Friendly zone
This Friendship Day, we speak to actors from the region on bonding with old friends
Jasmine Singh

Friends forever
Sonu Sood

Stardom changes many things, competitors become friends on the face of it and friends turn foes. I am glad that I have friends who haven't changed their attitude towards me and I am proud of the fact that I haven't changed as well. The equation between us is the same from college days, when one used to hang around dreaming of Sonu Sood (R) with his friend Ajay making it big one day. I am regularly in touch with my friends, and they call me on every important occasion of my life. I would be lost in this glamorous world had it not been for my childhood friends.

lasting bond: Sonu Sood (R) with his friend Ajay

Nothing has changed
Gavie Chahal

If it were not for my friends, I would be nowhere in life. I have the same set of friends since school; I can discuss everything with them. They have nothing to do with my celebrity status. I am still the same shy school guy for them, and they are a bunch of fun-loving, helpful friends.

What is best thing about friends! Loads you bet. But one thing that you do to friends and only friends is that you can do different things with your life, even go under hibernation…but you can come back and reconnect with friends on the same level! No baggage, no frets, no hang ups, same old pals saving money to pitch for one drink, same old friends trying to woo the same girl! With friends you don't pretend, even if they are some high flying celebrities or Bollywood actors. They are there because they have to! On Friendship's Day we speak to actors from the region on bonding with old friends who are not celebrities.

Girls' day out
Divya Dutta

For me it is important to keep in touch with my childhood friends, as they keep me grounded; they remind me of what I am. Radhika Sood, Sheenam Khosla, Archana Nagpal are some of my childhood friends. I know they will support me through thick and thin. They wouldn't judge me like a celebrity, and I can be absolutely myself with them. Also, girl bonding is the best and they are much closer to each other than boys.

Same ground
Vindu Dara Singh

Nobody can replace my school-time friends; we have been together from first standard. I have seen high and low times with them. Irrespective of my star status, they stand by me whenever I want.Whenever we are together we talk about those days. I don't need to talk to them everyday because we know when we touch base again, we will be on the same ground.

Calming influence
Yami Gautam

Yammi, Sukhmani & GargiFriends are a lifeline; they are important to me as everything else. Even if I am a celebrity today, I can always turn around and still be on the same ground with them. They will ensure they bring me back to the ground, even if I try to fly too high. I agree it is not the same when we start working; nevertheless I try to be in touch with them. It is with my friends outside the industry that I can share everything without fear of being written or gossiped around.
three’s company: (L-R) Yammi, Sukhmani & Gargi

jasmine@tribunemail.com

One man, many tunes
VJ Nikil Chinappa, in Chandigarh for a gig, says it would be interesting to see how one could script a 30-day reality show with as many contestants
Mona

Sunburn in city

As Nikhil Chinappa took to the floor, it was the best from the House that he played. But the city demanded Punjabi tadka. It was then that Nikhil stopped music and gave a five-minute 'talk' (that he is best known for). The speech drove home the point that it's not everyday that Chandigarh gets to have music other than the regular. "Folks, I am giving you the Sunburn flavour at very low cost," said Nikhil and soon the crowd followed the tune!

On the might of his tongue, this smart Alec has come a long way. From an architect-in-the-making to a radio jockey, VJ, host and judge on reality shows as well as an actor, Nikhil Chinappa has donned many roles. In Chandigarh to host pre-anniversary bash at Kava-26 on Friday, we chatted with Nikhil to know more about his happening life.

The mascot for MTV, Nikhil stands by the shows he has been part of! "Reality shows are an accurate representation of the aspirations of the youth today, which is not that easy for everyone to accept," he puts it in black and white.

But is the youth today really that self-centred and aggressive? "Well, what you see is only a part of the footage collected over hundreds of hours," says Nikhil. When simultaneously lots of stories are going around, it's up to the director to pick up most exciting ones and follow the thread. It's only the interesting, intriguing episodes that get aired. "Youngsters act, behave in a certain way because on a show everyone wants to be a winner. Yet, the contestants are not just what you see on the show. They also have a regular life. They go back home, respect their elders and the family sanctity," says Nikhil.

