Tune into the past
Dum maaro dum and then Laila O Laila, the remixed and recycled versions of old songs didn't quite create a stir; despite Deepika Padukone and Yana Gupta having tried hard to pull down their clothes and pull up their oomph quotient! The audiences just oogled (you know which kind of ooogle), and went back home thinking about the sultry Zeenat Amaan, the hottest actress ever.
You wouldn't mind if we drop a cliché — old is gold and the new versions of old hit songs make us repeat this cliché over and over again! With the lyrics in Bollywood songs going to the dogs and meat-choppers (the song 'mutton mutton' was dedicated to them), music lovers are left wondering what's wrong and where! They want a piece of old-world charm, the soothing calmness of those numbers, the child-like peppiness in dancing numbers and the elegant seductiveness of item songs. Give us a dash of Rafi, a touch of Manna De and a handful of Laxmikant Pyarelal! Requests for old Hindi numbers on television and radio have started pouring. RJ Pankaj from 92.7 Big FM has seen this happening on his show Yaaron Ki Geri. "I do play songs from the 90's, but now listeners request for old numbers from movies like Mera Naam Joker, Anubhav, Sita Aur Gita, and songs by Pancham Da, Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. Sometimes, they tell me categorically not to play any remixed versions," he says. The 'backtrack phenomenon' is catching up with music lovers, which can be heard in another show on the same radio frequency called Anirudh Big Star, where the RJ zeros-in on an old Bollywood actor or singer and plays all the tracks from their films. Radio is just one source to get connected to old Hindi numbers; online music download sites too have music fans wanting a go-back to the world where music meant music. Raaga.com, desifunda.net, Indian melody, the world of music, asiamusic.com record 460 downloads everyday. Songs by Kishore Kumar and Mohammad Rafi rule the roost. Aseem Punia, software management head of Symphony, is a happy chap these days. "When we started this site dedicated to only old songs, I was told to create an additional section for latest remix songs as well. I did not agree. The site wasn't doing well initially, but the last 4-5 months have seen a phenomenal growth in the number of fans downloading old numbers. Mera Man Tera Pyaasa, Kashmir Ki Kali, Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujhpar, Ankhion Ke Jharokhey Se, Chaltey Chaltey Kahin Koi Mil Gaya etc are some of the songs that are downloaded more often," Aseem shares. Let's thank Bollywood and the new-age songs for highlighting the difference between a song and a non-song! Thanks to the lyrics in present day numbers for making us sit up, notice and go back to the old meaningful lyrics! DJ Nishant, a freelance party player, who remixes old Hindi numbers is not in favour of any tweaks. "Left to me, I wouldn't do any damage to old numbers. This is not how it works in a discotheque, people want to dance. And you can't go wild on an old number." Well, for that you can check out various communities on Facebook, which are dedicated to old numbers. Almost 34,650 communities created by youngsters, yes you heard us right — youngsters wanting to stay in touch with old melodies, so that they don't get lost in raunchy
lanes! jasmine@tribunemail.com |
What all in the name!
Earlier, when rock bands visited the city people did not ask them about their genre or for that matter anything about music, but Menwhopause paused in the city last week and created quite a stir. All that everybody wanted to know was the story behind the name, which unfortunately wasn't as interesting as we thought it would be. "It was the name of my quiz team in college," came from Anup Kutty, a band member. Maybe our city-based rock bands have some interesting back-grounders for their names! Redless Blood
The band plays groove, heavy and trash metal. It was thus obvious for them to choose a name that would indicate the genre they love. Says Salil Bakshi, lead guitarist, "We couldn't have gone for a soft name. We were so impressed by the name of the Mumbai-based band, Bhayanak Maut, that we wanted something like that." Post a brain-storming session, Redless Blood was finalised. "A ghost has black blood, which is dark like our music," adds Salil, a student. The name helped them earn a lot of attention. "We knew it was a name that people would be able to immediately register." AREA 231
Before we talk about the number here, it's important to know the significance of Area 51. It's a military zone in the US, which is said to house all the extra-terrestrial objects! "It's also a prohibited place for public, like our studio. We don't like anybody to disturb us ," says Vidhur Pratap Bansal, band member. Do we need to explain that their studio is in house number 231 in a certain sector? The band recently went to participate at a Channel V rock band concert in Goa, where queries were made about their name. "The people were curious about our name and they liked the explanation." I Quit
Do not go by the literal meaning of quitting here. Every member of the band is a winner is one way or the other. They followed their dream and quit what was imposed on them. "Quitting in our case doesn't have a negative connotation. Amit Taneja, a band member left his home only to pursue his passion for music," says Kunal, the drummer. Quitting for him is also making a sacrifice, "I was initially a guitarist but our band needed a drummer and for that I learnt the art." Quitting isn't always giving up! The Local Train
