For any actor there are certain dream roles. In Haasil, The Namesake and now in Paan Singh Tomar, talented actor Irrfan Khan has found his
A VERSATILE ACT
Mona

It's a heady feeling, for sure. While others in the B-town would have been on a high after having bagged the dream 'baddie' role in the iconic Spiderman franchisee, the extremely humble and versatile Irrfan khan is firmly grounded. In Chandigarh on Tuesday for the promotion of Paan Singh Tomar, he shares the highs and lows; his strengths as an actor.

Starting with the movie he came for the promotion of, along with its director and long associate Tigmanshu Dhulia (from the National School of Drama days), Irrfan says, "Paan Singh Tomar's character is a dream role for the actor in me. It also addresses the angst of an individual."

The movie, based on the life of Paan Singh Tomar who turned a dacoit during the later part of his life, really 'excites' Irrfan. It also fulfils his ambition for more of 'action' roles. Bored of tags that he has earned in his distinguished career — serious, profound, thinking — this actor would rather connect to the audiences' soul. And, that is probably his strength as well. "It's probably the connect that I can make with the audiences' heart and psyche that qualifies me as an actor."

From Haasil to Paan Singh…., Irrfan has done many different roles, including the rather commercial one in Thank You. Why? "I don't want to be enslaved in a particular genre. I wish to surprise my viewer and reach a stage where people come to see me in theatre."

Playing Paan Singh wasn't easy. Irrfan learnt steeple-chase, shot in the Chambal valley and played the different hues — that of a farmer, Army personnel, national-level athlete and then a dacoit. What touches him the most? "Paan Singh is an honest and talented soul. There is a line in movie, Mera Naam Paan Singh Tomar hai ji, which depicts the simplicity of the person." It is also the phase when Paan Singh is trying to solve his problems legitimately, which Irrfan found poignant.

Irrfan has earned a name for himself not only in Bollywood, but also Hollywood and more recently on ramp (he walked for designer Meera Ali on the last day of Wills India Fashion Week). This is what he says on Bollywood's association with Hollywood. "Americans have not only specialised in making movies but are very far-sighted as well. They are reaching out. And, in the process they are giving attention to Indian actors, which is a good gesture."

How about the Spidey movie? "Well, when they want an Indian to be part of America's biggest folklore, it's huge. The experience was excellent. Mark Webb is a very sensitive director and I enjoyed a very respectable equation with him." Apart from this, Irrfan is tight-lipped about the project, as he is yet to see the movie.

While Paan Singh releases on March 2, Irrfan is also working on a movie Fanne Khan (working title). "I long wanted to do a movie around a musician and Fanne Khan gives me that chance," he signs off.

mona@tribunemail.com

Director's cut
Tigmanshu Dhulia
Tigmanshu Dhulia

For Paan Sigh Tomar's role, director Tigmanshu Dhulia was looking for an actor who could give not only dates but his blood, sweat and tears. He found the right one in long associate Irrfan Khan. Tigmanshu shares his take on the film, "It's the story of a farmer, fauji, athlete and a dacoit." Based on a real character, how real is the movie? "I would say 80:20," says Tigmanshu. "While 80 per cent is gathered from research, meeting Paan Singh's family and associates, the rest is to provide action as this is not a documentary but a film."

Known for the brave, new kind of cinema, director Tigmanshu Dhulia debuted as a director with Haasil in 2003. Charas, Shagird and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster followed. With Paan Singh Tomar, Tigmanshu seems to have hit the bull's eye. The movie, which has been showcased in film festivals around the world has got rave reviews; some of them rating it better than the Bandit Queen. Tigmanshu is proud but puts it this way, "There wouldn't have been Paan Singh… had there been no Bandit Queen. Except the locale, Chambal ke beehar, the treatment is very different." The blurring line between commercial and art cinema makes this screenwriter and director happy. Next, he is working on the sequel to Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and a small town love story Milan Talkies. "It's difficult to make urban love stories. Where is the conflict in the cities?" he asks.