Are the shows scripted? "I am often asked the question, but I would like to see how one can script a 30-day reality show with as many contestants," challenges Nikhil.

Moving over to music, Nikhil is happy being part of events all over the world. He learnt deejaying from his wife Pearl but since then has evolved his own style. "Both of us play very different kind of music," he says. Music has changed a whole lot ever since Nikhil joined the industry. "The very character of music and the way it reaches people has changed dramatically. Though people complain of music being lost; but then it's in tune with today's generation," he shares.

Happy to be in Chandigarh, Nikhil shares, "For me, Chandigarh has a cool bunch of happy-go-lucky people who are aware of the latest in fashion."

He adds, "In our times, it was considered 'cool' to modify a bike and go for a film with friends, which is not the case anymore. With bungee jumping, sky or scuba diving, the word 'cool' has also been redefined," says Nikhil who has himself turned a scuba-diving buff.

Nikhil, busy doing regular stuff, is fervently looking forward to Goa Sunburn Festival. "I am happy hopping across the world for various ventures. Basically, I like doing anything that brings a smile to my face as well as the others," shares Nikhil.

mona@tribunemail.com

Drape paradise is here
Jasmine Singh

We are yet to come across a girl who is not excited about wedding shopping. The never ending lists, the debates and discussions on numerous mix and match options…shopping for the trousseau is quite an affair. Adding an elegant chapter to the whole hullabaloo is an exclusive store of Satya Paul, which opens in Sector-17, Chandigarh, on Saturday.

A premier designer label known for its iconic saris, the exclusive boutique will house everything from running cloth, accessories, suits, saris and lehngas.

Says Munish Ohri, franchise director, Satya Paul, "The boutique will have everything the brand is synonymous for.

Sarees in vibrant crepes, chiffons and georgettes available in exquisite designs and myriad colours are available here. Salwar suits, blouses, fabrics, kurtis, scarves, stoles, bags and clutches there is a great deal to look up at the store."

If women are all smiles, men can also look forward to adding some Satya Paul designer element to their wardrobe. The store also showcases classy Satya Paul men's accessories like ties, cufflinks, tie boxes, scarves, wallets, belts and pens — all under one roof.

Sheiba Anand, general manager, retail, Satya Paul feels style and elegance come with a price. "We are not in a hurry to sell because we know Satya Paul deals in hundred per cent pure silk, and every piece is exclusive in style and approach. Chandigarh can now look forward to exclusive designer garments from Satya Paul."

Sleep stocking

Researchers have claimed that wearing compression stockings might help people suffering from a common sleep disorder sleep apnea. They found that sufferers who wore thigh-high stockings for a week cut their sleep problems by a third.

People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently wake in the night, which in turn leads to problems during the day, such as excess sleepiness.

A large proportion of people with sleep apnea also snore. They often struggle with exhaustion as the disorder makes deep sleep difficult.

In OSA, the muscles in the airway collapse during sleep, which cuts off breathing for at least ten seconds before brain signals cause a contraction of the muscles, which reopens the airway.

Not only does it disrupt sleep - for sufferers and those within earshot - and cause exhaustion, the condition appears to increase blood pressure and associated heart problems.

Researchers from the University of Brescia, Italy, used full-length compression stockings - the kind used to prevent deep-vein thrombosis in air passengers - to regulate blood flow through the legs. The study has been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. — ANI

Co-workers’ support key to longevity

Employees buoyed up by their co-workers' support and goodwill tend to live longer and better.

"We spend most of our waking hours at work, and we don't have much time to meet our friends during the weekdays," explains Sharon Toker, a researcher in organisational behaviour at the Tel Aviv University.

