Singh is still the King
Puneet Issar, who is unhappy about the way the Sikhs have been portrayed in Bollywood films, wants to enhance their image with his latest offering I am Singh
Jasmine Singh

For those who have been watching Bigg Boss Season 5 know it can't get more melodramatic and rigged than this. Even for Kaun Banega Crorepati, we heard similar rumours. “We are showing reality,” the telly industry screams aloud!

If you want 'honest' reality, then turn to the opposite side, maybe a lane away from the Bigg Boss house, where a man hurries with the last minute arrangements for the music launch of his much talked about and awaited movie, I Am Singh.

Puneet Issar, the actor who still carries the weight of an epic Mahabharata is calm, which reflects in every word he chooses for the conversation.

He is polite yet firm when it comes to the project he has been nurturing for almost three years now—I Am Singh. The movie awaits a world-wide release, and the actor director is all set to talk about the subject that will redefine what equality means.

I Am Singh

For Puneet I Am Singh has various connotations. “As for the subject,” shares Puneet, “it is based on the mistaken identity, which the Sikhs faced after the 9/11 incident. The movie is not complete fiction. It is inspired by true incidents interpreted in the right manner.”

It surely isn't a documentary and Puneet doesn't want it to be looked as one. “I am in the entertainment business. My directorial debut Garv with Salman Khan was a commercial success. I Am Singh is inspired by true incidents. Almost 30 per cent of the movie is in Hindi and the rest 70 per cent is in English. “I want the audiences to look at the movie which depicts the valour of Sikhs.”

Behind the desk

For a sensitive topic like I am Singh, Puneet left no stone unturned when it came to research. “I knew I was dealing with a sensitive issue, which meant I couldn't go wrong with facts. I did an extensive research for almost two and a half years, checking every detail,” says Puneet who is living, breathing I Am Singh everyday.

And the hero is

“My subject is the hero of the film. There was a conscious effort on my part not to take a well-known actor because I did not want them to take away the attention from the sensitive subject. So, I auditioned for various characters, and got people who could act according to the subject.

Market talk

Puneet plans a world-wide release for I Am Singh. He would be showcasing a 100 minute shorter version in English for the NRI audiences. “These are the people who had to bear the brunt of 9/11. Besides, I wasn't happy with the portrayal of the Sikhs in Bollywood. I wanted to show a different, rather the brave side of the community.” Puneet plans lot of promotional activities and a premier of the movie in Chandigarh soon.

jasmine@tribunemail.com 

Tom of all trades
Seasoned actor Tom Alter, in Chandigarh to play Bhadur Shah Zafar in Vivek High's production Babur Ki Aulad, has no qualms about working with amateur actors 
Vasudha Gupta

It is not always that a school adorns a theatrical look. In between the blues and the grays at Vivek High School, the burst of colours comes from the students dressed in elaborate costumes and intricate head dresses. The stage has just wrapped up the dress rehearsal for the play—Babur Ki Aulad. In between the shocking blues, greens and reds, is Tom Alter. Dressed in a white loose-fitting kutra and a checked dhoti, his conversation betrays nothing about his American origin.

From being a journalist to acting in films, this man of few words has tested all waters and considers it a blessing. “I just do what I love doing and have been fortunate to have acquired all skills genetically,” he says.

Making himself comfortable on the charpoy, he talks about the students. “It is unbelievable how talented these children are,” he says. The conversation takes a different turn as he starts describing the problem of lighting. “Only if I can have some light to ensure that I can see better,” he explains to the troupe of the play.

So, what drove a man of many facets to be the sole adult character in a children's play? “Oh, I didn't choose anything, the play chose me,” he smiles. It was nothing but 'his impeccable Urdu' that got Tom to come in contact with M Sayeed Alam of Pierrots Troupe and the director of the play. “It was after Sayeed approached several people, he came in contact with me and I readily took up the challenge,” he adds.