Serial count
In Chandigarh, director Chandraprakash Dwivedi and actor Abhimanyu Singh talk about their experiences while promoting their serial Upanishad Ganga
Sabia Talwar

A historical story, recreation of an ancient era, characters so intense that we have all heard about them at some point in life, but the audience is modern. Such is Chandraprakash Dwivedi-directed serial Upanishad Ganga, which will be aired on DD 1 from March 11 onwards.

We have heard about Chandraprakash when he recreated history by essaying the role of Chanakya, while also directing and having written it. How did all this start? "Basically, I was a physician and started writing plays during my college days. I wanted to act as well, so I started with directing plays," says Chandraprakash. Only on one agreement that in every play he would direct, one main character would be played by him!

"I aspired for something unusual and was taken by the story of the serial Hum Log," adds Chandraprakash, who wants to pass on ancient wisdom to the modern generation. We have seen this part of him in his directorial venture Pinjar where he showcased India's Partition.

His upcoming venture is Mohalla 80 where he will talk about the transition of India after globalisation. "I want to make episodes, where I will take the best from the past and try that it becomes a part of our culture now," says Chandraprakash. He has been getting offers for serials and movies based on history, as he does justice to the subject.

Upanishad Ganga has an experienced cast in Abhimanyu Singh, KK Raina, Rushad Rana, Sai Deodhar and more. Says Abhimanyu Singh, "It was a very different experience, as I'm playing thirty-three characters." Upanishad Ganga is not a serial telling you a single story; every episode is a story in itself. "Playing a historical character is very difficult because one has to carry a different body language. I get into my character completely so that I can do justice to it," adds Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, who has been born and brought up in Bihar, studied in Delhi, has done theatre in Mumbai and acted in Bollywood movies like Gulaal, Rakht Charitra, I Am and others.

Says Abhimanyu, "I'm fortunate enough to be a part of parallel cinema, commercial cinema as well as television. I did get non-serious about my work at a point when I wanted to discover myself, so I did a lot of travelling and mountaineering. As of now, I am tied up with only cinema." He will soon be working for Sanjay Leela Bhansali; and in another movie Department with Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt, which is due for release in April. He also has a Telegu version of Dabangg where he will be playing Sonu Sood's character. Abhimanyu signs off by saying that parallel cinema has a lot more reality in it!

sabiatalwar@gmail.com

Track record
The cast and crew of the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Farhan Akhtar, along with Milkha Singh and Jeev Milkha Singh, share how inspiration can be contagious…
Jasmine Singh

From the corner of the eye, we could see them involved in a serious Q&A session. He was passing the baton….giving away a part of him, a part that was secured with him all this while. And today after 60 years, the flying Sikh Milkha Singh decided to hand over the spikes he had worn in the historic Rome Olympics run to actor Farhan Akhtar.

The story will take a new turn and from now on, it will run on a new momentum called Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. In Chandigarh to talk about the film, the cast and crew of the movie Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Farhan Akhtar, along with Milkha Singh and Jeev Milkha Singh, share how inspiration can be contagious. Starting with the man of the moment, Milkha Singh who led to the unfurling of the chapter Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, "Many other directors wanted to do a movie on me, but it was my son Jeev who said only Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra could do justice to the story," he says looking humbly towards everyone on the podium. "Not many people know that I gave my flesh and blood while practicing; I never gave up, never left hope. This is the only thing I want the director to portray correctly," he adds, looking on two important people who have taken upon themselves this task- the director and the actor.

So, it's now over to the actor, Farhan Akhtar. He is looking at the spikes, intently…drawing inspiration? "Inspiration can be contagious; when I read the script I could have only said yes. I was completely blown away at some points," shares the actor, hiding his long curly hair under the hat. Preparations are on! "If I get down to the preparations, it would sound boring. All I can say is that we are trying to put in all the efforts to get everything right."

Coming from the 'dedicationist' Farhan (Aamir Khan will not leave the tag of 'perfectionist', so the industry had to coin something new) you can expect the work to be up to the mark. "It is not possible to bottle down his life in one episode, given the fact that we have time restraint as well. At the same time, I will try to justify the role. Not many actors get to play this kind of a role. I am twice lucky maybe."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Behind the screen
Sabia Talwar

lens eye: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is well-known for directing movies such as Aks and Rang De Basanti. He is soon to start with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. We dig in more.

