Pool in for fun
Jasmine Singh

Forget the Xbox and social networking as pool finds favour with youngsters

At the end of the day what is it that a youngster expects. Ideally this question can be answered with a zillion options. A decent place to hang out with friends, crack a few jokes on teachers and close friends, punch in a load of smses, gulp down two three colas and they are good to go. Now, there is one more thing we discovered is finding favour with the youngsters. A place where they feel like real players - it is the pool or the billiard table. Not bad! While most parents wouldn't mind their kids scoring on the pool table (at least they aren't loitering around for no good), youngsters too find the game pretty engaging. Best place to strike a conversation, they vouch for it!

Conversation starters

Hovering around the pool table, taking an aim at the ball, concentrating (or trying to) hard…..guys you definitely have an admirer watching you from the corner of her eyes. Says Nitish Kukreja, a youngster regular at the billiards table in sector-10, "The best part about this game is that it isn't taxing. I am not much in favour of running around in the name of sports, so billiards does the trick for me." With a nominal fee of Rs 100 for an hour, you can enjoy the game of pool. What more you can end up sharpening your concentration! Something your folks back home would love to see in you.

Play on

You wouldn't want to get into the technicalities of it but this is what billiards can be defined or seen as- billiards table is a bounded table on which billiards-type games ( cue sports) are played. In the modern era, all billiards tables (whether for carom billiards pool or snooker) provide a flat surface usually made of quarried slate, that is covered with cloth and surrounded by vulcanized rubber cushions, with the whole elevated above the floor. As long as you are winning the game and playing, who is interested in the history. Says Daljit Singh, owner Get Sporty sector-37, "I have placed a pool table at the basement of my shop, and on any given day you would find more youngsters playing the game than whiling their time away at a mall. We hardly have any girls coming down to play billiards, which is not the case in metropolitan cities." Daljit charges Rs 50 for half an hour's game, and you win two consecutive games, you get an extra hour to play.

At home

If you like the feel of a green table laid under a soft spotlight in your own house, there are numerous options available in the market. Imported billiards table and indoor billiard tables will help you create your own billiard table. Vineeta Kapur from sector-2 shows her lounge room with a grand pool table right in the middle. "My son brought this from Mumbai, I was did not like this huge thing occupying space. But when I learnt how to play the game, it is a real addiction I must say. Most of our guests love to visit this room and try their skills on the pool table."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

When dreams find wings
Jasmine Singh

Khushboo Minocha recalls her fairytale date with Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor

Star struck: Khushboo with Ranbir Kapoor
Star struck: Khushboo with Ranbir Kapoor

If wishes were horses….Then probably it would take people as far they would want to travel. Khushboo Minocha, 23 from Yamunagar, Haryana had a chance to ride on her wishes, taking her all the way to Mumbai to meet the man of her dreams, actor Ranbir Kapoor!

The upcoming episode of UTV Stars Live My Life will feature her along with another fan from Mumbai living Ranbir Kapoor's life for one whole day. It was indeed a dream come true for this youngster who couldn't have asked for more. Khushboo needn't be questioned, she gets started from the minute you say Ranbir Kapoor. "He is amazing, cute, quite a charmer and of course caring, I fell in love with him when I first saw him on television," she blushes moving on to her experience of living a day with her favourite actor Ranbir Kapoor. But first, what makes her Ranbir's biggest fan. The impish smile on her face refuses to go. "I had to send my video, which were later screened by Ranbir and Neetu Singh, who selected me along with another girl to be selected as Ranbir's biggest fan," says Khushboo.

The girl is excited and dazed, she still day dreams of the chocolate boy who floored her completely. "I discovered interesting things about Ranbir. Not many people would know that he is a grounded actor, and also a good listener. He listened to everything I had to say very carefully. Also, Ranbir is very spontaneous, he does not think while talking. He just lets himself be like any other youngster," she smiles.

Khusbhoo has loads to share still. "We have so many things in common, both of us (confidence personified) love to read, we like coffee, we are possessive about our cars and we like speed," the girl refuses to stop blushing. "I can't stop thinking about Ranbir," we leave Khushboo day dreaming.

Find your field

How to create positive environment around, be it school, family, profession or business is what workshop in Directive Communication (DC) promises. Based on Colour brain theory, this workshop is aimed at knowing self better as well as people around to establish effective communication. "India is rich in human resource. We aim to make India a skill capital of the world," says Colonel Aalok Sood (Retd), executive head, DC Corporate Trainings India.

