Much has been said and heard about Claudia Ciesla, the blonde beauty from Bigg Boss, trying hard to create a place for herself in Bollywood. She did try hard, and manage to rustle a few controversies too. At present Claudia, with her controversy that she wants to bury in the hatchet and a reality show has moved down south for some more work. What did you think; she has better things to do than just run the gossip mill running. In city to walk the ramp as a showstopper for the show, Claudia who is now the brand ambassador for Pearl Group is happy with her stint down south as leading lady of a film.

“I liked working there. It was a bit of a challenge because of the language. They are professional people, and everything went well,” she says talking about the designer collection by Enlivens Deiva in the same breath. The focus shifts from work to clothes. “I like the traditional clothes the designers at Enlivens Deiva have made.”

What about Claudia and Bollywood, if there is any association. “I am doing a Bollywood film; I will talk about it later.”

Kids giggled no end as they watched the story of five mice unfold through the shadow puppets at Rent Me Toy Library, Panchkula, on Sunday morning.

Clapping, laughing, dancing around, singing songs with the mice on the makeshift screen, if kids were having fun so were their moms!

An initiative of Ethonova, a CEVA group, which aims to achieve innovative education, the shadow puppet show was a hit among its small audience. A group of five committed volunteers took their turn with puppets in their hands, modulating their voice, changing seats and having a good time themselves.

live wire: An interaction with children after the show

"Traditional shadow puppets originated in the South of India. Ours is an endeavour to mix the traditional and the modern, to create interesting learning methods," says Subhasis Neogi who played the role of a barber in the show.

Modelled around the theme of "everyone is special and we must respect that", an interaction had kids enthusiastically take part with shadow puppets on good behaviour after the show.

Beaming with pride as she saw her two-year-old participate, Rashmi Chugh, a teacher shared, "This puppet show is so interesting that it has rapt attention of such small kids. I am all in for innovative learning. It has given me something that i can use not only for my daughter but also students."

The traditional shadow puppets were made from goat skin, but for the Sunday show, it was commonly available material. "We often conduct workshops on puppet making, the idea is promoting easy, fun ways of learning," says Subhasis.

Sarita Bhargaw who plays Punnu, the mouse with seven tails, in the puppet story feels that kids need more than books to learn. "Kids have short attention span and books can't hold them for long. Stories attract them and help them build language skills," shares Sarita.

Ethonova, a team of nine members, aims to reach teachers and parents in the city and help them get equipped with activity based learning and have so far been successful in their attempt. "It was heartening to see kids interact after the show. We are getting ready with more such stuff," Sarita shares.

Stories have been the most engaging way not only for children to develop vocabulary, communication but also life skills. "Puppets make these stories come alive," says Subhasis, and, after seeing this engaging show we couldn't agree more!

His acting career dates back to costume drama Chandrakanta on Doordarshan 15 years back, but it was with Sanjay Khan's mythological Jai Hanuman in which this actor played Pawan Dev and emperor Bali that he grabbed the headlines with his talent. The multifaceted actor is Nimai Bali, Sanjay Dutt's cousin, who has essayed many grey shaded roles on the television, is now playing the role of mighty Raavan in Sagar Arts Productions and Sahara One Television most ambitious mytho project Jai Jai Jai Bajrangbali. He was last seen on Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki. Nimai Bali who hails from Narayangarh (Haryana) talks about life after doing many television shows and films.

How has been the journey so far?

It has been really good. I have worked in Maha Kavya Mahabharat, CID Special Bureau, Bhabhi Devi, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, Amber Dhara, Raat Hone Ko Hai, Who Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki to name among a few. I have also done a few films like Phool Aur Angaare with Mithunda, Garv with Salman Khan.

How did you decide to take up the role of Raavan?

TV as all would agree is a prominent medium today. When producer Shiv Sagar offered me this important role I immediately grabbed the opportunity. Initially I was apprehensive about my costumes, but once I started shooting, I forgot about it.

What is this show all about?