What was the real inspiration behind Bhaag Milkha Bhaag? "While I was young I used to go for swimming practice to the National Stadium and hear a lot of inspirational stories about Milkha Singh, which geared me up to complete my laps. So, I decided what better subject than to honour the person who has worked hard and earned the title of The Flying Sikh." We wonder if the story is sports-centric. "It is not a story about an athlete; it is a story about human spirit. I thought everyone across the globe should know about Milkha Singh."

He adds, "While I was making Rang De Basanti, I heard people saying that it is not commercially viable but I worked my way through. Same goes for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag; I went with the offer to Milkha Singh, explained that justice will be done to his real life story on reel and trust me, he just took Re 1 to agree." Farhan in the lead role? "It's just not that he is a good actor or a youth icon, but God had somewhere planned that he would act in this one for me." The movie is yet to start but has been in news since a long time. "I wish I had five more years to work on this story, as a lot of research is required to make a movie on a real person."

Back to square one?
Just friends: Deepika Padukone with Ranbir Kapoor
Just friends: Deepika Padukone with Ranbir Kapoor

A few weeks ago, we read that Ranbir and Katrina were back together and spending quality time with each other. Then, Deepika broke up with Siddharth Mallya and lent on Ranbir’s shoulder. The latest news is that they are bonding big time with each other.

A source tells us, “Ranbir and Deepika spent time with each other, sticking like glue at Rohit Dhawan’s wedding party. They were both in Los Angeles earlier and took time out to meet up. They are also meeting for pre-production work for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and they will spend four-five months shooting in the film in romantic places like Nainital and Kashmir. The movie is a romantic comedy. Deepika feels lonely and Ranbir is the “good friend”. It is very likely that they will get back together. Doing the movie might be the right potion to rekindle their relationship!”

The source continues, “Ranbir and Deepika have become good friends after their break-up. They had a good relationship until she accused him of cheating and he called her possessive and said that he needed his space. Ranbir and Deepika have only admitted to their relationship with each other. Ranbir didn’t admit to anything between him and Katrina or him and Nargis Fakhri. Both of them know each other really well and have matured over the last couple of years and they have been with different people as well. It will be wonderful to see them rekindle their romance and the movie might just do the trick. Time will tell what is in store for these two!

The extra mile
Daredevil: Vidya Balan
Daredevil: Vidya Balan

Starting off as a simple girl in Parineeta to being a seductress in The Dirty Picture, actress Vidya Balan has portrayed diverse roles and now wants to do something on the strong subject of extramarital affair.

"I want to do something where there is lot of drama as our lives are dramatic. May be do something like Arth, Silsila kind of film, something on extra marital affair, as wherever we go we get to hear about it," Vidya said in an interview.

Arth, a 1982 film directed by Mahesh Bhatt, starring Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Smita Patil and Raj Kiran, was about his extramarital relationship. Even Yash Chopra's 1981 film, Silsila featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Sanjeev Kumar and Rekha, revolved around the same topic. Vidya even showed her interest in doing a film that would centre upon late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

"I may like to do a biopic on Indira Gandhi or something like that," Vidya said. However, she is now doing a comedy thriller, something that she has not tried her luck in yet.

PTI

A traveller’s diary
Ajay K Raina’s book Ladakh Simplified is an account of the time he has spent in the region
Jasmine Singh

For most of us the idea of travelling is related to sightseeing, hurriedly trying to touch every ‘popular’ spot mentioned in the guide book. Not to miss, taking a lot of photographs and Emailing them to friends even before you arrive.

For some, like Ajay K Raina travel means oneness with the elements of a place, it means a change that goes within the ideas of living. A self confessed Ladakh addict, an avid traveller and a biker Ajay K Raina is serving in the army. This doesn’t stop with a few things that describe him, Raina takes it a step forward by scribbling a few lines (as he says) for almost a year to give it a form of a book, Ladakh Simplified, an unofficial handbook of Buddhist Ladakh.

