Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Aapko Pehley Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai, Aap Mujhey Achey Lagney Lagey, Ab Tumhare Hawaley Watan Saathiyo, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani…how on earth do these filmwalas come up with such never-ending movie titles? On second thoughts, what good does a title of a film do to the movie? If Chori Chori Chupke Chupke was only Chori, do you think it would have made a platinum jubilee?

So, when director-actor Puneet Issar changes the working title of his film from Nischey Kar Apni Jeet Karoo to I Am Singh, we wonder what deep thought went into it? Puneet and the lead actor Gulzar Chahal point towards Peshaura Singh Thind, the producer of the movie, and we let him explain the change. "It goes with the subject," he sums it. We turn to the director, hoping a heavy-duty take on it. "Title of the film definitely plays an important role. It reflects the theme and touches the soul of the movie. Long titles are a trend, but the success of a movie doesn't depend on it. In this movie, I Am Singh goes with the theme, which Thind suggested. It just fits the bill."

Quiet a thought went in here! So, what would be the theme like - something on Sikhs? "Indeed, the movie is based on mistaken identity, which the Sikhs faced after the 9/11 incident," shares Puneet. See we told you. Don't have to be a rocket scientist to guess this one, just a movie buff who invests more faith on the title! What's more? Adds Puneet, who is waiting for the worldwide release of the movie. "It is not a documentary. We researched well on the subject, met up with few families who faced this problem. I Am Singh is not a complete fiction too, at the same time it is inspired by true incidents interpreted in the right manner," he says.

Once the interpretation is done, the next one to take charge is of course the actor. Gulzar Chahal makes his debut with the movie. A cricket player and producer from Patiala, he has all the reasons to sit up and wait for the brownie moments. "I have put heart and soul into this flick. I went by my director Puneet Issar's instructions, knowing we would deliver nothing but the best," he smiles faintly. God knows what's stopping him to shout hurray, we've done it. Maybe the seriousness of the subject."

Adds Thind, "subject is the real actor of the movie." Wonder how Sallu Bhai, King Khan or perfectionist Aamir would have taken to the remark? Subject is the real actor…then what do we do in the flick! Kidding guys. Puneet, Gulzar and Thind are nice enough to understand the joke. "We had a long discussion amongst ourselves," says Puneet adding that because the subject was powerful and sensitive they didn't want any 'already' acclaimed actor to take away the attention of the audiences." He has a point here. "Gulzar has done a brilliant job. We had numerous workshops before the final shoot. If tell you that I Am Singh is something that you would have never seen before, it is not a flimsy exaggerated statement out of the blue. I am dead sure about the efforts put in." And Puneet had a turban-tying expert fly abroad to tie just the right kind of turban for Gulzar. "The detailing is to the hilt," Puneet chips in.

The budget is big; the cast has worked hard enough, now the ball rests the court of publicity and advertising. Puneet quickly repeats what he had said a minute back. "You wouldn't have seen anything like I Am Singh before. The publicity would be brilliant." Watch out!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Should we take an offence for not being advised to wear sunglasses before a face to face with this iconic Punjabi singer? He greeted us with a warm hello and a super-flashy smile that had the power of at least a 100-watt bulb, which took us by alarm! That's Jazzy B, as he gets up, close and personal and the first thing everybody notices is his golden teeth!

"This is not something new. Our elders used to get golden teeth fixed as well. I am just following the tradition," quips Jazzy B, who released his latest album, Naag 2, in the city on Tuesday. Wish everybody could afford to follow the tradition when the metal cost is touching 20 K!

On the same thought, he was also sporting a huge golden chain with a diamond-studded pendant in a complementing size. Not to forget three (or may be two) solitaire studs in ears and gold rings that had the diameter of Rs 10 coin. Candidly he says, "I love my wife and I love gold." Need to mention that!

Coming to the album, his fans will be a little disappointed to know that the album with nine tracks in total will just have one by him. But when it's Jazzy B, even one song is not less. It's a fantastic folk Punjabi number, titled Hyper, that definitely will be heard the maximum number of times in discs and private parties. As for the title Hyper, he says, "It was decided by my friend Popsy, who's also the music director of the album. The title reflects our temperament. We always brim with energy, thus it suits us well." About the title of the album, Naag 2, he says, the name is lucky for him. "There was a track Naag prior to the Naag 1, which was never released in India but was a huge hit in the UK. With Naag 2, expectations are same."

