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Get into a trance
He’s currently on his fourth tour to India and he’s been all across the world playing music but ‘he’s never toured anywhere else four times’. So, do we have yet another international artiste in love with India here? Yes, but expect no political correctness. DJ Ashley Wallbridge hasn’t rehearsed any clichéd lines before taking his, The Energy of Sound—India tour. Throw Bollywood music into the conversation and he says, “It’s cool, I have heard it for sure, but do not know any artiste.”
Scheduled to perform at a Chandigarh lounge, we get down to discussing his forte—electronica, progressive and trance. “I like playing melodic, progressive house kind of music, one that has a lot of energy.” Currently based in the UK, it’s been close to seven years of playing along different tunes in different capacities. He laughs, “I started dabbling with music since I was eight years old. But I have been deejaying since I was 14. As a child I wanted to be in a chocolate factory.” DJ-ing as an early teenager Ashley’s focus has always been on production, tinkering with digital software after school hours, honing his skills for the future. Post Chandigarh, he’s headed to Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune. “I have played in Delhi twice before. The crowd is nice but Ahmedabad swept me off my feet. The crowd here is so different, everywhere you go. There are so many varied influences.” As for influences, it’s the classical Beethoven and the like… “I get inspired from various genres and then make my own music.” His favourites include classical. “I love classical music but I haven’t heard any Indian classical music or any Indian classical artiste. For me, good music is if it sounds good.” There is certainly a distinction between playing and listening. “I think what makes for a good DJ is the fact that you play what the crowd likes rather than what you like. It totally depends on the disc jockey to bring in a lot of energy into the crowd. Moreover, it’s always good to see them enjoying themselves.” Post this tour, coming up is an auditory treat for all the progressive lovers. “I’m coming up with an album which is going to be all trance and progressive. It’ll have 14 to 15 tracks. And in another six months there will be a remix album.” He adds, “I’ve done compilation CDs before. But this would be my first album and hence important as an album says who you are and what your music is.” As of now, he’s here to please the crowd but only through his music. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Musical high
UK we’ve heard of, Canada’s done too, so is the US. When it comes to Punjabi music, it has been here, there, everywhere and done all that. Bhangra beats in Birmingham is no big deal, not anymore. Dhol in Denmark perhaps still is. On a recent visit to the city Bombay Rockers attracted our attention with the statement, “It was such a pleasure to watch white people singing Teri Toh Teri Toh,” on their expletive sounding hit single Rock The Party. “Normally everyone’s heard of Punjabi music being a hit in the UK or places where we have a significant population of Indian origin, but to have your music appreciated in a place like Denmark gave an altogether different high.”
Clichéd as it may sound, music knows no boundaries. Even though lyrics might be restrained within the confines of geographical boundaries. “Just Punjabi dhol beats are more than enough to set everyone dancing. And once you explain them the lyrics, then the response and the reaction multiplies,” shares Karran Jesbir about his personal stage show experiences in Rajasthan and Bangalore. He adds, “I recall being driven by a taxi driver who was familiar with a few of my songs.” When a stereotypical travels far and wide, it becomes a staple, be it at a wedding or a club, festival or a function. The reasons are obvious. Says Sukhmani, city- based singer, “Any music that can make you feel ‘the connect’, clicks. People at far flung places, may not understand the Punjabi lyrics but they are in awe of the music.” Her observations too extend both within the nation and outside. “A friend of mine told me that he heard our music, which has a very folk Punjabi and lounge touch to it, in a club in Milan.” She adds, “Speaking about performing at different places, we’ve performed at Benaras, Bangalore and Lucknow. What’s notable is also that we performed at these places not once but four times.” When Delhi-based Dilbagh Singh found takers for his music in the most unlikeliest of places. “Our music is so influential and infectious, I have done shows in Kenya and I was surprised to see our folk music being such a hit with the masses there.” Has anyone heard of music travelling at supersonic speed? Laughs Karran, “Just utter balle balle and shawa shawa and that’s enough to set them tapping their feet the typical Punjabi way…I recall even having been invited for a show on the festival of Pongal. That shows our beats, our rhythms, our music
is infectious.” manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Gem of a show!
In Chandigarh we discover that a fashion show can virtually unite the entire women fraternity! So, on a humid Tuesday afternoon, ladies, who had sacrificed their never-ending sob, oops soap operas, on television made a beeline for the Avon Fashion Tour 2011 at Taj-17, which marked the celebration of one successful year of international jewellery collection.
