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CUT to Punjabi history
We bet you Bollywood fans know more about Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan than they themselves do! Now, here is a simple test — do you know who was Banda Bahadur or Sewa Singh? Here is a clue — they have nothing to do with Ajay Devgn or Sunny Deol! This is called an irony; the present-day generation would know nothing about any freedom fighter or any movement unless a 'known' actor portrays it on screen. Actor-singer Arun Bakshi seconds the opinion.
In the city along with director Harjit Ricky, Bakshi talks about their upcoming films on the second of the great massacres of the Sikhs — titled Wadda Ghallughara and the Chhota Ghallughara — being shot in Punjab. The movie is being produced in collaboration with the Punjab Cultural Affairs Department as part of a series aimed at inspiring the present and future generations, by portraying the glorious history of the Sikhs and their indomitable spirit. Arun Bakshi, who plays Ahmad Shah Abdali in the movie, feels Bollywood should create work that will connect the youth with the rich history of the country. "The two movies are an endeavour towards this. This will connect the present generation with real incidents that changed the face of history," he says talking about his role, something that involved a lot of research. "Once I was convinced with Ricky's narration, I started to prepare for the role; reading books and collecting matter on Ahmad Shah Abdali. It was during one of the narrations that I thought of giving a takiya kalaam to this character. All the same, I had to be careful about not taking any undue advantage with the character," says Bakshi, who has acted in movies like Laadla, Nikaah and Bol Radha Bol. Much is said about the changing face of Punjabi cinema for good, but Arun Bakshi feels the need to explore sensitive issues as well. "We are doing a great job as far as Punjabi cinema is concerned, but we need to explore the glorious history as well. If cinema has an impact on youngsters, why don't we give them a glimpse about some historical events that will inspire courage and faith," says the actor who is leaving for Benaras for his new TV serial Sangarash on Star Plus. "I am doing a lot of singing as well. You will love it when you hear it; it is a combination of folk and hip hop." Harjit Ricky has directed an epic drama, Banda
Bahadur, before. He knows the responsibility and liberties that a director can take on such subjects. "Research is an important part of any epic drama. The movies are at its completion stage. We have tried to show everything the way it happened, except for some directorial liberties here and there." jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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This too shall pass...
…are the words that help maintain balance in life, says industrialist-philanthropist RK Saboo Mona
When 26-year-old Rajendra landed in Chandigarh in 1960, he had a dream to make it big as an industrialist. With little on him except his education, small family and Padam Shri, Punjab Ratan and Udyog Ratna RK Saboo's life is a shining example of perseverance. "Things were challenging, but the guy upstairs kept showering his blessings," says the unassuming Saboo, chairperson Saboo business groups. His father was among the top shots at Birla, and the natural course for him was to join Birla. But instead, Saboo chose to come to Chandigarh, almost a village then, from a metropolis like Kolkata. His first set up was a needle company with German partners. Business grew, and Saboo was invited to become the member of Rotary Club (one couldn't apply for it that time). He joined with the purpose of networking as he was new to city, but little did he know, it was something that will become a significant part of him. "My wife Usha had humanitarian leanings, I just followed her," says Saboo. It started with voluntary blood donation and led on to more," recalls Saboo. And soon he was city president and then the World President of Rotary International. Acknowledged as the founding father of the Worldwide Polio Plus Programme, Saboo has worked relentlessly for a humanitarian cause. "There were highs and lows in life, professional as well as personal, but I adhered to four words - this too shall pass," he says. Saboo shares with us the principles in life that made him what he is today. In human interaction, place yourself in the other person's shoes and think: This should be your conduct when dealing with family, employees or business partners. Once you place yourself in the other's position, not only will you appreciate their point of view but also come to the right conclusion. Be a person of integrity and values: I know that with changing times, people feel ethics and morals are different but I also know that integrity is not being redefined and values are invaluable. Do not take shortcuts, go through the right path: Shortcuts, in most cases, lead to short-circuiting. Success with humility is an ornament in human personality: Because that is what will continue to live in the perception of others when you are gone. Success with arrogance is no success. Respect human relationships: To me, it is extremely important to have sensitivity towards people that we come across in daily life. If you have made a mistake or hurt anyone, do not be afraid to say sorry. It is not a sign of weakness but strength. Don't fail to say thank you and develop the attitude of gratitude. mona@tribunemail.com
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High on Design
When the three-year learning is to be put together in an ensemble, there invariably needs to be an inspiration. Behind every fabric chosen, there needs to be a story. The annual design collection show, Suvyan '11, put together by Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology, had the students talking as much about their collections, as about their inspirations. Some stood out, others merged in; still some others added to the sheer quantity. The show fell in the same league and level, pretty much like the previous years.