Not new to Chandigarh, this is Tom's fourth performance in the city. “It is always theatre which brings me to Chandigarh,” his smile catches his eyes. After working with big names in the film industry and theatre, the actor does see some varied differences in working with students and professionals. “Strangely, these students understand what they are doing. The joy of working with them lies in the fact that they are still discovering and are away from the cynicism of the mature actors,” he says.

What about his brush with the fashion industry? “I was just extending a favour to a friend,” he laughs as he talks about walking the ramp for Delhi-based designer Samant Chauhan at the Wills Lifestyle India Week.

Coming back to the play, the actor has spent a lot of time rehearsing with the students and instilled a sense of comfort among the young actors. “Look at the boy playing Aurganzeb. What is his name,” he asks the members of his troupe. “Parv Khurana,” comes the reply. “Yes, he has some phenomenal talent. Kamaal kar diya usne,” he says.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Celebrating India

The play, Babur Ki Aulad, being staged as a part of the Founders Day celebrations of Vivek High School has been written by Salman Khushrid. Translated in Urdu and Hindi by Athar Farouqi, the play talks about the large heartedness of India to adopt and adapt. “It is the ability of India to assimilate,” says Sayeed Alam, director of the play. Calling it a refreshing change, Tom Alter was a preferred decision for the character of Bhadur Shar Zafar due to Alter's hold on the art of characterisation. “He makes you forget he is white-skinned,” the director smiles.

Sotheby’s surges ahead

Sotheby's sold an impressive $200 million in Impressionist and modern art recently, led by a $40 million Klimt landscape at a sale that broke records and helped reassure an unsettled art market.

A day after a dismal auction at rival Christie's saw virtually every top lot go unsold, falling far short of its lowest expectations, Sotheby's found buyers for just over 80 per cent of the 70 works on offer and often beat estimates.

The top lot, Klimt's “Litzlberg am Attersee” which was stolen by the Nazis and only recently restored to its rightful heirs, soared to $40.4 million including commission, exceeding its expected price of $25 million to $35 million.

“The market ... really roared back today,” said David Norman, Sotheby's head of Impressionist and modern art, after the sale, which came in at the middle of the $165 million to $230 million estimated range.

“There's just tremendous strength,” he added, “coming from all over the world.”

Auctioneer Tobias Meyer concurred, saying that from his perspective “you could really see the market rallying.”

“If ever there was a turnaround, I think it happened tonight,” Meyer said.

Officials said the result was heartening, given the volatility gripping financial markets in Europe and worldwide.

And relief was palpable in the salesroom, as evidenced by the sustained applause that followed the final lot's hammer.

New records were set for Gustav Callebotte, whose Le Pont d'Argenteuil et la Seine fetched $18 million, far above the $12 million high estimate, and Tamara de Lempicka when Le reve (Rafaela sur fond vert) sold for just under $8.5 million.

Picasso's L'Aubade was another highlight, selling for just over $23 million. Officials pointed to that work and the Callebotte as evidence of the life still coursing through the market.

The Callebotte sold for just over $8 million just three years ago at auction, while the Picasso work was purchased in 1979 for just under $100,000.

The poor showing at Christie's, they said, was likely the result of aggressive estimates and reserves — the undisclosed minimum price a seller is willing to accept. Norman said Sotheby's had lost a number of consignments this season because it wanted to keep estimates conservative.In the current climate, bidders “won't tolerate estimates that are too high,” he said. One of the sale's expected highlights, an iconic Matissebronze, was withdrawn when Sotheby's completed a private sale. — Reuters

There's a way out

People stuck with a rule are more likely to tolerate it than people who think the rule isn't definite. And this could explain many things, from unrequited love to the uprisings in the Arab world.

When people were living under dictatorships in the Arab world with power that appeared to be absolute, they may have been comfortable with it, said Kristin Laurin of the University of Waterloo who led the study, the journal Psychological Science reports. 

But once Tunisia's president fled, citizens of neighbouring countries realised that their governments weren't as absolute as they seemed - and they could have dropped whatever rationalisations they were using to make it possible to live under an authoritarian regime. 

“If it's a restriction that I can't really do anything about, then there's really no point in hitting my head against the wall and trying to fight against it,” added Laurin, according to a Waterloo statement. 

