We just got to know the real actor. We unearthed him from layers that he had created around him. We just got to know this man called Satish Kaushik. We find him in the character of Salesman Ramlal, in the adapted version of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman that brings him to the city for the ongoing TFT Winter National Theatre Festival at Tagore Theatre.

This play, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, is nothing short of a back-to-the-roots journey for this comedian, director, producer and theatre artiste. "I belong to theatre. In theatre lies my heart and soul. And, stage is where I find my roots, my real self," says Kaushik explaining why the play Salesman Ramlal makes him a real actor. "I may not be able to list out the reasons in random order. This play is important to me because it is a tribute to my father who was a salesman. I can feel his tiredness, his struggle to fend for the family. Secondly, as an actor, my character is very challenging. Last but not the least, it is an adaptation of a famous play by Arthur Miller, to which we have given a contemporary settings. It is a role to which every father, every individual who has created an alternate space of success amidst failure will be able to relate to," says Satish, who finds the play as his best works as an actor.

"It has given me a platform to unearth my real self. This is what the real Satish kaushik is. I have received immense satisfaction while doing it."

We are trying to draw parallels between the real and the on-stage character. "I can relate to my character in Salesman Ramlal. Also, because I think we cannot live without hope (like Ramlal does). All the same, it is also important to see what hopes you create for yourself. Without dreams, you cannot carry on in life, they come naturally to you. I am also hopeful of good things in life. As for Ramlal, he has created an unreal world of hope around him, which is not correct," smiles Satish, now reminding us of the pot-bellied Calendar of Mr India.

"Comedy is a tough job and I have done a lot of it. I am lucky that I have had the opportunity to write, produce and act, which has been creatively stimulating. But nothing to match Salesman Ramlal."

We assume he is under the skin of his character and wouldn't want to come out of it today. But toss the word 'creativity' and he is all set to share that had it not been for his professor in college, he wouldn't have been where he is today. Laughs Satish, "I didn't have the looks for an actor. But my professor motivated me to join the National School of Drama and after years of struggle, I am where I am. I am lucky that through films I could put my creativity to use." Which by the way he has in abundant. " I am a workaholic. Either, I would be working on the script, thinking about direction. And, if I have time for myself, I invariably get drawn towards theatre." Yet to be released Milenge Milenge, and international project Road has given enough grit to his creative mind as of now.

Before we wind up the dialogue, we must mention that Kaushik is drawn in by the memories of Chandigarh once again. A college trip, a stay at Punjab University campus and Panchayat Bhawan, eating paranthas at Sector 17 bus stop… memories flood.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

It stands second to none. Not even to any of the 2,000 songs or few reality shows or any other contribution Saroj Khan has made to the entertainment industry, this composition by her would be special of all. She isn't very sure of how her first Broadway show would come out finally, but she is confident. "It's the brilliance of the composition that would surpass all done till date," she says, gradually divulging details of her dream project, "It's a ballet based on the life of Amrapali, Vaishali's famous dancer, who was a devout follower of Lord Buddha."

The rest of the team involved is again the best from the industry with names like Javed Akhtar for lyrics, A.R. Rahman for music and direction by Feroz Khan (who also director of Gandhi, My father). We quite expected who would be playing the role of Amrapali when Saroj Khan is the choreographer and she confirms it. "We have approached Madhuri Dixit but yet to get a confirmation from her," says Saroj, who was in the city on Tuesday to announce the opening of Saroj Khan's Dance Academy in collaboration with Leo 1 Production Ind Ltd.

The excitement isn't any less for the dance academy either. She is planning to have such 50 bases across the country, Chandigarh being the second on the list. "People of Punjab have rhythm inherent to them. Any happy occasion, they celebrate by performing bhangra or giddha. Also, girls are beautiful here and if develop their dancing skills, they can be part of the industry," she says.

And, the complement on the city's girls is no pampering, as the lady is known for her straight talk. "Rani Mukerjee's flying kisses on Dance Premier League do no good to the dancers. They won't improve on their dance or improvise unless you point out their mistakes. As a judge, you can't be diplomatic. "Dance is still a pure form for her that doesn't include acrobatics, stunts like dancing with fire or jumping from a height.

