STAR quotient
The cast of Punjabi movie Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya — Gippy Grewal, Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa — shares a few moments with fans
Jasmine Singh

It seems we are there...three Punjabi actors mobbed by fans trying to inch closer to them. Yes, Punjabi actors being swarmed by excited fans! If you were to take the pun away from the statement, you would realise the depth of the situation.

Where the prerogative of ‘being mobbed’ is enjoyed only by Bollywood celebrities, Punjabi actors too have started getting a fat share of attention. The cast of Punjabi movie Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya — Gippy Grewal, Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa at Integriti, K Lounge store, Zirakpur, had a tough time dealing with fans. It took almost half-an-hour for the cast to reach the podium. Amidst the hush and rush, the barely audible voices of the star cast are lost in the cheering. “What is this rush, kya Salman Khan aaya hai?” an elderly man with his wife trying to get the hang of things, asks a photojournalist. It seems we are there….The cast nods in approval!

Desi rockstar

Gippy Grewal, Punjabi singer-cum actor, a simple case of divine intervention of destiny, is already a name in the Punjabi film industry. After the success of his debut movie Mel Karra De Rabba, Gippy now stars in Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya, a romantic musical entertainer.

A singer recording albums and an actor delivering dialogues, lip-syncing to his own songs, where can we catch the contended Gippy? “Both, I enjoy acting and singing. Singing of course is my first love and will always be. Acting is something that I have started enjoying, and I would like to explore more,” says Gippy trying hard to be heard in the hooting. Acting, dancing, singing…so, an actor prepares? He laughs, sharing a glance with his fellow cast. “Not really. I was being approached to act in different Punjabi movies. I was concentrating only on singing. I signed Mel Karra De Rabba because it was a good cast, and I expected a good learning experience, which I did get. I have played small-time dramas in school, nothing more than this. I watch movies, which gives me a clue or two about acting,” adds Gippy, who will soon be heard in his solo religious album.

Back to singing, the love of his life. “I like to perform live, the energy, the feel and the response from the audiences gives me a kick. I know instantly whether they like my song or not,” he says. Now, this one is custom-made query for a Punjabi singer —when do we grow over jatt and dunaali in our songs? All three laugh aloud. Gippy answers, “I guess we have. Why don’t you listen to Jinhe Mere Dil Luteya, you will know we have moved beyond jatt and dunaali.” It seems we are changing!

Singh is King

Lak 28 Kudi da….can’t think of a soul that did not move to Diljit Dosanjh’s Pinglish number (Punjabi-cum-English). A cameo in Mel Karra De Rabba and later on a hero in Punjabi film The Lion of Punjab, Diljit is yet another case of lady luck taking good care.

This singer-cum-actor is not oblivious to his popularity, at the same time he wants to make every effort to be rooted to his soil. “I come from a simple village Dosanjh Kalan in Jalandhar district, and I carry the same simplicity in this movie, where I play a rocking rebel Gurnoor, who has a simple side to him,” he shares. Maintaining a fine balance between singing and acting, Diljit wants to do justice to both the forms of entertainment. “This movie has amazing songs, great comedy and wholesome entertainment, something that will bring newness in Punjabi cinema.”

Simple point

No matter how clichéd it sounds, Neeru Bajwa definitely doesn’t need an introduction. Punjabi cinema is a ‘been there, but still doing that’ scenario for this actor. In Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya, Neeru plays the charming Noor, who sweeps the two actors off their feet the moment she lands in their lives. Well, she did just that at as she steeped in at Integriti!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

HAND-in-HAND
The way people shake hands reveals a lot about them
Mona

All of us know the value of that ‘first impression’. A good part of it is the handshake, something that we do all the time, with friends, co-workers, people we know - old and new.

Did you ever wonder there is a specialised lingo describing this little act? Here we get you the common types and how to make that perfect handshake…

Bone-crusher: This is the one that’s been mastered by all those not-so-good uncles over unsuspecting kids. One feels manhandled rather than greeted after this one!

Dead fish: A limp handshake makes you come across as a listless soul. Don’t do it unless you want to ignore the person you are shaking hands with. Why shake hands if that’s the case in the first place?

Lady fingers: Perfect for the social dos where you act like a ‘lady’, not a work situation where you work with and want to be treated at par with men.

Misfire: The hand goes anywhere except where it’s supposed to land, in another hand. Grossly unaccepted, avoid at any cost.