A bit of philosophy preceded the decision to name the rock band, The Local Train. Shares Raman Negi, "On a train journey, every passenger has a different story to tell. Our music and lyrics are about such facts of life. They are about love, problems, struggle, happiness, sorrows..." Since their songs are written in English and Hindi, they also wanted a name that could fit in both languages. Desi Beam
The name screams that the crew might be a follower of a foreign genre of music, but they haven't given up on the desi factors. "We love doing the Punjabi rap. To reach out to masses, it's imperative to use the language of the people," says Gurdip Singh, aka G-Frekey, a rapper in the crew. Well that explains the Desi part of the name and as for Beam he says, "Just as a beam of light help people find their way in the dark, we through our rap tracks want to educate people about drug abuse, education, poverty." Even the subjects are desi and real! ashima@tribunemail.com |
the ‘in’ side
A layered window treatment is ideal for homes where changing curtains with every season is difficult. These can be used throughout the year. Window treatments complement and enhance the interiors and are therefore very important. Before you start, access your décor style. If it's traditional, consider layers of drapery and sheers with a valence. In case it's contemporary, then consider wooden blinds with flat panel curtains. The first layer can be of blinds or shades. These fit inside window mouldings. Blinds are those which have slats (vertical or horizontal) and can be tilted for light control. They have a head rail that needs to be hidden with a valance. Shades on the other hand, are a continuous length of fabric and can be rolled up. Sheers also work well with heavy curtains that can be secured with tiebacks. Use curtains or drapes for the second layer. Drapery hangs in folds usually to the floor. The fabric is heavy and extends six inches beyond the window on each side. Curtains are made of lighter material and are more informal. Drapery panels compliment traditional styles because of their soft lines. Flat drapery panels with lightweight fabric can be paired with a second layer of panel to create a layered look with a modern appeal. Both of them can be floor length. For a traditional look, use swags and valances as a third layer. These hang across the top of the second layer, hiding the rods. The clean and clear cut lines of a cornice box goes well with a modern décor. Keep in mind the following tips
(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh based interior and landscape designer) Proprietor, The Finishing Touch Director, Landscapes Plus Pvt. Ltd. |
Traditional weaves
Artisans from different clusters of Uttar Pradesh are in Chandigarh displaying their wares at Panchayat Bhavan-18. Supported by the state government, these artisans from seven clusters have put up their stalls and are selling saris, suit pieces and home linen.
"Ours endeavour is to bring something unique to Chandigarh," says Mohammad Hanif Ansari, who, along with others, works with waste material. Earlier, we used just make durries. Now, as government is supportive and has given us a designer, we make bags, cushions and mats." Jamawar saris and suit pieces in chiffon and silk, bed linen in cotton, this small exhibition is manned by artisans themselves. "The exhibit is by weavers with no mediator in between, so expect prices to be if not more, at least 50 per cent less from the market," says SK Sharma, cluster development executive. "One can also place bulk orders here," he adds. (On till May 31)
— Mona |
Buying your wife flowers?
She may think you're cheating!
Buying your wife a bouquet of flowers? Well, she may think that you're cheating on her, suggests a new study.
The study has found that three quarters of females become suspicious when their husband turns up out-of-the-blue clutching flowers -- they think it is a sign that her man is cheating on her.
A box of chocolates usually suggested he had lied about something and a candlelit dinner often meant he has bad news. However, the gifts that don't cause suspicion are treats such as cakes or a takeaway, it found. Researchers asked 1,500 men and 1,500 women in long- term relationships what they thought about presents from their partners and found the level of suspicion is related to the cost of the gift, the 'Daily Mail' reported. "You might have the best intentions, but buying your partner a surprise gift can get you in hot water. The more indulgent the gift, the greater the suspicion it seems. The common misconception is that only cheats treat their partners with expensive gifts, so if you want to sweet talk your partner the best way to say it is with a piece of cake," Graeme Nash, of Greggs the bakers, which commissioned the research, was quoted as saying. Nearly half of the men said they had stopped buying gifts for a partner in the past in case it lead to paranoia. And more than a quarter of women said their partner had given them a gift in the past after doing something wrong. On average men treated their partners to three surprise gifts every year. Men should stick to buying cakes and takeaways as they are the only gifts guaranteed not to spark suspicion, the study found. A woman's level of suspicion also rises in proportion to the cost of the gift, it revealed.