“I'm better off if I just give up. But if there's a chance I can beat it, then it makes sense for my brain to make me want the restricted thing even more, to motivate me to fight,” said Laurin, who co-authored the paper with Aaron Kay and Gavan Fitzsimons of Duke University. 

Some researchers have found that when there are new restrictions, you rationalise them; your brain comes up with a way to believe the restriction is a good idea. 

But other researchers have found that people react negatively to new restrictions, wanting the restricted thing more than ever. 

In an experiment, participants read that lowering speed limits in cities would make people safer. Some read that government leaders had decided to reduce speed limits. 

Of those people, some were told that this legislation would definitely come into effect, and others read that it would probably happen, but that there was still a small chance government officials could vote it down. 

People who thought the speed limit was definitely being lowered supported the change more than control subjects, but people who thought there was still a chance it wouldn't happen supported it less than these control subjects. 

No compulsions

Hollywood actress Jessica Biel says she doesn't feel under pressure to have children but says she would like to become a mother at some point.

The 29-year-old actress recently rekindled her romance with singer-actor Justin Timberlake but says she is in no rush to start a family, reported Elle magazine.

“I think probably at some point it would be something I'm interested in. But I don't feel pressured. I was never one of those girls who dreamt of my wedding and my Prince Charming.

To irritate my mom, I used to say, 'I'm never having kids, and I'm going to be a fabulously rich old maid living in a house with cute butlers and dogs',” said Biel.

Although Biel refuses to talk about her relationship with Timberlake, she insists actors don't just date fellow stars for publicity.

“I think those (actors) are the people you meet and so it just kind of happens. Let me tell you: It never happens on purpose,” she said.  — PTI

Strings of melody 

The Indian National Theatre is organising the 34th Chandigarh Sangeet Sammelan. According to Amulya Shukla, coordinator, two artistes will perform everyday.

Here is the schedule of performances.

November 4

Dhruv Bedi (sitar)

The youngest yet most accomplished sitar virtuoso, Dhruv Bedi will open the festival. A foremost disciple of Pandit Budhaditya Mukerjee of the Imdadkhani gharana, Dhruv announced his arrival on the musical scene at the age of 14 with a brilliant performance in Mauritius and later in Switzerland.

Subhadra Desai (vocal)

Holding a doctorate degree in Sanskrit, Subhadra Desai had been groomed by the legendary Pandit Vinay Chandra Mudgalya and is presently learning from Padmashri Pandit Madhup Mudgal. An avid performer she has won many honours.

November 5

Gurinder Singh (vocal)

Gurinder Singh, who heads the music department of a college in Delhi, was initiated into music by his father and well-known maestro Harnam Singh before she learnt from Ajit Singh Paintal and later got advanced training under Padmavibhushan Kishori Amonkar. She has performed in the middle-east, USA, Europe and other countries.

Rajasekhar Mansoor (vocal)

The foremost proponent of the Jaipur Atrauli ghrana, Rajashekhar Mansoor from Hubli Karnatka, is the son and disciple of legendary Pandit Malikkarjun Mansoor. Holding a post graduation in English literature and also in linguistics from Wales University, he had emulated the singing style and virtuosity of his great guru.

November 6

Chandrika Kamath (vocal)

A disciple of Rajashekhar Mansoor, Hubli-based Chandrika Kamath is an academician, author, painter, poet, orator, expert in culinary art, but above all a classical vocalist of merit.

Rajashekar Mansoor (vocal)

After the performance of his disciple Chandrika, the most celebrated maestro Rajashekhar will provide the grand finale to the 34th Chandigarh Sangeet Sammlan.

Venue: Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan

Time: 6.15 onwards

—SD Sharma

Weaving a success story

Colourful hand-woven fabrics from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari are all here at Weaves, an exhibition on at Himachal Bhawan-28.

A partywear Uppada sari costing around a lakh and half rupees is the centre of attraction here. In mesmersing pink, green and gold, the weave in zari is exquisite. It takes over two months for three weavers to complete one piece, we are told.

