In Chandigarh for a concert, ghazal singer Penaz Masani shares moments from the beautiful journey of her life

In the city for Shaam-e-Ghazal, A Penaz Masani Concert presented by Tribune in Education, Penaz shares excerpts from her journey in life.

Fairytale beginning

Encouraged by her father, who would bunk his engineering classes to accompany Ustad Faiyas Khan on tanpura at Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Baroda, Penaz started early, winning the 'Sur Singar' at the age of 14. "My first recording was a bhajan by Surdas Ji. When I performed at the same Lakshmi Vilas Palace, my father had tears of joy in his eyes. I felt so proud," says Penaz.

Real Penaz

Penaz, a cusp of Cancerian and Gemini, has inherited the overt sentimentalism from the former and talkativeness as well as warmth from the latter. A warm, affable human being that she comes across as, Penaz labels herself as a gym and nature lover as well as a loyal friend.

Favourite destination

Her work takes her across the globe, but Penaz prefers her motherland to any other place. "There is something about India that makes it unique," says Penaz. "I love mountains. Dharamshala with its spectacular Dhauladhars is enchanting. If anything comes close to its serene beauty, it is Switzerland but I would say it's too perfect. I love Dharamshala better," she says.

Cherished concert

Performing is a passion with Penaz. Though each of the concerts is close to her heart, she jumps with joy remembering this one. "It was when I was pretty young. There was this concert at St Stephens College, New Delhi. I really pepped up, mainly due to the good-looking boys! Suddenly the lights went off and the whole hall plunged into darkness. Those were days with no power back up. It was then that a boy took out a lighter, brought it close to my face and said ‘madamji, gao.' I felt like a heroine straight from 'Amar Prem' then," she shares.

From nerd to geek

One area that she is working on is technology. "I know nothing about gadgets and it feels like I haven't been to school, I seriously intend to reverse that," she shares.

Near perfect Japanese

"Just like everyone, I am grieving for Japan. On one of the recent shows, I had the light technician asking through an interpreter what kind of ghazals I was to sing. When I enquired why he said he needed to know so that he can set the lights accordingly. In everything they have, theirs is an endeavour to achieve perfection. They have been unlucky but I wish them the best of the world," says Penaz.

New generation

Children today are extremely talented. Probably God has given them the ability to fight off the difficult times. Talent shows provide an excellent platform, but then the responsibility falls on parents' shoulders to make them learn the art and remain grounded.

Give back

I sincerely believe that its only our deeds that go with us to the next world, so each one of us need to do their bit," says Penaz, who is actively involved in he fight against female foeticide and malnutrition. She will sing 'Beti' for the Friday concert.

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For her debut directorial venture Black Comedy, Namrata Goyal, 21, had the airline employees to make the play with; did not take auditions and had the post-war Britian to set the crew up against. She calls herself an employee of the airline, not that she is the airline! In between the introductions and the press briefings, she forgets to mention what should come first, till she fondly talks of her father Naresh Goyal, the man behind Jet Airways.

She talks of the human resource initiative of the airline. "My brother noticed and pointed it out that there wasn't seamless interaction between the staff at the airport. The airport staff is overshadowed by the cabin crew, whereas they are the first to come in contact with customers. It all began as an experiment in team-building exercise." The play is set in post war Britain and is based on Peter Shaffer's play by the same name. Laughs Namrata, “Initially they addressed each other as sir or ma'am and they addressed me as Ms Goyal, which was all very strange to me because where I study there everybody's is known by their first name. So I was trying to break these barriers."

Then the play happened. Where the protagonist played by a four-month-old employee is paired opposite someone with 13 years of experience in the industry. "Now you'll find the junior most person texting their senior if they want to meet for dinner," she paints a contrasting picture and wallows in the aim achieved. Quite predictable; post a degree in Film Studies from the University of London and involvement in theatre since childhood. "I wrote a seven-page script on child labour at the age of seven or eight."

If not a play, certainly more and similar efforts are in the offing. "It would have to be something related to art or form of art. It might or might not be a play exactly, but anything that brings people together."

It's IPL and everybody's vying for their share of the pie. Thrown in this time are two new teams adding to the excitement of the 51-day event spread over 74 matches. Sponsors, broadcasters, experts, hosts, everybody's rolling and revelling for one good reason - cricket! Ours is indeed a cricket-crazy country.

"I don't think there can ever be an overdose of cricket in this country. Whether team India performs at the World Cup or it doesn't, either ways it works to our advantage. Moreover, I feel they are two separate forms of the sport," says Gaurav Seth defending the overlapping of the World Cup and IPL. The cricket wrap around will show three additional hosts, Yudhistar Urs, Archana Vijaya, both VJ's and actors and Shibani Dandekar. In addition, drawing in on the cricket extravaganza and dishing out to the crowd, Max, the official broadcaster of the fourth Indian Premier League promises to outdo its previous version. Adds Gaurav, "This year around we've added a lot many things and taken up additional programming initiatives. There will be an in-studio band, cheerleaders and a smarter format."

In walks Samir Kochhar, model, actor, and television anchor. For the clueless, he hosted Lovebites and acted in Zeher and who by now has become staple to the show. "I feel like a veteran now, hosting the show, each year. Although my forte is Bollywood, I am also a sports enthusiast," says Kochhar. Joining in the excitement is Shibani Dandekar, singer, actor, model and sister of VJ Anusha. "This is my first stint. Of course live experiences are always unnerving but since I've been anchoring and hosting shows I hope it is a smooth sail. And moreover this show is on a bigger platform, so I'm extremely excited." So which team is the duo cheering for? Shares Shibani, "It'll only be clear once it starts. We have two new teams this time. But yes, I think I'd be supporting Pune Warriors because I was born in Pune and also because Yuvraj is in one of his better forms." Chips in Samir, "I'm all game. Let the best team win…we are cheering for the underdogs, plus there's so much of mix and match of the players and teams. So let's see." Let's wait and watch. Wait for the IPL and meanwhile watch the World Cup!