I Am Super Teen is program aimed at nurturing super teenager, The Shishya for grooming leaders for tomorrow, The Guru is aimed at teachers.

"DC workshops are magic wands that help recruiters pick up suitable candidates for different jobs," says Aalok. — Mona

How it works…

Based on different characteristics, people are divided in four categories and careers they are best suited for:

Red - linear processing, logical, structured - do well in strategic planning

Green - see big picture, chaotic processing - do well in fast paced work and large scale operations

Blue - Intuitive processing, multi tasking - do well as organisers

Purple - Do well in developing systems and policy implementation.

Chatter box
Navratri with the stars

Navratri is here and it’s the beginning of the fun-filled dandiya nights. Yes, we do pray to Goddess Durga, but the dandiya is something everyone looks forward to. We caught up with our television stars and asked them what they were doing this Navratri.

Caught up: Disha WakaniDisha Wakani

Since we are busy shooting seven days a week, we end up celebrating our festivals on the sets. We celebrated Ganeshotsav, Janmasthami on the sets and we will do the same during Navratri. It gives us a feeling that we’re celebrating it with our fans. I would like to thank my producer Asit Modi for allowing us to celebrate our festivals in style. On a personal note, I had thought of fasting, but my schedule does not permit me to do so.

caught up: Disha Wakani

Daljit BhanotDaljit Bhanot

The end of the year is auspicious, as most of the festivals fall at this time.

I am very excited about Navratri and buying my ghagra choli and dancing to dandiya beats with friends.

However, it also depends on my schedule.

I have had a temporary tattoo made as well.

Angad Hasija

After Ganeshotsav, we celebrate Navratri with a lot of enthusiasm. I plan on buying traditional clothes. The atmosphere is exciting with the garba music. I will attend a dandiya event with my wife and daughter. When it comes to shopping, guys have an  advantage, as they can dance even in a jeans and a casual t-shirt and there are no such dress code for the festival but I really like those traditional outfits in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Karan V Grover

I don’t really have any plans for celebrating Navratri as I don’t believe in it. Everything depends on time schedule and if Zee TV is having the function on garba and dandiya, I will definitely be the part of that event. I do not feel to follow any dress code for the festival.

Karan TackerKaran Tacker

I do not have any major plans but I love this festival. I avoid non-veg food and alcohol. I have been invited for the dandiya nights at two places: one is at Mithibai College and other is at NM College. I will be donning a traditional attire

Kinshuk Mahajan

My work has started so there are no plans for Navratri. For dandiya nights, I have two invitations to perform at Indore and Kandivli. I will not be following any dress code, but I wish my fans and costars a happy Navratri.

Neha Marda

I am participating in the upcoming reality show Star Ya Rockstar. It’s a singing reality show so u can say am playing dandiya with my vocal cords and as of now I am concentrating on my singing. — HRM


In sync: Neha Marda

Do’s and Don’ts of Anchoring

Think television anchors and first name that comes to your mind in Manish Paul. Having hosted popular shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Dance India Dance Little Masters, this Delhi Boy is one of most sought -after anchors of today. He shares his dos and don’ts of anchoring. — HRM

Do’s: Be Witty: This is the first requisite for an anchor. You have to be witty and funny to keep the audiences entertained and keep the laughs coming.

Be Alert: As an anchor, you always have to be on your toes. You should know what is happening on the stage or on the show and accordingly decide your lines. Spontaneity is the key.

Have a hook point: You should always have a target of cracking the jokes. It could be someone on the show or just a subject that is current and topical.

Don’ts: Mess with the judges:  For obvious reasons, it is never a wise idea to rub them the wrong way. It just reflects badly on you.

Stick to the script: One should have a script but you must also know how to add to the script at the spur of the moment. One should always improvise and be interactive with the audiences.

Insult anybody: It is good to have fun but you should know where to draw the line. Never have fun at anybody’s expense.

The year ahead 
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 3...

In the coming time, you will feel obliged to spend hard-earned cash for a gift for someone. This is a good time for some reasonable risk-taking with money. Your goal should be eventual security. Let your family voice opinions. The number three makes you orthodox in your views. You follow your religion sincerely. You do not change your ways of life as per social norms. You like to help others. But you shy away from asking for help.