"Work should be a place where people can get necessary emotional support. Those who reported having low social support at work were 2.4 times more likely to die sometime within those 20 years," says Toker.

Toker and colleagues Arie Shirom and Yasmin Alkaly, with Orit Jacobson and Ran Balicer from Clalit Healthcare Services, followed the health records of 820 adults, according to a Tel Aviv statement. They were aged between 25 and 65 years and worked an average of 8.8 hours daily through a two-decade period. — IANS

High Spirits
Berry high
Vineet Mishra

Jamun Mojito

A refreshing rum drink with a hint of fresh Jamun.

Ingredients:

n 1 1/2 oz Havana Club aged White Rum
n 1 tbs superfine sugar
n Lime wedges
n 5-6 fresh Jamun

Garnish: Mint leaves and lemon wheel.

Instructions-Muddle pulp of a fresh jamun, superfine sugar and lime in a mixing glass. Add 1 1/2 of light rum and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain the mixture into a chaat masala rimmed Martini glass. Sugarcane syrup can be used to replace superfine sugar.

Cocktail Jokes: "A hamburger walks into a bar and the bartender says, "Sorry, we don't serve food in here."

(Mishra is director, CocktailJockey.com)

Forecasting friends

Social networks like Facebook and Twitter often suggest people you may know based on your existing 'friends'.

Now, researchers at the University of Cambridge have found a new way of predicting which people may become friends on social network sites — based on the type of places they visit. Their surprise finding is that going to the same gym or school or working in the same office can be more likely to bring people together than having the same friends. That may seem obvious but it has important implications for websites like Facebook or LinkedIn.

To date, most social networking sites have relied upon the "friend-of-a-friend" approach to guess which people may have connections with one another.

But Salvatore Scellato, Anastasios Noulas and Cecilia Mascolo, of Cambridge's Computer Laboratory, have a new approach that not only looks at friends of friends, but also the places people visit - with weightings given to different places such as airports and gymnasiums.

To test their theory, they used data from four months at a relatively small but fast-growing website called Gowalla to see how social connections grew in that time. — ANI

Pippa’s dress at street price

A replica of the dress worn by Pippa Middleton for the royal wedding in April is set to go on sale at Debenhams for just 170 pounds. Pippa's bridesmaid's dress, which won her the adulation of the masses when she stepped onto the red carpet to pick up sister Kate's train at the royal wedding, has become the most requested in bridal ateliers — but for the bride herself.

Pippa MiddletonIn response to the demand, department store Debenhams has released its own collection in homage to the royal wedding, and to Pippa in particular. But while Pippa's bespoke Alexander McQueen gown cost a staggering 20,000 pounds, Debenhams' limited edition version is available at just 170 pounds. The retailer will also stock a 99 pounds version of the emerald green Alice Temperley evening gown that Duchess's sister wore to the evening reception at Buckingham Palace.

And in homage to the Duchess of Cambridge is a black lace sweetheart cocktail-length dress — inspired by her magnificent Alexander McQueen wedding gown.

There is even a flower girl dress cinched with wide gold ribbon that echoes that of the bridal party, to go on sale for just 48 pounds to 52 pounds depending on age.

"Like everyone we were glued to our tellies for the wedding and have been huge Kate and Pippa fans ever since," Russell Fish, head of occcassionwear design at Debenhams said. — ANI

HIGH PRICE:
Pippa Middleton

Heart-to-heart
Minna Zutshi

Jannat
Jannat

It's an interesting mix of reel and real, but our little stars are not complaining. They're all for it. Thirteen-year-old actress Jannat has her friendship fundamentals very clear. "Friendship is out-and-out for long gossip sessions. You can chat away without having to worry about what you said. It's a no-offence zone," she says in Hindi that has a pleasant drawl to it.

