Remember the akhara of music?
Singing reality shows, live performances, Coke Studio, online music…are all these an answer to the missing akhara?
Jasmine Singh

Gurdas Maan
live wire: Gurdas Maan

Akhara! A wannabe Punjabi singer from Punjab repeated the word twice, as if he had heard it for the first time in his life. “You want me to make my debut by singing at an akhara?” he pulled his secretary who had brought him an invite to sing at the akhara. “Get me some invite to perform at an awards night or some hi-profile magazine,” he rebuked the secretary.

Cut to a quiet village in Moga where Punjabi Sufi singer Barkat Sidhu is sharing his views on the importance of akharas, and how they have been replaced by live shows, star nights and something more recent like a Coke Studio. It doesn’t take much for Barkat Sidhu to recall how the entire village would gather during the night to hear various qawaals, now known as singers.

He almost runs inside his house to get his baja (he likes to call harmonium a baja) and plays chann kithey guzarey aayi raat ve… “We used to sing folk songs at akharas. Now, such a thing does not exist. The new generation of singers wouldn’t even know what they are,” he shows us his black and white pictures clicked at various akharas.

And if all you music lovers are wondering or trying to find any relation with akharas for wrestlers, we run you through this lost tradition, which was once considered the most important stage for singers to be recognised and connect with the fans. Akharas were the performance area for Punjabi singers who used to perform on folk songs and tales in front of audiences comprising villagers, who would sit throughout the night listening to the singers. The akharas were non- ticketed affair and just about anyone could watch it.

Singers like Kuldeep Manak, Gurdas Maan, have been synonymous with this singing tradition. Yes, to you it might sound something like a Jazzy B or Harbhajan Mann night. But…..it sure wasn’t like this!

Punjabi singer Kamal Heer would accompany his elder brother Manmohan Waris who used to perform at akharas. “It would be announced which all singers will be playing, so the entire village would gather is some ground and enjoy folk music. Not many women would be seen at these events. Various singers with all folk singers would sing, without any back up vocals or instruments. This is where you recognise the real talent of a singer.”

Who better than Barkat Sidhu would second this opinion? Times have changed, and the singer is trying to live up to the fact that commercialisation equals to sustenance and publicity of a singer. “How often, other than singers like Gurdas Maan or Kuldeep Manak, would you find singers of today at the akhara. Now, it has been replaced by live shows or singer nites, where they lip sync and make a fool of the audiences by jumping all over the stage. The shows are ticketed, and only select audiences can watch them,” he says.

Is there any point in going back in time when television and Internet is flooded with oodles of dope on live music? Singing reality shows, live performances, Coke Studio, online music… all this seems to be an answer to the missing akharas. As Punjabi music director of jaan jaan fame adds, “Akharas were the only source of entertainment for people and publicity for singers. Thanks to Internet and television, viewers are fed with enough live music now. We have reality shows, which give way to new singing talent. So, we are not losing out on anything in music. Yes, we should certainly invite different singers to perform on a common platform once in a while, but who will deal with the problem of availability of dates.”

Music has moved from baja to banjo, from singing live to singing with backup instruments, and akharas have given way to live shows. Change is good, so who is complaining!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Romance on reverse
In a move away from mushy mushy romance, it’s an equal playing field between the sexes when it comes to the war of love
Mona

Love Ka Panchnama
Love Ka Panchnama

The era of mushy love - when a girl waited for her guy to sweep her off her feet and make all her dreams come true - seem to be over. Looks like it’s the season of romance in reverse! How else would you justify films titled Love Ka The End or Love Ka Panchnama?

No more the coy, submissive girls who followed men or took cheating lying down, young women today believe in tit-for-tat. If men err (that they do more often than not) especially in movies, these new generation girls believe in teaching them a lesson or two.

Love Ka The End, which comes from the stable of Yash Raj, the maker of love sagas like Maine Pyar Kiya, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Dil To Pagal Hai, is a surprise. Director of this anti rom-com spills the beans. “We wanted to do something different this time. Something that the younger, sassy generation likes,” shares Bumpy, over a telephonic interview.

“Times are different. Girls today are as confident with exposure as boys,” says Bumpy who has had first-hand experience of today’s youth in shows like MTV Roadies. “Girls today question what the society considered a given a while back. They demand the same liberty as men enjoy,” says Bumpy who is next considering making a movie that enlists techniques for saving men from all-aggressive women.

