A grand legacy may or may not establish a band, but it certainly increases the expectations. And Raga Boyz, the four-brother band from Pakistan, has a lot to live up to. "When we go on stage, there's a burden, we take our family name, our roots and our legacy up there," Wali Hamid Ali Khan, the lead vocalist, refers to the lineage of Ustad Kaluji, the darbar gayak of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and the legacy of Patiala Gharana.

"We are the ninth generation of Patiala family and it does give us a high when someone says — these boys belong to Patiala gharana," he adds, in Chandigarh to perform at Harmony Concert, being organised by Shubh Karman, along with Inam Ali Khan and Nayab Ali Khan.

Music, perhaps, was a way of life rather than a stage of life. "Our training begins when a child is five years old. And from age five to fifteen is considered the time when you get trained."

They aim to capture the audience with music compositions ranging from rock, heavy metal, fusion, classical, folk…with general emphasis on Sufi. Says Wali Hamid Ali Khan, "We perform all sorts of music; pop, rock, RnB, heavy metal, Sufi, classical, fusion…" A trait he considers is no mean feat! "Usually other bands perform in one specific genre," he alludes to other pop Pakistani bands that became a hit here. "We have a lot of pop rock bands in Pakistan." As for the music from here, "Kailash Kher is really popular in Pakistan, apart from him even Mika, because of Bollywood."

The Lahore-based band, aims to be a perfect blend of classic meets contemporary, something they feel reflects in the band name. He laughs, "Our father gave the name Raga and we added Boyz to it, to lend a contemporary touch."

Drop in Coke Studio and he smirks, "No comments," and adds, "The reason Coke Studio did well in Pakistan was because they had selected really old folk songs, which had been heard by every child." As far as them doing it, "They need two months," something perhaps, their touring schedule doesn't permit!

Apart from the practice, it's the performances that keep them occupied. "We are the only Pakistani band to have performed in Australia and we toured twelve cities of China, performed there in front of a crowd of thirty to forty thousand people, a majority of them being Chinese." He adds, "But India is where we really enjoy performing. I personally never considered it as a separate country, it's our second home."

After their debut album Yeh Jaan Lo, the four-to-five-year-old band, is already looking forward to their second album, Zindagi, and a couple of projects in Bollywood. "Things will be out by next month end." As of now, they are set to rock the concert!

(To perform at Bhargava Auditorium, PGI, Sector -12, Chandigarh on August 12)

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Standing behind the actor, decked up in designer clothes, a pan-kissed face that shows varied emotions at the bat of an eyelid; occasional dialogues and a lot of exercising, oops running around the trees….thankfully, we have a woman actor who is not doing all this and much more in her forthcoming movie Yeh Dooriyan!

Deepshikha Nagpal, a known face on television, is all set to make her debut in eight different roles in this movie. By roles, we don't mean characters. Instead, she has written the screenplay, directed; acted, choreographed, produced and written dialogues for Yeh Dooriyan. For this she goes into the Limca Book of records! In Chandigarh to perform at 92.7 Big FM UK Infra Big Punjabi Rising awards, the actor blurts out everything and anything about her upcoming movie.

"It feels as if I have given birth to a child, I have conceptualised and nourished the idea for Yeh Dooriyan with dedication and sincerity, and now it is for the world to see," says Deepshikha, ready with stories on her upcoming movie. The movie has a tagline Love After Divorce…is it a crime? The actor wants to raise this question in society. "I wanted to do something for women who have to face a volley of questions after their divorce. As a celebrity this is the least I could do. Yeh Dooriyan is my way of asking society whether a woman has no right to live her life after divorce," she says, still unstoppable.

"I could have asked anyone to direct the movie, but you know how people are. I am a perfectionist, so decided to write and direct the movie on my own," shares Deepshikha, who definitely deserves an award for being so modest!

Yeh Dooriyan continues. "I cannot do similar kind of roles in television or films. In Yeh Dooriyan I play a character of a single mother jostling with the idea of love after divorce." Now this is what we call a true-life inspired story ready to be showered with awards! "It is not really based on my life; of course the character and some incidents are closer to my life. I am also a single, divorced mother who has created a place for herself in society. I am a go-getter, with a never-say-die attitude. Not everyone is like this," she is still at her modest best!

