He's the brain behind the phenomenal 'The Bangg theory', Abhinav Kashyap, director of Bollywood movie Dabangg, has just tested the waters with cinema that's commercial to the core and unapologetically mainstream. And though the man in real life might be 'unputdownable' too (that's what Dabangg means) he's more than ready to sit down and share the after-effects of a commercial success. "I'll even do a headstand for you, won't disappoint anyone."

While there might not be any plans to make an animation movie himself, in the city to inaugurate art animation studio at Dikshant Global School, the director, is basking in the glory of a stupendous success. "Dabangg is over, I am enjoying life, travelling, and this is a nice place, I didn't know Mohali, Panchkula and Chandigarh were three different cities," he shares.

Beginning from where it all began, Dabangg. Err… or is it Salman Khan? Did someone ask why him? He quips, "Why not Salman Khan? What's wrong with him? He's not a bad human being?" and adds, "People say because of Salman Khan the movie did well. It couldn't have done well if you didn't enjoy it."

Like with all successful ventures, there's a sequel being worked upon. "It'll happen for sure, but in the second half of 2012 because we've to match the dates and Salman is busy till then." With further questions rested on the cast, Salman will happen for sure and so will the main character Chulbul Pandey.

While at the launch of animation studio, how well he thinks would Chulbul Pandey sell as a comic character. "We just went out to have good fun while making the movie. If someone wants to go ahead with the idea, why not?" By his own admission, Dabangg might not be 'the masterpiece'; nevertheless he's found his calling. "I have only one motto, which is laughter and that's going to stay the same. I'll make you cry, also but I'll make you laugh for sure." Perhaps the cinematic sensibilities have roots that run back to initial days. "I used to take myself very seriously, had thoughts of changing the world, was an active student leader and lost my first election. That's when I quit politics." And got into the show business industry — a place where he's actually found his space now. "If you had asked me this question two years ago, my answer would have been different. I've found my space in Bollywood after 15 years. Some find it in two months, while others in two decades."

While deep dark movies showing the stark realities of life might be fine, there's no attacking the mainstream school of thought. "Why is mainstream considered bad? We showed violence, didn't make anyone bleed. We showed romance, didn't make anyone take off their clothes."

Thrown in between the discussions are statistics that he casually quotes from his cellphone. "It's the second highest seller after 3 Idiots; made 160 crore rupees." For a script that he wrote in one month! "Being a scriptwriter helps you direct better. It's a script that we follow, but we improvise constantly because ideas keep flowing constantly from all directions and till the last moment. You being the scriptwriter helps anyday." Cheers to the creation of Chulbul Pandey!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Like other school kids, cricket was the obsession. Their heroes were not the likes of the genteel Tendulkars and Gavaskars. But the rags-to-riches heroes personified by the Pathan brothers. Yusuf and Irfan Pathan had scaled cricket's summits by starting out with torn shoes as kids. This Pathan-loving group of kids from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) at St John's High School could, however, never play the game because bats, balls and pads were way too expensive. Instead, their wiry, tough bodies harbouring a hungry heart to excel took to gymnastics. And, they excelled.

For three years running, the under-14 team of St John's has bagged the UT Inter-School Gymnastics Championship. An achievement all the more noteworthy because in 2009 and 2010, the team won without the services of their beloved coach and mentor, Raj Kumar `Sir'. Braving deprivation at home and unfortunate taunts from some peers at school, Virender, Rinki Ramesh, Mayank, Saurav, Prem Sagar, Amit Kerketta, Martin Christo and Abhishek have honed a winning team. Some have even performed at the national games. At the recent St John's Annual Sports Day presided over by Mayor Anu Chathrath, their lithe bodies put up a dazzling display for parents. The gymnasts, who were all from the EWS, made easy game of cartwheeling, vaulting and jumping.

They needed no reservation quotas to bag the big ones. “In 2007, when we started gymnastics section-wise, we found that these EWS kids have a natural flexibility and were very tough. They were hard-working and punctual as they came for practise on cycles and were not dependant on drivers and cars. They would not bother when their trousers got dirty or care two hoots about whether to wear the correct socks. They would not rush for first-aid the minute they suffered a bruise while jumping. I was amazed when they just stood and executed perfect high-jumps. The school decided to encourage them and train them. They practise for three hours daily, five days a week at the Sector 7 Atheletics Stadium also,'' said LS Chauhan, senior PT Instructor at St John's and a veteran Army teacher.