Shares Gaurav, who worked on a collection of cushions, bed spreads, drapes, in eclectic pop art, "I worked on the collections from January to May, now after this experience, you ask me to work on a collection and I can make it in fifteen days." Three years learning, toil, trials and tribulations culminated at the annual collection put together by the graduating batch of textile design and technology. Shares Meeta Gawri, assistant professor, "Our final-year students choose the area in which they want to work; then they select on the export houses or the designer under which they want to intern with." She adds, 'Once they go there, they analyze their own interest and understand the market. All this is guided by the faculty." They showcased twenty-eight collections with each student individually working on a theme. As for the themes, inspirations galore! Think history, dreams, chintz, fantasy, honeymoon to put together cushions, ensembles, bed-spreads, carpets. Shares Kannu Priya, "I worked on the themes marine life, Indian mythology and trade. I was especially inspired by marine life." As much as the collections, the girl is equally ecstatic about having trained with the house of Satya Paul. "The experience was really nice. They even used some of my designs for Lakme Fashion Week. All the designs are made in Adobe Photoshop. I'm still learning to get the hang of it. I worked on digital printing on sarees and scarves." The collections were further awarded in the categories of accessories, draping and home furnishings. Richa Gandhi put together a coordinated set of bed linens, cushions and curtains. Moving on, one corner had displays in bright red, yet another was a blast of brown moving onto metallic hues, flowers, frills, street art and pop art. "My collections are themed rich and dark, suzani, which combines the ethnic and the botanic. Mansi Kapoor revisited the past with the world's oldest civilisation - Harappa and Mohenjodaro - for the stimulations behind the final products. "I thought of revisiting past glory through my collections, that's why I've used very rugged and earthy tones to bring out the natural element." There were signs of a script not yet deciphered or as ancient as the inspiration. The carpets had muted neutral tones. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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No stopping this Nightingale...
She is 81 and scoffs at any talk of retirement. After working for seven decades, recording songs for over 1,000 movies and singing in more than 36 regional Indian languages, Lata Mangeshkar, known as the Nightingale of India, is still raring to go.
Lata’s passion for music became evident recently when she trashed a newspaper for spreading rumours about her retirement. “I read a news in the newspaper that said that I am retiring. This is absolutely wrong. If I want to retire, then I will make that decision myself, not others,” she tweeted adding, “Mera maanana hai ki mera janam gaane ke liye hua hai aur jabtak mere praano mein praan hain, main wahi karti rahungi.” Lauding her undying spirit, veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra said: “For an artiste to be at the pinnacle of her career for 69 uninterrupted years is an unprecedented feat in any field anywhere in the world and we are proud that an Indian, our very own Lata Mangeshkar, has achieved this.” “I have been fortunate to have worked with her for over five decades from my very first film, Dhool Ka Phool till my most recent film Veer-Zaara. As a director, I can vouch that Lataji makes each song her own. She adds so many characteristic nuances, making it easier for an actress to enact and for the song to stand the test of time. They say that people follow music, but in Lataji’s case, music follows her,” he added. From light classical to film songs to ghazals to bhajans and pop, she has sung a variety of numbers after starting her career as playback singer in 1942, which co-incides with the Quit India movement, with Marathi movie Kiti Hasaal, but the song was edited out! But soon she sang Natali Chaitraachi Navalaai for Pahili Mangalaa-gaur. Though she started her career by singing in her mother tongue, Lata was destined to make it big in Bollywood. As luck would have it, in 1945, Lata moved to Mumbai from Indore and got her first Hindi movie - Vasant Joglekar’s 1946 film Aap Ki Seva Mein