Politician: Well, beware of the ones who press both their hands in a handshake. Chances are - they are looking to extract something.

Never-ending shake: If you can put time to this one, great; because it seems like it will never end. It gets very uncomfortable for the other person. Don’t indulge in it lest you want to see people running away seeing you come.

Close-shaker: Very close cousin of a ‘hug’. This one brings in more body contact than just hands. For very close ones only.

mona@tribunemail.com

Do it right

A handshake is the easiest way for establishing a rapport. It entails more than just coming together of two hands, here are the pointers to keep in mind:

l Smile briefly before you extend your hand.

l Make an eye contact, it is called feelings of trust.

l Extend your hand fully; you come across as an open person.

l Offer your hand in a parallel position, if it’s equality you are looking for.

l A full palm-to-palm touch indicates honesty in interaction.

l Give a gentle shake before you let go the grip.

l A gentle touch from the other hand on the elbow of the person you are shaking hands with, makes you come across as affectionate (only in informal social situations).

l Last but not the least, ensure your hands are clean (don’t offer a sweaty hand). Etiquette experts insist that in a party hold your drink in the left hand. The right hand shouldn’t be cold or hot (from the drink) when someone offers a hand for a shake!

Potter mania!
Potter fans in Chandigarh are going out of the way to catch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part two)
Vasudha Gupta

Most Facebook updates are about the latest fever, which has hit the youth — the Potter Mania. With the movie finally hitting the theatres, we get you a round-up of the intoxication, which has gripped one and all.

Too anxious to talk to anyone is Sakshi Singh, a young lawyer from Chandigarh who has been running from pillar-to-post to get one ticket. “I am interning and took an off from work to just get tickets. The cinemas are saying that the booking will open at night. I will probably lose it if I don’t have a ticket in my hand,” she says, sweating. On her way to PVR from DT Mall, she is crossing her fingers to get a ticket. “None of my friends are willing to take the pain. I can’t wait,” she says.

Not far from this running around, we find a calmer Potter fan. “I booked my tickets one month in advance. I just paid a bit extra to save myself the trouble of not finding tickets today,” shares Navdeep Bajaj, an 18-year old. As for his expectations of the grand finale, he says, “It’s rare for a series, which runs into seven movies, to still have such a fan following.” In Delhi for his visa at the moment, he is planning to come and catch his first-day-first-show. “I am just plain lucky that my visa date didn’t clash,” he says. Nods Ishaan Preet Singh, another Potter fan, “No one can miss this. It will be a grand closing to the cult series.”

Planning to wear his customised Harry Potter t-shirt, he is set with his popcorn and coke. With the pre-paid booking counter further escalating the worry among the fans, a lucky few have gone to Delhi to catch the premier. Amant Mann, a young graduate, is all excited about the movie. “I recall when the first of the lot was released, we booked 20 tickets,” she shares. Here is what she expects from the movie, “It will reveal what side professor Snape is on. The showdown between Potter and Voldemort will be intriguing. The wizarding world will rise together to bring an end to his reign.” she says. “I am most excited about Harry taking him on his own. The high-point will be watching what professor Dumbledore had prepared him for,” Navdeep shares.

It will also be interesting to watch what role professor Snape will have to play in the movie as the fans will come face to face with all the sacrifices made by him to keep Harry safe. Three cheers for JK Rowling and introduction of the wizard among the masses!

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Act I, Scene I


Love conquers all: Sonam Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in Mausam

Shahid Kapoor's last significant film was Vishal Bhardwaj's Kaminey. Since Kaminey, his films such as Dil Bole Hadippa, Paathshala, Badmaash Company, and Chance Pe Dance have been released. Mausam, directed by his father Pankaj Kapur, is his most awaited film since Kaminey. His father's directorial debut has taken almost two years in production and he didn't take up other projects while doing this romantic saga. He plays an Air Force officer named Harinder Singh (think Tom Cruise in Top Gun) while Sonam plays Kashmiri belle Aiyaat who is his love interest.

Some of his fans (mostly girls and women) were invited to the unveiling of the trailer and they exclaimed: "Mausam is awesome!" and "Shahid Kapoor looks so awesome!" Shahid was obviously pleased with the response. The well-spoken and witty actor talked about the emotional significance of the film, working with his father Pankaj Kapur, working with Sonam Kapoor, preparing for his role and more.