Initially, Jannat did raise the curiosity quotient of her friends. The reel world is all make-believe, yet sometimes it looks more authentic than the real, her friends would tell her. Her explanation invariably would be: the tears and the fights have a realistic punch to them because that's how the real is reflected in the reel. Thankfully, her seven years as an actress (her list of films includes Dev D, Hashar and Heartland) have given her friends a nice peep into the reel world, though they have their periodic bursts of whetted-up curiosity. "That's but natural because none of my friends is even remotely associated with acting," quips the girl from Ludhiana.

Friendship meanders between the reel and the real for seven-year-old Ashnoor Kaur, who plays the lead role in Zee TV serial Shobha Somnath Ki. "My best friend is Azam, my co-star in the soap. He's nine. And we have a whale of a time together," she prattles. There's a touch of maturity to her words as she says, "We also have fights, but we resolve them fast."

"I like it when he shares sweets with me," she adds. We ask her what Azam likes about her as a friend. And her pert reply is: "I can only talk about myself. This question is meant for him and you better ask him." Well, that's a response loaded with commonsense. The point is noted, we say. The little girl signs off majestically: "When we are free from the shoot, Azam and I share tips on acting."

Star track
Hrithik cracks overseas market

Hrithik Roshan
HIt man: Hrithik Roshan

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan is riding high on the success of his latest release Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. His upcoming Krrish 2 is fetching skyrocketing prices for its music and satellite rights much ahead of its shooting - and is expected to be high on the overseas market too.

A source close to the actor revealed that the music rights have been sold for Rs 6 crore and the satellite rights given out for Rs 38 crore. The price has surpassed superstar Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming superhero flick RA.One which has been sold at a reported Rs 35 crore.

The bidding for the movie is expected to be high on overseas rights too, and Hrithik is elated. "The overseas market is a hard one to crack because there's no guarantee that a film that works in India will do well there. So, it's heartening that five of my films (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', Dhoom 2, Jodhaa Akbar, Kites and Zindagi...) have conquered both markets. The breakthrough came with Dhoom 2," Hrithik said in a press statement.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara grossed Rs 22 crore from the overseas market within 10 days of its release, and Hrithik feels his popularity has also grown, thanks to his statue in Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London.

"The statue at Madame Tussaud's also got me a lot of attention and was symbolic of a decade-long journey that should inspire my sons to march ahead despite the hurdles," added the actor, who unveiled his wax statue in London earlier this year.

However, the 37-year-old refuses to agree he is in competition with Bollywood's Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir. "I wouldn't want to lump Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman together as the 'Khans' because they are distinct individuals who have seen maximum failures, and yet, risen to great heights.

"We don't see ourselves as superheroes and walk around with crowns on our heads. We're just actors doing what we know best. The advantage is that being the last link in the chain, we get all the eyeballs and praise," he added.

Hrithik is currently shooting for the remake of Agneepath, and he would start work on Krrish 2 in November this year. — IANS

Preity turns to Twitter

Preity Zinta
Name game: Preity Zinta

Actress Preity Zinta, who is going to host a TV chat show, has turned to Twitter in her quest for a suitable title. "Today's topic: What should my show on UTV Stars be called? Pls don't say The Preity Zinta Show cuz I want u all 2 be original so .....," Preity tweeted.

The show, produced by Shahrukh Khan's television division -- Red Chillies Idiot Box, will be aired on the new Bollywood channel, UTV Stars.

"Back on set after a refreshing break! All excited about my talk show! We start shooting from today....." the dimpled lass said.

The show might go on air on August 19. And there are rumours that actor Abhishek Bachchan would be the first guest.

The bubbly actress made her television debut as a host for 'Guinness Book of World Records: Ab India Todega' on Colors in March.

Preity is also working on her debut home production movie. — PTI

No reservations for B-town

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, whose upcoming film Aarakshan deals with the issue of reservation, says Bollywood fosters the spirit of brotherhood and there is "no discrimination" in the Hindi film industry.

