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Take on luv
More information flows in about Jay. "Jay hates 'luv' stories. He is a flirt," Imran elaborates--how his character. He is in favour of having as many girl friends as can be "handled" (or managed). At best he can be described as a cynic. It was a bit challenging for Imran to play the character of Jay in IHLS, the reason being, "How could I relate to the character. I have been dating one girl (Avantika) for the past eight years and now I am engaged to her." All said and done, the movie is a love story, unlike the conventional love stories. Punit joins in, "It's a satire on the Hindi cinema love stories. It has romance, comedy, a bit of drama but no action." Imran gets to the microphone in no time, "There isn't much rona dhona in the movie except for three scenes." By this time, we knew, Imran had no reservations about displaying his sense of humour. So, when asked about Aamir Khan's contribution to the film, Imran's repartee was more then the expected " no", "Aamir messaged me- saw the trailer of the movie, sounds cool- and that was it."
Imran however, selects the movies that come to him very consciously. Even in case of IHLS, he asked Punit to come to him with the final draft when Punit shared the idea of the story. "It's imperative for actors to know what exactly a role demands from them. You can't go wrong in choosing a role, especially when there is so much of competition." But his career graph does suggest that something went wrong as Kidnap and Luck didn't do well at the box office. Says Imran, "A bad movie will remain bad and no script, role or character can change its fate." As for Punit, Bollywood was the only choice. "Even during my schooldays, my classmates used to say—You won't study, you will only work in films." Punit wanted to be an actor but began his careers behind the camera." Interestingly, Imran wanted to direct, instead faced the camera. "We hope to swap our roles soon." Only Imran could have come up with this one. Coming back to Punit, he admits that he got a lot of support from his uncle Manish Malhotra. Support also came in from Karan Johar, the producer of the film, whom Punit has assisted in a few films. "This is a new phase of Bollywood, when successful directors and producers are encouraging a new breed of directors, which is important to assure that different films are made on innovative and fresh ideas of youngsters," says Punit. The film was in news also for his alleged romance with actor Sonam Kapoor, to which he reacts, "Baseless rumours shouldn't be paid much attention." But the director was all praise for the "hardworking" female actor. Other then the media interactions, the cast and the crew of the movie have been promoting the film through twitter as well.. Imran is busy with two movies, Break Ke Baad and Delli Belly. He is also planning a coffee-table book on Salman Khan. The reason he cites for his choice, "Salman Khan is a dude. Even his two-minute cameos in the movie make audience whistle and rip seats." The immediate aim of course is promotion of IHLS, which he achieved pretty well in Chandigarh. ashima@tribunemail.com
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For better ties
It’s an excited exchange of notes— All the best, Bon Voyage—coupled with apprehension and advice, generally accompanied with cross country trip, as six school students from Chandigarh leave for Germany for a three week exchange programme. Just before the departure, the excited bunch of six, share the details of the Summer Youth Camp at Max Mueller Bhavan. ‘We’ll be going to Germany under the project Schools – Partners of the future, for three weeks, on a scholarship programme by the government there. Apart from the cultural exchange stint, we’ll be learning the second level of German language,” shares Ravit Kumar, Class XI, student, Paragon Senior Secondary School. The group had to go through a couple of stages before hitting the final selected six. “We were first short-listed at the school level, were given a couple of tasks and then the institute made further selections,” adds Jasreen Kaur, Class X student, Vivek High School. Adds the project co-ordinator, Evelyn Singh, “There were two criteria, first one being the academic, the second being their knowledge of the German language.” For the moment, it’s packing bags and catching the flight for Germany the next day. There’s a chorus, “We’re all going there for the first time and are extremely excited.” Adds Anjali Punj, teacher, Vivek High School, “They’ll be exposed to a new culture there and will be meeting students from other nations.” Throws in Parika, another student, “We’ll be staying there in a Walbeck castle that is 600 years old.” The initiative is among a host of similar projects with the aim to strengthen cultural ties. Shares Clemens Kroll, cultural counsellor, German Embassy, “We’re living in a globalised world, we need to create an integrated learning society…it’s an international programme where we’re collaborating with 1500 schools world wide.” Adds Evelyn, “We’re working with a lot of schools and colleges, In August we’ll be starting with teacher’s training programme in collaboration with IGNOU.” True to the cultural exchange custom, some of the German students would be visiting India and would be living with host families. As for their picking up Hindi, says Evelyn, “They’ve learnt a bit of it, they’ve picked up a couple of songs.” So that takes the conversation to Bollywood. She adds, “Once in Germany, a principal from here was accompanying me. When I introduced her to students there, a ten-year-old girl wanted to know if she had met Shah Rukh!” manpriya@tribunemail.com
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My dad, my star
Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express,” wrote famous writer Joseph Addison. Indeed, there is something extraordinary about father-daughter bond. This Father’s Day some daughters from the city share their feelings on what makes their bond so special. “I adore my dad for he is there for anything I do,” says Rubika Khurana, a Class X student from sector 38. Dad Dr Dheeraj Khurana, a neurologist with PGI takes out time for his little girl in the evenings. In fact, the father-daughter duo does martial arts together. Rubika has inherited her father’s face but it’s his dedication towards work that she really wants to imbibe. “When dad works, he gives it all. This is what I really try to follow in whatever I do” shares Rubika.
