The Super(b)Star 
Darsheel Safary of Taare Zameen Par fame, who was in the city to promote his upcoming venture Zokkomon, comes across as a thorough professional 
Jasmine Singh

We catch him sharing light moments with students at Saupin’s School-32. His eyes seem to be registering every little move, neither oblivious to the fanfare around him nor to the kids who want to share photo space with him. He is no different, till someone announces ‘some journos want to speak to you Darsheel.’

The scenario changes, Darsheel Safary, the dyslexic kid of Taare Zameen Par, transforms into a perfect interviewers’ delight. He is a ninth grader, another brat who gives time to the folk, who has seen showbiz too closely to turn a blind eye to it. In the city along with the cast for the promotion of the film Zokkomon, Darsheel gets a constant reminder from his doting mother who keeps whispering (not literally) in his ears —‘You are no hero, you are like the kids your age Darsheel’!

The reminders work perfectly for the star kid, who carries no airs, no tantrums. He knows he is one among the kids, who got a little too lucky maybe. As we observe him, Darsheel takes to the stage, talks about his role in the movie. Everything perfect, like a star. “Next question,” he says leaving everybody in splits. You certainly can’t ignore his confidence.

“I play Kunal in Zokkomon’, an orphan who discovers how cruel life is when he is discarded by his heartless uncle,” shares Darsheel. Yet another thought-provoking role after Taare Zameen Par, the kid is already going his mentor Aamir Khan’s way. “He (Aamir Khan) called me on my birthday. I call him to talk about my movie, my school and he guides me on how things should be done.”

We are suddenly aware that we are speaking to a kid who seems to play the ‘industry mannerism’ just right! What about studies? Does the industry have a provision to train child artists? “I have summer vacations now. I can relax,” he jumps in joy. “But my tuition teacher helps me to cover up all the lessons. She comes on the film sets too, whenever I am free she pulls out the notebook and we are back to studies.”

He is a star already, why would he want to study, a vague thought runs across my mind. I would have loved to run away from science or maths, given a chance! Darsheel, however, has different plans, as of now. “I would like to take up commerce. So, I am not sure what I would be,” he adds taking one query after the other, all in his stride. “I am a Bollywood buff, I love to watch all movies,” he waves at the kids. Oh yes, he knows he is a star, a Tara Zameen Par!!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Jaane Tu, Ya Jaane Na

Manjari Fadnis couldn’t get lucky with Jai from Jaane Tu, Ya Jaane Na’, but she sure is one lucky babe. Even when she did plan her entry into Bollywood, she got noticeable roles to perform. Manjari who plays Darsheel’s wife in Zokkomon started her career with Rok Sako To Rok Lo in 2004, but her big break was Jaane Tu, Ya Jaane Na. Earlier she was part of the National award-winning Bengali feature film Faltu. “I did not plan anything, neither will I do it ever in my life I guess,” shares Manjari accompanying Darsheel for the promotion. “Zokkomon is a kids’ movie and it was great working in it. I am not sure about my next movie, when it happens you would know,” Manjari flashes a ‘no clue’ smile!

Director’s cut

Satyajit Bhatkal, a lawyer-turned-director, is happy with how the movie has turned out. No stars coming late on the sets, no dealing with tantrums. He laughs, “It was amazing working with this 13-year-old,” he points towards Darsheel. “I am surprised at his energy level. He will be jumping around on the sets and the minute the camera is on he transforms into a perfect actor.”

Bhatkal joined showbiz with the production team of Aamir Khan-starrer Lagaan. He then wrote the book The Spirit of Lagaan and wielded the megaphone for National Award-winning English film Madness in the Desert (Chale Chalo in Hindi).

Rocking with the dhol!
Manpriya Khurana

Not that our music memory needs to be refreshed, but they are the duo that debuted with head-banging Ari Ari Ari. Not to forget the very expletive sounding track Rock the Party.

“To see ‘white people’ singing Teri Toh Teri Ta was a big thing for me. Compared to the UK, we have a sizeable population of Indian desis in Denmark, so our music clicking there gave a huge high,” smiles Navtej Singh Rehal, aka Naf, 27, of the Danish-Indian band Bombay Rockers. Joining him is the second one of the duo, Thomas Sardorf, in the city to promote their latest album Rock and Dhol.