While most travellers come back with knick knacks for family and friends, he came with observations that were put together in a book. “Accept it or not, we are always in a hurry to see a destination and then return. On the contrary a place offers numerous ways in which it can be explored and understood. This book is all about that,” shares Ajay K Raina who spent almost two years in Ladakh, saw every bit of the place, unraveled stories about it. “Everywhere in Ladakh, one can see religious flags, signs and symbols. Every local has a different story to tell. So, I thought about exploring the same myself. I researched, spoke to locals, went about visiting every nook and corner of this beautiful region before I decided I needed to record it all in a book,” he adds. Ladakh Simplified is a story in itself that talks about different destinations, lessons the place offers, the Buddhist way of life, tourist history and much more. “Ladakh is certainly a popular destination and people are more than eager to see certain popular spots. I would rather suggest to stay at one place, soak in the spirit of the place and feel the positivity. Any given place has so many things to offer,” shares this avid traveler who has his family’s (wife Deepika and daughter Czia’s) name registered in the Limca Book Of Records 2011 for their unsupported bike ride through Ladakh. “I travel with my wife and kid,” he smiles, “We share the same spirit for travelling. The best part is they love what I do, and so does my work that has taught me to understand and recognize the value of a place.”

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Colours in flow
Manpriya Singh

The unconscious finally becomes conscious and takes undefined forms. At first glance, it's a complicated mish-mash of colours, linear shapes and asymmetric structures all weaved into one web. "In none of the paintings have I used a brush, the colours have all assumed forms and shapes on their own," says Delhi-based artist Rakesh Gupta, of his exhibition of paintings titled Conscious-Unconscious.

He adds, "In most of the works, the forms are nothing but the flow of colour. The shapes are impromptu and natural. This technique was used by Jackson Pollock and it's called his technique of abstract expressionism." Needless to say, there is a uniquely defined style of drip painting in each of the canvas.

It took him a year-and-a-half to work on the series and all the canvases were worked upon, "one after the other." He shares, "My ideas can come from anywhere. There was a newspaper report that said a sack containing human bones was found at some railway platform." As a reaction out came a charcoal work depicting the gross and dark nature of the incident. The thirteen canvases and seven charcoal works and one self-portrait of Frida Kahlo, share a distinct signature touch. In each of the works there is a strange co-existence of bright colours. Amidst the riot of hues, there are human shapes and body merged with animal forms. "It's all complex because I am dealing with a theme that borders on the not-so-obvious. That is the conscious and the unconscious. In every human mind there is a repressive energy, which works in ways much more complicated than the mish-mash of structures. At times, you will find human forms in it, at times, you wouldn't."

The colours couldn't get brighter than this. There is a well-thought but generous use of the reds, greens, blues, whites and the yellows. Each of the works depicts every hue, yet each canvas throws only one dominating colour!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

(On at the Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University, till February 24, 2012)

Fast forward
Fasting once or twice a week could help you live longer

For many people, the key question regarding fasting is whether it's good or bad for health? Now, a new study says that skipping meals for a couple of days a week could help a person live longer.

Researchers at the National Institute on Ageing have found that fasting for one day or two days a week is key to a long life because it can protect the brain against Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other degenerative brain conditions. Chemical messengers in the brain are boosted when calorie intake is restricted, say the researchers.

It has long been known that severely restricting calorie intake can increase the lifespan of rats and mice and it has been suggested there could be a similar effect in humans too but the theory is difficult to test. Now, the researchers have found the positive effects of fasting, a publication reported. Prof Mark Mattson, head of the institute's laboratory of neurosciences, said: "Reducing your calorie intake could help your brain, but doing so by cutting your intake of food is not likely to be the best method of triggering this protection." "It is likely to be better to go on intermittent bouts of fasting, in which you eat hardly anything at all, and then have periods when you eat as much as you want." The findings were presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Vancouver. — PTI

The showman

One of the leading Australian publications has featured the English version of Bollywood showman Raj Kapoor’s 1956 classic Jagte Raho among the top 10 films playing in Sydney this month. The publication has listed Stay Awake (the 115 minute English version of Jagte Raho) as the second best film playing in Sydney.

Stay Awake has the legendary actor showing his gift for pantomime as a tramp who wanders into a Kolkata apartment complex in search of water and becomes the target of a neighbourhood witch-hunt. Directed by the team of Sombhu and Amit Mitra, this brilliantly developed comic nightmare works at several levels, from slapstick to religious allegory.

