SHADOWS OF THE PAST
The cast and crew of Phhir, in Chandigarh on a promotional tour, inform how the movie is not a horror or romantic flick, but a very edgy thriller
Manpriya Khurana

It’s literally a phhir in ways more than one. Post the horror flick 1920, the same production house once again repeats Adah Sharma and Rajniesh Duggal. The storyline goes on to say that the future is nothing but the past again. And with this, the star cast and director of Phhir settle down to explain what lies ahead in the movie.

The reason why we chose to repeat the star cast is because we had already established a good rapport with each other, they both are hard-working and it was much in advance that the film was conceptualised," director Girish Dhamija, a product of the Department of Indian Theatre explains. He adds, "This is not a horror film, it’s a romantic film, a very edgy thriller. It’s a story of a modern couple, with supernatural elements thrown in."

There’s a doctor with good upbringing, happily married, till his wife disappears and the mystery unfolds in layers. Aren’t almost all edgy thrillers based on the similar plot and perhaps the same storyline! Adds Girish Dhamija, "It’s a very realistic story and an easily believable film. Youngsters will be able to relate with the film because it’s not preachy, it’s a love story."

The entire drama in the movie unfolds in the span of seven days. Cuts in Rajniesh, "In the movie I play a successful heart surgeon, a newly married guy who is very happy in his marriage, till the day his wife suddenly disappears." It is then that Adah Sharma steps in; the clairvoyant girl who helps the protagonist in finding his wife. She says, "It was a very nice experience, a very difficult character to play since I’m supposed to be very intense and mature throughout in the movie." She adds, "I remember for the climax sequence, we shot in minus three degrees temperature and they hung me from forty feet above the ground. That was unforgettable."

Having done a Punjabi video, she’s open to the idea of working in a Punjabi film, as long as "her role is significant and the script is good." Something, we feel, will be there, in her upcoming films. "I have Hum Hain Rahi Car Ke coming up, it’s a romantic comedy and then there’s yet another romantic comedy whose name the production house will announce soon."

Rajniesh’s kitty of upcoming films is a bagful. Shares Rajniesh, "I have Dangerous Ishq coming up opposite Karishma Kapoor. It’s a story that’s spread over a span of five lives. And the way they’ve narrated it, is brilliant. And since it is 3D, it’s going to be even better. Then there’s Be Careful, a romcom and another love story Dev Maya."

We wouldn’t let off the director before having his take on the city. He laughs, "I’m not saying just for the heck of it or to sound politically correct, but I have countless memories from the city, especially my hostel life and the Sector 15 area." Way to go!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Making of an artist
The New York Film Academy, in collaboration with Yellow Submarine Films, will be conducting filmmaking and acting workshops in India during October
Vasudha Gupta

ART OF TEACHING: Suniti Ghoshal
ART OF TEACHING: Suniti Ghoshal

Film-making can best be described as a fine art. And when it comes to the art of learning film-making, it really does not get any bigger than the New York Film Academy (NYFA). With the intent to polish the acting skills of the youth, the NYFA, in collaboration with Yellow Submarine Films, will be conducting hands-on intensive filmmaking and acting workshops in India during October.

"Chandigarh happens to be the focus of film talent in Bollywood. Since this is the first time that we decided to hold the workshop, there wasn’t a better place than Delhi to ensure we have all the talent from Punjab," says Suniti Ghoshal, Director of the Yellow Submarine Films and alumni of the NYFA.

With a strong background in the field of media and communication, Suniti moved to direction after completing her post-graduate course in the New York Film Academy. Her work as an assistant director with Shashi Kapoor and a production assistant to Sanjay Khan helped her understand the film industry better. "It was at that point that I realised how important it is to have a professional touch in the field of acting," she says.

The course module of the workshop will be divided into two broad parts, film-making and acting. "As a part of film-making, the students will be divided in groups of four to six and will be working with the most advanced technology in terms of cameras, editing equipment and production," she smiles. Boasting of the highest student camera ratio, the students will be working with HD and 16 mm cameras and using only final cut pro for editing.