Mausam is very special

Mausam is a very special film for me because my family is involved in it. I have spent two years of my life on it and my father Pankaj has spent four years of his life and we have finally arrived at this moment where the trailer has been launched. This moment is very important and emotional for me. I have been to many promo launches but for the first time, I am nervous. When I was driving here, my palms were sweaty and they still are. The film is a labour of love and I want to thank everybody associated with the film. I am grateful to everyone who believed in my father's vision and followed in his footsteps.

I am glad some of the audience members are also here. A special thank you to the ShahidOnline team and the group that calls themselves "mausambees." I am happy to have such juicy fans!

On Sonam Kapoor…

Sonam is lovely and beautiful. She is a beauty with brains. She looks even prettier when she smiles. She has set very high fashion standards. She doesn't talk to people whose fashion standards are lower than her own. Now I hope that I finally have her stamp of approval. When she saw me for the first time, she told me, "You look just like Papa!" We are friends, we fight a lot and we love and hate each other.

I remember we were rehearsing in Scotland for a ballroom dancing scene and we had international instructors. Honestly, I was very keen on rehearsing with Sonam because the lady who was teaching me didn't smell very good! So to get away from her, I asked Sonam to dance with me! This is one of my strongest memories and strangely, it is a nasal one.

Simon Snoot's whiskers

My dad told me that I would have to grow a moustache for the film. I told him that old heroes did that and he didn't budge. I was iffy about it but dad told me that he wanted me to have short hair and a moustache because that is the way most Air Force officers were. After that, many films have released where the heroes have moustaches. It is interesting. I hope people like me with the moustache.

Season of love

We have dedicated our poster to the monsoons so our dedication couldn't have been better! I think monsoon is a very romantic season and Mausam is a very romantic film. It is about the seasons of love in the lives of the characters of Harry and Aiyaat (Shahid and Sonam, respectively). It is about the different situations and emotions they go through from the time they are 18 through 28.

In first person

I actually flew an F-16 and I feel very fortunate to have done so. I think I am the only actor in the world who has flown an F-16. When Tom Cruise did Top Gun in 1986, he flew an F-15. I feel privileged. It was a very exciting experience for me. Honestly, I am not too fond of flying planes. It was a press event so I thought of asking the pilot to help me pretend as photos were being taken. When I got in and flew it, I was very excited and started screaming with joy. It was the most exhilarating experience I have had. I even reached the level of G6. There are levels from G1 to G9. G2 means twice your body weight and G9 means nine times your body weight. You can't even lift your hand. You feel that pressure while doing certain maneuvers and the pilot took me up to G6 so that was good. That is something I will take to my grave. The experience helped me understand my part better and I could get into the mind or psyche of an Air Force officer.

Behind the scenes

It was great working under dad. He was very clear that he wanted me to give a certain amount of time to do this film and not take up other projects while this was on. The characters have a certain graph and we needed to be authentic towards the script.

I did some research and went and met Air Force officers. I sat in aircrafts, put on the G-suits, and saw their body language. All this gave me a perspective on what it is to represent a country and be such an important officer. I have learnt that an Officer is worth INR 300 crore. That is the amount of money that is invested in each officer so he is extremely valuable. They are taken very good care of. We thought only heroes were taken care of. So when they met me, they said, "Haan theek hai, tu toh hero hai!" I loved their attitude. They are the real heroes. Experiencing that was great and I wouldn't have got the opportunity if I were not doing this film the way dad wanted me to.

"Love beyond romance"

The tagline of Mausam is "love beyond romance" and it is my favourite part of the promo. It is the best line to represent the movie. Like dad said, Mausam is a love story but it has something more to it. The protagonists of the film are young but they have to deal with mature emotions and difficult situations. There is love and romance but there is something beyond to think about. — HRM

Oops…he did it again!

Anthony D'souza's Blue was a massive turkey. He has the cheek to attempt making another film which will be even more expensive. We don't know why producers or corporates trust him enough to fund him. The film is called Chaand 2013 and stars Akshay Kumar. It is about alien invasions. War of the Worlds, anyone?

— HRM

Hip Hip Hurray

The Bhatts are throwing a success party for Murder 2. It is their first success party since Raaz TMC a couple of years ago. Murder 3 has also been planned and will go on the floors before Raaz 3. 