— PTI |
Choreography took a back seat in his life long ago but actor Arshad Warsi wants to return to his first love with a film on dance. Before entering Bollywood, Arshad worked as a choreographer for stage shows. He also ran a dance school and won an English Jazz Dancing Competition when he was 21. "I have given such a fabulous idea on a dance film to someone. Since I have been a dancer, I know what a dancer is all about. Somebody is working on it. I have just given an idea, a writer is doing the job now," Arshad said. "If the movie has only dance then it becomes boring, there has to be something more than dance. That's why I haven't done any film on dance as most of the scripts are on same lines. It's just the same, like a small-time guy works hard, becomes a dancer and wins a competition. So it has to be something more than this," Arshad said. The 43-year-old actor says he won't direct the film. Arshad's first film as a producer, Hum Tum Aur Ghost, failed to create magic at the box office last year. "Choreography has now taken a backseat. I have realised that the only way for me to do choreography, is to do it for films," Arshad said. |
SRK writes foreword for Anupama Chopra’s book Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has penned the foreword for well-known film critic and author Anupama Chopras new book First Day First Show. She feels only SRK could do justice because he has had an exemplary journey in the industry. "I asked him to write the foreword because he is somebody whose career I have followed very closely and who in a sense to me is one who actually exemplified the journey. The three Khans have really spearheaded Bollywood. So for me he was the best person to encapsulate how much things have changed,"he says. Giving a sneak preview of the book, Chopra says, "Its the collection of the work that I have done. The idea was to put the articles together so that it shows how much Bollywood has evolved in the last 20 years. It sort of becomes the history of modern Bollywood. It's to see where we were in 1993 and now it seems like another world." Chopra, who won national award in 2001 for the best book on cinema for Sholay: The Making of a Classic,” says revisiting her work was a nostalgic experience. Mesmerized by Shah Rukh's success, Chopra had written his biography "King of Bollywood: Shah Rukh Khan and the seductive world of Indian cinema". "It was amazing to go back and revisit the articles you have done 15 or 16 years ago. There was a profile I did of Shah Rukh in 1992 and 1995 when he was shooting for Aziz Mirzas 'Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman' and 'Ram Jaane'. But it was great fun," says the 48-year-old journalist. |
Queen Latifah has revealed that she would launch her own line of clothing and accessories called 'The Queen's Collection'. The line of clothing and accessories would be designed for every woman in sizes 2-24. "I've been offered a lot of deals for clothing lines and actually started one that didn't quite get off the ground but this is like a full circle moment for me," she said. — ANI |
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Hollywood Actress Estella Warren, who has starred in movies like Driven and Planet of the Apes', was arrested after allegedly crashing her car into other parked vehicles and attempting to escape authorities. The 39-year-old former model and synchronised swimmer was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of felony drunk driving after she crashed her Toyota Prius into parked cars, TMZ reported. When she was detained, she wiggled out of her handcuffs, kicked the officer and tried to run out of the police station. One law enforcement source said, "She was really hammered." "She was uncooperative and demanding," the representative added. As a result, Warren will likely face escape charges in addition to assault, hit and run and DUI charges. The actress was released in the afternoon after posting bail at $ 100,000, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department website. Warren, who also starred in music videos like INXS' 'Afterglow' and Dr Dre's 'I Need a Doctor', is set to appear in court June 14. — PTI |
Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson has teamed up with music production duo Massive Attack to record a song for an upcoming movie soundtrack. The 26-year-old actress, who debuted as a vocalist in 2008 with her first album Anywhere I Lay My Head, has collaborated with the duo to produce a track for a new Mexican movie named Days Of Grace. The Iron Man 2 star sang cover versions of Tom Waits songs in her first album. Her second one, Break Up with Pete Yorn, was released in September 2009. The Hollywood beauty has also recently recorded a tune for a documentary called Wretches & Jabberers, which is about two autistic friends. She has recorded her own version of blues classic Summertime for the film, which premiered at the recent Cannes Film Festival in France. — PTI |
Shekhar Kapur, the ace director of acclaimed films such as Elizabeth and Bandit Queen remembers the writer Bandit Queen, Mala Sen who died on Monday because of cancer. Mala Sen was 64 at the time of death and was being treated at Tata Memorial Hospital. Shekhar says, "Bandit Queen would have never made without Mala Sen because the whole film was her interpretation. As I was never allowed to meet Phoolan Devi because she was in jail so it was Mala who used to meet her. She spent years trying to understand Phoolan's heart, soul and mind. The two women bonded so well that Mala understood the depth and pain of Phoolan." It was Mala who crafted the world of Phoolan. Shekhar explains, "What I made in the film was completely according to Mala's interpretation because she saw the woman. There was so much to take from Mala's interpretation. She and Phoolan understood that India is a male-dominated country and they could empathise with each other. So, I knew Phoolan because of Mala and without her I couldn't have made the film." Bandit Queen was one of the best and most controversial projects by Shekhar Kapur which was released in 1994. The film was critically acclaimed and won many national and international awards. This was a film which Shekhar made without any commercial purpose as he just wanted to make a film based on the life of Phoolan Devi who was killed in 2001. |
BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP Decent proposal
Former playboy Randeep Hooda is looking forward to settling down. Neetu Chandra is his girlfriend since one year and he took her to meet his parents and he has also met her parents. They make a decent couple and their careers aren't really going anywhere. So it would be best for them to get married and find personal bliss. Pay cut for Heroine
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has taken a pay-cut for her film Heroine, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar and produced by UTV. The budget of Heroine has been set at Rs 18 crore so Aishwarya and Arjun (Rampal) will share the profits of the film with UTV. Animal instinct
Imran Khan is all for the environment. He has done a new PETA campaign urging people to adopt stray animals and change their lives. He had adopted a stray dog and named him Tony. His pet passed away in February and the advertisement features a picture of Imran with Tony. Abhay learns Spanish
Abhay Deol has a knack for language. While shooting for Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, he got a Spanish handbook and learnt the basics. By the end of the shoot, he was so fluent that his co-stars took him around town to break the language barrier. Wash & glow
Katrina Kaif is gorgeous, with or without make-up. She has to play a very ordinary, blends-into-the-crowd kind of a girl in Kabir Khan's Ek Tha Tiger. She cannot wear any make-up in the film and has been instructed to only wash her face before every shot. That must be refreshing. All is well
Arbaaz Khan has clarified that all is well between him and his glamourous wife, Malaika Arora Khan. They are very much together and she has not moved out of their home. He does not know who is circulating these stories but assures that they are very much together. |
IPL fever grips telly stars
With the grand finale of the Indian Premiere League -Season 4 this weekend, everyone is excited about the game. Chennai Super Kings have already reserved their spot in the finals and now the race for finals is between three teams-the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkatta Knight Riders to reach the finals. We spoke to some of the television stars on the team they hope to see in the finals. Roshni Chopra aka Rekha
I am supporting the Kolkatta Knight Riders as everybody in my home is supporting Shah Rukh Khan's team. We love KKR and SRK. This is first time that the Kolkatta Knight Riders have reached the semis. I would want to watch the finals between KKR and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Karan Mehra aka Naitik
Both the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkatta Knight Riders have an equal chance to make it to the finals as its good chance for KKR to prove their potential and make Shah Rukh Khan a happy person. At same time, I am a Mumbaikar and I will also support Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians. Karan Kundra aka Arjun
I want the Mumbai Indians to reach the finals and beat the Chennai Super Kings but before that happens, I hope they win today's match. Hiten Tejwani
Today both my favourite teams-the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkatta Knight Riders are playing and I hope the Mumbai Indians win the game and reach the finals beating Royal Challengers Bangalore as well. It would be interesting to watch the Mumbai Indians vs the Chennai Super Kings in the finals. If I get time, I will definitely watch all matches. Sharad Kelkar aka Satya
I will cheer for the Mumbai Indians and I am hoping they perform their best today. But, the Royal Challengers Bangalore are a strong team and have been performing well. It is very tough to guess which team will play in the finals against the Chennai Super Kings. I am supporting both RCB and MI. Vivian Dsena aka Abhay
I love Sachin Tendulkar and want the Mumbai Indians to reach the finals.
If I get time from my hectic shooting schedules, I will definitely watch the finals. Abhishek Tewari aka Siddharth Sood
My all time favourite team is Mumbai Indians and I want to see Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians in the finals. I am just hoping for the best. |
Kucch Luv Jaisaa
Producer: Vipul Shah Writer and Director: Barnali Shukla Starcast: Rahul Bose, Sumeet Raghvan and Shefali Shah Kucch Luv Jaisaa is a fun-filled, hilarious film which dares to be different . The promos look promising and the film marks the return of serious actor Shefali Shah on the silver screen after a long time. Rahul Bose and Shefali Shah once again stars in this film after playing a married couple in Aparna Sen's 15 Park Avenue. Neetu Chandra plays a negative character. It will be interesting to see the chemistry between the seasoned actors, Rahul Bose and Shefali Shah. Our audiences is ready for smoething like this because it comes from the stable of producer Vipul Shah. |
Astro
Turf
ARIES: Don't make any hasty decisions regarding family matters. A younger member in the family may offer you advice. Defer a short journey. Postpone plans for intimacy as there are likely to be too many interruptions to make it worthwhile. Home renovations can be reassessed.
