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O-some spoof! Shell-shocked, glued, awestruck... pause...pause. What on earth is he doing here? Is this for real? Should someone alert the police immediately? No, this couldn't be him. Even as our brain coins permutations and combinations, a man with salt and pepper hair barges in to put the entire commotion to rest. "Hey, this is your Osama," says Abhishek Sharma, the man with salt and pepper hair. You must be kidding! Twins separated at birth or a riddle for the eye? "Trust me, I have spent years in making Osama," Abhishek adds with a puckish grin.
After much persuasion from the cast and crew of debutant Abhishek Sharma's, Walkwater Media's, Tere Bin Laden, the hotel staff, onlookers, after a lot of admiration, left us with the million dollar fakes, real for sure! A tongue-in-cheek comedy, Tere Bin Laden is a story of an ambitious young news director from Pakistan who is desperate to migrate to US in pursuit of the 'American Dream'. But when things couldn't look worse, he comes across Osama's video and sells it to a news channels as a breakthrough spoof; a spoof of the 'terror' called Osama Bin Laden! Boys how could you? Abhishek Sharma, director’s cut
An off the cuff remark from his wife — 'You look like Osama' — triggered off a chain reaction in Abhishek's mind and thus came about the movie Tere Bin Laden. Simple? Not really. In fact, Obama wouldn't have gone that far in scheming and planning than the director did to create the script, and most importantly, Osama's look-alike. "There are many conspiracy theories on Osama. I was generally intrigued by his character and I thought the best way to deal with violence is to make a spoof on it," shares Abhishek, the NSDian who went about making movies with his camcorder before he decided to make a movie. And what a subject to start with! "Tere Bin Laden is a funny interpretation of terror and people involved in it." On glorifying the de-glorified character of Osama, Abhishek rebuffs. "If you have seen the promo, you'll see we have shown Osama running around in a funny sort of way. How can you glorify someone by ridiculing him?" Research, everything boils down to this. What say? "Indeed. First, we needed a 'Bin Laden' look-alike. Pradhuman Singh who plays Noora has some similarity to the man. But he had to do loads to fit into the character. Thereafter, I studied Laden's speeches, observed his mannerism, studied a lot on him. I also roped in an associate dialogue writer from Karachi who gave authentic language touch." Slated for July 16 release, Abhishek adds that he has in a way discovered 'something' about Osama in the whole process. "Osama Bin Laden - the name no longer terrorises me. Whenever I think about him, I think of my funny actor Pradhuman who plays the role. The real purpose is achieved if the audience also sees and reacts in the same manner," he shares. Pradhuman Singh, the look-alike
Did we ever know he has a vivid resemblance to the most-hated man (some people find him the most blissful terrorist alive)? "No, I was as startled, shocked and dumb-founded when the director approached me with Laden's picture and said that I resembled the man. Rest our make-up artist Vikram Gaikwad gave the necessary touch ups and made me a full-time Laden," laughs Pradhuman Singh, the man who walks, talks, smiles and gestures like Osama. "You think it's easy?" he questions. "I had to study Osama's tapes from various sources; I studied his mannerisms closely, imitating every bit of him. The real touch came with Laden's beard. Now, I look like the real," he sees himself in the mirror. Any discovery? "Loads. For instance, Osama is a southpaw and so am I. Also, I have never seen Osama frown in any of the pictures or videos." Interesting. Hoping that you don't share other attributes of the man as well! Photo by S Chandan jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Original notes In the city, electronica band Midivel Punditz discuss 'their' kind of music You aren't in for B-town music or tracks composed in Beverly Hills when it's specifically mentioned on the invite —"Midivel Punditz will perform". So there we were and the event was launch of the restaurant 'Punjab Grill' at Sector-17 and the Punditz were at their job within no time! Tapan and Gaurav played the music that was apt for the kind of bash it was. "We are playing Indian music on electronic beats," says Tapan. The other way of defining their kind of music is: "It's original music. We don't remix Bollywood numbers or twist the notes of certain Shakiras or Lady Gagas," explains Gaurav.
