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Bite of real cinema
In times when everyone is busy riding on the crest of commercial success, young filmmaker Gurvinder Singh stands on a different terra firma. Of course, despite following the path less trodden, he has been making waves for quite some time. His debut film Anhe Ghode Da Daan has not only won the special jury award and the $50,000 Black Pearl trophy at the 5th Abu Dhabi Film Festival but is winning critical acclaim virtually at each festival it has been screened at. After making its presence felt at Venice Film Festival, 55th British Film Institute, London Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival, it will be shown at Rotterdam Festival.
So, did he anticipate the overwhelming response that his film has been garnering at varied international forums? He says, “You don’t make a film with any preconceived notions but according to your understanding of cinema.” And his sensibilities have been honed at Film and Television Institute of India, Pune from where he graduated and where he was exposed to the world’s best cinema. As he saw more and more films on Japan, Iran and other countries, as he felt that knew what a village in Iran looked like, he suddenly realised that he had never seen any real Punjabi cinema. A seed was sown to be germinated later en route a journey that started with Jnanpith award winner Gurdial Singh’s novel Anhe Ghode Da Daan which incidentally he had read 10 years ago and had stayed with him. A sojourn into Punjab’s hinterland, interaction with subaltern class and he could relate to Gurdial’s characters—the dispossessed and marginalised even more. Interestingly for his film, except for Samuel John, he has not taken any trained actors but cast the villagers of the village Siviyan near Bhatinda. The process of creating cinema without “actors” excites him as he quips, “actors belong to theatre, not cinema.” The language of cinema he feels is not dependent on great literature either. Bad writing too can be translated into a good film. “In cinema”, he avers, “what matters is not just the story but how you tell it.” Luckily for him the writer Gurdial Singh didn’t interfere with the treatment of the subject. As Gurvinder set out to write the script, he retained much of the essence of the novel, even many of the dialogues and above all the Malwai dialect. The visual language of the movie that has come in for fulsome praise, reasons Gurvinder, “is impressive because it is rooted in Punjab’s realistic milieu. None of it is contrived or derived”. The definition of good cinema in his lexicon is one that is rooted and real. That’s why he has chosen to consciously work in Punjabi even though he didn’t grow up in Punjab. Says he, “Language is not just the means but an end in itself.” Moreover, being a Punjabi this is where he connects. Living in Pune makes him an “engaged outsider” that allows him to look at his moorings from a fresh perspective each time he visits Punjab. Right now he is looking at two subjects. One migration and the other set in the aftermath of Operation Bluestar. Sensitive subject… isn’t he afraid of raising hackles? And he says, “My focus would be the suffering of the common man caught between the battle of state and terrorists. I will not be taking sides, only capturing the reality.” Fantasy, by the way, is not his cup of tea. On the middle of the road cinema he is tight-lipped. This student of Mani Kaul from whom he imbibed much but not as in imitation is hoping for “the parallel cinema movement to return.” Whether his films sell or not…. he is not perturbed. All he knows is when you do what you believe in all else falls in place. So, even when he takes a leap into the unknown he lands on high ground of success something which the votaries of tried and tested formulae keep hankering after.
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Colourful debut
The city seems to be brimming with wannabe actors, singers, pretty faces hoping to be models, but how many have actually managed a break in the industry? Undoubdtly, very few! Vikas Pahwa, an actor in the making, is one of the few, who is busy with his first film
Dark Rainbow.