The workshop will involve not only stand-alone acting, but also the basics of film production. "It is essential to groom talent in a holistic manner," she says. So, after the training is over, jobs are the most important. "Yes, we will try to get internships for our students and due to the quality of training, several get roped in with huge production houses," she adds.

Talking about the difference in creative sensibilities, she says, "In any film, it’s the script that matters. Cameras only help communicate the story better. We are arranging for guest faculty to come from Bollywood. Of course, several experts will come from NYFA itself and we are making changes to retain the original flavour of Bollywood," she says.

The workshop is open for all. "There is no doubt that professionals come with a baggage, so it is easier to train those coming from a non-film background. In certain instances, we have trained people who have been working as assistants since the past 6-7 years, but with no technical know-how. In those cases, it helps raise the confidence on dealing with the cameras and of course, it makes you a better professional," she smiles.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

We know who kissed Elvis Presley

TRUE ICON: Elvis Presley
TRUE ICON: Elvis Presley

A US magazine has identified the mystery woman seen kissing singer Elvis Presley in a backstage theater stairwell in an iconic 1956 photograph. Barbara Gray, now 75 and living in Charleston, SC, told Vanity Fair magazine that she didn’t reveal her identity for the money or fame. "I just wanted to get my name on the damn picture," she said.

Gray admitted that she become fed up with being known only as the "unknown woman in the wings" with a young Elvis in a stairwell at the Mosque Theater in Richmond, Virginia. Photographer Alfred Wertheimer said he never asked for the woman’s name when he took the photograph and she never told it to him.

After newspaper coverage of Wertheimer’s photography exhibit at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC in early 2010 showed him standing in front of the photograph called "The Kiss," Gray tracked Wertheimer on Facebook and sent him a message.

"I’m the girl. ‘The Kiss.’ Have a good story for you," she said. But Wertheimer, who had heard from many women who claimed to be the woman in the photo, didn’t respond at first. Gray’s claim was aired on the radio and eventually found its way to Vanity Fair, which authenticated Gray’s claim.

While Gray’s own photos from the mid-1950s are nearly mirror images of the young woman in the photo and her recollections of the time and place were accurate, the clincher was her height. She is only four feet, 11 inches, the same height as the woman in the picture.

"God he’s beautiful," Gray recalled thinking when she met Presley, then 21, at his hotel in Richmond. But she also found him "kind of insecure" with an accent that made him sound like "a goofy guy from the sticks."

After accompanying him to his show, Gray and Presley kissed in the stairwell. Later, she found herself in Elvis’ compartment on a New York-bound train. When a voice told Elvis the train was leaving, Gray said, "So, am I." — Reuters

Name’s sake

After Simi Garewal, Karan Johar, Farah Khan and Farhan Akhtar, actress Preity Zinta will now be seen getting up close and personal with her industry friends on a new chat show. The 36-year-old actress, who has been missing in action on the big screen for sometime now, will be making her television return after her flop debut with Guinness World Records: Ab India Todega.

"Up Close & Personal with PZ!" That's da name of da show guys. It will air on UTV STARS! Am so excited cuz its with all my friends (sic)," the actress tweeted.

In the show Zinta's look has been styled by designer Surily Goel. She has already finished shooting with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar and Farhan Akhtar.

"Just finished the first day of shooting 4 my show! It was so nice 2 chat with Akki! Full marks 2 him 4 being so amazing & humble (sic)," Zinta wrote on Twitter.

"Hey Farhan, Thanks so much for the best day ever! Cannot believe how much fun we had! U totally rock! Lotza love always (sic)," she added.

The actress is busy with her first home production Ishq In Paris, which will see her play a chic Parisienne in the romantic comedy which also stars French actors alongside Indian stars. — PTI

Fashionista
Access charm
Ritu Kochhar

Accessories add charm and charisma to our appearance. A layered neckpiece, a classic watch, smart tote, delicate charm bracelets, coloured gemstone earrings, can earn you a ten on ten in terms of style and fashion. Jewellery is a style statement.

