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In safe hands?
The fact that the breaks jam if you are clocking in 100 miles per hour without a seat belt on is not the reason you'd go for Bavaria Motor Works. BMW, that is, for the uninitiated! Air bags are certainly not the reason you'd spend a fortune on a certain make or a monogram. "Most of the owners of luxury cars wouldn't even read about its safety features before making the purchase. The first is brand name, second the exclusivity, third comes the comfort and at probably the fourth place figures safety," shrugs Vishal Malhotra, luxury car dealer, founder-president, Tyre Burners, a convertible car club. No mincing words. Aren't dream machines anyways about power, passion, looks and luxury? Safety somehow doesn't fit in the scheme of things. Does it? Shares Daman Sekhon, 28, real estate developer, "I purchased my Land Cruiser three-and-a-half years ago for Rs 60 lakhs. I bought it for its brand name and looks, first and foremost." Looks like! And what about the safety features of his luxury SUV? Could he barely list, "Well, it has anti breaking system and air bags and…" Crash test ratings may figure in somewhere and sometimes. Hopefully! Opines Manish Agarwal, student, Department of Laws, "No one likes to think about an accident before spending so much money. Even personally speaking, I went in for Audi Q5 because of its engine technology. Volvo is the only brand that has 'safe' for a USP. Rest whoever buys whatever, mostly pays attention to comfort, exclusivity and luxury." He adds, "Moreover, safety is taken for granted." No wonder, the features in question remain limited to the product literature. The conversations too, at the most, remain limited to air bags. Nods Karan Kakria, Chandigarh-based builder, "Any car that comes in the segment of luxury will have certain features. There are certain norms that it sticks to. So safety is part of the package. No wonder, nobody really keeps safety in mind while buying an E-class or a similar luxury car." Very true; no one likes to think about getting into an accident! Sherry Sidhu, a passout of DAV College Chandigarh, grins, "Brand certainly is a concern. It should be latest, whatever you purchase." And safety? Nah! Something he didn't take a look at before going ahead and purchasing his BMW 5 series or Merc E-class. "It's often taken for granted. I don't think anybody pays much attention to this aspect." At the most, it depends. Shares Robin Saini, Chandigarh-based businessman, "See if you are going in for a sports model, you look for power, security is secondary. If I'm buying for my father, the comfort and luxury factor play a key role. For something like a Beamer, maybe I'd look for security." While the activists of protection and safety might be turning in their graves, do the reactions come as a surprise? Does Gurjit Singh, businessman, sum it up for us? "If looks can kill, who'd want to get into the technicalities like torque or traction control? That sounds more like physics or a mechanical engineering lecture, rather than a mean machine you're passionate about." Oops, we leave it at that! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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High on DESIGN
If the mind is keen, creativity can stem out of thin air. Keeping this philosophy in mind, the B.Sc students of INIFD featured a kaleidoscope of 20 collections created by the students of the institute. The temperatures ran high as the music filled the background and the lights escalated the mood. What started out as a showcase of clothes inspired out of peaches and plums was an instant hit with the crowd. The one standing-out aspect apart from models throwing oodles of attitude were the head gears for this round - a bird's nest. The use of motifs was over-played in the next collection F cube, which signified the inspiration out of flowers, fruits and festivities. The music roped in the punch and the models came clad in gold motifs and dense bodices. The next moved from the detailing to the fun and light collection of graffiti. From highlights on shoes to the ripped effect on the clothes, the punch was focused on the rebellious youth. The 70s sunglasses ruled the ramp along side the clashing monotones of clashing solids. Moving away from the vibrant youth, the mood suddenly translated into a rustic flavour. With Joban Jhanke playing in the background, it was a collection that learnt the intricacies of the Gujarati style and interwove it with a modern twist. The mirror work took the lead and the models wore traditional silver jewellery complete with borlas and payals. With the colour riot on the ramp, the models were seen breaking into dance steps from the land of Kutch. Displaying the power of the unspoken words was the collection guided by the puppets; it moved in the colourless world of black and white. Appliqué work stepped forward and the crowd broke into a cheer. Detailing took a new meaning when the other collection was presented. The latest technique of burn out and laser cutting gave the definition of detailing another meaning. Looking vibrant, the attitude-laden models, with perfect choreography skills and make-up, truly highlighted the talent of the designers. The best was gift-wrapped for the last. The painstaking efforts to fold ribbon and create a mosaic on fabric, was a true reflection of each bit of hardwork that went into its making. Guided by various moods from the ancient Indian treatise "Natya Shastra", all forms of human emotion were converted into one of the most exquisite forms of fashion art. Here's hoping the collection finds bigger fans and moved beyond the national limits to turn truly global! vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Language of PEACE
