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Eat, sing… be merry
People willfully offer to sing, mimic, dance, play instruments…at the events organised by restaurants in Chandigarh. The logic behind it is to extend the restaurant experience beyond the usual sit and dine framework. “And create a comfort zone, which is only possible if guests become part of an event. Karaoke, open mike and jam sessions on three days of the week serve the purpose well,” says Vipul Dua, owner of Peddlars, Sector 35. The events were initiated last and in fact, since the guest list is more or less the same, people have started knowing each other and it has become a club in itself. The maximum response is seen on Friday nights, which is open for jam sessions. It begins with a powerful performance by the Swastik Band and then people are asked to volunteer for a performance. Anuj Sharma, a regular at the open mike night, says performing among strangers has its own advantages. “It needs a lot of confidence to do stand up comedy in front of your friends but with people you don’t know or when you make a new friend circle, it’s not difficult at all,” he says. Social networking might be hampering the actual networking at some level, but then it does help the cause as well. On the Facebook Page of Hops ‘n’ Grains, a poll is conducted every week regarding what should be the flavour of the beer for the coming week. “Also we give tours of the brewery to guests who are interested in knowing the process of beer-brewing,” says Priyanka Gupta, owner. It came as a surprise to the authorities to see people respond in huge numbers from the very beginning itself. “Very often, the tour kicks off a discussion as to how microbreweries function abroad, how we match the standards and even how we can better the product as well as the functioning.” Good food is the primary reason for people revisiting an eating joint, but the ambience can’t be ruled out at any cost. Page 3 in Panchkula has been holding karaoke nights every Thursday since the last two years. “And what a success it has been!” says Swatantra Gautam, executive chef. He adds that despite being a weekday people wait to get a seat in the café. “Whatever reservations they earlier had about performing in front of the strangers are gone. They eagerly wait for their turn to sing.” Geetika Kalra, an IT firm employee, waits for the occasion. To begin with, she was prompted by her friends to do a karaoke, “Now, I volunteer. Getting a standing applause from people you don’t know at all is a great feeling, though I am friends with most of those who are regular at the café.” At the Zazen restaurant of Page 3, guests are taught how to cook teppanyaki, another effort to make them feel at home in restaurants. “People don’t just want to have food and go home; they dine out because they want to have fun. These small activities make them feel important,” says Gautam. Defining the term socialising actually, not virtually! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Cinema-Struck
The Punjab da Jatt belongs to Sunam and is presently settled in Mumbai. Says Kartar, “I gained interest in acting during my college days and later when I did post-graduation in Theatre and Television from Punjabi University, Patiala. Since then I have modelled in as many as 150 Punjabi music videos.” He has also played the bad guy in movies like Siasat and others. “In reality I’m a pretty decent man, but somehow I feel that playing negative roles is something larger than life and very challenging.” Kartar makes a Bollywood debut in the forthcoming movie Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya, starring Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza. “Mandeep Kumar, who is the director of this movie, happens to be a friend of mine and he was looking out for an actor for a character with shades of grey. I readily agreed.” The movie is due for release on February 24. He adds, “I’m also a part of the Hindi movie Soni De Nakhre along with Anuj Sahni, which will release in a few months.” Kartar strongly feels that Punjabis are very talented. He has a word of advice, “Hardwork matters a lot. Even entry to the reality shows is quite tough; I have started from the ground level and know how much hardwork is required to make a name in the industry.” Kartar has loads of offers for serials, but he wants to do movies. “Cinema is cinema, be it Hindi or Punjabi and as an actor I prefer movies.” For him, in the pipeline this year are Punjabi movies Gurbaaz and Buraah. And though there is a trend that Punjabi singers are turning into actors, Kartar does not want to even try his vocal chords ever! sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Not short of success
If you follow your craft with utmost passion, there’s no stopping... Devinder Paul Singh always wanted to be a film-maker. An engineering degree, followed by another in management to a job in McGill University, Montreal, Devinder realised his dream only last May.
