Step-by-step
Astad Deboo, who is better known as the pioneer Mona

Astad Deboo loves to explore spaces in his dance
world stage: Astad Deboo loves to explore spaces in his dance 

If you have a dream, chase it, but just remember that perseverance is the key, especially in the field of dance," says Astad Deboo who is better known as the pioneer of modern dance in India. His journey sums up what he says.

As a child, his parents saw the talent and got Deboo enrolled for classical dance. However, they pulled him out after school. Deboo later came to Mumbai to pursue bachelors in economics, and performances by foreign troupes opened up new vistas. After bachelors, he set out to learn about dances around the world. A ride in a cargo ship took him to Iran. From there he hitch-hiked for the next eight years exploring different forms of dance the world over.

“It was by the end of 1977 that I returned to Mumbai with a dream," says Deboo, in Chandigarh on Thursday for charting a performance with his disciples, which he is planning in Strawberry World School. Deboo’s journey has quite a few milestones — a performance with iconic rock band Pink Floyd in London, performance at the Great Wall of China and every major dance festival that matters. His performances take him across five continents. Deboo has evolved his form of dance theatre and has done exceptional work with the hearing impaired across the world as well as with slum kids

Known to incorporate outer space in his dance, Deboo loves to explore. “Dance is not always on stage. I remember a performance at Alhambra, Granada, Spain. Not only did I perform at different heights, the audience also moved. The place brought a different kind of quality to the work," he shares. Of his recent productions, he talks about Breaking Boundaries, Rhythm Divine and upcoming work on Tagore. “Breaking Boundaries is with young performers from Salam Balak Trust. These kids only knew Bollywood dancing before they joined me. It’s heartening to see the transformation," says Deboo.

Rhythm Divine is his work with drummers of Manipur. “They were not dancers to start with, but seeing them drum made me realise their potential," he shares. A work on Tagore next, workshops with hearing impaired across the world and solo performances lined up in Europe and America, Deboo, with a base in Mumbai, is always on the move. mona@tribunemail.comof modern dance in India, shares his journey that took him across the world

His style

Astad Deboo has had formal training in Kathak and Kathakali. “It saddens me that contemporary dance is a term very loosely used. It helps to have a sound knowledge of a dance technique and then build up," says Deboo. His dance theatre is tough, needs much flexibility and even more hardwork.

“The process of creation takes time. Unlike today’s microwave generation that wants to be on stage the day they take classes, we practiced for years before making an appearance on stage during our times," he adds. His topics are not Ramayana, Mahabharta but nuclear bombs, drug menace or a day in the life of a common man.

It worries him that dance is increasingly becoming Bollywood-centric. “I have nothing against it, but my concern is that our rich tradition is not lost," he says. His Breaking Boundaries performers are keen on Bollywood dancing still. Deboo, however, has a condition. If they do his style satisfactorily, they are allowed to end the show with a peppy number. “Answering a query after a show, when one of the performers said ‘this dance has brought us glory that Bollywood dancing could never bring’, it made me swell with pride," he says.

It’s bandhgala for Big B in KBC


dress rehearsal: Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan will be back as host of Kaun Banega Crorepati, but not in his customary jacket and tie. Instead, the star will be wearing bandhgalas in varied colours, teamed up with scarves, as part of the special look designed by Rohit Bal. Big B posted two pictures of his look for the fifth season of the popular quiz show on his blog Bigb.bigadda.com Thursday -— he is wearing a bandhgala in scarlet blue with cream scarf in one, and a charcoal black bandhgala with a maroon scarf in another.

“This is designed by Rohit Bal, the young celebrity in the world of fashion who has always been flamboyant and has had a way with colours," wrote Big B. There is no change in his trademark French cut beard and big glasses. The 68-year-old star is all praise for the Delhi-based designer, a close family friend.

“Rohit, a dear friend from the time when he was a little kid, running around in shorts in his house in Srinagar. His parents, my parents, his sisters and us all close family," posted Amitabh.