It was after completing his bachelors in business administration that Vikas, from Rajpura, moved to Delhi for completing his MBA from IIPM. “I always wanted to get into acting, so I used to participate in theater activities,” he says. Coming from a business background, it was not easy for this young lad to step out of the comfort zone and move to Mumbai. “We run a chain of resorts in Punjab and after my MBA, dad wanted me to join the business and take it ahead,” he smiles. Having given up a great job as a relationship manager, there was not much of an option for Vikas than to go out and prove himself. “I moved to Mumbai in 2010 and started looking for work,” he says. Without much know-how on how the industry works, Vikas set out on a journey of his own and started circulating his resume. “It was the time I got an opportunity to play a cameo in Pyaar Kii Ek Kahani,” he says. After that UTV Bindass signed him for Dadadgiri. “I managed to survive the show for eight weeks.” Apart from his short stint in the serial, his work boasts of the hugely popular Airtel’s Har ek friend zaroori hota hai ad and another ad for Bru opposite Kajal Aggarwal. “I was one of the few people, who were seen a few times in the ad,” he says. During one of his several auditions Abhik Bhanu spotted him and singed him for his film. The story of Dark Rainbow revolves around the journey of a rock band and their association with the visually-impaired. Vikas will be paired opposite Sara Khan and will be playing a role of a visually-impaired lead singer. “There is a dialogue between the film producers and Ekta Kapoor. The film might release under Balaji,” Vikas says. Considering that most of the youngsters today prefer to make their launches with big production house and seasoned directors, Vikas is clear about the risk factor. “Of course, risk factor is there in every industry. The only reason I feel this will work well is due to the storyline and the impact it is going to make,” he says. Attached to his line of work in Mumbai, Vikas is not willing to draw the curtains on his efforts. “I am working on a script and of course, there are several things on the platter,” he says. The work on his next project, Network Mafia, is going on and hopefully will be able to help him make his mark. vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Regional note
When out of the blue someone contradicts an existing situation, you can’t let it go without knowing why. So, when famous music director for Bollywood films Uttam Singh says that this particular phase is not an appreciable phase for the music industry, it is pertinent to know why.
In Chandigarh, to be part of the musical bonanza Aap Ki Yaad Main to be organised by the newly-formed Manjit Memorial Society at Tagore Theatre on January 11, the violinist, music arranger and music director gives a candid take on the present scenario in music, his future projects, all this in his mellow voice. Cut to present “I am doing a number of projects, but the one I am really looking forward to is the film Nanak Shah Fakir. The shooting for the film has already started and it would be releasing soon. In this movie, I would be giving different kind of music. Everything from the composition to lyrics will be reflective of the theme of the film. Other than this, I am also doing other projects, which I would like to talk about later,” he says. Where is music? For Uttam Singh, who infused life in the movie Dil To Pagal Hai with this work, everything is not well with music these days. “Time has changed, we are not going through a pleasant phase in music. Most of the songs these days come with a validity of three months. The value of songs has changed considerably with the commercial element coming in. One film, one director Uttam Singh is one of the few music directors who doesn’t approve of the idea of many music directors creating different tracks for one film. “I would rather do the entire film. If I am putting my heart and soul in the work, then I might as well complete it. What happens with different music directors doing different tracks is that they don’t connect with the body of the film. The picturisation is different, and the treatment is different, nothing connects. Because everything is a copy these days, the film, the songs. Creativity goers for a toss. However, I feel time will change again, and we would have a better phase in music.” Punjab & budget “I have been approached to do Punjabi movies, but I could not take it up due to budget issues. I would love to compose music for Punjabi movies, but they too need to expand their horizon. We do get stuck with ‘money’ issues but creativity cannot be held back,” he says. Haryanavi touch Uttam Singh has given music for the movie, Chandrawal 2 by Prabhakar Films. “It was a lovely experience. It would bring in a new genre of music, if everything goes well with its treatment. Regional cinema is anyways doing well, and it is ready to explore music too.” Inspired always “Good lyrics and a good subject always inspire me. My songs and score for the movie Pinjar won critical acclaim. This is the kind of work that inspires me. Anything that has a touch of sincerity is something I like to do,” he says.
