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Oops…she does it again!
There she goes again, boisterously flaunting the same, done to death 'I me myself' attitude, churning endlessly the same kahani of ek dukhyaari with diligence, topped up with extra spice. Some saint who used to stay in some unknown regions of Himalayas is back, and has chosen the one and only Rakhi Sawant's body to help out the needy, lesser mortals!
Bewildered. Well this is Rakhi's unique USP, the lady can surprise you to death with her anecdotes, infested with heavy duty spiritual connotations and layered with experiences of her reaching the top of the world with none but 'Jejus'(Jesus) on her side. And she is at it yet again. This time after a hilarious (what else would you call Rakhi Ka Swayamvar) debacle, which the audiences of television lapped up and relished for days together till she finally found a suitable guy, exchanged rings, did another reality show with him (Pati Patni aur Woh), and merrily parted ways. Rakhi Sawant is back with a new show on Imagine, Rakhi Ka Insaaf! You heard it right - Rakhi Ka Insaaf, where 'saint' Rakhi will solve the problems of the general public! Indigestible? Wait, we have more to tell and of course Rakhi's candid take on it. In this show, Rakhi will hear both the victim and the accused, and provide both parties an opportunity to explain their side of the story. After hearing their views, she will pass a fair, honest and humane judgment! What? Did we just see the Indian judiciary look for any lacunae in their system? Rakhi, your take? "Rakhi Ka Insaaf is one of its kind show (undoubtedly), which will go on to create history. (Of course it will). I will not be judging people legally. I will listen to people and with all honesty decide what is good or bad," says Rakhi. Practise what you preach, right? "As of now I am researching (on what!) on the problems. (Okay we thought on what neckline would go with what problem!). Trust me, I will also help the needy and the poor. I will give them money if they are really in need. The decision will really be fair," she says. Now, the modus operandi. You got to hear this one! "You will not believe this (you are right Rakhi, no sane person would), it is not me who will make decisions for the poor and needy, it is 'God inside me who will decide.' (Oxygen; let some air come in). I have seen this change in myself for the last two-and-a-half years precisely, I can feel god inside me. And it is this God inside me who will decide," says Rakhi with grandeur and élan. So what is she going to follow - voice of the heart or the brain? Adds Rakhi, "Heart and brain are parts of the same body (Discovery, revelation!). I will listen to the combination of heart and body (what combo is this?) both. I will make sure people get justice. In my personal life too, I have always followed this combination and never went wrong. I have never repented in my life," the drama queen is at her best. Regrets, there are far too many to remember actually! "I am a self-made girl. I don't have the support of my parents, no godfather. Today, I am at a position you cannot imagine. I still feel if there was someone else who took decisions for me, the way I will be doing for people, I would be in a better place. (For once you said it lady). I don't regret anything in life. I got engaged to Elesh in Rakhi Ka Swamyvar because I wanted to give him a chance. You know, I always give people a chance (Mika would be glad) and then decide. It is better to break an engagement than to break marriage. (So very right). I have seen the ups and downs of life. I understand life in a better way, which is why I am doing this show," she puts it emphatically. Some guru gyaan Rakhi has! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Value for money
Those who thought the trend of hiring a wedding dress on rent has died down with the concept of big fat Punjabi weddings, here's a fact. The only thing that has changed is the requirement. "The concept of renting a wedding lehenga depends on one's budget. We serve clientele that wants exclusivity without feeling a pinch in their pocket," says Inderjit Singh, owner, Bittu Bangles group-22. And while you do that, chances are you get spoilt for choice, "We make sure that creativity appeals in our wedding lehenga concepts. Not gaudy but subtle work with zari, antique work is in vogue. Our designs are not repeated and we give our clients customised services according to their requirement," he adds. Well, this sure sounds a good idea for ones who want value for their money. "Wedding dress demands a huge investment, that too for one time wearability. Not everybody is ready to do that. So, we give a handful of options to those who still don't want to compromise on the exclusive appeal," says Sanjay Kataria, Sapna Saree Centre in Rajpura. And the distance is no deterrent for those who want that perfect wedding dress without feeling the pinch in their pocket. "We have designer lehengas, with jadau work, Swarovski, antique zari and thread work. Designer concepts with different colour contrasts and design elements too are available." Selective workmen, specialising in intricate embroideries and concepts, are the ones who customise the design for them. "Each