A host of Bollywood stars hit the city on Saturday for the friendship hockey match. Jasmine Singh catches up...

Just when we thought everything was going well. Just when we thought this is just the right start and just when we saw things moving in the right direction, television channels flashed the news of the Indian hockey team demanding as much as Rs 5 crore to play a charity match against Bollywood and TV celebrities on Feburary 20 in Chandigarh.

Never mind, every good deed is met with initial hiccups. But, like Suniel Shetty says, the good deed must go on. Walking out of the Chandigarh airport, the actor in salt and pepper beard sees no reason to raise a hue and cry. Unruffled and confident (attributes of a healthy body and mind, which are obviously coming from a strict exercise regime) the actor has no qualms in talking to the journos in waiting for nearly two hours. "I am here for a good deed and don't see why we shouldn't pursue it. Hockey is the pride of the country, and needless to say, it should be popularised."

While films are on a back burner for a while, Suniel wants to do just about everything he can for the sport. "I am an ardent cricket fan, but I couldn't see hockey and other sports being neglected. I will stand for any sport that is neglected," Suniel clears his stance.

About the controversy, he says he got to know about it while boarding his flight in the morning. "It is sad to see something like this happen to the game. In a way it brings down the morale of the players, but as we say the show must go on."

And shows like this, which involve a host of celebrities? "Awareness amid celebrities is also growing, which is why so many of them are getting associated with a cause.” 

Howzzzat! Cricket and glamour, oh yes, we've seen, heard and known this combo for long now. But hockey and glamour is something new and exciting. And watchable too! Forget the controversy; take a look at the fleet of television stars who landed in Chandigarh for the friendship match. Do they know how to play hockey? Immaterial. They are just here to support a cause, which they are doing to the hilt. And guess what, each one of them has had or still has a fascination for a particular sport. We find out what?

Zulfi Syed

Life has changed after Bigg Boss. More recognition and growing fan mail? "Of course, says this model-cum-actor who likes to play soccer. I am taking things easy, modelling and planning to do films in the future." Any memory from Big Boss? "I am still in touch with Rahul Mahajan and I hope he will find his bride through the reality show." Reality another name for melodrama? "Well, Rakhi Sawant gave enough masala, but Rahul will definitely marry."

Jatin Grewal

City boy comes home and is reminded of the time spent with friends and hanging out at PU, the freshness in the air. "I was doing theatre, handling events and working on some projects." Good fallback options? "Mumbai is a city that gives you a chance to explore many things, I am just doing that."

Jai Bhanushali

It is difficult to miss the puckish grin. "I have played hockey and I am glad to be doing something for the game." Projects? "Dance India Dance. I don't wish to repeat myself in any of the roles." Movies? "Beggars can't be choosers, I would want to do some good roles." TV stars in Bollywood? "Rajeev Khandelwal is doing good."

Manav Gohil

"Hockey and football are my games." Success formula for a rock-solid marriage? "My wife and I don't believe in looking into each others eyes, we believe in looking together in the same direction and moving towards it."

— Jasmine Singh 

Main jat yamla pagla deewana…Dharmendra danced and we enjoyed every bit of it! Hoping to recreate the same magic, Samir Karnik brings the three Deols — Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby — together. And this is precisely what brings Sunny Deol to the city on Saturday.

"I am here for the shooting of Yamla Pagla Deewana," he smiles. A grown beard, some extra muscles adding to the mass weight. Reminds us of Gadar. "I can't say much about the movie. In Apne we made the audiences cry, but in this flick we would make them laugh," says Sunny Deol.

Three Deols together in a frame, but who calls the shots? Laughs Sunny, "When dad is there he calls the shot obviously. It is great fun working together after Apne."

Something on Yamla Pagla Deewana? "The movie would have the same song, main jat yamala pagla deewana," shares Sunny, who is busy with some other projects as well.

Punjab and Deols, a strong connect? "Indeed. Punjab is home to us and we love to come back here anytime and all the time. We would be shooting in Punjab for almost 35 days, so, we will soak in a lot of fresh air and dig into the traditional sumptuous food," he adds.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Director Kabir Sadanand and actor Anjana Sukhani are in the city to promote their flick Tum Milo Toh Sahi

Let this debate get over once and for all: Nana Patekar isn't impossible to work with. You've got to believe when a young director, Kabir Sadanand, and a young actor, Anjana Sukhani, claim: "All he demands is sincerity and passion for film-making and everything else falls in place."