It took gumption to enter the field of competitive sports, so dominated by trappings of affluence. But nothing daunted them in their zeal to practise. Neither hungry stomachs. Nor when naughty kids tore the mats used for gymnastics. “When I started gymnastics, I was scared that how can I compete against the other kids. Then I started winning medals and my confidence grew. My parents and teachers encouraged me. My fellow gymnasts guided me. One of my classmates told me that what I have done is nothing unusual. I took it as a challenge and qualified for the nationals just to prove my classmate wrong,'' said Saurav. A few still taunt. Abhishek recalls some classmates telling him that “while you cannot, we can afford the facilties and play expensive games like cricket and golf.'' Yet, many of their well-off peers have extended a hand of friendship in recognition of their achievements.

Junior school coordinator, Sister Mercia, explains that, “Studies are emphasised for the gymnastics team and some of them are doing very well academically. St John's also helps out by providing gymnastic kits.'' For their age, the gymnastics team displays remarkable maturity. “We are not afraid of making mistakes. To become perfect, one has to make many mistakes,'' quips Mayank. Children of domestic helps, driver, workers, the aspiring Olympians have recognised sports as a medium of upward mobility and for fulfilling a very special dream. Abhishek's voice chokes, his words taper off when asked about his ultimate goal, “To make my mummy happy....to buy her a house....be able to buy my parents all the things they never had....''

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif says she has no plans to tie the knot right now, but feels that marriage is a cute thing."I don't have any plans. But I think marriage is one of the cute things. You have to leave it in god's hand," said Katrina.

Katrina, who is on cloud nine after the grand success of her previous film Raajneeti, has already established herself as one of the leading actors of Bollywood.

Her sizzling item song Sheila Ki Jawani in Tees Maar Khan directed by Farah Khan is already a hit.

When the question about Katrina's marriage was popped to Akshay, he shot back: "Why do you want her to get married? She is a very talented actor. She is making her career. Let her make it." — IANS

Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguez have finally taken their romance public when they were photographed strolling arm-in-arm in Miami.The Hollywood couple has rarely been snapped together and are never seen touching, fuelling media speculation about their relationship status.However, pictures captured for the first time show couple in some serious displays of public affection as they strolled along with their arms firmly wrapped around each other.

The power couple was spied flaunting their flawless figures during a romantic Thanksgiving getaway to Mexico last month.And whilst the pair were captured soaking up the sun on board a boat in Miami beach shortly after their Thanksgiving trip they were not caught out embracing on camera.

The pair first hooked up back in July this year but the relationship has been somewhat unsteady and the two split in October.But since they reunited in November the couple seems to be getting more serious and have become inseparable in recent weeks. Despite spending more and more time together friends close to the couple have voiced concerns over the relationship in recent months. "They break up and get back together all the time," a source close to A-Rod said. — ANI

Bobby Deol is unfazed by the recent bad lucky at the box office as he looks forward to his next film Yamla, Pagla, Deewana, which reunites him with brother Sunny and father Dharmendra once again after Apne.

The youngest of the Deols, Bobby, who debuted in a romantic role in 'Barsaat' in 1995 and graduated in thrillers while experimenting with different genres, says when it comes to success at the box office everything boils down to 'luck'.

"I don't find Bollywood actors in their 40s reinventing themselves and I don't need any reinventing strategy to survive in the industry as ultimately it's all luck that ensures your box office success," Bobby said.

Post the success of Apne, Bobby will once again be seen sharing screen space with his father and brother Sunny in the upcoming film Yamla Pagla Deewana which celebrates the cine-legend Dharmendra's 50 years in the tinsel town.

However, the actor insists he is never under pressure when it comes to match the charisma and the emoting prowess of his father who is still going strong at 75.

"I know being comfortable is a different thing and being professional on the sets is a different ball game. But we had a gala time during the shoot as my father is a warm person who has always made our lives comfortable.

"He is confident that his sons are good actors and getting advice from a legend like him is a blessing," said Bobby.

Yamla Pagla... will witness the three Deols in a new avatar. It is a pot-boiler of comedy, drama, action and romance. The film opens in Vancouvre, travels to Banaras and eventually paves its way to Punjab.