No partnership


Split personalities: Aamir Khan and Salman Khan 

Aamir Khan has joked that he and Salman Khan can never do a film together.

The reason is that their styles and timing of working are completely different.

Aamir said that by the time he finishes his schedule that is when Salman Khan begins shooting. He was approached for Partner 2.

The right connect

Zayed Khan and Dia Mirza's production Love Break Ups Zindagi was shot in a start-to-finish schedule of 46 days. The marketing strategy is pretty innovative with making-of episodes which will be available for viewing on various social networking sites. They want to involve audiences and connect with it.

Princess diaries


English dreams: Victoria Beckham 

Singer-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham wants her baby daughter Harper Seven to grow up to be a "perfect English rose" just like Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Victoria gave birth to Harper Seven, her first daughter with husband David Beckham, in Los Angeles, this Sunday. "Everyone has fallen in love with Kate Middleton. She's gorgeous, stylish, speaks well and has perfect manners, all the qualities that Victoria will wish for Harper," a website quoted a source as saying.

"Victoria will want her daughter to grow up to become a perfect English rose, with a gorgeous posh accent and definitely not like some spoilt Hollywood brat," the source added. David and Victoria, who attended the royal wedding on April 29, have also invited Prince William and Princess Catherine to come and meet the Harper next time they visit Britain. "David and Victoria are so proud of their little daughter. As soon as they are next in Hertfordshire at Buckingham Palace they want the duke and duchess to come and see Harper. It'll be a special moment for David and Victoria," the source said. — IANS 

Family comes first

She is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood but when it comes to family, Sarah Jessica Parker doesn't let anything come her way.

The 46-year-old who has three kids, Wilkie, 8, and 2-year-old twin daughters Loretta and Tabitha with actor Matthew Broderick says she never felt the need of having a nanny, reported a publication. "We don't have any live-in help. We're pretty hands-on parents. That's something that's important to both of us, and we don't shirk it, because what's the point in having a family if you're not going to really participate in it, you know?" Parker said.

In her upcoming film I Don't Know How She Does It, the actor plays a successful businessperson and a mother who balances a busy career and family life. It's a role Parker says she can relate to.

PTI

Brangelina formally?

After six years of being together and a family of six kids, Hollywood's 'it' couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have reportedly decided to tie the knot. The pair is said to be planning an "intimate and informal" wedding in the South of France, reported a magazine.

The wedding could take place at their recently renovated mansion in Correns, France, which has privacy gates and its own 16th century chapel. The ceremony would be very different from the lavish USD 1 million nuptials when Pitt wed Friends star Jennifer Aniston in 2000. —PTI 

And the race begins…

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is out of Heroine. Names such as Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Vidya Balan, and Katrina Kaif were floated around. The race is between Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

Madhur wants his heroine from Fashion while UTV wants Kareena. Miss Kapoor was the original choice for the film but opted out for unknown/bizarre reasons. Now she is getting a second chance to do it and it would be wonderful if she took up the golden opportunity.

Award goes to…

Your honour: Gerard Butler 

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler has been honoured with the top acting prize at the Ischia Film Festival in Italy. The 41-year-old star has bagged the Actor of the Year Award at the ceremony, reported a publication.

The Love Story star was previously honoured by the event's organisers in 2004, when he landed the Best New Actor trophy.

The event, which runs until 17 July, was attended by stars which included Eli Roth; model Karolina Kurkova and director Kenny Ortega. — PTI 

Eye, teeth care prevents dementia

Taking proper care of teeth and eyes may help reduce your risk of developing dementia, a new study has claimed. Canadian scientists found that going to the dentist, having your eyes tested and trying to stay as healthy and active as possible lessen the chance of dementia and similar conditions in later life.