Out with their third album Hello Hello, a track from which has been used in the FIFA video game, they don't need confirmation for their popularity (we told you everyone was glued to their music.) "Music lovers want to listen to something new and off-beat. There are a number of electronica music bands in the country, the more famous being Indian Ocean, Bandish Projekt et al." As for the unusual name of their band, Midivel Punditz, Tapan says no brainstorming was done. "Not even friends or acquaintances were asked to suggest the name. No researches undertaken or inspirations drawn." There is no caste factor behind the name, but that was how it was decided. Gaurav tells the story: "Tapan and I come from pundit families. Our friends used to address us as pundits and we stay in Delhi, which is considered the core of the country, hence the name Midivel Punditz." They were probably also the first electronica band to go international by signing a record label in California. Against the expectations of a long journey of struggle, they say it happened by chance, "Just because we signed a deal in California, we were given the status of an international band overnight, which isn't the case." Happy with their kind of music, the duo hasn't approached Bollywood for work. "We are happy doing our bit of music and people from Bollywood appreciate it as well. We have no qualms about making music for movies as long as we aren't directed on how and what should we make," says Tapan. Tapan and Gaurav are for Indian music, be it qawalis, ghazals or even folk. Adds Gaurav "At the end of the day people love to listen Indian music. Love for rock and jazz are limited to parties." To avoid piracy, the band prefers to put the music on Amazon .com and YouTube. "Rest of our rights can be taken care of if there are strict publishing laws," Tapan signs off before joining Gaurav over the console to play some more 'original music'. ashima@tribunemail.com Spicing it up |
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Clash of titans FIFA fever touches its crescendo on Sunday night when La Furia Roja (Spain) takes on Oranje (Netherlands). With giants Brazil, Argentina, Italy, England, Portugal and Germany out already, loyalties sure are divided. Oracle Octopus Paul, from Sea Life Aquarium Oberhausen, Germany, has predicted that Spain will lift the cup. However, his less-admired fellow psychic Mani Parrot from Singapore has chosen Netherlands. We check out how city celebs view this showpiece clash.
"I have a fashion show on the night. I hope to finish early and go to this really superb bar with huge a screen and great crowd along with my best friend," says model Aanchal Kumar. This Argentinean fan is cheering for Spain but says, "May the best team win."
Flying Sikh Milkha Singh's original favourite, Germany, is out. "I have a great fondness for Germans. I had close to 30 international races there and received lots of love from them," he shares. Singh will enjoy the late night game at home. As for supporting one of the teams, "Spain is playing great, but in the end, may the team that plays better win," he says.
This ex-Roadie is out on a road trip again with a bunch of friends. A loyalist of Messi's brigade, Varun is now rooting for Spain. "For the finals, I am going to be in queen of hills, Mussoorie, freaking out with a bunch of friends," says Varun who enjoyed football in school times.
Famous artist and sculptor Shiv Singh will see the title clash with his German wife at home. "I am biased towards Netherlands as during my exhibitions there, I got immense love and appreciation from the Dutch," he says. "I love them for their friendly and helpful nature, they get my support,' he says.
A football fanatic in school days, Mohit Chitkara is having his friends over for the finals. "I am cheering for Spain this time," he shares, little dejected at Argentina missing out on the finals.
Super busy with her daily soap Rang Badalati Odni, Khushboo Kochar has made sure that she takes the evening off to watch the final. "We friends are going to see the final together at Kino disc." As for loyalties, Khushboo is not certain. "I am starting with Spain but might change loyalties midway," she laughs. mona@tribunemail.com
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A day of luxury Not all journeys are meant to reveal hidden secrets. Some are just for leisure
The five-hour drive from Delhi to Agra is not an exhilarating one. The only saving grace was the AC car, Sartaj's CD, sumptuous snacks and the pitter-patter of rain. The unannounced showers were a blessing in disguise. But what kept the enthusiasm in me alive despite all the fatigue was the desire to see and touch the eighth wonder of the world — Taj Mahal. Lost in how some people go beyond the defined limits to prove their love, we reached Agra only to hear from the locals that the Taj Mahal is closed for visitors after 5.30 pm. God probably didn't find my good deed that good! From a distance, I saw the white structure standing tall and people capturing it from all sides. How can I not take a replica back home? My driver had noticed my childlike eagerness to jump out of the car to buy one of those Taj Mahal replicas sold in all forms and prices. He interrupted, "No madam. Taj Mahal is a tomb, it's not good to take a replica home." He did make sense, I thought. So, we headed straight for the destination. Located on Fatehabad road, the Jaypee Palace from the exteriors (and we are soon to find out the interiors) looked like a fine example in Mughal architecture. I have often heard swashbucklers say, "It is the journey that matters not the destination." But, I fail to disagree for once. The destination was worth the journey! Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra, is a structural blend of red sandstone and marble spread over 25 acres of elegant landscape, luxuriant greenery, water bodies and pergolas. The hotel located 2.5 km from Agra blends five-star luxury with Mughal opulence to give the guests an experience of their lifetime. From the prior lowdown that I got from Richa Agarwal, executive marketing, Jaypee Hotels, this is the same hotel where the 'infamous' Agra summit took place between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pervez Musharaff. I wanted to see it first. But Richa thought I could make do with other things first. The 341 rooms and suites with breathtaking views and splendid interiors ooze out luxury. Each room of the hotel is exquisite yet modern, spacious and elegantly appointed with wooden floors, ultra comfortable beds, luxurious seating, private balconies and every other modern facility. In addition to the deluxe and executive rooms, the hotel has premium palace floor rooms and suites. The hotel has eight special rooms for the guests with special needs. The guest list, needless to say, was interesting. Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and other Indian and international dignitaries and business honchos. Seeing is believing; this hotel has a different Presidential wing, which is bullet-proof and closed from all four sides. It has its own separate services. Something is missing…of course, food. Things look more beautiful when the stomach is full! Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention offers a wide variety of eating options. From sumptuous spreads of breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Grand Buffet, carefully selected menus and live entertainment at Paatra, to casual dining at Pavilion Café, the 24-hour coffee shop, to mouth-watering grills at the Poolside Barbeque called Acqua Grill, to fine dining Chinese restaurant - C'est Chine. If you want to cool off, make a dash for Tapas - the well-stocked bar. During the stay at the hotel, one can indulge in extensive leisure. Tamayam, the ayurvedic spa, a Leisure Mall with a bowling alley, games, mini-theatre, Children's Den, a discotheque…what else can one ask for? Shares Richa, while showing us around the place, "This Jaypee Palace is famous for hosting top domestic and international conventions and conferences with banqueting facility as well. The complementing Convention Centre can accommodate up to 1,500 delegates. Also, this hotel is wi-fi and has state-of-the-art business support facilities." But who wants to talk about business on such a god-gifted day of leisure! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Punjabi tadka Eat like a king, pay like peasant. Well, not exactly, but in Punjabi context, the eating has always been royal, rich and lavish. Paying, well, we really never bothered about that. In a city that loves its butter chicken and dal makhani, another Punjabi cuisine restaurant is definitely good news. And so, Punjab Grill, a signature resturaunt by Jiggs Kalra opened in city with the usual, beer, barbeque and a lot of tadka. And of course, the who's who were present to add their bit too. Bringing you the flavours from gourmet Punjabi cities like Patiala, Amritsar, Lahore and Peshawar in Pakistan and Kabul, it offers a lavish menu with traditional flavours that are simple and rich. This is where the everyday Makki di Roti and Sarson da saag will meet the secret recipes of the royal kitchen. A combination of Mughal, Pathani and Punjabi cuisine and cooking techniques, the kitchen will have a fusion of flavours. "Punjabis love their food and isn't it imperative to present the authentic Punjabi cuisine to a region where it all began," shares Zorawar Kalra. The internationally and nationally acclaimed food chain has been recognised for its Punjabi cuisine by the likes of CNN International, has recently won the best north Indian cuisine restaurant in India and its butter chicken is the fourth best in India, beating even the Bukhara. Two years and three restaurants later, Punjab Grill has come to Chandigarh with the aim, "The Punjabi palate is extremely sophisticated owing to the fact that Punjabis are well travelled. The food habits are changing with changing times, we are endeavoring to offer the finest Punjabi cuisine to today's urban epicure," says Zorawar. And so it also has innovations on its menu like Salmon Tikka using Scotch Salmon, Tandori Duck in its first ever avatar and Cheese Kurkuri, which is wanton skin rolls filled with mushrooms, celery olives, pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes. And the special Chaamp Taajdaar, the ribs of goat meat, add to it Gucchi (Jumbo Morels) and Tandori Lobster. Imbibing four types of kebab making techniques- tandori, sighri, tawa and kadhai, the secret is not any ingredient but the simple and traditional cooking technique. "We use the garam masala as the main ingredient in all our recipes. What's more is a combination of cooking techniques like tandori and handi," says chef Zahir Khan. And its not just the food that pleases your senses but also the ambience. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Cheema Medical Complex hosted a workshop on self-hypnosis helping individuals connect with themselves spiritually on Saturday at Hotel Park Inn-35. Calfornia Hypnosis Institute in collaboration with Cheema Medical Complex, Phase IV, is organising this workshop for the first time ever in Chandigarh. According to Dr L K Cheema, a trained master hypnotist from Calfornia Hypnosis Institute, the workshop focuses on introductory course in clinical hypnosis. Weighing down the myths related to hypnosis, Dr Cheema added that hypnotism is often used to refine ideas and thoughts process. During his practice of last many years, Dr Cheema has found that hypnotism removes fears and phobias, helps give up bad habits and addictions in many cases, increases stamina and vitality, eliminates emotional problems and depression, cure psychosomatic illness, overcome inferiority complex etc. — TNS