Bestowed with beginner’s luck, his very first film Take Out gained entry into the Cannes Film Festival in 2011. A short film that touches multiculturalism was part of Cannes in Short Film corner. In Chandigarh, Devinder (his parents live in Mohali) shares excerpts from his journey. Brought up in the hill town of Dharamshala, Devinder like many Himachali students came to Chandigarh to pursue further education. After a degree in engineering, he moved to Montreal to pursue MBA from McGill University after some work experience in Delhi. “Delhi kind of prepared me for a big city like Montreal,” he says. Job followed, even as Devinder pursued his dream to make a film. “I guess the roots of the film can be traced back to my childhood. My mother tells me that when I was young I would often run up to foreigners (quite a ubiquitous entity in the picturesque hill town) and ask them two regular questions — one about their nationality, another about currency,” says Devinder as he sips the sugary, milky coffee which he particularly likes. “Don’t get this very often in Montreal,” he quips. People from different nationalities come together in his 11-minute film that draws inspiration from his present city of residence. “Montreal is a city with lots of restaurants. People often eat out and so do I. People’s conversations often fascinated me. I started with a belief that they were trivial, only to realise that these ‘brief moments’ can change relationships, change perceptions,” he says. Before finalising the story, Devinder attended various film-making workshops and courses over the last few years to learn the nuances of filmmaking. When finally he came up with the plan, all those film-maker friends, whom he had lent a helping hand, came to his rescue. Result: Take Out, a film that deals with human relationships, which has a strong Indian connection! What made your very first film get to such a prestigious platform? “Guess Butterfly Effect... there was this thought, a well-meaning one, and, it produced results.” With technology bringing film-making into the common man’s domain, the competition has become fierce, feels Devinder. “Today everyone can and is making films, not necessarily all are making good films. Though Montreal is great place for independent movie-making, I want to move to the Mecca — Los Angeles,” says Devinder with his fingers crossed. He is already over the pre-production of another short film, not a slice of life Take Out but a psychological thriller. He is also in the process of writing a feature film, not a Bollywood movie but a mainstream Hollywood flick. “There was a time when I wanted to do commercial Indian cinema, but that has changed. The wider experiences have left me hankering for the kind of cinema that Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder and Coen Brother make.” “It’s even more important for creative people to cross boundaries, interact with others to make ‘emotionally satisfying’ and ‘intellectually stimulating’ cinema,” says Devinder. mona@tribunemail.com
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Green brigade
Mallika Sherawat, Dhanush voted Hottest Veg celebrities 2011 Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat and Kolaverifame Dhanush have been voted Hottest Vegetarian Celebrities 2011 in a poll by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), overcoming competition from veterans Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, among others.
“Thousands of people cast their votes to help PETA India determine the Hottest Vegetarian Celebrities of 2011, and Dhanush and Mallika have been declared the winners,” the group said.
National award-winning Dhanush and Mallika beat out early leaders Vivek Oberai and Vidya Balan and faced further competition from Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Sonu Sood, Shahid Kapoor, and Kareena Kapoor. — PTI
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On road to stardom
This is how the career graph of an actor who doesn’t have a godfather in the industry looks like — modelling to acting in daily soaps to reality show to anchoring one and Bollywood.
Still it doesn’t get any easier for those who want to make a mark. Just like Ludhiana boy Abhinav Shukla. He began his career with modelling, made it to the top five finalists of Gladrags Manhunt, Grasim Mr India, Mr India World…and soon got a break on the small screen. “At every step, you have to prove yourself. In modelling, you have to work on your looks and physique; on TV, acting and improvisation is a must.” The shift from modelling to TV was a logical decision for him. “There are no two ways of walking the ramp. It doesn’t require any creativity and I couldn’t see any growth; TV was certainly a better option.” After doing TV soaps, Jersey Number 10, Jaane Kya Baat Hui and Geet Hui Sabse Parayi, he decided to go in for a reality show. Of all the offers that came, he finally gave his nod to Survivor India. “I didn’t accept dance reality shows for I have two left feet. And shows that survive on catfights and gossip didn’t make sense to me.” Survivor India, he says, was a different deal altogether. He didn’t find it difficult to stay with 15 other contestants on Caramon Island of Philippines, where even the basic necessities weren’t available. “I am a nature lover. When I take off from shooting, I pack my bag with a tent and stove and go trekking in the hills. Survivor India is about living in the midst of nature and I could manage that pretty well.” While living on an isolated island wasn’t that big a challenge, what was really tough was putting up with people of different temperaments, especially when fellow contestants are the very experienced reality show participants like Payal Rohatgi and Karan Patel! “Initially it was tough to understand people and their tantrums, but once I started concentrating on the tasks, it became comparatively easier for me.” He further wants to step into Bollywood and though a few offers have already come his way, nothing has materialised, but he hopes that the usual career graph follows the set pattern. So do we! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Movie Meter