Inspired by the concept of beauty that is understated and embellished at the same time, the Diva collection uses delicate faux pearls and perfect cut stone embellishments. The models sashayed back on the stage and the audiences clicked, and clicked from their swanky hi tech mobiles. However, it was the jewellery that grabbed the eyeballs. Triple plated precious metal, embellished with rhinestones, rhodium plated metal, studded with delicate cuts, sparkling red stones from the Pearl Drop collection, rhinestone creating a 3D look, ensembles of necklace, earrings, finger rings, bangles, the much affordable jewellery (starting Rs 875-2099)had the women hooked till the end.
MOdel Speak This is a cliché, which is being repeated for the hundredth time now, that women are lured by
jewellery, whether she is a homemaker, entrepreneur or model. I would like to wear pieces that are classy and at the same time funky and in style too. Different occasions call for a different piece, but one shouldn’t go overboard with it. Tina Chatwal Think about stepping out without a piece of jewellery on, not happening. It is a matter of personal choice. Jewellery has changed style and has come a long way. Designers have numerous inspirations around and I like to stick something that is in. |
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Celeb point Divya Dutta Some one wrote me a message, ‘I would love to be honest if I m not forced into corruption’. I saw a point there. We all would love to be honest if we are not sucked into a system which is tainted with some kind of corruption. You have no choice if you don’t want to face harassment. And don’t we all say, “Chalo, if this helps to get my work done, so be it. Even though we all crib about the system. Corruption, bribes—willingly or unwillingly— either we are corrupt or are being forced to be part of corruption by situations. I remember once I had a press conference to attend and I was very late. My mother was accompanying me. Suddenly a traffic police stopped us for no apparent reason. “Show your driving license,” he told my driver. The driver requested him to let us go as we were getting late and asked him what his was fault. All the cop said was ‘Gaadi side pe lagao’. I don’t know what came over my mother, she jumped out of the car, went up to the cop, held him by his collar and yelled in sheer frustration. “All you guys do is trouble and harass the common people. If I give you a hundred rupee note, you will let me go right? But I am standing right here. I will make my daughter miss her conference. Call your senior. I want to know why you have stopped us unnecessarily. I could have gone easily by paying you but I’d rather wait this time.” People gathered to see what was happening. I had to get out of the car to pull my agitated mother in. The cop got scared and said, “Aap jaaiye.” As we got into the car, I asked my mom, “Why did you do this?” And she said, “Beta, aise to ye log tang hi karte rahenge. Koi to roke.” And I just said, “Ma, you think doing that would weed out corruption from the system? Who will stop corruption ? As I see Anna Hazare today taking up for that very cause, I get an answer to my question. I see this 70 something man initiating it for us. And, it seems like the entire nation has been waiting for such a move. Someone to represent their angst! The euphoric support to Anna is there for all to see. Many might not know what exactly the Lokpal Bill is, but they know for sure someone is finally fighting for them, keeping their interest in mind. People are taking leave from work to join him. Kids, youth, elders alike are there to stand with him. Some are giving donations for food. Some are organising help for people to be there together. The unity we all have missed for so long is for all of us to see. We no longer smirk on unity in diversity, we are no longer saying ‘apna kaam banta, bhaad mei jaaye janta!’ We are all standing together. I only wish it lasts forever. Gradually but surely as the nation has finally found a crusader and as the famous Amul ad hoarding says, Happy Anna-pendence Day! (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Green
thumb Satish Narula
This is the time when the gardeners start planning winter bulbs and annuals. We want them to think before they do so. Writing about bulbs at this time is for two reasons. First and the foremost is to inform that it is not yet the time to plant them. Normally the gardeners find these in nurseries and start putting them in the soil. It is too early to plant bulbs. The prevailing temperature and humidity are not yet conducive. The present level of humidity and temperature are, in fact, ideal for the prevalence of some of the fungal diseases that kill the bulbs. The best time to plant them is in October. Another very important aspect is the treating of bulbs at the time of planting. During the period of storage, at times, the bulbs catch infection and when we plant them as such, the fungal diseases aggravate and the bulbs die. The bulbs should be dipped in bavistin, dissolved at two gram to a liter of water for two hours before planting and dried in the shade. It is also desirable to pre-sprout them by wrapping in a moist gunny bag for a few days before sowing. Second is that when you