Other movies in the top ten list include Citizen Kane, The Hit, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, The Trip, Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace 3D, The Grey, Shallow Grave, Chronicle and the recently released and critically acclaimed black and white silent film The Artist. 

"Brand Raj Kapoor has been one of the biggest and the strongest in Bollywood ever. It must be a proud moment for the 50,000-odd Sydneysiders to see a Raj Kapoor movie with full-on critical acclaim after more than 55 years of its release in India,” points out a source. “Over the years, Sydney has also proved to be an important destination for the Indian film industry with more than 230 films having been set in, or featuring the city,” adds the Bollywood PR guru. Many movies including Singh Is Kinng, Chak De! India, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Heyy Babyy have been filmed in Sydney, he concludes.

Indian docs are no less: Bachchan

USA might be Bollywood’s favourite destination for surgeries. But legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan has said that he won’t go to USA for surgery and he has total faith in the Indian medical fraternity. ‘Many suggestions coming in to have gone to the US for surgery .. NO! The Indian medical fraternity is competent to deal with situations. Indian doctors are no way less talented than any other in the world .. Yes there are certain departments where the West is superior…  but I have chosen to put my trust in the doctors and medical fraternity of my country .. and am happy with the decision !!’ he wrote on his Twitter page. Meanwhile, he updated his fans about his health improvements. ‘Some reports that were at alarming levels have shown improvement .. your prayers are working, thank you .. And to have the company of family - Shweta has come back in a day - is the most reassuring factor, ’ he added.

Lara Dutta: Not writing a memoir on pregnancy
Pen down: Lara Dutta
Pen down: Lara Dutta

Yummy-mummy Lara Dutta denied reports of her becoming an author. The actress tweeted that she isn’t planning to write any memoir on her journey of becoming a mother.

‘Woken up to a great morning with my kid. Feels like someone gave me the key to a secret bliss club that no one told me about!:-) And contrary to what the newspapers say, I'm DEFINITELY NOT writing any memoir on my pregnancy! Thought there was enough news in the country!’ she said. Meanwhile, the yummy-mummy is finding it difficult to get rid of her old belongings,’ she added. ‘Are women genetically engineered to hoard things?? No matter how much one clears, there's always a ton of stuff staring back at you! How?! Things I can't throw away- all my old journals (from age 8), old cards, letters and snaps, my red Miss Universe gown! My kid going to inherit a whole lotta junk from her mom!’ she added.

Star track

Kissing blues
Denial mode:
Denial mode: Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu may have publicly expressed her fear of kissing on-screen but B-town is still buzzing with her alleged kissing scene in Jodi Breakers.

Miffed with some reports in newspapers, Basu wrote on the Twitter page: “Disgusting n ridiculous news abt me n maddy's kissing scene 2day in 1 of d dailies! Looks like d ppl who wrote it kissed maddy fr d scene!” She called co-star R Madhavan a ‘gentleman’ and added: “Maddy is a total gentleman n knws way more than basic etiquettes with costars specially ladies! Wonder whr this hs come frm?!?!”

Moving and shaking

For those who have been following television star Shekhar Suman’s political moves, it was surprising to see the actor suddenly quit the Congress party. A little birdie tells us that he is quitting politics so that he can make a grand comeback on television with the political jabs he used to be famous for with his trademark show Movers & Shakers (M&S) once upon a time.

Movers & Shakers is rumoured to return with a new innings on SAB TV next month. Meanwhile, it is learnt that Shekhar Suman is planning to direct a film that stars his son.

Money matters

Amrita Puri caught a hotel staff member stealing from her purse in South Africa. This was during the shooting of Blood Money. The cast and crew changed hotels the same day even though it caused losses.



Red alert: Amrita Puri

Support system: Ranveer Shorey with Konkana Sen Sharma Learning process

Ranvir Shorey is playing a Bengali guy in Life Ki Toh Lag Gayi. He calls up his wife Konkona Sen Sharma to get his Bengali lines right while shooting for the movie.