So far, the only alternative to rom-coms were action flicks or thrillers, but with the coming of Love Ka The End and Love Ka Panchnama, it seems to be starting an era of anti-rom-coms! Is it life imitating cinema or vice versa?

Heena Sharma, who has just finished her studies, believes in the latter. “We want movies that are zara hatke. We are over with those mushy tales of sweet sacrifices,” she says. “Love is no more the only thing in women’s life, and such movies get across the message to guys ,” she shares.

Just like recent flicks, young women from the city are not scared to speak out their mind. “Women of today work to fulfill their dreams rather than waiting for a knight in shining armour to come and rescue them,” says Nancy, a model from Chandigarh. This woman believes in playing it level. “Kuch tum karo, kuch hum karen is the dictum now,” she adds.

It’s not like that men are in the dark. “Today girls live life on their own terms. Love is side-tracked, there are more important things in their life today,” says Aniket Verma an entrepreneur pursuing MBA. “If one is expecting submission or loyalty from their girls, then you are in for disappointment. I wouldn’t say all girls are in the same league, but, more are than not,” he says.

Men need to be tackled in their own turf, believe many women. “When we are sgiving the very best, why shouldn’t we demand the very best?” questions Suprita Gill, communication expert. “It’s time that we stop portraying the goody-goody image and show reality. Individuals are no all black or white, be it men or women; we all have shades of gray. Life and cinema both are entitled to celebrate both!” she adds.

mona@tribunemail.com 

Aamir leads on FB

Priyanka Chopra
female lead: Priyanka Chopra

Aamir Khan is not only one of the leading stars in the industry but also the most popular Bollywood personality on social networking site Facebook with 29 lakh fans on his page.

The actor is followed by his buddy Salman Khan, who is at the second position with 23 lakh fans.

The two Khans have the highest fan following than any other Bollywood star on the site, which has more than 50 crore users all over.

Aamir, 46, frequently uses the site to interact with his fans. The actor who is currently promoting his upcoming production 'Delhi Belly', has posted the first promo and poster of the movie on facebook and has asked his fans to give their opinion.

"Thank you everyone for the comments on the movie.

Delhi Belly is a real entertaining movie and I am sure you all will like it," Aamir posted on facebook.

Salman, who also uses facebook to connect with his huge number of followers, posted his song Character Dheela from the movie Ready, which has already become a hit amongst the audience. The song has more than thousand likes and comments on it.

Actress Priyanka Chopra is the third in the list with 20 lakh fans. The actress often interacts with her fans, sharing her thoughts and experiences.

During the Anna Hazare anti-corruption act she posted on her page, "Anna Hazare has the whole nation standing with him, the good part is that today's youth is coming forward for this cause and understands its value. I also stand by him.” Actor Ranbir Kapoor comes fourth, followed by Shahrukh Khan at fifth and Akshay Kumar at the sixth place in terms of popularity on facebook. — PTI

BOOKMARK
The good in a goodbye
What Happened to Goodbye is for those at the crossroads in their life
Mona

Anmol Chhavi Gupta
Booked: Anmol Chhavi Gupta

An insatiable reader Anmol Chhavi Gupta reads most of her books online. “My father will go bankrupt if I start buying each book that I want to read,” says final-year Mass Communication student from Chandigarh.

A Jeffrey Archer fan, Anmol’s first love remains fiction. However, she varies the theme according to the phases of life she is passing through. “When life is busy, I go for light fiction. When free, its tales of vampire or crime fiction,” shares Anmol.

While surfing for a light one last week, Anmol came across Sarah Dessen and her May release What Happened to Goodbye. As she surfed through this one, Anmol fell in love with Sarah Dessen, the top teen seller.

What Happened ... is story of McLean who has bitter memories of her parents’ very public divorce and is traumatised as the whole town looks down upon her family. McLean stays with her father who takes a new job as a restaurant consultant. As this father-daughter duo change places frequently, Mclean reinvents herself with each move.

The reason Anmol fell in love with in the book were the characters. “The characters in the book are both simple and complex; they are what our day today people behave in day to day lives. Her friends and other secondary characters are given a lot of detail, and it makes the reader feel the anxieties and tensions felt by them,” she shares.

