Head over heels!
Jacqueline Fernandez, in Mohali for an inauguration, shares how Murder 2 has propelled her career
Ashima Sehajpal

Jacqueline Fernandez
standing tall: Jacqueline Fernandez

What temporarily seemed more important than the interview was ascertaining the height of her heels. Were they four inches or five or more? How could she wear them? We crossed our fingers and hoped she did not trip in what looked like 'sharpened pencil heels'!

Jacqueline Fernandez towered over almost everyone, grabbed all the attention and proved with her stunning appearance why Mahesh Bhatt found her hotter than other actors he has worked with; to name a few — Mallika Sherawat and Bipasha Basu.

Jacqueline gushes at the compliment with the diplomacy that all Bollywood actors have mastered, "I am happy he said that. He has been a great source of inspiration. As for comparisons being drawn, we all can symbiotically exist in the industry," says the actor, who was in Mohali to inaugurate the Meena Bazaar.

Her career has taken a turn for good after the success of Murder 2, which she thinks is instrumental in bringing her into the spotlight.

The journey did not begin on an easy note for Jacqueline. "Murder was a huge hit; the chemistry between the actors was magical. I knew that the challenge before me was to match up to the expectations. I worked hard, gave my best and the result was in my favour."

The results were even better — she landed with sequels of a few more box-office hits — Raaz 3, Krish 2 and Houseful 2!

The last among them might be more than a mere project, as there are rumours that she is going around with the director Sajid Khan. She answers, "No personal questions and no wedding bells as of now." She is doing pretty well in the course of diplomacy!

Murder was a huge hit; the chemistry between the actors was magical. I knew that the challenge before me was to match up to the expectations. I worked hard, gave my best and the result was in my favour — Jacqueline Fernandez

With majority sequels of hit films in her kitty, she finds it to be better than playing solo lead in the films.

"That takes the pressure off me. We will be 16 actors in the next Houseful venture and for me it's a cakewalk to act in the movie."

There are four female actors in the film — any chance of catfights? "We all got along really well. We tried to make the most of the time and had a great experience shooting for the film together."

Jacqueline has also been able to work with the best of the production houses in Bollywood, something that every actor craves for. "Working with reputed production houses like Sajid Nadiadwala or Vishesh Films makes a lot of difference. It instilled a lot of confidence in me, which helped me perform better on the sets."

Looked upon a style icon, she doesn't compromise on comfort factor. So, when it comes to picking stuff from Meena Bazaar, she plans to pick, "A few gowns and Anarkali suits. In North India, you get the best combination of bling and style." We aren't sure about the style part, but bling — plenty is an understatement!

ashima@tribunemail.com

The fading Dussehra spirit
Ashima Sehajpal

This needs some introspection. For a nation known for its festivals, this isn't what should be readily taken in the stride. How many people you now plan out the Dussehra evening to celebrate the festival? How many reserve the holiday only to see the effigies burn? How many people in the city are planning to celebrate Dussehra? Sadly, very few!

Anyways, a few prominent faces of Chandigarh recall their Dussehra memories and tell us why the festival is only for the masses.

Missing the celebration

I belong to Palampur, where Dushera is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. People from all strata of society enjoy being a part of the celebrations even now. I then shifted to Chandigarh for studies and realised that very few people go out with their families to enjoy the ceremony. But it was after shifting to Mumbai that I saw a major cultural shift, where work is more important than any festival. I haven't celebrated the festival from the last eight years but I know whenever I will go back home, I will once again visit the fair.

— Vishal Karwal, TV actor

Message is significant

Last time I celebrated Dussehra with my children five years ago. Since they have grown up, they don't find it exciting enough to go the Ramlila Maidan and watch the proceedings. But it was fun to wriggle out through a jam-packed ground. Those twenty seconds of Raavan burning, we used to remember for the entire year. The scene has changed because it's not feasible to make room for yourself in such a crowd. I have always believed that the message of the festival is more important than the celebrations.