“Chandigarh is the only city where we sell saris over a lakh,” says Madhvi Naidu who along with Weaves travels over the length and breadth of the country.

Designer silk from Mysore, Kantha kurtis and shirt pieces from Kolkata, kamalkari, Pochampally, mangalgiri from Andhra Pradesh, kosa from Chattisgarh, chanderi and maheshwari from Madhya Pradesh, Weaves brings in special fabrics from parts.

Each of the piece here has its own tale to tell, and, people manning the stalls are more than willing to share those stories. Sambalpuri saris have patterns weaved in the fabric, so one needs to have design in mind before weaving. There are definitely loads of stuff to be picked up for the wedding season!

(On till November 8.)

the ‘in’ side
Sukhmani
Outdoor treat

Outdoor kitchens are the hottest trend these days. Many home owners are installing outdoor kitchens and living spaces in their backyards for entertaining and Sunday lunches. The best parties have always centered around the kitchen and dinning areas, and to move it outside creates an interesting twist. Here is what you must know before you start:

The first thing to do is have a well planned design. Hire a good landscape designer to help.

Check with your area laws and by-laws before building.

Build a deck and a pergola to protect the kitchen from rain and strong breeze.

Keep your outdoor kitchen close to the indoor kitchen.

Consider if you need electrical or plumbing jobs done.

Arrange the kitchen in a classic work triangle. Cooking area, food storage and water source have to be at a point in a triangle or placed in a ‘U’ or ‘L’.

Being a chef doesn’t mean you should be out of all the action. Plan your seating close by.

Don’t forget a fireplace or a fire pit for those chilly winter night parties.

Decide what all appliances you’d like to keep. For a modern kitchen you can have stainless steel barbeques, grills, smokers, fridge and a microwave/ oven. For a more Indian look go for a tandoor and a mud chullah with earthen pots.

Don’t forget to install a small music system.

Use proper lights to light up the key working areas yet at the same time keep the lighting dim.

Use all-weather materials that can withstand the weather as well as the heat of the cooking.

Enhance the beauty and usability of your home and bring style to your outdoor entertaining…go for outdoor kitchens and living spaces!

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)

get physical 
Jassi Oberai 
Move the yogic way 

The human body has been so made that each centimetre of the physical self has to be moved and used internally and externally. In our daily course of life we do exert our different parts but some remain unused and even some glands become inactive and that is what leads to various ailments or discomforts, mild or severe.

Practicing different asanas gives not only flexibility but activates the body on the whole. Paivvritti Janu Sirhasana is one such asana which stretches and massages each side of the abdomen and chest. It also prepares the body for long hours of sitting in meditation. It is a spiralled head to knee pose.

Technique: Sit with the legs about a metre apart. Move the left knee and place the heel against the perineum. Bend forward, inclining the body to the right to hold the right foot with the right hand. The fingers should be in contact with the arch of the foot and the thumb should be on top. Place the elbow on the floor on the inside of the straight leg. Next move the right shoulder slowly down towards the right leg and bring the left arm over the head and grasp the right foot with the left hand. Contracting the arms slowly, pull the right shoulder towards the right foot. Ease the head under the left arm, relax the back and twist the trunk as much as possible so that the chest is open and facing forward. Look towards the ceiling in the final position. Hold the pose for a comfortable length of time, may be two minutes and then release the hands slowly with returning to the upright position. Lowering the left arm over the head. Repeat the movement on the other side.

In this asana, breathing should be normal while positioning the legs. Exhale while inclining the trunk and placing the arms and hands into position, then inhale. Exhale while pulling the body side ways. Breathe normally while holding the final position. Lastly inhale while returning to the upright position. Practice once on each side but this continue the pose, if any, discomfort is experienced. This asana, should be practiced after forward and backing bending asanas. It is the twisting asana with a forward bent. It gives the same benefits as Paschimottanasana and Artha matsyendrasana with the added advantage that it gradually stretches the body.

Pregnant women or people with back complaints should abstain from performing this asana. It should be done daily.