go out to buy them, think twice. Would not you like to have something different, a little away from the routine of seeing the same flowers in the same bed year after year? Try something new. The ones that you see in the picture are profusely flowering ornithogalum bulbs. They are very hardy and hardly need anything extra to give a bed of blooms. The flowers are star shaped and resemble rajnigandha spikes. The purpose of writing this now is also to let the gardeners put an ance order with their sources to arrange these well in time. Another beautiful and less exploited bulbous plant is clivia. Both ornithogalum and clivia are hardly one to one-and-a-half feet tall. The leaves, in case of the former, are grass or onion like whereas in case of the latter, are strapped. Clivia flowers are orange, bronze, yellow or other matching hues and appear in clusters. Both make very good pot plants too and suit well for those who live on upper stories. (Narula is a Chandigarh-based horticulturist)
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Dress rehearsal
Not many Indian men know about slim fits, double cuffs and flat front trousers yet, but they are getting there. “I think the Indian menswear market is far behind women’s wear. It is going to take time, but if we compare it to the last five-seven years, men’s fashion market has grown very fast. Guys are much more fashion-conscious now and want to look more presentable,” designer Sanjay Hingu, who specialises in men’s wear, said. Mumbai-based designer Nachiket Barve, who designs for both men and women, feels the “fashion market for men is evolving but it is still in a transitory phase”. Surprisingly, India is the fourth destination in the world that hosts a men’s fashion week - Van Heusen India Men’s Week (VHIMW) and this clearly points to the growing market for men’s wear. Designers like Raghavendra Rathore, Arjun Khanna, Ashish Soni, Troy Costa, Rajiv Mohan and Manoviraj Khosla are known mainly for their men’s wear line that is high on immaculate detailing, impeccable cuts and chic designs. Swapnil Shinde feels it is important for designers to understand what men want. “I just feel that there are not a lot of people who want to experiment and want to stick to classic, basic designs. If I do men’s wear and that too come up with over-the-top designs, no one will buy them and I will be bankrupt. So I am not doing it,” said Shinde. “It’s a bit limited right now, but it’s growing slowly. But if you are able to understand the market and are offering good designs at affordable prices, men will lap it up,” he added. Hingu feels the majority of men buy designer clothes which are Indian. “And men too should opt for smart Western wear because they wear it more often than a traditional Indian dress or sherwani,” he added. Sunil Sethi, president of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) that organises the three-day VHIMW in the capital, believes it is just a matter of time before men’s fashion takes a 360-degree
turn. — IANS
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Star track Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor is shooting currently in Kolkatta for Anurag Basu’s Barfee. He takes time off to discuss his movie, costars, football and granduncle Shammi Kapoor. Dear uncle He was a great actor and everyone knows it. He will be missed by everyone. I am glad that I shared screen space with him in Rockstar. On Barfee Right now I can’t talk much about the film and my character as the film is still under production. All I can say is that it’s a different movie. I am also learning sign language. Anurag Basu I have watched Anurag’s previous films and I think he is a great director. He knows exactly what he wants and asks the star to do that. He does a lot of research and is a great human being. His style of working is different from the people I have already worked with. He plans something else and while the shoot is on, if something else clicks in his mind, he’ll change the whole thing. Kolkata calling I am the biggest fan of Messi. So Dada (Anurag Basu) and I have made plans to watch Lionel Messi play. I am really looking forward to it. I hope Messi’s visit would do some good to Indian football. More of Messi I have tied up with Barcelona football club. Messi plays for that team, so I had the opportunity to meet him then. But this time Messi is coming as Argentine player, so I will be present in the stadium just as a football fan. Barfee also stars Priyanka Chopra and, Ileana D’Cruza. The film will release by the end of this year. — HRM
Playing along
Kaishnav Arora is all set to make his debut in Yeh Dooriyan opposite Deepshikha Nagpal. The film is based on a boy who falls in love with a woman who is a divorcee with two children. Kaishnav is a Bangalore-based boy. He graduated from Baldwin’s College, Bangalore. He was very famous in college and always used to participate in plays. Kaishnav never expected he will become an actor. It was by chance. He wanted to venture into business, but producers noticed him and asked him to audition. It is said that Kaishnav Arora is dating Yeh Dooriyaan co-star Deepshikhan Nagpal in real life today. Though the actor is quite open about the affair, Kaishnav likes to keep it mum.
It’s a mixed fare!