Aastha has taken after her dad’s religious bent of mind. “Ever since my childhood, I have seen dad pray and I guess it’s the power of prayers that make him tackle all the pressures of the work so smoothly,” shares Aastha, a dentist and daughter of RC Sobti, VC, Panjab University. “The belief that no matter what, my dad’s going to be my side when I need him, makes our bond special,” she says. Aastha like her dad loves to wake up early and pray. “That’s what makes me serene and content,” she says. Another thing that this daughter wants to take from her dad is his versatility. “He is not Jack but King of all. That is what I really want to be,” she says. For 10-year-old Sanjana it’s her father Pardeep Kumar’s unconditional love that matters the most. “I love Papa the most in the world because he never scolds me,” shares Sanjana, 10, who is presently taking part in a dance reality show Chak Dhoom Dhoom. “Papa helps me in studies, singing and dance,” says the girl proudly. “When I am not able to do something he really encourages me,” says Sanjana. “I am sure whatever I do I’ll surely be Papa’s ‘star’,” says the confident daughter.
For Raabiya, it’s her famous dad Jaspal Bhatti’s total faith in her that makes her adore him. “Dad gives freedom of choice and respects my decisions. That makes him a super cool dad,” shares Raabiya, who is contemplating a career in advertising. “This father daughter duo bond over a game of golf. “We have super fun playing golf. I wonder if Tiger Woods took voluntary retirement seeing our prowess at the game,” she chuckles. Apart from dad’s humour Raabiya has inherited his nose as well. “The first thing anyone notices about me is my nose, which’s so similar to dad’s. I don’t know if it’s good or bad but its there for sure,” she smiles. “I feel extremely proud to be born to a dad who has won millions of hearts with his work that has timeless appeal,” says this proud girl. Akriti, from Zirakpur appreciates the ‘friendliness’ she shares with her father Amardeep Singh the most. “I have found my best friend in my dad,” says the girl who wants to cultivate his discipline. “I have taken a lot from my dad’s temperament but most of all I want to be as disciplined as him. I feel discipline is the key to success in any field,” says Akriti who loves to hang out with dad in sector 17. “Though I don’t look like dad but my body language is the same as his. And I know that I am the most important person in his life”, she says proudly. As for Dolly Dhillon Gujral, a social activist from sector 21, it’s her father’s values that make their bond special. “My dad is my icon. Whatever be the circumstances, he has always held on to values and taught us to be of good use to society,” shares Dolly who has taken after her father not only in looks but also acts. “I really appreciate the fact that dad taught us to put ourselves in others’ shoes before taking any decision and I guess that has made all the difference in life,” says Dolly. Interestingly when asked for a Father’s Day message, all the daughter came with one, “I am really proud to be your daughter and love you the most in the world.” Well, A Happy Fathers Day to all proud fathers! mona@tribunemail.com
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Picks & piques
Mani Ratnam's much-beleaguered Raavan has finally hit the screens and it's merely a true feast for the eyes. The troubles that haunted it right throughout - its shooting schedule - has left its indelible mark on the cohesion and coherence of the film. First cinematographer V Manikandan begged-off due to unspecified reasons and ace Santosh Sivan was brought on board, then came Mani's health scare mid-way through the shoot followed by several other niggling incidents plaguing the film. And it all shows right through the film.
The film was released amidst all the usual fanfare both in Tamil and Hindi, the shooting for which ran simultaneously with different star casts for the pivotal roles save for Aishwarya who has essayed the same role in both versions of the film. The expectations were high what with the bad run of big films over the past few months but, read on!