The show happens to be the superb big project coming from Sagar Arts and Sahara One Television. The story begins from the 17th century and narrates the various happenings in the life of Lord Hanuman. The show also focuses on the dominance and power of Raavan.

Any memorable moment on the set?

Every moment associated with Jai Jai Bharangbali is memorable. Essaying the role of Raavan has got me closer to my co-stars, director TLV Prasad and Cameraman S Kumar.

The scale of this show is huge, be in the sets, costumes or locations. Do you consider as a contributing factor to the show’s success?

Definitely, when you accumulate 10 per cent from every corner, it combines to give you 100 per cent. One cannot neglect anything be it sets, location and performances.

The show is getting good response from the viewers. How do you look it?

I am very excited that this mytho show is receiving such an amazing response. The cast is so good, the production house and the channel are good and we all are equally working hard to make the show a hit.

What are your interests other than acting?

I love driving cars as well as martial arts.

—Dharam Pal

After Bigg Boss, his marriage and divorce and all tamasha, Ali Merchant has returned to television with a bang. He limped back with the role that suited his personality the most- the cheeky Rituraaj in Star Plus' Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and later he signed on Imagine's Looteri Dulhan and even a cameo in Sony's Adaalat.

Ali couldn't be happier. "After all controversies, I wanted to be back being visible. For over six months I was off TV so this was the right time for me to get back on the saddle. I enjoyed playing Rituraj earlier and now he is different so I am enjoying playing that too. He is bit angry, bit stressed out and not the funny charming guy he used to be. Adaalat's cameo came out of the blue and I like the role so I took it up. Working with Contiloe and Ronti Roy is always fun as I have worked with them before.” 

Actor Deepak Dobriyal, who has acted for the first time with filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma in forthcoming film Not A Love Story, says the director is a genius when it comes to filmmaking.

“He is an institute in himself when it comes to cinema. In fact, I feel every newcomer should work with him at least once,” Dobriyal said.

“He is so clear about his work. One can have disagreements about his personal opinions but in cinema-making he is a genius,” he says.

Not a Love Story is a crime thriller based on the gruesome murder of Neeraj Grover in 2008 that led to the arrest of Emile Jerome and Maria Susairaj. Starring Mahie Gill along with Deepak and Ajay Gehi, the movie is set to be released Aug 19. RGV has announced that the film is not a biopic but is inspired by the case.

After a break in Los Angeles, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is heading back home to celebrate her 29th birthday with her family, post the Mumbai blasts.

“Heading home..LA”s been amazing...but looking forward to seeing my family... my dad n my brother esp with everything that”s happening wanna b home (sic),” Priyanka posted on her Twitter page.

She flew to Los Angeles straight from the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards ceremony in Toronto last month.

The National Award winning actress has a lot to look forward to this year. She has a line-up of films, including Don 2: The Chase Continues, the Agneepath remake, Barfee, Krrish 2 and Kunal Kohlis next with Shahid Kapoor.

Priyanka has also signed up for a cameo in Shah Rukh Khan’s mega-budget RA.One. She seems to be on a roll! —IANS

WRITER director: Pankaj Kapur

Pankaj Kapur has spent four years on planning, writing, and directing Mausam. The first look of the film was unveiled earlier this week. The respected actor-turned-director is pleased with his labour of love. He talks about making his beloved film.

Becoming a director

I have always wanted to write and direct. If you have followed my career, then you would have noticed that I wrote and directed for television for five years. Mausam has taken me four years to make. I am critical of my work but when I saw Mausam, I felt pleased and found it emotional. We have succeeded in bringing the script alive on screen.

Casting characters

When I write my scripts, I focus only on my characters. The actors come later, only after I have finished writing. I knew that I was writing the script of Mausam for Shahid. I had also told him that I needed at least a year from him and that I wanted him to grow a moustache. When you see the film, you will know why it took that long to shoot. Sonam Kapoor was always our first choice for the character of Aiyaat.

Take on romance

I know that I am popular for doing socially-relevant films but Mausam is a relevant romantic film too. I chose to make a romantic film because I am a romantic at heart. The reason is that simple! Mausam is not about seasons or simply about love and romance. It is about seasons in the lives of our protagonists Harry and Aiyaat and how they and their love changes and grows over time.