Most of the story unfolds in light-hearted dialogues. “Apart from the family issues, teenage issues are also dealt with caution, Mclean identity crisis is shown as an escape route, and does not go overboard as in most cases,” says Anmol.

The author has done a wonderful job with handling the relationships in the book. “What could have been a tragic and full of pity, the story is fun, happy and optimistic. This book is a must read for teenagers who are at cross roads in their life (which is quite often),” says Anmol.

Her next read, The life of Pi by Yann Martel. “It’s an intriguing story of a man deserted island. They say it’s an immortal tale of Never Say Die attitude,” she says.

GET PHYSICAL
Be Bhangra fit
Anup Debnath

Bhangra is an energetic, foot tapping dance form that began as a folk dance conducted by Punjabi farmers in 11th Century to celebrate the coming of the harvest season.

Originally considered a male dance, a “man’s song”, with strong, intense movements, Bhangra has bridged the gender divide and has been enthusiastically accepted by women as well.

Bhangra done as a workout incorporates the peppy music, the energetic, fun and free-style steps. It’s done non-stop as a form of rigorous cardiovascular exercise and aims at burning 600-800 calories in one session.

Any form of dance works on the principle of losing inhibitions, releasing stress and freeing the mind. Bhangra certainly is no exception.

A typical Bhangra class incorporates the traditional ‘dhol’ music as well as popular Punjabi and Bollywood songs. The steps are energetic and fast and when choreographed into a sequence, they make the mind and body work in tandem to give the best results.

Almost all dance forms are energetic but Bhangra perhaps is among the top.

This dance form uses the entire body, the signature shoulder movements give the shoulders and arms a good workout. The jumps and pile movements work on the quads, thighs, bums and legs. As typically Punjabi music is a double beat, this makes you workout at a far more intense level than regular workouts would. To sustain a Bhangra class you need to have a strong cardiovascular system and have good endurance as well.

Bhangra has become a rage even in the West and there are Bhangra workout clubs and classes mushrooming everywhere.

Frequented in equal numbers by men and women as well as all races, Bhangra, it seems is the fad of the decade. If you are bored with your usual fitness routine, Bhangra could sure pep up the monotonous workout. And, if you are looking to get into shape and learn some killer dance moves at the same time, Bhangra is the answer for you.

(Debnath is a Chandigarh based fitness and yoga expert)

High on style

Suvir Singh
Brand comfort: Suvir Singh

Style tends to define a person. This definition comes with regular upkeep and knowing what complements your fashion statement. For this young lawyer Suvir Singh in the making, comfort takes the front seat and brands are valuable.

Your sense of style is…

Casual and something that is comfortable.

Latest addition in your wardrobe...

Tag Heuer spectacles.

Brand freak or street junkie?

I just love brands and am defiantly a brand freak.

Choose a look; sporty, glamorous or chic

A sporty look works well for me.

My style icon would be…

John Abraham. He has all the ingredients of being a role model.

So who's the worst dressed celebrity around?

Rakhi Sawant. I really don't understand her very revealing outfits.

One fashion trend you just don't understand…

I really don't understand why men wear tight jeans.

Your take on accessories

Accessories don't look good... just simple watch or something.

One thing that boosts your confidence

A well coordinated look complete with the right dash of accessories will ensure that heads turn!

(As told to Vasudha Gupta)

If you think you too fit in the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com.

No food please....

No to food is anorexic’s delight. A new study has shed light onto why people suffering from anorexia nervosa refuse to eat, thus leading to extreme weight loss. People with anorexia nervosa - a disorder that tends to occur in young women- often say that eating makes them more anxious, and food refusal makes them feel better.

In order to provoke dopamine levels in the brain, which is released when people or animals eat tasty foods, Walter Kaye, professor of psychiatry and director of the Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Programme at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, administered a one-time dose of the drug amphetamine.

In healthy women without an eating disorder, amphetamine-induced release of dopamine was related to feelings of extreme pleasure in a part of the brain known as a "reward" centre. However, in people who had anorexia nervosa, amphetamine made them feel anxious, and the part of the brain that was activated was, instead, a part of the brain that worries about consequences. “This is the first study to demonstrate a biological reason why individuals with anorexia nervosa have a paradoxical response to food,” said Kaye.