The researchers identified that a range of illnesses, aches and pains that all increase the risk of the condition including arthritis, poor eyesight, broken bones and even badly fitting dentures. — PTI

The ‘in’ side
pow(d)er packed
Sukhmani

Style check: Make the powder room in your house special with plush fittings

Powder rooms are formal rooms reserved especially for your guests and therefore should be decorated well. This is how to make most of these half bathrooms fitted with a sink and a toilet.

l Don't be afraid to use bold colour in your powder rooms since none of the standard rules are applied here, royal blue or black accented with gold look very classy. The idea is to create a jewel box effect to impress your guests.

l Don't use vertical lines as they reduce the appearance of space.

l If you're using wallpaper use bold colours by all means but don't go for a busy print.

l Add a bit of sparkle through your faucets. Make sure the faucet style is consistent with your theme.

l If your house is contemporary, keep the powder room contemporary too. Be style consistent.

l Your sink and toilet should be wall mounted as these save space. If the room is big enough for a counter, use bowl type sinks as they come in various materials like marble, glass, stainless steel and bronze.

l Granite and marble floors add class. You can use vitrified tiles as well but avoid wooden floors.

l Add a mirror that is big and elaborate. Avoid putting the mirror in a way that it reflects the toilet seat. In case it cannot be avoided hang the mirror at a height.

l Put up lights on both sides of the mirror to avoid shadows and also use under counter lighting to create a visual expanse.

l Make sure there is proper ventilation.

l Keep a shelf or counter space for your lady guests to keep their handbags.

l Accessorise the room to make it look more hospitable. Add small different coloured soaps and lotion bottles. Everything your guests need should be within sight.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based

interior and landscape designer)

Stretch like a cat

Marjar means a cat in Sanskrit. Marjariasana (cat stretch pose) is based on some mannerisms exhibited by cats, especially the ones immediately after they wake up from sleep. Marjariasana is a moving posture that combines back arches and forward bends. This asana increases mobility of the vertebrae and releases tension in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine so you will feel new life and energy come to your spine after practicing this pose.

Marjariasana provides a gentle massage to the spine and belly organs and it also strengthens and tones the arms and abdominal muscles.

To start with, come onto the floor on your hands and knees. Place a cushion under the knees to protect them from pressure and stress. Bring the hands shoulders width apart and the knees hips width apart. Become aware of the length and quality of the breath inhaling slowly and completely.

Open the chest forward, arching the back downward. Feel the tailbone and the crown of the head lifting equally towards the sky.

Try to feel every part of the back, every vertebra. Exhale slowly and completely as you begin to arch the back upward.

Tuck the tailbone and the crown of the head moving them towards each other and contract your abdominal muscles up towards your spine. Use your hands and knees for support in the pose.

As you inhale, return to the first position and continue to coordinate the breath and the movement of the spine, repeating this sequence 5 to 20 times.

When you are ready to stop simply bring the spine back to a neutral position, parallel to the floor.

Use special caution practicing this yoga posture if you have a neck injury. Always keep your neck aligned with the spine.

Do not turn your head towards your navel and also do not strain your back.

If you find it difficult to completely round out your back, go only as far as you can and hold the pose.

With time, your body will open and you will be able to completely arch your back.

Marjariasana can also be practiced during pregnancy period but in that case abdominal muscles shouldn't be pulled up towards the spine.

It helps to release the tension, which women gain easily in the shoulders during pregnancy.

(Juneja is a Chandigarh-based yoga expert)

Astro turf 
P Khurrana

ARIES: There is likely to be extremely positive, arguing potential for future growth. There is a danger that you may take on more than you can cope with, so be practical with your considerations. Tarot Message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky Colour: Yellow. Magic Number: 56

TAURUS: Make good use of the quite morning, and you will be well prepared for the rest of the day. Be patient till things start moving in desired direction. Express your feelings and put your talents to good use. Tarot Message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky Colour: Black. Magic Number: 38

GEMINI: The card "six of wands" will give you extra rewards. A female coworker could be jealous of your achievements. be sensitive and helpful and you may make a good friend. Tarot Message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky Colour: Red. Magic Number: 40

CANCER: Your card the "judgement" gives you strength. A strong desire to get out of your local neighborhood might instigate an exploration of other parts of your town. Tarot Message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky Colour: Crimson. Magic Number: 33

LEO: Today you will have difficulty in getting along with associates. Plans are likely to be changed or canceled at the last minute, so have in mind something you would like to do as a backup. Tarot Message: Use careful judgment in handling issues involving property. Lucky Colour: Orange. Magic Number: 44

VIRGO: You will have difficulty getting along with associates. A strong need to please might also make you vulnerable to the expectations of those close to you. Pleasant evening ahead for dealing with influential people. Tarot Message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky Colour: Lavender Magic number: 55 

LIBRA: Today you are likely going to spend money on philosophical books. A meeting might introduce you to some very important people. Perhaps one particularly attractive person will show that you can mix business with pleasure. Tarot Message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky Colour: Teal Magic Number: 63