Belief in 'non-violent' change has made GN Devy an eminent literary critic and an earnest 'adivasi' activist. The first Indian recipient of Linguapax Prize, Devy, founder of Adivasi Academy at Tejgadh, Gujarat, is relentlessly working for the preservation and revitalisation of 'threatened' languages and human rights. A prolific writer, he has some 90 books published in English, Gujarati, Marathi and other Indian languages. As a post-graduate literature student, Devy got disturbed by the census survey, seeing a drop of 1,540 languages as the mother tongue in 1971. "I tracked the languages and realised that it was the tribals who had been robbed of their voice. This led to knowing more about them as well as nomadic people. Later, he left his comfortable job as a professor to devote his full time to restoring 'adivasi' culture. His efforts have paid-off today. "It gives me immense happiness and pride that the Western belt that we are associated with has no naxalism. At the Adivasi Academy, we have students who pursue education up to PhD," says Devy, who has through the Academy, tribal museums and programmes across India been successful in preserving and revitalising threatened tribal languages and culture. Recognising his work, UNESCO has given Devy an ambitious project for a category I institute to conserve languages. Even more ambitious is his Peoples' Linguistic Survey of India. "The last linguistic survey was done by Irishman, George Abraham Grierson(late) in the 19th century," he shares. A huge project, unlike the census, it technologically verifies each language. Recepient of Linguapax Prize says Devy, “Teaching literature, how can one not love languages!
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Chatter box
Though Tapasya might have ulterior motive for being mom, actress Rashmi Desai needs no urging to play with little kids and infants. She loves babies and while shooting for Uttaran, she has been taking extra care of the baby playing her daughter in the show. Perfect replacement
Reality bite
The right click
His character of Raghav in Naa Aana Iss Des Laado made him very popular and that apart, he has also tried his hands on a Telugu and Marathi film each- that's Aditya Redij for you. This guy hailing from Kolhapur in Maharashtra has tasted success on small screen in less than three years. In his break, he took to his passion for photography. |
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Deepali Pansare aka Payal from Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? is a romantic at heart and can never get enough of romantic movies. So it is no surprise when we asked her about her all time favourite movies, the romantic ones topped the list. Read on to find out more. Titanic
Titanic is the most romantic movie that I have seen till date. I have seen it many times but can never get enough of it. The love story is just amazing. Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet really charmed me with their acting and talent. Life is Beautiful
This movie has been directed brilliantly and all the actors have done a fantastic job. The movie is a classic. I love the poignant story and narration really touched my heart. The theme of never give up hope was truly spectacular. A Walk to Remember
I remember crying continuously for about 30 minutes after watching this movie. The love story was so touching. Even though I have seen the movie so many times I won't mind even getting up in the middle of the night to watch it again. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge
Unlike most girls Shah Rukh Khan is not my favourite actor, I love Shahid Kapur and John Abhrham instead. However, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge is one Shah Rukh movie that I absolutely love. Raj and Simran's love story is eternal. Stanley Ka Dabba
I loved the little kid Stanley's performance in Stanley Ka Dabba. The direction and screenplay is also brilliant and the story touched my heart. — HRM |
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Veteran actor Rajeev Verma, who will be seen in a negative role in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan, is enjoying his stint on small screen as TV's favourite father. The actor, best known for his role as Salman Khan's father in 1989 hit Maine Pyaar Kiya, believes that TV has more avenues. Verma plays the role of a hen-pecked husband in Zee TV's show Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein and it seems that he has found his niche. "Right now I'm enjoying TV the most. This is my golden era as TV actor. I get to play different characters.” —PTI
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He shook legs with the best dancers of the industry and also exercised his vocal cords in the song Senorita but Abhay Deol feels dancing is the toughest job in life. Deol, 35, who is known for his serious roles in the films, has sung and also did some salsa steps with Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar in Zindagi Na Milege Dobara but does not want to repeat the experience. "I can sing but I can't dance. I am the worst dancer. And matching the steps with some best dancers, Hrithik and Farhan, is all the more difficult. Dancing is like on the camera thing. Singing is behind the camera job. Shankar has encouraged me to sing and he recorded my voice saying it's just the practice session," Deol said. After ZNMD, Deol will be seen doing an item number for Debakar Banerjee's Shanghai. — PTI