Direction and cameo

When I am directing actors, I am solely focused on extracting the best performances from them. I want them to be their best. I don”t make comparisons. I might do a cameo or walk-on part in the film. It is just that we don”t want that cameo to take away from the story and protagonists.

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Sohail Khan is ready to make his small screen debut, following the footsteps of his elder brother Salman. He will be seen as a judge on comedy reality show Comedy Circus: Comedy Ka Naya Daur.

He will shoulder his responsibilities as a judge with actress Archana Puran Singh, said a statement from Sony Entertainment Television.

Sohail has made films like Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya and Partner.

The new season of the comedy show, which has been running successfully for the past four years, has had 12 seasons.

This time it has a new host, actress Reshmi Ghosh.

As per its new format, Comedy Circus veterans will mentor a celebrity and a new talent, making a team of three.

The show will see participation from actors like Ankita Lokhande and Mahi Vij. — IANS

He has played a bookie, a pimp and an ambitious gangster. Emraan Hashmi says the road that he has chosen to walk on in Bollywood has only one traveller. Hashmi has scored success with erotic thriller Murder 2, which saw him playing an ex-cop with mixed morals and the actor wants to continue taking up on-the-edge characters.

“My aim is to do more and more films. I don”t like to do traditional stuff. I don”t believe in number games. The road that I walk on has no one in front of me and no one behind. I don”t see anyone doing the kind of roles that I do and I will continue with them,” Hashmi said. The 32-year-old actor has made peace with various tags allotted to him, most famous one being that of a “serial kisser”.

His stint in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai has opened doors for more meaty roles. He will next be seen opposite Vidya Balan in Dirty Picture, a biopic on Southern film siren Silk Smitha. He has completed his work in Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai and is in talks to star in Vishal Bhardwaj”s Dayan. —PTI

At a time when a volley of actresses are sweating it out to get in shape, actress Zarine Khan feels her body is not meant for a bikini and dismisses reports that she will be donning the two-piece in her upcoming film Houseful 2.

“There is no bikini scene in Houseful 2 and moreover I haven”t got a body for a bikini,” said Zarine, who started her Bollywood journey opposite Salman Khan in period flop Veer.

Houseful 2, a sequel of Sajid Khan”s comedy film starring Akshay Kumar, Ritesh Deshmukh, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez, Asin and Zarine Khan is currently under production.

“I haven”t prepared anything for the role but have gone to the gym and worked hard since the role is ultra glamorous and I want to be at par with the other heroines,” says the 23-year-old actress.

Zarine, who walked the ramp for Rina Dhaka for the Cotton Day event organised by Cotton Council International, is all excited about working with Ritesh Deshmukh.

“We have just finished shooting a schedule of the film in London and it was a lot of fun. As far as my acting is concerned, both Ritesh and director Sajid Khan will help me if I go wrong,” she said.

Last seen in popular song character dheela with Salman in the movie Ready, Zarine is open to item songs but does not want to do anything vulgar.

“I have already said no to lot of item numbers that were offered to me since I found them vulgar. I would never do anything vulgar,” she said.

Zarine hopes that the film will help people know her fun side.

“I don”t make a lot of public appearances since I think people are stuck with my Veer image. In Ready they saw more of me and once Houseful is out they will see more of the fun side of me,” the actress said. — PTI

Kim Cattrall says she feels “marginalised” as an actress because she is offered roles which is similar to her Sex and the City character Samantha Jones.

The 54-year-old actress says casting agents fail to hire her for roles which is different from her man-eater character in the hit TV show.

“Nobody wants to hire me unless I”m playing Samantha Jones. Do you know what it”s like to be 54 and marginalised? It doesn”t get any easier as you get older,” she said.

Cattrall admits that prejudice in Hollywood is nothing new to her and she has found it hard to break away from “sexualised” roles. — PTI

Hollywood star Brad Pitt now can also try his hands in baseball as he has been described as a pretty good player by former San Francisco Giants sportsman Casey Bond.