SCORPIO: The day starts with smiles and cheers. A romantic overture to your working day might give you plenty to think about while you go through the motions. Work is likely to become hectic later in the day. Tarot Message: Take responsibility for your own action. Lucky Colour: Blue. Magic Number: 26

SAGITTARIUS: Meeting new people will bring delightful opportunity for romance and minor flirtation. Any complaints could lead to a quarrel, so make compromise and cooperation your goal. Tarot Message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky Colour: Violet. Magic Number: 54

CAPRICORN: Avoid speculation today. The married will enjoy a pleasantly romantic phase at home. Be as cooperative as possible and make a special effort to help others. Professional advice will be invaluable in this area. Tarot Message: Don't reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky Colour: Rust. Magic Number: 40

AQUARIUS: Don't rush to make any hasty decisions. Postpone plans for intimacy with your lover as there might be many interruptions. Home renovations or business plans can be reassessed with good outcomes assured. Tarot Message: Don't try to end the entire deadlock at one go. Lucky Colour: Grey. Magic Number: 33

PISCES: Students: park your vehicle carefully and obey traffic rules. Expect excellent news concerning finance after 6.00 p.m. Not all advice is reliable. Cancel this evening's commitments and get a good night's sleep. Tarot Message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky Colour: Pink. Magic number: 27 

Chatter box
Still connected!!


Mission together: Ashmit Patel and Veena Malik

Apparently the connection between sexy Pamela Anderson and her Bigg Boss housemates Veena Malik and Ashmit Patel didn't snap post the reality show as the trio is once again on a mission together.

We heard that Pamela will be promoting clean drinking water in India and Pakistan in an international campaign and has roped in Ashmit and Veena for the same.

The trio had an online meeting wherein it was decided that Ashmit and Veena would travel to villages in India and Pakistan respectively to promote clean drinking water.

More giggles

New Face: Reshmi Ghosh

Comedy Circus will soon be back in a new avatar called Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur which starts on July 17. Of course, like the previous seasons this time too there will be new celeb participants and judges too. With Archana Puran Singh, Sohail Khan will judge the show while Ankita Lokhande, Sugandha Mishra, Mahhi Vij will be the fresh faces on the show. Reshmi Ghosh too will add glamour as she turns host with this one. Comedy Circus Ka Naya Daur will air every Sunday from 9-10 pm.

Another historical drama

Contiloe Telefilms probably wants to make a record of making the most historical serials which is perhaps why after Jhansi Ki Rani, they are preparing for a show on Shivaji for Colors. The show is being planned on a grand scale with a huge set being built in Naigaon. The show is touted to launch in mid August. Young talent Paras Arora will play the young Shivaji while actor Milind Gunaji will essay the role of the warrior Shahaje Raje.

Commitment personified!

Petite and pretty Deeya Chopra does not let her illness play truant at work. She stars in Zee's Mrs Kausik Ki Paanch Bahuyein as Rhea but when the lass was down with malaria last week and was advised bed rest. But she knew she was needed on the shoot so she went ahead. Her dedication got everyone on the sets praising her while the unit took care of her. Hats off to her - it takes a lot of determination.

Fresh appeal

I spy: Ronit Roy

Fresh promos of Balaji's new serial were aired on Colors. They starred the handsome Samir Soni who appeared as a lower middle class guy talking about meeting an astrologer for a prediction. When the astrologer says he has a great future and will be super rich one day and asks for Rs 200, Samir gives him Rs 20 and says rests when I get rich. This unique promo was captured in a voiceover by Samir. Quite intriguing!! In the show, Samir plays the eldest son of a middle-class Punjabi family who is unable to achieve success in anything.

Adaalat relocated

Sony's hit court room drama Adaalat will have additions in form of Shweta Kawatra and Romit Raaj. Produced by Contiloe Telefilms, the show will be revamped and have more outdoor locales. KD Pathak aka Ronit Roy will be joined by permanent characters which will help him solve his cases. The beautiful Shweta will play the new lady public prosecutor while Romit will be her associate.

Anupriya: I can’t do scripted reality shows


Real Travel: Anupriya Kapoor

Anupriya Kapoor, who was last seen as Taani in Tere Liye, is all set to return to TV, as she has just signed a new reality show Jee Le Zindagi on a popular channel.

