Acting schools can teach the rona dhona, tragedy, comedy, kickboxing, punches, but, there is something they are incapable of — the undying conquering spirit. Either you are born with it, or you pick it up in the due course of the journey. In Deep Dhillon's case, it has come down naturally.

The Jat from Bhatti, Amritsar, ploughed and tiled fields, walked around the village in his chaadra with a lion's heart and a spirit that would never cow down. And here he is today, standing tall with his repertoire of work. There haven't been great additions to his selective choice of work, but well, extending the length of the resume with 'just about any kind of role' is something Deep Dhillon never wanted.

In the city to shoot for Manmohan Singh's Ik Kudi Punjab Di, Deep raises his baritone voice when we ask him about the lacunas in Punjabi Cinema. Before he shares his take on this, the sturdy sardar has something else to say. "Actors often say about working in Punjabi movies, but when it comes to the 'money bit' they back off, says Deep Dhillon. "Come to think of it, there was hardly any Punjabi cinema a good 14 years back. In the time of terrorism, how could one think of making experimental movies? Thankfully, we have people like Manmohan Singh, who knows his culture like the back of his band, and is doing his bit to take Punjabi cinema globally. You ask me about Punjabi Cinema doing experimental stuff, the question is where is the budget?

For someone like Deep, who can pen down an encyclopedia on his struggling years in Mumbai, the industry has now set different criteria for itself. "I wasn't readily accepted by directors because I had an overpowering physique. Those were the times of lean, cigarette smoking heroes. None of the actors would do bicep building in gymnasium," says Deep, joint-secretary for Cine and TV Art Association. "The scenario has changed. Now, they want an actor with bulging muscles," he laughs.

Things have changed left, right and center. "I am proud to be part of movies like Maine Pyar Kiya, Ghayal and many Hindi serials like Mahabarata. Today, I want to do something that is at par with these movies if not less," shares Deep Dhillon. Till then the man is deriving substance from the work he is doing. “I am treasurer of the Cinta Artist Welfare Trust, which will be organising a big show with almost 120 stars participating. This event will see Aamir Khan perform on stage for the first time ever.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Bobby and Kulraj Randhawa made a brief stopover in the city enroute their shooting destination for Yamla Pagla Deewana

Life can change in the flick of a second. How many would agree to this fact? A good number, at least those who have seen incidents and coincidence swapping places pretty often. Something similar has happened with this dimpled beauty, who was taking it slow and steady in Bollywood through 'quality work.'

Today, the ground beneath her feet is suddenly green, embedded with flowers. Kulraj Randhawa has reasons to smile. After a 'pretty good' performance in Chintuji with Rishi Kapoor, Kulraj is all set to share the screen space opposite Bobby Deol in Yamla Pagla Deewana. She breezes through the city, after the Chota Deol almost runs for cover from the shutterbugs. He is known to be an introvert! No harm in this, as long as he smiles to answer, "I am here for the shooting of Yamla Pagla Deewana directed by Samir Karnik, the director of Heroes. We (Bobby, Sunny and Dharmendra) will be shooting together," words fall incoherently from the actor dressed up in black tee, jacket and denims.

Back to the co-star, Kulraj Randhawa, who is ready to share more, "I am extremely excited to be a part of Yamla Pagla Deewana with Bobby, Sunny Deol and Dharmendra. I am paired opposite Bobby Deol," she says. "This is the highest point in my life. Can I ask for more! Besides, I will be shooting in Punjab, my homeland. It feels great to be here after doing Punjabi cinema."

Dabbling in Hindi serials like Kareena Kareena and hogging limelight with Punjabi cinema, Kulraj has found her calling in Bollywood. And without a godfather to back her? "I don't relate to the concept of godfather. I moved from Bangalore to Mumbai so the shift from one metro to the other was not difficult. I feel it is the work that matters and not the 'backing'. As of now, things are progressing in a nice manner, and I am happy."

A born actor! She adds with a puckish grin, "Acting schools can only teach the technicalities and brush up the skills, but they can't make an actor out of nothing," shares the girl, crediting her confidence to her upbringing in an Army set up. "I have travelled a lot and I know how to take care of my conduct. Thanks to my folks for allowing me to select my own career," she signs off.

He's been a silver service waiter, painter, barman, secretary, book-keeper, salesman, banker, shop assistant, web editor, yardcat, helpdesk staffer, storesman, high voltage cabler, data entry clerk, housing officer, mail boy, audit junior, welders assistant, betting shop counterman (breathless!) and …of course an author!