for which she sang Paa lagoon kar jori. Two years later, Lata got her first major break with the song Dil mera toda in Majboor and emerged as a playback singer to reckon with despite the presence of Suraiya and Noor Jehan. She became number one after singing Aayega aanewala from Mahal, Aaja re pardesi from “Madhumati”, Pyar kiya to darna kya from Mughal-e-Azam and the title number from Satyam shivam sundaram. She proved her versatility when she sang romantic numbers like Tumhen yaad karte karte, Ajeeb daastan hai yeh to naughty songs Main kamsin hoon, Bahon mein chale aao to devotional tracks like Paoji maine Ram ratan dhan pao and O palan hare. In 1963, when Lata sang the patriotic song Aye mere watan ke logon, it brought tears into the eyes of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Lata also featured in the Guinness Book of Records from 1974 to 1991 for having made the most recordings in the world. Although the Bharat Ratna awardee has cut down on her singing projects, she remains the eternal favourite of Indian film song lovers. “I grew up listening to Lataji’s voice and wanted to be a composer. I remember the earliest songs she sang, motivated me to become a composer. Her voice is so soulful, I think she is a blessed child of god,” said composer Anu Malik who teamed up with Lata for songs like Baali umar ne mera (Aawargi) and Zindagi har kadam (Meri Jung). “I have interacted with her so many times and I have noticed she has a childlike innocence in her. Family matters the most to her. She is very home-loving and a principled lady,” said Malik. New age composers experimenting with music are keen to work with her. “I think Lataji is personification of goddess Saraswati and hence at the age of 80-plus she is delivering some fantastic songs. It’s my good fortune that I recorded songs with her,” said composer Shamir Tandon, a big fan of Lata, who worked with her in songs like Kitne ajeeb from Page 3 and Daata sun from Jail. “Working with her is the best experience anyone can ever have. She doesn’t make people feel she is ‘the Lata Mangeshkar’. She cracks jokes, makes people laugh, behaves like a baby, so that you are very comfortable with her. She has zero arrogance,” Tandon told. — IANS. |
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Zooming in on Salman and Asin
Salman: People keep on saying ke uska character dheela hai, but it’s not used in a positive manner, so we thought if we could use this punch in a nice way, it might work. What’s your take on the song? Don’t you feel left out by not being a part of the first song “character dheela hai”? Asin: No, Salman has given me Dhinka Chika. So I am happy with it. I am not complaining. It’s been the second film of two of you, so how has been the chemistry so far? Salman: Our chemistry has been great so far and we share everything except for the kind of people we date, clothes, sense of humour. (laughs) Also I feel Asin’s a damn good girl, she knows exactly what to say and Is Asin politically incorrect?
Salman: She is politically correct and which I think women now days in industry or any where should be. You need to speak your mind out, and which she does, if she doesn’t like something then she’ll say that she doesn’t like it and she is not afraid of showing her affection. She is extremely hard working even though she’s worked for the last 35-40 years (laughs) that enthusiasm still hasn’t gone; she wants to do good films. She is superb with her work; the energy that she shows on screen is phenomenal. When Salman supports somebody, that person has to make it and he’s always stood by his friends, do you believe that to be true? Asin: Of course I believe it is true, I’ve known him since the last two films that we’ve done and not only just friends but anybody whom he feels needs help, he always helps them. — HRM |
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I don't mind missing Bheja Fry 2: Milind Soman
Former supermodel and actor Milind Soman has no qualms about missing out on the sequel of hit comedy Bheja Fry and says that the film did not have a role for him. The 45-year-old played a love lorn music composer in the first film, but has no complaints against the filmmakers for not considering him for the second installment, which stars Vinay Pathak in the lead. “May be the director did not have a script for me. It’s ok... I don’t mind that,” Soman said.