Movie: Underworld Awakening Sequels are made primarily for the diehard fans of the series and Underworld Awakening the fourth in the Underworld series is no different. Yet, the movie whose genesis lies in the eternal clash between two species, vampires and Lycans (werewolves), is engaging even if you don't know or have not seen the prequels. A brief backgrounder establishes the previous storyline and the movie takes off from the lead character vampire warrior Selene (Kate Beckinsale ) escaping from her frozen existence. Kate returns (was missing in the third part) to the series with aplomb and fits into her part once more with effective ease. For a while it appears as if the film is more about the humans vs vampires duel. After all, Selene has been frozen for 12 years in a research laboratory Antigen owned by humans and its humans who seem to be after her when she manages to free herself. But therein lies the rub and the twist. Soon, facts establish otherwise and the continuum in the basic leitmotif of the previous parts rolls on. Of course, the new part has to have a new plot and new subject. Vampires in love… we have been seeing that before in both the Underworld and also Twilight series. So what is the next step? How about motherhood and more importantly the need to protect the future? However, it's not emotions that rule the roost here (though the characters are not emotionless either) but as always action, blood and gore dominate. So, if bloodsucking vampires and awful looking monstrous creatures al la Lycans, who can turn humans at will, set loose are not your cup of tea give it a skip straightaway. But otherwise the film that apparently falls in the horror genre is not quite the kind that will raise your goose pimples. There are more fights than horror unless you consider ripping apart werewolves horror. As far as the action goes, the movie is superbly fast paced but when it comes to thrills and chills it is not half as thrilling as other Hollywood flicks. Of course, the 3D effects enhance the momentum of the action as well as the visual appeal of the movie whose cinematography does full justice to its theme and tenor. As expected in the world of vampires and werewolves…it's set in dark shades. And as always Hollywood succeeds in making the absurd seem credible if not compelling. Needless to add the window for another sequel remains wide open.
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Return of the warrior
Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrior Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find her in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. Selene leads the battle against humankind.
Overrated violence It is definitely for the followers of the Underworld series but personally I did not like the over-exaggerated violence and that too in 3D. Mohit Khera, gym trainer Copy tale Kate Beckinsale’s performance is worthy of praise and the leather attire she is sporting in the movie makes her look gorgeous. Overall the movie is a dragged affair and the storyline seems a copy of Twilight movies. Anupama Seth, housewife Boring and tedious The 3D effects are good but the story is quite boring. The story loses track and hence fails to catch one’s interest. Heena Suri, student, GGDSD College As told to Sabia Talwar
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Direct Take
Chandigarh is increasingly becoming a favoured destination for movie shootings. On Friday, it was director Sanjay Ghosh and producer Neeta Shah who landed in the city, not only looking for the lead pair for the film but also finalising shooting locations.
Ishq Bada Bedardi is a story that revolves around the theme of love. "After almost two decades, you will see a movie that a family can watch together. Not only that, it will also make youngsters realise what true love is," says the director as well as story and screenplay writer Sanjay Ghosh. Sanjay has been assistant director in movies like Maha Sangram, Mardangi, Hum, Aghaat and Taraazu. Ishq… is a musical journey. "We already have roped in Tushar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Riya Sen," says Sanjay, who is here auditioning for another lead pair. Not only that, the movie would also be largely shot in Chandigarh. "We will shoot campus life in the city. The songs are scheduled in Shimla and Manali, with some part in Goa and Mumbai," says Sanjay who begins shooting in mid-March. "It's going to be entertaining love story that brings together not only youngsters but their parents as well as professors in parallel roles," he quips. City's own senior radio announcer Ramesh Kapoor also acts in the film. Well, the auditions are on from Saturday to Monday at the National School of Media from 10:30 am onwards.