The update from their musical stable comes after three years. “This time the sound is more electro, we’ve used a lot of synthesisers, experimented a lot, but at the same time we’ve retained the typical Bombay Rockers feeling. It’s like updating our sounds,” the duo is as upbeat as their signature fusion music. Chips in Naf, “For Indians, Rock and Dhol makes much more sense than rock and roll.”

It’s been a year-and-a-half since they’ve been working on the 12 tracks plus mixes. “We’ve been a touring a lot, right now we are doing a promo tour.” For any singer back home or overseas, acting is the gradual progression, or perhaps music, for Bollywood. “We’ve had a lot of offers, we don’t want to make a track just for the sake of it. Our music is a bit different, so the film also has to be a bit different.”

The fusion thing worked for them, as for the tracks from their debut album. Pretty much like their name because one is the ‘Bombay’ and the other the ‘Rocker’. Laughs Thomas, “We met through a common friend. We didn’t really plan anything when we started working together. I didn’t even know much about Indian music. Naf and me are very different and that really clicked for us.” Chips in Naf, “If you look at other fusion bands, our sound is very different. It’s very pop and very radio-friendly. For instance Rock the Party is not rap, it’s a pure pop track.”

Shakira singing in Spanish becomes a big thing in Scandinavia and for the band the response back in Denmark was something similar. “People there really loved it because it was different. I don’t think lyrics or the genre makes a difference; as long as the tune is melodic, people take to it. Going mainstream in that country was unexpected.”

They might still be based in Denmark, but India is like a second home. Smiles Thomas, “It’s huge, crazy, but it’s our second home now. For some reason or the other, so far we were restricted to Delhi or Mumbai, but this is for the first time that we are having a conference in Punjab. That’s important because a lot of our music is Punjabi.” Post this they are off to yet another city, to make them rock with a little bit of dhol! manpriya@tribunemail.com

Ranbir Kapoor to do an item number for kids’ flick
Item code

Ranbir Kapoor
First take: Ranbir Kapoor

Taking time out from shooting for his two under-production movies Rockstar and Barfee, Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor is doing his first-ever promotional video for Vikas Bahl's Chillar Party.

This is for the first time ever, there is going to be an item song or promotional video for a kids flick.

Chillar Party's music has been composed by Amit Trivedi and this particular song is a mix of street instruments, local voices and dialect.

Choreographed by Bosco Ceasar who has also mixed street dancing with contemporary style, the song is sung by Amit and his mother.

"Ranbir saw the film and loved it. That’s when we requested him if he would do an item song for the kids and he loved the idea, and readily agreed," said director Bahl.

Ranbir plays himself in the video in a tapori style which is inspired by one of the characters in the film. The young actor has been bonding with the kids to make them comfortable and getting inspired by some of their moves, he said. —PTI

Bottom line

Guess what’s women’s greatest fears? Their big bottoms! But then why do women often ask this question — does my bum look big in this? According to a new study, the image-conscious women seek reassurance because it’s one part of their anatomy they can never really see for themselves.

Over half the 1,800 women questioned in a survey on behalf of Wizard Jeans said they worried more about their posteriors than about their breasts or their stomach.

“You only have to watch women trying on a new pair of jeans to see that their prime concern is always the bit they can’t really see for themselves - their bums. They twist and turn in front of the mirror but then, inevitably, ask for reassurance,” fashion expert Sally Allen of Wizard Jeans said. — ANI

Halle Berry cancels Broadway debut over custody battle

Hollywood beauty Halle Berry has been forced to pull out of her much awaited Broadway debut due to ‘unforeseen child custody issues’.

The former Bond girl was scheduled to perform in a stage adaptation of Katori Hall’s play The Mountaintop, but the producers confirmed in a statement that she will no longer be taking part.

“Ms Berry would not be appearing in the role due to child-custody issues,” said the statement issued by producers.

The 44-year-old was going to play the role of Camae, a maid working at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis in Hall’s imagined account of the night before Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. Samuel L Jackson will still take part in the show, playing the lead role of King Jr. Berry is currently embroiled in a custody battle with her ex Gabriel Aubrey over their three-year-old daughter Nahla. —PTI

Lovely feeling

Hollywood heartthrob Robert Pattinson who is famously coy about his romantic life has opened up saying he likes being in love.

The 24-year-old actor, who is currently dating his Twilight co-star Kirsten Stewart, 21, says that he prefers to keep silent so that he can maintain the ‘mystique’ of the relationship.