You may appear proud, when you behave like that but, you are not. Your numerology makes you so great in nature. You consider it inferior to seek the help of others. Your self respect prevents you from doing that. Don’t waste your time off now when you can do so much! This year you will be subject to distractions, an unexpected hitch and forgetfulness when traveling, so be careful with your arrangements. Self-employed people could get recognition for their recent efforts, obtaining substantial financial rewards. You will win admiration if you say what you truly feel instead of what other people want to hear.  Calmer trends come quickly. A small disagreement may be with Scorpio, Sagittarius, Cancer or Capricorn.

You could hit a snag at work confounding you completely. You are advised to seek expert advice on how to handle the situation especially if it pertains to financial matters. There will be more physical discomfort during. There could be problems due to work-related stress and blood disorders. Father’s health remains good but health of spouse and mother will need extra care.

Mood: Finding approval frequently. Compatible signs: Cancer, Capricorn. Lucky colours: Sea green and Silver. Lucky days: Monday and Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 4, 11, 15, 21, 43. Lucky flower: Daisy. Lucky gem: Yellow Sapphire.

Jyoti Prakash Dutta (October 3, 1949, Mumbai) produces films under the banner of JP Films. He is known for directing many patriotic war films and films in the action genre. In 1998, he got ‘National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration’ from President of India for his super hit film Border In Indian Army, no celebration is complete, without playing the song Sandese ate hain from his film Border. Some of the films that he has written, produced and directed are Refugee, LOC Kargil.

Neil’s most desirable!

Simi Selects India’s Most Desirables will see Neil Nitin Mukesh in this week’s episode.  On being asked by Simi Garewal how he was named Neil he said, “When I was born, Lata ji came home and she saw me and she said ye to angrez ka bachha lagta hai ....ye toh angrez ka bachha dikhta hai, iska naam Neil hona chahiye…aur N-e-e-l nahi, N-e-i-l.”

Neil also speaks of his hidden singing talent and says that while he hasn’t sung that much in his films, he will be doing so soon. “You’ll see me in different avatars soon,” he assures.

Neil will also get candid about women and relationships. He says that his woman has to be simple, smart and stylish. “She needs to respect my family, as much as I do. She has to know that they are my priority and she must help me build a strong bond with them.”

Young at heart

Bollywood's evergreen veteran star Dev Anand is back with Chargesheet. The actor-cum-filmmaker is happy that his film Chargesheet is releasing. We spotted the actor at a recent event and asked him about his film and more…

Whodunit?

Chargsheet is a murder mystery. I want people to keep guessing till the very end. I am playing the central character like I have always played in my films. My character is that of a CBI officer who will be shown cracking an underworld nexus in his unique, rocking style. And there is suspense in my role which you will know once you watch it.

Movie magic

People may think that I am 88 years old but I am still young at heart and I love cinema; that's something I have done all my life and will do till my last breath. There is so much fun in it. I enjoy facing the camera and saying "Action!" Being on the sets gives me energy. I can't sit at home. I love watching movies and I am glad that these days good films are coming up.

Never say never

Retirement? I started my career in 1946 in Bollywood. My first film was Hum Ek Hain and I will work till my last breath. I don't want to retire; retirement will be all together from life, work and everything.

Shifting trends

Recently I have seen many films and I really like Aamir Khan's movies. He is doing great work and spreading good social messages which I always wanted to do. These days, the youth have changed and their idea of thinking and making a film has changed.

Missing out on romance

Bollywood is famous for romance and songs and I think it should continue. While copying Hollywood we should not miss these two factors. I can see that romance is missing these days from films. A love story has always inspired Indian audiences and every film should have a different love story.

Hare Rama revisited

I am planning to make my all time favourite film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. But it will not be a remake.

It's called Hare Rama Hare Krishna Aaj. I am working on a fresh script for Hare Rama Hare Krishna Aaj. I am making this film on audience's demand. It is not the remake of my Hare Rama Hare Krishna. It's rather an extension of the film. Every scene and action will be different in the movie from the first. I don't believe in remakes and the film will see my character of Prashant in a completely new avatar. Every scene would be new and will be according to the present context.

Helping hand


FRIEND IN NEED: Kunal Kapoor

India's star footballer Baichung Bhutia who was caught in the devastating earthquake in Sikkim last week which has resulted in the loss of over hundred lives, left thousands of people homeless and left parts of Sikkim completely paralysed and cut off.