Anna Hazare, who has lost 5 kgs in his fight against corruption, has seen half of India support his cause. B-town has also come out in his support. Several Bollywood superstars were seen visiting Azad Maidan to support Anna. They have also commented on his stance.
Shah Rukh Khan: Although Shah Rukh Khan did not support Baba Ramdev’s fight against corruption, he has come out in favour of Anna Hazare, terming the cause as ‘a great one for the people of India’. He, however, refused to comment on laws. “The cause is fantastic, but commenting on its legislation and implementation is beyond my scope, as I do not understand politics well enough. However, the way India has come in support of him is fantastic,” says Shah Rukh Khan. Another star, who supports Anna’s cause is Bipasha Basu. She went to Azad Maidan on Friday to show her support. “Anna is India and India is Anna. The number to dial is 101. I am stunned that the government hasn’t responded. Anna’s spirit is remarkable, but the government needs to act fast. I was at Azad Maidan and it’s wonderful to see the support he has received from We, the people of India. Mahesh Bhatt, however, is not in favour of Anna Hazare. He says that most people don’t understand what the bill is about. “I am anti-corruption, but what Anna Hazare is doing is creating a power that is dangerous. Democracy must destabilise power and not let it go into the wrong hands. I reject both proposals i.e. the ones made by Anna and the government,” says Bhatt. Looks like Bollywood has camps in this as
well. — HRM
Kirsten’s Mr Right
Hollywood actress Kirsten Dunst says she seeks balance in a man’s personality.
The 29-year-old, who previously had relationships with rocker Johnny Borrell and actor Jake Gyllenhaal, is currently dating musician Jason Boesel and admits that with age she has learnt to find
a partner.
“Getting older, you try to pick a partner you are friends with. At least that’s my experience. There obviously has to be some sort of attraction, but not the kind that will be destructive and make
you crazy.” “I like someone who’s pretty chilled. I know my life gets hectic and it’s nice to have someone who grounds and centres me,” said Dunst. The Melancholia star was rumoured to be quitting acting after she entered rehab to be treated for depression in 2008. But insisted that she has now “lightened up a lot,” partly because she has reduced her workload and moved from Los Angeles to
New York. “Los Angles is just a vampire city! There’s a bubble there with only one type of industry going on and it just gets to me. I have to be open and sensitive as an actress and maybe there’s an aspect of me that takes on too much. Who knows? “I’ve always been someone who is pretty hard on herself. But I’ve lightened up a lot,” she
added. — PTI
Anne Not an emotional fool
Hollywood actor Anne Hathaway says she is a huge fan of films which stir powerful emotions.
The 28-year-old, who appears alongside Jim Sturgess in her latest drama One Day, likes having her “heart challenged” and “ripped out” by romantic movies. Says Anne, “I love to have my heart challenged, ripped out, woken up, in unexpected ways. And the thing I love about romance is the more specific the characters are, the more fun the stories are.” She adds, “It gives you great opportunities as an actor to draw a character that feels really nuanced.” The Princess Diaries star says the film is a refreshing antidote to formulaic romantic comedies. Shares Anne, “I don’t mean to knock traditional romcoms. They can be so much fun. But how many times can you watch people spill coffee on each other? And then three weeks later they’re soulmates, and they want to be together forever? And then at the end of the movie, somebody is running across a field.”
— PTI
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Chatter box
Recently, married couple Riddhi Dogra and Raquesh Vashisth, are set to shoot a music video for the famous singer Javed Ali’s debut untitled venture. The duo play lead roles in Maryaada Lekin Kab Tak on Star Plus. This video will be Riddhi Dogra and Raquesh Vashisht first video together. The theme of the video is a guy falling in love with a banjaran girl. Raquesh says, “It’s a beautiful video which we shot 15 days ago in Bhola, outskirts of Jaipur. It was a nice experience shooting in the desert. We also shot in palaces of Jaipur which was quite refreshing after working non-stop for a TV show. The romantic album which is produced by Filmbox has six to seven songs and will be released by Reliance Big Entertainment. The song we shot in Jaipur is about a guy searching for his love. He sees her everywhere -in deserts, market place but she eludes him. It was wonderful shooting with Riddhi for this music video which will be her first.” Talking about the next shooting schedule, he adds, “Now we are looking forward to our next song, which will be shot in snow clad mountains of Switzerland. We are working out our dates for the same, so that our work in Maryada isn’t affected. Javed Ali is a brilliant singer as he has a depth in his voice. Hope it turns out to be great.”