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Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan seems to be quite impressed with Katrina Kaif's team spirit and feels her unselfishness has made her so successful in filmdom, while the actor praises him describing him as a "phenomenal" actor. "I had not seen any of her films until I had started working with her in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. It just happened that I had not been able to see her films," Hrithik said. "I was absolutely delighted to work with her. She is a team player; she is not a selfish actor. I like to work with people who give themselves to work, towards the entirety of same goal, that's what she is, that's how she is. That's what has got her so far. What I have seen of her and what people have seen of her on screen is not even 10 percent of what she is capable of," he added. Katrina couldn't stop raving about Hrithik either. "Thank you for saying that you have not seen any of my films. I didn't know that. I have seen his films and have always been a huge fan of his work, he's a phenomenal actor. — IANS
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The showcase of the film and the introduction of debutant actor Sachiin Joshi a.k.a Aazaan was done by none other than the Badshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan on this international platform. Sachiin Joshi walked the green carpet at the IIFA awards ceremony with friends from the film industry. He was later introduced to the film fraternity and the media by Shah Rukh Khan himself. Aazaan was also the first ever-Indian film that showcased its first look at the iconic majestic beach in Cannes, which saw an outstanding response leaving international dignitaries and key media personnel impressed. The lead actors Sachiin Joshi and Candice Boucher also sashayed down the Red Carpet at Cannes! Aazaan is the story of Aazaan Khan, a young upright army officer working for RAW with a mixed lineage of Afghan and Indian parents. As part of his duties, Aazaan gets drawn into the murky world of espionage only to find his younger brother a suspected terrorist. What unfolds is a fast paced story of one man's determination of saving his country against all odds of human defiance. Shot in over eight countries, Aazaan has been produced by JMJ Entertainment Pvt Ltd, with music is by Salim-Sulaiman, lyrics are by Amitabh Bhattacharya, cinematography by Axel Fischere and is directed by Prashant Chadha. The film is slated to release on 16th September 2011. — HRM
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Bol set for an Eid release
Bol is the story of a girl, a daughter who stands up and challenges the age old societal norms of treating women as lesser beings. The movie stars renowned Pakistani actor Humaima Malick in the lead and singing sensation Atif Aslam and Iman Ali along with many other renowned Pakistani actors. The movie has received outstanding reviews that talk about how director Shoaib Mansoor has explored the rights of women and treaded no-go areas like homosexuality and the life of eunuchs besides Shia-Sunni dynamics in a nation dominated by Sunnis. Produced by Shahid Jamal and Shoaib Mansoor, Bol is based in Lahore and aims at highlighting the sorry plight of women who are treated as a worthless burden to a family in most parts of the society. |
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Mugdha’s new abode
Apparently, the actor is so excited about this house that she knows exactly how she wants it to look and is not even appointing an interior decorator as she wants to design and décor it herself. Mugdha is counting down to the day she moves in for good as there are still a few months till the house is completely ready to welcome her. So can we expect a fancy little house warming soon Mugdha? |
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Roll with the punches
Ranbir's surname didn't quite prepare him for the fact that his first film 'Saawariya' was both a box-office and critical disaster. But the star remained undeterred, following up with Bachna Ae Haseeno - in which he rehashed his dad's famous movie song, and romanced not one but three women. Again the film failed to impress. Then 2009 proved to be the game changer with three back-to-back hits - Wake Up Sid and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Rocket Singh - which accelerated his star status. Work with up-and-coming directors: Ranbir has shown himself willing to work with any director, as long as they come up with a great script and a challenging role. Constantly reinvent yourself
Ranbir played the mushy romantic hero in Saawariya, an unapologetic Casanova in Bachna Ae Haseeno, a soul-searching boy in Wake Up Sid, a wacky comic lead in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, a not-too-smart salesman in Rocket Singh, a stoic politician in Raajneeti and a depressed guy in Anjaana Anjaani. This strategy ensured neither he, nor his fans, get bored. Skip 'hero' projects for ensemble flicks
"As long as the script is good, I'm cool doing an ensemble film. When Raajneeti was offered to me, I didn't know who else was in the film. An ensemble cast doesn't scare me, I'm talented and I know I'll give it my best shot, just like I do in my solo roles," he once said. Stay silent on your exes:
Ranbir avoided mud-slinging even after Deepika Padukone spilled the beans about his wild ways on celeb talk show Koffee With Karan. The star also remained mum on his alleged fling with Kat on the sets of Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, because she was dating Salman Khan at the time, and he knew enough not to burn those B-wood bridges! Wear your heart on your sleeve