Soman, who famously dated model Madhu Sapre for a long time, is seeing Bollywood actress Shahana Goswami for two years now but said that he is not ready to get hitched in the near future. “I am already settled. I love to spend time with Shahana and we share a great relationship. I don’t think I need to get settled now,” he said. He shot to fame after starring in Alisha Chinoy’s hit music video Made In India and went on to star in films like 16 December, Asoka and Salaam India. Soman played the title role in the Indian science fiction TV series Captain Vyom in the mid 90’s and has produced films like Rules-Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula and a children’s television serial called Ghost Bana Dost. -— PTI |
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One face, several facets
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Bollywood music has lost its identity: Shamir Tandon Music Director Shamir Tandon, whose compositions for the film Page 3 were much appreciated, thinks that Hindi film industry these days does not have its own identity, when it comes to music. “Bollywood does not have identity for its music. It has become more global with a pinch of pop, jazz and rock. In movies like Rock On, there was rock music, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na had this jazz feel,” Tandon said. “Indian flavour was last seen in Munni Badnam hui of Dabangg, or in films with retro-look, such as Vipul Shah's Action Replayy, and Once Upon A Time in Mumbai...Bollywood had its own unique style,” he said. “Till late 1990s, Bollywood had its own identity in terms of music, with violin, tabla and other instruments. Now it's all global.” Shamir has worked most with filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar so far Page 3, Traffic, Jail and Corporate). When asked whether composing music for Ekta Kapoor's Ragini MMS was a different experience, Tandon said, “When Ragini MMS came to me, it was more challenging, as it is a new kind of film and so there was no reference point.” — PTI
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Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world, but she said she keeps her efforts to look good to a minimum. The 36-year-old actress raises six children with partner Brad Pitt and doesn't get enough time as looking after the brood takes it all, reported a publication. “I hardly brush my hair. I try to be as low-maintenance as possible because of my kids, so I can just get up and get ready and do things and not take too much time,” Jolie said. In keeping with her no-fuss beauty regime, it was previously claimed that Angelina keeps her lips in good condition by using Shea Terra's Menthe Orange Organic Shea Lip Butter, which costs just dollar 4. “Angelina stockpiles the lip butter to preserve her to-die-for pout. She likes it because it also helps to freshen breath and Angelina hates chewing gum,” a source said. — PTI
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Woody Allen surprised by Owen Wilson Hollywood director Woody Allen was sceptical about the casting of Owen Wilson in his new movie Midnight In Paris, because the actor is nothing like his usual leading men. The 75-year-old director had to rewrite his script especially for Wilson after meeting the actor and realising he was perfect for the role of a romantic dreamer in the film, reported a website. Allen admits he had 10 Things I Hate About You star David Krumholtz in mind when he first penned the screenplay, but was swayed by Wilson. "I thought of David Krumholtz playing him at one point. I couldn't get the right person for it and then Owen's name came up and I thought, 'Owen, you must be kidding, he's a beachcomber. This guy's at home with a surfboard.' "Then I investigated him and found out he's a cowboy; he was born in Dallas and lives in Hawaii, so this is the opposite of who I want. But he is very talented and funny and he does have a kind of melancholy streak to him. Then I met Owen and found he's quite bright. He's very well read and very well spoken and not at all a cowboy. I never knew it and I didn't suspect it from his physical image," said the director of And Allen said that he was pleasantly surprised when it came to working with the Wedding Crashers star. "He (Owen Wilson) was wonderful to work with. He brought his little mutt dog with him to Paris and the dog was on the set all the time chasing after Owen and I hate dogs. I never had an actor with a dog, but he's great," added Allen. — PTI
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‘Knot’ so important
Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz who recently split from baseball star Alex Rodriguez after a year together has said that marriage was never important to her because it only limits "other possibilities". The 38-year-old actress, one of Hollywood's most successful and beautiful actresses, has openly spoken of her reluctance to settle down, reported a publication online.