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Of babies and weddings
Shilpa Shetty: She has been married to Raj Kundra since 2009 and there were pregnancy stories doing the rounds a while ago. They were false as she had officially announced her pregnancy earlier this month. She is 36 and due before her 37thbirthday. Lara Dutta: The glowing former beauty queen got married to Mahesh Bhupathi only last year. She is in the last stages of her pregnancy and is rearranging her house for her bundle of joy. She is due towards the end of January. Committed for good John and Priya: John Abraham began dating former banker and former friend Priya only in 2011. They have been spotted together many times. Sources say that an engagement will happen in early 2012 followed by a wedding in late 2012. John wants to show people that he is a committed man and not the skirt chaser he has been made out to be. Fairytale love story Kareena and Saif: Bollywood’ favourite and most beautiful couple will say ‘I do’ in summer 2012. Preparations are on in full swing as Bebo has been flying to Delhi often for dress fittings. Ritu Kumar is designing her outfits as per the family tradition. The wedding is most likely to happen after March 23 (the release date of Agent Vinod). We are very excited about this one as it is the grandest wedding of the year. Saif is royalty and Kareena will become a princess! Oh, this is what fairytales are made of! Genelia and Riteish: After an eight-year-long secret courtship, Genelia and Riteish finally came out
in the open. They get married in February with a four-day-long affair in Mumbai with all of Bollywood in attendance. We like their sweet romance and they look genuinely happy together! On the cards Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur: They are a low profile couple but Vidya loves the attention and love her producer boyfriend showers on her. Everything is finally going right for her. So everybody knows about them and they are very serious, so a wedding is definitely on the cards later this year. — HRM
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It’s complicated
Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are not on the best of terms. Shah Rukh asked Katrina if she was fine working with him on their film directed by Yash Chopra.
In the past, Salman disrupted the shooting of Chalte Chalte which then starred Aishwarya and SRK. As a result, SRK was upset with Salman and Aishwarya was replaced by Rani Mukerji. The two made up on Farah Khan’s sangeet a few years later. Then the infamous fight between them happened on Katrina’s birthday party in 2008. So SRK wanted to clarify the position with Katrina before shooting begins. A source says, “Yash Chopra is a very senior director and he is also more than 75-years- old. SRK wants the shooting to go smoothly. He doesn’t want Katrina’s ex-boyfriend to create any trouble.” The source continues, “Actually, SRK need not worry because Salman is also working with YRF and that too for the first time. He has become pals with Aditya so it is unlikely that the enfant terrible will cause any trouble.” The Yash Chopra film starring Katrina and SRK will release in Diwali 2012.
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The new bonding
Crush come true! Imran Khan has always been known as a good boy (read: he is not a skirt chaser) but he had a big crush on Kareena Kapoor while growing up. He is now paired with her in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tuu.
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Life’s good
Busy bee I have been working non-stop since August 2011. I only had New Year ’s Eve so I celebrated with my family. I have stopped making New Year’s resolutions but I love my busy life and I hope it stays this way. Doing the work you love is a gift. I have four films this year which will release one after the other: Son Of Sardar, Joker, Lootera, and Rowdy Rathore. I also begin shooting for Dabangg 2 and Kick later this year. Mentors & co-stars I wanted to become a fashion designer but then Salman Khan mentored me in acting and I have learnt the ropes from him. I owe my career to him and things have worked out very well for me and I am very grateful for that. Salman has showed that it is okay to be myself. I have learnt so much from everyone that I have worked with. Akshay Kumar is a thorough professional and very entertaining. Ajay Devgn is very involved in every aspect of filmmaking and his contribution is immense. All of them love what they do. I know they are much older than me and also much senior but they still look great on-screen and they are superstars so it is fantastic to work with them. They are superstars and super heroes! Wish list I want to work with everybody from Ranbir Kapoor to Shahid Kapoor to Abhay Deol and Imran Khan. I am already working with Ranveer Singh. —HRM
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Girl power
Bipasha Basu celebrated her birthday last week with two parties. One was hosted by her and the other was a surprise bash hosted by her girlfriends. There were no guys at all! Girl power!
Bipasha Basu knows the laws of the universe. She has begun the year expressing gratitude for everything and everyone she loves. We hope the year brings her everything her heart desires! Shahid Kapoor has returned from Aurangabad after wrapping up the last schedule of Kunal Kohli’s film with Priyanka Chopra. He is now looking forward to chilling and partying before resuming work. Chilling out: Shahid Kapur
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star couple: Actress Angelina Jolie and Best Actor winner Brad Pitt arrive for the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in New York. Mamma Mia: Meryl Streep wins the Best Acress award. — REUTERS
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Take it or leave it
Take away delicacies are pampering the taste buds like never before. And it’s not just the starters and grills that the residents are ordering but they are experimenting with risottos, wraps, momos, main course items and pastas as well.