Yogic tip: Do not regard asanas as only a form of exercise but a route to mental and consequently physical development of the body. Asanas are supposed to give a spiritual solace while giving physical comfort.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

(Oberai is a Ludhiana-based yoga expert and is a disciple of Swami Gopi 
Chand Jindal)

it’s rocking
Love rules

A pure romantic number is mandatory in a Shah Rukh Khan film. The song Dildaara fulfills the criteria in the most appropriate way. The melody is fresh, sober and hummable. Although the winner of the film, Ra. One is indeed Akon’s Chammak Challo, Dildaara makes the album complete with melodious music. Sung by Shafqat Ali and music by Vishal-Shekhar as always doesn’t disappoint. The only regret is the video. If only SRK sported something better than a hair mop going haywire. Fans cite reasons why they give a thumbs up to the track.

On a fresh note

Vishal-Shekhar duo has given a fresh treatment to the superhit melody Stand By Me by Ben E King. The mellifluous music of the song Dildaara makes it an instant hit with music lovers. Shafaqat Amanat Ali has once again done a brilliant job, the way he did with his earlier hits, Mitwa and Tere Naina. Lyrics of the song are also not run-of-the-mill. They are fresh and it doesn’t take any effort to learn them. A superhit track for sure!

Neha Verma, an MCMDAV College student

Chart topper

The music of Dildaara is very impressive. The love song is another USP of the film besides Akon’s Chammak Challo, special effects and SRK himself. Written by Kumar in Hindi and English mix, the song has very meaningful lyrics unlike most of the songs these days, which only depend on the music. The romantic number will rule the charts in weeks to come.

Mandeep Brar, an SD College student

Fusion effect

The word melodious describes the song best, which is an intelligent mix of contemporary and classical music. The fusion is very well created that doesn’t sound odd anywhere in the song. It’s the next best song after Chammak Challo in Ra.One. Shah Rukh Khan is looking very adorable and complements the innocence in the song. Vishal Shekhar has once again produced fresh music though it’s inspired (a bit) from the iconic track, Stand by me.

Pallavi Bansal, a PU student.

Inspired clicks

Despite the bad press, playing video games may actually spur creativity among boys and girls, independently of their violent or non-violent nature.

A study of nearly 500, 12-year-olds found that the more they played video games, the more creative they were in tasks such as drawing pictures and writing stories.

Conversely, the use of cell phones, the internet and computers was unrelated to creativity, the study found.

Linda Jackson, professor of psychology at Michigan State University (MSU) and project leader, said the study appears to be the first evidence-based demonstration of a relationship between technology use and creativity.

About 72 per cent of US households play video or computer games, says the Entertainment Software Association, according to a Michigan statement.

The MSU findings should motivate game designers to identify the aspects of video game activity that are responsible for the creative effects, Jackson said. “Video games can be designed to optimise the development of creativity while retaining their entertainment values such that a new generation of video games will blur the distinction between education and entertainment,” Jackson said. — IANS

Sleep and beauty

One in three women say that sleep deprivation negatively affects their looks almost fours days a week, while one in ten say they can see its effects every day.

According to the survey conducted by the Sleep Council on 1,400 women, nearly one in three women admit they are regularly late for work because they feel so shattered in the morning, while one in six have actually rung in sick and one in 10 has got to the office and then fallen asleep.

While nine out of 10 women know that a good night’s sleep is the best tonic, only half actually manage a lie-in or an early night.

What the survey describes as an “epidemic of fatigue”, women say that a lack of sleep is leaving them looking washed out with pasty skin and shadows, bags under their eyes.

“Women should not underestimate the value of beauty sleep,” Oonagh Connor, a celebrity make-up artiste as saying. — ANI

star track
Exotic Locales

We list exotic and local locales that will be seen in upcoming films and their significance to the films.

Agent Vinod
Eastern Europe

Saif’s second production captures the stunning beauty of Morocco and exotic, undiscovered places like Latvia and Estonia. It has been shot at some prominent palaces there and becomes the first Hindi film to be shot in the remote locations of interesting Eastern Europe. We are expecting a pretty picture!