“It’s possible that when people with anorexia nervosa eat, the related release of the neurotransmitter dopamine makes them anxious, rather than experiencing a normal feeling of reward. It is understandable why it is so difficult to get people with anorexia nervosa to eat and gain weight, because food generates feelings of anxiety.” — ANI

Computer gamesa FAT order

With a lot of teenagers taking to computer games literally as an addiction, scientists claim these games are actually making the young ones hungry and prone to obesity.

The games stimulate youngsters' appetites encouraging them to raid the fridge and cupboards for snacks, say scientists.

Researchers have found that teenage boys consumed an extra 80 calories after playing computer games for an hour compared to those who did not.

Experts believe this may explain why children who spend hours on games are often obese - it's not just because they don't exercise.

Researchers, studying a group of 17-year-old boys who rested for one hour and played computer games for another hour the following day, collected blood samples every 10 minutes during each hour.

They also measured how many calories they were burning off by asking them to breath into a machine meant to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Once the hour of rest and hour of playing computer games was up, the teenagers were offered a plate of spaghetti.

The Canadian and Danish researchers, who conducted the study, found that the boys burnt off just 21 extra calories during the hour they played computer games compared to resting.

But they ate an extra 80 calories later - nearly 60 more than they would have burnt off. It meant that if a teenager played computer games for three hours a day, he would eat 180 more calories than needed, and over time would put on weight. — IANS

Rock ‘n’ roll 

We have graduated from basic to exotic, from desi to exclusive and sophisticated. We have become international in our palate preferences. This has given a haute makeover to the Indian palate. Bringing the similar kind of culinary revolution, School of Hospitality and Resort Management (SHRM), Panchkula organised a zippy rock show, Vespertine 2011 at Kalagram on Saturday to give you a delightful package having a blend of musical evening and food extravaganza.

From Thai green curry to garlic chicken, from Russian salads to red and white pastas and from paneer tikka to chicken wings; the show had well mix of of global ingredients in the cuisines.

The main attraction of the event was the rock show. Students of advance diploma-I course showcased their skills and practical knowledge, which they have learnt in the past twoyears at the event.

Astro Turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: You may have to help a friend preoccupied with family woes. Love affairs can develop at work. You make most of your artistic talent. Bring up underlying issues in business. Venus opens the doors to a deeper level of intimacy and passion. Finances could be a worry. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Maroon. Magic number: 33.

TAURUS: Guard against deception. Shun the limelight. An interview is successful. Guard against misuse of personal possessions by children. Artistic creativity is stimulated now. Your imagination can come up with wired and artistic ideas. Libra students can get involved in valuable research. Take up yoga and mediation. Tarot message: Watch health problems. Lucky colour: Copper. Magic number: 34.

GEMINI: A happy day for professionals and businessmen. Avoid physical exertion and outdoor activities. Bring romance back into your life. A desire to learn new things could take you away from your usual haunts. Public gatherings may attract your attention and stimulate your interest in politics or the environment. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussion. Lucky colour: Skin. Magic number: 29.

CANCER: Visit of a loved one brings joy. Domestic life is lacklustre. Void speculation. Avoid churlish or hasty remarks that could be reported to your superiors. A positive frame of mind helps you. Read a book or talk to a close friend or sibling. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding & humility. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 36

LEO: Be prepared for additional expenditure or religion or allied matters. Financial condition is good. A hectic day for students. Balancing personal and professional life may seem impossible. This is day what you know is right. Stand by your principles. Don’t worry. Take one step at a time. Tarot message: Don’t let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 48

VIRGO: Conditions at home will be pleasant. Students: time is not ripe for long-term career moves. Be careful in planning a new enterprise. A decision concerning your future may be made. Focus on fitness. Whatever you focus on will have a positive outcome. Your public image improves. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 59.