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STAR TRACK
Jacqueline turned down Krrish 3 because she didn’t want to kiss Hrithik (after making out with Emraan Hashmi), then she signed Race 2 but opted out of it too. Finally, she has walked out of Raaz 3, ten days before the filming begins because she was unhappy with the “revealing clothes in the movie!” Can you believe that? A source remarks, “Let us rewind a little bit. Jacqueline had no qualms wearing bikinis when she was a model and in movies like Jaane Kaha Se Aayi Hai and Murder 2. The latter was her ticked to stardom and everybody talked about how hot she looked in the movie. There was no acting on her part. She only had to sizzle in her lingerie and intimate scenes! Now that she is dating Sajid Khan, he is influencing her choice of films because he wants her to have a more conservative image. She seemed set with the Bhatts but now things are going haywire between them. We hear that Sajid has asked her to avoid B-grade films if she wants to become an A-list actress. Now, is he saying that Race 2 and Krrish 3 are B-grade films? Any actress would do it. All the top actresses from Kareena to Priyanka to Vidya wear revealing clothes and do intimate scenes in their movies. Jackie isn’t even an actress yet. She is a glam doll so she should do all these big films before she can choose and pick roles of substance. And anyway, Sajid Khan also uses his actresses as glam dolls!” Mahesh Bhatt remarks, “It is clear that Jackie’s decisions are being influenced. She opted out of Raaz 3 because she wanted to her clothes to be more conservative. We will see the result of her choices only later!”
Success isn’t everything
“Acting is such an uncertain kind of life. You struggle so much at the beginning of your career - at least I did - and then you suddenly find yourself working all the time and after six or seven years you realise that maybe work and success isn’t everything,” she said. — ANI
I’m a gypsy: Lady Gaga
The singer, who is yet to buy her own home, admitted she is still “homeless” because she thinks it would be a “waste of money” to splash out on a property when she spends most of her time on tour. “I’m a gypsy, you know. I can’t plan my life out like that so much. Then I think well, gosh what a waste of money to buy a place and I’m on the road,” Gaga said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “Even though it might not seem like a big deal because I’m a pop singer or whatever, it still hurts to hand over that much. It’s a lot of money,” she added. — IANS
Jolie to be mum again?
The 35-year-old and Pitt, 48, are already biological parents to Shiloh, five, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. They also have adopted children Maddox, 10, Pax, eight, and Zahara, six. “It’s not something she wants to officially announce but she’s at a point where she is telling a select group of people. Angelina is really savouring every moment. She’s having a tough time with morning sickness, but says it’s all worth it,” mirror.co.uk quoted a source as saying. According to reports, Jolie has already started decorating a room for the new arrival. “Angelina has cleared out her bedroom and redone it in white. She wants it to have a Zen-like feeling because she believes in the mind-body connection and wants her mind at peace,” the source added. — IANS
Heigl ‘intimidated’ by daughter...
Actress Katherine Heigl says she struggled to adapt to motherhood initially as she was intimidated by her daughter.
Heigl and husband Josh Kelley adopted daughter Naleigh from South Korea in 2009 and the actress admits she was worried whether the little girl would be able to take to the new environment. “The first few days we were shellshocked and terrified of messing up. I felt a need to protect her - that’s just a mother’s instinct - but I was also intimidated by her, and nervous that she wouldn’t love me,” Heigl said in an interview. “She’d just flown across the world and we were speaking a different language, we were in a different time zone, we looked different plus she’d been in a really loving, wonderful foster home. For the first three weeks, we couldn’t get her to giggle. I was like, ‘Oh no, she hates us’,” — IANS
Loss and gain
The Oscar-winner lost 80 pounds after the birth of her son in 2009 and is now encouraging fans to get fit as a spokesperson for diet giant Weight Watchers.
She has released a book detailing her battle with the bulge, entitled I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, but admits she would consider giving up her slim new figure if it was required for a film role. “When I do films, it has to be led by something through me - like my passion for it.
I just don’t want to hop into anything. So if I commit myself to something, then it’ll be worth it no matter what character it is,” she said. — ANI
Women power
Veteran actress Jane Fonda has urged Hollywood bosses to offer more behind-the-camera jobs to women in the showbiz industry.