Players
North Pole

Abbas-Mustan’s favourite locations are South Africa and Dubai and Players has been shot there. It is also the first Hindi film to be shot in Siberia at the North Pole, the coldest region in the world. We are excited as Russia is so mesmerising!

Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl
India

Ranveer Singh aka Ricky Bahl is a ladies man and woos women all over the place. The film has been shot extensively in Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Goa and captures the flavours and cultures of these important and happening cities.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Kashmir

Ayan Mukerji’s second film is a romantic comedy and which better place to shoot it than the Magical Valley of Love! It will probably be shot in the gorgeous place from start to finish and it becomes the first Hindi film to be shot there completely in almost a decade! Ranbir recommended the state after shooting there for Rockstar. Ayan is scouting for locations. Deepika is the female lead in the movie.

Ek Tha Tiger
Turkey, Ireland, and Iraq

Salman plays a RAW agent and Katrina plays an “ordinary girl”. The poster shows Salman in Turkey and Iraq. The first portion of the film has been shot in Ireland already and the second schedule is happening in Turkey. This is the first Indian film to be shot in Iraq. Seems very interesting!

Rockstar
Prague and Kashmir

We love that Rockstar is actually shot in Kashmir. The team had the courage to go there and shoot and break stereotypes about security. This movie will really open up the tourism and shooting opportunities in the legendary valley. Nargis’ character Heer is a Kashmiri Pandit so the beauty of the valley is captured stunningly in the portions shot there. The characters go to Prague (we don’t know why, yet!) and dress like the locals. The film looks like a visual treat.

Desi Boyz
London

Bollywood’s favourite location (after Bangkok) is London. The film about male strippers draws on the standard NRI emotions. London has a large Indian population and lends its beauty well to the camera.

Preity close on target

Preity Zinta has been successful in hosting her own show on television. She looks fab and is a decent host. She shares her talk-show hosting tips with us.

n Be quiet and listen because you have to get the other person talking. You have to be an active listener and pay attention to what they are saying so you can genuinely interact with them.

n Looking good is of utmost importance because of the visual medium. You have to be appealing, confident, comfortable in your skin, and pleasant so that the other person likes to talk to you.

n Be honest with your questions and shoot them straight. Be genuinely interested in the answers so you can have a proper discussion. It is good for me that I know most of the people I interview.

n You have to be completely confident no matter whom you are interviewing. If you respect yourself, then other people will respect you. Organise yourself and your agenda for the show so you can concentrate.

n Lastly, have fun because talking is so much fun. Get a good sofa or couch for people to chill on and have beverages around as talking makes people thirsty.

No time 

After Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan refused to be part of Daayan, Emraan Hashmi is also likely to skip the project because of date issues. The female leads have not been finalised and Emraan is getting busier by the day. Let us see what happens!

 

All set for D-day

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is going to deliver (in all probability) between November 10 and 15. She is going to deliver at Seven Hills Hospital in Andheri East. It is the only seven-star hospital in the city. A VVIP room has been booked for her and special privacy and security arrangements have been made by the hospital.

 

Gain some, win some

Imran Khan has to gain 15 kg in four months. This is for an image makeover (again) for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. The film starts shooting in February.

 

 

NoT so Rocking!

The word on the Rockstar concert held in Mumbai yesterday is not very good. The fans had a great time but the concert was poorly organised. Mohit Chauhan was not in form and Rahman had not rehearsed (as he admitted). Anyway, it was a sell-out and created massive publicity for the movie.

Spilling hatred

Arjun Rampal is hosting a show where celebrities will get to meet their biggest haters. Now, that is an interesting concept. Hrithik, SRK and Farhan have agreed to appear on the show but Sonam has refused.

NEW HOST: Arjun Rampal

Action time

Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn are Bollywood’s original action heroes. They want to star in a remake of Bad Boys 2 (2003) and the film will be directed by Ajay’s favourite, Rohit Shetty.