"Marriage hasn't been important to me. I believe we are with who we're supposed to be when we're supposed to be with them. If I try and lock something down, I miss out on all the possibilities of what it could be," said Diaz. And when it comes to children, she said that she will have them when she is absolutly ready for them. "You can't have a child just because you think it's something you're supposed to do. It doesn't make sense for everyone it's not an absolute for me. I don't care what other people think. It's my life; I live it the way I want to," she added. Diaz also said that she feels she is getting older and why she's not interested in marriage. "You get better as you age. You know what you want and you become stronger, mentally and physically. Things have happened recently that have pushed me to grow. My father died and going through that made me think about how I want to live my life," said the actress. — PTI |
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It’s HER story
Mein Ta Ikk Saarangi Haa, acclaimed Punjabi play is making an appearance in Chandigarh after a gap of a decade. “There are two reasons that have made me bring the play to Chandigarh," shares Atamjit, writer and director of the play. "First is that lot of people came and requested me to stage it. Secondly, I wanted to test the psyche of society after a gap of 10 years. There sure have been changes in society in the last decade," says Atamjit. The play is set in 2021 that flows backwards takes saarangi to be a metaphor for a woman. "Yes, there are women CEOs today who drive the best of cars but my play addresses many of those who are in the rural areas or caught in adverse circumstances at home," elaborates Atamjit. The play that speaks for women has evoked great response for the audience wherever it was staged, Amritsar, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. Atamjit recalls two of the reactions, "A boy came after the play and told me 'this has compelled me to change my attitude towards women and then there was this Facebook message from a woman from Thailand, 'I have seen your play and I want my daughter and her friends to watch it'." But then not all women characters in the play are 'devis' and men are not devils. "All my characters are grey just like society is," he clears. People often question Atamjit if ill treatment of men should also be subject and he answers, "The play speaks for women who still are at the receiving end of society. Being a male I might have limitations, but I have put in my best efforts." The play has enjoyed a successful run because of total honesty with which is presented, superb craftsmanship and combination of many languages that come in play with audience being a major part of it. Already translated in Hindi and English, and part of syllabi at Guru Nanak Dev University, the play will also be staged on Tuesday at 6:30 pm at Tagore Theatre - 29. "If all goes well, I would want to stage it again after next 10 years," says Atamjit. mona@tribunemail.com
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Chiselled poetry
Working in two quiet corners of the Open Sculpture Park are two artists, a painter and another sculptor giving shape to their latest creations. Nawal Kishore, Delhi based artist, taken in by the beauty of the place around is busy capturing on the canvas.
'Umang' has a pair enjoying nature together. Done in bright hues, the painting is nature as the manifestation of God. "In my work, I try to bring out some aspect of spirituality, that's my endeavour here too," shares Nawal snatching a moment from his strokes. In other corner one can hear clink clank of tools. This is MS Nagaraja doing what he does best. Based in Mangalore, Nagaraja is busy carving Sharda, goddess of learning. This sculptor who masters mediums of wood and stone has many temples to his credit from the start to finish. Working with his tools, Nagaraja shares, "This is a dancing image of Sharda that I am working on. The high point of this is 'vaijyanthi' a decoration motif around the base of it," says Nagaraja getting a break from heavy work. The artistes are here on the invitation of North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) for a 15-day workshop. mona@tribunemail.com
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Take out time to heal
Parvesh Rana I am a 21-year-old girl living in a joint family. I have taken a liking for my elder cousin. I feel guilty about it. I don't know whether this is the right thing, but I like him a lot and I want to spend my life with him. — Akshita, Mohali I think you are too young to even think about spending your life with someone. It is natural to be attracted to someone from the opposite sex when you are part of a joint family. Concentrate on your studies and forget about it. It is a passing phase, don't worry. I am studying in Class XI. I want to be a model. My friends suggest that I should leave for Mumbai and get my portfolio done. Do you think this is the right thing to do? — Sonali, Panchkula You should be crazy to do this. Your friends are making a fool of you. Simply concentrate on your studies. It is nice to dream and work towards to it, but this is not the right time to do so. Maybe you would realise you want to be something else when you become mature.