With the passage of time, we prefer matte and not the yellow gold as before. We are experiencing a revolution in the jewellery sector, where we have jewellery pieces that look like a piece of art. They are individualistic and unique speaking about the wearers "class and taste".

From exquisite diamond solitaires to rich cultural kundans, meenakaris, jadaau to Victorian styles...these pieces are a mix of "art" and "jewellery", intricately created to produce a dramatic effect. The mantra of this day and age is variety.

A trendy jewel, on which you spend less and look gorgeous everyday in simple designer pieces, is in.

Let's talk about a girl's most prized possession funky necklaces that make her daily dressing so much more fun and challenging.

It is believed that a small piece of trinket can make or break the look of a garment. It has the power to turn a simple attire into a glamorous ensemble. There are simpler neckpieces that make great everyday accessories while the more elegant and elaborate ones are perfect for evening wear and special occasions.

When it comes to trendy designer pieces, be ready to experiment and experience change. Inspirations range from concepts that one could only imagine Greek and Egyptian art, lace fabrics, Indian deities, wild animals, flowers, paintings, ancient Indian architecture, birds, monochromatic colours et al.

One needs to have a keen eye, good taste and of course the attitude to carry a piece that is different and one of a kind. It is time to store away all the conventional inherited gold away and indulge in these sinful artistic pieces.

Jewellery designers are coming up with different concepts and collections, producing pieces that actually look a piece of art hanging around the neck. An extensive use of genuine gemstones, diamonds, pearls, crystal, silver, gold and platinum make these pieces special. Designer pieces come with a price tag and with the gold prices going up by the day; these pieces are taxing on the pocket. Not to worry because that is where the fashion experts come in making "fashion jewellery" so very popular with all age types....pluses are that it is easy on the pouch and a huge variety of designs to choose from.

A mixture of contemporary and modern designs with a small element of ancient art, stones and metals used to give it a real appeal or should I say a replica.

Fashion jewellery can be worn with panache with ethnic attire like a sari to a salwar kameez, Indo-western to very formal evening gowns and dresses to the most casual piece of dressing, denims. These pieces are something that a well dressed fashion diva must have. Individualism is the trend this season and neckpieces are the "flavour of the season. The bigger the better funky pieces in coloured gemstones, matte gold, silver, pearls, crystal, beads, lace, ribbons, flowers, ceramic pendants, filigree work, metal pieces...express your sense of style, and speak volumes about your taste.

For a good, reasonably priced, stylish neckpiece check out-Aldo accessories, Forever 21, Forever New, Fabindia or shop online. Necklaces make a romantic gift as well!

(Kochhar is corporate director, INIFD, Chandigarh)

it’s rocking
Meet the rock chick

Not that Katrina Kaif's fans have forgotten her look, dance, style in Sheila Ki Jawani but her new track from the movie, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan is for sure a pleasant surprise. Well the song is not a bare dare competition like it was in the hit item track.

Katrina manages to look as smouldering hot in a white tee teamed stylishly with denim shorts as in Sheila. More than the music of the song, Dhunki, the leading lady's look in the song is being talked about more. This is what fans say.

Bang on target

Katrina's rock star image is a surprise but as always she has been able to carry the look comfortably in the song. The beats of the song and the lyrics gel well with her look. It's a fantastic track that would entice people to catch the first day first show of the film.

Sohail Sen has done a great job with the music of the song and for sure it will soon top the music charts.

— Vikram Randhawa, a student of engineering

All is well

The song appeals to you the very first time when you hear it. You don't have to wait for the second time. It's a refreshing track but the USP of the song is the lead actor of the film Katrina Kaif. She carries the new look nicely and this makes the video of the song worth watching. Music by Sohail Sen is fresh and even the singer Neha has surprised music lovers with her wonderful rendition of the track.

— Megha Aggarwal, a PU student

A surprise package

A rock-star like performance is the last thing we expected from Katrina Kaif after Sheila Ki Jawani. But she rocks in the song. The track will be a big hit given her look, music by Sohail Sen and sung amazingly well by a talented Neha Bhasin. Lyrics are meaningful as well. After giving hits like Kuchh Khass hai in the movie, Fashion, Neha has once again proved how talented a singer she is. Even if anything else makes a song a bit less popular, Katrina Kaif makes up for everything. Dhunki for sure is a super hit track.