For women who aren't that strong, please watch Yeh Dooriyan. "I have a special connect to the subject of the movie and maybe I was destined to make it at this point in time," shares Deepshikha still on with everything and anything on Yeh Dooriyan!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Sawan is the season to revel in your femininity. It's time to pack away your plain, drab outfits to make way for the beautiful and the colourful clothes. What fashionistas from Ludhiana feel, lets find out.

Flare & square

Kalidar suits are back. But who said they were ever missing from the fashion scene? Designer Sheenam Sukhija, who runs fashion studio 'Shameena' in Ludhiana, would have us believe that the kalidars are evergreen.

Her take: "It's a myth that kalidar suits look good only on tall, thin women. In fact, they complement well the buxom figure of the Indian woman. I would say my mom is my brand ambassador for kalidar suits. Somewhat on the heavier side, she carries them off so well."

She adds, "During a fashion exhibition in Ludhiana a few months ago, my mom wore my collection. I had women coming to me and saying that all these years they had been shying away from the kalidars because they had thought that one required a reed-thin figure to carry off these kalidars."

Floral fusion

Fashionistas love to seek inspiration from abroad. They mix-and-match it with the Indian designs for a fusion feel.

"We have a housewarming party on Sunday. Though it is supposed to be a rather traditional affair, I think I'll go for a gown. To retain that Indian touch, I'll have it embroidered on the front," says Ankita Dhir, a homemaker.

Silk route

Georgettes teamed up with chanderi silk. The silhouette is western, while the embellishments are typically Indian.

Velvet touch

Ludhiana women love every bit of colour and embellishment that makes even an ordinary garment stand out. Velvet, silk, shimmer georgette - the choice of the fabrics too reflects richness.

Yet for daily wear, over-the-top embellishments are out. A subtle hint of embellishments works well. "A whiff of these embellishments on your dress makes that dramatic difference," says Anuradha Agnihotri from De Samar Academy in the city.

It was absolutely predictable…NRI problems, drug issue, illegal land possession, death, revenge, brothers at war over land (land possession again)…themes in Punjabi cinema have revolved around the macho jatt, his land, his arms, ammunition and his problems!

For a while, Yograj's thunderous, earth-shattering dialogues graced, rather reverberated, in our ears. But thank god for small and timely mercies, Punjabi cinema has woken up and now wants to relive the good old college as well as University days. Finally, we have young, fresh, vibrant depiction of youth in Punjabi cinema, which does not go overboard with the jatt image ready to tear apart the world with a buraah!

A slew of recent movies like Mel Karade Rabba, Dharti, Yaaran Nal Baharan are some of the flicks on life and happenings of college as well as university days. Chandigarh-based actor Jonita Doda, who stars in Punjabi movie Chak Jawaana and plays a college girl in her upcoming movie Yaara Dildaara, is all for new and fresh themes. "Thankfully, Punjabi cinema is exploring themes that are related to and based on youngsters, especially university life. The depiction of university life in Punjabi movie sets the base for its popularity," Jonita adds. This isn't it though. Jonita feels other than University romance and fights, there are other serious youngster-based issues like reservation, professional dilemma and brain drain that should be highlighted.

Rannvijay

Where sometime back the jatt was fighting for his share of zameen and dealing with the problem of drugs; queuing up for a job in Canada and England, now he is dealing with election issues in college. Canteen of course is happening on screen. In a way, director Navaniat Singh of Mel Karade Rabba has set the trend for youth-based cinema. "Many more movies are being made keeping youngsters in mind. But I feel there shouldn't be an overkill of this subject as well. Earlier, we were after NRI issue and now youth is the new theme," he adds. "At the same time, there are other serious youth issues that can be tackled in an entertaining manner," puts in Navaniat, who is coming up with yet another out-and-out youth-based movie in October.

Amrinder Gill

Directors seem to have found a success mantra and so have the actors, who know 'youth' is a huge market, which cannot be ignored. As singer actor Amrinder Gill puts in, "I have done movies that are youth-oriented and have gone down well with the audiences. In the near future you will see me in more movies based on university and college life."