When asked if he is romantic, the British actor said, “I guess I am,” he says. —PTI

Power-puff girls

Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow
(Left to right) Kylie Minogue, Gwyneth Paltrow

It’s official. Music’s leading ladies are the new cover stars – (knocking any actor or model off the front of US Vogue, probably the world’s most ‘power’ issue) Lady Gaga was awarded this honour.

For April (the ‘shape’ issue), it’s the turn of Rihanna. Of course, the preternaturally beautiful physique of this, the most successful pop star of her generation, is worthy of celebration alone. More than that, though, the move is nothing if not testimony to the increasingly fruitful symbiosis between fashion and music.

A quick glance at red carpeted occasions explains why designers, while still happy to dress actors - from fledgling talent to veritable superstars — might find working with their musical counterparts more inspiring. The tyranny of the Hollywood stylist and a mindset that decrees that flattery is the Holy Grail has led to an increasingly homogeneous and indeed retro look as far as any public appearance is concerned: think strapless, corseted, fishtail-skirted gowns to the point, almost, of torpor.

Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga

Yes, this might emphasise the gym-honed perfection of the body beneath, but it’s an aesthetic that’s in danger of reducing fashion’s most celebrated names to mere dressmakers, catering to the needs of the rich and famous at the expense of either innovation or experimentation. Both Gaga and Rihanna - not to mention Björk, BeyoncE Knowles, Kylie Minogue and, of course, the mother of them all, Madonna - are rather more adventurous in their choice of dress.

Gaga went so far as to model for her friend and collaborator, Nicola Formichetti, newly instated designer at Thierry Mugler, at last month’s Paris shows. Rihanna, meanwhile, is as happy in straight-off-the-catwalk, ultra-bright Prada as she is in Scarlett O’Hara-esque rose-printed Oscar de la Renta; as lovely in Lanvin as she is fierce in Dolce & Gabbana.

While Gwyneth Paltrow et al name-check the designer who dresses them, in their less conservative sense of style Rihanna and her cohorts bring their designs to glorious and celebratory life. And that is worth far more. — PTI

Wear the pants, Girl
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Chino pants are comfortable and stylish
In Vogue: Chino pants are comfortable and stylish

The summer is here and so is the time for shorts, skirts, capris and dresses. But for most women especially the working lot, wearing such dresses on a daily basis is not practical. So, if we had to make a definite statement about women's fashion over the last decade we'd say that skinny jeans and pants have influenced silhouettes more than any other look.

If skin tights are what we saw in the winter, for the summer it is screaming pants, cut to style for sure.

Though styles get tired very fast we might still love our skin tights in the summers but there is an undercurrent of experimentation among the fashion forward lot, each looking for something else. Hence, when it comes to the summer fashion trend 'standard' silhouette of pants is

not what is making rounds in the fashion circuit. As a result we have

emerging trends in the return of pleated pants or better called Chino pants, flare trousers and wide-leg culottes. Though they are usually khaki coloured but since colour is in you can pick them up in varied shades.

A must-have fashion item in your wardrobe, chino pants are not only

formal in style but can also be worn casually. Available across the city

stores, these pants are catching women fancy and why not they are hot in style 'n' cool in looks.

Ritu Kochchar, corporate director, INIFD, says, "Chino pants are

everywhere. Pleated with a slight flair at the bottom these high waist

pants are fit for working women. Though they can be worn casually

also, but one needs to be fit to wear these pants. Suggesting these

pants be worn with a fitted shirt she says, "Belt is a must with these

pants and tops have to be tucked in for a chic look."

"Another trend which is likely to be foremost in trousers is the 70's style flare," says Divya Gambir from Walnut. She adds, "Flares make legs look longer and leaner, providing they are teamed with a heel."

Since 70's are going to rule the fashion trend this season another

trend that we see is of the wide-leg culottes.

Available at Big Bazaar in Zirakpur (at a reasonable price) wide-leg culottes is a hybrid between a billowy skirt and a trouser. More practical in many ways than skirts these pants are definitely show stealers. But whether it is a pair of retro print full-on flares or a smart tailored pant, footwear is of paramount importance, as a pair of flats will kill the look. Go for some of this season's platform wedges, high-heeled clogs or new scarf-tie sandals for a perfect look.