Television's popular actors Sai Deodhar and Shakti Anand became proud parents recently when Sai delivered a baby girl. The new member was welcomed heartily by the family who went into a celebration mode. The couple was eagerly awaiting the baby and they are very excited to have their first child, a healthy baby girl. They haven't thought of a name yet. Our heartiest congratulations to them.
Surprise, surprise
Right entry
Following the lead
Return act
Television actress Divyanka Tripathi, who was last seen in Mrs & Mr Sharma Allahabadwale on SAB TV, is back on SAB TV with a new character and show called Chintu Chinki Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story. Here she plays a shy girl Chinki from Bhopal while her Chintu is played by the talented Rajesh Kumar.
How is working again with Rajesh Kumar? "He is a wonderful actor and human being and when we found out that we both will be working again -we were happy. The audiences demanded our on-screen jodi again and so we are back. I hope our show will be a hit." Apart from Divyanaka Tripathi and Rajesh Kumar, the audiences will also see Abhishek Aawasthi after his second show after Jugni Chali Jalandhar on SAB TV. He says, "I am quite excited to be the part of my second show on the channel.”
Cine magic
Godfather II
This movie is brilliant in every way. It is a perfect action and crime film which I watch when I can. For all action movie lovers this is a must watch film. I loved the story, the presentation, the acting especially Al Pachino’s who is my inspiration in acting. I feel all Godfather film series can be made only once. Schindler’s List
This film is superb, particularly due to the story line which is about Polish-Jewish refugees during a holocaust. The film is directed by Steven Spielberg, who has given hit films like King Kong, Jaws 2 and many others. I have heard that it is based on the novel Schindler’s Ark by Australian novelist Thomas Keneally. I loved Liam Neesons’ acting who played the lead in the movie. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
If you are a romantic person and in love then this film is a must watch. It’s one of most iconic romantic movie. The casting of the film was perfect especially Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as Raj and Simran. The tailor made role for Amrish Puri was perfect as a Punjabi father. The songs, especially Tujhe Dekha and Mehndi Laga Ke are still popular among the audiences. I really like SRK in this movie. Sholay
It’s an iconic film in Indian cinema which had everything romance, drama, comedy and in the end tragedy. It symbolised the bond between two friends –Jai and Veeru who I feel have become iconic friends on silver screen. I love Amitji and Dharmendraji’s acting. Whenever I get some free time, I watch this movie. Golmaal
In my top favourite films, I want Amol Palekar’s Golmaal film. I really liked Amol Palekar in the double role of Ram Prasad and Lakshman Prasad. Then veteran actor Utapal Dutt was fantastic too. I really admire him a lot. Even the songs of the film are cool and melodious.
— HRM
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Astro turf
TAURUS: A feeling of vitality and openness makes it easier to meet new people share ideas, and find humor in life. Traditions seem important to you right now. Get the whole family involved in some over- the-top home decorating. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50. GEMINI: Adopt a wait and watch attitude today. Close relationships become affectionate and sociable. Your reserved, responsible side takes the lead, and you will get what's the best . You are popular with friends. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 44. CANCER: Suddenly your love life feels less restricted. Those keen to join the defence services will be enrolled. You may also have to go on a short trip in the evening. Impulsive actions could put you in the hot seat. Tarot message: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 35. LEO: Don't be amazed at your luck. A moody child needs understanding and delicate handling. Your home is especially important to you. You might be busy organizing a large social event in your home. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 46. VIRGO: A family member may be away overseas whose absence is felt by all. Some of you would have travelled many miles to be with loved ones past holiday gatherings. Getting involved in charity work can help some of the suffering. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25.
LIBRA: Do not get overly suspicious. A beneficial day for the self employed. Senior executives or those in government services should be careful and should not make mistakes. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 39. SCORPIO: You can get a great deal accomplished through careful planning today. You are likely to be oversensitive to sharp comments and criticism. Remember, some people are self-centered, and their opinions are not shared. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky color: Sky blue. Magic number: 48. SAGITTARIUS: Expect a busy morning and you will be prepared. The phone is likely to run wild and visitors could interrupt your concentration. If you are on vacation, you might prefer to stay away from crowds. If you are driving, watch out for road rage. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 63. CAPRICORN: Irritations between you and others may be upsetting, which will blow over. Power struggles are indicated. A sense of danger about the evening emphasises that you should know where you are going. Tarot message: Lay emphasis on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 28. PISCES: Personal plans are likely to progress without too much opposition. No matter what other people tell you, stick with your own personal values and beliefs, and keep life simple. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.