When Ranbir hooked up with Dips, he didn't shy away from playing the B-town love game, gushing about his girl at every opportunity. Cultivate a cool Casanova persona
Having inherited a combination of gorgeous looks, talent, intelligence, mischief and class, Ranbir wields his charms in a good old-fashioned Casanova style. Date the girls all the guys want
Ever since his much-publicised break-up with Dips, Ranbir has been paired off in the tabloids with any single actor or model on the block. While Nargis Fakhri has remained mum about their relationship, Angela Jonsson has been more forthcoming, saying, "Yes, I've dated Ranbir." Befriend your contemporaries
With B-wood all about the power plays rather than the friendships, Ranbir has shown he's not of a cut-throat mindset, with the actor preferring to make pals with his peers. Always stay a mama's boy
A classic family-orientated boy, Ranbir is endearingly attached to his parents and sister Riddhima, and sweetly admits an admiration for his father's films. — ANI |
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Fingers crossed!
Kajal has done some great work down south, and her work has always been appreciated but this pretty damsel feels that there is another reason for her success. Apparently colour white has always proven to be lucky for this Bollywood debutant! She claims that in whichever movie she has worn a white coloured outfit in her introductory shot; the movie has gone on to be a blockbuster hit! Coincidently, in Singham too, the actor was given a white coloured salwar- kameez for her first shot. |
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Wild child
Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf likes his "wild child" reputation, saying his short temper wins him more respect. The 25-year-old actor, who has numerous run-ins with the law, insists his off-camera dramas have changed people's behaviour around him and it's the difference he likes, reported a publication.
"I'm a little territorial and defensive. I don't like having my space invaded. And I don't respond in a really sweetheart way. I've noticed that since this 'wild child' has been posted on my head, people seem a little more respectful," said LaBeouf. — PTI |
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All in the family
Earlier this year Katy said: "I want to have kids." And in April, Russell added: "I am very much looking forward to becoming a dad. Who knows when? Soon I hope." The 8,835 sq ft pile in L.A. has a cinema, giant pool, arched bridge, rock waterfall, antique fireplace and massive games room. The couple, who is expected to move into the house after a busy few months, is thought to have paid peanuts, as it was bought from former national lampoon boss Daniel Laikin - sent to prison for stock manipulation. |
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Blessing in disguise
Welcome breather: Vidya Balan |
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The year ahead
During 2011-12, you will look forward to life with a great zeal and enthusiasm. At the same time you will be bold and courageous but violent in temper. This year is unfavourable for love and romance. You will be honored by your seniors in the last quarter. You will make progress in your career. Your responsibilities and workload may increase in this period. Your seniors and colleagues will identify your skills and will appreciate you due to which you will get motivated to perform your acts with more enthusiasm. The first quarter of 2012 will be auspicious for economic prospects. Year 2011 should bring an active love life for you. Bachelors can expect companions and couples besides making new friends will have addition in their family. The egoistic nature of your life partner may reduce happiness of your married life in the starting of 2012. Family members may get tense about your health because of your busy working schedule. Relatives will visit your home this year. Solving problems mutually will help. You might not trust your children. Try to be optimistic. You may face skin related problems. 2011 will be a good from travel point of view. Some of you may have transfers at manageable distance where you can be a daily commuter. You will experience changes in educational interests. This year is very promising and bright for students, scholars, academicians and teachers. July: Period to be careful. August: Status will improve. September: Good time to travel. October: Avoid ego and self centric thinking. November: Ego will get a boost. December: Financially a sound month. January: Mentally a strong Period. February: Improvement of Luck is possible. March: Best for getting support from powerful people. April :Good time for career developement. May: Good income and socially active phase. June: Increase in confidence. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: Finalize plans early as your mood is likely to turn to romance and fantasy. Surprise your partner with a gift representing your love or a candlelit dinner at a favorite restaurant. Tarot Message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic Number: 64
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In an unprecedented move, filmstar John Abrahm will talk for the first time on his much talked about breakup! The most eligible bachelor in town, the sexy John Abraham bares his heart out on the most talked about celebrity chat show Simi Selects India's Most Desirable. In this weekend episode, he talks openly about his break up with Bipasha Basu to the charming Simi
Garewal. 