Support system: Ranveer Shorey with Konkana Sen Sharma

Chatter box

Celebration time

love struck: Gurmeet Choudhary & Debina Gurmeet Choudhary and his wife Debina celebrated their first marriage anniversary recently. The two who met on the sets of their show soon fell in love and later did a show Pati Patni Aur Woh. They tied the knot last year and are one of TV’s most faithful and loving off-screen couples.

love struck: Gurmeet Choudhary & Debina

 

The big switch
All set: Atif Aslam & Himesh Reshammiya
All set: Atif Aslam & Himesh Reshammiya

The singing reality show Sur Kshetra, which was to air on Sahara One will not do so anymore. Buzz is that the producers have changed the channel. Sur Kshetra produced by Gajendra Singh, a show that would have Indian singers competing with Pakistani crooners will now be telecast on Star Plus post Survivor, claim sources. The show was supposed to air on Sahara One in January end but was postponed to mid-February. Now news has trickled down that the show will switch the channel as Sahara One officials and the producer don’t see eye to eye anymore. Both channels are keeping mum for now. The on-ground auditions for Sur Kshetra were conducted at Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Lucknow and Ludhiana in India, and at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in Pakistan. The show has Singer-composer-actor Himesh Reshammiya heralding the Indian side while Pakistani pop star Atif Aslam takes care of the Pakistanis. A gala round with judges - singers Abida Parveen, Asha Bhosle and others was shot in Dubai in January.

On a different track

Arjun Bijlani who was last seen in Imagine’s Pardes Mein Mila Koi Apna, will be back on TV as the host of UTV Bindass’ new reality show called Road Diaries. The show will be a month long journey which takes participants from Mumbai and end on the Indo-Tibetan border. It flags off on February 20 and will go on air from March 10.

Flag off: Arjun Bijlani

Secret to happiness

TV actors work hard and need a break to recharge their batteries. Ravi Dubey aka Tej of Sony’s Saas Bina Sasuraal reveals his secrets of returning to work with a fresh mind.

Buddhism

Ever since I began practicing Buddhism, my life has taken a huge turn. I feel calm and energetic. I chant for two hours daily and feel lighter to face my day. It relieves stress and soothes me.

Movies

I love to watch all types of movies and be involved in a story that takes me away from the world. It is not just great time pass but I learn as an actor and feel de-stressed. I enjoy reading books, which I feel enriches a person’s life. I read stuff from fiction to non-fiction to philosophy. I enjoy books that debate on religion and culture.

Eating

I love food. Sweets are my weakness. I love Indian non-veg food the most. I don’t mind trying new cuisines or dishes.

Do more

I try to do different activities be it dancing, singing, or photography. They also make me push myself in a different direction other than work. Photography while on a vacation is a marvelous activity.

Home sweet home

After a hard day’s work, nothing refreshes me like being at home. I like to meet friends at my house and even prefer house parties.

Marriage…too big a deal

Indira of Hitler Didi (Rati Pandey) will soon tie the knot on the show. Indira was in love with Rishi (Sumit Vats), but when she realized he hid his past from her, she was shocked. Now she will agree to marry Rishi’s brother Sameer (Mrunal Jain). But Rishi will claim he already married her in Macau.

Darna Mana Hai

Vikram Bhatt returns with horror on TV again. His show, Haunted Nights launched on Sahara One at 11 pm and will star famous TV actors like Rashmi Desai, Shilpa Saklani, Manini De Mishra and Sakshi Tanwar. Vikram wants to bring horror that continuously scares the audience

new act: Chhavi Mittal The next season begins

Children comic talent hunt show Chhote Miyan will be back with season 3 on Colors. The show will be hosted by Chhavi Mittal and Vishal Malhotra and will start from February 25. This biweekly feature will have Mahima Chaudhary and TV -film actor Sachin Pilgoankar as judges.

new act: Chhavi Mittal

Back on the floor

break free: Ravi DubeyGorgeous ladies Bipasha Basu and Helen promoted their film Jodi Breakers on Zee TV’s Dance India Dance and were mesmerized by the talent of the contestants. Bipasha enjoyed dancing to Beedi jalie and was smiling throughout Raghav’s famous slow motion step. Helen loved being on the show too.

break free: Ravi Dubey

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You can make your dreams come true by using your wisdom. You will be in a mood to meet people from different walks of life. Students: Expect fun in the campus. Avoid drinks in the evening party. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 46

