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Her show goes on
Please don't be late for the interview. Try to come 20 minutes early. If possible, come prepared with questions. Preity is very time-pressed, she has already attended five meetings and there is one more to go still.' (It is already 8.00 pm. One more meeting to go!)
More inputs pour in from people who are with Preity from the first season of IPL. 'Preity now knows cricket in and out. She is getting great offers from Bollywood, but hasn't taken up any because of her commitment to the Kings XI team. She is virtually up all night, planning, strategizing and making notes,' chips in a member of Kings XI management staff. All right, we have enough. When do we get to meet this lady? 'Ah! There she comes', announces one of her manager. Toying with her mobile phone, surrounded by a fleet of burly bouncers, Preity Zinta enters the coffee shop of the hotel. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I had to attend a really important interview. Pher shuru kariye gal baat (Some Punjabi this lady has picked up. She spills out some more) Ki haal hai, acha vadiya, kithey jaa rahey ho)," says Preity, everything in one breath. Lights, camera, action… You look as fresh as morning dew. I am told you have attended almost five meetings since the morning? "Aha. See, I can manage to look good even when I am running around 24X7. It is a tough job, managing the team and looking great at the same time," shares the actor. "You wouldn't believe I managed to have a good 12 hours sleep after a long, long time. Am I not looking better," the lady looks at us for approval. Sure you do. But, why take up work that leaves no time for sleep? Why Kings XI at the first place? You already are a shining star on the silver screen? "Why not. Why not? (She repeats herself loud and clear). This is my 11th year in Bollywood. I am doing excellent. However, how many people have the guts to take up things from the scratch," Preity talks like a 'been there done that' entrepreneur. "I was told not to invest everything in one venture (Kings XI Punjab). My friends told me that I wasn't doing the right thing. I went ahead still. I feel some kind of closeness to Punjab and also Himachal because it is my birthplace. Today, I don't regret even a bit," she adds. "People criticise T20 for spoiling the old cricketing charm. Tell me, how many of you can watch T20 for a good five days at a stretch," says Preity. Courageous, well, an attribute Preity wears on her sleeve. We are reminded of the incident where Preity was the only witness who did not turn hostile in the controversial Bharat Shah case in 2003. The actor testified against Indian Mafia, repeating in court her earlier statement that she had received extortion threats from the mafia during the shooting of the film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. Picking up the threads of conversation, we would want to know how Preity reacts when her team loses. (Which is now a norm) Does she regret her decision? "My detractors would have a lot to say on this. Honestly, I don't think I have made a wrong decision. We learn from our mistakes, don't we? This is a learning process; like any other profession, this too has its share of ups and downs. I took the risk at least," Preity clears her stance. And well, this is a good learning ground for her too? "Of course, it gives me a chance to understand cricket. I can understand in swing, out swing, paddle shot, power play, free hit. Above all, it has given me a chance to be a tomboy again." We see the glint in her eyes, the dimpled smile stretching ear to ear. Tomboy, this sounds interesting! "I never wanted to be an actor. I had a fascination for every other profession like an astronaut, truck driver, Prime Minister, except for acting. My mother sulks till date for not sharing with her my dream of becoming an actor! (She still thinks I wanted to be an actor!)," chips in Preity. Tomboy, we toss up the word again. "Oh ya. Kings XI Punjab gives me a chance to be a tomboy. I enjoy chatting up the players. They are not a wee bit intimidated by me," she adds with a puckish grin. "Boys will be boys. With me around, you can expect them to talk like girls. It's fun to see them at their best." Sreesanth, a Kings XI Punjab player validates. "It is fun to have Preity around. She is absolutely hassle free. She has no hang ups and doesn't interfere in our work. And yes, Preity is the best motivator," tells Sreesanth. Look we have another actor pitching in. "It is a delight to see Preity sitting in the dugout. She enjoys the game irrespective of the outcome," shares Vivek Oberoi. And whether it is during the practise match at Sector-16 cricket stadium or at the matches at PCA, Preity does not hold herself back. "I am like any other team player. I am not like any co-owner. I feel as low as my players feel when they lose," says the actor. Hang on, I had almost forgotten. I am in conversation with a lady who has given Bollywood superhits like Kal Ho Na Ho, Veer Zaara, Dil Se, Kya Kehna. We almost forgot about Preity Zinta, the actor. "Me too," she sighs. "I miss Bollywood. I miss the whole idea of acting in front of the camera, without having to manage the costumes, make up and production. I was shooting for an advertisement with Dhoni some days back and I thought I had forgotten everything about acting. Thankfully, I soon touched based with the actor inside me." She heaves a sigh of relief. Of course, we would want to see Preity more often on the silver screen. "Don't worry. Let the IPL get over, you will see me all over the silver screen. I am reading some good scripts. Hopefully, I will be doing a lot of work next year," she adds shifting in her seat, looking into her Blackberry phone. The manager sitting next to Preity politely signals that the interview be over. Much as we would like to continue, I thank Preity for her time. There's time for one last query. What will you do now? "Might just read. I finished reading on the history of Manchester United." She pauses for a second and declares, "I will read a Tinkle comic. Trust me, it is an awesome stress buster. One more thing, I have stopped wasting time on so-called friends. I have realised that it is a sheer wastage of time and energy. I am not an everyday friend, but I am a loyal friend." Point to ponder: How can anyone look so great and sound chirpy after a 24X7 grilling schedule with just a Tinkle comic to fall back on as a stress buster? jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Housefull? So what?
