Return of Maya
After 13 years Deepa Sahi is back, shooting for her directorial debut Tere Mere Phere in the higher hills of Himachal Pradesh. Jasmine Singh catches up

Time is known to do some interesting things to people — it heals broken hearts, mends relations, bridges barriers, brings in experience, sometimes makes the heart grow fonder. If all goes well, time also brings in prosperity and fame. Amidst various connotations of ‘time’, it has given a new pair of wings to this once sultry, petite and beautiful woman, pepping from outside a window. Maya of Maya Memsaab fame thanks time, which has given her a new pair of wings and a sky to fly, experiment, dive and even drown!

Needless to say, time has added some extra creases on Deepa Sahi’s face, and a little grey on her hair, now chopped to almost hidden under a scarf and a cap. However, the biggest thing that time has done is changed her calling; from an actor to a director. If counted correctly, Deepa made an exit from Bollywood in 1997. Yes, after 13 years, we see her calling shots for her directorial venture Tere Mere Phere. Being shot at Narkanda, Hatu Peak (3400m) the movie stars Riya Sen and Vinay Pathak.

It was but for obvious, and we had to ask, where did you vanish? Hum, Hero Hiralal, co-producer of Mangal Pandey, but where has Maya been? It is a long story cut short. “One, I never planned my career. In fact, I did not join films thinking I would have an innings in it,” says Deepa, soaking in some cool breeze after directing a shot.

“I quit movies and got into production. During the shooting of one of the films, I realised that Hindi film industry was desperately in need of special effects. This is how I open an animation studio. I had thought it to be a six-month job; not knowing that this would keep me involved neck-deep for the next four years. Without knowing much, I had turned into an entrepreneur that was so not me. So, one fine day, I shouted my lungs out, ‘I want to direct movies,’ and here I am at Narkanda,” she takes a 360 degree look around the place she had selected for the shoot.

Her career graph reminds us of actors like Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, and Sharmila Tagore, who quit Bollywood at the peak of their career. “I once heard Sharmila Tagore say in an interview that happiness is a five minute experience, which left an impression on me,” shares Deepa, who feels Hindi film industry is a closed space and to enter one needs to have a specific reason. “I had done acting, I was happy. Then I produced films, I was happy. As I said, the so-called happiness did not last long. So, I moved to direction. Besides, I think if I have to spend money to see someone else twist and turn a movie, why shouldn’t I do it myself, make follies and see how it turns out to be.”  

There is no mention of risks, apprehension or skepticism; Deepa seems to have found her happiness somewhere. “Life is a journey, it has taught me so much and it still is. I am game for whatever it has to offer.  I cannot stop at one place and say I have gathered enough from life,” adds Deepa, who also wrote the screenplay for Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India, directed by her husband. She also won Filmfare Best Supporting Actress nominee for Hum and National Award  (Jury) for Maya Memsaab.

So, it is directing movies now. Will the five-minute happiness last, we wonder? She says it with a puckish grin, “Who knows. I am directing because I enjoy it. I know there is a lot of criticism in directing as well. I don’t mind listening to people, but in the end my heart rules the roost. Tere Mere Phere is a comedy based on the relationship of man and woman. We plan to shoot in Shimla, Kinnaur and parts of Lahaul Spiti.” That means loads of travelling? “I love it, travelling excites me. And so does reading.” Take each day as it comes, time has taught Deepa some interesting lessons, and she is following and living them to the hilt, gathering some more with time.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Legacy bound
Zorawat Wadali, who was in the city for a performance to celebrate the World Music Day, is not scared of comparisons and expectations
Neha Walia

Keeping a legacy alive and kicking is a tough job. Especially when the family tree has names like Thakur Dass Wadali, Puran Chand Wadali and Pyare Lal Wadali. But Zorawat Wadali feels that his illustrious musical background is anything but a burden too heavy to carry. “Instead it has given me an identity. Now when I perform on stage, I am confident and aware of the fact that I have a reputation to maintain.” The young Wadali, who was in city for a performance to celebrate the World Music Day on Monday, is not scared of the comparisons and expectations.

“Each individual is gifted in his own respect. You can’t compare two different individuals having different voice quality, style and personality, which reflects in their singing.” Well, but doesn’t every second-generation artist has to go through the grill? “Maybe, but I find it pointless. Can you compare a Gurdas Maan to Wadali brothers or vice versa?” Point taken.

Though talent may not depend on age, but an early start sure does give you an edge. Zorawat started his journey when he was eight years old. Now, at 25, and two years into doing live shows, he has collaborated with top artistes and performed at major events across the length and breadth of the country. “The last time I was here, Kailash Kher performed along side,” he remembers.

This time, though, it’s only his stage. But having shared stage with Mohit Chauhan, Preet Harpal and collaborated with electronica band ChakraVu, hitting songs like Piya Rey, Ranjha, Jaaniya, Challa on drum and base, this Wadali is not untouched by the ‘outer’ influences. “My base is Sufi music and that’s the emphasis when I perform live. But I am trying to bring in some fusion elements to connect to a larger audience.” Call it re-invention, experimentation or his generation; Zorawat sure does seem to be doing more than just sticking to adjectives like divine and soulful.

“I want people to add entertaining to the list when talking Sufi music.” For the purpose he is also learning to play different instruments, fusing them with his kind of music. “Whether it’s the traditional combination of Sufi with harmonium and tabla or hitting songs like Piya rey, Ranjha, Jaaniya, Challa on drum and base, the impact is the same but on a different kind of audience,” he says.

Currently focussing on his first solo album, which is a compilation of his signature Sufi songs, Zorawat wants to explore the Bollywood option as well. “As a musician, I have to give people what they demand of me. That doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning my traditions and values, but just expanding my horizon. We have examples in Rahat Fateh Ali Khan who is blending Sufiana and popular music perfectly.”

The other young Wadali, Lakhwinder’s repertoire too includes a blend of classical and contemporary with Sufi, romantic folk numbers, ghazals, bhajans and bhangra. But unlike him, Zorawat has not yet faced the ‘reality’. “I am not averse to the idea of participating in a reality show. But right now, all my focus is on my solo album.”

nehawalia@tribunemail.com

BITS AND BYTES
Just the way they do it
Roopinder Singh

I-Phone 4 is here and as usual it was all over the media; it's slimmer, has a 100 improvements over the last model, the battery lasts longer and in short, you MUST have it. "What will I do with my I-phone that I can't do with my phone?" asked my wife.

Now, she is much into phones, had a smart phone years ago when they were rare, expensive, and weighed a tonne, and thanks also to Jansher, our son, is more than usually queued in about matters electronic. The query was more rhetorical than actual, since she knew the specs of the new phone as any well-informed tech-savvy person.

I was stumped. None of the things that I said seemed to be convincing enough reason for a new purchase, till I hit the nail in the head, more due to exasperation than thought, and said: "It just the way they do it."

Now, that set us thinking. We had struggled in the morning on the Indian Railways website, among the most visited websites in India, trying to book Shatabdi tickets to India, but finally giving up after many frustrating delays. Now, this is something that I have done in the past, so it is not that I was unfamiliar with the process, but the site is a good example of a counter intuitive functioning, and despite some recent improvements, retains the unmistakably tied in the blue ribbon of the morbid bureaucracy. By the afternoon, she had booked the tickets, through a travel website that was friendly and fast.

Our user experience on any website is governed by its navigation. As we navigate the site, we either bless the persons who thought of what we would be doing and made it easer for us to do it, or get exasperated with the way the website is done. We would, therefore, avoid it as much as possible in the future, and ignore its existence if we can.

When we use computers and electronic devices, the place where interaction between humans and machines occurs is called user interface. Any machine is designed to do certain tasks, but in the case of machines that we use constantly, what sets one apart from the other, everything else being equal, is the fact that we interact better with some machines than other. The fact is that a lot of thought and attention must go into just how this interaction takes place. It is not only we who are interacting with the machine; it is the way the machine has been set up to interact with us.

In this specialised field, the website we were talking about failed, whereas others passed, as a result of which they got our business. Now, by now, long-time readers might have realised that I am among those ancient numbers who have actually worked on computers that did not have user interfaces, the DOS kinds. It is another matter that in India we often have computers that still run on them!

When the Mac came out, it was just a phenomenon like no others. In the mid 1980s, we unpacked it straight out of the box, plugged it in, and my first story was filed that very evening, printed out on a dot-matrix printer with a font called Chicago. The machine had a nine-inch black and white screen, and as the joke went, even if you thought about opening it, the Apple warranty was void.

What a great user experience it was! WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) was a huge leap over the "control codes" equivalent to today's "mark-up codes" that had to be inputted into the typesetting machines and computers that preceded the graphic user interfaces that we are familiar with today.

Apple was not the first GUI computer; in fact, it got its GUI under license from Xerox Alto, but took the lead, and retained certain elegance in the way the GUI was executed, even as eventually Windows garnered the market share.

Apple operating system has a certain verve that makes it the favourite of creative people. Even though it has a small market share its influence on the way people use computers is undeniable. Windows GUI is inspired by the Apple OS, as is much of what we use in computers today.

Rajiv Kaul has been in love with his Apple iPhone since he got it. He takes pictures with it, uses it for communication, and much, much more. A person who was totally a Windows man, he is a partner in a company that designs graphic interfaces for software firms. They recently worked on software that helps prepare students for the SAT exams.

"Whenever we went abroad, we were told to get a Mac-like feel in our design. So we got ourselves Mac computers, and then saw the difference," he says.

It's just the way they do it. Technical details are important, but they are a tip of the iceberg that is Apple iPhone. What sets it apart, like other Apple products, like iPod, iPad and not to forget, the Apple's computers, both desktop and laptop - is the whole experience, including the hype!

Geek SPEAK
Second to none
Refurbished computers are a good option if one wants to cut down on the cost
Amitpal Singh Grewal

Today, computers can be found in almost every household, but for those who can't afford to buy one there is an option of getting hold of a used or refurbished computer. Buying a used computer from a quality sales company means that the gadget has been refurbished and tested to make sure it is in excellent working condition.

There are several advantages of buying a used computer other than procuring it for less cost. You will also receive a warranty of almost a year. Depending on where you buy it from, you will be offered the option of extended warranty. And because these computers are used, they will undergo thorough testing to make sure they are in excellent working condition. The computer you receive will look and perform like it is completely new since the damaged components would have been replaced.

You can also get discount offers in special cases such as in the case of charitable organisations, students, senior citizens etc. While a brand new laptop will cost anywhere between Rs 40,000 to 50,000, used laptops can be bought for less than half the price.

Buying a used computer is also a blessing for the environment. Computers are made of certain toxic materials that are harmful for the environment if dumped in landfills after single use. Recycling the parts thus helps the cause of the environment.

So the next time you are looking for a computer, take out time to explore used computers, or if you are going to discard one, try and donate it.

amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com

Haute pick
Power driven

WD introduces its new 'My Passport Studio' portable drives with superfast FireWare 800 interface and a highly innovative customizable e-label. They are stylishly sleek and trendy, and loaded with automatic and continuous backup software called WD Smart Ware. They also have the user selected password protection. To add to it, they have packaged the product with eco-friendly recycled materials. These are available in capacities of 320 GB, 500 GB and 640 GB, and the price starts from Rs 9,600 for 500 GB and Rs 10,750 for 640 GB in India.

Stay connected

Hotmail announces that customers can get Hotmail alerts on SMS in three simple steps - no GPRS connection required and what's more it's absolutely free! With this fun and simple service, users can forget about going to the cyber café or logging on to the computer every time you want to check your mails. This service makes checking mails as easy as checking your SMSs. So what are you waiting for, to get ahead and get going with the cool new Hotmail on your SMS, log on to www.mobile.live.com .

Now receive, read and reply to emails on SMS. The service also enables efficient viewing of emails by specifying the email address / domain from which you'd like to receive alerts on your SMS. Out of the 506 million mobile users in India , only 18 million have GPRS on their mobile phones. With email access available only to a meager 4 per cent of the total mobile user base 'Hotmail alert on your SMS' breaks all technological barriers and helps you stay connected anytime, anywhere. All you need is a Hotmail / Live ID and a mobile phone.

"Today staying connected is very important. We have gone on to integrate two of the most widely used & needed technologies & tools that help people stay connected - email and SMS! We saw a large addressable audience who would require a service such as this to make email available to them while on the go. We wanted to ensure that it's simple, easily accessible and absolutely free! So now consumers are connected anytime anywhere and can actually carry their Hotmail in their pocket," said Prashant Thakur, head mobile and search, Microsoft India Pvt. Ltd.

In the coming months, you can get the cool new Hotmail which integrates not only your Hotmail a ccount but other email accounts and your social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn all in your SMS. The all new Hotmail helps you integrate, share and cut the clutter in your with features such as conversation view, one click sweep, powerful spam filters and Microsoft Smartscreen. The seamless integration of Bing search within Hotmail, the Active View to view photographs & slideshows without leaving your inbox, the new 10 GB attachment limit per message in Hotmail now makes it possible to bring your virtual world to you via SMS! — TNS

Game for it?
With growing stress levels in corporate jobs, online gaming has emerged as a good tool for relaxation
Jasmine Singh

There is nothing that one can do about the grilling, tiring and exhausting 24x7 drill of a workplace. There is nothing we can do about the boss sending stinkers as and when he sees his mobile, there is nothing that one can do about staying back in the office to rustle up a weekly report. Tiring? Well then here is a quick remedy.

Online gaming can help break the monotony and is also a good stress busting exercise. So, next time, pull out five minutes from work and play Farmville to ward of that extra stress.

Pushpesh Ahuja, a software analyst with T-series, shares his schedule, "I reach office at nine in the morning and I leave my cubicle at 11pm. In between this time I get up five-six times for a refreshment break. My personal life has gone for a toss and so has my health."

Pushpesh was introduced to the world of online gaming by his wife. "A short game of Suduko or Golf is pretty refreshing and relaxing," he sounds surprised. "I have seen my friends play online games, but I never thought it could be so addictive. For me, it works as a good stress buster."

Leisure breaks in between work are the most awaited thing in office. Anything that can take the mind off the files is always welcome. And if you can do something worthwhile like growing carrots, brinjals, and even farm animals, nothing like it! Agrees Mehak Singh Sidhu, a regional executive with Maxmark, "Any kind of online gaming is fun and relaxing. I play Snooker, Texas Poker, Mind Jolt. It is better than gossiping, discussing family problems or reading some glossy magazine." With Mehak travelling for work virtually everyday, online gaming is a wonderful proposition, which she suggests everyone working in the corporate sector could take to.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Matte touch

Enjoy the best of personal computing with the all new Vaio E Series which comes in a variety of choices in screen sizes, configuration, and vibrant glossy and matte colors to match everyone's lifestyle. Gorgeously styled to stand out from the crowd, the E Series makes an unmistakable style statement. The Glossy Basic colors, Black and White, with square gradation finishes are complemented by the Glossy Vivid colors, Blue, Pink, and Green with dot gradation that demand attention when you're out and about.

E Series is the ultimate HD entertainment machine with Full HD Display* for all the family as it offers powerful graphics and an extra-large screen in a slim chassis. Whether you're editing photos or just browsing the web, you will enjoy a high-contrast, detail-packed picture on the generously-sized and 16:9 real wide Vaio Display. The E Series models are designed with everyday ease of use firmly in mind. Touch the Web button and Quick Web Access instantly start surfing without needing to boot up Windows. For even greater convenience, Quick Web Access* offers multiple tabbed browsing and a 'split' view that is great for browsing two web pages side-by-side. — TNS

Robotic hand

If you see an army of hi-tech robots all over the NHS hospital, don't be surprised. For the first time in the UK, the state-of-the-art-technology is being used to carry out various activities. The robots will be used for transporting clinical waste and dirty linen, delivering food and dispensing drugs.

Ahead of the opening in August, the robots are being tested at the 300 million pounds Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert, Stirlingshire.

The robots will operate along a dedicated network of tunnels beneath the hospital. The human staff will use a hand held personal digital assistant (PDA) system to call the robots.

The robot will then move towards the lift, collect or deliver its item and return to the lift.

This technology will work with the help of sensors, which will direct the functions.

Elspeth Campbell, spokesperson of NHS Forth Valley, said the new system would help in preventing infections.

"Staff is very pleased. It is exciting to be the first in the UK to do this." says Campbell.

"We know they work well in other hospitals elsewhere in the world. While it is new, we aren't nervous because we know it is a system that works well," Campbell added. — ANI

Mix it up
Pizzas with cold coffee, sandwiches with shakes…there are a host of different food combinations one can try
Meenakshi Gambhir

‘Sir, your order please?" One fried rice, manchurian and two cups of tea. Weird? Chinese with tea! Well, may be. Sandwich with cold coffee, wraps and curries with shakes, doughnuts with cappuccino etc. Now that sounds pretty interesting. Doesn't it?

There is a certain combination of food, which most of us like whether it's an evening out, at home or at the workplace. For some it's a matter of trend, for others taste. And when talking taste, a relishing beverage is a must with good food.

Says Bhagwant Negi, manager, Nik Bakers-9, "Most of our customers like to have pizzas with cold coffee and sandwiches with shakes. During winters, cold coffee and shakes are replaced by hot beverages."

The combination of food depends on season, but the choice of beverage depends on the food you consume. Shares Amit Chibber, manager, Willow Café-10, "There is no set trend for combination of foods. Sandwiches and wraps can be accompanied by both coffees and soups." Simaraj a resident of Sector-11 adds, "There is no fixed combination of food. It depends on the taste of the individual. Generally, fizzy drinks go with bland food."

In various eating outlets, combo meals are made to suit the taste keeping in mind what food goes with what drink. Niharika, a resident of Sector-10, Panchkula says, "I don't go for the combo meals as they don't suit everybody's taste. I prefer to order according to my own taste."

One of the interesting combinations of food is Chinese with beer, which is rarely available. Says Baldev Thakur, manager, Yo China-9, "Our restaurant is mainly known for serving Chinese with beer and wine. If not wine or beer, the food is mostly accompanied by mock tails in summers and hot drinks like coffee in winters."

All said and done, one combination that works all the time is that of fun and food!

Combo drill

n Cookies, doughnuts with cold coffee.
n Lassi with chana bhatura.
n Beer or wine with Chinese.
n Sandwiches and wraps with shakes.
n Pizza, fries, burger, hot-dogs with soft drinks.
n Fish, chicken with white wine
n Red wine with red meat

SHOE-time
From size 200 to 1mm, when it comes to Punjabi juttis one has a variety to choose from at Patiala
Baljinder Sharma

Guru Dutt
Guru Dutt
— Photo: Rajesh Sacher

Whenever we talk of Punjabi juttis, the name of Patiala comes first to the mind. Known throughout the world for these, juttis are available here in all shades, designs, patterns and shapes. The business, of course, runs into crores of rupees each year.

The shops at Top Khana Mod and Churianwala Bazaar have now become export hubs for these juttis. "While the soles of these juttis are made of buffalo skin, the upper portion is made of the softer goat skin. This is what makes them flexible and durable," says Guru Dutt, who has been making juttis at a shop on Tawkali Road for the past 35 years. Dutt has made 'juttis' from size 200 to 2 mm to 1 inch. He also claims that he has made the smallest 'jutti' in the world and wants his name registered in the Limca Book of Records.

Even at the Amar Jutti House, Top Khana Maud, one can see a variety of juttis in big sizes. "We have three-and-a-half feet long jutti that attracts any customer coming to our shop," says the owner Pawan Kumar Dabbi. He informs that it takes one month to make this kind of a jutti and with the material used for the purpose one can make 30 normal juttis.

The variety available is massive. From those in beads, sippi, sitara to dabka and even the bejewelled stone ones, everything kind of jutti can be bought here. "Youngsters prefer simple juttis that can be worn on a daily basis. But when it comes to a wedding, those with heavy embroidery are preferred. It all depends on the occasion," says owner of Patiala Jutti House.

Spade work
Pot full
Satish Narula

Innovation is the key to successful gardening and beautiful landscaping. Plants will grow in the same medium but it is the container that gives value and makes the difference. There is a reason why some gardens are better than others. In such gardens almost every feature is a masterpiece. And is there any difference from other gardens, penny wise? No, not much, but the same concept can be projected as a feature.

Normally, the spot on the roof is used for keeping pots planted with hardy plants like bougainvillea etc, as the place is exposed to the sun and the concrete floor also adds to the plant misery. It is almost impossible for any tender plant to survive at such locations. In this case, however, the basket is not on the ground, it is up in the air and also one or the other side of the container is in the shade. It is due to this reason that it is suitable for planting summer and winter annuals as well.

The containers are secured with hooks to the cantilever. Therefore, you can exchange the container site for a new look or even for the purpose of contrast. Such designing is called 'bamboo designing' and is made with RCC.

It gives the garden an ethnic look. The planting mixture for such structures should be kept light. For this, mix one part each of soil, sand and well rotten farmyard manure, the same kind of mixture that you make for baskets or pots. It is better to have a part of leaf mould too in case it is available.

This will act as bulk and make the potting mixture light, rich and water conserving. At this time when the summer is at its worst, spreading a layer of wood shaving, grass mowing etc helps conserve moisture. Do not add much fertiliser as this will only encourage the vegetative growth and there is less of flowering.

Myth of the week

Plants release oxygen and, therefore, we should include as many plants in the interior as possible. This is a partial statement and needs elaboration. No doubt, plants release oxygen due to photosynthesis but let us not forget that they release carbon dioxide at night. So do not make your interior, especially your bedroom, a conservatory. Let there be enough room for individual plants as well as you. Similarly, keep cacti inside the premises. Not because these are any taboo or forbidden. This is because cacti are not meant for inside display. They like to be kept outside in partial sun. Moreover, any toddler in the house may get hurt due to its spines.

Sleeping beauty
Make a style statement with fashionable nightwear
Kartika Sharma

Some apparel are absolute must haves. No we are not talking about that little black dress or a pair of jeans. We are talking of women nightwear. Now, women's sleepwear is no longer thought of as just the regular nightgown or pajamas matched with any top. Nightwear fashion has evolved into comfortable yet sensual, trendy wear. Here are the latest picks available in the market.

"Women now tend to prefer more comfortable wear and choose soft cotton in something they can lounge about in and go to bed with," says Jag Mohan Singh, proprietor, Sai Garments-22.

"We have night suits in different styles and length ranging from full length pajamas to knickers," he adds. Harpreeti Bassi, SCS student, PU, says "I like Capris. I have recently bought Capri night suit with frill top."

For a sensuous look you can pick out the sheer and clingy suits with lace and trimmings in Lycra, cotton and satin. "We specially import our night wears to provide exclusiveness to our customers. Night suits in full to boxers with smart strap tops to athlete style vest tops in plain colours and cartoons and floral prints in hosiery cotton are great hit," says, store manger, Inner Secrets-8.

On latest colours in trend he says "Pink is ruling these days and combinations of lighter tops with darker bottoms and polka dots, stripes have maximum sale."

Another of women nightwear in trend these days is one pieces also known as short nighties. "In solid colours and prints of Superman, Barbie doll, teddy bear in cotton and Lycra with option of sleeves to straps are a huge hit," says Lucky, owner, top collection-22.

It's not end to the nightwear fashion line here. You can have harems pants with or without knots, embroidered night suits, legging with long tops, kaftans as nightwear to add that extra oomph factor. "We have Madame, Tommy Hilfiger and various other brands which provide exclusive range of harems, night suits in different styles and sizes in cotton, mixed cotton, Lycra," says a sales executive, Sahni Emporium-37.

War of words

Director Ram Gopal Varma has infuriated Karan Johar again by expressing a desire to remake Raavan as My Name Is Raavan. The two filmmakers, who make no secret of their dislike, used twitter to hit back at each other. "I want to remake Raavan and I want to request Mani to remake Aag," Varma wrote about Mani Ratnam's Raavan.

"I got a better idea. I will make My name is Raavan and Mani should make Raavan ki Kurbaan," said Varma, taking a pot shot at Karan Johar's recently released films My Name Is Khan and Kurbaan. Varma also commented on Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming superhero film Raa.1. "Let's all hope and pray that Raa.1 does not become SRK ki Baarish," he added.

To which, Johar tweeted: "@RGVzoomin...You have an amazing sense of humour ramu!! Never shows up in your films though." Not the one to be left behind, Varma shot back, "@kjohar25 ha ha karan because of the constant bashing I receive I developed my sense of humour as a defence mechanism (sic)." The whole argument started when Varma commented on the unfavourable reactions to Ratnam's latest film.

"I have to bear with my flops and then also with everyone's flops because whenever whoever's flop comes they invariably compare it with Aag. For Tashan they said it's Aditya ki Aag. For Chandni Chowk... They said Akshay ki Aag. For Kites they said Hritik ki Aag and now its Mani (Ratnam) ki Aag," the director said. "Well am happy that if not for anything else I at least set a benchmark for flops. Also I realised that now Aag has become more popular then Sholay...That is because a hit like Sholay comes once in a life time and a flop like Aag comes every few months," he added. The war-of-words between Varma and Johar is not new. It all started when Varma remarked that the scariest film he had ever seen was Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. The comment didn't go down well with Johar. — PTI

Playing DIVA on screen

Kangana Ranaut is set for a brush with the underworld on screen once again after Gangster. She reveals that her character in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai is a cross between don Haji Mastan's wife Sona and yesteryears beauty Madhubala. "In real life Haji was a big fan of Madhubala-ji and he fell in love with Sona who looked like her. So my character is a cross between the two," Kangana said in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

"The character I am playing has some similarities with Madhubala-ji...like the way she was a superstar and had problems in life...," she added. Talking about her character Rehana in the film, Kangana said: "Rehana is a very big star...she is the woman who evokes desire in everyone and then she falls in love with this gangster and discovers a new world. My character transforms from a star to a woman."

Her character might be similar to that of Madhubala but Kangana was inspired by other yesteryears heroines too for the role. "I observed 70's actresses like Zeenat Aman and Parveen Babi... they were the rebels who wore bikinis and were style icons. My character is somehow like them," said Kangana.

Set primarily in the 1970s Mumbai, the film by Milan Luthria will trace the changing face of the underworld through the eyes of a police officer. The story follows the rise of Sultan (Ajay Devgn), and his eventual fall when his protégé Shoaib (Emraan Hashmi) challenges his supremacy and usurps power to rule the underworld in the city.

The film that releases July 30 also features Prachi Desai. On her personal life, Kangana is candid and says she doesn't care what people think of her. And being a Bollywood diva is not really her cup of tea. "I really don't care what people think of me and how they perceive me. That is okay with me because I don't make an extra effort to be friendly to people. I do things I like doing," Kangana said. "I'm a very moody person. There are times when I want to talk about my life whereas there are days I just want to be left alone," she said.

Kangana is unlike other Bollywood stars that are interacting with fans on micro-blogging site Twitter but maintains she shares a "personal relationship" with her well wishers. "I don't put myself on Twitter to see how many people are crazy about me. I don't like to blow kisses at my fans to show that I am a diva. This whole idea of diva doesn't turn me on," said Kangana. "I share a very personal relationship with my fans and my close ones. Even when I meet people who appreciate my work, I talk to them as I talk to everyone else. That is the way I have always been," she added. — IANS

Bose for animals

Actor and activist Rahul Bose has urged the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to support a ban on the dissection of animals in the zoology classes in universities. "I am writing to express my support for replacing the dissection of animals in university zoology classes with computer-generated virtual dissection programmes, observation of animals in field studies and other humane teaching methods," Rahul Sunday wrote in a letter to NAAC director H.A. Ranganath on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.

"Animal dissection is an outmoded approach to education that does little for students other than desensitise them about animal welfare issues, animals' ability to feel pain, and their own compassionate feelings," a statement quoted Rahul as writing. "It is a disservice to university students to demand that they use such a cruel and archaic method when studies have shown that virtual dissection software provides students with an equivalent or even superior understanding of anatomy and complex biological processes. Non-animal teaching methods are also associated with increased learning efficiency as well as higher examination scores and student confidence. "I urge you and your committee to choose modern and humane alternatives to animal dissection both for the sake of animals and improved education," Rahul wrote. — IANS

Headed for splitsville

Leona Lewis and her long-term boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa have decided to call it quits since the pop star's hectic work schedule leaves them with little time to see each other.

The Bleeding Love singer and Lou, who met when they were just 10, decided to end their decade-long relationship after Lewis' became too busy for them to be able to spend any quality time together, reported a publication online.

"Things have been under pressure for ages between them and they've finally realised that things are not going to be able to progress," said a friend of the singer.

The final blow is believed to have come on Wednesday when Lou didn't turn up to see Lewis perform at London's O2 Arena, despite living just down the road in Hackney.

"Not showing up on Wednesday was the final straw. She'll always treasure her time with Lou but she knows it's a relationship that's seen better times," the friend said. The X-Factor winner spends a lot of time in the US and her recent tour preparations also came in the way of her relationship.

"Leona's schedule means she's in the States a lot when Lou's in London and then when he goes out she's over here. Then there's the fact that she's been totally immersed in preparing for her tour. They've barely spend any time together whatsoever," the friend added. — PTI

Barton breaks down

Hollywood actress Mischa Barton was left stranded in Los Angeles again after her vintage Cadillac broke down for the second time in as many months.

The OC star's bright blue car failed to start, and she were left out on the roads by herself in the early hours of Thursday morning waiting for a tow truck, a website reported.

Barton also experienced car troubles last month when the same Cadillac failed to start following a shopping trip to The Grove mall and had to be towed away for repair. — PTI

For the frayed nerves

Pop star Kylie Minogue has admitted she gets "freaked out" over her career but boyfriend Andres Velencoso helps calm her down.

The Spinning Around hit-maker, who has been dating the Spanish model since October 2008, admits her recent recording sessions for new album Aphrodite were the first time he has seen her in "work mode", but the Spanish hunk wasn't fazed by her "freaking out" over the record, reported a website.

"The big difference in our relationship now is that he's seen what I'm like when I'm working. I've gone from being all relaxed to going back into full-on Kylie-at-work mode, having meltdowns every few hours and freaking out and him having to deal with it. "He just looks at me wide-eyed and says, 'Hey, calm down. Nothing's a problem'," said Minogue. Despite only just returning to work, the 42-year-old Australian is adamant it won't affect her relationship with Velencoso.

"I love to work. Music is a huge part of my life and I am so proud of my new album. And this is what I do - I don't want to lose that. It's about balance and so far everything seems right," said Minogue. — PTI




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