— Vivek Atray, bureaucrat

No more on priority

I celebrated it 12 years back with my son and daughter. I miss those times when at the behest of my children, we had to visit the nearest ground where effigies were burnt. It used to be a great recreational activity. We have now become so much dependent on technology that instead of watching the action happening as it is, we prefer to catch the same on the television! I also feel that in Chandigarh people are class-conscious; instead of going to Dussehra celebrations, they would rather celebrate the day by having a five-course meal in a restaurant! But if you look at Down South, Dussehra is as important a festival as Diwali.

— Sangeet Sharma, architect and author

Security an issue

I have fond memories of my father taking me to Dusshera celebrations in Amritsar every year till the time I finished my schooling. Things got different after my father passed away and then I shifted to Mumbai to make my career in Bollywood. Here, people don't have time to celebrate. Also, I guess people are scared of gathering in large numbers for a festival after a series of bomb blasts in the city. If the authorities make proper security arrangements, then I am sure people would love to celebrate Dusshera the way it should be.

— Sudeepa Singh, actor

ashima@tribunemail.com

Raavan lives on!
Have we actually burnt Raavan? Or, are there hundreds or thousands of modern-day incarnations, who are spread across the fabric of our society?
Manpriya Khurana

To begin with, there are so many social ills and so many evil souls! Do we have dearth of modern day reincarnations of Raavan? Let's get started…there's poverty, corruption, terrorism…then there's the neighbourhood corrupt councillor, that forever tax evading businessman; the local student leader with low moral values. And above all, the ever-smiling Indian who'll still takes it all in his stride! Some of the youngsters from Chandigarh list who do they think deserves the 'crown' of Raavan, with a sachet for acknowledgement in tow!

Hope someone out there calls a spade a spade. "We certainly need to get rid of the dynasty politics," with this Sabita, MSc student, Fashion Technology, alludes to the obvious. She adds, "But I think more than anyone, it's the common man out there on the roads who just doesn't react to things. I mean we've all grown so used to everything. Be it terrorism, blasts, corruption or injustice." For a change life moves on; philosophy is nothing to be proud of. Is there a name coming? Some spill the beans, while some spell the names! "Without taking individual names, all the people, these politicians, who did not cooperate with Anna Hazare in his crusade against corruption, including the ones who commented negatively on his fasting, are the current breed of Raavans," opines Kriti Giribhar, stem cell engineering student, Panjab University.

No mincing words and no matter on what side of the Parliament they sit, there are really many more than nine heads to battle. Laughs Gurkirat Singh, hotel management student, "All the politicians who have or are rumoured to be having black money stashed in the Swiss accounts make up for the Raavan we destroyed long ago. It's not just what they are doing with the black money, but the means through which they got it that qualifies them for this nomenclature." Oops, do we already know who all he's talking about?

At the end of it all, the onus falls on the Indian out there on the roads. A case, perhaps, of too much of resilience turning back. Opines Paari Mittal, from University Institute of Legal Studies, "Every person who succumbs to the greed, gives in to the system of corruption; who bends in front of politicians deserves to be called the modern-day Raavan." Agrees Kriti, "How many of us actually follow the rules? Don't we always take the easy way out, would rather bribe and get away with things? The common man is the Raavan." The young and the restless wish everyone would rather correct things and then move on. No diplomacy, no mincing words!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

star track
Shocking elements
Aditi Rao Hydari and Arunoday Singh were the surprise package in Yeh Saali Zindagi, Shweta Narayan was the surprise element in Saheb, Biwi, aur Gansgter, and Tara D'souza was the fourth lead in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. We take a look at actors and characters in upcoming movies that have been kept under wraps

No promotions please

Nargis Fakhri
Kashmiri beauty: Nargis Fakhri

The exotic model plays Heer in Rockstar, a fun-loving and gorgeous Kashmiri belle whom Jordan falls for. She is seen wearing beautiful Kashmiri kurtis and jackets in the promos of the film. Imtiaz Ali's casting is always perfect so she must be a good actress and apt for the role. She will be kept out of the promotions and will be allowed to interact with the media only after the film releases.