Lara Dutta, who has of late become a fixture in multi-starrers, prefers to encash opportunities coming her way rather than wait for solo heroine roles in Bollywood. “I cannot be foolish, just awaiting solo roles. Why should I burn my time sitting at home for want of single heroine-kind roles? Every single actor wants to do a solo film. Even I want to do a solo film. But if tomorrow Sajid (director) comes and offers me a multi-starrer film, I would be a fool to say no,” Lara said in an interview. The 31-year-old actor has earlier been a part of multi-starrers like No Entry, Partner, Do Knot Disturb and Bhagam Bhaag among others. The actor, who will be next seen in Sajid Khan’s romantic comedy ‘Housefull’, says she takes up only those multi-starrers, where characters essayed by her are “indispensable”. “Most films that I have done are multi-starrers. But at the same time every role that I have taken in these films are very distinct, essential and indispensable,” Lara said. “I feel that if you take away any character from a multi-starrer film, then there would be something missing. The characters really added a lot to the films. Certain characters do stay with the audience...No one has forgotten the character of Kajal, (a suspicious wife) from No Entry,” she added. The former beauty queen will be sharing screen space with stars like Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Jiah Khan, Ritesh Deshmukh, Arjun Rampal and Boman Irani in Housefull, which is scheduled to be released on April 30. — PTI
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Ad on
After the success of “3 Idiots”, actor Sharman Joshi has started endorsing big brands like Nokia and Airtel, but he has just one movie, Allah Ke Banday, to look forward to in the near future.
“Right now I don’t have anything in hand. Allah Kay Banday will be my next film. We have finished shooting for it. It is in post-production stage at the moment and I am still considering more scripts for future,” Sharman said. The actor was in the Capital on Tuesday to celebrate 70 years of restaurant chain KFC’s signature product — Original recipe. While he took chunky bites of a chicken leg at the press meet, Sharman said he would love to endorse KFC, which is among his favourite eating joints. But for now he is happy with his new set of endorsements which include Nokia and Airtel, brands which A-list actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor have represented in the past. Sharman says he is “indifferent” about being in the same league as such actors. “I am completely indifferent to thoughts like who was endorsing this product before or who else is. I am just proud to be associated with these brands because I believe in them. Nothing else beyond this matters,” he said. On the Bollywood front too the actor likes to stay away from comparison and competition, despite having earned so much appreciation from movies like Rang De Basanti and 3 Idiots. “I act, because that’s what I like to do. It’s my passion. It’s not that I like it because I like fame. Fame and adulation are by-products of being an actor and those are not the prime reasons why I am here in Bollywood,” said Sharman, who earlier featured in films like Style, Xcuse Me, Dhol and Golmaal. In Allah Ke Banday, an intense drama about juvenile crimes, Sharman will be seen alongside veterans Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher. —
IANS |
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Don strikes again
After making a name for himself as an actor with Rock On and Luck By Chance, Farhan Akhtar seems keen to return behind the camera for Don 2.
The director-actor, who was recently seen in psychological thriller Karthik Calling Karthik with Deepika Padukone, is currently scouting for location for the movie.
“Hey guys! In Mumbai for a day... Flying away tmrw for 10 more days for Don 2 recce (sic),” Farhan tweeted. The film will be a sequel to the 2006 movie by Farhan and will star Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra in the lead. The 35-year-old Farhan began his journey in cinema with cult hit Dil Chahta Hai in 2001. — PTI |
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Hollywood star Nicolas Cage has lightened his hair because film bosses on Drive Angry refused to let him shave his head and tattoo his scalp.