When as a judge she is not given a free hand to appreciate or criticise, she lets other judges do the talking, "In Jhalak Dikhla Ja, I was instructed not to give average marks even to those who didn't perform well. I did that without commenting on the performance ever."

She continues with her straight talk by defending Baichung Bhutia winning the show, "There isn't any big deal if Gauhar danced well on the show as she is an artiste. But for Baichung, dancing wasn't easy, as he has never performed before. He won because we appreciated his journey from the football ground to the dance floor." Now, this is another aim she wants to fulfill through her dance academy, "I want people like Baichung, who think they have two left feet to come on the floor and dance and age is no bar either." Point made.

ashima@tribunemail.com

No body can beat Shah Rukh Khan when it comes to taking pot shots at himself. The Badshah of Bollywood was at his wittiest when he shared his aspiration of becoming a porn star. The actor was at the launch of management guru Arindam Chaudhuri's new book Discover the Diamond in You when he revealed his desire.

"I always wanted to be porn star. I am going to work with all the positivity and clarity to be a porn star," Shah Rukh said much to the amusement of the packed 
audience.

And where did this inspiration arise from? "I have always been a huge fan of Sylvester Stallone who was a porn star before becoming Hollywood superstar," the actor said.

Shah Rukh, famous for his outrageously funny remarks did tickle the funny bone of the audience who was in for a laugh riot while listening to the actor.

And it was the icing on the cake when the actor said, "I will take my flag and put it up in America after becoming the biggest porn star of the world." The whole joke started when Chaudhuri, while reading excerpts from his book gave example of Stallone's determination and his journey from a porn star to becoming one of the 
Hollywood's icons.

He also referred how Akio Morita, founder of Sony, Japanese electronics giant, started the company with a dream to have his country's flag flutter high on the soils of US.

"You see that is what happens with students like me who take all the wrong things from best of the examples given to them," Shah Rukh jested. —PTI

Ranbir Kapoor and on screen romance almost go hand in hand but his much awaited Rocket Singh: Salesman Of The Year has no love angle. He says the film's protagonist is completely in love with sales.

"It is not a love story. The character Rocket Singh is in love with sales. It's a very simple movie," Ranbir said.

This year Ranbir was seen with Konkona Sen Sharma in Wake Up Sid and later teamed up with Katrina Kaif in romantic comedy Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, winning the hearts of audiences.

And now comes Rocket Singh in which he plays Harpreet Singh Bedi, who has just graduated with embarrassing marks. But that doesn't stop him from dreaming about an exciting career. Releasing Friday, the film has been made under the Yash Raj Films' banner.

This is the first film in which Ranbir's physical appearance has been changed for a role. He looks a typical Sikh youth complete with a turban and beard. "It was very important to feel the character first, later you automatically start living him," Ranbir said.

He said that director Shimit Amin and screenwriter Jaideep Sahni had held different workshops for the cast and the crew before starting the shoot.

"Shimit wanted to make the character as real as possible so that it doesn't look as if an actor is trying to be a sardar. Shimit and Jaideep held workshops for 30 days, not just with me but the entire cast and crew," the actor said.

But despite being a Punjabi, Ranbir's character speaks fluent Hindi. "He is Mumbai-based fourth generation sardar, so he has no influence of a Punjabi accent in his diction," Ranbir explained.

In real life too, Ranbir is half Sikh as his maternal grandparents were Sikh.

"My maternal grandmother was extremely thrilled that I was playing a Sardar," said Ranbir.

"I am half sikh though I didn't understand the religion like I do after doing this film. I respect the sacrifices they made and the discipline they have in their religion. It's not that easy to keep a beard and tie pagdi (turban) in warm countries. I really respect them because they do it for their religion and not for their comfort," he said.

Asked what Rocket Singh sells, he said: It's an integral part of the film and we want to guard it till the film releases."