Destination Nepal
Deepali Sagar

An ideal place to be at peace, Nepal attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world each year. And in a bid to tap the Indian market, the Nepal Tourism Board along with Nepalese private tourism companies were in the city as part of their North India Sales Mission 2011. "We aim at promoting tourism in Nepal and increasing economic prosperity. Nepal is a peaceful and exciting tourism destination," says Neeraj Dhawan, representative of Nepal Tourism Department.

Kathmandu is the perfect destination for weekend travel. Not only does it offer respite from the scorching summer sun, it also offers a lot of opportunities for adventure activities. "Nepal is a paradise for adventure-loving people and there are a lot of opportunities to get the adrenaline going. Trekking, mountaineering, rafting, hiking, bungee jumping are few among them," says Ujjwala Dali, senior manager.

She adds, "Nepal attracts a huge number of Indian tourists to places of worship like Pashupatinath Temple, Muktinath Temple and Ram Janaki temple. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is also widely visited."

Nepal's nightlife is also exciting; one can enjoy cultural shows at the theatre, wine and dine at premier hotels or try rummy or blackjack at the casinos.

Master Chef
Chill with Pink Lady
Sheel Nanda

Pink Lady is a refreshing drink
Cool sip: Pink Lady is a refreshing drink

Sheel Nanda has been grooming the Ludhiana women in the fine art of pleasing the stomach with appetising food and drinks for more than four decades. Her recipe for 'Butter Chicken' found a place of honour in the famous 'Darlinda's cookbook.

Sheel shares two delightful recipes of thirst quenchers to beat the summer.

Pink Lady

Ingredients:

4 cups of melon juice

3 tbsp lemon juice

½ cup castor sugar

6 scoops of vanilla ice cream, strawberry

Few melon balls

Method:

Take out few balls from the melon & keep them in the freezer grate melon & squeeze its juice also add lemon juice, strain it and keep in the refrigerator to chill. Before serving, churn it in a mixer with ice. Add 1 scoop of ice cream.

Pour into a fancy glass and place little ice cream on the top. Put 2-3 melon balls on the ice cream and garnish with a mint sprig and serve.

Gingerale
Tangy touch: Gingerale 

Gingerale

Ingredients:

1 ½ k. sugar

400 gm ginger

1 kg lemon

3 ½ cups of water

¼ tsp citric acid

¾ tsp lemon essence

6 drops of red colour

½ td sp. Sodium benzoate

Method:

Put sugar, water and citric acid in a pan and place it on the fire and go on stirring till sugar is dissolved to give 3 to 4 boils. Remove from fire and strain through strainer, when cool and add ginger juice, lemon juice, lemon essence, colour and sodium benzoate. Pour into the bottle and use after one day.

This can last six months.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Road Rage
Cover up operation
Deepak Verma

An attractively priced great-looking car…wouldn't you ensure it remains the same for a long time, whether it's the exteriors or the interiors? Talking about exteriors, it is advisable to vacuum the car once a month. This also helps to remove extra moisture and keeps the interiors fresh. Other than this, make sure the car seats are kept clean and are in fine condition. Now with seat covers going designer, you have an array of choices to pick from. We bring you a checklist to keep seats in proper condition with seat covers.

n Pick a branded seat cover or just spend extra on it if it requires. We have a habit of bargaining on everything, but some things are worth the price. Most of us get usual seat covers that wear and tear in a month. This devalues the price of the car! Make sure you go in for decent car covers.

n Car accessory market is flooded with seat covers in different fabrics, including sheepskin, denim and silk, pick from any of these. Car companies also provide designer car seat covers; you can take a pick from that as well.

n An ideal seat cover is something that fits well on the seat and looks like the original. While choosing covers ensure they fit well on the seat.

n Don't go for any jazzy design. Match it well with the interior of the car so that it doesn't look out of the place.

(Verma is a Delhi-based auto expert) 

GET PHYSICAL
Take a bow
anil juneja

Bow pose (Danurasan): Lie on your belly with your hands alongside your torso, palms up. Exhale and bend your knees, bringing your heels as close as you can to your buttocks. Reach back with your hands and take hold of your ankles. Make sure your knees aren't wider than the width of your hips, and keep your knees hip width for the duration of the pose.

Inhale and strongly lift your heels away from your buttocks and, at the same time, lift your thighs away from the floor. This will have the effect of pulling your upper torso and head off the floor. As you continue lifting the heels and thighs higher, press your shoulder blades firmly against your back to open your heart. With the belly pressed against the floor, breathing will be difficult but be sure not to stop breathing. Hold the pose anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds.