"The idea suddenly propped in our mind as we were listening to papa's song from the film Pratigya and we instantly decided to work on the film with the same title though it took one and a half years to pen down the script." With hits like Gupt, Soldier, Humraaz and Dostana to his credit, success has eluded Bobby for a long time whose last horror flick Help sank without help at the box office.

But the actor laments that lack of good scripts in Bollywood.

"There is dearth of good scripts in Bollywood. I agree my last few films didn't fare well. Sometimes you like a particular script but it doesn't turn out the way you expect it to be and you are deprived of hits," he said.

Speaking about his future plans, the 43-year-old actor whose forthcoming projects include Thank You and 'Players', is not at all keen to switch gears to production and direction and wants to confine himself to acting.

With newcomer Kulraj Randhawa playing love interest of the actor, the film is a hilarious take on mistaken identities.

Father-son duo of Dharamendra and Bobby play conmen while Sunny is an NRI. The film also boasts of actors like Nafisa Ali, Anupam Kher, Johnny Lever, Puneet Issar and Mukul Dev.

It is slated for January 14 release to mark the festive mood of Lohri. — PTI

Her turn as a crazed ballerina is tipped to win her an Oscar nod and Hollywood beauty Natalie Portman has now landed a new leading role, as the face of fashion house Dior's Miss Cherie fragrance.

Portman, who has never lent her face to a cosmetics or fragrance campaign until now, was announced as the new model for the perfume at a fashion gala.The logistics of the collaboration are already well under way, with renowned fashion photographer Tim Walker having shot Portman for the print adverts and director Sophia Coppola directing the TV commercial.

The 28-year-old joins fellow Dior 'pin-ups' Charlize Theron, who appears bathed in gold for the 'J'adore' Dior perfume and Sharon Stone, who fronts the skincare campaign.Portman then joined Christian Dior creative director John Galliano at opening of the newly renovated flagship boutique.Wearing a black and nude lace dress by Christian Dior she switched on the lights of the new store's facade. — PTI 

He had shot 'Tera Kya Hoga Johnny' while he was one-film-old in Bollywood and after three years the film starring Neil Nitin Mukesh is set to release.But director Sudhir Mishra says he knew that the then-newcomer was the perfect choice for the edgy thriller.The National award winning filmmaker has mentored plenty of acting talent, be it Kareena Kapoor in Chameli or Shiney Ahuja and Chitrangada Singh in Hazaron Khwaishen Aisi and he took a instant liking for Neil.

"When I first saw him, we knew that he was this young man who carried tremendous potential to do well in cinema," Mishra said."Neil has this brooding intensity coupled with vulnerability, a unique combination indeed, which makes him stand apart from the crowd. He isn't someone who is into acting-acting for camera. He just acts naturally without turning gimmicky at all," added the veteran filmmaker. Though in the interim period, Neil has made an impression with diverse films such as Johnny Gaddaar, New York, Jail and Lafangey Parindey, commercially the young actor has seen a mixed run so far. Mishra is hopeful that the audience will see a new side to the actor in Tera Kya Hoga Johnny. "This is one film which will aid in further transformation for Neil. He is a very good actor and all he needs is a platform to succeed. He has that hunger to do well and this film provides him ample opportunity to be seen in an interesting space. Wait and watch," said the filmmaker. When launched Tera Kya Hoga Johnny was one of the first films based on the darker side of Mumbai. However, over the years gone by, half a dozen odd films belonging to this genre have arrived. In such a scenario, does the freshness of Tera Kya Hoga Johny still stay intact? "Let me proudly admit that I have managed to bring in insider's point of view in telling this tale of Mumbai. If you walk this city in the night, there are stories that emerge from all over. This is a city of hope albeit with a darker side to it," says Mishra.

"This city shows how accidents of life happen, how sometimes life flips you around, how chances play a big role in your very existence and how, if you are in the right company, some of the most unexpected things could happen to you, hence twisting around your life," added the filmmaker.With an ensemble cast of Abhay Deol, Kay Kay Menon, Soha Ali Khan, Shahana Goswami, Karan Nath and Makrand Deshpande among others, Tera Kya Ho Gaya Johnny releases all over on December 17. — PTI 

The caption reads-love will keep us together-and easily explains the emotional and physical aspects of the photograph. It has a mother posing with her children. In the backdrop there are other children as well. "The picture shows that the crowd around can't separate them, and that's the physical aspect of it.