LIBRA:Students receive good news about career. Financial gains likely. Don’t let disinterest or boredom creep into your routine. Moderation is essential. Don’t jump to conclusions. Partnership matters can be successful. Joint funds increase. Moving to a new house causes undue stress. Tarot message: Take limited risks with you capital. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 63

SCORPIO: Financially you do a bit to end a phase of dependence. Avoid travel. Singles are about to begin a delightful affair of the heart. Favourable response to application moved today. Communication skills diffuse problems. Your meditation skills will be used and earn respect of associates. Tarot message: Do what is right. Lucky colour: Coffee brown. Magic number: 50

SAGITTARIUS:Don’t rely on other’s advice. Financially you are secure. Bizfolk: expect profits. Energy is low today. Prioritise to cut workload. A new love affair can interfere with your thought process. Be honest with yourself. Let go if the relationship isn’t working. Tarot message: A caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 46

CAPRICORN: Control your temper. Loved ones may be extravagant. Your phone can run hot, and callers can intrude on your peace. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, you would be wise to get out into nature and fresh air. Visit a local scenic spot. Tarot message: Concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 32

AQUARIUS:Satisfaction at work comes from the goodwill and reputation. Model: the spotlight is on you today. Money matters are no worry. Smooth sailing at home. Enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Pamper yourself with your favourite foods. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 44

PISCES: Bizfolk: old customers renew contacts or new clients boost your trade. Sportsmen: a bright opportunity knocks at your door. Tackle tough jobs carefully. When you are looking and feeling good, heads are turn as you go by. Clothes do make the person today. Avoid moody or negative people. Tarot message: Wait and watch. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 30

The Year Ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 23...
On your birthday finish all your pending work. July and October are great months. Communicating with your family isn’t easy at this juncture. Revisit your to-do list in December. Social contacts and fabulous new friendships flourish throughout the year with special highlights in November and December when Saturn powers up your friendship sector. January and February are stellar months to date. Venus and Mars emphasise finances.

Make money in June and July and enjoy the rewards in August. Creativity takes you to exhibitions. The more you honour your myriad artistic talents the sooner you can turn your gifts into a potentially lucrative enterprise. When Jupiter turns retrograde between August 30 and December 25, you’ll certainly suffer shortage of inspiration.

Laurel Holloman (May 23, 1971) is a famous American actress best known for her roles as Randy Dean In 1995.

She began her film career with her role as baby butch Randy Dean in The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love for which she received critical acclaim. She has worked in a variety of mostly independent film roles, such as The Myth of Fingerprints, Boogie Nights and Tumbleweeds. For this role, she was presented with a Golden Satellite Award in 2005 as best actress in a drama series.

beat it

DjSameer
http://soundcloud.com/bantsinghproject
http://wordsoundandpower.org/
Track: The Bant Singh Project

This is a collection of songs, a heady mix of drum and bass, basically a good dose of electronic music. An attempt to showcase the legendary Dalit icon Bant Singh and his songs of rebellion, inter-caste violence and equality, this project is dedicated to him. Bant Singh from Jabbhar Village in Punjab is a legendary singer and activist of Mazdoor Mukti Morcha. The Bant Singh Project is a brave collaboration covering wide uncharted areas of music and socially harking issues - the mashed up Indian electronic sounds of Chris McGuinness and the politically charged flow of Delhi Sultanate attempt to spread the message to urban masses via dancehall, dub, and poetry. (As told to Jasmine Singh) 

Chatter Box
Meri Toh Lay Gayi Naukari...off air?

Tusshar Kapoor in Meri Toh Lag Gayi Naukari UTV Bindass started off with its new experimental show titled Meri Toh lay Gayi Naukari, produced by DJ's creative unit, starring Priyanka Chibber and other well known actors, a while ago. But now the buzz is that the show stopped its telecast abruptly. The show went off air due to problems between the channel and producers of the show rumoured.

pink slip: Tusshar Kapoor in Meri Toh Lag Gayi Naukari

Maha treat on Zee

After maha episodes, now Zee TV brings Mahasangam, which means characters of four hit shows on the channel will shoot for one episode and come together in a storyline. In Pavitra Rishta, Savitha and Sulochana will plan a surprise anniversary party for Archana (Ankita Lokhande) and Manav (Sushant Singh Rajput) in a dhaba, which is where Sooraj (Rohit Purohit) of Sanskaar Laxmi is shooting. Dramatically Ragini’s (Anisha Kapur) truth will be exposed by Laxmi (Vibha Anand). Meanwhile, Rudra (Iqbal Khan) and Gauri (Binny Sharma) will get a lift from Sooraj and Ram Milaayi Jodi’s, Anukalp (Nishant Malkani) and Mona (Sara Khan) will be invited for the Archana-Manav's anniversary party. Phew!! The Mahasangam episode will be aired on 23 May from 9-11pm. Enjoy.

big dose: Ankita Lokhande in Pavitra Rishta

Ravi runs for fitness

Everyone wants to be fit but our actors hardly get time due to their busy schedules. Ravi Dubey aka Tej of Saas Bina Sasural too was in a quandary and so he came up with a solution which is very innovative and unique. After pack-up of his shoot, he runs for 6 kms on his way home. Inspired from Salman Khan, are we? As he rides a bicycle back and forth for his shoots.