Evil hunk
Aditi Rao Hydari
Journo look: Aditi Rao Hydari

The villain of the superhero film has been kept under wraps, especially his look. We know that Arjun shaved his shiny locks for the movie and he trained hard to achieve a particular physique. SRK will introduce us to Ra.One only when the film releases. We are sure the villain will be mind-blowing. As of now, we only know that he is supremely evil.

Launching linkups

Priyanka Chopra's cousin makes her debut in Maneesh Sharma's Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. Of the three newcomers (Aditi Sharma, Parineeti, and Dipannita Sharma), Parineeti is the most talked about, also because she was allegedly linked with Ranveer Singh. She looks pretty and plays a simple girl from Delhi in the movie. — HRMShahana Goswami

Sci-fi secret

Talented actress Shahana Goswami is going places! She plays a scientist-cum-software engineer in Ra.One. Apparently, she works with Shah Rukh's character. That is all we know as she has not been the focus of the promotions and even her look in the movie has not been revealed.
Hi-tech: Shahana Goswami

Rumoured role

Aditi Rao Hydari is rumoured to be the third lead as Rockstar is the modern Devdas. She plays a journalist in the film who becomes Jordan's shoulder to cry on. Her look has not been revealed at all. Only Ranbir Kapoor is going to promote the film so we will not know till we see the film.

New kid on the block

Auritra Ghosh
happy feet: Auritra Ghosh

Auritra Ghosh is a dancer from Delhi and she makes her debut in this week's release, Love Breakups Zindagi. She is a trained kathak dancer and has performed at shows in India and abroad. Her family was initially unhappy with her creative pursuits but have finally come around. Two years ago, she shifted base to Mumbai from Delhi and Bollywood just happened to her. Auritra received a call from Sahil Sangha, the director of Love Breakups Zindagi and she was signed on for the movie.

She is no stranger to being in front of the camera and has no stage fright because she has performed in front of huge audiences. In LBZ, she is paired with Satyadeep Mishra. All the characters in the film know each other. Her character is having a dream wedding with the love-of-her-life. So will this wedding inspire their friends to believe in love? She grew up in Noida and luckily for her, most of LBZ was shot in Delhi so she was more than happy to go back. She visits Delhi every now and them to be with family and friends. She will also do a play with Lilette Dubey in Delhi. Her next film is an Indo-English venture called SWEN which will be shot in different corners of India. LBZ is a multi-starrer romantic comedy which hits cinemas worldwide on October 7. — HRM

chatter box
Teetotaler!

Hina Khan Hina Khan aka Akshara is love-struck! Her love for tea was revealed on the sets of her latest ad campaign shoot where she challenged the entire cast and crew for an impromptu tea drinking contest. Those on the set were shocked to see her consume many cups of tea one after the other. Her co-stars, who were also present at the shoot, admitted to have known about her being an avid tea drinker for a while and had predicted the results beforehand. Her on-screen mother-in law, Sonali Verma, who is also a part of the ad campaign, said she wasn’t surprised when she saw Hina beat everyone. While Hina was over the moon to have defeated everyone on the sets of the ad shoot, others on the set rued the fact that Akshara beat them in a tea drinking contest of all, and labeled her a tea lover.         tea break: Hina Khan

The return of the dead

In Colors’ show Parichay, Anand’s death was a huge twist and in the upcoming episodes we will see Kunal (Samir Soni) marry Anand’s (Saurabh Jain) fiancé Siddhi (Keerti Nagpure). No doubt the twist shown in promos will be shocking but knowing producer Ekta Kapoor’s penchant of bringing back dead characters, you can be sure of shocking drama ahead. Rumours are Anand might return in a new avatar as a lookalike of Kunal’s brother.
Family matters: A still from Parichay

Spice boy

Manav Gohil Absent from the television screens since a while, Manav Gohil is busy pursuing his other interests – theatre and travelling. But now he has turned producer with a cookery show in the US. He is looking for a broadcast partner and is maha excited about his new project. Though in the early stages, he plans to bring it to India as well. He claims the show will be different form the current cookery shows Top Chef and Master Chef formats. New Chef: Manav Gohil

Tantrum king

Anuj Thakur Sources say lead of Imagine’s Beend Banoongaa Ghodi Chadhunga, Anuj Thakur who plays Jai will be replaced. His tantrums and attitude apparently were too much for the production house so he has been thrown out of the show. The channel is looking for a new Jai but ask Anuj and he says these stories are just rumours.