Amitabh Bachchan
BOLLYWOOD rocks: Amitabh Bachchan

"I am lucky to be a part of this industry which does not believe in any kind of reservation. It actually brings people together," said Bachchan, who was in the national capital today to promote Aarakshan with the entire star cast.

The 68-year-old actor, who is portraying the role of a college principal in the upcoming socio-political drama, insists even film-goers display the spirit of "equality"."The best example can be of the thousands of people who go and watch our films. While enjoying a film, one never thinks to which caste and religion the next person in the theatre belongs to.

"In fact, everybody sit together in one place and enjoy the film together. They cry for the same reason, laugh at the same joke and sing the same songs," added Bachchan.

Directed by Prakash Jha, Aarakshan, which also stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpai and Prateik Babbar, is set to hit the theatres on August 12. — PTI

Stick-y proposal

Akshay Kumar
PLAY PAL: Akshay Kumar

Actor Akshay Kumar feels that like Canada, India too should celebrate a Hockey Day.

"Canada has given me something very interesting to think about. If Canadians can celebrate Hockey Day, why can't we Indians support our own national sport and initiate something similar? What are your views?" Akshay said on Twitter.

Akshay is making debut as a producer of a Hollywood film — Breakaway— which is a cross-cultural hockey drama set in the Indo-Canadian community in Toronto, Canada.

Directed by Robert Lieberman, Breakaway is about a young Indian ice hockey player caught between family's traditional expectations and his dream to make it big in the national sport of his adopted country.

Real-life hockey player Vinay Virmani debuts in the movie in the lead role. — PTI

Bipasha: Single and happy

Bipasha Basu Bipasha Basu is glowing these days. Maybe singledom suits her! She is super-excited as she talks about her film Players and international project Singularity. Miss Basu is at a happy place in life.

moving on: Bipasha Basu

Game players

When I did Race, I became very close to directors Abbas-Mustan. They are like my mentors and they know what I am best at. They have a very thrilling mind and believe me Players is going to be one thriller that you will enjoy till the end.

On a shooting spree

This is one reason why I love my job so much. It's because my job allows me to see the world. While shooting for Players we went to some exotic parts of Russia to shoot in chilling winters but I fell in love with that place and its scenic beauty.

Life post break-up

It happened last year so I have come out of it now. I am bored of talking and answering people about my break-up. So let's talk about something else. I believe what happened, happened for best. So never look back or regret about what has happened as it is life and life teaches you everything.

What's new?

What's new? (Laughs) Life has not changed; it's the same the way it was: sweet and simple. I am spending more time choosing scripts and spending time with my parents. What has changed you can say is that I read a link-up story about me every morning! That's new and funny!

What about work?

I am doing some mind-blowing films like Players which I am very excited about. You know my directors have shown a faith in me. Like Race, they have given me nice songs and action scenes. I work out so I didn't need much training but I learnt a lot while shooting. I have also finished shooting for Singularity and am looking at a couple of scripts.

On controversies

I believe that once you join this industry, your personal life becomes a joke. I can't say why you want to know about my personal life? Because people are interested in it and want to know the dating dynamics in this entertainment industry. So since the day I joined, I have stopped reading and commenting on controversies related to me. It's better to ignore them than to pay attention and feed them. — HRM

Kangna Ranaut Third time lucky

Kangna Ranaut will romance Rana Daggubatti in an urban romantic comedy titled Kris and Suri. The movie is supposedly very urban and international. It will be directed by Rajshree Ojha and produced by PNC. The duo is third time lucky because they couldn't be paired in Dum Maaro Dum and Department.

Last attempt: Kangna Ranaut

Sorry, sis!

Bodyguard requires a voiceover by a female. Kareena suggested Karisma Kapoor for the same. The makers declined request. Kareena will do the voiceover herself. The other name was Katrina Kaif.

Strange chemistry

Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh are continuing to deny that they have dated/are dating each other. Ranveer says he hangs out with Anushka because they have common friends but they are not romantically involved. Anushka apparently said that she does not know what it is like to go on a date. That is strange!