Ranbir hopes that "Rocket Singh..., which is his last release of the year, repeats the success stories of his previous releases and ends the year on a happy note.

"Some films work, some don't. Wake Up Sid worked in a capacity it was meant to work. Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani was a big grosser. As an actor I would like every film of mine to do well. It feels great, as the hard work you put in this whole year has been paid off. With Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, I hope it does 
better than better," said Ranbir.

Asked if this back-to-back success was adding to the pressure on him, he said: "There is no pressure at all. I am an actor, I don't believe in genes or living in what my great grandfather or my parents have achieved. Here I am as an individual and that's how audiences are going to perceive me, not as someone's son or grandson."

"If my films are doing well, I would like to take some credit for it," he added.

The title song of Chak De! India, Shimit Amin's last film, had become a sports anthem.

"I hope Pocket main Rocket becomes a salesman's anthem," Ranbir said. — IANS

"It's not about using a product and suddenly becoming fair. The fairness creams are used to even out your skin tone and protect your skin from pigmentation due to harsh sunlight. You get a sort of inner glow in your skin," Deepika said at the launch.

"Fortunately, I am blessed with good skin, so my skin care regime doesn't change from summer to winter but apart from this I think that having a balanced meal, leading a healthy lifestyle and drinking lots of water shows its magic," she added. Tina Mistry, vice-president-marketing of Johnson & Johnson, says though the product targets women, it will be equally effective for men as well.

"All the products will be suitable for both men and women, but this particular range is primarily for women," said Mistry.

The Neutrogena range of Johnson & Johnson, a more than a 120-year-old brand and includes fairness cream, lotion, toner, essence and mask. — IANS

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was conferred the Asian Film Cultural Award for completing 40 years in the entertainment industry.

Receiving the award from Bollywood director Ramesh Sippy, Bachchan thanked Kiran Shantaram, chairman, Asian Film Foundation for selecting him for the award.

"I am most grateful to Kiran Shantaram, who has an old association with me for many, many years, has given me the opportunity to receive this award and the love and affection of the people present here," Bachchan said.

Bachchan started his career in 1969 with director Khwaja Ahmad Abbas film Saat Hindustani.

"I have looked upon my career of 40 years in this wonderful industry as a great opportunity to be able to represent my creativity and my art, but more importantly to project our cinema to the other parts of the world. I feel very honoured to be here at an organisation that conducts this activity so that the rest of the world come to learn more about our culture, our films," he said.

His oeuvre ranges from rib-tickling comedies to tearjerkers to subtle, nuanced performances in art-house films.

Bachchan emphasised that Indian cinema has been the one unifying force between the people from diverse castes, creeds, cultures, religions and languages.

"In a country that is so diverse as India is with different castes, creeds, religions, cultures and languages, that perhaps the one unifying force that brings all these people together under one roof has been the Indian cinema. We never ask the person sitting next to me whether the person is a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. We laugh at the same jokes, we sing the same songs, we cry at the same emotions. I think that perhaps this cinema house is the greatest example of integration you can find anywhere in the world," said Bachchan.

The Dec 4-10 8th Asian Film Festival would feature 75 films from 24 Asian countries.

Amitabh Bachchan's son Abhishek was also present on the occasion. — IANS

It may be the 'in-thing' for many Indian actors to flaunt even blink-and-miss roles in Hollywood movies, but actor Neha Dhupia is in no mood to leave the comfort of being at home. ''I don't think I can move out of India as it makes me feel very lonely. Call me a brat, but its just that I am so stuck with the comforts in my country that I can't see myself going to Hollywood now, unless they come to me," Dhupia said in an interview. After getting rave reviews for two international assignments, both television shows, she said Hollywood offers also came to her kitty. "I did get few offers after that, but I didn't sign any projects," the actor said on the sidelines of a fashion show to mark the launch of the eastern region finals of Signature Club Golf Championship.

She has finished shooting for Hollywood actor-singer Jessica Simpson TV show Price Of Beauty, where she was chosen as the Indian beauty ambassador.