Trouble maker: Anuj Thakur

Theory of replacement

Hot buzz from tellytown is that as Sushant Singh Rajput aka Manav is going to quit Zee TVs super-hit show Pavitra Rishta by this weekend, producer Ekta Kapoor is lining up actors to replace him. The first in line is Mrunal Jain, who did Imagine’s Bandini with Ekta earlier and a flop show Looteri Dulhan again on Imagine. The plan is to bring in the new actor post the 18-year leap in the show but with Sushant’s last date nearing, Ekta has no option. Mrunal, we hear hasn’t agreed to be on board yet. Scared?

Dramatic turn

Loads of drama is coming up in Sony’s Saas Bina Sasural. Brothers Tej (Ravi Dubey) and Pashu (Rajendra Chawla) aren’t getting along in their business and the anger has spilled over at home with Pashu getting furious with comparisons between his wife Malti and Tej’s wife Toasty. The family will end up in two halves when Tej will favour his brother Ved (Rishi Khurana) against Malti. This track will be developed in this entire week. Meanwhile, we hear Rishi isn’t happy with his career graph and is planning to quit.

Fair enough!

Arjun Bijlani
Man of the hour: Arjun Bijlani

Why do they say, Men are from Mars and women are from Venus? Obviously, women are more sensitive as opposed to the rugged men. The clashing qualities and characters don’t stop the opposite sexes from getting attracted to each other. We quiz macho man Arjun Bijlani of Miley Jab Hum Tum fame about his take on the opposite sex.

Women are different from men..

Men are physically stronger than women. They are more capable of doing the physical work efficiently than women. They are less emotional and more practical. Women are emotional and less practical. Men do not really owe an explanation for the things they do as they are more practical.

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus...

Like I said, men and women have different qualities. Probably, men are compared with Mars because of their physical qualities whereas women with Venus for their beauty. Of course, it differs from person to person. But generally, men are more conscious about their physical abilities and strength as women are about their beauty.

Irritating qualities

They nag a lot which they shouldn’t. It’s almost like having a mother. Also, they bitch. Another thing that really irritates me is they can just go on discussing their clothes, makeup, shoes and stuff. They just love discussing it to an extent that they can even forget their brother and boyfriends. They never get tired of discussing it. They have this urge for shopping and they never get tired of it.

Endearing qualities 

You can book me on this but the best thing about them is they are more loyal than guys. Generally, guys will cheat on their girlfriends but girls rarely cheat on their boyfriends. I also like the fact that they are often emotional and sensible.

Right or wrong woman

Like they say- you can’t do with them or without them. Women are important as they have an emotional side which keeps the family connected. They are ghar ki laxmi. If you have the right woman in your life, she can make your life. And a wrong one can destroy it too. So, I think it’s very important to have the right one.

Qualities in a girlfriend

Well, I would want her to have more faith and not call me every one hour to ask where am I and who I am with. It’s annoying. Also, I would want her to not to fight about small stuff which inevitably happens in every relationship.

Advice

Give breathing space to your boyfriends and don’t nag. — HRM

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Trust your feelings and look for the silver lining and hidden values. Do everything possible on your own before calling for assistance. Secret sexual liaisons can temporarily. Tarot message: You are facing adversity and challenge and still holding your ground. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 46  

TAURUS: Romance may blossom at your place of employment. Steer clear of trouble and do not react to provocation. Dealing with in-laws will not be much fun. Tarot message: You will need to learn how to cope better with success; its demand and its limitations.
Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 63.