TOGETHER OR NOT: Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh

Not a bed of roses

Anne Hathaway Hollywood star Anne Hathaway thinks that life at times can be "cruel and painful" because bad things happen to people for no apparent reason.

The 28-year-old says she was shocked when Raffaello Follieri, her boyfriend of four years was sent to jail for four-and-a-half years for fraud and money laundering, reported a publication.

Thinking aloud: Anne Hathaway

"People deal with horrible things all the time. Downstairs in this pub, someone is battling cancer. Someone has lost their job. I think it's unusual for someone in a position of prominence to go through something like that, but it's not really unusual in life. Life is really painful sometimes," Hathaway said.

The Devil Wears Prada star, who is now in a relationship with actor Adam Shulman says she is looking forward to turning 29 later this year as she thinks it marks the beginning of a new phase in her life.

"I think it's the beginning of a process that really blossoms when you hit 30. It's where you stop apologising for who you are. And it's knowing things. It's nice to not know things and that's ok. People aren't going to judge you for asking questions. That's such a freedom," she said. — PTI

All hail Priyanka!

Tinsel town is proud of actor Priyanka Chopra's foray into the music world on a global platform. Her industry friends like Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Farhan Akhtar, Riteish Deshmukh, and filmmaker Kunal Kohli have wished her good luck.

"Congratulations @priyankachopra for the music thingy u r doing. from being the little girl who became miss world & made us so proud, go & rule the music world (sic)," superstar Shah Rukh posted on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Preity wrote: "@priyankachopra Congrats love! Am sure u will rock it! muaah!", while Kohli posted: "Isn't the news about @priyankachopra's music deal just superb! PC you're already a rock star for us!"

The 29-year-old, who won the Miss World crown for India in 2000, has signed a recording deal with music company Universal Music Group (UMG) and Desi Hits! -- a fusion entertainment platform. She will be writing and singing the songs in English. Work on her album has already begun, and she is mighty excited about it. "I've already started working on the album. It's scary but so very exciting & I'm counting on UR support as I begin this exciting new journey," posted Priyanka. — IANS

Chatter box
Report card of new shows

Every few months a gamut of television shows are launched. Some have novelty value while others are mere rehashes of old ideas. We take a look at the shows launched in last three months and how they fared.

X-Factor

Contestants of X Factor Launched with much fanfare, in two months the fizz from this so-called mammoth show has gone. Now, in the staid elimination per week format, X Factor is just one of the many shows we have gotten used to watching on TV. No doubt the three judges are cool. Sonu Nigam's wit and charm holds the show as does his versatile singing along with Shreya Ghoshal while Sanjay Leela Bhansali too adds novelty to this singing reality show.
Contestants of X Factor

Fared: Average with 1.16 TRP.

Happening: The versatile judges.

Not happening: No earth shattering talent among contestants.

Bade Achche Lagte Hain

Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor from Bade Achche Lagte Hain
Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor from Bade Achche Lagte Hain

This Balaji show created a buzz for itself with the cute and romantic promos a month before its launch on May 30. Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor came together in this different show to talk about a love story between two people in their 30s. This take on love and marriage not only felt refreshing but the acting calibre of both the actors has been utilised well in the show. The audiences' acceptance of the show quickly proves that. Their cool pairing, their sparring, even their gyaan is cute and endearing. Bade Achche Lagte Hain is a true winner for Sony after a long time.

Fared: The show has been well received as it got a 2.9 TRP.

Happening: Pairing of Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor and the different story.

Not happening: At times the characters are loud and the endless repetition of flashbacks and title track.