— Varun Gupta, an employee of a private bank

(As told to Ashima Sehajpal)

GET PHYSICAL
Workout your mistakes
Roopa Pahwa

There are some common mistakes in our exercise routine that we need to avoid.

Before and after

Muscles need time to adjust to the demands put on them during exercise. Before hitting the weight room or jumping into your regular cardio workout you should take a few minutes to gently prepare the body for heavier activity.

Don't jump into the sauna

The temperatures of saunas and hot tubs can be detrimental to a body that already has an elevated temperature and blood vessels dilated from activity. High temperatures in hot tubs and saunas will cause lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea or worse - heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heart attacks. Instead, try a cool shower.

Hold your breath

Holding your breath during weightlifting exercises can significantly increase blood pressure. This may also lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, hernia, heart attack or even a stroke. Inhale and exhale with each exercise phase of a repetition and breathe naturally.

Keep yourself hydrated

When exercising, the body needs four to eight ounces of water every 20 minutes to replace water loss. If you are thirsty during a workout, you have already passed out of a “safe” stage of hydration. Take fluids immediately. Avoid caffeine or alcohol when exercising.

Maintain heart rate range

Continually pushing your heart rates to the maximum limits during your cardiovascular workouts is overstressing your heart and lungs unnecessarily. When your heart rate is up to maximal load, there is a greater chance for irregular heart rhythm. You do not need to place such high demands on your heart to see cardiovascular benefits or to burn fat.

Don't exercise with hand or ankle weights

Many fitness guidelines indicate that the use of hand weights during an aerobic workout. However, using them produces little if any increase in energy expenditure or muscle strength. The risk of injury to shoulder joints is significantly increased when weights are rapidly moved through a larger range of motion.

Weights can be reserved for strength training, where speed of the movement can be controlled.

Don’t be distracted

Being preoccupied can counter the benefits of a workout. For example, you might decrease intensity as you lose concentration.

Not paying attention to a workout can lead to sloppy style and potential injury. Concentrate on exercise.

Listen to your body

If you have abnormal heart beats, pain, chest pressure, dizziness or insomnia after exercise slow down. Listen to your body. If you feel pain, stop.

Get examined first

Get a complete check up prior to beginning activity-especially if you are older than 45 or have other risk factors like smoking, hypertension, cholesterol or a positive family history.

(Pahwa is a Ludhiana-based fitness expert)

As told to Poonam Bindra

Joy of living
Meditation helps you to be at ease with your own being
Minna Zutshi

The room is suffused with silence. An aromatic candle burns at the altar. Sunlight plays gently on the bamboo mat that's spread on the floor. A singing bowl rests nonchalantly on a designer table. A thirty something woman, dressed in a tank top and slacks, is sitting in a meditative pose. She makes a pretty picture. And there's not a trace of affectation in it. She's at ease with her self. Now, who said spirituality was a repudiation of sensuality?

"You don't have to look grim and unkempt to qualify for the spiritual candidacy. In fact, my dress is only incidental. And it doesn't impinge upon my spirituality," says Ludhiana-based Neha, who would not like to disclose her last name. She has been meditating regularly for the last four years. But that has not stopped her from being a party buff. "Surely, meditation does not make you a dour person. Rather, it brings out your happiest self," she adds.

Aromatherapist Anita Nayyar, who's also a promoter of Jafra cosmetics in Ludhiana, finds no contradiction between her spiritual quest and her beauty business. They may even add up somewhere, she feels.

She is a regular practitioner of Vipassana. She has also attended classes conducted by the Chinmaya Mission. "If you're a spiritual person, you radiate warmth and beauty. You're enveloped in a sense of peace and contentment. Make-up can make you look pretty, but it's the inner beauty that gives your face that special glow," she says.

Homemaker Indu Bhaskar puts it succinctly: "Your body is your temple. It's your gift from the God. I don't see any reason why we should neglect it in our quest for spirituality."