GEMINI: An ever better day than yesterday. A problem with an older relative will be sorted out. Romance wakes up and startles you into an understanding of your own emotional fabric. Relax today. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 32.

CANCER: The early part of the day is likely to be important. Leave stress, worries and cares behind and enjoy yourself. A good round of physical exercise will help you to iron out any pent-up frustrations. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic Grey. Magic number: 27.

LEO: A bout of home sickness may creep in, but do not let it spoil the day. Be positive in your approach. Expert a few calls or e-mails from a far. Tarot message: You will need to learn how to cope better with success; its demand and its limitations. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 61.

VIRGO: Evening hours are not be wasted on long journeys. This is a perfect time for family get together. You are sure to learn plenty from such occasions. Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks. You concentrate on projects only with reliable outcome.
Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 54.

LIBRA: Ten of Pentacles reveals that fortune can be made or lost in a fleeting moment so keep your wits about you. Keep your expenses down. Do not gamble or speculate today. Romance may be emotionally upsetting for you. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 65.

SCORPIO: The temptation to keep spending money has not abated. Do not go for large purchases. Know your worth. Do not be impulsive. Encouraging news will lift your spirits. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussion, meditation and understanding. Lucky colour: Forest green.
Magic number: 56.

SAGITTARIUS: Keep receipts of transactions and read the fine print. Be sure that you do not transgress your budget. You should be in a good form. Be gentle with subordinates. Routine travel is advisable and should be reasonably smooth. Tarot message: Beware of judging people too harshly. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 45.

CAPRICORN: Creative work must not be allowed to put you to additional expenses. Postpone signing important documents. Tonight rest and pamper yourself. Tarot message: Make a deciding choice and then live with the outcome of your decision.
Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 29.

AQUARIUS: Family relationship can be restored to harmony. Influential people will be actively helpful in your affairs. Sportsmen should focus on exercise. Your pet will be a source of happiness. Tarot message: Don’t be judgmental with people who have made up their mind. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30.

PISCES: Contacts and networks should be a rich source of opportunity for financial ventures and educational growth. Romance could be upsetting. Expect a guest in the evening. Tarot message: Don’t be judgmental with people who have made up their mind.
Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 52.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 6...

The number six is loving, stable, and harmonious vibration. Ruled by Venus, you will be compassionate, stable, family-loving, trustworthy and domesticated. If expressed negatively, superficial, jealous, possessive and unwilling to change. As lovers, number six people have a deep dislike for discord and will generally work hard at keeping the peace. A misunderstanding with a loved one could make you remorseful. Apologise with a sincere note or bouquet of flowers. It’s important to make amends before bad feelings start to build. You could have luck with negotiations, so don’t be shy when it comes to talking and bargaining. You are able to speak well now. This is a fine time for do-it-yourself projects, especially around your home or property. Do you want to get ready for the winter? Projects that bring your loved ones together should succeed. A diversion from the routine is favoured by the stars, so relish it instead of thinking about how you’re getting behind elsewhere. You want to be logical, but there’s an emotional component to work that can’t be denied. Try listening at this juncture instead and carefully plan. Expect a great deal of personal satisfaction, success and reward. Your enthusiasm and determination will be the key. As an employee, you won’t want to listen to a superior’s directives as you’re convinced you don’t need them. Eventually, you’ll give in. Students may get admissions to universities abroad. Mood: Optimistic and hardworking. Compatible signs: Gemini, Pisces. Lucky colours: Pale blue and Mauve. Lucky days: Wednesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 4, 12, 14, 20, 36. Lucky flower: Marigold. Lucky gem: Emerald.

Mona Singh (October 6, 1980) who shares the cake with you today played the central role in serial Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi. In 2006, she was the winner of the show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on Sony Entertainment Television. She appeared in a supporting role in Three Idiots directed by Rajkumar Hirani. As anchor and artiste, Mona will continue to charm the viewers on the small and the big screen due to her strong position of Saturn in the horoscope.





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