The song, unlike the trend, doesn't have any lines for a rapper. "Whatever Punjabi numbers we hear these days have a few English lines in between. I wanted my song to be a pure Punjabi number. Since Naag 1 was a huge hit despite being a desi bhangra number, the idea was that the sequel should fall in the same category." The video of the song is on the same lines. It has rural setting and a lot of dance. Big FM will release the song on air. But for the full-fledged album, his fans will have to wait a little. "I will be ready with it by April. It will only have folk numbers and I am doing it in collaboration with Kuldeep Manak."

Jazzy B is also open to the idea of singing Bollywood numbers. "The demand for Punjabi music is immense. Taking it to Bollywood will further popularise it, as it enjoys a huge audience. However, prior to that, I want to concentrate on promoting Naag 2 well," he adds, flashing a million dollar smile once again. Quite literally!

ashima@tribunemail.com 

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has denied reports that she got some changes made in the script of her forthcoming film Break Ke Baad.

"I don't get into script changing at all. I believe the director and the writer have a vision when they want to make a certain film and we are actors; if we like it we should be a part of it, if not then there is always another chance," Deepika said.

Break Ke Baad, also starring Imran Khan, has been directed by new director Danish Aslam and is the production debut of Kunal Kohli. The film is slated to hit the screens December 10. — IANS

Dusky actor Bipasha Basu, who entered Hindi filmdom with suspense thriller Ajnabee, says her second film Raaz is closer to her heart.

"Raaz is very close to me because it got me into acting. 'Ajnabee' was the first film, but after doing 'Raaz' I figured out that I want to be an actor," Bipasha said.

In a career of more than eight years, the actress has worked in films of various genres, including "Jism", "No Entry", "Corporate", "Dhoom 2", "Bachna Ae Haseeno" and "Lamhaa" among others. — IANS

Actor Purab Kohli, who is all geared up for his up-coming film Turning 30, says, of all his films, Rock On, increased his market value in B-town.

"I think Rock On has increased my market value in Bollywood. I started getting offers from several quarters," Purab said.

The model-turned-actor garnered lot of appreciation for his performance in Rock On, where he was seen sharing screen with Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Luke Kenny, Prachi Desai and others.

Purab who will be seen next opposite Gul Panag in Turning 30, essays the role of a photographer in the film.

Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and produced by Prakash Jha, Turning 30, is the story of a single woman who grapples with several issues as she turns 30.

"I feel each and every person who is either in late 20's or at the age of 30 have worries about his work, marriage, family and others. It brings additional responsibility as one needs to plan out things keeping in mind their own future and their loved ones," Purab said.

The former VJ will be working with Director Onir again for the I am series. It consists of four short films: Omar, Afia, Abhimanyu, and Megha.

Each film shares the common theme of fear and is based on real life stories. — PTI 

Debutant Ranveer Singh, who is set to make his debut with Yashraj Films' Band Baaja Baaraat, says he was not insecure working with his co-actor Anushka Sharma even though she has already done two films.

"The first thing I knew even before I knew Anushka was the script. So I knew that the story is character-driven. It's all about these two characters; so when I read the script I knew that they were there in the story in equal proportion and that's what gave me the reassurance," Ranveer said.

"I was never doubtful or scared that I won't be able to make my space. There was so much for me to sink my teeth into that I never felt any problem," he added.

The film directed by new director Maneesh Sharma will hit the screens December 10. — IANS

Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio was one of the passengers on board the flight that burst into flames on Sunday and the actor praised the pilot for landing the aircraft safely at JFK airport."En route to attend the Tiger Summit in St Petersburg, Leonardo DiCaprio was one of the passengers aboard Delta Flight 30," read a statement released by the Titanic star's representatives.

"He wishes to commend the actions of the pilot and flight crew in bringing the plane to a safe landing," it said.The Moscow bound aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at JFK airport after one of its two engines caught on fire.The New York Post reported on Sunday that pilots believe that the accident was caused by birds.The Boeing 767 Delta flight carrying 193 passengers lost the engine just after takeoff at 4:25 pm, which said that the burning flight circled the airport for 90 minutes.The plane landed just before 6 pm and no injuries were reported. — PTI

Creativity cannot be reigned in. Reenu, a trained dancer, who somehow is not following her passion any more, has found another outlet for her creative talent - interior designing. And that's amply visible in her 14-marla house in Sector 36.