“Originally, I was going to shave my head and tattoo my scalp. But the producer didn’t want me to do that. So then I decided that I was gonna embrace the Celtic roots on the other side of my family. So, I dyed the hair lighter because I think that’s what the character should look like,” Cage said. The actor is particularly excited about the movie, which sees him play a vengeance-seeking dad looking for his daughter’s killer - because it is a new approach to a 3-D action film. “What’s really cool is that the 3-D is from scratch - all the cameras are 3-D. It’s not going to be tacked onto the movie afterwards. Patrick Lussier, the director, is very excited about it. It’s the first one like this; it’s like if you got to see an old ‘70s action movie, but in 3-D. We’re doing something semi-historical, because it’s the first 3-D movie shot in the style of a ‘70s action film. You could see Charles Bronson or Eastwood starring in a film like this in those days,” Cage said. — PTI
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Stop kidding!
Keeping up with Joneses when it comes to a car, house or gadgets might still be all right, but it becomes preposterous when it comes to comparing kids! Courtesy the information available today, people are increasingly comparing their kids against milestones or with other kids. The process not only invites anxiety to one's own self, but also sometimes passes it on to other parents as well. The pressure on new parents is so immense that it is referred to as 'Kid Olympics'. We check out ways to deal with it. "Thanks to the Internet, parents today actually see the baby growing virtually. It has both positives and negatives. While it helps you identify early in case of any abnormality, but on the downside a lot of anxiety that comes with it. All milestones are averages, but their kid not achieving it could be pretty stressful for the parents. And sadly, this anxiety gets passed on to the kids as well," says Dr Parmod Kumar, a practicing psychiatrist from the city. For Sonali, a homemaker from Sector 10, Panchkula, the constant comparisons became a nightmare. "My daughter achieved all her milestones relatively late. My hubby and I were so hassled. We took out prints after prints from the Internet and headed to the doctor to know if Diya was doing well," she shares. "While doctors were pretty satisfied with her progress (I changed at least four), people around kept comparing and putting her down." Over time, Sonali realised what was actually happening, "I got to know that people, when they give reference point of their kids, have actually forgotten the exact dates and in turn stress the neo-parents. People still try to do the same, but now I am confident. I am in touch with the doctor and know Diya is growing well." Says Dr Swapna Singla, mother to seven-month-old Rihan, "With an infant to be brought up, one is bound to get anxious. I make a conscious effort not to compare my kid with others around. Being a doctor myself I know pretty well that Rihan is achieving milestones pretty early, he's just seven months and already has five teeth. And I also realise teething means kids can't eat properly, has loose motions, and loses weight. I sometimes start overfeeding him then, wishing that he gets plump the very next day, only to be checked by my husband who is also a doctor." Rinki Mehan, a banker, mother to Nikhar (7), and Viraaj, seven months, shares, "Apprehensions about kid's health are so natural. If you meet 10 people in a day, you get 10 opinions. But paying heed to each of them will turn you crazy. I also compare notes with other mums but am so positive that when it comes to my child, I know it the best." Seema Sharma, a financial consultant from Sector 9 and mother to Aditya (4) and Uday (1) is a more confident mum the second time around. "I was pretty anxious when raising Aditya. He started walking when he was around 18 months, which gave me many a sleepless nights. But this time with Uday I am a more confident. One needs to be on an alert to be sure all is going well, so I bank on my paediatrician who is very positive and helps me keep calm. But I would really like mums to stop being anxious and also not stress out other mums," she shares. "Any information today is dynamic so keep your cool," advises Dr Kumar. "When it comes to comparisons, check your approach. It's all about how you convey it. One can either motivate the child to be an achiever or end up discouraging the kid even more," he adds. Things get even more complicated in case of special children. "First of all stop blaming yourself. It's not your fault; second, accept the reality. Next is to make efforts to put the child on the right path. Try to find your child's innate ability and help him shine in that," he suggests. Agrees Rakesh Kumar, a sociologist from the city. "Designer parenting is on the rise. Thanks to the deluge of information from media, the affluent parents want to be sure that their kids are keeping up with each and every milestone. "Rather than being stressed out on a particular issue, negotiate it. Let it be the mother's call in consultation with the father," he says. mona@tribunemail.com
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Sibling squabble
Fights among siblings are often considered innocent, but a new research has claimed that certain types of quarrels can affect the quality of their relationships.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified two major types of conflict among adolescent siblings and found that conflicts about personal space have a negative impact on trust and communication between them. "The first conflict area we found includes issues about physical and emotional personal space, such as borrowing items without asking and hanging around when older siblings have friends over," said Nicole Campione-Barr, a psychology professor at the university. "When these issues were present, both younger and older siblings reported less trust and communication. The second conflict area includes equality and fairness issues, such as taking turns and sharing responsibilities. These conflicts had no impact on relationship quality." For the study, the first such to examine types of sibling conflict between adolescent children, the researchers interviewed and surveyed pairs of siblings, aged between eight and 20. They focused on sibling relationships among younger children and found that while both younger and older siblings reported personal space conflicts, older siblings reported these conflicts more frequently. The findings, published in journal Child Development, suggested that older siblings are more sensitive to personal space issues and may indicate the beginning of their separation from the family. According to the researchers, the new research could help parents, psychologists and other individuals who work with teens understand the impact that conflicts can have on sibling relationships. For parents, Campione-Barr suggested setting up family boundaries to reduce sibling conflicts about personal space. "Parents need to establish and enforce family rules about respecting privacy, personal space and property," Campione-Barr said. "However, when sibling conflicts occur, there needs to be negotiations between siblings. Previous research tells us that parents should step aside because they have a tendency to make matters worse." —
PTI |
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Bond Wagon Same to same: We both are masti kinds; love to go out lunching, shopping and catching up with latest movies. We can spend hours at McDonalds and can go on with coffee sessions forever.