Didi on reel

"Though I have Leftist leanings it does not deter me from directing a full-length documentary on West Bengal's new Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. She is not only an interesting personality but also a true soldier who has achieved what she wanted to with real efforts and tenacity of purpose," says eminent film maker Goutam Ghosh.

The internationally reputed director, cinematographer known for his earlier documentaries on Satyajit Ray, Ustad Bismillah Khan and Dalai Lama is excited about his new assignment, which he is all ready to start in the next two months.

"Way back about two decades ago eminent poet Subhash Mukhopadhyay pointed out to me that Mamata Banerjee will rise to dizzy heights. Though he was a leftist poet, he later grew disillusioned about West Bengal's Left-oriented culture and system."

"My documentary will trace the starting of Mamata Banerjee from her humble beginnings at Kalighat, Kolkata to her career as a student union leader at Jadavpur University, her never say die struggle against the then ruling CPM government, her tenure as Railway Minister and finally how she hit the bull's eye with the last Assembly elections." The documentary will be of one and a half hour duration and have exclusive interviews from stalwarts like PM Dr Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, Somnath Chatterjee and others both from her side as well as her opposition and will be shot extensively in West Bengal and New Delhi.

Kitchen Champion 4 from today

Afternoons on COLORS will be spicier as Kitchen Champion's forthcoming season will commence from May 23 every Monday to Friday at 1 pm. While the first season saw actor Ronit Roy's debut as a host with the favourite television bahus, the second season witnessed on screen jodis battle in the kitchen and the third season had a tinge of Bollywood. The fourth season shall see host Ronit Roy and Chef Gauti challenge and guide the contestants to create Five Star Ka Khaana Ghar Pe. — HRM

Diva in the making

Sukirti KhandpalCute and spunky Sukirti Khandpal, who is popular for her innocent college girl role of Piyali Dobriyal in STAR One’s show Pyaar Ke Ye Ek Kahaani, has made India proud by reaching the top 10 in Miss India Worldwide beauty pageant in Dubai. It was not a total loss as she won the title of Miss Bollywood Diva 2011 in the contest. She talks about her experience.

Sukirti says, “I took part in this beauty competition in Dubai as I wanted to experience being a part of such pageants. I love to try new things all the time. I had lot of fun as well as a learning experience. I observed and imbibed a lot from the other participants. A lot of them were very good dancers and from that I learnt it is important to know all forms of performing arts.”

Talking about her experience in Dubai she adds, “This city is a lot of fun because I went out a lot of clubs which was awesome. In this short trip, I made a lot of friends. It was a dream come true to represent India in a beauty pageant. It feels great. I have so many memories to cherish forever."

On winning the title she says, “Well, I am delighted that I was in top ten and won the subtitle even after working continuously for my TV show.”

She also has some advice for all her fans and aspiring actors. “Even before leaving for Dubai, I completed a 19-hour shift. After reaching Dubai, the pace was no less hectic. I just want to tell everybody that they should have confidence and belief in themselves. — HRM

Star Track
Bollywood’s formula no.1

Bollywood seems to be going back to formula of masala films with the same old stories. After giving hits like Wanted and Dabangg, Salman is back with another masala film, Ready. The film is about Salman convincing Asin’s family that he is the right guy for her, albeit in a humourous way. We take a look at movies which were all about the guy convincing the girl’s family that he is the right companion for her.

Ready

Salman Khan and Asin starrer Ready revolves around convincing Asin’s uncles that Salman is the best option for their niece. Although, here the uncles are not exactly looking out for a match for Asin but have their own selfish motives to get rid of her.