Post the exclamations, the explanations… "Normally if you have these many different jobs on your CV, it's a bad sign. But for writers it just adds to the rich experience, which is why they say travel is so important for writers," Robert Lewis, at British Library-9, sugars both the coffee and the conversation.

So what brings him to India? "This is my first visit to India. Writer's Chain has arranged it and I still don't know why they picked me because I'm only a young author and there are far accomplished authors than me."

Talking of which, accomplishment that is, his first novel, The Last Llanelli Train, made it to the nominations for 2006 Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction.

"Writing for me is about what I see, who I meet, it's different for different writers but for me I have to be among people…I have a blog and I somehow use all my experiences. I'll probably write a short story on my India visit," adds the graduate from the University of Wales.

About his second book, Swansea Terminal, he adds, "I'm basically from Wales and my first book was about a Welsh living in UK. This one's about when he comes back to Wales. For me it was very important to be able to write about my place."

What genre would he classify his writing into? "I am really glad you asked me this question because they call me genre Welsh Noir and there are actually very few of the writers in this segment. You could say, only half-a-dozen. This involves writing about Wales, its music, culture, artists." He adds, "You see it's a very old place but hasn't always had a vibrant culture because it's been in the shadows."

As of now, watch out for the last offering, Bank of The Black Sheep, in the trilogy of books that reaches the shelves in July. "This one's about the same character from the first two books and about his redemption, whether he dies or not."

Meanwhile it's both loving and living up the India experience. "I'm here only for ten days, I've wanted to come to India for a very long time now. I happened to be reading about India at the time, which is again a coincidence." He adds, "I was reading Maximum City and another book by an NRI."

No wonder, he's "aghast, surprised and pleased" to be here. Most welcome!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

In the city, Bhaskar Ghose, former director-general of Doordarshan, opines that print media is here to stay

Over a dozen news channels in Hindi and English and five times the number in regional languages, we expect any media expert to announce what's always predicted — electronic media will take over the print in the coming times.

We awaited the same from Bhaskar Ghose, former director-general of Doordarshan and founder chief executive of Lok Sabha channel, to confirm it. "Print media is a stronger medium than electronic and is here to stay for good." His claim, though, is based on a recently conducted survey, which concludes, "Eighty per cent of people believe what they read in newspapers in comparison to a mere 15 per cent who believe what they see on TV."

"The change in priority is the result of dilution and trivialisation of content of news channels, which to some extent can be justified because it is to earn more revenue," adds Ghose, who was in the city to interact with the students of Chitkara School of Mass Communication.

And during the interaction a student raised a question on the integrity of electronic media: "Anyone who enters the media makes a pledge to improve the system before he too ends up being a part of it. Is there any end to the chain reaction?" Ghose has the practical solution, "Media is not inherently evil still, but a line has to be drawn. The marketing personnel along with those in the mainstream can take leverage till the integrity of news isn't compromised on."

Although the proceedings of the house run for just over an hour, it was important that the Lok Sabha channel had the same duration as that of others for two reasons. "To reach out to masses. Also you can't expect cablewallahs to switch the channel on the band after an hour." It was courtesy the channel that the nation was able to see the cash for MPs scam during the last Lok Sabha elections.

Besides contributing columns to various newspapers, what's keeping him busy is the book he is writing - The Service of the State — which has a mention of his personal experience in the civil services for over 30 years. "The book deals with the issue of relevancy of the civil services in the context of 21st century."

Now retired, what's his take on corruption? "As many as 3,500 IAS officers serve India at a time, out of which not more than 40 are corrupt, which reflects the situation is still positive." For the scene to improve, he asserts, "Government of India should look into the reasons that lead to corruption, so that it can be removed from the roots." A practical solution to the problem once again!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Arjun Rampal and Minissha Lamba spread love on the ramp

Bollywood actors Arjun Rampal and Minissha Lamba walked the ramp for a fashion show organised in Kolkata on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The fashion show on Saturday witnessed models showcasing trendy clothes tailored for the youth.

Models stood pretty in clothes designed by designers Jaya Mishra, Devarun and Tanjim, an urban clothing brand from Dhaka. Actor Arjun Rampal stole the show with his die-hard attitude on the ramp. He even danced with a lady from among the audiences.“We are here for a really wonderful thing to celebrate and that’s love. I think nothing is more important than love.