“Had stayed with them in Srinagar during one of our early holiday visits, when I was still working out of Kolkata and since then have seen the growth of this very talented youngster in the field he enjoys most - design!," he added. The show returned for its second season in 2005 with Amitabh, but superstar Shah Rukh Khan was roped in as the host of its third season on Star Plus. Sony Entertainment Television brought back Amitabh as the host last year, and it repeated its success story. The channel signed up the actor for the next two seasons in January. — IANS

Maxi-mum comfort

From the maxi dress to stylish kaftans to lacy tops and frocks - shops and boutiques offer a mix of comfort and style for pregnant women. Designers say soothing baby shades of pink, light green and peach are advisable as are fabrics like cotton and linen.Here are some style tips for would-be-moms this Mother's Day May 8.

"Pregnant mommies can dress themselves in the latest styles. My top recommendation would be the maxi dress. These are flowy, and come in lovely colours and prints. They are super comfortable and chic at the same time," said designer Pam Mehta.

"Pregnant women can also wear the typical kaftans which are long, loose and very stylish. Also, go for loose lacy tops with cute and inspirational quotations," she added. Designer Meera Gupta suggests selection for maternity dresses should depend on the month of pregnancy.

"Dresses should always be chosen keeping in mind the month she is carrying the baby. Frocks with front open and round necks is the best dress a pregnant woman can wear. For those who don't prefer frock dresses, loose pyjamas with long shirts can work. Body hugging dresses should be avoided," Gupta said. Baby shades are more advisable.

"During pregnancy, moms are influenced by colours, so hues like baby pink, light green, light blue, peach, white and other baby colours can be the best option. These soothing colours keep the mood of the mother cool and stable," said Gupta. — IANS

In festive spirit
Mona

Akshaya Tritya, the newfound (or newly commercialised) festival, falls today. And just like other Indian festivals, shopping here is important, especially that of gold and silver.

Albeit precious metals are getting more ‘precious’ by the day, the customers are only increasing.

To encash the day, jewellery brands have come up with attractive offers.

Expect up to 15 per cent discount on diamond jewellery and up to 25 per cent on making charges of plain gold jewellery from Tanishq.

A jewellery exhibition at Hotel Aroma-22.
Bring home the jewel: A jewellery exhibition at Hotel Aroma-22.

Orra offers up to 25 per cent discount on jewellery and also 50 per cent discount on making charges on gold, silver coins and bars.

Dimpi Goel brings her exhibition ‘Glitters’ of hand-picked pieces from Delhi and Mumbai at Aroma-22.

“I have an enamouring range of diamond- stone cocktail rings, earrings, pendants and sets.

There are some exquisite pieces in kundan, pearl and stones as well bangles in a mix of diamond and meenakario," says Dimpi.

The prices begin from Rs 7,000 onwards and go up to a few lakhs. “Genuine price is our USP," says Dimpi. 

Spicy talk

Ronit Roy
Kitchen King: Ronit Roy

Busybee Ronit Roy will be back on the famous cookery show Kitchen Champion on Colors. The actor-host who loves watching, cooking and eating food shares some of his culinary experiences.

You are hosting new season of Kitchen Champion 4? What brings you back to the show?

Basically, the show has an interesting concept and that’s what brings me back. There is a lot of brand value attached to the show. I have hosted all three seasons so that is reason enough to return to Kitchen Champion 4. Besides that, I find the concept interesting, and I get to work with 12 beautiful girls. It gives me a chance to be myself and to show the audiences the real and fun self of Ronit Roy.

What are the moments you remember from the earlier seasons?

There are several ones. There is not a single moment that I didn’t enjoy. I feel Kitchen Champion is laugh-a-minute show. We all have fun while shooting, even if we are cooking or announcing scores. Everyone who participated in the last three seasons has been great fun. It’s not a serious cookery show where the chef rustles up one recipe after another. It has a cool connect with the audiences too as they learn a recipe while having fun.

What do you enjoy the most — boosting the morale of contestants, watching them slip or when they achieve their goal?

I am with the contestants in every step. I can’t say I enjoy this or that more than the other. I feel all kinds of emotions when they finish a task well or get top scores. 

Can you cook?

I love eating and I even enjoy cooking. I love experimenting with flavours.

What dishes have you tried your hand at?

I tried making tea and toast when I was about 18. Later as I tried omelets and got them right after many attempts. Gradually, I tried different dishes starting from simpler ones. Even today, when I have some free time I cook a dish or two. I love shopping with my wife for exotic food items. I enjoy making variety of risottos.

What are your favourite dishes?

Whatever my mother makes! She makes yummy Bengali dishes, both veg and non-veg. Her Bengali daal and cabbage cooked in a curd base are on top of my list. Among other dishes, I love Thai curry with rice and rajma-chawal.

Which eateries do you frequent?

I love the food at Spices, J W Marriott. The spices are always blended well.

—HRM

RICE to the occassion

Sushi is a food of Japanese origin, and now has fans all over the world. In the last 20 years, Americans have developed a strong liking to the cuisine, and it can be found in both metropolitan and suburban neighbourhoods with ease. While people may use the word ‘sushi’ when referring to raw fish, the term actually refers to seasoned cooked rice. This sushi rice is commonly served with raw fish. Sushi can be served with several toppings and fillings, including seafood, vegetables, and spicy wasabi paste. There are many names for types of sushi, depending on the way it is prepared.

Nigiri sushi is hand-made sushi prepared by pressing cooked rice into oblong shapes and topping it with raw seafood and wasabi paste.
Maki sushi is the more recognisable type of sushi, where rice and other fillings are rolled inside a nori seaweed sheet and cut into thick, bite-sized pieces. A much lesser known sushi, inari sushi, is a pouch of deep-fried tofu, stuffed with sushi rice and other fillings like shrimp or cucumbers. All types of sushi are commonly served with traditional soy sauce and pickled ginger, which aid indigestion.
Here is a recipe for making sushi rice. Japanese rice is short grain rice and gets sticky when it is cooked. Long grain rice isn't proper for sushi because it is drier and doesn't stick together.

California Roll 

Not popular just in California but around the world, this Americanised sushi has one of the most appealing flavors for all ages. Crabmeat, mayonnaise, and avocados are a classic combo that will keep your family asking for sushi seconds. 
Ingredients List:
1 cup sushi rice (cooked) 
1 nori seaweed sheets 
1 tablespoons sesame seeds 
2 pieces imitation crabmeat, sticks 
1 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 pieces shelled prawns (B grade) boiled 
1 avocado, peeled, thinly sliced lengthwise 
¼ cucumber, peeled, cut into long, thin matchsticks 

Directions:

l Lay the nori sheet out on a flat rolling surface. Spread the sushi rice evenly over the sheets or seaweed, and sprinkle the sesame seeds over the surface. 
l Turnover the Sheet so that rice part will come on top while rolling. 
l Place the crabmeat, prawns, avocado, cucumber and mayonnaise lengthwise in the centre of the sheet 
l Roll the sushi into a log jelly-roll style. Slice into ¾-inch pieces and serve immediately. 

Nigiri (Finger) Sushi

This three-ingredient sushi recipe is different than a sushi roll because it is not rolled at all. Rather, rice balls are gently stuffed with bite-sized pieces of wasabi and fish, which are then dipped into soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients List:
4 ounces raw fish of choice (such as salmon or tuna or Prawn) 
1 tablespoon wasabi paste, to taste 
1 cup cooked sushi rice 

Directions:

l Thinly slice tuna or salmon into ½ inch / 2 inch size 
l Shell prawns with tail on, boil for about a minute, remove slightly cut with the knife and flatten it making sure it doesn't break 
l Moisten hands with cold water and place a small ball, about 2 tablespoons, of sushi rice in your palm. Slightly touch with wasabi paste (as per your taste) 
l Firmly press one or two pieces of fish, depending on the size, onto the rice. Use your hands to shape it into an oblong log. 
l Repeat the same process with prawns. 
l Serve with soy sauce for dipping. 

Vegetarian Sushi 

Not all sushi rolls must have seafood inside; many do not, in fact. This recipe uses cucumber, carrots, asparagus, avocado & bell pepper, which give a contracting crispness to the rolls. 
Ingredients List:
1 cup sushi rice (cooked) 
1 nori seaweed sheets
4-5 cucumber juliennes
4-5 carrot juliennes
3 thin slices of avocado
4-5 bell pepper juliennes
1 stick asparagus (boiled) 

Directions:

l Lay the nori sheet out on a flat rolling surface. Spread the sushi rice evenly over the sheet 
l Place all vegetables lengthwise in the centre of the sheet 
l Roll the sushi into a log roll style. Slice into ¾-inch pieces and serve immediately with pickled ginger, wasabi & soy sauce — As told to Jigyasa Chimra (Chef Lenam Lepcha is from Tao Chandigarh)

Brave new world
Mona


Indian at Heart:Karan Khanna

The different roads, traffic and living standards in two countries, India and Australia, made Karan Khanna, a 25-year-old question the system. Result: his first fiction called I for India. 

Karan, a business administration graduate from Australia, born and brought up in Mumbai, shares his literary journey. "The idea to tell a story of Punjabi boy in Perth originated while I was doing my bachelors in Australia," shares Karan in a telephonic interview. 

The reverse culture shock egged him on. "How different the two worlds are. And how difficult could it be to make a safe, corruption-free society, I asked myself," says Karan. The 26/11 Mumbai attacks made this entrepreneur sit back and complete the unfinished tale.

I for India, is the title as well as message that Karan wants to give to millions of Indians. "I claim no literary genius. Mine is a simple, heartfelt story aimed at youngsters in a bid to transform our country," he shares.

The plot of the novel revolves around Karan Sehgal, a young man who dreams of a better India for tomorrow. It is a coming-of-age tale of a boy turning into a man, with a passion and a vision for his motherland. The story with a love angle is interspersed with real-life happenings, Delhi serial blasts, Mumbai 26/11 and racist attacks in Australia.

The writer Karan quotes Salman Rushdie, Khaled Hosseini and movies Rang De Basanti and Swadesh among his inspirations. Published by Alchemy Fiction, this 360-page book priced at Rs 150, would be released on Friday in Mumbai.mona@tribunemail.com

Macho Arnold is back

Arnold Schwarzenegger is all set to make his big screen comeback as a down-on-his-luck horse trainer in Cry Macho, who is offered to kidnap the son of his boss.

The action star and former California governor was on the lookout for a proper comback project after leaving office. He is also attached to return as Terminator in the fifth movie of the franchise that made him a household name. Al Ruddy, who won an Oscar for both The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, will produce.

"I guarantee that you'll get another look at Arnold Schwarzenegger in this movie. Arnold always plays these big muscular guys, but there's a sweetness to Arnold in real life, and we want to bring that sweetness to the screen. —PTI

Clooney's girlfriend bares all for PETA

Hollywood actor George Clooney's Italian girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis has bared all for a new anti-fur campaign by PETA. The 32-year-old model and TV host agreed to strip for People for Ethical Treatment of Animals' latest ads, which show her posing naked in front of a simple blue background, reported Femalefirst. "I think this is the best reason why I got naked in my life," she said.

Canalis has been anti-fur ever since she was a little girl, thanks to a harrowing TV documentary. "I was watching TV at home and they showed a documentary in which I saw how they killed little animals. I was shocked because I was a little girl, but at that moment I thought that I would never wear fur in my life," she said. —PTI

BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP
Anushka jealous of Sonakshi

Anushka Sharma maybe only ‘good friends’ with Ranveer Singh but she gets very angry if her co-star spends time with other girls. Especially, if the girl is the voluptuous Sonakshi Sinha who has a crush on Ranveer Singh.

 Anushka Sharma
Green-eyed monster: Anushka Sharma

Kajol
Kajol

Kajol is back

Kajol has resumed shooting post her maternity break. She has shot eight commercials back-to-back, week after week. The brands waited for her to return to work because they find her credibility reliable. Manish Malhotra designs her look for the commercials.

STUN(T)ning move

Daring act: Ali Zafar

Singing and dancing is not all that Ali Zafar did in Luv Ka The End. During the climax, there is a big stunt sequence with an SUV where he drops the girls’ home... in the film and he refused to use a body double or a stunt driver. He did all the driving himself and he was great with the skids. The jumps gave the girls the ride of their life. 

New ambassador

Jewel in the crown: Sonakshi Sinha

Sonakshi Sinha is all over the place. She has been signed on as the latest brand ambassador for D’damas jewellery.

Her campaign was unveiled on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritaya.


Ranveer gets Fan award

After sweeping all the awards at the industry events, Ranveer Singh has been awarded the UTV Movies Jeeyo Bollywood award. He got it from a fan who was delighted to meet him.


Honour bound: Ranveer Singh

Salman Khan
Salman Khan

Ticket to ride

A Star Box Office team member spotted an autorickshaw in Juhu, suburban Mumbai, painted with the titles of Salman Khan’s films such as Ready and Bodyguard. Very kitschy work!

The driver is a huge Salman Khan fan and it will not be long before Salman will be spotted travelling by rickshaws to promote his movie or simply for the fun of it!

On a serious note

Siddharth Mallya and Deepika Padukone have become more committed to each other. Deepika has warned him to maintain distance from other girls and she doesn’t get too friendly with other guys, either. She finds time to attend important Kingfisher parties and the family has accepted her. Way to go! They may even make their relationship public.


Tell tale: Shenaz Treasurywala


Jealous eye: Siddharth Mallya & Deepika Padukone 

Luv, Ex and Dhoka

Former MTV ‘It girl’ Shenaz Treasurywala who has written the script of Luv Ka The End, says that the Yash Raj film is autobiographical.

Just like the character played by Shraddha Kapoor in this teen comedy, Shenaz was cheated by her ex-boyfriend and she too plotted revenge like the protagonist.

“Every character in the film is an exaggeration of someone I know. Luv Nanda (the character played by newcomer Taaha Shah in the film) is an ex-boyfriend who broke my heart.

I dreamed and schemed every night of getting even just like Rhea does in the film,” the model-actress said. And Shenaz, who made her Bollywood debut with the Shahid Kapoor starrer Ishq Vishq in 2003, said that she is finally getting back with the film.

“This guy even had a slimy, fat friend exactly like Gollu who I hated. Also Timmy was his all brawn brother from another mother. I am getting my revenge now, 10 years later,” said Shenaz who also has a guest appearance in it.

“Yes, I play this hot nymphomaniac school teacher. I remember having a teacher like that in college,” said the 29-year-old. Other than Luv Ka The End, an American soap titled One Life To Live is keeping her busy. — PTI

Will they, won’t they?


Wedding bells: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Hollywood ‘It’ couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have sparked wedding rumours after starting restoration work on a 16th century chapel situated on their French estate.

Internet is abuzz with reports that the couple plans to tie the knot in the ancient church, which they are restoring.

“Unless they’re planning to use the venue for salsa dancing classes or speed dating nights for locals, this will inevitably lead to speculation they want to get hitched in it,” a report.

“With six kids to look after, you can hardly blame the pair for keeping things close to home,” said Sun online.

The couple splurged $ 55 million on the sprawling estate in the French Riviera near showbiz pals Johnny Depp and Bono.

— PTI

Minnisha joins the red carpet brigade

The French Riviera is going to host a bevy of Indian beauties this year as Minissha Lamba, will join Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Freida Pinto on the Cannes red carpet. The Bollywood actress will be in Cannes to attend the premiere of Woody Allen’s ‘Midnight in Paris’ on the opening night and will also attend the after-party.

“It will be my first time in France and I am super excited to sample the food and nightlife, as an after party on the Croisette is on the cards,” said the 26-year-old.

The ‘Yahaan’ star has not decided on her wardrobe yet and is looking at her options right now. — PTI

astro turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: The card Eight of Swords bestows Saturnine influence as such problems are bound to arise at home. Chronic patients: Consult a doctor. Neighbours would be a cause of concern. A disagreement with your partner won’t be resolved for a few days. Tarot message: Avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Aqua Blue. Magic number: 39 

TAURUS: Early hours could see you encountering some difficulties. Budget goes topsy-turvy. Keep your mind at work. Resources must be protected. Gossip could spoil your chance of success. Home and family life can be frustrated at the moment. Tarot message: Seek advice but don’t feel you have to stick to it. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 48

GEMINI: Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. You will not be able to get teamwork going. Short trips could cause minor annoyances. Personal plans will be opposed by friends. Another romance is waiting for you around the next corner. Tarot message: A shopping spree can set your budget aflutter. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36

CANCER: You are on the crest of a lucky wave. The married will be able to see more of each other. Do not sign any new agreements. No arguments please. A social invitation should not be missed. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite and understanding. Lucky colour: Deep Red. Magic number: 59

LEO: Use your own judgment while taking important decisions. Your family members may not like your associations. Do not demonstrate your anger to anybody. A restless attitude might prevail. You should have an uncanny knack of understanding exactly what people want, even if they aren’t expressing. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29

VIRGO: Make your choices wisely today. Family politics can intensify. Discussing issues with friends won’t make any difference. Listen to yourself and you can’t go wrong. Worries over your elderly parent’s welfare should be acted upon. Don’t wait for your fears to become facts. Tarot message: Renew energy in your relationship. Lucky colour: Forest Green. Magic number: 47 

LIBRA: Ten of Wands shows deception influence. You will feel irritated at work. A new deal may bring monetary gains. Women: Control your diet. Romance is in the air with a person whose name starts with A,M or S. Success in your career is indicated. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Orange.Magic number: 61

SCORPIO: Stock brokers: Think before investing. Youngsters may feel a bit lethargic. New work may prove lucrative. You can safely delegate responsibility. An old friend might turn up out of the blue and take you out. Keep your eye on your credit cards and cash. Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30

SAGITTARIUS: Business can be carried out successfully. You are unlikely to have any difficulty concentrating. A Taurean plays a major role. Diplomacy and tact are the key words for the day. Your card The Lovers casts its loving light. Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and excitingopportunities.Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 42

CAPRICORN: Students, do not neglect your work. Drive carefully. Humanity pays. Keep business activities open and aboveboard. Parent’s health needs attention. A foolish obligation can be dropped. Stop thinking about everybody else and put yourself on centre-stage. Tarot message: Try to be as charming as possible in all situations. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 25

AQUARIUS: Get into work early because as the day unfolds, everything can become disjointed. An influential person may acknowledge your work. Secrecy will be helpful when dealing with money. Property matters are double edged. Your health glows. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others. Lucky colour: Silver Grey. Magic number: 40

PISCES: No matter what the problems, you will achieve success. Job seekers could get through jobs. A business deal is likely to get through and give you a more secure income. A new budget to suit your income and lifestyle will help you make headway. Tarot message: Take life as it comes. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52

chatter box

SRK’s soap story

Though, we have seen Shah Rukh Khan on the small screen numerous times hosting a variety of shows, now buzz is that he will be seen doing a cameo in the newly launched Colors show Sasuraal Simar Kaa. After Fauji and Circus, this will be the third time he appears in a television soap. Apparently the makers struggled to get SRK in their show and pulled off the coup. Rumour is that his cameo appearance will be spread out over two-three episodes. Of course, when you have a superstar on board, one ensures he is showcased beautifully. His track and role are kept under wraps for intrigue value. The channel is tight lipped about the development. One hears he shot for it yesterday night. Cool!

Karan turns anchor

The television heartthrob Karan Singh Grover has been out of limelight after his immensely popular show on Star One, Dill Mill Gayye.

The actor will be back soon on television though not in a daily soap but as an anchor.

He will be hosting a new show on Channel V which would be a travel show, Couple, and is expected to be launched in June. Welcome back.

Abhijeet gives beauty tips 


Fun time: Soumya Tandon (extreme right) in Comedy circus Ke Tansen

All celebrities love looking good on screen, but it’s rather a peculiar one when someone admits to it publicly! On the sets of reality show Comedy Circus Ke Tansen, the host of the show, Soumya Tandon admitted so. During her conversation with Abhijeet Sawant, Somuya was heard saying that ever since he started playing feminine roles on the show, he has surpassed all his female co-stars in terms of beauty. She even requested some beauty tips from Abhijeet. Well now that’s news.

A happy ending

Hema Malini Productions’ Maati Ki Banno will go off-air this Friday. Just like other shows on TV, this one too will have a happy ending. Saudamini’s (Aasiya Kazi) ghost is back in the house and she wants to take away Vikram (Manoj Chandila). But, her attempts will fail as the family will summon a tantrik to get rid of Saudamini’s ghost. Post this the family will live happily ever after. —HRM

Apara is saas again

Well-known actress Apara Mehta will be seen the role of a mother-in-law yet again, after her legendary role as Tulsi’s saas in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Apara plays Leela in Asit Modi’s new show on Colors called Hamari Saas Leela. This new drama is set in a middle class household. 

the year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 6...

Today is Akshay Treetiya and the New Year commences on many auspicious notes. To enhance your wealth you can invest in gold, jewellery or in any long-term financial plan. If planning to purchase a house, pay earnest money today. If not insured yet, get a long-term life policy. 

This is the right time to propose to your fiancée. Venus is your ruling star because of your basic number 6 and you being a Taurean too. Venus is the goddess of love, beauty and wealth. You are gifted with creativity, imagination, artistic talents, versatility, good nature and the ability to inspire others. You will be enticed to live your life with joy and imagination. You will discover the benefits of optimism and enthusiasm, as well as how to express them. Your forte is the unique creative flair you bring to everything you do. You will be successful in any artistic endeavour — be it writing, speaking, designing, illustrating, dancing or acting.

Upgrading to a bigger vehicle, moving to a larger house or renovating an existing home are certainly most significant points in 2011-12.

Leslie Hope (Leslie Ann Hope) was born on May 6, 1965 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and she is a famous actress.

On television, she appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Kira Nerys’ mother Kira Meru and in the Gemini Award-winning Human Cargo. She has appeared in Canadian and American movies and television series. Her first movie role was in the Canadian movie Ups and Downs which was filmed in Victoria. In 1993, she starred in Paris, France, directed by Gerard Ciccoritti. 

new release

Film: Haunted 3D

Producers: Arun Rangachari and BVG Films

Director: Vikram Bhatt

India’s first 3D horror film and Vikram Bhatt’s most expensive project to date is all set to release today at theatres in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Zirakpur. The technology used in Haunted 3D is similar to what was used in Avatar. The film marks the comeback of Mimoh Chakraborty, renamed Mahakshay. Vikram Bhatt has used 3D effect mostly scenes wherein there is a smoke. New-find Tina Bajpai makes her debut in Bollywood. Let us see whether this film will breathe life into Mimoh’s career.

Film: Luv Ka The End

Producer: Ashish Patil

Director: Bumpy

This film was earlier titled Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Trade pundits predicts it as a run-off-the-mill love story. The film has fresh feel and stars Taaha Shah, Shardha Kapoor and Shehnaz Treasuryvala in the lead roles. Sharadha has some bold scenes in this film. If all goes well it will give boost to her career. The film also marks the directorial debut of Bumpy, who directed reality show Roadies on MTV. The item number Mutton Song adds colour to this film. — Dharam Pal





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