lehenga is finished according to the customer's need and is a fresh piece. We also have a concept of selling it off at half the original price, but only if the piece has been used three to four times," he says. "For the fashion conscious, renting a lehenga is a good option. You own that dress for the day and that's what matters. Also, you don't have to face the guilt of splurging mindlessly on a one-time wear," says Sanjay. At Bittu bangles, it's not just the lehenga that you get, but also a complete deal; styling and accessories along with a wedding dress. The difference is significant and so are the savings. "Usually, a designer wedding dress costs around Rs 35,000 ," says Inderjit. The range of wedding lehengas on rent generally starts at Rs 2000 and goes up to Rs 15,000 while the original pricing of these lehengas is between Rs 5000 to one lakh. nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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Back to nature
Startled, renowned artist Ram Partap Verma, takes off the ear plugs (he loves to listen to classical songs when painting) and turns to share three paintings that he has created at the 15-day workshop at Kalagram. There is another painting in yellow and rust, and another in blue, a colour that artists generally find difficult to handle, both with a woman figure and horses. "I got keen on horses in my adolescence, and ever since, they have stayed with me as symbols of power in juxtaposition with human form," shares Verma, who has to his credit HIFA Award (2009), Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi Award (1996) and many others. "In this painting, I have not used green that's traditionally associated with nature, but pure gold as nature offers a deep insight as well," he adds. Verma loves to paint nature in these stressful, modern times. "The message I am trying to give through my paintings is that its only nature that can soothe one from the mad rush of life. This was true for the past, it is for today and it will hold true for the future as well," says Verma. "Nature plays a huge a role in man's life. Why else you think we suddenly have so many yoga gurus while all this has been part of our shastras forever?" he questions. A product of Chandigarh College of Art-10 (he was interested in art much before that), Verma is happy to make this city his home. "I am from Bhiwani, also known as Chhoti Kashi because of the numerous temples there. But, after college I stayed here. Kalagram provides a great environment to work," avers Verma. Though he rues the fact that the city is not as much happening when it comes to art as Delhi or Mumbai, yet for him, the place offers a lot. His workshop at Kalagram will finish on August 31, and the next will to be an installation - an exhibit of art objects in open space - at Sector 17. "This is going to be something new for the city. Though installations are pretty popular abroad or even in Delhi, Chandigarh is yet to open up to this. I am so looking forward to it," he
shares. mona@tribunemail.com
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The world's third largest manufacturers and exporters of upholstery and curtain fabrics, D' Decor announces the re-launch of their brand with Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan. D' Decor has been on the forefront of the furnishings industry, with their innovative products and trendy designs, which are sought after by leading European and US furnishing brands and adorned by labels like Karavet, Jab, Romo, Designer's Guild, Casamance. Now with its re-furbished brand identity, D Décor is all set to storm the Indian market with a vision to make every Indian home fashionable. The brand has roped-in none other than the stylish Gauri, who is known to be extremely choosy for her associations to endorse the brand along with her husband, Shahrukh Khan. The brand is empowering the Indian consumer to select from an array of more than 500 designs. These are the ones that are sought-after by the leading US and European furnishing brands. D' Decor designs are created from artworks sourced by the creative head, Simone Arora from Europe's best design houses, which are then blended onto fabric and woven into trendy colours. These fabrics will now be accessible to the Indian consumer in real time, even as they will be launched across the US and European markets. — TNS
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Matka chowk There is a rather amusing photo of a burly policeman trying to nab a teenage scooty driver in today's paper. The Chandigarh police are trying to curb underage driving. I don't endorse underage driving, but the claim that teenage drivers are more prone to speeding and jumping red lights is so blatantly misleading that the police ought to have a special drive against all-age-driving, rather than just underage driving. Some working parents have protested. How can their teenage children attend evening tutorial classes without being able to drive? And without the tutorials, their stairway to engineering, medicine and such other coveted occupations is definitely shaky. Blame it on the children? Why not blame the system? I know some of the tutorials in the city run their buses. But, then that costs quite a bit. One opts for vocations like engineering, in order to ensure a so-called financially secure future. Isn't it ironic that the quest for a secure future is forcing these children to jeopardise their lives and basic safety? How about curbing drunk driving? Judging by the way most city drivers are driving these days, one may feel that most of them are drunk. Or maybe, they are on steroids that boost ferocity and recklessness! I have seen too many drunk men in packed SUVs on weekend nights, to know that the menace lies somewhere else. How serious are we about our traffic laws? When drivers jump red lights, should we blame them? Or should we blame the system that allows them to get away with it? Why is it that the youth of the city, who seem to have excellent control over their keypads and IPODs, and respect for the Internet and the visa officer at the US Consulate, fail to understand the importance of being safe? In this environment of 'sab chalta hai', how are we going to impart to the kids values that make up the building blocks of a good society? How would you justify to them the importance of being earnest, kind and generous? How would they know the merits of what is right? How would they even know right from wrong? We teach by examples - and what examples are strewn all over the city? Is our city slipping away from us? There is an elderly lady I often run into on my morning walks around the lake. She always wore an absolutely gorgeous diamond and emerald pendant in a long gold chain. I admired her regal bearing and the upward tilt of her nose. Last week, I saw her walking - sans the jewelled locket. It saddened me a great deal. It was like a leaf falling out from an ancient manuscript. If we lose all our papyrus, we will be left with nothing but cheap printer paper. Is that the future we want to build? matkachowk@gmail.com
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Picks & piques
At last count, there were seven Hindi releases this week and most of them were films that were finding it difficult to find a suitable screen. The two reviewed here are the ones that, maybe, would have some appeal. Aashayein is Nagesh Kukunoor's latest effort and has John Abraham as solo lead actor, and Antardwand has a national award to its credit. While Aashayein is flat and too simplistic, Antardwand, though sharp and shrouded in realism, is devoid of bite.
This film, about a compulsive gambler, Rahul Sharma (John Abraham) living on the edge who suddenly finds himself bottomed out due to a terminal illness (lung cancer), echoes Bollywood melodramas of yore (Ankhiyon Ke Jharonkon Se, Anand, Prem Geet), but Nagesh Kukunoor's simple treatment stands out here. His take may be a bit too ponderous and predictable, but it is also refreshingly put-together and unaffected. Imagine making a film where the lead character is dying and not taking the tear-jerking route to climactic conclusion? That's what Kukunoor does. He doesn't want you to feel heavy-hearted or sad when you leave the theatres. Instead, he tries to make the experience more fulfilling. Not by telling the story in a complex and complicated narrative, but by simply baring the heart of a man in the last throes of life. Ashayein begins smartly. Sudeep Chatterjee's camera tracks through to a den of iniquity where the protagonist sits huddled along with other bookies and gamblers watching a cricket match on TV screens set across the room. It's a great shot and sets up well for the fall to come later. Rahul, following the crucial diagnoses, breaks-up with his girlfriend (Sonal Sehgal) and moves into a hospice for the terminally ill. That's when the film starts to flounder. The inmates there suffer from different illnesses, cancer, AIDS, etc. So messages are expected. And the change in outlook is also a given. But it's not a given that a compulsive gambler should be hard-hearted and cruel, so the contrast is never established with any authority. We do get to see a different side of Rahul, one who values life and appreciates others without judgement. He has no reservations while hugging an AIDS patient (Farida Jalal) and he interacts with the young (Ashwin Chitale from Shwaas) and old with equal felicity. His character is now sympathetic but it's still not enough for us to feel very strongly about his impending demise. So, Kukunoor gets Rahul to develop a fondness for a 17-year-old spunky inmate (Anaitha Nair). Her story strung through by troubled relationships is quite compelling. Anaitha also does well to imbue her character with quirkiness and spunk. There are several moments in the film that are heart-tugging, but they are not enough to contribute to a strongly emotive core. Kukunoor's treatment, as always, is simplistic and devoid of overt emotionalism. And that's a failing in this kind of a movie. We are not clear as to what exactly Kukunoor wants to convey. The messages are many but none of them are strong enough to bring home the point. Did Kukunoor make this film solely for getting in to the big league by taking on an established star like John Abraham, who has looks and star appeal on his side but whose acting skills are yet suspect? John is competent enough in certain scenes where he doesn't have to emote much, but there are also times when he appears stiff and uncomfortable. He looks good in his Indiana Jones get-up but otherwise there is room for a lot of improvement in dialogue delivery and acting skills. Kukunoor is sincere about his effort to veer away from the typified Bollywoodian flourish, but it's not enough to make this film compelling. Rustic Flavour
The state of Bihar has been grist for many films showcasing the negativity there. Antardwand is just another. It highlights a social evil that hasn't been exhibited on the big screen before - that of bridegrooms getting kidnapped and being forced into marriage. Raghuvir (Raj Singh Chaudhary), an IAS aspirant residing in Delhi, falls in love with Siya and wants to marry her. So he returns to Bihar to seek his father's blessings. But his father (Vinay Pathak) is not receptive to it and Raghu in the meanwhile gets kidnapped and is forced to marry someone else. The film is earthy looking and has a rusticity that is genuine to its setting. The language is suitably perfect and the intonations bring the Bihari flavour right to the fore. The performances are also quite noteworthy. All actors blend well into the characters they essay, so the experience appears real. The narrative is suitably gritty and therefore engaging. The camerawork is also of a high order. The film, though, lacks a sense of drama. Sushil Rajpal's narrative appears factual and precisely drawn. It's not hard-hitting enough. So your experience thereof, is not enough to keep you glued to your seats. johnsont307@gmail.com |
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"I enjoy acting. Acting is in my blood, it is in my genes, it is in my DNA and you can see that on screen I like doing different roles. I can't do just those films where I am looking pretty and sing and dance around trees. I want to act," Kareena said in an interview. The actress considers her debut film Refugee (2000) a special film. Refugee was a very special film because I always wanted to prove myself as an actress and not to be known just as a glam doll. There are films like Refugee, Chameli, Omkara, Jab We Met, 3 Idiots and Kurbaan; they all have been very different. "I don't think any other actress has been able to do such a variety of roles. So the journey, I think, has been colourful," said Kareena, 29. Nine years after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), where she played Kajol's younger sister, Kareena has teamed up with Kajol in Sidharth Malhotra's directorial debut We Are Family. She is elated to share the same frame with the senior actress. "I think it's an exciting challenge to be working with Kajol. In Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham we didn't have too many scenes together, but in this film we are both in the same frame. We both live in the same house, have equally powerful roles; in fact, mine is the most complex and complicated part. It's very easy to be emotional and gain sympathy but very difficult to win over the sympathy and I hope I could achieve that," she said. Releasing coming Friday, "We Are Family" is the Hindi adaptation of Hollywood hit Stepmom (1998). Arjun Rampal plays what Ed Harris did in the original, while Kajol steps into Susan Sarandon's shoes as a divorced mother. Kareena plays the same role that Julia Roberts did, but in her own style. "I am absolutely honoured that Karan (producer Karan Johar) and Sidharth thought that I could do the Julia Roberts role because to me she is the finest actress," said the actress who feels the adaptation could have been more contemporary. "It's a very desi film. I think it should have been made more contemporary. Indian audiences are ready for that. It's about the journey of two women. They start off with hating each other and due to unforeseen circumstances they end up loving each other." While working with Kajol, Kareena observed that her co-star was quite similar to her sister Karisma when it comes to their child. "Kajol is a hands-on mother. I have seen Karisma. Both Kajol and Karisma, I don't know if it's the trait of that generation, are just there with their children," said Kareena. Asked how it would have been if Karisma had played Kajol's role, she quipped, "Oh god! She can't do that because we can't marry the same man. No way." There are three child stars - Aanchal Munjal, Nominath Ginsburg and Diya Sonecha - in the film, but Kareena didn't have to handle them. — IANS
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Bollywood filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma will direct a Telugu film after a gap of over a decade. Actress Sridevi, her husband Boney Kapoor and Telugu hero Nagarjuna were present at the muhurtam ceremony for the film today. Titled Kadha-Screenplay-Darsakatvam: Appalaraju, the film stars popular Telugu comedian Sunil in the lead role. The film, a comedy, is reportedly the story of a young man from Amalapuram in East Godavari district in Coastal Andhra who comes to Hyderabad to make a movie. Though Varma began his career in films in his native tongue Telugu with Siva, he moved to Bollywood subsequently. His last Telugu film was Prema Katha made over a decade ago. Sridevi, who featured in Varma's two Telugu films - Kshana Kshanam and Govinda Govinda - directed by Varma and began her career in Telugu films, said she is what she is today because of Telugu audience. She hoped to attend the silver jubilee of Varma's latest film. Nagarjuna, who has featured in several of Varma's films, said he was willing to do another film with the ace director. — PTI
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Tarot talk
TAURUS: Your card Ten of Coins suggests friends could get on your nerves. Sit tight on your savings. You should not allow yourself to be guided by friends. Serious miscalculations are likely. Romance could be upsetting. Expect good news on Thursday. Tip: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Baby pink. GEMINI: The High Priestess reveals family pressures and responsibilities. Trust your feelings and look for the silver lining and hidden values. Excellent week for professionals. A solid appreciation brings rewards. Plan a picnic or see a movie on Friday. Tip: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Silver gray. CANCER: Two of Wands spins in speculation luck. Ideal week for doing what you please. You must not do anything to damage your reputation. Co-operation is likely from family members. Take care of stomach and avoid late night parties. Tip: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Yellow. LEO: You draw the Emperor. Differences at home will be upsetting. Arguments become serious. Health of your child is additional cause of concern for you. Businessmen can expect a sudden loss. An Aries friend comes for help. Tip: By applying yourself you can build great success. Lucky colour: Red. VIRGO: Like The Queen of Cups you are dreamy, poetic, tranquil and imaginative in loving relationships. An excellent week for models, actors and journalists. Avoid rush hours travel. Excellent week for the group activities. A phone call from a friend may cheer you up. No speculation please. Tip: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Emerald green. LIBRA: The Magus brings monument; change and travel in your life. Beware of strangers on Tuesday. Travel plan may be delayed. Women can expect a sudden stomach problem. Students should avoid hasty decisions regarding career. Tip: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Pastel blue. SCORPIO: The Sun shines on you to enhance new beginnings at work. You will not feel very happy about the situation. Try to avoid squabbles if it is just a silly misunderstanding. Money could be a problem. Students can expect extra pocket money. Tip: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Forest green. SAGITTARIUS: You draw Ten of Wands and will review a close partnership. Keep cool at all times. It will be possible to go ahead with plans that have suffered delays. Health is likely to be much better. Your patient stand will begin paying dividends. Tip: At work don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Black. CAPRICORN: Your card The World reveals love and close relationships are important. Any increase in earning should be reflected in your bank balance. Romance is likely to be important. Persons whose name begins with S or N will be most helpful. Health is normal. Tip: Focus on your emotional and spiritual aspects. Lucky colour: Aqua.
PISCES: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes. Keep out of the limelight. Do not take too optimistic attitude towards public activities. You will learn more by listening than by hogging center stage. Loan comes through. Tip: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Creamy white.
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So, what's the big deal about looking your best on your wedding day? Okay…this might sound like the most offending question in the history of female existence but the intentions shouldn't be misunderstood. We spend sleepless nights and days of running around for that one perfect dress, and then you have a price tag that ruins it all. And so, you are forced to ask the above-mentioned question to yourself. But no worries, everything comes with a solution, even the price tag. If you can't afford it, rent it.
Not very far from the hustle bustle of the city, there is one artist busy finishing a painting, largely in golden yellow. A figure of woman lying with birds at the bottom; it presents a different view and hue if you change angles.
Film: Aashayein
Film: Antardwand
Bollywood star actress Kareena Kapoor feels she has managed to strike the right balance between commercial and meaningful cinema. Hailing from an illustrious film family, she says she can't do films where she only has to dance around trees.
ARIES:
The Ace of Wands reveals that you make progressive professional and
personal commitments. An upswing in your earnings keeps you in high
spirit. Family relationships can be restored to harmony. Influential
people will be actively helpful in your affairs. Focus on exercise. Tip
of the week: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky
colour: Peach.
AQUARIUS:
Nine Golden Cups suggests light and happiness; lotus blossom greets you. A
week of love, romance and pleasure. Differences can be overcome. You
should be able to ensure that the voice of the reason wins out.
Imagination will help in dealing with routine work. Tip: Think
positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Burgundy.