The 47-year-old actor was so impressive in his training for upcoming film Moneyball - in which he plays a baseball manager - that he surprised his co-star, Bond.

“He’s got some skill. He might have missed his calling in baseball I guess. If acting didn”t work out he’s pretty good. I think that he’s got that in his back pocket if anything.

“He was out there a couple days and he took batting practice with us and stuff, threw the baseball around. He was very much involved with all aspects of the baseball side of the movie as well,” Bond said.

Pitt, who raises six children with partner Angelina Jolie, was also praised for being a “master” of his craft and giving great advice to his less-experienced sporting co-stars.

“He had a lot of great advice. When we were shooting scenes, in between takes he”d walk me through different techniques he used so everything comes across right on film... obviously he”s a master at that,” Bond added.

The film - which also stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill, Chris Pratt - is based on the true story of Oakland A manager Billy Beane, who attempts to lead a competitive team to success despite the club”s poor financial situation. — PTI

Bollywood's tall and lean actor Harman Baweja follows a fitness routine but he doesn”t believe in body building.

“Normally, I give myself 40-45 minutes a day in whatever form I can. I have pretty much given up on proper workout in a gym because now I believe in fitness and not in body building,” Baweja said.

“Definitely, when I will do an action film or something, then I will require hard core training and I will go back to that. But right now it”s more about being fit and lean so I play tennis often, that”s good enough to burn calories,” says Baweja.

“I like sports, I have mainly been a sportsperson. And I have resorted back to being one rather than just running on the treadmill. I”m more of an outdoor person,” he added.

Harman, who has been part of films like Love Story 2050, Victory and What”s your Raashee? is also a self-proclaimed foodie.

“I eat anything under the sun. I”m a foodie, so I don”t work on my diet but I burn out according to what I have eaten,” he specified.

— IANS

It was all fun, frolic and hullabaloo as the guests danced and enjoyed under the cool showers at the Splash bash rain dance party organised by Sparkle's Family Club, Ludhiana, on the weekend. It was a merry time for the whole family as the kids splashed around the toddler's pool while the others grooved to foot tapping music under sprinklers and showers with the coloured aqua lighting from the back giving that eclectic ambience.

DJ Bhanu provided non-stop music. The newly renovated pool was the ideal setting for a monsoon evening. To appease the hunger pangs there was a spread of Avadhi food, grilled delicaciesand mocktail. A rain dance party went on till the wee hours. One of the guests Gaurauv Mehra said, "It is fun wherein and we are feeling more relaxed as our kids too are having a good time."

Everyone knows that Jammu and Kashmir is called the paradise on earth but if one actually has to see that, must visit Leh Ladhakh once. Situated between two world's highest mountain ranges Himalaya and Karakoram, Leh Ladakh, surrounded by the perennial snow capped peaks, beautiful landscapes, golden yellow valleys, gorgeous lakes brings to mind an artist at work.

On June 20, I and a group of 17 people took a road trip to the Himalayas. The group with five motorbikes (Bullet motorcycles) and two SUVs between them set to explore the wonderland.

The Manali to Leh road route is considered arguably the toughest motorcycling road in the world. This route for us turned out to be a roller-coaster ride through the high-altitude passes, bad roads, landslides and glacial melts.

The ride from Manali was very scary but the picturesque Rohtang Pass was ready to entertain us with silvery snow.

The terrain is so high and so barren as to have no settled habitation. Infrastructural support is at a bare minimum. Interestingly, Tandi is the only village on the highway which has a petrol pump, it was dark when we reached Tandi and the petrol station had shut. The next petrol pump is 365 km away in Leh so we had to spend the night at Keylong to come back in the morning, get our tanks and jerry cans filled up.

The scenario on the Manali-Leh Highway gave us the excitement of planning, adventure, bliss while riding and lifetime memories after the ride.