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TAROT TALK ARIES: Three Golden Cups full of light & pomegranate flowers greet you with a wonderful feeling. Try to improve your overall financial situation. Women: avoid shrewdly unworthy companions during the second half. Improvement will continue in general health condition. Business matters are fairly well under control. Tip of the week: Thursday and Friday are not the best days to spend a lot of money. Lucky colour: Cream. TAURUS: You draw Nine of Wands. You might have some difficulty controlling your emotions. Consider getting involved in charitable work. Agreements that have been dragging on for sometime can be successfully negotiated. Plug away steadily in the background. Tip: Resolve conflicts through discussion. Lucky colour: Crimson. GEMINI: You draw The Star, so what you have been dreaming and wishing for has come true in part. Be particularly wary while dealing with property matters. Expensive plans will have to be held in check for the time being. Your mate may feel that you have been devoting too much time to outside interests. Tip: You will need to learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Pink. CANCER: Like The Queen of Cups, you are dreamy, poetic, tranquil and imaginative in loving relationships. This week will be marked only for lack of activity. Business will tick over smoothly enough. Hobbies are occupying. Scholars: read a good book on Tuesday. This is not time for grabbing centre stage. Tip: Wait & watch, as impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Fiery red. LEO: The Ace of Wands strengthens and you may feel elated to see roses all the way. Influential people will like your style. A financial matter that has been delayed should be forwarded now. Social activities that are offered will not be worth attending. There should be no special problems at home. Tip: You need to cultivate understanding & humility. Lucky colour: Black. VIRGO: You draw The World so this is a good time for relaxing. Check your bank account. Romance will be happy; good for looking up an old flame who now lives at some distance from you. There can be the lull before the storm. Some recent differences of opinion with a friend can be sorted out. Tip: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky colour: Brown. LIBRA: Two of Wands spin in speculation luck. A chance meeting can lead to permanent relationship. Pay bills so that you can work out exactly where you stand financially. Women: have a flexible attitude. Partnership affairs are in the limelight. Tip: At work, rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Citric green. SCORPIO: You draw Ten of Wands. No need to make any important move. Conditions are too weak at the moment to contemplate fresh operations. You should not be too critical of co-workers. Children can cause worry. Tip: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Orange. SAGITTARIUS: The karmic Wheel of Fortune turns in your favour. The affairs of close companion will be favoured on Wednesday. Aim at teamwork. A good week to mix business with pleasure. Romance is highlighted. Property dealers: avoid transaction on Friday. Tip: Keep a close watch on any niggling health problems. Lucky colour: Golden. CAPRICORN: The Moon draws by sphinxes and brings light into darkness. Do not give into lethargy. Emotional people may change their mind. Take a serious attitude to financial picture. Earnings can be increased if you try. Contracts offered to you are likely to be better than you expect. Tip: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Cherry red. AQUARIUS: You draw Two of Wands to invoke mental power and intelligence. The week is going to be rather slow; plan ahead. Take advantage of other people's experience. Health should be improved. Temper may become frayed. Love life suffers because of your hectic schedule. Tip: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Purple. PISCES: The Wheel of Fortune spins in some good fortune and emotional abundance. Tuesday could see you encountering some difficulties. Relax; a Taurean friend will be helpful. Do not take your bad temper to work with you. Teenagers: expect favour from superiors / parents. Tip: Money matters and health may also, need some looking after in this week. Lucky colour: Peach.
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'Playing safe is boring. I don't like to tread the regular path, I'd rather walk on my path," says the pin-up boy of rock music Ali Zafar, who debuts as an actor in Tere Bin Laden. So, the path is carved out and the journey is on. "Not really. The concept is intelligent and really well-made." Music taking a backseat? "Never, I am releasing my third album Jhoom. I am choosy about whatever I do. I like to keep a creative control, reinvent myself and not go about doing any kind of work. Even with movies, I wouldn't want to do just about anything. Something really good maybe." Aamir is listening for sure!
When you come from a family that runs some of the best restaurants in the country; when your father Jiggs Kalra was India's first food historian and critic…you know there are high expectations to be met. "And I knew it from day one. To ensure that standards are maintained, I personally do all the food testing and trials," shares Zorawar Kalra, MD, Wrapster Foods Ltd. The next thing he does is change the menu of the restaurants as per preferences of people of a certain region. "We don't fiddle with the authentic taste of a dish. In fact, new dishes are introduced to suit the taste buds of people."
Model moves
Racing ahead
On the road
Soft corner
Cheering Spain
Extra time
The only hitch - what if the plane crashes; what if there is some disruptive element sitting next to me in the flight? Thank god for small and big mercies! I landed safely at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to begin a journey, which I admit did not lead to any revelations. Not all the journeys are meant to reveal hidden secrets. Sometimes they are meant to give us the much-needed breather. The trip to Jaypee Palace, Agra, can be slotted into a one-day breather!