The silken touch
Young designer Samant Chauhan brings his latest collection Rajputana to Chandigarh, which has been made out of 'non-violent' silk that is spun on handloom without harming the silk worms
Mona

Models display the creations of Designer Samant Chauhan
right cut: Models display the creations of Designer Samant Chauhan (centre)

In the glamorous world of fashion, it's rather unlikely that one comes across an unpretentious designer. On Thursday, in Chandigarh with his latest collection Rajputana, Samant Chauhan, is a man of few words because it's his creations that do the talking!

Not inclined towards academics, Samant took up designing at NIFT and made the most of the opportunities as well as the challenges that came his way. In this short six-year span in the world of fashion, he has made a name from Bhagalpur (he is from Bihar) to London. Golden, heavy, coarse silk is his signature style. Known to be the saviour of this 'non-violent' silk and families engaged in this traditional craft, Samant is one rooted designer.

"My creations are a reflection of my legacy. Sometimes my buyers are not convinced, business is not good, but, that doesn't stop me from being who I am," says Samant. Be it churidar sleeves that didn't click with western buyers in London or request for other fabrics than silk, this designer entertains none but the call of creativity! He is not in a rush to design for celebrities (Rasool Pookutty wore his design for Oscars) or movies. And, he explains, "I do the work that is creatively challenging. I have started working on this Ram Gopal Verma's film on Veerappan. I have already done the research work that took me to Tamil Nadu. I collected photographs of 1970s' weddings to see what they wore at that time,” says Samant.

This is just one instance of how his creative mind works. Based in Delhi now, Samant retails through the big stores across the world. Yet, the fabric for his collections comes from Bhagalpur, where 'non-violent' silk is spun on handloom without harming the silk worms.

“Being Indian, I feel obliged to bring in something Indian in each of my collection,” says Samant, whose forte is western wear. 

Rajputana is Samant's first Indian collection, for which he takes inspiration from Rajasthan, a place that has literally influenced every designer worth his salt, including Alexander McQueen. Long and short kurtis, angrakhas and lenhgas come in Samant's special 'natural' silk along with the signature golden colour and some others. Each fabric, cut and design has been given serious thought. No block prints here, each border is a special creation. What's more, the designs can be worn as dresses as well as Indian traditional wear. Short kurtis have three options. You can team them up with Jodhpuri trousers, Patiala salwar or churidars. Before Rajputana makes it's entry in Wills India in October later this year, Rajputana starts its journey from Chandigarh. Available for Rs 25,000 onwards, it's available at Soh-Koh.

A script of his own
Vasudha Gupta

“You only have actors in mind when working on a script if you are friends with them,” laughs Raj Kumar Gupta. In Chandigarh to absorb the ambience and create a script for his upcoming movie, he feels that living in the city will never give an insight into the madness that grips Mumbai.

Here on a friendly visit, Raj has just finished working on two scripts, Rapchick Romance and Ghanchakkar, which will go into the making mode during early 2012. “Ghanchakkar is basically a quirky, comedy set in Mumbai,” he shares, sipping his cup of Bournvita. The scriptwriter-cum-director initially focused on a guy story in Aamir, moved to a woman-centric subject in No One Killed Jessica and now will revolve a guy and a girl in his next venture. Seeking inspiration out of real life characters has not been very difficult for this film expert. “There are several people you meet in daily life, which become the basis of your characters in the script,” he shares.

Open to experimentation, Raj's next will be Rapchick Romance. Moving to a tangent in the kind of films he has been associated with, this one will be an adventure-based romantic story. “I hope the road will cross Chandigarh,” he smiles.

Keen on redefining himself as a filmmaker, Raj is certain he will be disheartened if he limits his creative sensibilities. “I will be dead as a film-maker if I stick to one genre,” he shares. Interestingly, for the filmmaker, the subject still remains the primary subject and budget comes in a close second. With a movie like Aamir, made with limited funds, he feels that the cast should justify the budget. “Working under a controlled budget tends to become significant as it certainly helps make better films,” he says. Television is also an important medium to connect with the audience. “Today, it's more exciting to make films. A lot of young talent is giving the much-needed lease of life to films,” he shares.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Dress to die for

Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor

Some 400 dresses and accessories that belonged to the late US film star Elizabeth Taylor will be auctioned in December, as well as more than 200 pieces of her jewellery.

Christie's auction house said yesterday that the December event will include dresses, shoes and handbags that span 50 years in the life of the Hollywood star, including items by Chanel, Christian Dior and Versace.

It will include the wedding dresses she wore when she married Richard Burton, in 1964 and again in 1975, and the gown she wore to the 1992 Oscars, when she was given a special award for her support for the fight against AIDS.

The most expensive dress — the one from her first marriage -- is expected to go for $ 40,000 to $ 60,000.

"Many of the pieces in this lifetime collection were couture, custom made for Ms Taylor by designers who became her close friends," said Meredith Etherington-Smith of Christie's.

The auction of the dresses on December 14-15 will follow a jewelry auction on December 13-14, which will bring together 269 necklaces, diamond rings, brooches and earrings valued at more than $ 30 million.

A ruby and diamond necklace designed by Elizabeth Taylor and incorporating a 16th-century pearl that once belonged to Spanish royalty is expected to go for $ 2-3 million.

Taylor, famed as much for her glamorous but stormy love life as her five-decade Oscar-winning film career, died on March 23 at the age of 79.

She won two Academy Awards for best actress, including in the 1966 classic "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" one of many films she played opposite Burton. — AFP

On your heels!
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Although it's still hot, the fashion-conscious have already started planning their wardrobes for the coming winter. And one of the key ingredients to make a wardrobe complete is footwear. Most of the fashion designers have already created and presented their footwear collections for fall/winter 2011/2012 and the trends are quite diverse.

From pike to round toes, you can stick to your favourite style and look voguish in boots too, but the trend for the fall is definitely lacy, velvety and furry. Speaking about the colour scheme, bright hues have given way to darker ones, since all of us prefer wearing dark hues during the cold season. But the trendiest colours for the fall are black, white, stone, metallic, beige, burgundy, dark blue, chocolate, deep violet, khaki and red. "For the materials used, the hottest ones are leather, patent and reptile skins, suede and satin.

Lace and fur too will be in this season," says Swati Mehrotra, footwear designer. She adds, "Though patent leather isn't as practical and looks ordinary, still this season it will be the trend. And women boots in patent leather with bright colour combination, like red and black, with white, blue and burgundy will be a hit. Colour blocking too will be a style statement this season."

As every year, this year too suede comes in various eye-popping shades and so does satin. Designed for special occasions, satin shoes look extremely stylish and chic, but mind you they are not an everyday wear. "Satin shoes are a hit with girls. Embellished with stones and beads they even come in plain pleated designs," says an employee of Shoe Tree-17. He adds, "Reptile designs too are a hot pick this season. Other than that, we have lace and fur as embellishments on shoes for the fall season."

For the heels, we already know that this year wedges and platforms made a real revolution hitting the floor in infinite designs and colours. The power of wedges still continues to reign in the fall/winter 2011/2012, though in a more modest and elegant manner.

"Chunky heels are more popular in the cold season, as they are practical and comfortable," says an employee of Drish-17. He adds, "In fall/winter 2011/2012 we will see plenty of shoes with chunky heels - from classy pumps to rocker women boots." Well, though chunky heels are very comfortable, still they will never be as sexy and elegant as spike ones.

Last but not the least, socks with shoes is going to be a big hit this season. Remember Rihanna wearing pumps with a pair of socks!

Gyan Zone
A Short dialogue
Director of Aatu Khoji Rajeev Sharma, in Chandigarh for the special screening of the short Punjabi film, says it will strike a chord with the youth
Sabia Talwar

Two girlfriends—Reema, first-year law student and Richa, BA final-year student —an incident of molestation takes place with Richa and Reema is not allowed to take a stand for her friend by her near and dear ones. Finally, she is packed-off to her uncle's village.

On her journey to the village atop a boat, she meets the lead character Aatu Khoji. A conversation starts between Reema and Aatu. He also has a story to share; a crime investigator by profession. Aatu picks up evidence through footprints.

He has two daughters — one of them is a widow and the other's husband is a murderer. He is hanged after Aatu testifies against him. She lands up as a widow as well.

The boat nears its destination and Aatu wonders whether he had done the right thing by being truthful about his son-in-law. Aatu asks Reema. A round of silence follows. Both get off the boat and by the end Reema runs to him: "Yes, you did the right thing; even I have to go back and correct something."

This is the story of a short Punjabi film, Aatu Khoji-Hope is eternal, which has been directed by Rajeev Sharma, who was in Chandigarh for the screening of the movie at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Public Administartion-26 on Thursday. We dig into his roots. "I belong to Jagraon, Ludhiana, and did my masters in Indian Theatre from Panjab University. Since then I have made a lot of documentaries and also done theatre with Gursharan Singh," says Rajeev. He adds, "I'm presently a programming head with a channel and been in the television industry for the past 11 years."

The film is based on a character named Aatu Khoji from a novel written by Gurmeet Karyalvi. In lead roles are Samuel John, Gunnit Kaur and Sudiksha. What really made Rajeev take up this project? "While I was going through Gurmeet's novel, I really liked the character Aatu and wanted to take him in my film. The story is not the same because I have added a few more characters to build a connect with today's youth."

Aatu Khoji focuses on humanity, the power of truth and the idea of co-existence.

In the lead role of Aatu is Samuel John, who has been in the news for his good performance in Anne Ghode Da Daan, which made it to Venice International Film Festival. Knowing Rajeev's as well as Gurmeet's work and a liking for the character made Samuel take up the role.

"I wish that such kind of short films emerge as parallel cinema and reach out to the masses," says Samuel. He adds, "I feel creativity emerges from daily experiences of people."

Though the movie is not big-budget, it sure promotes a dialogue between the urban and the rural folk.

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Dating problem?
…dildosti.com is there to help you out
Jasmine Singh

You can call it as the romance of recession. A good number of youngsters turn to dating sites to strike a friendship, which might or might not bloom in the later stage.

Most dating sites, if you have ever visited one, look very westernised, westernised questions, westernised pictures and a lot of other not acceptable western stuff. However, logging on datedosti.com, India's first dating portal, not only has everything Indian, but it also aims at empowering women.

A dating site empowering women! You heard us right, and explaining it better are the three people— Arjun Sawhney, Ayesha Chenoy and Ishaan Ahuja, who believe in the growth story and women empowerment.

Shares Arjun, "Datedosti.com is of course a platform for the Indian youth to meet and strike a friendship or even find romantic associations. Needless to mention, safety forms a big part of this portal."

Explains Arjun, "This is one portal where a man can approach a woman only if she chooses to reply from one of the system generated introductory messages. If for some reason she declines the request, the other person cannot approach her again."

This sounds like real empowerment. Well, the portal has features that ensure that there is check on the pictures being posted too. The founders don't see themselves as moral police, nevertheless they have come with features that will avoid any kind of trouble. "The site has been designed keeping Indian youngsters in mind, so the questions the added features like ice breakers have an Indian touch.

Adds Arjun, "We are surprised to see the response to the site. We have people logging in from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, West Bengal, finding a companion on it. The inbuilt features shield women, and this is what a networking site should offer.

For your eyes only
Jasmine Singh

Eye candy: Sarvesh Harpal A leaflet on eye donation reads, 'my eyes are ocean in which dreams are reflected'. Eyes, the mirror of your soul, of your thoughts and your dreams. And when the dreams turn into reality, it is the eye that catches the glint first.

Sarvesh Harpal from Mohali is the eye-catcher of the day, for he is selected as the poster boy for the Chandigarh chapter of Bausch and Lomb campaign. Sarvesh, who is also part of the Adaakar Manch-Mohali, is all smiles that reflects in his eyes.

Bausch and Lomb launched iconnect, affordable contact lenses. As part of the campaign, they have unveiled a national youth engagement activity named iconnect- city model hunt where aspiring candidates got a chance to be the face of Bausch and Lomb iconnect outdoor campaign. Over to winner Sarvesh, and how his eyes created the magic. He smiles, "I was photographed with and without spectacles, and then my pictures along with other contestants were posted on Facebook. I got the maximum hits and became the winner," making sure that we take a good look in his eyes.

"See, I have good eyes, but other than that, they were also looking for a model kind of face. I think I clicked well." Sarvesh will be clicked by a professional photographer in Delhi. He is now waiting for his hoardings and posters to be put up in the city.

"I am waiting for the day when I will be all over the city," he laughs, "I will be the talk of the town." Sarvesh is hopeful that this publicity will get him other assignments. "I would want to do still advertisements and pose as a model for other campaigns as well."

Sarvesh now is all for social networking sites. "Facebook is not all chat or sharing personal pictures. Various companies and movies are now being promoted on social networking sites. Campaigns like these through Facebook add meaning to it," puts in Sarvesh.

Green Thumb
Cut it right
satish narula

The incessant rains in the last leg of the retreating monsoon, though otherwise good for the growth of trees, have done their share of damage too. Disaster management and damage control is as important for the plants and trees as for human beings and other properties.

The rains accompanied by strong winds have done tremendous damage, though in small pockets. But left to fend for themselves the trees will show more damage in the times to come.

The twisting wind currents in some of the central sectors uprooted many trees besides breaking the branches of others. Nothing can be done for the uprooted trees now but in case of the damaged ones there is a need for correctional measures. The hanging branches are potential danger to life and properties. These should, therefore, be severed and removed from the tree. But do not use axe or gandasa for the job. You will prepare the tree for the next damage. The hanging branches should be removed by cutting with saw. Even if you use axe to cut them initially, remove the stub left behind using a saw and giving a smooth round cut. And, there is a reason behind this. But before that how to cut a large broken branch?

If you start cutting the branches they may break under weight, dragging the bark along when you are half way through. It is therefore important to give it a one-fourth cut from below and let the cut coming from above meet it. Cutting the trees with crude devices or leaving the irregular cut ends lead to the infestation with tree borers. Such insects weaken the trees by feeding on the bark, making holes and 'burning' the conduction channels where they live in the middle of the tree.

Another major work that needs to be attended to is the correction of the lopsided balance created by the breaking of the branches. If not corrected at this stage, it may pose danger for the future. For this one should prune some of the branches on the heavier side of the tree to maintain the balance. If need be the tree should be provided with some suitable support.

The broken branches should not be kept in the vicinity and should be disposed off immediately lest these should become a source of breeding for insects and diseases.

(Narula is a Chandigharh-based horticulturist)

Enter the fifth dimension
Vasudha Gupta

There was a time when cinema was all about a good script, good-looking actors and a bunch of love songs shot in the mountains of Switzerland. Today, with changes seeping into all aspects of life, even cinema isn't far behind. Introducing the latest concept in making the cinema magic more memorable are the 5D Stimulation Shows.

Armed with the Gen-Next technology, the real film experience boasts of six-directional seats and the leg-tickler effect. Elaborating on the latest experience in movie viewing, Omkar Aulakh, MD of Trick Cinemas, says, "It was during my recent visits to the UK and Hong Kong that I really understood the concept of 5 D and decided to bring it to India."

Running a show each of a 15-minute movie Earthquake and 10-minute flick Strange, the movies are animated and specially programmed to transport its viewers to the real place of action. "Imagine having an air jet, a water jet or the sensation of heat during the related sequence of the movie. That is exactly what 5 D is all about," Aulakh shares. Considering that it moves ahead of the recent 3D cinematic experience, this will definitely be a treat for the movie buffs!

But animation in India is really not a 15-minute experience. "Yes, that is true, but the kind of cinema this is, it is really not possible for the viewer to watch it for longer durations," Aulakh shares. Overwhelmed with the acceptability level of the viewers, the audience is upbeat about the concept. "It is a great response. Several people have been visiting repeatedly and are anxious about the next change," Omkar says.

Ready for the ride of your life?

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Million-dollar painting

Four paintings by American abstract expressionist artist Clyfford Still will headline Sotheby's contemporary art auction in November, when they are expected to sell for a combined total of more than $50 million.

Tobias Meyer, Sotheby's head of contemporary art, described the auction in New York as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

"A single painting by the artist of such quality as these would be a unique and extraordinarily sought-after occasion, as there are few Still paintings in private hands," he said. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the new Clyfford Still Museum, which is set to open in Denver, Colorado. The works are being sold by the City and County of Denver, with the understanding that the museum will never sell any works, according to Sotheby's. —Reuters

Astro Turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: A beneficial day especially for employers. Taking a break from work may be needed. Make this an easy day. You need to focus on everything you do. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 31

TAURUS: Making money and having fun are not a good mix for now. Stick to earning a living. You may realise that certain recreations are too costly. A decision to cut them out of the budget seems inevitable. Tarot message: Keep your will power strong. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 21

GEMINI: Today shopping for a gift as a token of affection is a delightful way to spend money. You will find people generally hard to pin down. Buying and selling is on the cards. Do not bury disturbing emotions but work through them. Tarot message: Do what is right. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 61

CANCER: Get home early to avoid commuters’ mayhem that could be worse than usual. Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job as the best way of boosting your reserves. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 55

LEO: Do not get involved in any venture blindly without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Hobbies will give you much satisfaction. Keep the future in mind. Stay true to yourself. Tarot message: Share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 26

VIRGO: Avoid gossiping; because it can spoil your chance of success. Sportsmen: exercise to keep yourself fit. Think for long term. Do not try to rush other people. You may attend a formal event or a conference. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 28

LIBRA: Plans for a romantic rendezvous could be disrupted by a call from work or a need to do overtime. Follow the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding with loved ones. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 64

SCORPIO: If single; you will find an attractive candidate for dating who belongs to your social circle. Look out for passionate love with your partner tonight. Give more attention to your health. Keep your sense of humour alive. Tarot message: Focus on your emotional and spiritual self. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 30

SAGITTARIUS: Your card Three of Cups suggests that emotions have to be controlled. Forgiveness is needed for love to keep growing. Partners may not agree with your plans. No need to put your hard earned money on stake. Tarot message: At work don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 28

CAPRICORN: Rise early. Walking or running will suit some of you and yoga or meditation may appeal others. Education and research projects bring you fresh laurels. Expect a guest or important news. A pleasant day ahead.

Tarot message: Apply your mind for success. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 59

AQUARIUS: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long term decisions. Personal expression through arts, crafts or hobbies are highlighted. You will have to modify your plans. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 33

PISCES: You should be very satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show world what you have been working on. For now, stay with the task in hand. Patience pays. Focus on leadership and inspiration. Tarot message: Push yourself hard to succeed. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27

The Year Ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 23...
The zodiac changes on your birthday. You will enjoy features of Virgo and Libra. You may encounter charming and intelligent people on your birthday, and you will enjoy bonding with them. They are apt to be curious about all things you know. A distant friend might get in touch with an invitation to travel, making you a little nervous. There could be a lot at stake now and you wonder if you're really up to the challenges involved.

With your birthday on the 23rd, you are inclined to work well with people and enjoy their company. You are talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas. You tend to be very progressive, imaginative and adaptable. Your mind is quick, clever and analytical. Your restless nature may make you a bit impatient and easily bored with routine. You may have a tendency to shirk responsibility. Very sociable, you make friends easily and you are an excellent traveling companion.

You will have an interesting year beginning with meeting some of your contacts with whom you can have a stimulating discussion leading to a firm line of action. Business will require you to put in some hard work and some boring but essential form filling before you can submit your proposal. However, you can delegate some work to your juniors who will be happy to be trained in this fashion. You'll choose a solution even if you have to make sacrifices ultimately; don't expect others to help out - you'll have to manage alone. You'll have a tendency for perfection and will irritate your loved one. You may provoke your partner on his or her dress sense and highlight all faults.

This year, you'll be more eloquent than usual and this will make you more confident in your personal and professional life. If you work independently, you'll have to be really careful. Because of the Astral position, your initiatives will not always work out perfectly. There is no need to panic in education exams interviews and jobs. Your best course of action is to just do nothing.

Spending may rise but is 'necessary.' If you are planning repairs or renovation of your house for making it more spacious and comfortable you should start getting in touch with people who will carry out your wishes and getting estimates. Friendships too, will be favorable, especially in upgrades in status as closer ties are formed with pals and some even upgrade from friend to lover!

Mood: Cheerful despite the attitudes of others. Compatible signs: Gemini, Cancer. Lucky colours: Bright Green, Purple. Lucky days: . Thursday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Lucky flower: Marigold. Lucky gem: Period gemstones or evening emeralds.

Along with you, it is the day to wish Tanuja Mukherjee (September 23, 1943, Mumbai), Kajol and Tanisha’s mother and Shobhna Smarth’s daughter and younger sister of Nutan. Mostly remembered for her roles in Hindi films like Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi, Jewel Thief, Haathi Mere Saathi, Anubhav, she started her film career with her sister Nutan in the film Hamari Beti (1950) as Baby Tanuja. As an adult, she debuted in Chhabili (1960) which was directed by her mother. Though she has retired from film career yet Tanuja starred as a judge along with Kajol and Ajay Devgan on Zee TV’s family dance series Rock and Roll Family. Her stars do not indicate a future comeback in films.

Chatter Box
Stork visits Tanaaz

This week brought joy in the lives of actors Tanaaz and Bhaktiyar Irani as they became proud parents of a baby girl. They named the baby Zara. Daddy Bhaktiyar was away for most part of Tanaaz’s pregnancy as he was looking after their Dance Institute in Dubai. Tanaaz and Bhaktiyar already have a boy while Tanaaz has a daughter from her previous marriage.

Ekta plays with history

While it has been Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s dream to make a film on the Maratha ruler Peshwa Baji Rao I and his wife Mastani called Bajirao Mastani, it seems soap queen Ekta Kapoor has taken the lead. Reports say that she is working on the love story of the two historical figures while keeping the details under wraps. Bajirao was a Maratha king in Pune who fought against the Mughals. But when he helped king Chhatrasal, he gave Bajirao his 16-year old daughter Mastani.

Bigg Boss gets its villain

As the day of Bigg Boss 5’s telecast comes closer, new names are speculated upon. After numerous names in the ring, a new one has cropped up. It seems Bollywood’s villain Shakti Kapoor will appear in Bigg Boss. Apparently he was approached last season but details couldn’t be worked out.

Watch out for Kalyani no 2

If you love Kalyani Devi in Balika Vadhu, here is another one entering Zee’s Ram Milaye Jodi. This Kalyani Devi is a corporate who comes to Mona’s colony to help with the water shortage and solve the problem of contaminated water. She is Mona’s mother’s (Reva Babbar) friend in the show and will end up locking horns with Mona (Sara Khan).

Twist in the delivery

While the Bundela family will be thrilled to know that their bahu Ichcha gave birth to a baby boy in Colors’ show Uttaran, there will be a shock awaiting them. Someone will replace Ichcha’s newborn baby boy with a dead kid. Ichcha will refuse to believe the news. 

Sudeep on a roll

Sudeep Sahir Sudeep Sahir, who was last seen as Mihir in Behenein, has now turned producer and recently launched his production house S.A.F.E. The actor has also signed a new romantic show on a popular channel. We catch up with Sudeep as he speaks about his new venture.

Why did you decide to turn producer?

I always wanted to create my own shows. After Behnein ended, our director Ankush told me that he is starting his own production company, I and my wife joined hands with him and we created S.A.F.E. S stand for my name Sudeep and also Ankush’s wifes name Smita and daughter Stasha. A is for my wife Anantika and son Arwaan, F and E is films and entertainment. We then pitched our concept to Mahua Gujarati and they liked it. Our first show should be on air in October.

What kind of shows do you plan to produce?

I would love to produce shows that make me want to act in them. If the shows are not good enough to make me feel tempted to work in them, there is no point. In fact, I would have loved to be a part of the show that we are currently producing, every character is so well etched out but the problem is that I cannot speak Gujarati.

Are you planning to produce Hindi shows?

My wife Anantika is currently working on some nice concepts dealing with relationships.  We are hoping that things will work out and these shows should be in Hindi.

What kind of shows do you think work on TV these days?

I feel that something that is close to reality be it saas-bahu or beta-beti will work. The audience should be able to connect to the story, the genre really doesn’t matter.

You are also acting in a new show, so do you think you will have any difficulty managing acting and producing together?

Both acting and producing are time consuming but I love every aspect of this profession be it acting or producing. Producing is my latest love as I enjoy developing characters and seeing how they turn out on screen. — HRM

Yashashri quits

Post Rang Badalti Odhani, Yashashri Masurkar was thrilled to bag a historical drama Imagine TV’s Chandragupta Maurya. But little did she know that she will not be utilised as promised. Therefore Yashashri has decided to quit the show. Apparently she was glad to get the part of Princess Mrignayni who falls in love with Chandragupta. But as the track developed, Yashashri realised her role didn’t turn out as expected. Currently the actress is serving her two month notice period.

Cine magic

 Gaurav Khanna Gaurav Khanna, currently working in Jee Le Ye Pal on Star Plus, speaks about his favourite films. Read on to find out which ones they are.

Andaaz Apna Apna

Andaaz Apna Apna is an all time favourite. I love the Amar-Prem jokes. Aamir and Salman Khan have given their best performances in this movie. This is one film where I know all dialogues by heart.

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

This is the best romantic film of my school times. It has Shah Rukh at his best and I love all songs in it. Who can forget Ruk Ja O Dil Diwane, Mehandi Lagake Rakhna and others?

Titanic

This is a classic of modern cinema. It’s an amazing film in all aspects. Right from the acting by Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet to direction to music everything about it is perfect.

Gladiator

This is again is a sad story told so beautifully with the idea of a real hero. It is an inspirational story that I can watch over and over.

The Mask

This is my favourite Jim Carrey film. His performance in it is just fantastic. The Mask is a complete entertainer that one can watch to get pepped up.

Terminator 2

This is my all time favourite science fiction/action movie. I even tried copying Arnold Schwarzenegger during schooldays. I have several funny memories revolving around this movie. — HRM

Shyam goes to jail 

In Balika Vadhu, while Anandi and Asha mustered courage to file a report against a fraud baba, the cops didn’t take them seriously. When Shyam realises that his sister was attacked by the baba, he gets very angry. The baba will land up at Shyam’s house and an angry Shyam will throw him out but the cops will come and arrest him for attacking the baba.

New Releases
Mausam

Producer: Eros International and Vistaar Religare

Director: Pankaj Kapoor

Pankaj Kapoor, the actor for all seasons, has gone behind the camera. He is directing his son Shahid Kapoor in Mausam, a simple love story in extraordinary circumstances. Sonam Kapoor also stars in this film which promises to be one of those love stories that will stay with you forever. It is about unconditional love, which new generation does not understand today.

Shahid Kapoor plays Harinder Singh (Harry) who falls in love with a young Kashmiri girl, played by Sonam Kapoor. A story for all seasons, pun intended. The two lovers unite and separate from time to time. Mausam has been shot in parts of India and Edinburg.Shahid Kapoor’s character has different looks in this romantic love story. Director Pankaj Kapoor, actor Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor are excited about Mausam, which will also premier at the Toronto Film Festival. Shahid-Sonam chemistry will be crackling.

Speedy Singhs

Producer: Whizbang Films

Directed by: Robert Lieberman

Cast: Vinay Virmani, Camilla Belle, Anupam Kher, Russell Peters, Rob Lowe

Speedy Singhs Akshay Kumar’s co-production is a hilarious Punjabi family comedy drama set in the Indo-Canadian Community in the Toronto suburb of Brampton. It is a film with diverse Canadian, American and South Asian cast that showcases a irresistible cross-cultural clash within a family and a son’s passion for hockey. — Dharam Pal





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