Benefits:

n This asana also improves functioning of digestive, eliminative and reproductive organ and help to remove gastro-intestinal disorder and sluggishness of liver.

n Strengthens the spine and improve posture

n Stretches chest and lungs, shoulders, and abdomen

n Stimulates abdominal organs and relieve stress.

n Stimulates the appetite and alleviates constipation.

(Juneja is Chandigarh-based yoga expert.)

Unsavoury fact

Some children aged between eight and 12 are losing their taste buds, which is contributing to child obesity. Study author David Laing, professor of neuro-psychology at the University of New South Wales said taste disorders could be a contributing factor to the rising epidemic of childhood obesity.

The prevalence of taste disorders could be three times above the level defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major public health crisis.

New South Wales researchers found 10 per cent of children aged between eight and 12 years could not correctly identify a taste as sweet, salty, bitter or sour. "WHO defines a taste disorder prevalence of greater than four per cent in a population as a massive public health problem," according to a New South Wales statement. —IANS

Star Track
Don’t you dare touch these films

Making sequels and remakes has become a trend. We’ve seen a Dhoom and Golmaal franchise. Now there are talks of making sequels to Dabangg, Dhamaal, Namastey London, Kya Kool Hai Hum, Murder and Krrish. Then there are the remakes. We’ve seen Umraao Jaan and Sholay being remade and trashed by the audience. Keeping this in mind, we request Bollywood not to touch these classics.

Andaz Apna Apna: A superb comedy made by Raj Kumar Santoshi, which starred Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. The scenes are still funny and we can still narrate dialogues. We suggest that nobody touch it, in fear of a riot.

Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro: This film stars some of the biggest theatre actors. It was one film, which we could never forget. The films climax has got a mix of Mahabharata and Mughal-e-Azam and no one better than Kundan Shah could have made it.

Anil Kapoor romancing Sridevi was one of the momerorable scenes in Mr IndiaGol Maal: Not the Rohit Shetty version, but the Hrishikesh Mukherjee version is what we refer to. The double role comedy sequence still makes us laugh.





Eternal romance: Anil Kapoor romancing Sridevi was one of the momerorable scenes in Mr India

Mr India: India’s first sci-fi film is still very popular. Nobody other than Shekhar Kapoor could have made it. The movie will be
remembered for the rain sequence between Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, as well as Amrish Puri playing Mogambo. Let’s not forget Anu Kapoor as the grumpy editor with a cross-connecting telephone line.

Chupke Chupke: Laugh, laugh, laugh that’s what we do when we start watching this film. It’s entertaining, fun and romantic film once again made by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. —HRM

Astro Turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: Make an early start. You'll impress the boss. Cash may not come smooth. Make every effort to further your ambitions. Beloved showers you with gifts. Emotional problems could be hard to resolve. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Citric blue. Magic number: 33

TAURUS: You may need to attend to the problems of others. There is little you can do to advance your own affairs. This will be a difficult day to deal with business partners. Avoid going out tonight. Tarot message: Remember the saying 'Penny saved is penny earned'. Lucky colour: Lush green. Magic number: 62

GEMINI: A day of heavy spending. Patience and time are regiment to progress. The advice of elders and professionals can make all the difference. Love life will be active. An interesting day to mixing with people. Take extra care with deskwork. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the inbuilt delays. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Magic number: 59

CANCER: Cheer up! Excitement and happiness are on the cards. An increasing income means more luxuries of life to enjoy. Socialising can be costly. Partying! Dress for the occasion and appreciate all the love and good wishes that come your way. Postpone journeys. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Blood red. Magic number: 63

LEO: Make this a day to enjoy some solitude. Someone you meet today may give a useful business tip. Examine your accounts. Resolve family tension with a caring heart. A Taurean will be supportive. Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in new projects. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 57

VIRGO: Early part of the day is most exciting. Today should see many of the policies that you have been following bear fruit. You will be able to take the lead in partnership affairs. Do not allow anyone to distract you during study hours. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 50 

LIBRA: Matters involving finance are worth examining. Looking for a higher pay? Speak to your boss in the afternoon. Grasp the opportunity that comes your way. Sudden changes in romance are on the cards. Health is fine. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 41

SCORPIO: Make sure you are doing your best. You could be in line for a promotion or recognition. Employment affairs are satisfactory. It would be wise to avoid alcohol. Stick to plans. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 52