Ditto for Yuvraj Hans, who makes his debut with upcoming flick Yaar Anmulle in which plays a young university guy, "I am glad that I have entered Punjabi cinema at a time when directors have panned their camera angles on youngsters and issues based on them."

There is one actor who can be credited for this pan camera angle on university love or fight, or both — Jimmy Shergill. "How can we not include youngsters as our main audience? In fact, they form a fat chunk of our viewers; unless we give something that is fresh and youth-based, we cannot make a good difference to cinema," he says.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

It's the new art of living; rephrased, redefined and perhaps refined. He likes to coin it as 'attitude' — the debut album of music singer and producer Amrit Singh, Attitude-The Art of Living, has every possible music influence packed in the ten tracks. "I penned the title track Attitude and the song is all about celebrating this trait. It is directed at the youngsters," shares the singer, in Chandigarh to promote his album.

Speaking of which, the songs and the lyrics that is, Punjabi music industry is as celebrated as notorious. "I don't endorse songs that promote violence, drugs, and other anti-social things among youth," adds the England-based singer. "My family hails from Ludhiana, and that's where I did my schooling and college from. After having taken training from my guru Harinder Singh Tej, in 2006 I shifted base to pursue full-time music." He adds, "We have a lot of talent here, but in UK you have many more facilities and avenues for learning as well as producing music." Like with most youngsters, it was way back in college that the music bug bit him; two songs in Mirza MC's album and out he comes with this effort. "In this one too you would find various genres packed together." There are romantic numbers, hip hop, bhangra, folk, pop, sad, soulful, melancholic et al.

Featuring in his videos figures on his agenda, but acting is not what he's focused on. "For me, producing and making music is more important; if acting happens I'm open to it." So much for toeing the line of other singers from the industry!

"I have penned lyrics for tracks Beebo Bhua, Glassy, Pyaar and of course Attitude. We are already out with a video on the title track. Plus there will be two more videos, one each on Beebo Bhua and Pyaar." While Attitude is aimed at youngsters and is trendy video shot at locations in UK, Bebo Bhua is a sweet folksy number shot in Punjab.

Pyaar is a love song of sorts, shot in virgin romantic locations. Apart from his guru, "from the music fraternity I really admire Sukhwinder Singh and Babbu Mann." He adds, "I'm already working on another album, which is also going to be a similar mix of tracks and genres. I'm also going to incorporate relevant social issues and pen some meaningful songs." Hope he keeps up the attitude!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

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 is variety.

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

A girl's most prized possession, funky necklaces make her daily dressing so much more fun. 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.

Designers are coming up with different concepts and collections, that look a piece of art 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 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 come in coloured gemstones, matte gold, silver, pearls, crystal, beads, lace, ribbons, flowers, ceramic pendants, filigree work, metal pieces...express your sense of style.

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)

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.

Maintain heart rate range

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.

Avoid hand, ankle weights

The use of hand weights during an aerobic workout. Using them leads to little increase in energy expenditure or muscle strength. Reserve weights for strength training.

Don’t be distracted

Being preoccupied can counter the benefits of a workout. You can decrease intensity as you lose concentration. Not paying attention to can lead to sloppy style and injury.

Listen to your body

If you have abnormal heart beat, 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 smoke, have hypertension, cholesterol.

Pahwa is a Ludhiana-based fitness expert (As told to Poonam Bindra)

The lack of a chemical in the brain makes men lose their temper very easily, driving them to act on impulse and make snap decisions, a new research has found. 

Impulsive men lack a chemical called GABA, which sends messages between brain cells. “We've discovered why some people find it harder to control their impulses than others. Some people will lose their temper easily and that can lead to aggression and other problems, which is a major problem in society,” Dr Frederic Boy, who conducted the study, said. — ANI

LIBRA: Keep your spirits up by putting forward a cheerful face. Look at stocks, saving certificates you hold. Creativity shines. Students: Enjoy cheerful moments in the campus. You will feel generous today. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55.

SCORPIO: The card Two of Cups promises many opportunities on financial fronts. If working on a commission basis, you will be able to increase your earnings. Overall, the day ends very nicely. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 32.