The next day was a drive of 109 km to Sarchu. Most of the road was slushy, dirt track with intermittent patches of tarmac. Sarchu was extremely scenic but treacherously cold at night (dipped to 20C) and the accommodation was in tents. Piping hot dal chawal and layers of clothing saved us here. On further journey we encountered snow fed streams build up in volume and speed as the sun rose in the sky. The 21 hair pin bends called the Gata Loops took us to the Naki La Pass (16, 250 ft) and then a further descent to Pang through Lachung La Pass. The dramatic gorges were definitely gorgeous.

The further route to Leh was flat most of the way but had stretches with barely any tracks. The roads with ice walls on both sides took us to the highest pass on this highway, Tanglang La at 17, 500 ft. A descend to Upshi, which lies by the Indus River and then we finally reached Leh at around five in the evening.

I found Leh to be a quite, friendly and hospitable town with little population and a considerable army presence. The walk around the historic bazaar was pleasurable and one could see many garden cafes and sidewalk restaurants. We also visited the Shanti Stupa and other Gompas. The next day we headed to explore the Pangong lake (Yes, it is exactly where the last scene of '3 Idiots' was shot). We ascended to the Khardungla Pass (18,380ft), world's highest motorable road. To our amazement it started snowing and what a dazzling scene it was, pristine white snow all around. The feeling of being on top of the world was overwhelming; I mean it is literally the top where one can reach unless you are flying. It was truly an ecstatic moment and it was more so for the bikers who had escalated such heights to reach this point.

Gurdwara Sri Pathar Sahib holds a rock with an imprint of Guru Nanak's sitting body. The peace this place brings to your mind and soul cannot be put into words. Further via Alchi, Lamayuru, the lush green Mulbekh valley we reached Kargil the mid-way stop at Leh-Srinagar highway.

Crossing Draas the second coldest inhabited place in the world) and Sonamarg (the golden meadow), we reached Srinagar. A day in spend by the Dal lake, through traffic jams, we drove back to Chandigarh. It was to get back to the home city after covering a highly unpredictable distance of 2,200 kilometers in 12 days.

(Mansimran Khokhar Sandhu, research scholar, Centre for Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, writes about her recent trip to Leh)

LIBRA: Today fear of loss of reputation or slander could grip you. Stick with a physical health routine and maintain essential fitness levels. Tarot Message: Your efforts would gain momentum of your listen to what experienced people have to say. Lucky Colour: Saffron. Magic Number: 48.

SCORPIO: Your relationship can be shaken and stirred. Start worrying about what can go wrong, and problems will start to crop up. Finances for the purchase of a house or renovation is likely to be approved. Tarot Message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky Colour: Turquoise. Magic Number: 56.

SAGITTARIUS: Focus on the little things that need to be done, and stick to routines. You are probably better off at home tonight, reading a good book or suffering the internet. Sincerity is the key to success. Tarot Message: Plan your life to avoid delays. Lucky Colour: Peach. Magic Number: 27.

CAPRICORN: The atmosphere will not be conducive to achieve good results. There may be time to finish certain pending tasks. With current work projects, strike while the iron is still hot. Tarot Message: Keep going and don't allow your confidence to be dented. Lucky Colour: Crimson. Magic Number: 56.

AQUARIUS: Do be careful with your financial situation. It could be easy for to borrow more than you need, but interest rates make it hard for you to keep up with payments. Be logical. Tarot Message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky Colour: Rainbow Pestles.Magic Number: 30.

PISCES: You will be free to operate as you feel is right. Relatives will do all they can to help. Speculation in property is not favoured. Those on a business trip will find comfortable accommodation. Tarot Message: You have to realize that ideas can be put into practice.Lucky Colour: Ebony. Magic Number: 57. 

You share your birthday with Priyanka Chopra (Jul 18, 1982 Jamshedpur). Former Miss World came in second place at Femina Miss India in 2000, then she became Miss World. She was the fifth Indian women to win the title and the fourth Indian woman to win in seven years span. Recently, Priyanka appeared in 7 Khoon Maaf, where she plays an Anglo-Indian woman who murders her seven husbands. Kaminey, What's your Raashee? and Fashion are her some notable films. Astrologically, number 9 is her prime number and she will remain on the top due to her Venus period spread over for next 10 years.