The ladies' verdict is clear: You can sing, dance, adorn your self with all things beautiful, buy what you like, and yet stay spiritual. After all, we have a rich tradition that celebrates the sheer joy of living!

Courting controversy
We take a look at films that are making news for the wrong reasons
Aarakshan

Saif Ali Khan plays a Dalit in this film about reservation. Some Dalit groups took objection to the film way before the film was even released. Saif said it was unfair of people to raise objections before the movie's release on August 12.

Shabri

Eesha Koppikhar has been eagerly awaiting the release of this film since three years. She also said that she would not work with Ram Gopal Varma ever again! Eesha also slammed him for not pushing the film, which is about women gangsters in Mumbai and is touted to be Eesha's best performance. The director and RGV have fallen out; the film is finally releasing later this month.

Ra.One

This is Shah Rukh Khan's most ambitious film till date. The controversies surrounding the film are the similarity in plot and special effects to Shankar's Robot (which was offered to SRK but finally made with Rajnikanth). Apparently, SRK was not very happy with the fees demanded by Arjun Rampal. One of the songs of the film was leaked. There were stories about SRK not getting along with Anubhav Sinha and ghost-directing the film. After a nine-month long promotional strategy, Ra.One will release this Diwali.

That Girl in Yellow Boots

Anurag Kashyap's films rarely release without any noise. His avant garde film starring his wife Kalki has been quite a rage at festivals. He is angry with Indian distributors who rejected his film because it doesn't have stars. He has said they are idiots who lack imagination. Now, he is working with non-Indian distributors to take his film abroad.

Not a Love Story

The film is based on the murder of Neeraj Grover by Maria Susairaj and her boyfriend Jerome. Both of them have slapped Ram Gopal Verma with a notice to stall the release, unless he says the movie is a work of fiction. We have no comments on this!

Heroine

Kareena Kapoor was supposed to do it but couldn't accommodate dates. She also had problems with the bold the scenes in the script. Finally, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was signed for it and the film was launched at Cannes. Then, news of her pregnancy came out and Madhur Bhandarkar had to stall his beloved project. She had no choice but to leave the film after a week of shooting. A couple of weeks later, Madhur decided to move ahead. The script went back to Kareena who finally green-lighted it. Her dates have to be adjusted, yet again.

Bodyguard

The film is a remake of a film from down South. It is typical Salman fare, which means it is mindless and hero-oriented. The controversy is that Kareena and Katrina are having a cold war. Kareena doesn't like that Kat has a cameo in her film and a hot item song.

Angad Hasija will miss Shankar

Angry young man: Angad Hasija
Angry young man: Angad Hasija

He shot to fame as Alekh and then as Shankar, Angad Hashija, is one talented actor. He got noticed for his role as Alekh in Star Plus' Bidaai. He then bagged the role of Shankar, the angry young man in Colors' Phulwa. Like all good things, his role comes to end after acting for five months. He will die just before the leap. We talk to this actor about his role, the show and his experience.

Share with us your experience of working in Phulwa?

It was fantastic and I had never thought the atmosphere on the sets would be so warm. I feel lucky to be part of the show and it has given me a reason to smile after Bidaai. I have learnt many things from this show especially from our director, Rajesh Ramsingh and I feel it is very important for an actor.

What’s your reason for not being part of the show after the leap?

From day one of my shoot I knew that I would be part of this show for five months and not after the leap. I was told that after Shankar's death, Phulwa turns into a daku, so that's my reason.

How was it working with little Jannat aka Phulwa?

She is very talented and hard working both professionally and personally. I still remember my first day of the shoot, she was scared to meet me but later on everything was fine. We are now good friend and I would love to work with her again.

Which is your favourite scene from the show?

The scene where I entered, especially with the bare body and the dhoti. It was quite interesting for me to do.

What was your experience working with veteran actor Jagdeep?

Oh great! I feel blessed to work with this actor. He is so warm hearted and very focussed on his work at this age. I have learnt to be dedicated like him and he treats me like his son. The first question he asked me on the sets was about my knee injury.