Anjana explains further with a little diplomacy, "On the sets of the film an actor is not known by his seniority, only the character matters. Nana sahab was always improvising on his and our acting." After all words in praise of Nana were exhausated, others actors of the Kabir's second film Tum Milo Toh Sahi got their fair share of praise too. "You don't get the opportunity to work with the likes of Dimple Kapadia, Suniel Shetty, Vidya Malwade and Rehaan Khan daily," adds Kabir, who was in the city on Saturday along with Anjana to promote the film.

Anjana this time let go off her diplomacy and candidly accepts, "With a non-filmi background, you've got to accept whatever initially falls in your kitty. Work hard and even a cameo can leave the same impact as a role with maximum on screen duration." Yes, she did get noticed after her small role opposite Anil Kapoor in Salam-e-Ishq.

From then to now, she has learnt her lessons well, "Which are choosing the right script and the banner that's serious about their film." But for her, the most important of all lessons has been, "Don't heed to all advice. It's surprising when your close friends in the industry suggest that you create some controversy or a link-up rumour to gain mileage."

For Kabir, the learning part comprised of more practical lessons than theoretical, "The basics for a director to understand are an audience pays much more than 150 bucks; he pays in terms of time and entertainment too when he has at his disposal over 100 channels and latest VCDs." Another lesson learnt is promotion of the film, which is apparent from what he is doing now in comparison with his first film, which anyone hardly knows about!

The film revolves around three couples in different age brackets and their love issues. Anjana is playing the role of a college girl with a fake attitude. Next, she is doing a film with Sharman Joshi, Allah Ke Bande and a film in south with Madhavan. On her wishlist is, "Roles in romantic comedies." Are the right directors listening? 

Sixteen artists from four different cities showcase their works

Animal forms, human forms, landscape, dramatic representations, aesthetic experiences…exhibition of paintings, sculptures and photographs by Visual Languages is an out- and-out group endeavour. Here's bringing the works of sixteen artists from four different cities.

There're clouds, ladders, chairs, birds in myriad canvases, all subject to the thought process. A series of two canvases depict two chairs, one in barbed wire and the other with a severed human head on it. Shares Jagjit Singh, artist, "The chair depicts the power that everybody runs after, barbed wire and crow stand for the beast is all of us. We all know about it yet don't do anything."

In contrast, Blue Hill series, tiny little works against a comparatively blank large canvas, in watercolours depicts landscapes, hillscapes, monasteries, clouds, and mountains… "I kept the size of the paintings minuscule and gave a lot of white space because this generates interest and makes one pay attention to details," says Pankaj Saroj from Chandigarh.

Moving on, yet another work on human emotions shows the struggles of life. L. Monica Devi from Jaipur talks of her canvas with human form, bird, water, waves and a boat. "The entire thing is themed after the struggles of human emotions. Boat is a request to God to help us sail through one day while birds stand for just the opposite, stress."

Not very different story is the sculpture series SA c' est lavie comprising beautiful blood red hearts outside with iron nails, scorpion inside… "It shows the cycle of life and how it seems complete although it is not. The iron nails stand for struggles that everyone has to go through at one point or the other," explains Dharmjit Singh.

Moving on to other canvases, some are a riot of colours, others paint the stark contrasts of life in monochromes while some illustrate myriad human emotions.

— Manpriya Khurana

(On till 23rd February at Punjab Kala Bhawan-16

Taj Khazana offers conventional crafts and handlooms from across the country

Part museum, part boutique store, Taj Khazana is here for the first time with its trunk show that showcases traditional crafts and handlooms from across the country.

An exhibition-cum-sale at Shopping Arcade in Taj-17 has all things forgotten; dying art forms, miniature paintings to silver artifacts, designer wear to exquisite weaves from master craftsmen, objet d'art to carpets to jewellery and handbags!

The garment segment has selective weaves and designs from various names like Assam weaves from Sonya Khan, jute and cotton silk designs from Jairam Rakhiani and also collection from Tarun Tahiliani. More handloom stuff in hand-block printed tussars, georgettes, chiffons and the exclusive Revival sarees make a collectors item.