Just Dance

The ultimate dance reality on Star Plus' Just Dance brought superstar Hrithik Roshan to the small screen. His presence and charisma was more than enough to get the ball rolling. His involvement and dedication to the show and the contestants came as a pleasant surprise as did the many trainers - Terence Lewis, Saroj Khan, Michelle, Satya who taught the contestants many nuances which was a novelty on the show. The variety of contestants and the numerous dance forms shown on the show makes for an interesting watch. Judges Farah Khan and Vaibhavi Merchant don't cut each other or get into fake fights but are forthright and very verbal with the contestants, which is refreshing.

Fared: Very well with 2.46 TRP.

Happening: Hrithik Roshan is the USP of the show. Of course, the spectacular contestants have wowed the audiences too.

Not happening: Sympathy gaining sad stories of contestants.

Hamari Saas Leela

Apara Mehta in Hamari Saas LeelaTouted as Apara Mehta's return to television as a saas, this colors' show was supposed to be direct competition for the 7pm slot but it failed and how. The loud c omedy mixed with drama and emotions didn't work. It seems the show has an identity crisis as neither is it a dramatic show nor a comedy show. The sons and their bahus are unknown faces who haven't registered with the audiences and the sole burden of the show is on Apara's shoulders.

Apara Mehta in Hamari Saas Leela

Fared: Below average with 0.72 TRP.

Happening: Apara's acting, her saris and jewellery.

Not happening: Loud comedy.

Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon

From Lucknow to New Delhi, this show and its characters have travelled a lot. Return of Sanaya Irani as the naïve Khushi who keeps bumping into an angry young business man, Arnab, played by Barun Sobti is quite engaging. Their numerous tiffs and crackling chemistry makes Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon appealing for the youth and families. Launched in mid June, it occupies the prime time slot of 8 pm and delivers. The couple and their ideologies clash more often than not and the story is gradually making way for a romantic track between the two.

Fared: Cool with 2.52 TRP.

Happening: Sanaya Irani and Barun Sobti's pairing.

Not happening: Same old office track of a difficult boss humiliating and troubling an employee to quit who instead is forced to work due to circumstances.

Superstud

Ashmit Patel's re-entry on television happened in Bindass' Superstud where he teaches young studs how to woo girls. He grooms them and then throws a challenge for elimination rounds which include stealing a kiss to getting phone numbers from girls and even massaging Kashmira Shah! And it has just started. Well for the voyeuristic audiences it might be cool but not for others.

Fared: Below average

Happening: New concept and innovative tasks.

Not happening: Lack of A list celebs and bordering on vulgar.

Jai Somnath

A still from Jai SomnathGrand sets, great actors and a storyline etched in history. Zee's Jai Somnath replaced the superhit show Jhansi Ki Rani and was expected to garner the same numbers in the TRP. The show started off slow but seems to be picking up. The young princess Shobha's trials and triumphs though endearing seem repetitive.

Fared: Average with 1.19 TRP. Happening: Lovable actress Anshu Kaur's histrionics.

Not happening: The show has a déjà vu feel.

A still from Jai Somnath

Love for films?

Television actors have many feathers in their hats. Kunal Karan Kapoor who is famous from his negative role as Angad in STAR Plus' Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya has some other passion besides acting. He loves to edit videos, which normally does while travelling. He always wanted to be a filmmaker.

Sources reveal, "Kunal loves travelling and he carries his digital camera with him where ever he goes. He enjoys clicking pictures. On his recent trip to Thailand, he recorded several videos. He has edited them and put them together. "

Kunal Karan Kapoor reiterates his passion, "Before stepping into acting I always wanted to be a filmmaker. Along with my love of acting I also do editing and love to experiement with camera angles. If luck permits, I will definitely try my hand in this department."

This ambitious actor believes life is unpredictable and standing on his feet with his own sweat, "I don't plan anything, I believe in going with the flow of life. I want to learn editing and film-making by myself. I also dabble in photography, I love clicking pictures." — HRM

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Be careful not to let public opinion go against you. You will be enthusiastic about developments at work but listen to colleagues as they can help better your plans.

Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks which take up a lot of time.

Lucky colour: Bottle green.