Tarot Message: Don't try to end the entire deadlock at one go. Lucky color: Grey. Magic Number: 33
TAURUS: A possible dispute might occur at work. Women should not use harsh words. Beware of delays & postponement. Teamwork will be an advantage. If you are applying for a promotion, talk to someone first. Try not to take on a position that will cause stress. Tarot Message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky color: Green. Magic Number: 48 GEMINI: Take proper care of your diet. Love life will be exciting. A friend may be helpful. Singles could be on the lookout for a partner. You may do more than you can cope with, be practical with your considerations. Combine business and pleasure for profit. Tarot Message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky color: Yellow. Magic Number: 56 CANCER:Personal relations may be neglected. Recognition and rewards are on the cards. Cine artists or players may be in the lime light. Be patient till things move in the desired direction. Put your talents to good use. Travelers may head for an unusual destination. Tarot Message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky color: Black. Magic Number: 38 LEO: The card "six of wands" will give you extra rewards. Try to keep your schedule varied rather than letting yourself get pinned down. A female coworker could be jealous of your achievements.Tarot Message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky color: Red. Magic Number: 40 VIRGO: Your card, the "judgement", gives you strength. Communication over legal matters, travel plans and education can be postponed. Do not be impulsive. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Tarot Message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky color: Crimson. Magic Number: 33 LIBRA: You will have difficulty in getting along with associates. Work and professional responsibilities will place demands on your time. Plans are likely to be canceled at the last minute, so have a backup. Tarot Message: Use careful judgment in handling issues involving property. Lucky color: Orange. Magic Number: 44 SCORPIO: Health needs care. Do not hurry to get financial plans underway. Be prepared for irritations that will need extra care and consideration, you will eventually reap the benefits. Stay at home and relax. Tarot Message: Plan your life to avoid the in build delays that comes your way. Lucky color: Baize. Magic Number: 59 SAGITTARIUS: Today you are likely to spend money philosophical books. Agreements made today may be valuable. You should be able to get ideas for home improvement. Partnerships are blessed today. Tarot Message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky color: Teal
Magic Number: 63 CAPRICORN: The day starts with smiles and cheers. Business affairs are under control. A romantic overture to your working day might give you plenty to think about. Work is likely to get more hectic later in the day. Start a fitness regimen.
Tarot Message: Take responsibility for your own action. Lucky color: Blue. Magic Number: 26 AQUARIUS: Meetings will bring in romance and minor flirtation. The energy of the day is suited to creative pursuits and having fun with your loved ones. Impulsive actions can create unpleasant ramifications. Tarot Message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky color: Violet. Magic Number: 54 PISCES: Avoid speculations. Take proper care of your health. Social life, political activity will bring recognition. Put off dicey deals. The accent will be on personal and business partnerships. Professional advice will be invaluable in this area.
Tarot Message: Don't reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky color: Rust. Magic Number: 40
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the year ahead If your birthday is May 27...
Your resolution for 2011-12 should be-creating a balance between work and play. It will do wonders for your health. The main aim of working is to create a more pleasant life! Hope you will decide it while cutting cake or performing pooja in a religious place today. Also take some time out to look after your family, friends or fiancée. The year ahead will bring some challenges, and will be a great time to get organized!
The combination of numbers 2 and 7 leads to planet Mars and will make you an intellectual. If seeking guidance for career, consider jobs in travel, railways, aviation, ships, telecom, and television as successful. There may be stress in the coming six months. On June 6, Rahu enters Scorpio. This is time to take a step back and consider all of the options available to you. On June 13, Saturn, planet of hard task master, turns in direct motion. Luckily this change of planets will be ready to get your life organized. Your talents are about to be recognized. If someone offers you an outstanding role don't be shy — you've earned it. Eric Bischoff a wrestling personality (May 27, 1955- Detroit) is popularly known for serving as the President of the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later as the General Manager of the World Wrestling Entertainment's RAW brand is also sharing his birthday. Bischoff was also known to sporadically compete as an in-ring performer, with a WCW Hardcore Championship reign to his credit. |
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