What will you miss about the show and your character Shankar?

I will miss the whole cast and crew of the show and of course I will miss my character-Shankar, my looks especially my long hair and the kaajal.

What kind of roles are you looking for after Phulwa?

In both the shows I have played a variation of roles. Now I would love to do a youth oriented show so let's see how things work out. — HRM

In a different ROLE
Ali Zafar turns guitar teacher for Katrina Kaif

Ali Zafar People are raving about Katrina Kaif's rockstar image in her upcoming film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, but not just in films, the Bollywood actress is trying to master the art of strumming even in real life and Pakistani actor-musician Ali Zafar is helping her achieve this goal.

Ali is Katrina's co-star in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, which is a love triangle and also stars Imran Khan. During the shoot of the film, he gave Katrina some guitar lessons, "It was great working with Ali. The nice thing is that Ali is also a musician and since I'm learning how to play the guitar and I'm very interested in it, I'm trying to learn from whoever I can. Farhan (Akhtar) taught me some stuff during Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Ali has also taught me some stuff during this film. He is a good teacher and we are trying to get into a form where we can play a live song together in one of the promotional events for this film very soon," Katrina said at the music launch of the film.

Imran, who was present at the event, lauded the 27-year-old actress' guitar skills. "Katrina is very good with the guitar. I was quite amazed when I saw her playing," said the actor. The actress was recently gifted a guitar by Farhan Akhtar as a belated birthday gift. — IANS

The good guy
Gerard Butler to play FBI agent in The Bricklayer

CRIME FIGHTER: Gerard Butler Gerard Butler is set to star as a rough former FBI agent in the movie adaptation of The Bricklayer, written by Noah Boyd. Millenium Films has acquired the rights to the book, written by former FBI agent Noah Boyd.

Butler's character is called in to help battle a criminal group that is demanding multi-million dollar ransom payments in the movie. Hanna Weg (Enigma) is adapting the novel for the screen. Butler, Alan Siegel and Danielle Robinson are producing, with Erik Lindsay and Weg serving as executive producers.

The Bricklayer was published by William Morrow in January, 2010. Boyd is actually a pseudonym used by former FBI agent Paul Lindsay. In the book, his main character, Steve Vail, is a former FBI agent, working as a Chicago bricklayer, whom the agency reaches out to help track down and combat the criminal gang.

The plot also involves a female deputy director at the FBI who is assigned to work with Vail - a part that has not yet been cast. — PTI

Matter of chemical bonding!

Inside Story: Brad Pitt Brad Pitt initially pulled out of Mr & Mrs Smith as he felt he had no chemistry with the film's original female lead Nicole Kidman, a book claims. The 44-year-old Australian actress was cast as the lead, which was later played by Angelina Jolie and the 2005 film also marks the beginning of the Pitt-Jolie romance.

The film's producer Arnon Milchan says Pitt, 47, was unhappy that there was no spark with Kidman. When Milchan cast Jolie, Pitt called back to say he was happy to play Mr to her Mrs, revealed the 66-year-old producer in his recently launched book Confidential: The Life of Secret Agent Turned Hollywood Tycoon.

It was a life-changing decision as Pitt, who was then married to Jennifer Aniston, and Jolie, 36, fell in love.

"Jen didn't believe he was involved. He eventually admitted it. Jen was furious and threw him out," Milchan said. — PTI

Russell Crowe On the trail
Russell Crowe to star in Broken City

Oscar-winner Russell Crowe has joined the star cast of Mark Wahlberg's Broken City. The political thriller is being directed by Allen Hughes from a screenplay by Brian Tucker.

The film's story is about an ex-cop who is hired by the mayor to look into whether his wife is cheating on him.

After the detective confirms the mayor's suspicions, the wife's paramour turns up dead and a larger scandal begins to surface. Crowe will play the duplicitous mayor to Wahlberg's investigator. — Agency

Fast love!
Anne Hathaway believes in love at first sight

ONE GO: Anne Hathaway Hollywood beauty Anne Hathaway has revealed that she believes in love at first sight. And the actress - who has been dating The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning actor Adam Shulman for three years - thinks it would be a 'shame' if people did not think they could fall for one another as soon as they meet.