Yet different: While Betty is a friendly, trusting person, Shweta treads cautiously. They often have a clash of opinion on how to deal with people. Funny takes: We start from home for work, cancel appointments, go out for lunch and then get back home to the waiting family members pretending as if we have had a tiring day at work. Then eat all over again! Something special: Ours is a sweet and special bond. We can talk for hours and share absolutely everything under the sun. We fight a lot too, but cool down as quickly. Unforgettable moments: Once on my birthday when Shweta was just 13. I had a tiff with my hubby and he did not wish me. Shweta without telling anyone darted out of the house. She came an hour later with a beautifully wrapped suit that she had bought in lieu of all her savings. She said, ‘Papa didn’t wish you. I felt so bad so I thought I must get you a gift to make up’. I was so touched; still treasure that suit. — Betty Looking forward to: Shweta is away to Australia and expected back in May. Both are looking forward to repeat telecast of all the masti moments. Wishful thinking: Shweta got married recently. Though I miss her a lot, I wish her all the happiness and success in her personal and professional life. — Betty Mum has been a source of inspiration. She studied and started a career after marriage, managing both home and work front very efficiently. I know she still has miles to go and I wish her all the best. — Shweta (Betty is a beauty and naturopath consultant, Shweta is an apparel and interior designer) — As told to Mona If you want to feature here, please email at lifestyletribune@gmail.com or mail at Bond Wagon, Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh, along with a photograph and contact number.
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Step out
I am a young girl of 19 years and I feel very bogged down in life by my own fears and phobias. I have seen my family going through many ups and downs in financial life and I feel that life may once again put us through financial turmoil. I had to change many schools as a child and I wonder if I will ever find the right match. Although now life does seems fairly settled yet I get bad nightmares and even though I am a very good looking girl I feel that nice boy will never be interested in me. What should I do to get rid of these crazy thoughts that seem to rule my life most of the time? Can you suggest a way with which I can start leaving normal healthy life, with pleasant thoughts and feelings? I feel very tired of myself.
Guneet Chabra,
Chandigarh You have been focusing on a stressful and fearful pattern for far too long at this tender age. It's about time you stepped out of your circle of negativity and stepped forth into a long an beautiful, healthy and mature relationship with life. It is natural that if as a kid you faced many hardships, they leave an indelible impression on your mind but now it is up to you to change your attitude. You understand your own problem fairly well, why don't you make an effort consciously to attract positivity into your life start by making some good affirmations "I am free, healthy and happy" repeat this to yourself everyday 5 times, it works. Just as your mind got conditioned into bad thoughts you have to condition it into good ones now. Allow yourself the freedom to breathe and grow. We are all growing and evolving. Move towards a more positive life and you will feel the healing happen, instead of tiredness you will sense the joy in your life. Be there
I am 32 years old, working in the air force and recently engaged to this lovely girl who is working in the bank. I am born and brought up in Delhi but she comes from a small town in Himachal. I am very much in love with her but she is always insecure about me. Every time we go out together she seems to get worked up each time I even talk to another woman. She imagines. I am interested in every girl I see walking on the street. I am now beginning to feel very worried about this whole situation. I want to marry her but I cannot imagine. Constantly explaining to her how much I care about her. Advise. Himanshu Jain,
Delhi Do not lose heart she is probably a young sensitive and emotionally insecure girl. It is imbedded in most girls minds that guys from big cities are natural playboys and have a different kind of mind set and conditioning from the ones who grow up in smaller parts of our country so it is probably her social upbringing that is making her react the way she is. Just make her feel move secure and comfortable in the relationship and see to it that she is emotionally secure with you. If you convince her that you are there for her no matter what she will definitely react differently. I am sure you guys will have a great future together, once you have conquered your initial hassles. May God bless you with a lot of happiness. Values matter