SAGITTARIUS: Silence is golden. You will have more time to see to the needs of others. Women: Avoid shopping. Students: Think about the future. Work-wise, slow & steady wins the race. Focus on meditation. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 25  

CAPRICORN: Take it easy today. Deal with routine jobs. Do not neglect a family matter. Social gathering may be rather dull. Change is possible. Creative people will be blessed with an inspirational breakthrough. Meet up friends and relatives. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40

AQUARIUS: You won't get very far if trying to put new plans into operation. An illness could mean the day off at work. Some of you can be worried about finance. Afternoon hours are good to deal with government agencies. Expect a few guests. Tarot message: Take no chances despite assurances. Lucky colour: Blonde. Magic number: 61

PISCES: Sacrifice today for a better future. Married will find their spouse difficult. A very good period for those working on a commission basis. Postpone important changes at work. Tarot message: Be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Chocolate brown. Magic number: 24

Chatter Box
Shrishty in hospital

Shrishty Rode Shrishty Rode, aka Manjari who stars in Yeh Ishq Haaye, was hospitalised after she suffered a serious bout of food poisoning. The actress had been puking on the sets of her show, but managed to continue shooting. She had to be taken to the hospital after her BP went low. A few days of total rest and the girl should be back on the sets.

Sick leave: Shrishty Rode

Who’s afraid, not Aashka!

Aashka GoradiaBefore leaving for South Africa for the shooting of Khatron Ke Khiladi contestant Aashka Goradia posted a message on a social networking site saying "Fear is the factor, we fear the most to overcome, so with all fear feelings, I am all set to face my fears, never to fear again, even my fears only in Fear Factor Khatron Ke Khiladi at Torchaar, South Africa. Seeking your blessings, love and wishes leaving tonight!” 

Fear not: Aashka Goradia

Wanted no more?

Colors TV launched Wanted High Alert, in the crime reality genre, to alert the audience of criminals living among them and to help catch them. But seems the channel was not thrilled with the ratings of the show. Therefore they decided to axe it. Colors expected decent ratings, which the show was unable to deliver at the weekend slot so it was the end of Wanted on the channel. 

Ekta bowled over

Ekta TiwariEkta Tiwari, who plays Radha in Tere Mere Sapne on Star Plus’s afternoon show, is a cricket buff and was hooked on to the World Cup. She placed bets with her co-stars and friends and won them all. But she is unable to catch up on IPL because of her hectic shooting schedule. Yet the sports lover ensures she gets sms updates about the cricket matches and the scores. She feels cricket is religion in India but actors can't devote time to watch it daily as they have to be in front of the camera. We agree with you Ekta!

Arhaan’s favourite films
Kavita Awaasthi

Arhaan BehlKrishna’s character in Pratigya might be illiterate but actor Arhaan Behl who plays the cool dude in STAR Plus' show knows his movies, cinema and art. His favourites are....

Inception: Christopher Nolan is mind blowing. To come up with a concept like this was unheard of and the way he has narrated and executed the plot is unbelievable. It is a fabulous concept in science fiction, action, heist all rolled into one.

DDLJ: Like any other Indian and fan of Hindi movies, I loved watching Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). Even today, I can see the film for three hours straight.

Fast & Furious: It's a guy film. Fast & Furious and the sequel are for men. Not only is the concept cool, the details shown about cars make the machine a character in the film.

Angoor: About Angoor there is just one thing I have to say-Sanjeev Kumar. What an actor and what a film! I can watch this laugh riot from any point. Sanjeev Kumar was fantastic in the film.

Seven Pounds: Though the film is bit dark and heavy, I enjoyed it as it had an engaging story. This bitter sweet yet fascinating story has Smith in a quiet and rather introverted character.

Peepli Live: It is one of the few films I saw recently that I enjoyed watching. Peepli Live was indeed different and engaging. The content was also worth the publicity.

Seven: Seven was a thrilling concept with a good though predictable climax but nevertheless it was perfectly done. I loved Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman in the film. The idea of seven murders corresponding to seven deadly sins: gluttony, envy, lust, pride, sloth, greed and wrath-was novel too. It was scary, complex and disturbing. The film was super stylish and though there were hardly any scenes with horror or dark elements, the direction and cinematography gave it an edge.

BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP
League of Rascals

Bharat Shah presents Sanjay Dutt Productions’ Rascals; it stars Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Kangana Ranaut, Chunkey Pandey and many other known Bollywood celebs. And will be releasing by the end of this year.

Why Bobby hates parties?

“People who are fake makes me angry… that’s the reason I don’t step out much. I used to attend parties but not anymore. And I have seen people talk bullshit over there and it doesn’t make me comfortable. So, I have stopped attending parties,” says Bobby.

Angry kya?

Apparently Abhishek Bachchan, Ekta Kapoor and Apoorva Lakhia are very upset because the news of their next venture has been leaked out by some magazine. It was that top secret Ekta? Huh!

Kangana zips her lips

KanganaSince the day she has started her career she has been linked with several co-stars, initially she didn’t say anything in the media because she believed they are rumours. Yes, we are talking about Kangana Ranaut, who says, “The media links me with my co-stars… and when I clarify that they are my friends, I am accused of name dropping. Whatever I say I am attacked so I have decided to stop giving answers. Let them talk. I will announce it when the right day will come,” says Kangana.

Haunting moves

Mahakshay ChakrabortyMahakshay Chakraborty, son of legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty, will be seen in a completely new avatar in Vikram Bhatt’s upcoming film Haunted 3D. Mahakshay wanted to don the dancing shoes in the movie but given the genre of the movie, he knew it wasn’t possible. But it so happened while shooting for the movie, the entire team celebrated Mahakshay’s birthday on the sets when someone asked him to dance. Seeing Mahakshay’s incredible dance moves, everyone on the sets was stunned. That’s when the writer of the movie Amin Hajee and Vikram Bhatt decided to have a dancing sequence in the movie especially for him.

No blind date for Genelia

The chubby bubbly actress Genelia D’Souza says, “I will never go on a blind date because I am such a control freak that I need to know who, where and when so blind dates are strictly no for me.” 

The Year Ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

Madan Gupta If your birthday is April 20...
You are born during a cusp of Aries and Taurus. Some the characteristics of Aries and a few of Taurus are part of your personality. You are born under the symbol of The Bull giving you a gentle and hard working nature.

Capricorn and Aquarius are your friendly signs while Leo, Sagittarius are not so favourable. You are a loyal, royal, aristocratic and kind-hearted person.

In 2011-12, Jupiter enters Aries on May 8, will help you go for a long overseas sojourn or undertake a spiritual journey. Polishing the hidden faculties, sanctioning of credits, pension, gratuity, investments, learning occult sciences et al can be prime topics of the annual forecast.

In the second half of the year you experience entertainment, construction or acquisition of property, writing assignments, publishing of books, research papers. You finish tasks fast.

 

Mom of actresses Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor and wife of Randhir Kapoor, Babita (April 20, 1948) shares her 64th birthday with you. In her short career she appeared in 19 films, including Dus Lakh, Raaz, Farz, Aulad, Haseena Maan Jayegi, Kab Kyon Aur Kahan etc. She starred with Randhir Kapoor in the hit film Kal Aaj Aur Kal. She married Randhir on November 6, 1971. After their marriage, Babita had to leave the film industry. After 20 years of separation, she moved in with Randhir Kapoor in 2007. In March 2005, she became a grandmother when elder daughter Karisma gave birth to a girl. She now lives in Mumbai with Kareena Kapoor. Born to a Christian mother, she does a lot of charity work. The stars indicate a cordial relationship and perfect harmony at home during 2011-12.

 

Professional touch

Supriya Pilgaonkar is really working hard to make ends meet, as she travels from her house to the sets of Star Plus' Comedy Ka Mahamuqabla in Madh Island and then rushes to her Sasural Genda Phool set in Andheri. She also squishes an appointment with her doctor. She had to keep up with a very tight schedule last week despite her ill health. She was a rare example of professionalism. Hats off to Supriya and get well soon! 

 

Sulgana's ticket to Bollywood

Television actress Sulgana Panigrahi, who made her with Sony TV's Amber Dhara and later featured in Zee TV's Do Saheliyaan-Kismat ki Kathputaliyaan and Star Plus's Bidaai, is all set to take a B-town ride. Sulgana Panigrahi will be seen in Mahesh Bhatt's Murder 2- A Mystery.

She will be essaying the role of Reshma, a college going girl who encounters with some incidents after which her story moves on. Guess that's why she can't stop grinning these days.





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