Lakshman Negi, assistant manager of the joint, says, “Take- away food is gaining popularity and it’s not only snacks that people order but main course food items are as much in demand.” Says an employee of the joint, “Whether it’s summer or winter people love to eat in the privacy of their cars. Though earlier we had people only ordering snacks like tandoori chicken or fish in cars but lately the trend has changed and we see people ordering naan, chilly cheese, soups, noodles and choupsey too.” Sector 9 is another hot spot where we see lot of take-away joints. Having opened some months back, Wrapville in Sector 9 is another joint that has changed the concept of wraps in the city. Anil Kaushal, manger, Wrapville says, “Considering the crowd that comes here, we opened the joint for people who love to get their food packed and eat later. We only serve wraps but we are doing good business as people in the city especially youngsters love to take their food and move on.” For the people who love to eat out are game for take-away as it gives them the option of eating at leisure. Says Varun and Ruchi, “Fine dining is a once-in-a-while affair, but most of the times one wants to eat at leisure and these small joints give you the freedom to eat wherever you want.” Promoting Italian take-away food, Forno in Sector 35 is another joint where you can enjoy a complete Italian meal at your home or in your car. Says Vivek Bhasin from Forno, “Right from pizzas to pastas and salads we have people ordering fish and chips. Though earlier we were apprehensive about the take-away concept but after opening up, we are glad that people here are accepting the concept and loving it.”
How it started
Looking back, restaurants were actually created for travellers and for people who had a reason to be away from home. And it was not until late 18th century that the idea of eating out for fun took off. McDonald’s and White Castle were the first fast-food chains who promoted the trend of eating on move and brands like Burger King, KFC et al came later. And now the trend of eating on the move has become a habit.
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Balancing act
Anil Juneja
Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III)
Virabhadrasana III is a standing and balancing pose on one leg. It improves balance, memory and concentration. Virabhadrasana III strengthens the ankles, legs, shoulders and muscles of the back. It also tones and invigourates the whole body. It is recommended for runners as it encourages vigour and agility. By maintaining the balance of the pose, the body’s weight is distributed to the heel and ball
of the foot, promoting symmetrical growth and spinal elasticity. Breathe normally and hold this position for 30 to 45 seconds. While coming back, inhale and raise the arms up, lower the leg back to the floor and step both feet together back into the standing position. Now, repeat the same with the other leg. Both legs are strengthened in this pose. The hamstrings are stretched in the supporting leg and strengthened in the raised leg. The gluteal muscles are stretched on one leg and strengthened on the other. This causes them to be raised on one side. Beginners can do the pose with the help of a wall. They can either face the wall and outstretch their arms in front of them with putting their hands on the wall or turn around and bring the lifted back foot onto the wall. Do not perform this pose if you have high blood pressure or severe back, ankle, knee, hip or shoulder pain. (Juneja is Chandigarh-based yoga expert)
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Rumour has it…
Divya Dutta
He didn’t have to, but he sat next to me and said, “So, you are being linked with me?” Odd silence! He broke it with his laughter and said, “You are going to be a star. Get used to these rumours! They come and go. Don't get affected. Now come, let's give a good shot.” I saw the sensitive side of the superstar. And I learnt my mantra from him. If there's truth in a story smile, if not still smile and amuse yourself. I am on the sets again shooting for Dangerous Ishq, reading a newspaper saying Karisma Kapoor is insecure about Divya’s fabulous performance in the film! Now! Where did that come from? Karisma is superb in the film and we have had a great chemistry on the set. Now comes that awkward familiar feeling again. As I said ‘hi’ to her on the set, there was a fleeting moment of awkward silence. And then she hugged me with a happy New Year greeting, as warm as always. As I get over another rumour and move on to the next one, trying not to be affected. I know someone somewhere is discussing this story as if they were personally told. Hmm…sounds familiar! (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Smart babies
It’s a research which proves what mothers have long known even before they could talk, babies as young as one year can understand what their moms are saying by picking up on the tone of her voice, says a new study.