Film: Raavan Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vikram, Govinda, Ravi Kishen, Priyamani Director: Mani Ratnam This is a typical Mani Ratnam film in the sense that it has all his usual signature tricks - high-energy action, beautifully picturised song and dance Sequences, ravishing cinematography and likable music but they don't all come together to make an entertaining whole. The first half of the film that dwells extensively on the Sitaharan episode of the Ramayana, is especially unrewarding. Here Sita is Ragini (Aishwarya), dance teacher and wife of Mani's Ram, super cop Dev (Vikram) who is hell-bent on capturing escaped convict Beera (Abhishek Bachchan), basically a cross between Robin Hood and Veerappan and representative of Mani's Raavan. The camera is aimed high up in the air when Beera first appears on screen standing atop a cliff ready to jump into a gorge. Then it moves down with dizzying speed following his dive into the water. Cut to his escape from captivity fleeing into dense forests and then moving to the scene where he kidnaps Ragini by crashing his boat into her canoe, again cut to scenes of her in captivity. Dev is in on the chase, seeks the help of a hanuman like character, a suspended forest officer (played by Govinda) and so the great exposition plays on, right up to the interval. There's so much focus on technique and almost zero development that the narrative in the first half itself goes for a toss. Up to that point the camera is constantly on a whirl, there's little story to tell, the language and intonations are unfamiliar and alien, dialogues are stilted and indistinct and the performances are style centered. Art design by Samir Chanda is exquisite and the camera captures every luscious detail of every set and location with great verve. But as a viewer you can't help feeling cheated by it all. Other than a subconscious awareness of the artistic visuals there's very little purchase to be had. Post interval the chase gets a little-bit more interesting. The second half of the film has a little more to say. Ragini's inadvertent attraction to Beera, Dev's obsession with Beera that supersedes his love for his wife, Dev's fight with Beera on a bridge high up in the air connecting two precarious mountain peaks, Ragini's eventual rescue and the final surprise twist which represents Sita's agnipariksha are handled with far greater finesse leading to slightly better coherence and is therefore more rewarding than the first half. The battle between good and evil, between Dev and Beera, between Ram and Raavan is not all that interesting. But when the lines dividing good and evil start blurring there appears a semblance of depth. But the restlessness and irritation experienced before continues to linger. The two halves of the film appear to be two different films altogether. Mani's narrative lacks fluidity. The film appears to be plotted like a storyboard representation of the Ramayana. The highpoints of the story appear to be stringed together by high-end editing, jump cuts et al. And it's not in the least bit entertaining. Beera's character ticks are extremely irritating especially because Abhishek plays him like a facial contortionist devoid of all feeling. His body language is so stiff that his ability to blend into the dense forests is always in question and this inspite of the ten different faces he wears. Aishwariya is photographed with a lot of love and care but her performance doesn't really achieve any high point. Ragini is the weakest character in the film and Ms Rai doesn't appear to have the kind of talent required to rise to the challenge. Vikram's Dev is merely a caricature and Govinda's performance is typically populist in nature. Priyamani stands out with a heartfelt performance as Beera's stepsister struck down by tragedy while Ravi Kishen is surprisingly restrained as Beera's filial accomplice. Mani's 'Dev D' like approach of couching the narrative with vocal refrains prevents the dialogues from being heard and understood. The dialogues appear to be have been literally translated from English to Hindi without much attention being paid to flow, diction and intonation. The dance choreography is as always top-notch- Aishwarya is given ample screen-time to espouse her nimble-footedness in a romantic number that intercuts the chase sequence. And it's definitely the most delectable piece of dance seen on film. The wedding party sequence is also full-of color and gaiety. Action directors Shyam Kaushal and Peter Hein showcase their talents to great effect in stirring sequences, including a breathtaking climactic fight on a wooden bridge spanning a massive ravine. The music though is reminiscent of Rahman's earlier southern compositions, none of the songs stand-out, they are merely passable and Gulzar's lyrics fail to fit in convincingly enough. Mani's film is an action-drama cum musical but despite the bullets and vertiginous action and striking imagery the drama is extremely plebian. You just don't care for any of the characters and that is mainly why it fails to impress! |
