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Echoes from the hills
Far away from the madding crowd, the criss-cross roads leading to the hills are always a solace. The fresh air hits the lungs, eyes are exposed to greener ambience and the light vibrations in the wind creates music of their own. But now the hills will be reverberating in harmony and rhythm, as the scene of live music festivals moves from the metros to the Himalayas! The faint notes become loud and mesmerising, the sound of hills come calling…this time Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival 2012 at Baikunth Resorts, starting April 6, sees the ‘best of the best’ perform in the serene nest of nature. Notes will echo in the valley as bands get together to make it a memorable event. We pluck notes from the musical diaries of some of the performers.
Soul Curry Pragnya Wakhlu, the lead singer and guitarist of her band Soul Strings, speaks softly, taking measured pauses. Something that we wouldn’t expect from an ex-IT engineer who worked in the US before she decided to follow her calling — music. “I wanted to come back to my country and do something in music. I did my first show in the US where I got a good response, which gave me the confidence to carry it forward,” she says. Where music is generally defined as entertainment in most music lovers’ corollary, Pragnya sees it as positive influence that liberates a person from inner inhibitions. “It means a lot more than just fun, it is a way of making people open up,” she passes a warm smile. Her measured pauses are adding new notes to the conversation. “For any beginner who takes up a new project, it is not easy. So, it didn’t come easy to me as well. I had to visit people and make them listen to my music. Thereafter, I formed a band in Pune, Soul Strings, and things are moving since then.” Talk about music bands and it is not often that we see a lead female singer. Pragnya takes it as a compliment, “I feel music does two things to a person - one it gives an insight into music and two into one’s own self. But this doesn’t explain my being a lead singer,” she laughs, moving to the why of a lead female singer. “The music scene in India has changed a lot; musicians and music lovers are both exploring new genres. It is about music at the larger level and not who is singing,” she adds. The name Kasauli excites her and so does music festivals. “I like how the live music scene is changing for better. And it is definitely a good platform for musicians because other than the pleasure of performing in the serenity, they get a good fan base as well. In this time of social networking, a singer gets noticed fast,” says Pragnya, who strongly believes in the rightful preparation and use of lyrics. She is all set to release her solo album next month. “I generally write about incidents from my personal life or the ones that I strongly feel about,” she wraps up, not before she takes a promise to listen to her music in the splendid charm of nature. Orbital revolutions For a music or let’s say a relatively lesser degree of a music fan, it’s not easy to guess a one word substitute for Orbital Revolutions — Parikrama — the band that doesn’t need any half-page introductory paragraph! The fact that they enter their 21st year of coming together in June, says a lot about their ‘been-there-done-that’ history. The Rock and Roll band from Delhi fuses Indian classical instruments such as tabla and flute with guitar, drums and keyboards. Performing at the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Music Festival, Subir Malik, on keyboard and synthesizer, likes coming back to hills. “At one time we do music festivals in the hills and then in the sand dunes. So, the scene of music festivals is happening with people spending money to listen to music they understand,” says Subir who takes note of the fact that all the music festivals are non-Bollywood. Independent music, this is what we are raving about here? “Independent music has always been there. It has been popular too. The fact that it can survive independently without any support speaks volumes about it,” he adds, bringing into picture how Indi-pop had almost died by the year 2000. “It was because a lot of similar kind of music was coming in the market that Indi-pop stopped existing, but independent music was there,” adds Subir from a band that is influenced by the likes of Pink Floyd and The Doors. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Dangerous rumour
Actress Karisma Kapoor has dismissed reports doing the rounds that her pose on the poster of her upcoming film Dangerous Ishq is inspired by Hollywood star Angelina Jolie’s famous leg stunt at the Oscars this year.
Karisma’s pose in which she has put her right foot forward through a slit in her red gown is being widely compared with that of Jolie’s whose pose on the Oscar red carpet in February in a black Versace high-slit gown became talk of the town. When asked about the similarities between the two poses, Karisma said, “We shot this before the Oscars, so it is not at all inspired from there. And in this poster I am walking and not posing like Angelina Jolie”. Director Vikram Bhatt, who has cast Karisma in the 3-D supernatural thriller slated for release on May 11, too slammed the comparison. “It is quite strange that the minute we have a slit in the gown we say it’s Angelina Jolie, nobody says Helen or the other actresses, so I think it is short-sighted,” Bhatt said. Dangerous Ishq revolves around the efforts of supermodel Sanjana (Karisma Kapoor) to save her husband Rohan (Rajneish Duggal) who suddenly vanishes under mysterious circumstances.
