. Reckoned to be India's biggest fashion show and trade event, witnessed 'curtains down' on Wednesday. — ANI

Stop, The Bachelor films and shows like Astitva-Ek Prem Kahani, Hasratein, Dollar Bahu, Justujoo, Samay, Gudgudee and Ghar Ek Sapna fame civil engineer-turned-producer, director Ajai Sinha needs no introduction. He is known as a talented director who provides solid storyline and gurantees good shows. He is a household name after the super duper success of his show Ghar Ek Sapna. His serial Justujoo won five awards at the ITA. He speaks to Lifestyle about his penchant for realistic themes and forthcoming show Kesariya Balam Aavo Hamare Des based on the Rajashthani background. It premiers on November 16, Sahara One Television.

What inspired you to make a love story?

While working on the script we concentrated on a love story of a poor girl and rich a boy from Rajasthani background. It captures the beauty and folk of Rajasthan. And I believe, it is one of my best work.

Is it a conscions attempt to be different?

I believe that the viewers are intelligent and want quality stuff. It is our prerogative to try and educate the viewers about certain sensibilities.

How would you describe your new show?

‘Kesaria Balam Aavo Hamare Des’ is a beautiful love sotry of a poor girl and a rich boy, shot in Rajasthan. It promises something different.

Your cast is amix of old and new actors…?

My new project ‘Kesaria Balam Aavo Hamare Des’ has Delhi boy Akshat Gupta, Jaya Binjoo, Toral in the lead roles.Other supporting actors are Tej Sapru, Ashok Banthia, Ramesh Tiwari, Mahesh Shetty and Maninee De. So we have the best in our show.

How difficult is to make a daily soap?

Yes, it is very difficult to direct a daily soap. Jaladh Sharma is directing the episodes of Kesaria Balam Aavo Hamare Des. I am really thankful to Sahara One Television for backing me to make a beautiful love sotry.

What are your comments on the general saas bahu serials?

No comments. My serials also have saas and bahus. All I can say is that it is a different school of thought altogether.

Your future projects?

My next film is I do I don’t. I am ready with the script for another untittled film.

— Dharam Pal

Any genre of performing art awakens the aesthetic conscious in one’s psyche of an individual but the music certainly is the highest level manifestation of the mind of an artiste,” opines Brijesh Ahuja, city-based acclaimed playback singer, actor, composer and a lyricist. Hailed as the ‘Master of all trades and Jack of none’ with many diverse traits of artistic excellence, Brijesh is the star performer in all Jaspal Bhatti productions, Punjabi films and live shows.

Armed with a sound educational background and achievements in music and theatre, the prodigious alumnus of the Department of Indian Theatre and Music, Brijesh holds a master degree in music (vocal) and theatre from Panjab University, after graduating in sitar. Brijesh says he learnt the finer nuances of classical music and gayaki from Pandit Yashpaul of Agra Gharana.

Having taught Indian classical music for six years at SD College and a two- year-sting in imparting acting at MAD Arts School, Brijesh has 21 feature films, 45 TV serials, video films and telefilms, 60 jingles, 500 stage shows in India and abroad and 30 music albums and CDs to his kitty, as actor and singer. His feature films as actor singer include Mera Pind, Mahaul Theek Hai, Rab Diyan Rakhan, Jatt Punjab Da, Door Nahin Nankana and Nalayak to name a few. But it was Jaspal Bhatti’s serials like Flop Show, Full Tension, Professor Moneyplant, Nonsense Pvt. Ltd., Jijaji that made him a household name.

Here is an interaction with Brijesh:

Coming from a business family, how did you go astray?

Blissfully ignorant that it would be my future calling at five, I gave my first stage performance with a song, which clicked well with audience but evoked no encouraging response from my family. I participated in cultural activities at school, college and university functions, however, gave me the confidence to go on.

When did recognition or popularity come your way?

It was the serials produced and directed by the comedy king Jaspal Bhatti that made me, rather all local actors, popular. Since all these productions were largely a focus on the aspirations, day-to-day problems of society and related to every common man, the public could relate to our characters.

Have you given stage performances abroad?

Yes, way back in 1997 I performed in Bankok and Hong Kong, but my live performance at the Filmfare Awards nite in 1995-96 in Mumbai, in Sri Devi –Bappi Lahiri Nite and later in Biswajeet –Usha Khanna Nite in Punjab and rendering 200 songs on communal harmony during the days of terrorism for Doordarshan are very close to my heart.

What is the status of regional music?

There are few takers for good music and even no market for folk or Punjabi pop music due to the piracy menace.

Your comment on reality shows…

It was not there in our times but I have judged the zonal Little champs in the city last year. The talent from Punjab was really impressive. 