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The year ahead
Being born as Virgo on August 24, you will be modest, shy meticulous, reliable, practical, diligent, intelligent and analytical but at the same time fussy, overcritical, a harsh perfectionist and conservative. You are responsible and help others. Affections are important to you-both for giving and the receiving. Business: You've got a big business puzzle in front of you-but it's something you can pretty easily figure out once you see the trick. September is perfect for communication with clients. You can praise without seeming obsequious. Education: Do not mix politics with education. Keep away from leaders who always remain in colleges or university campus for fun sake. Family: Your ESP is on high gear early in September. You will be seen as supportive. If you are not confident about a decision; stall it. Fun gatherings will keep you occupied. Friendship: Social invitations are likely and meeting new persons that share hobbies and passions is likely, especially for travel, food, art work and sports pursuits. Health: You should pay adequate attention towards your health. You will be in good health during second half of 2012. But mentally, you may be a little depressed. Love: Don't fret if September doesn't get off to a smashing start as responsibilities at home may curb your enthusiasm for romance. But the tide will probably turn on, which is likely to give you the sweet feelings you desire. State of mind: Insightful and savvy. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Pisces, Cancer. Lucky colors: Teal, Rose Pink. Lucky day: Thursday. Lucky numbers: 4, 6, 17, 22, 45. Lucky flower: Jasmine. Lucky gemstone:
Zircon.
Karrine Steffans (born August 24, 1978) is an American author, most notably of the Vixen series of books. She has worked as an actress and as a hip hop model, having appeared in more than 20 music videos, many by multi platinum-selling rap artists. Steffans visits college campuses on speaking engagements to speak to young women about the dangers of the entertainment industry. Steffans appeared in the action movie A Man Apart, starring Vin Diesel.
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The-first-time-watching-a fashion-show kind of excitement reverberated in the air, evident in their Tuesday best suits and saris, holding their mobiles, ready to capture any flutter at the Avon Fashion Tour. And weren’t they excited (read envious) when they saw petite models Anchal Kumar, Tina Chatwal, Candice Pinto, Ankita Jain, Nolana D’Mello walk the ramp bejewelled in Avon’s International and India Diva Collection. 
You must be wondering why we are discussing bulbous ornithogalum as this is not the time for its flowering. There are reasons for it.
Fashion in India is headed in a new direction - the male closet. The market is at a nascent state and dominated by traditional wear like sherwanis and bandhgalas, but it is growing very fast, say designers.
Zee TV's Ram Milaayi Jodi was in the news for a long time as discussion over who will replace Nishant Malkani as Anukalp in the show. Nishant quit the show to pursue his Bollywood dream, talks were almost final with Karan Wahi but we were surprised to see a newcomer on the show playing the hero Anukalp. The actor in question is a model-turned-actor Sujoy Reu paired opposite Sara Khan.
Talented actress Nivedita Bhattacharya will enter Balika Vadhu on Colors and support Gauri (Anjum Farooki). She will play the role of a rich and an influential woman Shivani who will eventually become Gauri's mentor. A loner in life, Shivani will influence Gauri who will be impressed by her. We hear that Shweta Kawatra was offered the role, which is a cameo, earlier. But as she had to go to the US for three weeks for shows and her husband Manav Gohil's cricket match, she couldn't take it up.
It seems all actresses have landed on television. After the bubbly Preity Zinta, the chirpy Juhi Chawla will soon be seen on the small screen hosting a talk show on Colors. While Preity's show will have stars, Juhi's show will feature kids and will have fun and games too and will be called Badmaash Company — Ek Shararat Hone Ko Hai. It is touted to air in September.
Television actor Kapil Nirmal, known for his roles in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat and Pardes Main Mila Koi Apnaa, loves to watch different genre of films. Here he talks about his all time favourite movies.
ARIES: A lot can be achieved if you take one step at a time. A philosophical attitude is best: win some, lose some. Try not to ignore important work due to pressure at home. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 30.
AQUARIUS: You are likely to find that this is a problem free day. A long distance trip is in the offing which will prove beneficial. Make an inventory of important items to avoid losing something of value. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56.
If your birthday is August 24...