It’s been wonderful to be here. Kolkata is very special to me. I have done a movie here. I have worked with Bengali actors and it’s a really wonderful city. That’s why every opportunity that I get, I always come here,” Rampal said.Bengali actor Rituparna Sengupta also walked the ramp in a cream-colored sequined gown.— ANI 

Versatile Tabu is back after a three-year hiatus to showcase an Indian middle-class family’s perpetual search for a suitable groom for their daughter in the comedy “Toh Baat Pakki”, which releases Friday.

Marking the Hindi directorial debut of noted Marathi filmmaker Kedar Shinde, the movie also features Sharman Joshi, Yuvika Chaudhary and Vatsal Seth. It has been produced by Ramesh S. Taurani.

The National Award-winning actor was last seen in a blink and miss appearance in Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Om Shanti Om” in 2007. “With ‘Toh Baat Pakki’, you will witness a new side of mine,” she had been quoted as saying.

Low on buzz and meant for a niche audience, the small-budget “Toh Baat Pakki” is succeeding Shah Rukh’s “My Name Is Khan” at the box office. —IANS

Goldie Hawn to start a state school

Hollywood actor Goldie Hawn is planning to set up a state school in Britain. The stunner is in talks with the Tories to set up the school where kids would learn breathing exercises to improve their concentration, reports The Times.

The “Jewish-Buddhist” actor has pioneered an unorthodox teaching method used in American schools that claims to make students less aggressive. Hawn has even visited the House of Commons to discuss plans to open a UK “showcase” for her MindUp technique should the Tories win the general election. Michael Gove, the shadow schools secretary, said: “We are going to have another meeting to discuss how she might be able to help and influence education here.” — ANI

James Bond fans are being urged to suggest the title of the 23rd blockbuster 007 film, scheduled to hit cinemas next year. Bosses at MGM have admitted that they are running out of names based on the best-selling novels of Ian Fleming. However, fans are lobbying studio executives to choose between the names of two Fleming short stories with box office appeal. And, they’ve also come up with their own promo posters to show how good they’d look. One army of 007 fanatics is promoting Risico, originally written as part of the For Your Eyes Only novelettes. It sees Bond being sent by M to investigate a drug-smuggling operation based in Italy that is flooding Britain with narcotics. A rival group wants the next film to be called The Property of a Lady, another Fleming short story that sees Bond on the trail of a gorgeous Russian double agent who has infiltrated our Secret Service.

A senior MGM executive said that director Sam Mendes has been ‘blown away’ by creativity of the fans. “The posters look incredibly professional. The title of Bond 23 is still in the melting pot and it’s true that there aren’t that many of Fleming’s major works to choose from. We and Sam are listening very closely to what the fans are saying and there is every possibility that we might latch on to one of their ideas,” a source said. — ANI

'Aditya Rajshree' house is for sure a wonder built in wood

'A cottage in the jungle' is how Aditya and Rajshree Sarda visualised their abode. Sloping slate roofs, a large chimney, huge stone slabs leading the way amidst green trees, chirping birds - the house 'Aditya Rajshree' sure is a weekend house within the city.

A large log gate and log fences remind you of the Obelix and Asterix village! "That's how I visualised it," says Aditya. "It took two-and-a-half years and endless sessions with our architect to make this abode," says Rajshree. "And the interiors are all Aditya's," she beams.

Large wooden trusses look commanding as one enters the formal living room. "Usually in hill houses the sloping roofs are supported by huge trusses that are covered by a false ceiling. I left the trusses bare for they spell magnificence," he says. The interiors of the house gel with the natural look. The walls are off-white and curtains are in green and brown.

The house is a vision shared by the couple and their kids Sidharth and Vatsala. "Kids gave their ideas and I worked out the details," shares the doting father Aditya. "Sidharth wanted a separate study area. So a mezzanine joined by wooden steps gives that beautiful space in his bedroom. A bed made of logs is the highlight Vatsala's bedroom on the first floor," he shares.

"The house makes use of a lot of wood. The flooring is all real wood that gives a rough and tough, earthy kind of a look and also makes it a pretty practical house, which we were looking for," says Rajshree.