Suhani, the name may not ring a bell instantly, but the voice will, as this girl comes from a family of musicians. Genetically blessed, her father was a tabla instructor and maternal grandfather late Shanker Shambhu Pandit was the first qawwal of India. And, taking the musical legacy ahead, Suhani started singing at the age of 13 and now to her credit has live concerts, a rock band (Mystic Soul), couple of shows with Sukhwinder and Ajay Jhinghran and participation in the reality show called Waar Parivar on Sony, hosted by Urmila Matonker last year.

Versatile, she sings in different genres like Indipop, Bollywood, Sufi and Punjabi styles. She says, "I have a base in classical music and that makes singing easy for me. That is the only reason why I can pick different genres without difficulty."

Third time in the city for a performance at Black Magic, she says, "I have done a number of live shows and as for the city, it's definitely high on music. Here, I find people sweet and they enjoy music of different genres."

So, what is she singing? "I'll try singing lounge or classical, but I guess I'm a good singer so that should suffice." Ahmmm!

That was some self-praise, now for some facts. What's coming next-Bollywood, private album or reality shows? "I would be releasing my album Khoj this Januray." So, is this her solo album? "No, this is a very different concept where we have four people singing in different genres. I have two songs in the album, one is Indi-rock and the other one is classic lounge." Well, for your information our lady has sung, composed and has even given music for others too. Great going girl!

(Suhani will perform at Black Magic on Wednesday Night 10 pm onwards) 

Mad Arts, Jaspal Bhatti Film School's Nanhi Chidiya an animation film on female foeticide has won the second prize in the 2nd Advantage India, the 3-minute film competition organised by 1take media. The film is now being sent to be screened at River to River Florence Indian Film Festival in Italy.

The film has also been selected for film & video (Non -Competitive) section of the 11th Mumbai International Film Festival, an initiative of the Film Division, Ministry of I & B, Govt. of India.

Scripted by Jaspal Bhatti, directed by Jasraj Bhatti and with technical director as Gaurav Garg, the modeling, animation and texturing has been done by Mad Arts students Pankaj, Dinesh, Sukhwinder and Jagan. Dubbed by Jaspal Bhatti, Brijesh Ahuja and Savita Bhatti the film has already won a certificate of merit at IDPA 2008 awards in Mumbai. It also won nominations in Chitrakatha 09 at National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and the Golden Cursor Awards, Mumbai. 

North Indians love to splurge, says Rajeev Nangia, representative, Mauritius Tourism and to woo them he brings with him a troupe of Sega artistes to the city. Danny Falra group, dressed in floral shirts and beach shorts along with their traditional musical instruments present a vibrant sight. "We have come here to showcase our culture," says enthusiastic Danny, asking us to try hands at traditional Mauritian instruments - ravanne, a circular wooden frame, maravenne, metal box with seeds in it and triangle, a metal instrument to be played with a bar. "Sega is a mix of traditional Mauritian and modern music. With its origin in Africa, Sega is an expressive form," he offers. And what's more, you can learn it within a few minutes.

Well, Mauritius has a lot to offer apart from Sega. "Mauritius is a wonderful destination for honeymooners, families and corporates. And activities that we offer are in plenty. You can choose from a dolphin cruise, going for undersea walk, scuba diving, parasailing, kayaking, feeding fish from your hands, walk with lions, golf and lot more."

Coupled with free visa on arrival and being duty free port, Mauritius is a great option for last minute holiday -makers and shoppers too.

Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha is generally known as an accomplished scientist and a great visionary who pioneered our country's atomic energy programme. While launching the year-long celebrations to commemorate the birth centenary of Dr Bhabha, Dr Manmohan Singh rightly remarked, "Dr Homi Bhabha spent his whole life in pursuit of his grand vision. He inspired a generation of scientists with his bold dreams and ambitions for the nation and his selfless service. He was a great scientific pioneer and a great builder of modern India".

However, his unstinted love and dedication towards art and culture of our country is not that well known. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai has on display a very large and valuable collection of contemporary Indian art that was made by him rather painstakingly. And, perhaps no other art museum or collector can match this wonderful collection.