When asked if she believes in love at first sight, she said: "Why not? I think it's a good thing to believe in, I think it'd be a shame if we didn't have that, it'd be a lot less fun." The 28-year-old beauty also thinks people can have such a thing as a soul-mate for the rest of their lives.

"I think there are a lot of people out there, but I think usually there's one person that you can find yourself committing to," she said at the New York City premiere of her latest movie One Day last night. — ANI

CHATTER BOX

Much more than just dance

Superstar judge Hrithik Roshan is extremely involved with his reality show Just Dance. From auditions to the selection of top 13, he has taken the show and the contestants very seriously. Hrithik wants to fulfill the dreams of all contestants who made it to the top 13 as he believes they all are extremely talented. While the superstar has truly touched many souls on the show with his small gestures, he has now also provided dreams to the eliminated contestants to fulfill. When it was really heartbreaking for Preeti, the first contestant to be eliminated, Hrithik gave her a cheque of Rs 3 lakh, so that she could accomplish her dreams in life. Hrithik said he would accept thanks when she achieves what she wanted to and that she should call Farah, Vaibhavi and him to commemorate the success.

Who's the real Amma?

Ashutosh RanaThere is a lot of drama to be expected in Na Aana Iss Des Laado on Colors. Ammaji's sons Joginder and Gajender going against her and giving her medicines to make her mentally ill as they want to rule her kingdom. To add to her woes, during a political rally Ammaji (Meghna Malik) will get kidnapped. The family will be in a shock but will be surprised to find Ammaji at home. With two Ammajis, the suspense is now who is the real one. Watch out.

Let it be Ashutosh

While Mukti Bandhan on Colors will shift to 11 pm slot from tomorrow, fresh news about the serial is that the lead actor Shiv Subramaniyam will be quitting the show. Rumours are that powerhouse actor Ashutosh Rana might replace him. The other name being considered by the channel is Chetan Pandit. It would be nice to see Ashutosh Rana back on the 11 pm slot after his powerful acting in Kaali.

It’s official: Aastha ChaudharyAastha's lawful entry

Colors' show Uttaran is full of twists and new characters. The much- announced leap might not be right around the corner but new additions to the show are on.

Aastha Chaudhary will soon make an entry in the show as Veer's (Nandish Sandhu) secretary.

Veer, who is dejected in life after Ichcha left him, will find a friend in Aastha who will later also bring Ichcha and Veer together.

It’s official: Aastha Chaudhary

Entertainment ke liye Sholay karega

Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega will have a Sholay special today with host Mona Singh dressed as Gabbar and Vishal as Thakur. The Das family will present a circus act on the famous track Des Mera Angrez Re Babu. Cchau Family will put up a performance with fire and sword. Mona and Vishal will do a quick Character Dhila number too.

A dose of comedy

After a year of humour with music, Adhikari brothers' Mastiii channel will now offer Comedy Ka Super-dose starring eccentric celebrities to godmen to the media and the common man. India's most talented comedians will poke fun at everyone and everything through series of gags, spoofs, pranks and other comic acts.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Try to keep your business plans secret. Students: Go over the books. An unexpected guest may gatecrash on your hospitality. A romantic mood can colour even the toughest situation with a rosy hue. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Coffee brown. Magic number: 41

TAURUS: You draw the Ace of Pentacles; so you will begin the day full of energy and confidence. This evening friends can disrupt domestic bliss. An evening walk can bring a romantic encounter. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be prepared to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 33

GEMINI: This is a great day to get your ideas down on the paper and start planning your next project. Good day for dealing with accounts. Anything that can be carried out in secrecy has more chance to win. Tarot message: Be careful not to go in too many directions at the same time. Lucky colour: Lemon. Magic number: 39

CANCER: Romance and creativity are highlighted. This is also the perfect time for starting a new personal project. Family matters can keep you busy in the evening. Your boss will be keeping an eye on your progress. The change of job is not advisable. Tarot message: Listen to your inner voice. Lucky colour: Baby pink. Magic Number: 27