A small verandah with potted plants in black wrought iron planters, adjusted at various heights, and a little green lawn make a large living room look even bigger.

Done in buff colour, the ceiling matches with the walls. Comfortable, cushiony seating designed by Reenu in off white, self-print, is the mainstay of this place. A range of cabinets in dark chocolate have different shapes - one runs along with the pillar, there is another in spiral and a square; solid table has two glass corners to hold potpourri and this is in dark chocolate as well. This well-tuned chocolate and buff colour tone is broken by turquoise cushions and red candleholders. "I have something for white. I just love to keep base colour of any room white and play up with knick-knacks to add colour. One complete wall done in mehandi adds to the look.

All the artefacts sourced from the travels abroad are in bronze tone. "I love heavy pieces in metal or hard fibre," shares Reenu. This area of the living room has wooden flooring.

Right next to it is the dining area with an amazing eight-seater table. In solid teak these chairs have a cut Chinese pattern at the back that Reenu picked up from a book. The cabinet on the side has open squares to hold the relics, here in shapes of pots and pans. But the showstopper for sure is a hand painting in silver-golden mix-media that's framed in an elaborate teak wood design created by Reenu.

This dining area flows into another corner that has a ten-seater in red and golden, the very first creation by Reenu. Then there are interestingly shaped cushions - triangular, paisley, rectangular and oval. Italian wallpaper in shimmery golden lights adds to the look.

The master bedroom has a low-height bed in white. A rose red silk cushion and a rug brighten up this room with muted silk blinds. A huge chair in a very interesting shape takes one corner and red and white flowers in a huge vase occupy another.

The attached washroom is a work of art in itself - carefully chosen tiles with small squares in hues of beige to brown and an ornate wooden cabinet that has a mirror, utilities and gorgeous flowers in a vase.

There is a guest bedroom along with a small puja-cum-music room and study that has photographs of Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, the renowned santoor player and guru of Reenu's husband Dr Kanwar Mohan. The small passage to this room has painting of dance mudras from kathak, bharatnayam and kuchipudi, Reenu's favourite dance forms.

"I only got two months time to deck up this home, but I guess it suits the two of us just fine," smiles Reenu.

mona@tribunemail.com

Of all the visual arts, cinema and television has emerged as the most potent in influencing the cultural life of masses, but it is not always that it offers meaningful entertainment that has a profound social message for the society we live in," opines renowned thespian Farooq Sheikh, who was in city for the release ceremony of books by poet Ramendra Jakhu Sahil.

A veteran of over 40 films and many TV serials, Farooq had the privilege of working with elite directors, including Satyajit Ray, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Muzzafar Ali, Ketan Mehta, among others. Umrao Jaan, Noorie, Garam Hawa, Chashm-e-Baddoor, Gaman are a few of his noted films. Farooq was given the President's national award-2009 for his role in Hindi film Lahore.

Hailed as the intellectual actor, Farooq has established his name not only in Bollywood films, but also as an anchor in TV show Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai.

"Over the years, Indian cinema has attained the status of a giant industry, but today many bigwigs at the helm of affairs are blissfully ignorant about the interests of the common man," observes Farooq.

While referring to the increasing projection of vulgarity, sex, violence and vague thematic content, he rues that the pristine idealism and storyline central to Indian culture is woefully missing nowadays. "In fact, the lack of writers of profound calibre is badly ailing the film industry. As you know, story, script and lyrics are the lifeline of a film and should be good," he affirms.

Farooq also blames the audience for this decline of standards, as they have never protested against sub-standard work. "Mass movement can certainly exert pressure, as is evident from the rescheduling of Rakhi Sawant's show," asserts Farooqe.

What is next in line? "It is titled Tell Me O Khuda. The movie is a veritable mix of tradition and modernity. I have an important role in this mega-project of superstar Hema Malini. It also features Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Isha Deol and other young actors," he signs off.

Come winter and we all get worried about our dry and dull skin. This winter, challenge the harsh and dry season, with the Essensual 20 range of skin care products from Modicare. Keep your skin happy all through the chilly days.

Use creamy cleanser toner (for dry skin), a gentle creamy Cleanser Toner with nourishing, milk proteins and cleansing agents that unclogs pores, removes dirt, relieves dryness and leaves the skin clean. The toning action refreshes skin and tightens enlarged pores. Pack size: 100ml, MRP: Rs 150

For those with dry skin, Essensual 20 Algae Mask, a triple-action mask that hydrates, relaxes and firms the skin is a perfect product to combat dryness and premature ageing. Enriched with sea algae and natural extracts, it leaves the skin looking toned, soothed and healthy. The mask works by retaining moisture balance leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. Pack size: 75ml, MRP: Rs 275

Enriched Moisturiser (for dry skin), a rich lotion containing emollients, humectants and nourishing milk proteins that form a protective-shield against moisture and improves skin resilience, softness and elasticity. It prevents the appearance of fine lines and provides protection from the sun. Pack size: 50ml, MRP: Rs 160

Modicare's Essensual 20 Nourishing Day Gel Cream for oily to combination skin is a smooth luxurious day cream which combines the power of hydration with the softness of a cream and the freshness of a gel. The cream comprises of common ingredients like Vitamin E, Pro Vitamin B5, Minerals. Pack size: 45ml MRP: Rs. 550.

Modicare's Essensual 20 Nourishing Day Cream for dry to sensitive skin has the green tea extracts which act as an emollient preventing skin moisture loss, retains skins elasticity and keeps skin healthy and clear. Pack Size: 45ml MRP: Rs 595.

Smirnoff outshines this year's festive celebrations with the launch of its new flavour -- Smirnoff Lime. Made from the world's best selling vodka, Smirnoff No. 21 offers the essence of refreshing lime, guaranteed to make delicious cocktails.

Speaking on Smirnoff Lime, Abanti Sankaranarayanan, marketing and innovation director, Diageo India, said, "The latest innovation from the world's #1 vodka brand, Smirnoff Lime has been developed to appeal to consumers who are looking to add more variety. Smirnoff Lime goes perfectly with an array of mixers. Enjoy Smirnoff Lime with soda, lemonade or cola for a crisp and refreshing mix.

Smirnoff Lime is available for Rs 350 for a 750 ml bottle and Rs 95 for a 180 ml bottle. With its fresh aroma and zesty appeal, Smirnoff Lime is every vodka drinker's delight.

Didn't JD Salinger get it right with the 'Catcher In the Rye' about famous alumni acting all proper and predictable with their alma mater? With the winter chill sets in the season of the meets and hasn't everyone at one point or the other shuddered at the thought of going to one? A place where you always secretly wanted your batch rivals to look ridiculous, where you come back to recall the nerd and the geeks of the class; the sidey girl from the school van, and then the prom queen, the uptight monitor!

With due respect to the institution, the concept and the convention; here's taking a look at the ever popular alumni club. So what's one thing the city pass outs don't like about the alumni meets.

"If I really have to pick something negative of the alumni meets, then it would be again coming across people who still haven't grown up. Who are still there where you left them. I think that's the only unfortunate part," laughs Rahul Malhotra, former president OYA. Nevertheless, the good part just doesn't fail to seep in. He adds, "But at this point of time, so many years after passing out, the bond is so strong that you only remember the good times spent together."

Agrees Monica Issar, member CESA, "There's a pretence in the air; it's something you can feel. Nobody's really himself or herself; that's one thing I don't like about alumni meets." In walks 'the girls will always be girls' factor. She laughs and adds, "Comments like, Oh she's so fit, she's so slim, she's still so maintained are always a part of the conversations. There's a competitive streak too, but that comes in later after you've met and found out how everyone's doing in their lives."

Didn't someone say, it's a place where the famous alumni flaunt, how famous and big they became after leaving school to the others? The guy who nobody could remember, the braces wearing plane Jane who later became a beauty queen, the anonymous nerd heading a software company. Then there are people who'll flaunt being just as slim, as young and as prim! If you know what we mean! And then pour in the anonymous confessions; "The worst part is to see your old foes flaunting their present status; backstabbing boyfriends making a red carpet kind of appearance." There's some more… "If there's a grudge against the teachers; then alumni meet is certainly not the best place to be actually seen at."

Anyhow, even amidst criticism there's nostalgia. And the flipside is just that. As shares Navpreet Aujla, former SJOBA president, "I would never be able to pinpoint any negatives about alumni meets because I personally am extremely in favour of these social gatherings. I make it a point to visit all of the old school associations, including those abroad." He lists a plus. "Even classmates who we were not very close to or great buddies with during school time, become the best of pals after so many years."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

The new generation is busy with the profession, dedicated to spend their time on work by the boom of technologies. They need a life partner who should match with their mindsets. The traditional role of the man being a breadwinner and the woman being the caretaker of the household is totally non-existent. This generation needs a platform to find a perfect partner, where they can interact more personally about their likes and dislikes. The emergence privilege matrimony, with new concept of relationship managers who are professionals in match-making and more understandable has replaced the traditional agents. Their focus is more on how compatible 2 people are with each other, by proper counseling as well the other personality test, which will definitely help the wedding couples.

Relationship Manager will search, screen, shortlist and contact matches on behalf of the privilege members, and gives them individual attention and regular follow ups thereby simplifying their life partner search with 100 percent privacy.

The relationship managers after conducting an in depth study on the personality of members and partner preference in terms of family background and likes and dislikes of individuals, shortlist the matches for them. The matching profiles would be sending to the members for review and according to their feed back, they narrow down the search. Once the matchmaking process completed, relationship managers will organize a face to face meeting for the members and their family.

The fee for PrivilegeMatrimony services has been set at Rs15, 000 for a three-month membership, where Shaadi has charge Rs17, 001 for assisted matchmaking service for a three months.

Convenience of online marriages

Today everyone give a lot of importance to time and money. All the people are looking for opportunities where they can get a reliable feedback for reasonable price. The internet became a good medium to reach the needs. It has become a trusted medium if we take the case of matrimony the cost and the time taken is far better than that of print media. It provides wider space to enable you to share your dreams and views as to what kind of partner you are searching for. These days internet replaced the family drawing room or coffee shop for the first meeting of wedding couples, where one will get required privacy as well as not feel threatened of their space. Because of this reason the number of registration on matrimonial sites have a noticeable increase in these days.

Another attraction of the online matrimony is the feedback which a member can get from the online registration- it is fast and more reliable compared to the traditional methods as the registrations are done by the members themselves or the parents. The cost of registration is also much appealing to the members in online with more and more choices for them.

The online gives an opportunity to choose the perfect match where they can cross check the matching profiles and can fulfill the dream of a life partner for life long. —TNS

The biggest challenge for a graphic designer, unlike an artist who works on canvas or with a camera, is that he doesn't have the freedom of space. A graphic designer can produce work only inside the studio where the basic requirements are printing machines and acids. So, what will one do minus the studio?

Our super-achiever of this week, Lakhwinder Singh has the answer, "Make the most of the opportunity one gets. I have already made 45 graphic works in this year and plan to take the number to 55 before the session gets over."

A final-year student of MFA, Government College of Art, Lakhwinder knows that he isn't left with much time in the college studio. "On an average, a print is made in a week's time but with little time left, I'll have to double the working hours." However, adding to quantity doesn't mean a compromise with quality.

Recently, Government Museum and Art Gallery bought his work. His exhibitions were also held at the VK College of Art in Orissa and at the Jamia Millia University in Delhi. "In both cases, works by only two students from the college were selected and, luckily, mine was one of these."

But its not sheer luck that has helped him earn well and support his family, Lakhwinder's hardwork deserves appreciation as well. After completing BFA from the college, he took a two-year break due to paucity of funds before pursuing MFA. "I come from a very humble background. I had to earn the college fee on my own." For that, he picked up the job of a newspaper vendor. "The job gave me a lot of time to study and work during the daytime." He also worked as a colouring artist for the animation film on Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Yet to release in India, the film was well-received in Canada.

"Based on the childhood of Ranjit Singh, the movie will open avenues for animators who can't shift their base to metropolitan cities," he adds.

As a part of the Bunch, an artists' group, Lakhwinder displayed his works in three exhibitions. In total, he has already sold 40 prints. And bookings are on for more.