The task-cum-travel based show is Anupriya's first reality show as a participant. The actress has earlier assisted producer Gajendra Singh for reality shows like Voice of India and Waar-Parivar.

Anupriya speaks about Jee Le Zindagi and shares her views about other reality shows in a candid conversation with us.

This is your first reality show… so why did you choose to participate in Jee Le Zindagi?

To tell you the truth, I was offered some other reality shows before this one, but I wanted to do something that does not involve badmouthing others on national TV. I am not interested in washing my dirty linen in public. I made it clear that I want to do a show that I can watch with my family and where my personal life is not involved and the producers of Jee Le Zindagi assured me just that. They informed me that only the tasks and journey will be recorded and I will have my privacy at other times. This is a fun show which does not involve any dangerous tasks. Plus, the shoot will only last for about 10-15 days. The most important part is that the show is not scripted as I would never agree to do it otherwise.

What is your opinion of other reality shows?

Being a part of the TV industry, I know which shows are scripted and which ones are not. Most reality shows are majorly scripted just for the sake of TRP's and I prefer not to watch such shows.

How are you preparing for the show?

Jee Le Zindagi is a fun show and the tasks will not be very tough, so I don't think there is need for any preparation.

You have assisted producer director Gajendra Singh in reality shows like Voice of India and Waar-Parivar. How does it feel being back to the genre?

Voice of India and Waar-Parivar were talent based shows that involved singing and dancing. There were a lot of emotions involved and there was no travelling and even the anchors remained the same throughout the show. Jee Le Zindagi is different and I am excited about participating in the show.

What did you do during your break from TV?

I went to Delhi and had a blast. Then I also shifted to a new apartment in Mumbai and that took a lot of my time. I also broke my diet rules and ate whatever I wanted but now I am back to following a strict diet and gymming. - HRM

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 15...

The birthday on the 15th of July indicates strong attachments to home, family and domestic scene. The 1 and 5 equaling 6, provide the sort of energy that makes you an excellent parent. You are very responsible and capable.

You like harmony in your environment and strive to maintain it. You tend to learn by observation rather than study and research. This number shows artistic leanings. You're a very generous and giving person, but perhaps a bit stubborn in ways. Career: You'll be highly stimulating, winning over your co-workers with your banter. However, try not to talk too much.

Those born in the first decade, thanks to a co-workers' support, will manage to do well this week and be praised for this. Education: Why do you need proof of what you always knew to be true? Trust your hunches! Do not listen to so-called experts with little knowledge of the situation! Any road you take will be educational. Pay attention to the obvious signs! If you ignore warnings, you will have no one but yourself to blame.

Family: Small arguments, multiple misunderstandings and bickering over unimportant issues might be common. Friendship: Friends may have needs that 'conflict' with your own. The worst thing you can do this week is 'get between' two friends. Making choices is hard enough. Health: Those who have just recovered from a spell of illness are required to be cautious regarding their health. And do take good care oft your diet. Love : If you feel the impulse to speak the truth ,do it with caution. The sudden revelation of a secret or expression of opinion can be misinterpreted by a sensitive individual. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Cancer. Lucky colours: Navy Blue & Gray. Lucky days: Sunday and Monday. Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 11, 19, 55.

Diane Kruger (real name Diane Heidkrueger) was born on July 15, 1976 in Hildesheim, Germany. She started her career as a dancer in London when she was still young. In 1992, Kruger won a national modelling competition and a contract with Elite, a top modelling agency. Diane Kruger made her film debut in The Piano Player. Her most notable role till date is her portrayal of Helen in Wolfgang Petersen's epic Troy. 

New Release

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Producer: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sindhwani

Farhan Akhtar's sister Zoya Akhtar who had shown depth and insight in her debut venture Luck By Chance is excited about her new movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, a film about male bonding between three friends played by Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol. The film shot in exotic locales like the Valencian City in Bunol, is a pacy road movie with certain edginess. Zoya Akhtar has pinned high hopes on this film. She traverses through the landscape of Spain. There are many firsts from Abhay Deol. He tried skydiving for a sequence in the film and also tested his vocal chords singing Senorita with Farhan and Hrithik. Catch this road movie at theatres today which is sure to be peppered with quirks, slice of life nuggets and loads of drama. — Dharam Pal





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