Veteran actor Anupam Kher has walked out of the movie Dear Friend Hitler to respect the feelings of his upset fans. However, the film's director, producer and screenwriter insist the film will not glorify the dictator as reported by the foreign media, but will instead show Mahatma Gandhi as a hero. "I had taken up the role as I considered it a challenge, and after carefully monitoring the portrayal of the character. However, considering the ill-will that the project is generating among my fans, I wish to withdraw from it as I respect their sentiments," Anupam said in an e-mail from Scotland. "I have never been moved by commercial considerations. But I have always respected social opinions," added the actor, who is shooting in Scotland for Pankaj Kapoor's directorial venture Mausum along with Shahid Kapur and Sonam Kapoor. Initially, it was reported that Dear Friend Hitler will show Hitler's contribution to India's independence and what happened to soldiers in Subhash Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Legion in Germany. According to media reports, the Indian Jewish Federation, headed by Jonathan Solomon, was outraged on learning that an Indian film director will be depicting how the tyrant "indirectly contributed to India's independence". Anupam, 55, revealed that he was moved by the messages sent by people on the issue. "I am deeply moved by the outpouring of messages on social networks, the letters which I have received and the protestations I have heard about from organisations in many countries in the past four days about my role as Adolf Hitler in a forthcoming film," he said. "As I have said in interviews, whenever asked, the film does not glorify or romanticise the role of the dictator in India's independence struggle. Indeed he was the architect of a World War and the man responsible for pogroms against the Jews, this can never be denied," he added. — IANS
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Superstar Shah Rukh Khan feels that both parents have very different roles to play in a child's life and fathers can not be like mothers. "A dad is the mess-maker, rule-breaker, risk-taker and the opposite of mom who is usually seen as the creator and nurturer," the 44-year-old actor said in message on Father's Day which would be celebrated on June 20. "We know we cannot be like the mothers, but we do know that we can make all the difference by being right there," said SRK, a doting father of Aryan, 13, and ten year-old Suhana. He also dedicated Will Smith's Just the Two of Us to all the fathers who are becoming aware and taking up their responsibility seriously and turning into great dads. According to Shah Rukh, the day gives fathers the opportunity to show and express their love and care. "It is an appropriate platform to look at our children and credit them for bringing joy and happiness. After all, a child gives birth to a father as well," he said. He said a father's role means different things to different people so he cannot do justice by trying to define it. “But in a traditional way, we hold the role of being the head of the family, protector and role model to our children,” he said. — PTI
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"It wasn't about an attitude I had, or any inverted ideas about working overseas, it was simply about scheduling. I just didn't have the time," Aishwarya said. The punishing long-term scheduling in Bollywood, she said, is more limiting than that in Hollywood. Director Brett Ratner wanted her for Rush Hour and Wolfgang Petersen pursued her for Troy. "Michael Douglas came to India and did a press conference where he confessed that he had brought a script my way. And Will Smith was generous enough to be persistent twice over, for Hancock and Seven Pounds," said Aishwarya. The 36-year-old actress said no to the Brad Pitt-starrer Troy as she was not comfortable with the intimate scenes. — PTI
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"India has the largest film industry in the world. We sell twice the amount of tickets that Hollywood does," said Bachchan "They are at a threshold where people have suddenly developed this love for Indian cinema. But I don't think it's going to be this huge rage in the English-speaking world. There is always a language barrier and that is something that has to be respected," he added. — ANI
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Writer’s den
‘There are very few writer publishers who rise above individual and commercial considerations. They create and disseminate quality literature through their writings or publications. "Acclaimed litterateur Raghubir Singh Sirjana, editor publisher of 40 years old Punjabi magazine Sirjana is one who leads this brigade," said Varinder Singh Walia, editor Punjabi Tribune, chief guest at a ru ba ru with Raghubir Singh Sirjana, recipient of the Shiromani Punjabi Sahitak Patarkar 2009 on Saturday. Rising above individual and commercial considerations, the experienced academician and fiction expert Raghubir Singh has added new dimensions to the contemporary Punjabi literature by grooming and promoting writers. "Sirjana must ensure that the rich legacy of his creative excellence is well taken care of," suggested Walia. He also observed that Sirjana' s commendable contribution to the research on Gadar movement and novel writing on which he is an authority, was not explored during the three hour Ru Ba Ru session. The function was organised under the aegis of Punjabi Lekhak Sabha in association with Punjab Sahit Akademy and the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak academy at the akademi complex. At the function CSNA vice chairman Kamal Arora welcomed the chief guest Varinder Singh Walia, Sirjana Singh and NS Rattan IAS ( Retd). Gulzar Singh Sandhu former editor Punjabi Tribune lauded the contribution of Raghubir Singh Sirjana who has many books to his credit as an author and editor. He has over 100 research papers and 150 book reviews published in leading newspapers as well. "A writer must live an ideal life, which he creates for his characters in his literary creations," said Sirjana.