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge

 Salman romances Karisma in DHLJSalman Khan has always been known for his masala magic. One of his masala films with Karisma Kapoor was Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge. Born and brought up in a protective environment by loving mamas ( Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, and Anupam Kher) all her life, she meets a guy, Salman, and falls in love with him. DHLJ shows how Salman Khan tries to please each Uncle.

Hero No. 1

Govinda was the best comic hero of his time. This David Dhawan film shows Govinda falling in love with Karisma Kapoor. To convince her family, he disguises himself as a servant to know her family. He manages to win their hearts as a servant. The film makes the Meet The Parents scenario funny and rib-tickling. The lovers unite in the end.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

A still from DDLJOne of Bollywood’s most loved and memorable films which is still running in theatres stars one of the nicest Bollywood on-screen couples: Kajol and SRK. We really don’t need to tell you the plot of it as you must have seen it a million times already. The film shows that love overcomes all obstacles and is nothing to be ashamed of.

Welcome

Yet another Anees Bazmee film which shows how two lovers’ played by Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, convince the girl’s mafia family about each other. The film is full of confusion and will make you laugh even today.

SRK game for item songs
Shah Rukh Khan was the star guest at the music launch of his production, Always Kabhi Kabhi. He talks about item songs, their lyrics, and his superstar status.

ShahRukh KhanOn Item songs today…
I had also done a song Ishq kamina in Kaminey. I think language has changed and I think till we don’t use such language people won’t understand or they wouldn’t like to listen to it. I respect all kind of lyrics and as an actor I am not asked about the lyrics. Sometimes I feel I won’t be able to say some of the dialogues but it’s a personal subjective point of view but I have no issues as now we are also exposed to international music as much as we are exposed to Indian music. When I was in Brazil a song was going on, the lyrics of which where such that we couldn’t speak it at all but still we enjoyed it (nodded his head as if still enjoying the song). I think as the situation of the film is, accordingly the song should be done. As long as the lyrics convey what the film wants to say it’s alright with me and of course the choice is yours if you don’t like it you can just change the song or don’t listen to it. It’s a completely subjective matter.

On his superstardom...

There are days when I wake up and I feel really proud of myself and sometimes I feel humble and today is a humble day for me (everyone claps). We teach children that we should have one thought and shouldn’t have contradictions in our thoughts but I think contradictions are the spice of life, that’s what makes life happy. The thing which we used to like earlier, we may not like it now so I don’t think we should stick to one ideology or one thought. The people who live life this way are the most boring people on the earth. Sometimes I wake up with a thought that I have achieved a lot and I am so great that I can’t afford to be humble and sometimes I feel I am not good enough. When I say "I am not a star" it’s because I am completely human as I still laugh, I sill cry, I get tensed, I get disheartened, and I think that’s one of the reasons people love me. So there is no lie in my answers as they are just a reflection of the different emotions I feel each day. 

Miranda makes a comeback

Miranda KerrVictoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr says that she felt insecure about returning to modelling after giving birth to her son Flynn. The 28-year-old model said that she was not sure about going back to the runway after becoming a mother, but overcame her initial fears to star in a Paris fashion show.

"I felt a little nervous. I hadn’t been in high heels for a while. It was probably a good five months since I’d worn heels, but it was kind of like riding a bicycle," said Kerr who is married to Hollywood heartthrob Orlando Bloom. Kerr’s body has naturally changed slightly since giving birth, but she is pleased with her shapelier look.

"I feel like I’ve become more of a woman now, and I’m really embracing those curves," she added. The beauty has been pictured in some small bikinis since having Flynn.

"People have come to the house and I’m just in my knickers. But I feel like it’s more appropriate to have knickers on than being completely naked," Kerr said. — PTI 

Luck by chance

capHollywood actress Kate Hudson, who is expecting her second child with 'Muse' frontman Matt Belammy, says that she did not plan the pregnancy.

The 32-year-old actor did not want to have a second child before turning 33 but was happy after she got the good news.

"We just let destiny take its course. I actually didn't want a second child before my 33rd birthday," said Hudson, who already has a seven-year-old son Ryder with ex-husband Chris Robinson. The 'Almost Famous' actress is enjoying being pregnant and says that her fiance makes it fun.

"I'm actually with someone who knows how to have fun. The only thing I've been looking for my whole life was honesty, and that's hard to find," she said. — PTI 





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