In the study, researchers from Cardiff University found that one-year-olds reacted in exactly same way to their mother’s voice regardless of whether she was speaking in English or Greek. The researchers observed babies as they watched their mothers perform actions with toys using the English words "whoops" and "there". They studied reactions from one-year-old babies to their mom’s voice even when she was speaking either language. And the same process was repeated in Greek with the same tone in the voice. The study found that babies reproduced the same reaction regardless of whether they knew the language proving it was all Greek to them, a publication reported. Lead researcher Merideth Gattis said, “What this work showed was that children could have access to understanding using simply the tone of voice. We did 'whoops' and 'there' in two languages and got exactly the same results whether in English or Greek, which none of the children understood.” The research published in the 'Cognitive Development' journal. was conducted with 84 babies, aged between 14 and 18 months, in Cardiff over the course of a year with none of the babies having any previous exposure to Greek.
Dr Gattis said that children respond to "tone" clues in their parents' speech from an early age. “Tone of voice is a really useful signal to what someone is thinking. We never have access through to other people’s minds, except the signals in language that we give out,” she said. —PTI
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A string of words
Sanjeev says, “The Spanish guitar is very difficult to learn and yet the most popular musical instrument. Many publications on guitar are available in English but none in Hindi. I have attempted to delineate its history right from its invention by Antonio De Turres Jurado of Almeira in Spain and further improvisations by top legends like France de Tarrega, Andres Segovia, Roussel Rodrigo to name a few. Besides, the book contains the playing techniques, chords, scales and staff notation in a very simple language.” The book is dedicated to his mentor and guru late Pushpa Verma, well-known sitarist of the region.
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Cry for help
The sound of babies crying is uniquely able to get adults to react at speed, British scientists said on Tuesday.
A study by Oxford University researchers using the classic arcade game "whack-a-mole" found that adults' responses were swifter when they were listening to babies crying, compared to hearing sounds of adults in distress or twittering birds. "The improvements in speed and dexterity may reflect an evolved response that kicks in when an immediate reaction to a baby in distress is required. It is not hard to see how this could facilitate care-giving behaviour," said Morten Kringelbach of Oxford's psychiatry department. The research team compared the scores of 40 volunteers playing 'whack-a-mole' which requires players to hit one of nine as they light up at random after listening to various cries including babies crying, adults in distress and birdsong played at a similar pitch to the infants' cries. "Few sounds provoke a visceral reaction quite like the cry of a baby," he said in a statement. "It's almost impossible to ignore crying babies on planes despite all the other noises and distractions around." The scientists said their work was not purely an academic exercise, but could help researchers studying women with post-natal depression, who may be suffering some kind of disruption. We are looking at whether interventions can make a difference to this," Kringelbach said. —PTI
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Romance in the air
The remake of Amitabh Bachchan’s Agneepath by Karan Johar continues to make news because of its multi-star cast and the experiments those actors have done with different roles. It is an out-and-out action movie, so you can’t expect much from the music part. But the song O Saiyyan is being lapped up by the audience. The song showcasing the sizzling chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra is a tricky one in the sense that the song is a romantic number and it’s from a heroine’s point of view, but the singer is a male here. It has the magical voice of Roop Kumar Rathod and beautiful lyrics. Soulful tune Deepti Sharma, executive in a tax firm Romantic touch Gauri Randhawa, housewife Winter track Rajan Kohli, B Com student, DAV College (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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On a talent hunt
How does it feel to be a judge on the
small screen? I am really excited to perform as a judge for the show Sur Kshetra. I have already conducted auditions for my team at Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. What prompted you to be a judge on Sur Kshetra.? I was busy singing and acting in Bollywood when Sahara One Television gave me an opportunity for this show, which will be extensively shot in Dubai and have its finale in a European City. As a singer it is great to be connected with real people but you know television is a great medium to reach viewers. What is USP of this show? The show Sur Kshetra will be co-judged by the talented Himesh Reshammiya and me. It will give a break to talented singers from India and Pakistan with an opportunity to outperform their rivals. What qualities will you be looking at in a contestant to be good singer? They should have amazing singing qualities. We are confident that through this show, viewers from both India and Pakistan will enjoy listening to the new generation of singers. How will Sur Kshetra be different from other musical reality shows? We have Himesh Reshammiya and me as a judge. Then there is Gajendra Singh the maker of many superhit musical reality shows and Boney Kapoor- director Sahara One Television. I hope the winner will be the new voice of music. — Dharam Pal
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Chatter Box
SAB TV’s Chintu Chinky Aur Ek Badi Si Love Story is under the scanner for its falling TRPs. But the latest we hear is that the production house is trying its best to save the show from going under the axe. The show will undergo a thorough revamp. Besides the one year leap, most of the cast will also be replaced and a few fresh faces will be introduced in the show. The leap will take place in the month of February.