— PTI
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Dr mix ‘n’ match
Back in the day, 2003, to be precise, he had resident DJs spinning no end his hit single Kangna Tera Ni. Meanwhile, Dr. Zeus, as he was nick-named way back in school, “even when he’s switched off, is always switched on to music, whistling, humming along the day, all through the day.” Fast forward to a decade later and his raw Punjabi beats with urban twist have ensured he’s neither been out of mind nor out of sight! Zoom-in on now and in Chandigarh, he tends questions, takes to the console, plays a track, understands the shutterbugs’ enthusiasm; poses patiently.
After all, it’s the musician and singer’s first official launch in Punjab. “It’s a remix album of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s tracks. It’s more of an effort to pay rich tributes to the legend than an attempt to gain any musical mileage.” He adds, “It’s about getting the youngsters to appreciate his music because today’s generation is being brain-washed with negativity.” And the nine-track album Immortal Nusrat rehashes and serves fresh some of the old; lost melodies, some of the very popular tracks. It was two years of hardwork that went onto reproducing the music. He says, “To be honest, we came up with the album two years ago and were just taking time finding the right deal, the right record label.” The launch in Punjab was both the obvious and ironical choice. He elaborates, “I’m always going to do Punjabi music. I am Birmingham-based, but belong to Jalandhar and still very rarely do I come to Punjab. That’s funny because I’m always touring, travelling Down South for shows, to Bangalore, Mumbai.” On the anvil are some Bollywood projects, collaboration with England-based singer Kanika Kapoor; another one with a Pakistani artist Bilal Sahi. As for the current trend of Punjabi singers hopping on to acting, he “doesn’t think it’s difficult. Since I think I can do it and would love to.” On Rapper Shortie He’s the guy we saw in the Kangana video and have seen with him ever since. The rapper Shortie must take credit for all the Hip-Hop twist to his music. Says Dr. Zeus, “We’ve been together for ten years now; he used to work with a cousin of mine and with the Cadbury’s company before that.” Up, close and personal Dr Zeus stands apart (this time we are not talking music), even by the standards of shortened stage names of super successful crossover musicians of his time. Think Juggy D, Jazzy B. “I got this name in school, when you’re playing in the ground and everybody’s calling each other by nicknames and you are trying to be flamboyant in front of the girls.” Someone quips about the Dr part: “I wanted to please my parents so I added the prefix Dr.” So when Baljit Singh is not touring, doing shows, he’s busy just chilling out. “I am married and have a four-year-old daughter; I chill out with my child, pick her up from school. And when I’m not switched on to music, I’m watching air crashes on Discovery channel because there’s always some air crash programme or that sort of a thing coming on the channel.” So he’s funny too! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Recipe for success
The householder who became mentor for many a housewife trying to find help to hone their culinary skills, Nita Mehta is a well-known figure. Her cook-books have entered the homes of millions of people across the globe. Her latest venture, which has just taken off a few months back, is the launch of a magazine Nita Mehta’s Home and Happiness stands true to its name. In Ludhiana for her first restaurant under the Nita Mehta banner — Keylong — Nita shares a few thoughts with us.
It has been quite a successful journey. What’s your success mantra? Focus along with hardwork is the key. Whatever I do, I give it my hundred per cent. These days my focus is on establishing a chain of restaurants under our banner. I also urge my co-workers to just concentrate on what they have in hand. Did you take on the business in a planned manner? No, not at all; it was just my love of cooking that prompted me to take classes and I think it was my personalized way of teaching that attracted people more than the recipes. My students were free to call me even at 11pm. You usually advocate healthy eating, how do you combine that with the yearning for fast food? I have taken the help of the art of substitution to bring in the nutrients. For example, white sauce can be made with oats and the pizza base can be made of whole wheat flour; more of veggies than cheese can be used. It is only when more and more consumers demand for such things that the whole scenario will change. What is your take on good food? It is a combination of health, nutrition and taste. How did your company zero-in on Ludhiana? We were constantly hearing about the taste of Ludhiana folks for good living and I think that explains it all. Anything more to Keylong, besides good food? Yes. An academy for cooking classes, so when the ladies come for their kitty party it could be a learning experience too! One word that describes your journey? Satisfying. What is the USP of your books? Besides other things, it is the accurate measurements. The recipes do not have the line — ‘salt to taste’ — but the exact amount required. Anybody should just be able to turn to the required page and make the dish.