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Family spirit: The team members of Chhoti si Zindagi

No saas-bahu drama and no love triangle! Zee TV is coming up with a new show, Chhoti Si Zindagi, a touching tale about two sisters whose innocence, sweetness, mischief and zest for life promise to leave you spellbound.

LIBRA: Watch out for the unexpected. Business matters may not turn out to be as straightforward as they first appear. Discuss important moves that you wish to make, with influential people. Perhaps doing your own thing is wiser. Take care of your stomach. Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 57.

SCORPIO: The King of Swords suggests making a real effort because laziness and incompetence won't be tolerated by bosses; clients or customers. Today you meet someone who sets your heart aflutter. The artistic side of your nature will be yearning for an outlet. Children could bring married couples closer. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in built delays. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 26.

SAGITTARIUS: Ace of Cups will set your mood for getting nagging chores out of the way. Thoroughly check the to do list. Handle cash carefully. Turn your attention towards home & family rather than romance. Not a good day for starting up joint ventures. Tarot message: Make a choice and then live with the outcome of your decision. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 63.

CAPRICORN: Love affairs will blossom, but do not go on face value. Dress up for maximum appeal but steer away from rough venues. Success comes only with hard work. Postpone decisions on major deals. Be cautions and discriminating in your dealing. Think twice before making major purchases. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27.

AQUARIUS: The support and tips of an expert will help you master whatever subject you are committed to learning. Health wise; cut down salt and increase liquid intake. A good day for financial affairs. Make appointment with lawyers and officials today to ensure good outcomes. Tarot message: Concentrate on what’s truly important. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 28.

PISCES: Personal plans will have to be put aside one again. Learn to be optimistic. This evening is ideal for serious discussion or a heart to heart with your partner. Venus is so powerful that sexual energy is strong today. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 30.

Proud father: Manish Paul

Contestant fakes way to Roadies 8

Suraj, who was selected as a contestant of MTV Roadies 8 after getting away with a fake sob story, has now been exposed. Suraj had lied to the judges Raghu, Rajiv and Rannvijay about being a villager and that his father was responsible for his mother's death. He also lied that his father used to beat up his brother regularly in front of his pregnant sister-in-law because of which he ran away from home. It has now been revealed that Suraj is a student of the Indian Institute of Bartending and that his mother is alive. Suraj is now planning to hold a press conference to make his stand clear.

Anu acts pricey

The reality show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega is all set to return on Sony. The channel planned to rope in Anu Malik as a judge this season but as Farah Khan was already committed to Just Dance, apparently Anu has insisted on getting a much fatter package compared to Farah. Sources reveal that he feels that he has much more experience in the industry than Farah and deserves a much higher fee.

Vishal gets nostalgic

Vishal Singh aka Jigar of Saath Nibhaana Saathiya got nostalgic during his recent visit to Macao for the Star Parivaar awards. Vishal reveals, “I had been to Macao earlier and fell in love with the place. I was hoping that I get to return to the city and you can imagine my joy when I heard that the Star Parivaar awards will be held in Macao this year.”

Rajiv bags film

Rajiv Mehta who is currently a part of Mukti Bandhan on Colors has bagged a role in AB Corp's Buddah - Hoga Tera Baap starring Amitabh Bachchan. He will play a marriage registrar who disapproves of love marriages. He gets a shock when his daughter (Sonal Chauhan) falls in love with Sonu Sood’s character in the film.

Bobby, Sunny to judge Comedy Circus

Fun time: Sunny and Bobby Deol

Bobby Deol and Sunny Deol will be seen judging next week's episode of Comedy Circus on Sony. They will join Archana Puran Singh and Tusshar Kapoor as the contestants have everyone laughing out loud with their hilarious acts. Make sure you catch the Punjabi hunks in the special episode.

Farooq Sheikh (March 25, 1948), Baroda, who did most of his films during the 1970s and 1980s and frequent visitor to the City Beautiful shares his birthday with you. He has acted in many comedies on the television and performed on stage such as Tumhari Amrita. He went on to act in several notable films such as Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Noorie, Chashme Buddoor and Kissi Se Na Kehna.

Aishwarya Sakhuja, aka Toasty, from Saas Bina Sasural on Sony is the ideal bahu who has made a place for herself in the hearts of the audience. Aishwarya reveals that though she identifies with Toasty in some ways there are also a lot of dissimilarities between the two.

Aishwarya says, “I cherish relationships just like Toasty does. I love being in a close-knit family and am an open book who does not believe in being secretive. I am also an independent thinker like her and have no qualms about it.” Analyzing the dissimilarities she says, “Toasty thinks that love makes the world go round while I am practical (laughs). I am a bit emotional but I prefer to be practical.”

The actress reveals that she would never be in a situation like Toasty’s where she is the only woman in the family. “I will make sure that I do not get married to a guy who belongs to a family with only men in it. A family should be complete and I require some support from women in the family.”

When asked about fun on the sets Aishwarya excitedly replies. “Being the only woman on the sets I am a pampered brat. All the men treat me really well, just like their buddy. Ravi and I keep hitting each other and pulling each other's leg. Along with the fun I also get to learn a lot from seniors like Arvindji and Darshan Zariwalaji.”

Revealing a little about the upcoming track in the show Aishwarya says, “There is a lot of seriousness in store. The story will have some major turns because of Malti and you need to see how we deal with the situation.”