Britney at the Crossroads

Pop star Britney Spears whose acting project Crossroads was panned a decade ago is planning a movie comeback.

“Definitely next year I am going to take a different route. I see myself being a detective, assassin or even a bad girl,” Spears said.

The 29-year-old is famous for songs like Baby on more time, Oops! I did it again and Toxic. — IANS

Shannon’s superhuman effort 

Actor Michael Shannon says he threw himself into a strict diet and exercise regime for his negative role in the upcoming Superman movie.

The Revolutionary Road star, who has been cast as General Zod opposite Henry Cavill as the young superhero in Superman: Man Of Steel, reveals he has “never put this much effort into fitness” for a part.

“I’ve definitely never put this much effort into fitness for a part. I’ve never even considered it part of my job. It’s not even a cosmetic thing, like I need to have a six pack.

“It’s pretty intimidating to say, ‘I’m a General’. —PTI

Father figure
Fatherhood gave me new perspective: Johnny Depp 

Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp says that fatherhood has inspired him more than anything in his life and has given him a new perspective on the world.

The 48-year-old says after his daughter Lily-Rose, now 12, was born, the appetite he previously had for late nights evaporated.

Depp also has a nine-year-old son Jack with his long-term partner Vanessa Paradis. “It was having children that woke me up. To fall in love, to that degree, to fall in love with ... these little angels. Who didn’t ask to arrive, but who arrived anyway. That was just huge for me. It was like the uplifting of a veil. There was something that it gave me, for the very first time in my life. Clarity,” Depp said.

The actor developed a hard partying reputation in the 90s when he was engaged to actress Winona Ryder. —PTI

chatter box
Wedding dress issues

Designer Rohhit Verma will be designing for Jeevika’s (Krystle Dsouza) wedding outfit in Star Plus’ Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai. After a lot of twists and turns in the recent episode, things are back to normal and Jeevika is looking forward to a grand wedding. Rohhit will enter the show playing himself and will discuss designs with her but Maanvi (Nia Sharma) will argue with him about a dress for Jeevika.

Pure Drama

Zee TV’s Pavitra Rishta is in the news for Sushant leaving and Hiten being the new Manav, but there is loads of other drama too. Archana (Ankita Lokhande) will try to arrange for money to save Karanjkar family’s house from being mortgaged in Manav’s absence as well as her chawl. But she will not be able to save her house which will be bought by Dharmesh. 

No time to bond

The lovely couple Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij got engaged a year ago but their nuptials date isn’t anywhere in sight. The reason behind the delay is their taxing schedules. Mahhi is busy with her show Colors’ Laagi Tujhse Lagan while Jay Bhanushali is currently working on the launch of the third season of Dance India Dance on Zee TV. Perhaps the couple needs to take sometime off and figure out a wedding date.

Knot a deal: Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij

Performance oriented 

Television actress Rakshanda Khan, known for her shows like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, Kasamh Se, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and was last seen in a comic character in SAB TV in Ammaji Ki Galli, is now busy doing cameos on television. She is seen in two shows –Sony’s Adaalat and Colors’ Phulwa wherein coincidentally she plays the role of a lawyer.

Says Rakshanda Khan, “Both roles are very strong and have substance which is what I look for when I choose a role. For me, it doesn’t matter if the role is cameo or a lead, as I look forward for a power-packed performance. And if I get them in cameos, then that is what I will do. I was really bored playing those typical roles. I am glad the audiences love these roles.”

 Further she adds that if she gets a good, strong character as lead, she is game to accept it. “There is no rule about doing only cameo roles but if I get a strong character, I will definitely play it,” she says.

Fishy problem!

Romit Raj had a 400 litres capacity fish tank in his house and when it burst accidentally, he was worried about his fish. Along with his wife Tina, he went around saving the fishes and cleaning up the mess and it took a long while. 