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New release
Farah Khan’s brother Sajid Khan is back and ready to take centre stage with his keenly-awaited multi starrer comedy Housefull 2. It is a sequel to his hit movie of year 2010 Houseful. Shot widely in London, Thailand and
Mumbai, the laugh-riot stars the dirty dozen Akshay Kumar, John Abrahm, Riteish
Deshmukh, Shreyas Talpade, Asin, Zareen Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shazahn
Padamsee, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty and Boman Irani.
Rishi Kapoor’s character in the film is Chintu which also happens to be his pet name in real-life. Rishi shares screen space for the first time with Randhir
Kapoor. Viewers will see Mithun Chakraborty and Boman Irani shaking legs with Malaika Arora Khan to song Anarkali disco
chali…Karishma Kapoor has a cameo in this comedy which has generated a tremendous interest among the viewers.
— Dharam Pal
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Ushering a new Era
Russian model Era Tsariova is the latest entry in Bollywood
While cine-goers are still raving about the latest foreign import Maryam Zakaria, who blazed the screens in the recent Agent Vinod, there’s another international hottie gearing up to woo the nation. International model Era Tsariova who’s taken the Russian model industry by storm is making her way to Hindi film industry with Goyal & PY Films’ Cigarette Ki Tarah directed by Akashaditya Lama. Hailing from St. Petersburg, Era has no qualms in declaring that she barely knows the Indian film industry and her foray in Cigarette Ki Tarah was purely a lucky break. “I was in Goa, partying with my friends when the co-producer of the film Rana Bhatia saw me and offered me a role in the film. I met him later and he narrated my character. It was really exciting to be acting in an industry I was completely new to. I thank singer Suzanne who has sung this song for me wherein Sudeep Banerjee has composed the fantastic music on lyrics penned by Kaushal Kishor. I am sure I have got the best moves to groove the nation on this number filled with slaves of satan,” says Era. It is learnt that Era’s part was to be played by Claudia Ciesla of Bigg Boss fame. Confirming the reports, Rana Bhatia said, “Yes, we had first approached Claudia to play the part of Yuvika Chaudhary’s firang friend. However, due to her unprofessional behaviour we had to replace her. We had also considered Bruna Abdullah for the role but little did we know we would find Era, a renowned model and face to few leading brands in Russia, who could play her part so convincingly in the film.” In a short span, the model turned actress seemed to have already found a fan in the lead actor of the film Bhoop Yadhuvanshi, “Era is natural in acting and also happens to be a great dancer. She is also doing the specially sung title song in the film and I am really impressed with how her work has shaped up.” Well, there surely is a new ‘Era’ ushering in Bollywood!
Katy wants to meet Shilpa
Katy Perry performed at the IPL opening ceremony. She wants to meet Shilpa Shetty after watching her on Big Brother and also because she is associated with the IPL.
Katy knows that Shilpa is expecting. A source says, “Katy has heard and read about Shilpa since the Big Brother days and also during her international visits. Shilpa is a popular Indian celebrity abroad. She has not met her yet but has put in a special request to catch up with the pregnant star.” The source continues, “Katy wants to congratulate the expectant star. Shilpa cannot fly to any other city, so Katy will have to come to Mumbai. So the organisers are working something out.” Meanwhile, Shilpa is delighted and flattered that ‘the global music icon’ wants to meet her. Katy Perry got married in India a while ago and has visited the country a couple of times before. The IPL ceremony was her first performance here, though. She has tweeted, “Almost fell asleep in my curry last night, no joke... Woke up feeling so much better after a fresh meditate... feels appropriate being in India.”
A new PC for Shahid!
Shahid Kapoor is one star who is quite a professional. After working with Priyanka Chopra (his former flame) in Teri Meri Prem Kahaani, he is now working with her cousin Parineeti Chopra in Yash Raj’s next film.