“Until more women wield the power to decide what movies and TV shows get made, Hollywood culture won’t really yield all the fascinating complexities that are the realities of women’s lives. Until then, we’re accepting supporting roles in an industry many of us have devoted our lives to,” says Fonda. The actress was honoured with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award for her film work and philanthropy at the Hollywood Reporter’s annual Power 100 Women in an entertainment event. — IANS
Vivek turns super villain
“When they called me and made me read the script, I read the role and was blown off. I want to play it right and it is all the hard work and effort that is paying off. I wanted to bring to life India’s first super-villain, it was good fun,” the 35-year-old actor said here at launch of singer Rajnigandha Shekhawat’s album of folk songs. Perhaps Vivek forgot that Arjun Rampal was recently seen as a super-villain in Ra.One. Nevertheless, he is working hard and trying to do justice to his role in Krrish 2, the sequel to 2006 superhero film Krrish. Vivek is also very happy with the positive energy on the sets of the movie and says he is lucky to be working with senior Roshan, as well as his son Hrithik, who keeps boosting his confidence. “When you get that kind of encouragement from your co-star, from somebody who is doing so well, it’s a great atmosphere on the set. There is no insecurity, no negativity. It’s a great set to be on,” said Vivek, who was recently ousted from Shootout at Wadala. After a lull in his career, 2012 looks promising for Vivek, who is also working in Kismet, Love, Paisa Dilli opppsite Mallika Sherawat and Zilla Ghaziabad. — IANS
Films feel like vacation: Ekta Kapoor
“It’s (TV is) home ground. You might want to travel the world you might say, that you love Paris, but Mumbai will always be Mumbai for you. So for me if you ask, television is Mumbai and films are like Paris,” the 36-year-old producer said at the launch of her new serial Kya Huaa Tera Vaada. “It’s (films) a great vacation, but I will come back to television,” she added. Ekta, daughter of yesteryears star Jeetendra, has produced films like Love Sex aur Dhokha, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai, Shor In The City and Ragini MMS. She insists films are an experiment for her, and help her understand TV better. “Whatever I am today, is because of television. So all the emotional connect is with television. I am experimenting with films and enjoying the freshness of a film but it helps me understand television better. Whatever art of storytelling I have, is because of television,” said Ekta, who is also co-producing Shootout at Wadala with Sanjay Gupta. This year is a busy time with films like Kyaa Super Kool Hai Hum, Rock The Shaadi and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 2.— IANS
Deepti welcomes remakes
In the past, Bollywood has seen remakes of films like Umrao Jaan, Don, Sholay and Devdas. The Chashme Buddoor remake will reportedly have Ali Zafar in the role played by Farooq Sheikh. “If a film inspires a director, if there is something about the film which is kind of timeless and some director wants to approach it again and re-interpret it in his or her own way, I think they should have the freedom to do that,” added Deepti. She spoke on the sidelines of an event, where directors and producers gathered to plan celebrations for 100 years of Indian Cinema, in 2013. Known for her work in films like Angoor, Kissi Se Na Kehna and Mirch Masala, Deepti feels Indian cinema has changed manifold over the years. “I have followed cinema ever since I was a baby. And I have seen various phases of Hindi cinema in my lifetime. Every decade, there has been a change. The taste, phase, stars and filmmaking have changed. — IANS
From fat to fit
Unhappy period Last year, I was bedridden because of my back so I was very unhappy and I felt stuck in a rut. I was eating all the brownies and sweets people sent me to feel better. I gained a lot of weight and looked ugly and repulsive. Then I decided I had to make everything work in my favour. Genetically blessed? People think I am genetically blessed to be in great shape but that is not true. I have had my bad and unhealthy days. I actually work very hard to maintain myself. If I can go from fat to fit in ten weeks, other people can too. It is all in the mind. People can be whatever they want to be. Once you decide, the resources come to you. Being sexy is a state of mind. We can all transform. Trainers talk I was blessed to work with Kris Genthin and Maraica Johnson. Kris is a trainer and Maraica is a nutritionist. I thought I knew about fitness but what they have taught me is incredible. I didn’t starve myself; I ate properly and well and I didn’t work out excessively. I want people to learn from my experience. No to diet My sister has struggled with weight her entire life and it kills me to see people starving themselves. I ate about eight small meals every day. I felt more energetic as I ate more organic food. We are eating all the wrong food because of advertising and we need to stop that. I didn’t even crave for sweets or cigarettes. I want to tell people that to speed up your metabolism you need to eat every two hours and eat right. Do it right I have never been so inspired in my life. I feel like I can do anything. I want to take this information and transformation to the common man. Weight is such a big deal in our lives and in our country and I want to show them that you need the right information and the right amount of work and you will do just fine. I want to invest in infrastructure and I could even write a book. I did all this with a double-slipped disc so anyone can do it!