SAGITTARIUS: Tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. It would be best to keep new ideas under wraps. Make sure you air your intentions to avoid arguments later. Tarot message: Wait for a while, everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40.

CAPRICORN: Today your boss may promise for a salary increase in the near future. This bodes well for financial matters and makes it a good day to seek a loan or other financial support. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52.

AQUARIUS: The Queen of Cups opens the door for a new job offer. Do not become excited. Avoid making partnership deals. Lovers: A good day for introducing your beloved to your parents. Act on your insight, and then write down what has become apparent. Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 58.

PISCES: A fine day for starting something new. Businessmen: you can make a secret deal or alliance that could be very lucrative. Discussion behind closed could work out very well Get outside if you can. Tarot Message: Feel good about yourself & prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 42.

January to July is perfect for salary negotiations, asking for additional compensation or any other situation that requires you to present a case for what you're worth. Career: It's time to cast aside laziness. Be daring. You need to have confidence if you want to succeed. Those born in the first decade of the century will have work hard to get things done. They'll manage to be practical and concrete. Education: Shed those inhibitions! Currently, an aura surrounds you and that will help you to make a good impression. Your social skills are at a high level. Family: Big deals, big dreams and big improvements create excitement within the family and may centre on you. Finance: If you've any plan, you need to implement it as quickly as you can. Success is on the way. Your intuitions and forecast in the financial situation will prove accurate and you will be benefitted. Friendship: You are going to make new friends. Health: You may have fever. But the health issues of elderly ones will make you worried. Those who had been suffering from general weakness and headaches, will find relief this week. Love: You will be dealing with a broken relationship that will wear you out in the beginning of September. However, as your ruling planet Jupiter fires into friendly Sagittarius later, the pursuit of love will be much more enjoyable then. Travel: Travel or short visits are likely, even if it is only local. Use this journey as opportunity to open your heart and soul. By Sunday, you're taking charge and gearing up for the next leg of the trip. Mood: A bit overloaded but very optimistic. Compatible signs: Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Lucky colours: Blanched almond, black. Lucky days: Friday. Lucky numbers: 5, 9, 12, 45, 50

Om Katare (August 12, Datia-Madhya Pradesh) took up the challenge of the bigger Mumbai Theatre groups and excelled in popular comedy. Hadh Kar Di Aapne solidified his position as an actor of good caliber in Hindi theatre. Om Katare founded Yatri-a theatre group in 1979. Muskura ke Dekh Zara, Missed Call and Humdum are certain memorable films where he excelled.

Believe it or not, Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande are huge stars all the way down in South Africa. The two had gone as part of a concert with Udit Narayan to Durban and Johannesburg and they were bowled over by the huge deluge of Indian and foreign fans.

Ankita gushes, "I was amazed at the number of people who turned up to see us. They were shouting our names- Archana andManav. It felt superb to be greeted by fans in South Africa. I mean imagine they love our show Pavitra Rishta over there too. I enjoyed meeting and greeting them. I am glad Pavitra Rishta has an international fan following."

Ankita regrets that she couldn't go sightseeing. "Sushant went bunjee jumping and I wanted to go to but as I wasn't feeling too well, I didn't take any chances. I shopped for some makeup and perfumes but I wanted to see the hot spots. I couldn't go as we were hopping from one city to the other and had to rehearse as well for the stage show. I danced solo to the song Sahiji from Shor In The City while Sushant had his solo and both of us performed to a mix melody too. It was great fun."

Ankita already has two other shows lined up but is unwilling to divulge at the moment.

Dipika Samson aka Simar from Sasural Simar Ka on Colors helps you to pick some flicks that she would love to watch.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

I just love the way the friendship between Shah Rukh and Kajol was shown in this movie. Of course, the credit also goes to the actors Shah Rukh, Kajol and Rani for their splendid performances. The songs, the mood, the romance all came together wonderfully in this film. The essence of this film was so strong that it lingers even today.

Band Bajaa Baraat

This one was a masterpiece so I can't point out just one thing that I liked about this flick. Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma looked like they were made for each other. Their chemistry, bickering, love and friendship all seemed so natural. The Delhi flavour too was a nice touch.