For the love of game |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is January 11...
All in all, 2012 will be a terrific cosmic start! Someone is angry with what they perceive as your slow pace, but you are just making sure everything around you is perfect. There's nothing wrong with that, but communication problems may arise. Be ready to tackle challenges in your career growth. You may have to travel for work. Participating in social gatherings will give you a good break from routine jobs. Your personality is vivacious, and your attitude couldn't be more welcoming. Trust your own abilities to demonstrate patience and hang in there; courage, determination and action -- not words -- can help you influence and deal with the demands of daily life. You've got to deal with a few too many demanding customers or annoying colleagues, but if you control your emotions (much), then you should be able to get everything done and keep the flow of work going smoothly. Financial crunch will continue as you will be worried about some upcoming major payments. Minor health problems might arise during the year. Chronic diabetes patients need caution and regulate your food habits. The nervous system, medulla, lymph and the feet will be more vulnerable. Mood: Factual. Compatible signs: Aries, Gemini. Lucky colours: Hot pink, Grey. Lucky days: Tuesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 8, 12, 23, 41, 43. Lucky moonstone: The Gemstone of Love. Lucky flower: Marigold
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Astro Turf
ARIES: The card Eight of Swords bestows saturnine influence as such problems are bound to arise at home. Cater to people who may be feeling low. A disagreement with your partner won’t be resolved for a few days. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 39
TAURUS: Early hours could see you encountering some difficulties. Resources must be protected. Gossip could spoil your chance of success. An attraction to the unknown can take you away from your comfort zone. Tarot message: Seek advice but don't feel you have to stick to it. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 48 GEMINI: Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. Personal plans will be opposed by friends and will be much harder to carry out. There is likely to be another romance waiting for you around the next corner. Tarot message: A shopping spree can set your budget aflutter be aware. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36 CANCER: The married will be able to see more of each other. Do not sign new agreements. Keep on top of your paperwork and appointments and everything should just fall into place. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite and understanding. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 59 LEO: Use your own judgment while taking important decisions. Dress for success and enjoy adding your usual flair. You should have an uncanny knack of understanding exactly what people want, even if they aren’t expressing. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29 VIRGO: Family politics or the power struggles in shared living quarters can intensify. Meditate on your situation and listen to your own guidance and you can’t go wrong. Tarot message: Take your partner out to dinner and renew energy in the relationship. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 47
LIBRA: You card “Ten of Wands” shows deception influence. You will feel irritated at work. A new deal may bring monetary gains. Good friends will be a source of entertainment. Don’t hesitate to fall back on them if you are having a tough time. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky color: Orange. Magic number: 61 SCORPIO: New work may prove lucrative. You can safely delegate responsibility of work to others. A chance encounter with a stranger may leave your heart beating wildly. Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves or personal decisions when angry or upset. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: There could be disappointment in store for you as the day progress. Your card “The Lovers” is shining its loving light on your house of fun, lovers and children. Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and exciting opportunities. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 42 CAPRICORN: Keep business activities open and above board. While you are rattling around in your basement or attic, you are likely to find something that taps fond memories and allows you to reminisce. Tarot message: Do try to be as charming as possible in all situations. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 25 AQUARIUS: An influential person may acknowledge your work and encourage you to take your career further. Take notice of your food and drink intake if you want to feel better. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 40 PISCES: The job seekers could have a couple of interviews and get both jobs. A business deal is likely to go through and give you a more secure income. A new budget to suit your income and lifestyle will help you to make headway. Tarot message: Take life the way it comes. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52
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With these words Gurvinder Singh rationalises the need to deliberate and debate cinema at academic platforms. On Tuesday his film Anhe Ghode Da Daan was not only screened but also was the subject of seminar on Text, Translator and Transformation (into Film) organised by Department of English and Cultural Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Mother-to-be
Bundle of joy 
Happy go lucky 
Sonam Kapoor is very happy shooting for a photo shoot with Farhan Akhtar. They are becoming friends, as they prepare to shoot for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag next month. She will go for a spiritual workshop for a month before shooting begins! Sweet!