Chic choice
Vanity connection
Blood donation Amy Jackson and Prateik Babber donated blood as part of their ongoing college festival. Good job!
Friendship in offing? Shahid Kapoor bonded big time with actress Chitrangda Singh at the recently held Colors Screen Awards. She even co-hosted a segment with him.
Coffee with Sonam Sonam Kapoor is addicted to coffee. That keeps her energetic and it also keeps her slim. She has shot two commercials in three days for her cosmetic endorsement.
Going places
Priyanka Chopra, Hrithik Roshan and Karan Johar are travelling to various cities in India and also to Dubai and London to promote Agneepath which releases next week.
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Chatter Box
KRK loves to write notorious tweets on the micro-blogging site but few days ago, he began sending kisses to Sara via his tweets. "Good morning and kiss to Sara khan." Earlier, he used to send kisses to Asin every morning. He didn't stop here, he later posted, "I have broken up with my Moroccan girlfriend Sabah and today I am already in love with Sara Khan, TV actress. I am a man of one woman so I can't think about anybody else except Asin, Sara and Sunny. Good night and kiss to Ass means Asin, Sara, Sunny." Sara Khan, who shot to fame with her hit show Bidaai and is presently seen in Zee TV's Ram Milayee Jodi is not amused. Sara is also making her Bollywood debut with Dark rainbow and KRK too is planning to make a film. He had approached Sara for the leading role, which Sara refused. Says an angry Sara, "Can anybody tell me who this KRK is? Mai to use theek se jaanti bhi nahi. I was shocked when I learnt about his tweets. I am not tech savvy and haven't yet checked what he has written exactly,” she says.
Tough times for Karan
Karan Patel, who has been extremely unhappy after the elimination of his dear friend Priyanka Bassi, is going through a tough phase.
He feels that nothing is going in his favour. The deteriorating condition on the island, and then Priyanka’s exit has caused him a lot of stress.
The present state is such that he has stopped talking to anyone and apparently eats very little food. Karan is adamant on sticking to what he is doing.
Work is worship
reaction time: Pooja Sharma
When real meets reel
How does it feel that your show has got good TRPs and has been in the top 5 shows since the launch? Wonderful of course. I couldn’t have been happier then this. I love the concept of the show but the realistic treatment given to the script makes it even more exciting. What are the similarities between Krystle & Jeevika? I am exactly like her in real life. I am a quiet person and bit reserved too. While Nia who plays Maanvi is like her character too – totally mischievous and talks a lot. This role is a dream come true for me. Were you thrilled to shoot for the honeymoon portion of your show in Goa? Yes absolutely. I love Goa and visit it at least once a year. I feel like a free bird there. There is so much to do in Goa. I love to spend time on the beach. The show helps us mix business with pleasure. There were reports about your on and off screen chemistry with your co-star Karan Tacker. Comment. We are good friends and that reflects in our scenes. The reports were mere rumours. What do you like doing in your free time? I like cleaning my room daily. I can’t stay in a place that isn’t tidy. Tell us about your journey as an actress. I was lucky as I didn’t have to struggle much. Ekta cast me in Kahe Na Kahe and she liked my work. It was a great learning experience. Later I got Baat Hamari Pakki Hai but I went to Canada for a year as my parents stay there. When I came back, Ek Hazaaron happened. Television has given me a lot and I enjoy being here. Other than acting, what else would you want to try on TV? Anchoring sounds fun. I will take up good offers. I would also love to participate in any dance reality show as I love dancing.
Up above all
The show, because of its unusual storyline is steadily gaining TRPs. The chemistry between Suraj and Sandhya made the show climb to number two quite rapidly.
And finally this week, it has got the coveted number one position, surpassing Star Plus’ Saath Nibhana Saathiya. With a TRP of 4.78, Diya Aur Baati is ruling the roost.
Back to work
Shweta was offered the main lead, now being essayed by Kratika Sengar, but she was unable to accept it due to some personal issues. She is happy to play a cameo with this sweet role.
Everything’s not OK...
Soap queen Ekta Kapoor is all set to make a televised version of the hit film Pardes. But her plans to air it on new channel Life OK have gone kaput. Due to unknown reasons, the talks between the two have failed. Now, the buzz is that Balaji is pushing the show for another channel. The show will mark the return of veteran Bollywood actor Daisy Irani.
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The Year Ahead
If your birthday is January 21...