A source says, “Parineeti and Shahid have been friends because the younger PC has worked with Yash Raj and been his PR person-cum-bodyguard-cum-manager during his films such as Badmaash Company. So, they share a good equation. They were also friends because to Priyanka Chopra and Shahid, she is like a younger sister. Parineeti is a chilled-out person and Shahid is professional. Maneesh Sharma is directing the film and he chose to cast her because she stole the limelight in Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl and is getting good reviews for Ishaqzaade’s promos as well. So she is a good bet and Shahid looks young enough to be cast opposite her. They will be a new fresh pair.’ The source says, “This film goes on the floors in August. Earlier, YRF was casting new heroines in it but they have chosen old ones now. Parineeti is one. Rani Mukerji was supposed to do this film but opted out. Now, Tabu has stepped in. This will be Tabu’s first film with Shahid Kapoor. The plot is being kept under wraps. It is most likely to be a romantic comedy.”
Mallika’s moods
Tweeting away to glory
A recent survey declared Priyanka Chopra as the top most influential Indian in social media. While Priyanka Chopra tops the list, Shashi Tharoor is number two and Amitabh Bachchan is on number three. The list consists of 100 people ranging from Aamir Khan to Salman Khan to Taran Adarsh and many more while Priyanka Chopra tops the list. Priyanka Chopra also has one of the highest number of followers 2228363 on Twitter which is more than Sachin Tendulkar. Priyanka Chopra has been working round the clock shooting for Krissh 3, Kunal Kohli’s Teri Meri Kahaani and giving time for her endorsement commitments. Way to go, girl!
Is Karan upset with Priyanka?
Karan Johar, who has close to a million followers on Twitter, keeps his account out of controversies. And it was obviously surprising when Karan lashed out at someone he didn’t wish to name. According to the latest buzz, the producer-director didn’t like when Priyanka Chopra’s unnamed close-friends justified her position in the alleged affair with Shah Rukh Khan and told the tabloid that a powerful producer-director who can make or break careers, has not been kind to Priyanka behind her back.
Happy mommy
Skin-deep obsession Actress Jennifer Aniston says she is so fascinated by skin-related things and that she would love to be a dermatologist. “I’d love to be a dermatologist. I’d be so obsessive about it. I’m fascinated by skin products and lasers. I go on the internet and read all about it. I call it laser porn,” says Jennifer. The 43-year-old admits that she wasn’t looking her best when a magazine made the announcement that she is one the hottest woman. “You should have seen me when I heard that news. My hair was greasy, I’d just had a facial and my skin was gross,” she added. However, Jennifer, who is in a relationship with actor Justin Theroux, admits that she still doesn’t feel her age. “I don’t feel my age, I feel young every day. — IANS
Manisha’s horror act Manisha Koirala is back in great shape and is making a comeback in Hindi films. She is doing a sequel to a horror film with Ram Gopal
Varma.
Not married There were strong rumours that Prateik and Amy Jackson got married. While they are together and serious, they are not married and won’t tie the knot for a while. Prateik is banking on his next film out in June.
— HRM
There is a dearth of men: Rihanna
R&B star Rihanna says there is a major drought of men but she is trying her best to find her ‘Mr Right’.
The 24-year-old singer said she is struggling to find a man but realises the problem is not unique to her. “I feel like it’s hard for everybody! I don’t think it has anything to do with being famous. There’s just a major drought out there. “I guess I’m challenging, because my job seems to affect every relationship I have or try to have. But I just need to find the person who balances me out, because then things like my schedule won’t matter. I’ve done it before, so I know I can do it again,” she said.
The 24-year-old Battleship actress would like to start a family at some point in the future, although she has no idea when that will be. Rihanna recently dismissed reports that she is dating Ashton Kutcher. She ended her relationship with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown after being assaulted brutally by him two years ago. — PTI
Keira to play Karenina
Keira Knightley excited about Anna Karenina role Actress Keira Knightley says she is enjoying filming her new movie Anna Karenina and is excited to be juggling all the ideas about her character. The movie sees her reunite with director Joe Wright, with whom she worked on Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, for an adaptation of the Leo Tolstoy.