The emotional part is stronger and self-explanatory. It suggests that love will bind them; no matter how many problems they face. Together, they will overcome the crisis of life," comes as a pleasant surprise from Akash Ghai, a 17-year-old school student who has his exhibition of photographs on display at the Alliance Francaise-36 gallery.

Likewise, every photograph has an apt caption given by him, a trend that has gone missing from the photography scene. "I know that artists no more give captions to their work, as they want people to draw their own conclusions. I preferred these because I wanted people to know what I think. Once they have an idea of it, they are free to judge the photographs."

The pictures are primarily themed around the elements of life - fire, water, earth and space. Akash adds that the themes are co-incidental. "After shortlisting the photographs for the exhibition, I realised that there are certain similarities in the pictures. But I don't deny that fire and water are the favourite subjects of any photographer." Thus, in a photograph that he clicked in Kerala, street art of playing with fire (the caption reads - the dragon within) is captured, and in another one there is the seashore. "The fire takes the shape of a dragon that's present in each one of us. At seashore, water meets earth. It's a connection that's as strong as that of a body and soul," Akash explains the photographs.

A student of Chinmaya International Residential School, it was on his school trips to various destinations that he clicked the photographs, "The reason why a lot of pictures are of scenes of railway stations." A picture shows a lot of railway tracks, titled, the lifelines. "Railway tracks depict our unfulfilled desires of life. We do get close to them at times but aren't able to achieve them."

The exhibition also has a number of pictures clicked in rural India. "Photography gave me a chance to see the real India, where we still have narrow lanes; we have people who live a simple life and ambitions are limited." A picture of a small boy holding a broken cricket bat says the same. Its caption is, 'my silverware.'

An interesting picture that doesn't fail to catch the eye is the one titled, 'reload either of the two'. It shows a cannon placed at some distance from an auto rickshaw. And the caption does the talking, once again! On till December 21

Monin beverages, Colavita olive oil, Taco seasonings, Kettle chips, Hershey's syrups to Bhut Jolokia along with youngsters' favourite energy drink Red Bull — newly opened 'Chef's Gateway' in Sector 22 is already drawing in food buffs of the city.

"A mélange of gourmet fare, in properly segmented sections, covering a global range of specialty cuisines is what we aim to achieve with this store," says Gurvin Singh Oberoi from Jagat Singh & Sons Agencies. A foodie himself, Gurvin shares, "We spend considerable time and effort on knowing customers' preferences and what's available when it comes to specialty foods."

To begin with, just across the cash counter is 'impulse buying' stuff, the best brands of chocolates and drinks. And since it's 'Chef's Gateway' one can pick up books like Mastering Art and Craft of Baking and Pastry or Tom Colicchio's Think Like A Chef.

Herbs and nuts section promises herbs from across the globe. Bhut Jolokia, the hottest chilly from Assam, finds a proud place here. The bar section (doles out only non-alcoholic drinks as of now) is full with a range of teas, purees in marvellous flavours like raspberry, blackberry, lychee, peach and coconut; some with high fruit content, as much as 45 per cent.

Southeast Asian, Japanese, Mexican, European, Middle-east, Mediterranean — the various sections stock main ingredients of their cuisines. "It's an effort to bring the fare to those who are looking to cook dishes from around the world for their family or guests," he adds. This place caters to not only amateur chefs, but also professionals and has packings in different sizes.

The frozen section has all kinds of berries and chestnuts. The bakery has amazing sugar-based cake decorations from Germany, paper moulds from Italy et al.

"We have all the premium stuff. Like only two kind of chips are here - Tyrrells and Kettle — both known to be natural and hand-cooked," says Gurvin.

And it's not only the best of cheese, olive oils, meats, teas, truffles but also Emile Henry crockery, a known French brand. Each plate costs a thousand bucks. Now, that's what you call truly premium!

mona@tribunemail.com

Lovers of old Hindi film melodies in the city will get a chance to be face to face with Ravi, one of the much-loved music directors of Bollywood, on Wednesday evening. The occasion is a musical evening called Three Legends being organised at Tagore Theatre, organised by Naresh Jacob of Vibrations group.