 

Rock solid

In Sony’s Bade Acche Laggte Hain, Sid (Mahesh Shetty) has planed to ruin Ram (Ram Kapoor) and Priya’s (Saakshi Tanwar) relationship by bringing up her past -Ashwin (Harsh Khurana) but things will not fall as per his plan. Ram will end up supporting Priya and this will bring the couple closer. Apparently, the cast has flown to Australia to shoot the honeymoon sequence so audiences watch out for more drama. 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 4...

In numerology, number four stands for the planet Raahu. If you are well-informed, and well known, you are ruled by number four. You are the knowledgeable person who is always busy, collecting information about all walks of life. You represent the society. The sum of birth year in 2011 is to one which can be interpreted that a positive year awaits you. Those born under this sign are emotional but emotions are repressed, kept under cover. You will be the cynosure of social attention. If a celebration is in order, you will surely be at center stage in all the activities. Siblings, neighbours, relatives and associates may bring good news. Accept a special invitation. Be strong when facing difficulties. It’s better to wait and reflect before taking decisions at work. If you have a contract in hand, it is likely that it will be successful, but the stars suggest always maintain a certain level of prudence.   But you must watch the behavior of your superiors closely. New opportunities will open for you on the professional front. There will be some progress in a pending project. Mood: Cautious. Compatible signs: Aries, Taurus. Lucky colours: Yellow, green, silver. Lucky days: Tuesday and Wednesday. Lucky numbers: 9, 11, 14, 22, 99. Lucky flower: Freesia. Lucky gem: Gomedh.

Tabu (November 4,1970 ,Hyderabad) is niece of Shabana Azmi and younger sister of actress Farah Naaz. Her most notable performances include Astitva (2000), Chandni Bar (2001), Maachis (1996), Hu Tu Tu (1999) and Virasat (1997). In Maachis, she played the accalimed role of a Punjabi woman, caught in the rise of Sikh insurgency. She went on to win her first National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance. 2012 onwards Tabu’s film career will be slow due to her adverse planetary position.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Make good use of the morning and you will be well prepared for the rest of the day. Personal relations may be neglected. Recognition and rewards will be on the cards Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 38

TAURUS: Extra rewards in store. You may wish to break the routine of the day. Try to keep your schedule varied and flexible rather than letting yourself get pinned down in one spot. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 40

GEMINI: Your card gives you strength. Communication over legal matters, travel plans and education can be held up and cause stress. A strong desire to get out of your neighborhood might take you to new places. Tarot message: Eat with caution or you will end up gaining pounds. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33

CANCER: Today you will have difficulty in getting along with associates. Expect tremendous joy in an evening party. Work and responsibilities will demand time. Tarot message: Use careful judgment in handling issues involving property. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44

LEO: Health needs some care. Do not be in a hurry to get financial plans underway. You might be able to do yourself a bit of good with the help of influential people. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Beige Magic number: 59 

VIRGO: Today you are likely to spend money on astrology or philosophical books. Agreement made today can be very valuable to you. A meeting with friends will be enjoyable. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Teal Magic number: 63

LIBRA: The day starts with smiles and cheers. Business affairs are under control. Friends are pleasant but not particularly significant. A romantic proposal might give you plenty to think about. Tarot message: Take responsibility for your own actions or else you will regret. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 26

SCORPIO: An auspicious day for businessmen. Meeting new people will bring opportunity for romance. Property deal comes to the fore. Go to work early. Social interaction will do you a world of good. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Violet Magic number: 54

SAGITTARIUS: Avoid speculations today. The married will enjoy a pleasantly romantic phase at home. Take proper care of your health. Social life, political activity will bring recognition. Put off dicey deals. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Rust Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Don’t rush to take any hasty decisions regarding your family matters. Younger member in the family may offer you a valuable advice. Defer a short journey. Postpone plans of a date with your lover. Tarot message: Don’t try to end the deadlock at one go. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 33

AQUARIUS: Dispute over small issue is possible at your working place. Beware of hitch, delays & postponement. Mixed trends will prevail through out the day. Teamwork will benefit you. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 48

PISCES:Take proper care of your diet. Love life will be exciting. A friend of the same sex may be helpful to you. Financial matters may cause stress. There will be extremely positive chances for future growth. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 56





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