His following memorable words still have the magic of enthusing one to live a purposeful life, "I know quite clearly what I want in life. Life and emotions are the only things I am conscious of. I love the consciousness of life and want as much of it as I can get. But the span of one's life is limited. What comes after death no one knows. Nor do I care. Since, therefore, I cannot increase the content of life by increasing its duration, I will increase it by increasing its intensity. Art, music, poetry and everything else that I do have this one purpose - increasing the intensity of my consciousness of life".

These touching words sound more meaningful when one recounts that Dr Bhabha lost his life in an untimely plane crash in 1966 (born in 1909). No wonder once Sir C. V. Raman called Dr Bhabha "A great lover of music, a gifted artist and an outstanding scientist…. The modern equivalent of Leonardo da Vinci"! 

A balmy winter afternoon, green Punjab University campus, buzzing StuC, pretty faces, good-looking dressing, soaking just enough Vitamin D and sipping just enough Vitamin C, life can't get better than this. If only we don't have to think about the swine flu scare and the heavy-duty examination fever, everything is okay. Now, this takes us to an interesting corner where most students find an answer to the above-mentioned problems. This is called the Raj Eatery. The shop at StuC whips up remedies for poor health, fatigue, and chapped skin in the form of real fruit juices. Mango, strawberry, banana and the winter popular mixed and pure carrot juice, fresh juice is the new health mantra for students on the campus.

Ashutosh Sharma from Gandhian Studies with his two friends from DAV College-10 make a regular stop at the juice shops on the campus - Shake Club, Acme India and Tasty Point. "Instead of eating junk, it is advisable to have fresh fruit juice," shares Ashutosh. "The swine flu scare has made us sit up and take notice of our eating habits. Besides, juice is the best health drink," he says, lifting his glass of carrot juice. "It looks more red than usual, rang ta nahin paya. But how much can we scrutinise," he laughs.

Amandeep Mann and Parampreet Dhiman from the Department of Law have a healthy reason for talking juice everyday. "Sadey gallan tey lali dekhi, juice da kammal hai," they laugh. Mixed fruit juice is what they vouch for. "Honestly, we cannot say how real the real fruit juices are. But having it at PU, while taking a look at the girls makes it real and sweet."

However, it is not only the PU loyalists who swear by the goodness of fruit juices, this is a favourite drink with all college- going students. Whether it is a 
regular juicewalla outside DAV and SD College, or the ones standing outside PU University hostels, the clientele for juice lovers is just growing. Supreet from Engineering, Dilraj and Amanjot Kaur from Punjabi department are again regular stoppers at the juice shops. "The students on campus seems to have shifted their 
loyalities from Nimbu Pani, tea or coffee to juices. I guess everyone is health conscious these days. Sometimes, we also go to the Government college for girls, sector-10 to have juice, and sometimes my friends from the college come down to have a good mini meal with a bada glass of juice at the campus."

Scare of Swine Flu or a healthy consideration fresh fruit juice are ruling roost at the campus tuck shops.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman's world famous KM Music Conservatory has opened admissions for its prestigious Diploma Course starting next year. Students in this program will undergo "rigorous training" in music that provides students with the skills and techniques to understand and perform a variety of musical styles.

Majors being offered in this four-semester long Diploma include Piano, Western Voice & Hindustani, Western Flute, Violin, Cello, Conducting, Composition, and Music Technology.

Course of study includes Western Music Theory & History, Music Appreciation, Sight-singing, Choir, Private Instruction in Primary Instrument, Audio Engineering, Ear Training, Folk Tradition, Background Score, and Composition/Theory.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged other renowned musicians of India to open more such conservatories to nurture and channelize the abundant musical talent of India and to showcase the richness of Indian music, elements of whose theory were first found in ancient Hindu scripture Sama-Veda.

Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Federation, applauding Rahman for conservatory, urged him to not refuse talented students who could not afford the tuition and provide them scholarships. — ANI