Restoring hallowed textile crafts and rehabilitating the weavers and master craftsmen of Benaras, Taj Khazana's revival sarees have age-old designs with zari work; something straight from your grandmother's closet and weaved to perfection in contemporary style. Lipiwork sarees, shikargah, katan Hyderabad, panchpankhi work and national award winning jaamvar sarees are a delight.

The collection falls under an endeavor of Taj to support, promote and retail the weavers from Varanasi merging their basic style of production with modern designs.

The famous Pashmina, dotutia work that takes at least two to three years to get woven and finest appliqué work from Orissa are also on offer.

The trunk is also full on art and crafts items like filigreed silver ware, silver Ganesha statues, Godwakam metal art from Bastar, cabocon jewellery with rubies from Burma, sandalwood handicrafts and designer handbags. For the art lovers, contemporary works of Bengali artists and miniature paintings from Rajasthan are an attraction too!

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

(On till today)

The hockey World Cup in India brings hope, cheer and much to look forward to. Experts from the region share their views…

Eighteen years on, its finally payback time. Time to come out of the shadows and claim the lost identity. The hockey World Cup indeed comes with hopes, hoopla and the highs that were so missing!And this time round we have big sponsors; the required glamour with names like Priyanka Chopra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Virender Sehwag, Suniel Shetty, Govinda lending support, and a new motto - Phir Dil Do Hockey Ko.

"This is what Indian hockey needed for a long time. Its high time hockey is given some respect," says Balbir senior, former captain, triple-gold Olympian, and chief coach of the 1975 World Cup winning hockey team. For him, the glitz and glamour being attached to the game now should be able to turn things around.

"Hockey badly needed promotion. The ignorant behaviour was pushing the players towards an unprofessional attitude and financial support was lagging too. With these efforts, fresh energy will be injected into Indian hockey," he says.

Albeit our national sport has suffered neglect, the recent promotions fit well as far as the future is concerned. And if scandals and 'off-side' action was found missing, then during the past few weeks hockey has earned points in that area as well!

First, the players threatening to opt out in protest against the game's plight, then the open criticism by former players, which was followed by a possible terror threat for the upcoming World Cup. And the recent one, just before the promotional match between Bollywood stars and the Indian team, the allegations on the players by the sponsors about demanding five crores for the game. Now, who says we don't have enough to write about hockey!

"Allegations, scandals and blame-game have always been a part of any Indian sport. But the issue here should be revival of hockey and not the stars associated with the game,' says Balbir senior.

Reserving his comments about the star-studded promotions, Harendra Singh, the chief coach of the Indian team, feels that its time for due credit to the game. "The real stars of the game are the players. Others have just chipped-in to show their support. For a long time people like Suniel Shetty, Salman Khan and even Amitabh Bachchan have been supporting the game. I am grateful to these people for lending a helping hand and generating curiosity about the game amid the masses," he says.

Online promotions too are catching up with Orkut and Facebook communities supporting the move. "Its commendable that for once hockey is being promoted well. But such efforts should not be one-time; they should carry on throughout the year. The intentions may be good, but the time is crucial for our team with the world cup round the corner, therefore the appropriateness of the timings of such an event is questionable," feels Satpal Singh, former Olympian and coach of the Indian hockey team. And his suggestions? "Get the basics right, develop the standards of the game and work for the cause of hockey."

Sure, for now, all our best wishes are with the team!

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

Divya Dutta was in the city to promote her team for the second season of T-10 gully cricket

Pretty, petite, pleasing…the kudi from Punjab Divya Dutta, proud owner of 'Ludhiana Gullies', was in the city to unveil the specially designed jerseys for her cricket team. Glad to be associated with T-10, she shared notes on the game and her career."T-10 is an excellent platform for budding cricketers. It connects them to viewers nationwide on DD. Who knows this opportunity might make them the stars of tomorrow," shares Divya. T-10 'gully' cricket is in its second season and Divya's team has already reached the semifinals. "It's going to be Dutt versus Dutta," says Divya in regard to the competition from Sanjay Dutt's team Sirsa Gullies.