Magic number: 32

TAURUS: A day of change and mutation. You may be feeling irritable and restless and could lose your temper very fast. You want to do something different. Spending quiet time alone will help you relax. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. Lucky colour: Yellow

Magic number: 44

GEMINI: The day brings a gracious influence in your life. You are likely to face several interruptions which will make it difficult for you. Singles should be cautious about new relationships. Tarot Message: Don't reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic Number: 27.

CANCER: ‘The Fool' infuses you with courage. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge. If a family member is not cooperating; refrain from arguing. Your personal interests are likely to be stagnant. Focus on health. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25

LEO: Your creative abilities will be at their peak and your innovative ideas will gain recognition if you present them properly. Romantic relationships can benefit from honest communication. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 27.

VIRGO: The Ace of Pentacles leads to actualization of personal and professional plans. You may be restless and could be contemplating making changes to your routine.

Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health.

Lucky colour: Jade.

Magic number: 29.

LIBRA: The Lovers inspire you with love and creativity. If you have spent time finalising the details of your pet projects, now is the time to implement your plans. Tarot message: Make compromises and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 46.

SCORPIO: Two of wands spin in speculation luck. You may be in an irritable mood and could react aggressively. Chance encounters could lead to interesting opportunities.

Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 55.

SAGITTARIUS: Your card puts you through a touching and transforming personal experience. Caring conversation and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Control your emotions and sensitive issues. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Sea Green.

Magic number: 26.

CAPRICORN: Applying for a dream job? You might just get it with your track record and qualifications. Networking and making an effort to seek out people with similar career interests could lead to new opportunities. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52.

AQUARIUS: The Wheel of Fortune spins in some good fortune and emotional abundance. You may be unable to concentrate on your tasks at work. Tarot Message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky color: Forest green.

Magic Number: 43.

PISCES: Your card The Strength gives you self-esteem and a good feeling about yourself today. There could be tensions with family members. Tarot Message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time.

Lucky color: Deep Red.

Magic Number: 41.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 7...

Number seven is the deep thinker, has spiritual vibration, not very attached to material things but introspective, and generally quiet. Ruled by the Neptune, you are unusual, intuitive, psychic, wise, reserved. If expressed negatively—melancholic, odd, leaves too much to chance, hard to reach. Business: This year somewhat tougher than usual, largely thanks to odd or strained interactions with clients and coworkers. Early on, you may find that people are almost insulting you. Let go and all will be well. Career: A friend will arouse your suspicions. Only trust your own feelings. You need self-confidence to be successful. Employees will have the chance to show their ability in the workplace, leading to rewards and gratification. Family: Address practical concerns to keep emotional issues and complaints at zero. Don't force an issue as you may need family cooperation big time due to personal fatigue, common illness or a huge business/career opportunity that has your attention taken away from home life for a time.

Friends are rather easy to deal with and may request your time and attention often in shared events, hobbies and celebrations. Industry insiders can be most helpful near December, especially Aquarius, Cancer, Pisces, Sagittarius and Aries coworkers. In 2012, you feel a fresh burst of initiative. Mood: Vulnerable sometimes but otherwise good. Compatible signs: Sagittarius, Gemini, Aries. Lucky colours: Sea Shell, Tan. Lucky days: Friday. Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 12, 45, 60.

You share the birthday with famous playback singer Suresh Ishwar Wadkar (August 7, 1954, Kolhapur) who began performing on the stage at the age of 13. Wadkar won the Madan Mohan Best Male Singer Award at the Sur-Singar competition. He is also a recipient of the Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar. In 2011, he won the National Award for Best Male Playback Singer for Mee Sindhutai Sapkal (Marathi). His name is 'Sur - esh' (God of Sur). He has sung several popular bhajans and appeared as judge in singing contests. Suresh's date is combination of 2 times 7 which makes him a devotional singer. He will excel in 2014 as per his stars. 'S' is his lucky alphabet.





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