This three-bedroom house has a formal dining room but it's the small sitting area in the wooden modular kitchen that steals the show. It opens on a huge deck facing a green hillock. "I wanted a machaan. And they are on trees only. So we procured a huge dead mango and neem tree, which we planted in cement to give it a machaan look," shares Aditya. The deck is the favourite place of the family where they sit and enjoy time together in the mornings and evenings.

What's amazing is a small hillock in the back courtyard that provides total privacy. "The soil and stones that came out from digging the basement was pushed towards the back boundary; some more earth and stones, and a hill was ready," says Aditya. Tall trees such as ficus, silver oaks, pine shrubs and peach bought from Saharanpur give this hill an authentic look. "In the rainy season, water flows out in the stream and takes one to a dreamland," shares Rajshree.

Below the deck is half-day basement called "Spiritu-all". One of the walls is all mirror; bamboo shoots tied and attached to ceiling give a different look all together. The huge windows not only make it bright but also give a beautiful view of the outside. It also has a bedroom and a small wood cabin for counselling.

Rajshree is a psychologist, while hubby Aditya is a businessman. "We have started various classes at 'Spiritu-all' and are making a great effort to create an environment of peace and tranquility. Take out time to enjoy nature and listen to the sounds that you have forgotten," offers Rajshree.

mona@tribunemail.com

DJ Nasha, who was in the city for the Valentine bash, talks of his profession and much more… 

Finally, remixing has gone past Bollywood. It's no more limited to adding beats and tunes to ol' Bollywood tracks or to the new ones that are too slow to please Gen Y.Now, original tracks are being remixed too. "This is nothing short of an adventure for a DJ. There are no set tunes, no beats that a DJ has to follow; original number is the true test for a DJ," says DJ Nasha.

In the last 15 years of his making and mixing music, he has seen the concept of deejaying undergo a lot of transformation. "Where it took minimum one year of rigourous training to become a professional DJ, all it now takes is a few weeks, courtesy, softwares that provide all short-cuts to master the art." He adds that technology is bliss, but might make us complacent.

One of the first few DJs in India, he was also the first in the country to open a DJ academy - Nasha Workstation. And the first lesson he makes sure he teaches his students is: "Update your knowledge. Learn beyond mixing, scratching and turn the tables, things that deejaying was all about when it began."

"The most recent concept in deejaying now is Juggle in which you can mix four to six tracks at a time," he informs.

And if there are ample opportunities for DJs, there is also the cut-throat competition. "Every DJ has to have some USP," suggests Nasha, who mixed music at Back Magic's Valentine's Day bash.

Another change he has witnessed over the years is girls taking up the profession. "There was no female DJ when Aqeel, Suketu and I began. Now, especially in metros, girls are taking up deejaying."

His recent remixed song was from the movie Shortcut and he is presently working on his own album, which has all the original tracks. As he puts it, "Practice what you preach! 

Advancements in technology have changed the face of movie-making. Read on…

From a simple thing like Video Assist to the performance capture technology in Avatar, technology in film-making has grown by leaps and bounds: Jugraj

"From a simple thing like Video Assist to the performance capture technology in Avatar, technology in film-making has grown by leaps and bounds," says Jugraj, busy with the production of two movies simultaneously. He lists out some technological advancements…

l Video Assist: Can you imagine, a simple brain wave can make life simpler for directors and movie-makers at large. Video Assist is a small invention, but has made things much simpler. Stalwarts like Raj Kapoor didn't have it. This meant what the cameraman saw on the lens could not be viewed by the director. So he had to stand next to the cameraman. Video Assist has brought in a lot of convenience. It is a simple technology wherein a camera is connected to the monitor, which is a television set. So whatever the cameraman sees in the lens of the camera, the director sees the same shot on the monitor through Video Assist. Now, why shouldn't directors have all the fun!

l Digital Intermediate: Why does a movie like Dil Chahta Hai look colourful and stylish? Why does a David Dhawan film look tadka badka and why does a movie like Rock On look classy? This is all because of digital intermediate. Through this technology, a movie shot ordinarily is given colours and tones as per the requirement of the film. This gives an all-together different look to the film. Does this mean Himesh Reshamiya needn't bother about how his film is shot, as long as he has a digital intermediate technology!

l Camera Red: This is a five-year-old technology, which is picking pace in Bollywood as well. A movie shot on a red camera helps to do away with the negatives. As a result, a producer ends up saving money in crores. In addition, it provides better quality than video. Producers have all the reason to be happy.