"Although I have immense regard for Sanjay Dutt, in cricket we'll give them a tough fight. Last season, Ludhiana Gullies was runners up and this season we want to be on the top." Divya, a cricket fan who has played the game from childhood, broken a few windows and her bone, puts herself in the bracket of 'average Indian cricket fan'. "I love to follow the game and nothing can match the excitement of being at the ground."

On the trend of buying teams, Divya says, "The association between cinema and cricket is pretty old. As for T-10, the intentions are good so I don't see any harm in it."

Excited to be at T-10 matches at Sirsa, Divya is open to getting associated with hockey, our national game, as well. "Although hockey hasn't been as popular as cricket but it's looking up. Lots of actors have come forward to promote it and I would love to be part of any such initiative."

Talking of her Bollywood innings, Divya sounds contented, "I have been fortunate that every movie that I have done has given me something more to learn." Right now her hands are full with projects from Hollywood, Bollywood and Punjabi cinema. "You will see lots of me in 2010. My two Hollywood projects — Hiss and Heartland — are due for release in May. I am working on Subhash Ghai's Hello Darling, Rani Mukherjee's Life Ise Gale Laga Le, Reliance production's Chaloo Movie and Amol Gupte's Stanley Ka Dabba, which is a children's film."

In addition, she is also working in Guddu Dhanoa's Punjabi film Lions of Punjab. " I have received immense love from my fans and would love to do memorable roles," she signs off.

mona@tribunemail.com

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: The Hanged Man opts for important changes at home and work. New starts should be postponed. Relatives will be co-operative. Check all figures related to jointly held funds. Secret affairs should be kept quite. Tip of the week: Take thing one at a time. Lucky color: Crimson.

TAURUS: The Sword represents light and clarity. Not much will go according to plans. This is a very hazardous week for speculation. Be more discriminating in the choice of company. Tip of the week: Listen carefully to words of wisdom even if you do not relish. Lucky color: Wine red.

GEMINI: The Five of Wands advices you not to have any truck with an Aquarius. Get all your affairs in order. Avoid careless spending. This is not a time for delegating responsibilities. Tip of the week: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. Lucky color: Olive.

CANCER: The Chariot card interprets it as having focused energy and concentration on a goal because of which even the impossible is done. Good week for negotiating contracts. A telephone call or a friend gives pleasure. No drinks in the party. Tip of the week: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project. Lucky Color: Golden.

LEO: The Queen of Roads brings romance back in personal relationship. Venus castes its shadow on health. Discuss longterm plans on Monday. A telephone call or a friend gives problems. Tip of the week: Balance will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky : Peacock blue.

VIRGO: Ten Golden Cups arranged in the tree of life pattern suggest deep family roots. Correspondence is important. There will be good opportunity to show your artistic flare. Tip of the week: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky color: Green.

LIBRA: The Temperance inspires you to climb new heights and actualize creative ideas. A good play or a film stimulates you. Employment affairs are likely to be on your mind. Your efforts will not go unnoticed by superior. Health problem could slow you down. Tip of the week: Try a new off beat style of handling things. Lucky color: Yellow.

SCORPIO: The Moon says don't worry. Love comes with patience. You can put yourself in line of promotion or salary increase. The accent is on entertainment. Go ahead with new ventures. Tip of the week: Try an off beat style of handling things. Lucky color: Silver Grey.

SAGGITARIUS: The Priestess infuses a gracious influence in your life. Entertainment will be on your mind on Saturday. This will be rather placid week. Associates will be congenial. Models/ artists or writers may sign prestigious contracts. Tip of the week: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky color: Brown.

CAPRICORN: Ace of Pentacles reveals the seed of prosperity and material gain. If you have been thinking of buying a pet, this is favorable week for getting one. Tip of the week: Outline your goals ahead of time. Lucky color: White.

AQUARIUS: Nine Cups depicts a week full of light and lotus blossoms. A suitable job offer awaits you. Friends will be pleasant but not particularly important. Sportsman may feel lack of energy. Tip of the week: Don't build into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky color: Burgundy

PISCES: The World means this is a good time for relaxing and doing what you enjoy the most. Competence pays off and achievement brings satisfaction. Pen friends turn out to be a pain. Tip of the week: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky Color: Metallic grey.