And Knightley, 27, said that she saw different sides of Tolstoy’s writing through the film. “It’s very exciting. We’re right in the middle of it. It’s totally different than this; it’s a very, very stylised version of it, and she’s a tricky character. “I remember reading it as a teenager and just seeing the romance of it. Then all of a sudden I read it over the summer, and thought, ‘Wow. Sometimes Tolstoy actually hates her quite a lot. Is she the heroine or the anti-heroine?’ It’s an interesting thing, with all of us, we’re sort of grappling with those ideas,” she said. The film also has Jude Law, Matthew Macfadyen, Aaron Johnson and Kelly Macdonald in pivotal roles. Anna Karenina will hit theatres on September 7. — PTI
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Astro Turf
ARIES: You will be focused and alert. Working with colleagues and gaining their support will lead to faster progress on assignments. Don’t make impulsive decisions regarding your finances. Tarot message: Don’t build into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Aqua. Lucky number: 63
TAURUS: You’re not undecided, just trying to understand what others around you are thinking so you can plan ahead. Loved ones may not fully understand your daily needs. Minor muscle aches may be bothersome. Tarot message: Take thing one at a time instead of multi pronged attacks. Lucky colour: Sea green. Lucky number: 48 GEMINI: Do not overlook a chance meeting that may lead to future romance. Kick old habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle with more time for meditation. Today you will take on a more ambitious role. Tarot message: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Mauve. Lucky number: 43 CANCER: You are likely to find an ideal partner. Be bold to speak out what is in your mind. Delays can be expected today. Relax; things will clear up and you will find that things are progressing by evening. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 38 LEO: You will be able to enjoy interacting with people who share your views and thoughts. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you to enhance your reputation. Today loved ones will be more demanding. Trust your intuition. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Chocolaty brown. Lucky number: 55 VIRGO: You find ways to express your creativity. This should be a pleasantly sociable day. Activities with your partner and friends are likely to be cheerful. Don’t forget to look after your health. Tarot message: At work, a setback would be followed by a rapid advance, so don’t worry. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Lucky number: 49
LIBRA: Today a long cherished dream may come true. Do not try any short cuts as they may misfire. A surprise phone call could put you back in touch with a friend. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 29. SCORPIO: Youngsters should be capable of entertaining themselves and they will be happiest left to their own pleasures. Complicated family issues require consideration. Tarot message: A dissatisfactory phase will need gentle handling rather than temperamental extremes. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Lucky number: 44 SAGITTARIUS: Inception of new business venture is on the cards. Minor jealousies are best addressed in the moment. Tensions will be easily forgotten. You tend to be lazy and laid back today. Expect key officials to provide faulty instructions. Tarot message: Feel free to change your mind. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 37 CAPRICORN: A close friend needs advice concerning strained relationships. Past disappointments may now provide valuable wisdom. Romantic attractions will affect you. Tarot message: If you insist on leading a fast life, you may aggravate your problems. Lucky colour: Maroon. Lucky number: 54 AQUARIUS: This is a strong time for shared enjoyment with family. Tonight review financial records for forgotten payments. Avoid acting as a mediator and wait for obvious cues from loved ones. Beware of over indulgence of food. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confusing yourself. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 61 PISCES: Expect loved ones to propose new forms of entertainment or ask for greater involvement. This is an excellent time to adopt new routines. Over the next few days a friend may bring social drama into your life. Tarot message: Do not get tied down by any promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 46
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The year ahead
If your birthday is April 6...
Good Friday and Hanuman Jayanti make your birthday memorable, eventful and progressive. Though this is a year of gains but your expenses will follow the same pattern as 2011, till September. Venus, Moon and number six give you the ability to inspire those around you Your mere presence makes people happy and full of enthusiasm. You have an affinity towards art and music. Those of you, in the profession of dance and poetry, will do exceedingly well in your professional career. Chances of acquiring a new house, new vehicle, land etc are bright July onwards. You will have enough courage and energy to accomplish important tasks. New movements in business that were started last autumn will be successfully developing, gaining strength and speed. Mood: Given to self confusion. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Taurus. Lucky colours: Gold and Orange. Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 3, 15, 23, 30, 33. Lucky gem: Firoza, Zircon, Opel and Diamonds. Lucky Flower: White dehalia. Suggestion on birthday: Throw blue flowers in a flowing river or donate kheer to blind or handicapped ladies.
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Mallika Sherawat’s last movie Hisss may have been a major miss at the box office, but the director is determined to recover her money. Director of Hisss Jennifer Lynch says she would like to make a documentary on the tantrums thrown by Mallika on the sets of the movie! Apparently the starlet’s outbursts are worth capturing and the documentary will capture Mallika’s moods and attitudes, and how the director herself had hardly any say in the making of the movie. We hope that the documentary does much better than the movie did.
Karisma Kapoor launched the SpongeBob Square Pants Happy Meal at a McDonald’s restaurant in suburban
Mumbai.
Zach Braff