l Digital Projection: The technology is now available in some multiplexes abroad and is expected to hit India soon. This technology will make movie-makers do away with the prints. Basically, with Digital Projection a multiplex will be connected to satellite. So movie screening will happen through satellite. Wouldn't you want to know what good it can do? It will bring down the cost of the movie tickets and can put a check on piracy as well. Are the multiplex owners listening!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Google is out to change the virtual world again with it’s latest social networking tool

Real time updates, photo-friendly, easy connect to Twitter, Picasa, Flickr…right there in your inbox - Google Buzz is here. Launched last Tuesday, Buzz is already creating a buzz! And how do city folks react to this new social networking site?"This comes from Google, so it ought to be good," says Digvijay Sharma, a B.Com student from Panchkula. "There was Yahoo Mail, Rediffmail, Hotmail, but see today its Gmail that we all have our accounts on. Similarly, Gtalk meant all instant messaging sites took a back seat," he adds. Digvijay is already active on Buzz along with his friends.

"The USP of Buzz is that it's so easy," says Ekakshra Mahajan, a class X student. "Pretty much like Twitter, it's right there in the message box, which makes it so handy," she adds.

"Buzz proves to be the most convenient tool for micro-blogging. No log ons needed, Buzz puts all the scattered social networking sites under one roof," says Rohit Sharma, IT professional from Mohali.

'Pretty cool' is how Priya Shandliya, a B Ed student refers to Buzz. "It instantly connects to your friends, with all of us in different cities, it definitely is a great tool to be in touch with," she offers.

However, not all are happy with Buzz. Says Rishabh Bansal, B-Tech student from University College of Engineering, Patiala, "I checked out Buzz for it was right there in my inbox. But I am not much impressed with it. They already have the list of friends that are following me, which I consider invasion of my privacy."

You may be wondering that after all these years what's the hype with all these numerous Bluetooth accessories? But there are actually tons of advantages Bluetooth technology provides, due to which it is slowly becoming more of a necessity than a luxury!Here are some of the benefits a Bluetooth device has to offer:

Go wireless — There are loads of advantages wireless devices offer. Apart from increasing safety as a result of ditching wires, you can go places with your laptop and other Bluetooth enabled wireless devices without worrying about connection data cables, which till are a hassle to locate and purchase.

Affordability — Contrary to popular belief, Bluetooth accessories are not that expensive, considering its huge benefits spending some bucks on a quality Bluetooth accessory is definitely cheap in the long-term.

Universality — Bluetooth technology is accepted and recognised all across the globe because it implements a universal wireless standard. Now with so many manufacturers eager to make Bluetooth devices, you can truly depend on it for several years to come.

Automatic — Bluetooth technology is a no-rocket science and it doesn't need an expert to configure Bluetooth connectivity. It's simply automatic, requires no setting up of a connection or pushing any buttons. When two or more devices come into a range of up to approximately 30-feet/10-meters (some powerful Bluetooth receivers and transmitters can cover more distance) of each other, they will automatically start to communicate; quick and easy.

Standard procedure — Standardised wireless system ensures a strong level of compatibility between devices. Bluetooth accessories will no doubt connect to each other regardless of their brands or models.

Virtually no interference — Bluetooth enabled devices have low, almost no interruption from other wireless devices because they utilise a technique called, "frequency hopping" and low power wireless signals. Thus, you can always expect crisp quality reception using Bluetooth technology.

Safe communication on the road — Bluetooth devices, such as Bluetooth wireless car kits effortlessly resolve the audio and communication dilemmas that emerge while driving. Bluetooth technology definitely improves safety when it comes to being able to drive with both hands on the wheel (In Chandigarh even this is breaking the law, only if you are caught) while having a crystal clear conversation via your cell phone.

Low power usage — Since Bluetooth uses low power signals, the technology only needs very low energy, lessening battery consumption or electrical power.

The reputation of Bluetooth accessories has constantly progressed since they were first launched because of these amazing benefits.

These Bluetooth devices have demonstrated time and again that they could make people's lives so much easier and efficient. Little wonder then, they are here to stay!

amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com

Incred-a-ball is a remote controlled golf ball that can be set to spin off in any direction at the flick of a switch. This hitech ball has a little gyroscope mounted inside it and a motor to make it spin.

When fully charged, the ball can be made to spin off in random directions. You can make this ball keep falling off the tee, which might make everyone think they have lost it totally as they see this ball driving off into the distance by itself!

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