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Select your putter with care Par Excellence
The 'art of putting' has its technical components and the right attitude and mindset. The technical process begins with the type of stroke a player uses and selecting the right putter to match this stroke. In a good putting stroke our endeavour is to get the ball rolling as soon as it leaves the putter face. The ball should not be airborne or skid but roll with a top spin immediately. The three main factors which influence the direction of the ball are -
* A square putter face at impact * The ball struck in the centre of the putter face both horizontally and vertically ie neither on the toe or heel or high or low on the face. *
Path of the stroke. While there is no dispute regarding the importance of the face being square at impact or an on-centre strike the path of the putter is a variable. Some prefer an in to square to in path while others believe the path should be more straight back and straight through (though there is a slight arc in this too). Once you select your preferred stroke you should find a putter which matches your stroke. For the straight back and through stroke recommended by Dave Pelz, Harold Swash and Paul Hurrion the putters are upright (73-74 degree lie angle) shorter in length ( 31-33 inches) and have less loft (1-2 degrees). Face balanced mallet type putters are more often used like the Odyssey two ball or Ping Craz-e. In the players set-up the eyes are over the ball. For the in-square-in stroke which is the traditional way to putt and recommended by Stan Utley and Scotty Cameron toe balanced or heel shafted putters are used. The length of the putters are longer ( 34-35 inches) lie angle flatter ( 70-71 degrees) and the loft traditional ( 4 degrees). In the players set-up the eyes are slightly inside and behind the ball. A well fitted putter is one of the most important components for good putting. Apart from the length, lie, loft and type of head other variables are the weight of the putter and the type and number of alignment lines on the putter. These are personal preferences and keeping these in mind choose you putter with care. |
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Billed to love
A new study has revealed that men rely on their wives or girlfriends to buy more than half of their clothes, while they purchase only 30 per cent of the items in their wardrobes themselves. According to the survey conducted by fashion brand Joe Browns, women spend an average of two hours per month, 24 hours each year or 40 days in a lifetime shopping for clothes for their husbands and boyfriends.
In comparison, men spend far less time picking out pieces of clothing, which counts up to 50 minutes a month on an average or 16.6 days in a lifetime. An analysis of 1,984 adults aged 18 to 50 years has revealed that the remaining percentage is made up of gifts from friends and family. However, men are twice as likely to spend more on a single item of must-have clothing than women. "Clearly British women take a great deal of interest in their own sense of style, but seem to spend as much - if not more - time caring about how their men look," the Daily Mail quoted Simon Brown, spokesman for Joe Browns as saying. The survey revealed that 68 pc of the men also profess to wear what their women want them to just to keep the fairer sex happy. Interestingly, 71 per cent said they preferred shopping online to hitting the high street with a partner on a busy Saturday afternoon. — ANI |
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Sanjeeda’s chill pill
What is the best and worst part about summer? The best part is that I can roam around in shorts and short dresses. The worst part is when I have to shoot outdoors in the sun. Which are your preferred outfits during this season? I am comfortable in skirts and dresses. I don't really like sporting pants. At home I am mostly in my night gown. Do you take any precautions before leaving home during summer? I use a sun block which I feel is very important as the skin gets tanned easily during summer. I also make sure to carry an umbrella if I am shooting outdoors as my skin in sensitive and turns red due to the heat. Which are your favourite seasonal fruits and why? I love mangoes but I do not eat too much as it causes breakouts on my face. I eat a lot of custard apple and watermelons. Actually I eat all fruits because they are good for health. Do you enjoy gorging on ice-creams or kulfi and which are your favourite flavours? I do not eat a lot of ice-creams or kulfi. However, chocolate ice-cream and malai kulfi are my favourite flavours. Which is your favourite perfume or deodorant? I normally use CK Girl perfume. However Aamir has just returned from Dubai and he has bought all sought of perfumes for me so now I use everything from Hugo Boss to Dior to Gucci. Second innings for Farida