TAURUS: Indulging in gossip with the neighbours will not satisfy you. Check out the newspapers to find activities that appeal you. Students should devote a plenty of time to studies. Short trips may have to be taken soon. Tarot message: Do not spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 58

GEMINI: Someone may back-stab you. Very good time to meet government officials. Health of your child needs attention. You are likely to have a lot a fun at work and enjoy a few pranks with co-workers. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 31

CANCER: Health may suffer while travelling. Your personal and public life is likely to clash in the evening. A desire to beautify your home could find you at the paint store. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself and prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 63

LEO: You have achieved most of your short term objectives today. A good day for business. Associates will be helpful. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial for making good progress. Eat wisely. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 27

VIRGO: Your resources can get a boost.  It is a good time to look at real estate. Whatever you set your mind on, you can achieve now. Get up and get going. Health is not a worry. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 36

LIBRA: Your card shines on love, money and sports.  Stick to your schedule. Your conscience is likely to be pricked. Don’t be close-minded about anything. Do not exercise, heavily. It is better to consult a physician or trainer. Tarot message: Do not fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44

SCORPIO: Promise of better things is in the offing. Be alert, an excellent time ahead.  Watch your step while dealing with superiors. Women: You should be able to find useful ways to cut down on shopping bills. Tarot message: Do as many courses as you can to get ahead of others.  Lucky colour: Sea green.Magic number: 51

SAGITTARIUS: Your emotions can over-ride your good judgment in some situations. Problems for factory workers are indicated. Your diet needs more attention. Do not take risk for quick gains. Tarot message: Take things one at a time instead of working on too many projects. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 65

CAPRICORN: Not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. You may have some worries causing restlessness. Lovers: A romantic evening is ahead. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52

AQUARIUS: A new love affair might be dominating your every moment. Pet animals need attention. Teenage girls will be at their charming best. A Libra friend will be supportive. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 32

PISCES: Not the right day to complete property deals. Get your priorities right. An offer to move up the corporate ladder may be within your grasp. You may have to take up a long journey which will be successful. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 28

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 22...

You feel that you have to fight for what you want or believe in, and you are very clear, decisive, and convincing right now. But between all this, you also tend to stir up more controversy or competitive feelings at work than is really necessary. Someone at your office may be disapproving of the lavish spending you’ve been doing on an important project. Be a little more cautious. Unexpected developments concerning resources which you hold in common with another person (such as a business partner) are likely to occur at this time. Sudden windfalls or reversals are also quite possible, but it is best not to depend on fluctuating changes. Sudden decisions, such as selling a property you own together, are quite common.

Beware of a tax raid, court or police case, false implications between August and November in business and in service as well. You’ll use your boundless energy to make things run smoothly and take on a lot of duties. Youngsters will face a few difficulties which could affect self-confidence. The stars advise reflection. Too often you have either shown up too late or departed sooner than you should have done.  Try acting opposite to what you feel.  Sometimes it is all a matter of being in the right place at the right time.  If only you could step outside the crowd or rise above the situation, you would be amazed at how close you have come to missing your mark. Home and personal life would be a source of encouragement and strength, provided you are willing to listen to wise counsel. Students would be busy with studies, preparing for the forthcoming examination. It is possible that you may spend money on shopping in December. Financially a beneficial phase begins bringing in its wake huge monetary rewards. Career opportunities will come. Many important opportunities are in store for you. June is a busy period regarding your work and career, but at the same time you should not neglect your regular exercise schedule. It is necessary to devote some time to keep your body in shape. Mood: Cheerful and wishing to make peace. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Pisces, Leo

Lucky colours: Silver, red. Lucky days: Thursday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 7, 11, 14, 32

Lucky gem: Australian opal.

Lucky flower: Marigold

Sooraj R Barjatya (February 22, 1965, Mumbai) made his directorial debut with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) starring Salman Khan, which was a huge box office hit and launched both his and Salman’s careers. He teamed up with Salman again for Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994) which became one of the highest all-time blockbusters and Hum Saath-Saath Hain which was a huge hit as well. Sooraj’s Venus and Saturn both are very strong which will ensure he remains a successful filmmaker.





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |