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Much ado about Anandi
The inspiration to write these 500 words came from the one-hour 'breaking news capsules' dedicated to the cause on almost every news channel. And the 'catastrophic' news - Anandi will be leaving soon! Rest all the adult characters, plotting, conspiracies, Kalyani Devi's venomous dialogues, Sumitra's unstoppable tears…everything else will be the same on Balika Vadhu, a soap on Colors.
The serial is taking a five years leap and to choose the 'would be' Anandi, the channel has shortlisted three girls, Nivedita
Tiwari, Ketaki Chitale and Pratyusha Banerjee, after auditions in various cities (nobody seems bothered about the grown up male lead
Jagiya. Now we understand why Dadi sa is so partial towards him.) Anyways, will the leap push the TRPs or will it be a mere dragging exercise? Neha
Marda, who plays the role of Gehna, is obviously positive about the move, "The character of Anandi as a child has been
well-utilised. Albeit the channel has earned maximum out of it, it has reached a saturation point. What's more important than any actor or character in the soap is the storyline; if that's interesting TRPs will rise." There is another advantage of a grown up Anandi or rather all grown up characters. Kids don't backbite and bicker; adults have a right to it. So more grown ups means more conspiracies and more success. Our very own Puja Tandon (of The Perfect Bride fame) says she will miss the child Anandi a lot, "But I am also happy for her. I am sure her studies must have suffered a lot." Wish everyone were this considerate! As for the decision of the channel to introduce a new
Anandi, she says, "It's a huge risk. People might not accept the new character. The audience connects with the character emotionally and it's difficult to recondition them." And to ensure that the audience is able to accept the new actors in the old characters, the channel is resorting to public voting. People have flooded blogs with their responses. Writes a certain
blogger, Damini, "The show will not be the same without Avika Gaur (Anandi). I will miss her but I am happy she will now be able to concentrate on her studies." A post by one Amoos reads, "The title of the show Balika Vadhu will not stand true to its literal meaning if Balika Vadhu grows up." And how can we afford to ignore the women audience? They have the biggest contribution in the success of Balika Vadhu after all. Says Sudesh Sharma, a homemaker,
"Balika Vadhu is a serial based on the ordeals a child bride has to face. Now when the same Anandi will not be there, the soap will almost be like the usual saas bahu sagas." The TRPs of Balika Vadhu dived to a mere three in the last two months. But Neha defends the bringing in of older
Anandi. "The age of Anandi won't make a difference as long as the storyline of the soap is strong." Had that been the case, the popularity of soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu
Thi, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Prithvi Raj Chauhan et al would have been consistent.
Sargun, who plays the role of Neetu in Karol Bagh 12/24, feels, "The soap will lose its essence if the actor who is well accepted in a certain character by people is changed." Now the million dollar question is will it or won't? ashima@tribunemail.com |
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Cue in
High concentration and good temperament, combined with fun and a scope for a stable career, it's a game worth attention. Not much promoted and even practiced, the game of 8 and 9 ball is becoming popular with youngsters, even it is for leisure. The game originated in latter 19th century and was only popular amongst British Army officers. The game quickly became a mainstream sport in UK and made its place in different parts of the world slowly and gradually and today one can play it online as well. Pankaj Advani the current billiards world champion is the inspiratiuon to look for. "Unlike the belief, snooker is a highly competitive sport. Players practice at least for six to seven hours starting as early as seven in the morning. It needs high concentration and good control," says Rakesh Duggal, secretary of Chandigarh Billiards and Snooker Association and an International Referee of the game who also gives coaching to the city players. According to him one should do yoga and exercise regularly. It increases the concentration. He also owns a club in Sector-22. "I have players who are preparing for the national tournament that will start in the month of August. I am confident about my players and I know they will do well in the nationals. Amy be that's the only possible way to promote this sport, by performing well internationally," he added. Sumit Talwar, one of the known players of the city is playing the sport since nine years and is back after winning 1st position in a tournament in Bangaloroo, says, "The game needs lots of practice and the fact that there are no promotions done to make the sport popular is responsible for its unknown status. But then with more youngsters coming in, may be we have a bright future." Game on l
For billiards, corner pockets are smaller than side pockets. l
In snooker, corner pockets and side pockets are the same size and are significantly smaller than pool pockets. l
In pool, 15 balls plus the cue ball are used, except for 7 and 9 ball. In most snooker games, 15 red balls plus numbered balls 2 through 8 and a cue ball are used. l
The basic Snooker game takes longer to play than pool games |
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TALIS-matic Twitter buzzed with congratulatory notes. Actors Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty and Ritesh Deshmukh cheered badminton star Saina Nehwal for her wondrous achievement at the Indonesian Open Super Series. Back home, her father Dr Harvir Singh shared that his daughter's Chinese rubber band brought all the good luck that she needed. Ah! Now this sounds familiar to something like Steve Waugh and his lucky red handkerchief hanging out from the pocket. Mohinder Amarnath too carried a red cloth in his pocket while batting on the pitch and not to forget, Mohammad Azharuudin and his lucky baubles. Getting lucky isn't that easy, after all!
Of course, there are no substitutes for hardwork and dedication, both on and off the field. Nevertheless, there is something 'charming' about these lucky charms. Without getting into a serious debate on the relevance of and belief in lucky charms, we quiz the sports fraternity on what brings them luck on the D-day. And they take their pick from lucky colour combinations, days, months and much more. Akhil Kumar, boxer Cuban coach DI Fernandes gave me wristbands in red and black colours, which have become a part of me. I wear them under the bandage and make sure I have them on all the time. Earlier, boxers weren't allowed to wear anything during their weight check, however, now except metal we can wear anything, which is a big relief. I don't know whether these work for me or not but I still can't think of parting with them.
Sushil Kumar, wrestler I can twist and turn luck in my favour with a small prayer before a match. Trust me, it always works. Other than this the only lucky charm that works for me is my wrestling dress in blue and red colour, which I have been wearing for the last eight years. Invariably, it has proven to be lucky for me. Piyush Chawla, cricket Two gold chains with two different pendants, one of Lord Shiva and other of Lord Hanuman, have always been lucky for me. I am a firm believer in god and his ways, so I feel if I have him close to me I will always be successful. This isn't it. I enter the field with my left first. I have been following this practice for god knows how long now. I can't say about anyone else, but these have definitely proved lucky for me. Sreesanth, cricketer A yellow and blue band in my right hand that stands for charity - one is for the CRY Foundation and the other for a Cancer Trust - motivates me to perform well for some people who need my help. And it goes without saying that they have proved lucky too. Going by numerology, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are extremely lucky for me. Avneet Sidhu, shooter I avoid wearing black on the D-day. Dark colours are just not for me. White and red colours are lucky for me or need I say they have proved to be lucky. More than this, I believe in the magic of prayers before the match. jasmine@tribunemail.com
A black thread on my left wrist has some power. I wear it to ward of evil, so that I can perform well during the matches. What proves itself, whether it is a thread, an amulet, or any particular colour is considered lucky. Sometimes a pair of shoes can be luckier than anything else.
A black thread tied on my left leg wards of the evil eye. Again I cannot validate how it works, but something in me says it does. In addition to this, if I get a bout on either 2nd or 9th date, or on a Tuesday, the chances of winning are exceptionally high. Blue colour is guaranteed lucky for me. People have different takes on lucky charms. They do work in combination with hardwork and gods grace.
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Bon
Appetit
There are rehris to the right and rehris to the left, laden with ripe yellow fruit that are a delight to behold! Its multiple mayhem of mango on the roadsides! The totapari, safeda and sindoori have been nudged out by the newcomers of the season. With plenty of help from the beckoning calls of the eager vendors, we are filling ourselves with the wondrous, aromatic fruit while we can! Mangoes do contain a lot of calories but also have an impressive cocktail of nutrients to their credit. It is high on iron and aids in the prevention of heart disease. There are such high amounts of vitamin A in mangoes that if we eat them regularly through the season, we will have absorbed sufficient amounts of this wonder vitamin to last us for almost the entire year! So what are we waiting for? Lets hurry up and tank up on mangoes!! I had preached that we all make chutney while the sun shines, and now lets use the sunny ripe fruit and make some lip smacking delights! Mango and Coconut Burfi
l 1 cup dessicated coconut l ½ cup whole milk l ½ cup sugar (approximately) l ¾ cup thick mango pulp l ½ cup grated khoya l 1 tbsp ghee l n½ tsp elaichi powder Method Use a heavy bottomed pan and dry-roast the coconut till it emits a fragrance. Be careful that it doesn't get burnt. Pour in the milk along with the sugar and mango pulp. Add the ghee and grated khoya to the mixture and stir continuously till it thickens. This could require a great deal of patience over 15-20 minutes till the desired consistency is acquired. Sprinkle over the elaichi powder and cool completely. Grease a tray or plate with a slight smearing of oil or ghee. Spread the mixture evenly over it to a half inch thickness. Cut diagonally into diamonds when it has set. If you are not confident that the mixture is firm enough, feel free to shape the mixture into laddoos. Who will say 'no' to aam ke laddoo?! They can even be rolled in dry coconut to give them extra appeal. Mango Ice cream
l 1 large, ripe mango l ½ cup sugar l ¼ cup lemon juice l 1 ½ tsp gelatin l 1 cup heavy cream Method Peel, chop and liquidize the mango to obtain 2 cups of puree. Do not add water since we need a thick pulp. If you are short of 2 cups full, blend another few slices of fruit. Dissolve the gelatin in 2 tbsp of water and stir into the mango pulp. Simmer the sugar with half a cup of water for 5-10 minutes. Reduce the syrup, as much as possible. This will ensure minimal crystals in your ice cream. (Personally, I quite enjoy the slushy effect of the ice crystals!) Cool the syrup and add to the pulp along with the lime juice, mixing thoroughly. Whip the cream until stiff and fold into the mango mixture. Check for sweetness, adding more powdered sugar if necessary. Set your freezer temperature to the coldest option. Pour the mixture into ice trays with the cube dividers removed. Freeze till semi-set, then stir lightly with a whisk. Return to the freezer for another hour, then whisk again for the final freeze. This ice cream is best removed from the freezer about tem minutes before being scooped out into bowls. Serve with a garnishing of diced mango, a sprig of mint, or even chocolate shavings.
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Farmers have claimed that scenes from the William Shakespeare play The Merry Wives of Windsor boosted cow milk production by four per cent. Actors of local Changeling Theatre Company, performed the "entertaining" play for Friesian cows at the Pleasant Farm, near Maidstone, Kent."We selected scenes from the play we felt to be lyrical and relaxing," Rob Forknall, the group's artistic director said. "It started off as a rather a bizarre experiment after I was talking to a farmer about whether Shakespeare would have the same effect on cows as classical music."We were all slightly surprised when it did. Since then we've done several rehearsals with the cows. It saves us having to book rehearsal space and the farmer's very pleased to get more milk," Forknall added. The farmers decided to choose a lighthearted comedy instead of Bard's tragedies so as not to 'upset' the cows. — ANI
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Another gimmick
His acting repertoire contains a menagerie of characters, from the posh Semi Girebaal on TV to Randhir Gambhir from the upcoming film Aisha. But Cyrus Sahukar's ultimate ambition is to play a psychotic villain. The funnyman who along with Cyrus Broacha gave new creed to comedy with his skits on MTV, said that he in all earnest believes that playing a villain is his true calling. "I want to play a psychotic villain now, like Joker or Mogambo. I am sure I will be really good at it, but nobody else seems to think so," said Sahukar. He dreamt of being a star as a child but now three-films-old in Bollywood, Sahukar is not enamoured by the glitter of tinsel town and says that he has no ambitions to be a full-time actor. Sahukar will next be seen playing a nouveau rich Punjabi boy in Aisha, after which he plans to concentrate on the small screen and his stand-up routine. "I don't consider Bollywood the be-all and I am not going to turn down other good work so that I can be a Bollywood actor. I want to do good work, be it in radio, TV or films," Sahukar who shot to fame as a video jockey on MTV, said. The 29-year-old teams up with Sonam Kapoor once again for Aisha, after their stint together in Delhi-6 and though the two are good friends, Sahukar rubbishes reports of a romantic liasion. "I was not even in Mumbai when they first reported that I have been spotted on a date with Sonam. My life as reported by the media is far more exciting than it really is. I have worked with Sonam in two films, so we are friendly and that's it," said Sahukar. Beginning his acting career with theatre at the age of 11, Sahukar made his Bollywood debut with a small role in Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra's Rang De Basanti. The director was impressed and the actor was roped in to play Suresh, a two-timing photographer who fancies Sonam Kapoor's character Bittu in Delhi-6. In the multistarrer Aisha Sahukar plays one among a gang of super rich friends living it up in Delhi and he had a great time shooting because the cast comprised of young stars like Abhay Deol, Arunoday Singh and Sonam Kapoor. "We shot in farmhouses in Delhi and in Rishikesh among other places and it was so much fun. I found out that you would get the best food, if you ordered saying that it was for Abhay," said Sahukar. Other than films, Sahukar is busy shooting for a 'mockumentary', which will see him live with total strangers and is also set to return to stand-up comedy. "Like I said earlier, to me work is more important than the medium," said Sahukar. — PTI
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Bollywood actress Bhagyashree, who shot to fame with Salman Khan starrer Maine Pyar Kiya, says her upcoming flick Red Alert will explore various aspects of the Naxal movement and will be an eye-opener to the government. Red Alert is based on the true story of a farm labourer from Andhra who gets involved with a group of outlaws to fund the education of his children. "The movie will draw home a lesson to all. Also, the government will come to know that they must provide education and infrastructure in naxal-hit areas, rope in private sector to build industries, thereby providing employment to the poor people in there," said the actor. Directed by Anant Mahadevan, the movie also stars Sameera Reddy, Naseeruddin Shah and Seema Biswas, among others and is slated to hit the screens on July 9. Bhagyashree essays the role of Uma, the wife of Narasimha (Sunil Shetty), a poor farm labourer, who desperately needs money for the education of his children. "I play the wife of a poor man who gets involved into the Naxalite movement. The story revolves around the trials and tribulations that I go through when I have no clue about the bigger ideals of Naxalism. She doesn't know whether her husband will return home or not," the 41-year-old actress said. To get into the skin of the character, Bhagyashree also interacted with a Naxal family. — PTI
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Bollywood superstar Salman Khan does not believe that his film Ready, which is being shot here, will face problem in South India during its release. South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce had given a boycott call, asking Bollywood stars not to attend the IIFA awards last month.But the actor, who is also the co-producer of the movie, said he opted for Lanka because it saved a lot of money and time for the producers. "I don't think I will have any problem in screening the movie in South India. The film is being shot in Sri Lanka as it saves a lot of money and time," he told reporters."We are actors, not politicians. Sri Lanka has been the location for many South Indian film shoots. I got to know about the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce's (SIFCC) reservations," he said.The actor is in the country for a 30-day shooting schedule with Ghajini star Asin Thottumkal and actor Paresh Rawal. "Ultimately it is the financier who suffers. Art is a medium which brings people together and promotes peace," the 45-year-old star said. Asin said since she belonged to Kerala, the locales of Sri Lanka resembled that of her state."Whenever I land here, I don't feel like I am in a foreign country," she said. Shooting was originally to take place in Mauritius and some other countries but the actor persuaded director Anees Bazmee and producers Rajat Rawail and Kishan Kumar to shift locations.Bazmee is the maker of box office hits like Welcome, No Entry and Singh Is Kinng. Shooting is taking place in and around Colombo till July 18 with around 140 Indian crew. Ready is slated for release in July 2011 with 2,000 prints.Salman plays a happy-go-lucky character in the movie, which is a remake of a Telugu film. — PTI
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Hollywood actor Daniel Radcliffe says he has finally accepted his short stature and sometimes even cracks jokes at his size rather than feeling bitter.The Harry Potter star, who stands at five foot, five inches (1.6 metres), admits he used to worry his co-stars Emma Watson and Rupert Grint would outgrow him onscreen, reports contactmusic.com. "I didn't get particularly worried because as long as Emma (Watson) and Rupert (Grint) weren't shooting up too quickly either, I'd look (fine). We'd all look relatively (the same height). It was all going to be okay," said Radcliffe. "I was worried on a personal level because I wanted to be slightly taller than I am, ideally. But I've now accepted it. Basically, I came to the conclusion a while ago that you can either be really bitter about it or you can make loads of funny jokes. "When I meet people now and they all say, 'God you're so much shorter than I expected!' I always say, 'No! I'm actually slightly further away than you think', which confuses them," he added. —IANS
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Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep is reportedly in talks to play Britain's first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in a new biopic.The actress who holds the record for getting the most Academy Award nominations, is in negotiations to reunite with her Mamma Mia director Phyllida Lloyd for the film, said Hollywood Reporter online. The film set in 1982, will show Thatcher in the run-up to the Falklands War and actor Jim Broadbent has reportedly been lined up to play the former British leader's husband, Denis. Thatcher led Britain for 11 years between 1979 and 1990. Her career famously waned prior to the conflict in the Falklands but she received a boost in popularity after the 72-day war, which saw her triumph in the UK's 1983 election. — PTI
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Three times National award winning actor Mithun Chakraborty laments that very few producers and directors make art films these days."I act in potboilers both in Bollywood and Tollywood as very few producers and directors make art film like Mrigaya, which gave me my first National actor award," Chakraborty said at the premier of his latest Bengali film Shukno Lanka. Chakraborty, who shot to fame in Bollywood in 1980s with the blockbuster Disco Dancer, said, "If I get offers from producers and directors to act in art films like Mrigaya, I will certainly take them up. But such offers are few these days." About Shukno Lanka, he said, "It has given me the rare opportunity to retrace my struggling days. It has taken me back closer to my roots." Chakraborty described the director of Shukno Lanka Gaurav Pandey as 'brilliant' and said, "I am happy that I am also in his next Hindi film Spaghetti 24x7." Chakraborty plays the role of a security guard in Spaghetti 24x7, which also stars his elder son Mimoh and is slated for release in October this year. Speaking about Shukno Lanka, Director Gaurav Pandey said he had a wonderful time in making it especially working with Chakraborty. He plays the role of Chinu Nandy, a junior artiste in the film, but he had to arrive at the shoot with police escort due to his huge fan following in Bengal, he said. Recollecting another instance while making the film Pandey said late actor Kunal Mitra, one of the cast, refused to shoot a scene with Mithun massaging his feet. Pandey's first full-length Hindi film Stumped was released in 2003 featuring Raveena Tandon, Aly Khan and Salman Khan in lead roles. Subsequently, he worked as the writer of Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's Anuranan (Bengali, 2006). — PTI
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Sports may be our favourite topic of discussion but not when talking career. Especially anything that doesn't spell CRICKET! But then the world doesn't end here. Unlike cricket, or even football and hockey, snooker is not a popular game but it is equally interesting.
l
Pool and snooker tables are similar in appearance, yet quite different. The games played on each are also different. 
Virat Kohli,cricketer
Vijender Singh, boxer
Ingredients 
Ingredients