Sonakshi Sinha has not had a release since her debut, Dabangg, in 2010. Yet, she has been all over the place. She talks about films coming up and her lessons so far!
Break time 
Though fine dining has its own thrill but having a meal with the take-away variety has its own charm. The number of take-away joints is surely rising in the city. Sector 9, 8 and 34 are the hub of take-away joints in Chandigarh and Sector 7 in Panchkula and it is here that you can gratify your taste buds with an abundance of fare. And you see the weather is just right for you to savour the stuff sitting in the warmth of your car and will only add to the experience of eating out. Though Lobby in Sector 26 has a fine dining restaurant but keeping up with this trend they have come up with a take-away joint called Lobby on Move in Sector 8 which has all the variety one can ask for! 
Serving Indian, Chinese and tandoori items, he adds, “Home delivery is an old trend but these days people love to eat in their cars and they order almost everything right from main course items like dal, chicken, roti to soups and snacks.” Serving people their favourite snacks and tandoori items since past 15 years is Pick n Move in Sector 8. It is another take-away joint where you would see cars parked outside and waiters serving food in the warmth of the cars. 
To start with, stand straight and step the right foot a foot lengths forward and shift all of your weight onto this leg. Inhale and raise the arms over your head and interlock the fingers, pointing the index finger up. As you exhale, lift the left leg up and out, hinging at the hips to lower the arms and torso down towards the floor. Look down at the floor and stare at a point for balance. Reach out through the left toes and the crown and fingers making one straight line. The raised leg has to be rotated inward to achieve a horizontal alignment. It is hard to maintain balance when doing this. The strength of the big toe on the supporting leg can prevent loss of balance when the inward rotation is applied. 
They say if you are an actor, one thing always follows you, rumours! You can't detach yourself from the gossip mills and rumours galore. I've kept myself away from all that but being in the public eye, people most definitely want to know about you. Of course about your work, but more about your personal life, trivia and relationship with co-actors! What to talk of anyone else, I used to love to update myself with the life and happenings of my favourite actors and loved to discuss it with my friends as if the actor concerned had personally come and told me all that! Now, ironically I am on the other side of it, and take it with a pinch of salt! My first rumour linked me with Salman Khan in my Veergati days. I was baffled! How can anyone write a story with no truth? But, of course, it was interesting reading material. Everyone who used to meet me or call would ask naughtily, “So, what’s happening?” One day during a shoot I was sitting and Salman came by. I was a newcomer. Feeling a bit odd after the rumours, I said an awkward ‘hi’ to Salman. What he said made me love him for life.
Of many a gifted music practitioner, very few are endowed with the skill of writing, especially a book. Having produced an album titled Creations, Chandigarh-based music maestro Sanjeev Kohli has now come out with an book titled Aao Guitar Seekhain in Hindi, which was released by Kathak guru Shobha Koser at a function organised by Rajasthan Parishad recently.
He is one of the most popular South Asian celebrities on Facebook who has a crooning voice. He is singer, composer and actor from Pakistan, Atif Aslam. He will lead six amateur Pakistani singers and mentor them to compete against Indian singers on Sahara one Television’s mega musical reality show produced and directed by Gajendra Singh. Atif, who has also sung many songs for Bollywood films like Race’, Kismet Konnection, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Prince, Faltu and Tere Naal Love Hoyaya gets talking about his new role as a judge in Sur Kshetra which will provide a platform to singers from India and Pakistan.
Sparsh Khanchandani aka Raashi of Parvarrish-- Kuchh Khatti Kuchh Meethi is indeed a very talented kid. She has proved herself as a brilliant actor at a very young age. But guess what; acting is not the only talent this little girl has! At a time when every other kid thinks magic is a fantasy, Sparsh has already mastered the science of magic. The kid is a trained magician and has already presented a number of magic shows in various parts of the country. Guess all the people who trouble Sparsh should stay away from her, she might make them disappear!!!
All set for the giant leap
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