Salaam Namaste

This movie was so cute and I loved the emotional aspect as well as the comedy. The locations where the movie was shot were beautiful. Australia was spectacular and pristine. Preity looked smashing and so did Saif. The songs were cool as was the storyline.

Hum Tum

Chetan Hansraj, who is best remembered as the villian Sasha in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, will be seen at his villainous best once again but this time in the Salman Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer Bodyguard. The actor has starred in films like Koi Aap Sa, Bhram and City of Gold earlier but this is his biggest project till date. Chetan plays Mahesh Manjrekar's brother in the film and will be seen in a bare body fight with Salman in the climax. The actor reveals about how Salman inspired him to get into shape and much more.

Chetan says, "Salman bhai is a rockstar. Most of my sequences in the film are with Salman and he is such a humble guy even though he is a superstar. He asked me to lose weight within 50 days before shooting a fight sequence and not just that he even offered tips about how to go about it. I managed to lose 17 kgs and get ripped within 50 days thanks to Salmanbhai's help."

Chetan who also got the opportunity to work with Kareena is all praise for the actress too as he quips, "She is sweet and friendly and we shared a very cordial relationship. I really enjoyed working with her."

When asked about whether he is all set to bid goodbye to TV Chetan says, "For now, I want to concentrate only on films as I have already done TV for eight-nine years but I it depends on the projects that I am offered."

Producers: Firoz Nadiadwala, Prakash Jha

Director: Prakash Jha

Critics calling

Deepika Padukone: She started as a glam doll but with layered and complex roles in Love Aaj Kal, Karthik Calling Karthik, Break Ke Baad, etc., she proved that she is an actor to reckon with. She now has a very different (traditional) role in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan and it is an honour for her that she is working with Jha and the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpai, and Saif Ali Khan (again). This film will do well and if her work is appreciated, then all her critics will have to shut up.

Great. one

Kareena Kapoor: The reigning diva of Bollywood plays the leading lady in the biggest release of 2011. She is obviously thrilled to be part of Ra.One, SRK's dream film. The stunner plays SRK's wife and a glamorous mother in the film. A lot has been said about her sizzling avatar in the song Chamak Challo. The film ought to do well. When it does, Kareena will simply smile and thank her stars. Her last release, Golmaal 3 was a super-hit. Before Ra.One, her release Bodyguard is touted to become a blockbuster.

Hot property

Nargis Fakhri: She is 30-plus, a swimsuit model, and is all over the place. Being cast in Imtiaz Ali's Rock Star and stories of her proximity to Ranbir Kapoor has made her a household name and her's is one of the most awaited debuts in recent times. So much hype has been created around her that the pretty foreigner has to live up to it all. Rock Star's release will be delayed once again. She might become hot property if the film becomes a hit or if she has a meaty role in the film and gets noticed. For the sake of Imtiaz Ali and Ranbir Kapoor, we hope the film is phenomenal.

Bigger and better

Vidya Balan: Her films are getting better and better. The year began on a very good note with the unanimous success of No One Killed Jessica. The Dirty Picture is controversial and bold in its content and is Vidya's most challenging role till date. She plays sex siren Silk Smitha and this is a very important film in her career. It will also give her the opportunity to nail the awards once again. Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi, and Tusshar Kapoor are her co-stars in it.

Looking forward

Priyanka Chopra: Her last release was Saat Khoon Maaf which was a disappointment. She will be seen kicking around opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2, the second biggest release of the year. She hasn't had a hit since Kaminey (or Anjaana Anjaani) in 2009. It will be great if she holds her own as Roma opposite SRK in the potential blockbuster.

Make or break

Sonam Kapoor: She has established herself as a star and fashionista but hasn't really proved herself as an actor. Pankaj Kapur's ambitious and promising debut film features her as Kashmiri belle Aiyaat opposite Shahid who plays Harry. While she looks pretty and simple in the movie, she doesn't look like a Kashmiri damsel. This is her make-or-break film to prove herself as an actor of substance. Also, this movie could break her flop spell. I Hate Luv Storys was her last hit and that worked mainly because of Imran Khan.