LEO: The Queen of Swords suggests that the spotlight is on fashion, appearance and charm. Do not allow feelings of frustration to overpower you. A curious mind could take you to some interesting places. Tarot message: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. Lucky colour: Coral. Magic number: 60

VIRGO: Your card 'Five of Swords' reveals physical activity and pleasure. Do not start this day by being extravagant. Loved ones will not be very helpful. Exercise will have a positive effect on your mood. Tarot message: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. Lucky colour: Indigo. Magic number: 42

LIBRA: It is the time to begin new projects and make new contracts. Focus on religious discourses. Enjoy this evening with your spouse. An Arian beloved may use you as a doormat. Tarot message: Fitness routines and healthy diets are prescribed for your well being. Lucky colour: Lime green. Magic number: 54

SCORPIO: Business dealings can fall due to the lack of details and information. Confusion over priorities can also cause havoc at workplace. Not a good day for financial matters. Tarot message: Keep in mind that perseverance is the key to success. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: A career switch can mean having to move out and upsetting the applecart at home. Business matters are under control. Meditation and prayers can clear up any areas of confusion. Tarot Message: Beware of depleting your energy on others. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 55

CAPRICORN: Stick to the beaten track today and look after yourself. At the end of the day you will be proud of what you have achieved and could be rewarded with a bonus. This is time to go for a medical check-up. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 38

AQUARIUS: A special person in your life might seem aloof and hard to communicate with. Let him or her know that you care. Students: Light reading will keep you busy today. Health problem can be satisfactorily treated. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 40

PISCES: Your card 'The Devils' boosts your enthusiasm and self-confidence. Take this time to expand your social circle, develop new talents; learn new hobbies or plan a vacation. Tarot message: Versatility and a quicksilver mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 28

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 11...

Number 11 people are romantic in the idealistic sense of the word. They want to see good in people, and they find it. They are extremely considerate, won't push anybody and hold onto their partners (and their friends). They are tolerant and accepting. Business: You start the year 2011-12 fresh and engaged, full of great energy and ready for almost anything. There should be a few surprises, so you can tackle the challenges that you have set for yourself. Cash flow problems may pop up but it will not be for long. Career: The stars will help you find a different way of working. Be creative. Self- employed people will be relatively free and will feel like making the most of this "free time". Be careful, as you could miss out on some great opportunities. Education: Look before you leap. It is too difficult to make the right choice when it comes to choosing a course. Ask a consultant to help you understand the boundaries. Change to commerce if you are not doing well in science. Family: In-laws and spouse will be cordial. Community events and duty may rob some productive time; don't over do it. A long talk may be needed to keep a member in line. Finance: Investments in foreign securities will work out favourably. If you've a plan, you need to implement it as quickly you can. Success is on the way. Your intuitions and forecast in the financial situation will prove accurate and you may be benefited by it.

Suniel ShettyFriendship: Avoid new friends on Facebook. Stick to the old ones only. Health: Your health will remain the same. The middle-aged or elderly persons should be concerned about diabetes. But proper medical attention can keep you fit and fine. Do not eat spicy and fried food. Love: It's easy to feel suffocated in a routine relationship. But don't be reckless. A cautious approach to exploring some new physical and emotional territory is recommended. Mood: Confident. Compatible signs: Taurus, Gemini, Pisces. Lucky colours: Hot pink, lime green. Lucky days: Saturdays. Lucky numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9, 14.

Suniel Shetty (August 11, 1961, Mulki-Mangalore) made his acting debut in Balwaan which was a moderate success. His first major hit was the 1994 action thriller Mohra. He also ventured into comedy roles in hit films such as Hera Pheri (2000), Awara Paagal Deewana, Phir Hera Pheri, Main Hoon Naa and De Dana Dan. He won a Filmfare award. As a producer, he set up a production company Popcorn Motion Pictures Ltd. He is a black belt in kick boxing. Suniel's career is bright in films as well as in the hotel industry.





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