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Mobiles has unfurled a new handset - LAVA M 23, the music series, which is a perfect blend of entertainment and fun and which would undeniably accomplish the quirk for music. LAVA M23 is a stylish, dual SIM phone that has been designed for the music lovers. The phone has high acoustic clarity and has capability to beat the heart of the listeners and also comes with an audio jack, which makes the feel of music clearer. It is available at Rs4, 499. —TNS
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A well-laid out bar, some nice lip smacking fresh veg and non veg kebabs, and an equally soothing ambience, the newly-opened Siona bar cum lounge in sector-35 promises to be a combo with a classic change. The objective behind the bar cum lounge is to provide customers with an array of choices in terms of best spirits, wine and liquor. Says Raja Singha, general manager, Siona, "Siona is one of the few bars which provides top of the line single malt whisky. In addition to this, this is just the place where you will get all kinds of kebabs direct from the fine dining kitchen below." – TNS
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Tarot Talk
TAURUS: Two of Rods card says till Wednesday, you should make an attempt to appreciate and encourage co-workers. There may be some changes in your personality that may not be wholly welcomed by friends and family.
Lucky colour: Green. Tip: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. GEMINI: Princes of cups says emotions and feelings would fill you up in this week and there would be times of highs and lows. However, you would make an attempt to calm things down and achieve a sense of inner balance.
Lucky colour: Turquoise. Tip: Money matters and health may also, need some looking after in this week. CANCER: The Tower says this week may be packed with a lot of activity and interesting happenings. At home, there may be some serious emotional conversations that may change many aspects. At work, do not let other people control your life, take charge and be assertive rather than aggressive.
Lucky colour: Red. Tip: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. LEO:
Four of Swords reveals this would be quite a productive week for those of you planning to start your own business. Health may not be perfect due to the burden of overwork and extra pressures.
Lucky colour: Orange. Tip: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds LIBRA: The situation at work would intensify and your patience would be tried to its limits says Five of pentacles card. However, all your efforts would pay off later. Also, this would be a good week to revise your professional goals and aim a little higher. Romance would shine for everyone.
Lucky colour: Peach. Tip: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. VIRGO: The wheel of fortune reveals you should focus on building and protecting your name and honor. Do not let outside interferences ruin your relationships. Socially, you would enjoy the company of new friends, however, be tactful in conversations.
Lucky colour: Golden. Tip: Keep a close watch on any niggling health problems. SCORPIO: This would be a week in which most of you would end up spending more than what you accounted of says Knight of pentacles. However, there is no point getting distressed about it, rather look around and see what options you have for additional income. In other words, helping one another would be the theme of the week.
Lucky colour: Citric Green. Tip: At work, rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. SAGITTARIUS: You draw Nine of Wands you are the kind of person who does not like the feeling of being obligated to someone. As a result, asking or receiving favors is something that you do not relish. In this week, you would try and repay all those who have at sometime or the other, helped you out.
Lucky colour: Cream. Tip: Thursday and Friday are not the best days to spend a lot of money. CAPRICORN: This is be a good time to bond or connect with an old friend, with whom you may have lost touch. Although not the best time to travel, you may do so after careful planning.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Tip: Wait & watch Impatience will lead to failure. AQUARIUS: The ace of pentacles at work, you may find the going somewhat tough on Monday; however, things would smoothen out as the week progresses. Matters relating to tax and law would be resolved in your favor. Your spouse or partner may need your love and support.
Lucky colour: Yellow. Tip: Resolve conflicts through discussion. PISCES: The Universe says socially, romantically and personally, this would be quite a fortunate week and you would be able to make commitments and plan weekend trips with loved ones. Businessmen should refrain from entering partnerships in this week.
Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: You will need to learn how to cope better with success. |
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Lights, camera, action…enter Imran Khan and Punit Malhotra. They settle down without taking much time and before beginning with the interaction, a trailer of their upcoming flick, I Hate Luv Storys (IHLS) is shown. Then comes the first line from Imran, first time in the city with Punit, the first time director to promote the film on Saturday, "The trailer is over. Please clap, Punit needs support for his first film. It wasn't that bad " It certainly wasn't. In fact, it sounds rather interesting, a story of a girl who believes in love, played by Sonam Kapoor and a boy called Jay (Imran Khan) who doesn't believe in love.
Though Hollywood directors courted her with roles in their films, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai says she could not take up the offers because of scheduling problems.
Abhishek Bachchan, India's leading actor, has said that it is Bollywood, not Hollywood, that leads the world's film industry. Bachchan was speaking at the world premiere of his latest movie, Raavan, at London's British Film Institute.
After an overwhelming response of LAVA A9 and mesmerising the Indian market with its design and looks, LAVA International Ltd., one of the leading companies in Indian mobile industry is again all set to freeze you with its new launch M23.
ARIES: The Hanged Man shows confusion and misunderstandings may ruin the romance. However, you should be able to resolve this with tactful communication and lots of affection. Travel would also, be a part of the week, and it would be quite enjoyable, if done on Wednesday or Thursday.
Lucky colour: Black. Tip of the week: You need to cultivate understanding and humility.