Going strong

Anushka Sharma: She has had four releases so far: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Badmaash Company, Band Baaja Baaraat, and Patiala House. Some of these have been sure hits but none of them have flopped. However, her acting prowess came to the fore only with BBB. The successful team of BBB: Manish Sharma, Habib Faisal, Anushka, and Ranveer Singh have collaborated again on romantic comedy Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. — HRM

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie treated her six children to an afternoon of pottery painting. The Oscar-winning actor is currently staying in Richmond, south west London, as partner Brad Pitt films new movie World War Z. So, the 36-year-old actor decided to take her children- Maddox, 10, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, and Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, to Pottery Cafe, where they all got to decorate their own crockery, reported a publication.

The cafe currently has Pirates and Princesses theme - to coincide with the British school summer holidays - and Knox and Vivienne really got into the swing of things by dressing up as a pirate and princess respectively. "They all had a lovely afternoon of painting, and we hope to see them again soon," a spokesperson of the Cafe said.

Meanwhile, as his family was enjoying a day out in Richmond, Pitt stunned a local bakery shop in Cornwall, South West England, by ordering 700 Cornish pasties. The Troy star is currently filming in the seaside resort of Falmouth and wanted to treat the actors and crew on the set of the movie, hence the massive order at Rowe's Cornish Bakers. — PTI 

Anne Hathaway has promised her fans that they will be thrilled when they see her playing the super villain in a cat woman costume.

Hathaway, 28, was previously criticised by several bloggers over the picture which depicts the star riding a motorcycle in her catwoman costume in Dark Knight Rises. “I asked someone to send me a few reactions. “If you didn't like the photo, you only see about a 10th of what that suit can do. And if you did like the photo, you have excellent taste," she said. —PTI

Chhote nawab Saif Ali Khan is one of the most dependable and versatile actors we have around. He is also choosy about his films. Khan can be unabashedly charming and unabashedly wicked. Post Omkara and Love Aaj Kal, he goes rugged and desi once again in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan. He is paired with Deepika Padukone in the film. The National Award winning actor has generated a buzz around his role in the film. He talks about everything related to it.

You must be feeling exhausted after so much of hard work just to promote a film?

The way we give our dates for shooting, these days dates are also fixed for promotions. So it's our job to promote a film. Unless and until I fall sick, I don't feel exhausted. You know, a few days back I shot for an ad in Europe and in the evening I shot for an ad in Mumbai. So you can imagine the kind of travelling I do. Having said that, I love my job and almost everything it entails.

What are your expectations from the film?

A lot! This is one of the most difficult characters and films I have done, ever. It's totally different. When I read the script, I thought it was a great opportunity for me. It's actually my pleasure to work in a film by Prakashji who has done so much of research in an area of political concern. The issue is there since a long time and someone needs to talk about it in India. Prakashji has done it in a nice way and I am sure the audience will watch the film. You know there is no discrimination in the film and he has just raised the issue.

You and Deepika are doing many films together.

I know, but it's a mere coincidence and I think directors and producers loved our chemistry in Love Aaj Kal and after that we started getting projects. But it's nice that audiences like us together. We want our work and roles to be new and different so we are choosing different types of films to do together.

This is the second time you are working with Amitabh Bachchan. How was it working with him?

You know, when I worked with him in Eklavya, I was very nervous and I'd rehearse my lines all day long so that I wouldn't forget them in front of him. I have always looked up to him but I thought I should not look like I am in awe of him. Even when I met him for Aarakshan I was little nervous because he gives his best so even to stand next to him on screen you have to do better. He is someone who loves to learn. Even at this age, he looks out for new things and works hard on how much better he can do the shot. You know such work culture actually inspires us.

You play a Dalit in the film. How did you prepare for the role and how responsible did you feel?

Hollywood star Bruce Willis is in negotiations to play the original Joe in GI Joe 2: Retaliation. The action film is being directed by Jon M Chu, with a new star cast.

Willis, if a deal comes together, would play General Joe Colton, the man who in 1980s comic books starts the GI Joe strike team, called the ultimate freedom fighting force, and got the handle GI Joe, a publication said. The new star cast includes names like Dwayne Johnson, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Stevenson and RZA.

The movie begins shooting later this month in New Orleans. Paramount has staked out a June 29, 2012 release date. — PTI