Rashmi turns baby-sitter
If you were surprised to see Ram Kapoor hosting Ratan Ka Rishta finale, well here is the news. Hiten Tejwani who shot for many episodes standing as Ratan's brother in the Swyamvar, was replaced by Ram Kapoor in the show. Apparently, the production team was not happy with Hiten's style and felt Ram was better at handling the proceedings and the boys. After they invited Ram for one episode they realised this and later got him for the crucial part of the show.
Colors' Na Aana Is Desh Laado has a dramatic twist in store where Jhanvi will find out that Shurya's dad Bhanupratap had murdered her parents Raghav (Aditya Redij) and Sia (Natasha Sharma). She learns of this when she hears Joginder and Gajendar talking about him. She will be shocked and worried about her sister Dia who is now married and at Shurya's home. She will confront Bhanu and shock Dia and Shurya.
After an impressive showcase at the 64th Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, the high-octane action thriller Aazaan made a prominent debut at the recently concluded The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards IIFA in Toronto, Canada with a flurry of activities.
Director Shoaib Mansoor is back with a hard hitting social drama titled Bol after his critically acclaimed and award winning Khuda Kay Liye.
A little birdie told us that model-turned-actor Mugdha Godse has bought herself a lavish apartment in Andheri. Well, there was a lot of buzz about Mugdha being spotted at the registrar office very often recently. Now we know why! The sultry lass has splurged quite a bit on her new abode in Andheri's Oberoi Springs and is so thrilled about it. She has been planning since a long time for this dream home of hers.
He may only be seven movies old in B-town, but his star status is such that directors are left queuing up to offer him work. A publication has revealed the 10 golden rules Ranbir Kapoor followed to make it big in Bollywood.
Kajal Aggarwal who is all set to make her debut in Rohit Shetty's Singham, has been the talk of the town ever since the promos of Singham went on air.
Katy Perry and husband Russell Brand, who wed last year, have splashed out four million pounds on a spacious new Hollywood mansion where they intend to start a family, it has been revealed. "They want somewhere bigger because over the next couple of years they are planning to start a family" a publication quoted a source as saying.
The Telangana strike disrupted the shooting of keenly awaited The Dirty Picture for two days in Hyderabad. The region, which had recently been on a lockdown for two days, resulted in the shoot of the Milan Luthria-directed musical drama getting cancelled at Ramoji Film City. This gave Vidya Balan, Tusshar and Naseeruddin Shah a breather from the film's hectic shooting schedule. Emraan Hashmi joins the unit next week following the release of his Mohit Suri-directed thriller. The shooting resumed late at night that day. Both Emraan and Tusshar will be seen opposite Vidya for the first time in The Dirty Picture.
Munaf Musa Patel [July12 , 1983, Ikhar, Gujarat] is an Indian cricketer who has also played for the West Zone in the Duleep Trophy and Gujarat, Mumbai cricket team and Maharashtra cricket team. He was part of the Indian 2007 Cricket World Cup. He is a part of Mumbai Indians setup after three seasons with Rajasthan Royals. Munaf was rewarded with his selection in the Indian Test Squad for the 2nd Test against England in Mohali, when he made his Test debut.