The musical evening will feature hit songs of Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar composed by Ravi in his presence, as he is the chief guest for the evening. There will also be guest songs of Mahendra Kapoor, a singer nurtured by Ravi. Among the evergreen songs composed by Ravi are: Jab Chali Thandi Hawa (Do Badan), Neele Gagan Ke Tale (Hamraaz), Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho (Chaudhvin ka Chand), Chalo ek baar phir se (Gumrah) and many others.

Born as Ravi Shankar Sharma (b 1926) he was popularly known only as Ravi. He came from Delhi to Mumbai, a young man in his early twenties, in 1952 all set to become a singer. Never formally trained in music, he nevertheless managed to get a job with none other than Hemant Kumar as assistant music director. He was the one who played the been on the harmonium in the film Nagin. However, listening to Mohammad Rafi changed his plans. "Rafi's voice was so great that I felt that I would rather compose songs for him. Those were days of great music and very talented singers".

Ravi made a special place for himself holding out his own in the competition offered by many musical stalwarts. In the Eighties, he made a comeback giving hit songs for film directors like Hariharan. So midweek, it will be a time for a notstalgia trip down Ravi's Bollywood years along with the veteran music director sharing his rich memories. As he says, "When I composed years ago I never thought that I would get the recognition and popularity even after so many years. But people still tap their toes to them. What more can one ask for!"

The aquatic plants need earth at the base of the pond to give roots and then spread on the surface of the water. No, there are a number of them that need no ground base and are floating type having their roots at the surface itself. Such plants keep floating and shifting. Wherever they reach they develop fast to cover the water surface. Some of such plants that are easily available in this area are salvina, pistia, ladies lips, hydrilla, water hyacinth, azolas etc. You can also plant one of these in shallow pots in your home garden. Keep it in a pot, which is elevated from ground level.

LAVA Mobile has unveiled its new touch screen phone A10, backed with stylish look and great features. The line "Separates the men from the boys" is apt for the phone because the sharp edges and stylish gun metal body of Lava A10 give it a masculine appeal. Unique features like IPS screen, great multimedia make it a really power packed device. With the introduction of A10, LAVA has made its place in competitive touch phone market. Following the success of A9, A10 builds on Lava's reputation of coming up with phone, which are high on aesthetics and features.

A10 would be a unique phone in touch screen segment as it comes with the latest IPS technology. The IPS screen provides a superior display with clear sharp images both for still and motion pictures. Besides the superior display, IPS Screen allows pictures and videos to be viewed at wide angle till 178 degree. The wide viewing angle is particularly useful when a group of people are viewing the same screen from different angles.

The device features metal body giving it a stylish masculine look. Beneath the IPS screen display pane, it has all the features, which users clamour for. The bright 3.0 inch multi touch screen, with user friendly interface aims at providing amazing touch experience. The state of the art A10 has two prominent features, which make it a perfect entertainment device—the impressive 3.2MP digital camera with flash and Yamaha PA System for great quality of Music sound. This Phone comes along with expandable memory support Up to 16 GB, which ensures enough space for your multimedia files. — TNS

Household gadgets are a rage these days - from funky stalking fillers such as odd-shaped corkscrews and quirky tin openers to more practical gadgets like water filters and multi-tools. Whether you need your orange peeled or your foot massaged, there seems to be a gadget ready and waiting to help you out. In days gone by, household gadgets were somewhat of a costly treat for most people, which is not the case now.

The high demand for new and improved household gadgets has seen prices crash and a huge range of new items filling up shop shelves across the country. However, it could be said that making way for new and improved toys has rendered many of our old gadgets and gizmos obsolete. The quality and durability of many of our favourite household products has been pushed aside to make way for cheaper and more accessible supplies. Items such as toasters, phones and music systems have all gone through major redesigns and not all of them have made these gadgets more durable or sturdy.

Complex mechanics is one of the reasons for low durability. Our modern household gadgets have more buttons, lights and other features that are likely to develop faults. Similarly, cheaper material and bad workmanship contribute to frequent breakdown.

However, companies are constantly working to improve models and utilising new research to make our household gadgets more durable. New materials, including silicon, PVC, high-grade plastic and vinyl are now being used with great success.

amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com