I am writing on behalf of a friend who is very confused. Many years ago she was in love with a boy and it was only a platonic relationship. They went their separate ways but as fate would have it they met by chance again. Now she feels hopelessly in love with him. She meets him off and on but he has now started insisting on a physical relationship. She only wants it to continue the way it was please guide her as to whether to continue with her friendship with him as she is clearly not in the frame of mind to be physical with him yet. Kavita,
Chandigarh You have already answered your own question, if your friend does not want to be physical with this man she must clearly discuss this with him, it is no point being shy about such issues. May be even he is not clear about his feelings. But after the discussion if he still insists on his viewpoint, she must definitely leave. Remember we are never happy living other people's lives for them. We each one of us are a unique entity with our own set of values and principles. It is very important to be true to our own selves. If he really loves her anyway be will come around to her viewpoint, so just throw the dice and wait for the answer it will come. |
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Reality byte
An actor popular for his acting is understandable. An actor popular for being himself on screen, when watched by billions, is rather intriguing. Agrees Vindu Dara Singh, "People get famous for their work and talent. In my case, it was just being myself on the Bigg Boss. Nothing was farce, my attitude and behaviour was as it is in real life."
'Real' act paid him more then the 'reel' act in terms of popularity and work of course, and that's how he got a major advertisement campaign. Vindu will be seen sharing space with Ranbir Kapoor as Funk-Key in Pepsi advertisement, The Game. To bring in the 'reel' effect while promoting the campaign in the city, Vindu walked in sporting the jumbo outfit that he is wearing in the advertisement as well. In orange, green and red, with wires running around, the outfit weighs 12 kg. The most interesting feature in the dress is two exhaust fans on the shoulders. They don't work, of course, but it's projected that he flies with their help, "It was an adventure to shoot 15 feet above the ground is this outfit." Also Vindu is shown the size of Ranbir's feet, who challenges him to find the right key to enter the next level, "It's a phenomenal concept. No advertisement in India before has come in the form of a game show. I felt like being a part of Star Wars." Such a heavy gear was a challenge for him? "It's like taking a sauna bath when I am into the costume. In Chandigarh weather, I can lose up to half-a-kilo in one hour," he quips. The most time consuming part of the campaign, which otherwise took eight hours to be shot was the costume itself. It took one-and-a-half months to make it. And the games he loves to play? "Play Station 3," he shares. The Pepsi advertisement will go on air from Thursday onwards for a week. Next, he will be seen in a Punjabi film, Lion of Punjab, and a kids' reality show Chak Dhum Dhum. Reality show reminds of his Bigg Boss win and its most controversial participant, Kamal Rashid Khan, "I met him a couple of times post Bigg Boss. He is still the same. I fail to understand his behaviour." Just as everyone, else wouldn't he have won? ashimasehajpal@tribunemail.com |
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Honour bound
Neither a mystic nor a romantic dreamer, Rajbir Deswal is a blend of numerous traits - a prolific author, columnist, artist, administrator and supercop of international fame.
Little wonder then, Rajbir Deswal, DIG (CID), Haryana, was an obvious choice for the prestigious Lakhmi Chand Samman-2009-10 instituted by the Haryana Sahitya Akademi for his contribution to Haryanvi culture. The award carries a citation, a shawl and cash prize of Rs 1 lakh. His columns like Humour from Haryana, Sunta Jayiye, Tharhi Mahari Sab ki Baat, mainly middles, Meri England Yatra, received widespread applause. His book "Culture- Bright and Dark' (1992), edited by Chander Koumdi, offers a deep insight into Haryanvi pastoral life, cultural ethos, rituals, customs and changing trends. His maiden literary venture, "Wit and Humour of Haryana", reviewed by the legendary Khushwant Singh, sold over 15,000 copies in a week! Deswal's meaningful exposition of Haryanavi culture began about 30 years back with articles such as "Baratis of Haryana" and "Haryana ka Bateu". His other notable works include "Latke Jhatke" and Taron ke Jungle. Deswal's latest book "Holypol", is a compilation of his middles, published in major national dailies. |
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I am stuffed with instructions from the Kings XI management team. While waiting at the lobby of Hotel Mountview, I am bombarded with another round of information. Yet again we soak in every bit of what is said. 
The actor went blonde for the new film because bosses turned down his original request for a radically different look.
Renee Writes