Rare paintings and sketches capturing life and people in various Indian towns and villages by European artists who visited the country between 18th and 20th centuries, when photography was still unknown, is currently on display at an exhibition here.The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) is showcasing around 100 works drawn from the collection of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.The collection comprises works by 20 Western artists depicting the architecture, landscape and people of India divided chronologically into four sections.

 “The first visual representations of India by Western artists were of imaginary landscapes and seatings. They were based on the written accounts of travellers to India from across Europe,” says Rajeev Lochan, Director NGMA. “It was only after professional European artists began to travel to India that they painted for the first time scenes based on direct observation. Their passionate interest in the new and exciting land led to the creation of a comprehensive pictorial record of India,” says Lochan.

Picturesque landscapes painted by Thomas and William Daniells (1790s) and William Carpenter’s detailed and animated scenes of everyday street life (1850s) along with a group of evocative watercolours by William Simpson which include images of the Taj Mahal, the Kailasanatha temple at Ellora and the Observatory in Delhi (1860s), are highlights of the show. — PTI 

And so you walked along Life’s by-lanes and highways and handed out a silken thread to a stranger. As you walked, the thread grew longer and was touched by many hands. What unbelievable arrogance to assume that the thread belonged to you or was yours to give! Many fingers touched it, felt its tensile strength and drew from it. It pulled a stranger to you and then to your loved one’s side. At the moment, it still flows through your fingers into many hands, even though your beloved is gone. That is the greatness of heritage, the humility of love. Just a smooth, silken thread, knotless and soft, moving from generation to generation, person to person, into the universe and timelessness. Are these chance encounters or random meetings? I cannot say except that they are true to a time and place and are perfect for our lives. The more ownership we claim towards this thread, the more knotted it gets and the flow of existence is slowed down until the tangle loosens.

One of the people who have allowed the silken skein to move on surely but softly is Vikramjit. On relocating from Goa to Chandigarh, we met this young man through his mithaai shop. His mother was a calming, graceful presence at the shop for many years. Our Diwali sweets are always bought from there, and when we crave for aloo puri’s and old-fashioned kulfis with falooda, “Sai is the place to go to. However, the shop is the least part of this narrative. The remarkable young owner is.

The silken cord passed on by the mother, is in safe hands. Vikramjit, a great reader and thinker, allows many hands to touch the cord. He believes in making people meet, in helping those in trouble and in reaching out. A city where I studied, married in, gave birth to two sons and have now returned to, was always dismissed as callous, crude, loud and selfish. That is until Vikramjit showed us the other side. We were introduced to Kamal Tiwari and classical culture through him. Through him we invited Ray and Ingrid Turner, a British couple, to our home and the NGO where I work. Even today, they send donations for the slum children of Janta colony, Nayagaon. How did we meet a charming young French woman, Leslie, who made a film on Corbousier’s City? Whom did I turn to when we had a birthday party for a slum child and needed sweets? How did we make so many new and good friends in Chandigarh? Your guess is as good as mine.

When my childhood friend Dorothy came visiting, we planned a two days holiday at Kasauli. Vikramjit persuaded us to go to Aurovalley Ashram, just short of Rishikesh. Swami Brahmadev asked my friend to talk to a very disparate, multi-lingual group on “Ethics in Business Practices.” As Dorothy’s words were translated and I saw a group empowered through fresh thoughts and ideas, Diana Escobar guided me to the Ganga, just a few hundred metres away. I collected sacred water in a plastic bottle for the loved ones at home. We talked incessantly, the young woman from Colombia and I. Inspite of the language barriers we felt as if we had known each other for years.

The thread woven by Vikramjit, passes through many hands. It gives something to anyone who touches it. He is tolerant, non-judgemental, kind, generous and helpful. He is the custodian of a legacy left by his mother and ancestors before her. With Sophie by his side, the couple passes on their strengths to others. Chandigarh needs people like them.

If you are a jewellery lover and the sky rocketing gold prices have forbidden you from shopping, here’s an opportunity. The gold Patra jewellery exhibition, put up by Jalandhar`s Madhuri Jewellers at Hotel Aroma, brings gold, oxidized, antique and stone pieces and kundan, polki, American diamonds and multi – coloured cut stones jewelery for you. The collections are available at prices ranging between Rs 400 and Rs 3000. There is variety in designs of Mangalsutras, Bangles, Kangans with Meenakaari work, Bracelets, Pendants, Necklaces and other ornaments from Rajasthan, Rajkot and Mumbai. Jalandhar based Madhuri Jewellers bring in the most captivating designs and ever fascinating copper and silver based Jewellery in one gram gold. The jewellery is available with a 20 per cent discount and with a 50 per cent return guarantee till November 1, 2009. — TNS