Baichung had asked people all over the country to come forward to help his home state and has also announced plans for a charity match to raise funds. And when actor Kunal heard about it, he came forward to lend a helping hand. The actor has joined hands with footballer Baichung Bhutia to help raise funds, through a relief fund started by Baichung Bhutia.

When asked Kunal about it he says, "It's sad that people in Sikkim have seen such natural disaster and so many kids also got injured. Those who are dead, are dead but who are still alive will face so many problems they have to rebuild their homes and on the other hand it's getting so expensive so it's our responsibility to help them. And I would request others also to come forward and help them."

Talking about natural disasters, "Nature has shown us what it can do, so now we should take our step forward to save nature and make less use which is against nature like I would request everyone to stop using plastic bags and cutting trees. And recycle whatever they can," says Kunal. Baichung Bhutia was quoted as saying, "Sikkim is going through a tough phase. But we are resilient people and there are people that are going out of their way to help us. Hopefully with all the support we'll tide through these difficult times." — HRM

Die-Hard romantic


STRONG SENTIMENTS: John Abraham

Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham hopes that his upcoming film Force helps him get recognition as an action hero but at the same time he is not ready to give up his romantic image on screen.

"Action does not mean that we leave the romantic image. Force has a lot of action backed by very strong emotions. I think it's a beautiful romantic-action film. I don't want to remove the tag of a romantic hero and I think it is always going to be with me," John said.

Directed by Nishikant Kamat, Force is a remake of Gautham Menon's 2003 Tamil film Kaakha Kaakha and John will be seen romancing Genelia D'Souza in it.

John, 38, is confident that Force will remind audiences of the 1990s actioners like Ghatak and Ghayal.

"We just feel that this film has raw, real action... last time you saw real action was probably when Sunny Deol used to do Ghatak, Arjun Pandit and Dacait. I think the masses like hard-hitting action... that when you punch someone, he is completely injured," he added.

Ajay Devgn's Singham was an out and out action drama and raked in moolah at the box office and John is all praise for the actor.

"I am very happy that Ajay Devgn's movie Singham has worked well because Ajay truly deserves it. If you have seen the movie Aakrosh, I think Ajay Devgn's action is superlative. He is a brilliant action hero," he said. — IANS

Saving grace


TOGETHER? : Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore

Hollywood couple Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore have been spotted together for the first time since rumours of their split spread.

The duo was pictured spending time, attending services for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, at the Kabbalah Centre in Los Angeles. The couple arrived at the centre separately, but were seen leaving together. The two were wearing their wedding rings.

"Demi and Ashton were really dressed up for today's service. Moore clearly did not want to be photographed. Ashton really looked worried. He wasn't really in a good mood and his aim was definitely to get into the centre and get out without being seen," a photographer present at the event said.

Rumour's that the couple are heading to splitsville surfaced after Kutcher was accused of cheating Moore with a young blonde on the day of their sixth wedding anniversary.

Moore's reflective tweets added fire to the speculation that not everything was fine in the marriage. Earlier, a source had said that the couple have been living apart for around two months but are still trying to save their marriage. "Demi and Ashton had been receiving counselling from Kabbalah over the summer to try to fix their marriage," the source added. — PTI

Prateik takes a vow

Watch out: Prateik Babbar
Watch out: Prateik Babbar

Bollywood actors have their ways of making sure that their films set cash registers ringing at the box office. While some go to temples or shrines, others keep vows as in the case of Prateik, who has promised celibacy, before the release of his My Friend Pinto.

The 24-year-old actor has decided to practice celibacy for 14 days before his film releases Oct 14.

"This is my first solo film and people do so many things before the release of their films. Some visit religious places to seek blessings, some take a vow of giving up certain things. I have decided to go celibate. I'm just 24, it's my test and I will pass," Prateik said.

My Friend Pinto, directed by Raghav Dar has been produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and also stars Kalki Koechlin in a pivotal role.

—IANS

Watch out: Prateik Babbar

Tell-all book


Rocker writer: Courtney Love

Rocker Courtney Love is writing a tell-all book about her life, including her marriage to Kurt Cobain, drug issues and Hollywood career. The book will be a collaboration with writer Anthony Bozza who has written with INXS, Tommy Lee and Slash.

The singer was rumoured to have taken heroin when she was pregnant, but has maintained that she gave up on drugs in 1996. She also admitted earlier this year that she had relapsed in 2005 and tried to kill herself with a heroin overdose.

"I promised I would never shoot heroin again, and I haven't except for one incident in July 2005, where I shot myself up on purpose to kill myself," she said.

Courtney has previously written a book Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love in 2006, which consisted of personal photos, journal entries, song lyrics, letters, poems, and drawings.

The autobiography is expected to be available by 2012 autumn.

— IANS

Rocker writer: Courtney Love

Rahman records for Rockstar


LEAD GUITARIST: Orianthi

AR Rahman and Imtiaz Ali have put in their heart and soul to create some memorable music for their upcoming film Rockstar.

The music director has roped in Orianthi Panagaris, Michael Jackson's lead guitarist for a song titled Saadda Haq in the film's soundtrack. While working on Saadda Haq, the team (Rahman, Imtiaz, Irshad and Mohit Chauhan) agreed that they needed a fantastic lead guitarist to justify the tempo and the lyrics of the song. A source from the team says, "While Rahman and Imtiaz had shortlisted several Indian and international musicians, they had Orianthi on the top of their list; given her incredible body of work and her huge international success."

Rahman checked with his agent in LA and even met up with Orianthi during one of his work visits there. He made her listen to the rough track and she absolutely loved it. Rahman contacted Imtiaz and soon the Director was online, video chatting with Rahman and Orianthi from Mumbai. Rahman recorded Orianthi playing the guitar for Saadda Haq in his LA studio. The process took six long hours, while Imtiaz witnessed the entire session through Skype!

Family first


WORK CAN WAIT: Brad Pit

Hollywood actor Brad Pitt has said that he has no intentions of directing a film as for now as it would take up too much of his time and drive his family crazy. The 47-year-old actor who is raising six kids with wife Angelina Jolie said that he has no "aspirations" to direct a film as it would keep him away from his family.

"I have no aspirations for directing. It would drive me crazy and my family crazy, I'd never see them. It would take me three years to do it. I like what I do now.

"I love cinema and I'm still watching films I was watching 20 years ago. Making films that stand, that's the goal," he says.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You card reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them to a generous gift. Fortune can smile on you from the least expected sources. Money will be very important to you today. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtain a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 38.

TAURUS: An unexpected bonus could appear in your paycheck as a raise may be in the offing. Dress for success to make a great impression on employers. Stay abreast of the latest fashions. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 29.

GEMINI: Fresh strategies are likely in order but initially they may be somewhat hit-and-miss. Household task can be done in record time. Speculation would be unwise. No problem should arise in romance. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60.

CANCER: You will be popular with both the sexes today. Boring routine jobs can be made bearable through teamwork. A level of stress may be building, especially if you face unpaid bills. You may be feeling vulnerable to the criticism of friends. Tarot message: Focus on better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59.

LEO: Many of you will scurry to be on time, frantically trying to complete all the tasks on full to-do lists before the day is out. Secrecy of plans will help you at place of work. Property deals favour. Tarot message: Wait & watch. Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream.

Magic number: 54.

VIRGO: Caring conversations and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Health problem can be successfully handled. This is a good day for property deals. Cool down with water sports such as swimming boating fishing or surfing. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 39.

LIBRA: A burst of domestic enthusiasm can sweep into cleaning and decorating your home. Senior beuracrats should focus on secret documents. . Feeling fit and healthy can only add to your confidence. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding & humility. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63.

SCORPIO: You are in an ideal job, showing the world just how capable you are. Health problems or chronic conditions show obvious signs of improvement. Your spouse is likely to be erratic. Tarot message: There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 27

SAGITTARIUS: If you are not okay about a relationship, finance or career issues, take positive action rather than worrying about it. The employed will have to work overtime. Keep a low profile. Hold your temper. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Camelish. Magic number: 40.

CAPRICORN: You win over an enemy. Financially the first half of the day is expensive. Writers will find their work in print. Keep cool and maintain a low profile. Health problem are not a worry.

Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Mauve.

Magic number: 49.

AQUARIUS: Those who are spiritually inclined or who want to stay calm are likely in search of solitude. Love life is passing through a rough phase. A feel good humour will weave into your affairs. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action.

Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Magic number: 42.

PISCES: Be wary of a situation where it would be easy to make a mistake in haste. You will inevitably repent later. Distant affairs will become more favourable as the day progress.

Tarot message: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you.

Lucky colour: Bottle Green.

Magic number: 25.





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