We all know her as Badi chachi of Dekh Bhai Dekh! It is also very difficult for us to forget the 'lajo' of Dil Waale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge! With her warm smile and tremendous acting skills, she has mesmerized us all! Farida Jalal, one of the most prolific actors of our times, is all set to make a comeback on the small screen on Sab TV's most anticipated show, Ammaji Ki Galli in the role of Ammaji. It is a story of families residing in crowded by lanes of Amritsar. Six houses in a galli each with a different story but, one common link Ammaji. The residents of this galli all live like a family with Ammaji as their eldest member. What follows are hilarious situations when Ammaji takes you through the joys and grievances of the families residing in the galli. The show marks the comeback of two of female actors in a never seen before avatar; Farida Jalal as 'Ammaji' and Rakshanda Khan as Parminder. Role reversal for Shreya
What are you looking forward to in X factor? I am very excited and emotional to be on this show. It is a big deal for me on this stage, in this programme and I want to thank Sony for this opportunity. They have made us judges, an extremely difficult task as we might be selecting 12 finalists from a huge number of aspirants. But 120 crore janta will be judging us and our judgments. That is scary. I feel like I am under the scanner. We will be meticulous for the same reason as we don't want to let the audiences watching us down. What do you find special about X Factor that you chose to be a judge on this show? X factor is a show never seen before. The magnitude is huge and a lot is expected from the show. The contestants will go through some 32 tests and the best will win. We started with listening to their voices on the track. We even made them record next and heard them in a natural ambience like near the sea. What would you say about the kind of contestants on the show? A singer should be able to sing well anywhere which was our point and we wanted to see who could do that. We want to choose singers who don't just have good voices but personalities. They can win the hearts of their audiences with their aura and voice. You will fall in love with the contestants, I can guarantee. We have been given categories wherein we get a set of contestants and we mentor them. It will be fun and challenging. You have always looked up to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. How does it feel to judge with him on the show? I could never think that I would one day be on a panel sharing it with my mentor Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He is the person who gave me a break and brought me into this industry. He is the reason why I am here and whatever little name I have today. I can't thank him enough. How has it been with Sonu Nigam? Sonuji, too, has been quite instrumental in my career graph. He has seen me grow since the days when I was a participant, when I was very young. I feel humbled and full of gratitude to be singing songs and duets with him. It has been wonderful to share the judging panel with him. You began as a contestant in a reality show, do you understand contestants better? Well, I surely understand their emotions and reactions but other than that I don't think it gives me an edge as such. Being a judge is a different ball game when you have to think rationally and not emotionally. I can understand when they fall below expectations. How was the experience of judging? It has been great, nerve wrecking, joyous, rewarding and I can't wait for the rest of the journey. |
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Beat it
DJ Sameer from Kava This is among the earlier releases from D Code, one of the main producer for Shiva Soundsystem. The tracks are completely chilled in nature, something like a lounge track. It goes on the same way till about a minute and a half and then turns into a proper drum and bass track. The producer has used some the vocals and the effects in a great way. (As told to Jasmine Singh) DJ Sameer’s song of the day |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is June 7...