Dealing with employees could be a breeze in 2012. You’ll be surprised at their good service. Relationships may have to be nurtured. Those close to you can feel left out. Although this is not really true, you may need to spend some quality time with them to make them feel better. You consider taking a trip to a distant location? Cancel your plans as of now. Your feelings need to be expressed. Make plans for a special evening? Look into speculative ventures and don’t be afraid to have some fun if the opportunity arises. Put aside your other work and spend some time going through budgets. Stick to your financial plans. You shouldn’t worry too much about your reputation. While some folks consider you two-faced, most people tend to write you off entirely once they see that you lack focus. But don’t fret about it. You’ve got so many things you’d like to do with your partner in the future, but remember to appreciate the present too. Your day to day life is pretty good, so take out time to celebrate it. You get started on something bold and new in April. Focus on precise definite aims. Ask a Taurean friend for help and support. Those born after 1990 will be satisfied at the way their career is going, although they will have to face yet another difficult time. You must stay away from the people who always big you down. Rest and relaxation will clear your mind and make you stronger. If you take a break, ensure you don’t take hasty decisions. A halfway attempt will be useless. You may succeed in financial matters. However the financial benefits that you may get could be a result of careful, meticulous hard work. Mental happiness resulting from harmony with nature could brighten. You may need to put restrictions on your diet. However you will have fast recovery from illness and benefit from treatment. You could be a little short on patience, as your passionate ruling planet Mars is detonated by the emotionally charged Full Moon. Plans can change in an instant and emotions can shift with the breeze. Avoid serious commitments and leave yourself an escape route if you get caught in an uncomfortable situation. Mood : Very enthusiastic
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Be true to your ideals. Don’t sell yourself for money. Money issues could dictate what you need to concentrate on. A secret arrangement comes to light. The search for your soulmate gathers impetus. Tarot message: This is not the right time to invest in new projects. Lucky colour: Olive
Magic number: 58
TAURUS: The simple things in life will bring you joy. Do not take up too much work. A health issue ccan cause you worry. Don’t delay diagnosis. Do not be rash or impulsive today. Keep your temper under control. Tarot message: Trust your intuition and don’t confuse yourself. Lucky colour: Pale green
Magic number: 46 GEMINI: A tough day ahead. Stay alert. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical effort. Relationships can be a minefield with a lot of emotions surfacing. Step back and take several deep breaths before you say something. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself. Lucky colour: Ivory. Magic number: 36 CANCER: Satisfactory day for working mothers. You will have difficulty getting along with associates. A strong need to please someone might give you a lot of stress. Business can be mixed with pleasure most satisfactorily.
Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Lavender. Magic number: 55 LEO: The outcome of lawsuit might be postponed due to matters out of your hands. You should not hesitate to shop around for a better deal. The employed will be given special assignment with handsome incentives. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be preparing to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: If you don’t expect the day to run smoothly, prepare yourself well. Double-check appointments. At workplace co-operation will result in more success. Pay attention to your own health. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly.
Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 45
LIBRA: Make sure you have your purse or wallet before leaving home. A friend may need your support and you may need to put off your engagement to help him. Not a good time for romance. Remember, no pain, no gain.
Tarot message: Give your best. Don’t believe in luck. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 25 SCORPIO: Business deals won’t be finalised right away. Be cautions if a friend asks you for loan. A Scorpio friend will be helpful. Take care of a close relationship.
Tarot message: Don’t get involved in ventures, in which you won’t be able to earn immediate returns. Lucky colour: Orange
Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Those around you could make you lose your temper with their abstract ideas about important issues. Politicians or bureaucrats are in the lime light. Keep your celebrations moderate.
Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: White
Magic number: 63 CAPRICORN: Strange happenings at home can give rise to all sorts of drama. Students: Park your vehicles carefully. Contractors will make profit. Expect excellent news concerning finance. Not all advice is reliable. Tarot message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: You definitely do not appreciate your friend’s interference. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge to you. Personal relationship heats up. Minor health problems irritate you. Tarot message: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Sandy Brown. Magic number: 57 PISCES: You could wake up with a headache. Do not fear bad luck. This is a good day for married lovers. A re-union will be fun. If you get a chance to go to the theatre, avail the chance. Enjoy your evening. Tarot message: Don’t let opposition affect your confidence. Lucky colour: Lime green
Magic number: 31
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