The number 7 is the number of analysis. You are introspective, prefer solitude and are constantly pursuing the knowledge of universal truths. You have a red aura. July is the best month . Saturdays are lucky days. Get the best jobs done on the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 16th and 25th dates of any month. Business: Get organised on the birthday itself. Take full advantage of high energy and interesting opportunities. Career: Attractive opportunities to grow professionally will come your way but don't be afraid. The sky is the limit. For those born after 1980 consider proposals from abroad. Education: Sunny influence will enhance your aura. You will receive the recognition you deserve. Family: Remain calm, no matter how big any problems are. Finance: Have provision for crisis situation. Some of you may go abroad. Friendship: Friends are supportive in 2011-12. |
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Astro Turf
ARIES: You may be under some stress this morning. Do not attempt to get new plans going. Work in seclusion from your own house if possible. Take the help of Gemini person. Stock brokers take a back seat. Obtain agreement and advice first. Tarot Message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic Number: 60. TAURUS: Argument with your spouse is possible in the afternoon. You will have to watch your temper if you want to maintain harmony. Give a little more attention to the creative and spiritual side of your life now. If you are too busy dealing with the outside world, your inner world escapes you. Tarot Message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic Number: 30. GEMINI: Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. Don’t argue with elders. You will get what you expect. Your moods could be up and down. Perhaps you have had a quarrel with your lover. Don’t fear as it is far more than what will actually happen. But surprises can delight you. Tarot Message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic Number: 36 CANCER: Keep your spirits high and put forward a cheerful face. Look at stocks, saving certificates you hold. Students: enjoy cheerful moments in the campus. Generous and giving vines are a big influence today. You attract happy and positive people. Mutually warm feelings generate agreement. Tarot Message: Don’t waste an opportunity. Lucky colour: Black. Magic Number: 55. LEO: The card Two of cups promises many opportunities on financial fronts. If working on a commission basis you will be able to increase your earnings. You will enjoy a shopping trip. Love matters are high and many of you could be planning a wedding. Tarot Message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic Number: 32. VIRGO: Keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: protect yourself against accident while cooking. Talk to your partner and children, if you have them, about the plans for the day. Compromise if necessary. Setting up house will be lots of fun. Tarot Message: Wait… things will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic Number: 40 LIBRA: : Secret meeting with influential people will go well. Today your boss may promises a salary increase in the near future. This bodes well for financial matters and makes it a good day to seek a loan or other financial support. Venus and Mars stimulate the sexual side of an existing relationship. Tarot Message: Be creative in business. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic Number: 52 SCORPIO: The queen of cups opens the door for a new job offer. Avoid making partnership deals. Lovers: a good day for introducing your beloved to your parents. Act on your insight. You are in danger of compromising things you hold dear, so be alert and choose well. Tarot Message: Leave things open ended for best results. Lucky colour: White. Magic Number: 58. SAGITTARIUS: A fine day to start something new. Businessmen can make a secret deal or alliance. Get advice but keep your real plans under wraps. Take a walk during your lunch break, which will clear your head and bring peace. Tarot Message: Feel good about yourself and prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic Number: 42 CAPRICORN: Ten of pentacles reveals that your saving plans are approved. Be careful, as you are likely to jump the gun and live to regret your actions. Emotions can interfere with your judgments and decisions. Visit places of peace and beauty. Tarot Message: Health of elderly member at home will need looking after. Lucky colour: Deep Red. Magic Number: 26. AQUARIUS: You draw The lovers. So new attractions are likely to be serious. Do not try to make money the easy way. Romance is highlighted. The second half day favours social work. Women drivers follow all safety rules. Business opportunities bring profit. Tarot Message: New doors lead you in a lucrative direction. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic Number: 62. PISCES: Today mixing with friends could be a tricky business. If you don't want to be alone, choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. This can be the beginning of a whole new chapter in your life. Tarot Message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic Number: 58 |
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Salman Khan and Asin are all over the place promoting Ready. Here is an extract from an interview they did together for a popular entertainment television channel.
The music of the film Ready is already a rage, especially Character Dheela Hai. Was it your idea?
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The beautiful Sanjeeda Sheikh who currently stars in Hi! Padosi…Kaun Hai Doshi reveals how she stays cool in the scorching heat this summer. Read on to find out what her summer fundas are.
Shreya Ghosal is looking forward to Sony's X Factor which she is judging. She claims she is having a great experience on the show and can relate to the contestants and their anxiety as she herself too started off as a contestant on a reality show years ago. 
Ekta Kapoor You share your birthday with Ekta Kapoor ([Jun 7, 1979,Mumbai) daughter of 60s superstar Jeetendra (Ravi Kapoor) and sister of actor Tusshar Kapoor. All her television serials and movies start with the letter "K". This “K” factor made her most successful producer of TV serials. But fort her Ragini MMS,A Dirty Picture. Once Upon A Time In Mumbai 2 , sans ‘K ’will also do well in 2011-12. Her 34 th year (not the 33) which she enters today as per her astrological stars promises her a life partner. In future the K factor may not help her. Her husband’s name is not likely to have K as first letter in the name or she may change his name before tying the knot.