He’s got the looks
Jasmine Singh

Aarya Babbar talks about his comic character in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

Aarya Babbar sports a new look for an upcoming movie
Clean Cut
: Aarya Babbar sports a new look for an upcoming movie

Quiz actors about the kind of roles that they would want to do, and the first answer from them is- performance oriented, something that is different and certainly no monotonous characters. Monotony, we ponder over the word. One thing that helps actors break it is newer looks in every film.

Aamir Khan is known to ask for a different look in every movie. Sometimes he romances around with spikes, and then you see the all-hair- gone look. Looks bring about a change. Actor Aarya Babbar falls under the same genre. The actor who is shooting in the outskirts of Punjab for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee ka Mandola will be seen in six different avtars in his upcoming movies.

For Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, Aarya sports a clean shave look for the first time ever. He smiles, touching his not-there-anymore-stubble. "I can’t believe I have gone clean shaven for the movie. This is the first time that I see myself without stubble. I can’t recognise myself in the mirror. In fact, when my father saw me he was surprised," he laughs like crazy. But you can see he is taken a liking to the new look, and so has his fans who have leaked his picture on twitter. "As an actor I always concentrate on improving my performance. A different look is always according to the character. And when you are working with Vishal Bhardwaj, you don’t have to worry too much about the looks. He has an entire department that looks after this," shares Aarya who has a line up of interesting flicks releasing this year, each being different from the earlier one.

"It is ironic but despite not putting so much effort on how I look on screen, I have different styles and hair-dos in all films. I sport short crop in Maximum, for Dangerous Ishq you will see me in long hair, in Joker I look like a tongawalla and for Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola Vishal Bhardwaj has given me a suave look," shares the actor who will start shooting for his next Punjabi movie after the success of Yaar Anmulle. Any look that he wishes to sport? "I am getting a chance to work with varied directors and movies like Choron Ki Baraat, Zindagi 50-50 and many more that give an opportunity to look different every time."

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is what brings Aarya to Chandigarh along with the cast and crew. This movie is definitely a must watch out for. "I play a suave Oxford-returned guy. It is a black comedy, a different act altogether."

If it is Vishal Bhardwaj project, perfection is the second name. "He is a calm, friendly and patient director who knows exactly what he is doing. He is amazing with characterisation, and his sense of script and screenplay is amazing," shares Aarya not really happy with the blazing sun. "I don’t quiet like how sun is looking these days-fiery yellow and orange," he winks.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Straight from the heart
Jasmine Singh

Mehak Chahal who came into limelight after her Bigg Boss stint and a cameo in Wanted speaks her mind

This is something interesting about publicity, if you have it in abundance and in the right manner, you are a star. If you have it in abundance and in a negative manner, you are a bigger star. When we look at actor Mehak Chahal of Bigg Boss season 5 fame, perform at the SFL concert in Chandigarh, we begin to wonder what makes her a household name. A reality show did the spin, and today the actor has a bunch of followers who call themselves Mehakians! Can you beat that? Excerpts from the interview will be savoured by those who relished every episode of the Sunny Leone famous season of Bigg Boss.

I just believe it

I have received a splendid response from Bigg Boss audiences. People saw me in a different light and they appreciated every bit of how I held the fort strongly on the reality show. I couldn’t believe myself when I saw groups on Facebook who call themselves Mehakians. I am getting a huge response on my blog and my clothing line is doing a tremendous business. I now want to take it world over.

I will never stoop low in life

I never expected that such ruckus will ever be created on a reality show. But, I understand that some people are not mentally stable (Read the name Sky, one of the contestants on the show), but we still have to work with them. I cannot run away from any untoward situation, this is what I did on the show. I faced the fights, the problems myself.

Rough deal, tough attitude

There were very difficult moments on the show. I was always aware of the fact that children and elders also watch my show, so I tried not to say bad things. I would still lose my cool but I know I held the fort strongly. When women tell me that I inspired them in many ways, I feel I have won in the real sense.

Why drag Salman Khan in my episode

I was startled when I heard that people actually thought that I was on the show because I had worked with Salman Khan. I was there, all alone fighting it myself, dealing with everyone. Then I hear my survival on the show is because of Salman Khan. The contestants wanted to break me mentally because I wasn’t ready to accept any nonsense from them.

I cannot trust anyone now

I guess I was completely naïve, I would trust everyone. Now, after the show and seeing how people behave I don’t think I can trust anyone easily. I was shocked to see someone who is good with you backstabs you later on.

Glam, glitz and action
Mona

Maliaka Arora Khan set the stage on fire with her Anarkali moves. And fans can’t stop raving about her…

Maliaka Arora Khan
Killer moves: Maliaka Arora Khan

Raj Kundra and Sanjay Dutt
Dashing duo
: Raj Kundra and Sanjay Dutt

When Maliaka Arora Khan danced on Saturday at the SFL concert, Chandigarh, she only lived up to her image of being the most popular ‘item’ girl.

Glittering in her attire that changed with every song, her gyrating moves and sensuous expressions put the crowd in frenzy. Though not many made it to the venue, but who did can’t help but shower praises on her act.

Bhumika Nagi, BDS student from Ambala is a dancer as well. And, had only appreciation for the night, “Maliaka is a fabulous dancer. She certainly sets the stage on fire.”

For Rashmi Thakur, a homemaker, it was the very first concert experience. At Circus Ground with her husband and in-laws, she was thrilled to see Maliaka as well as the fights. “It’s ok to have seen it all on screen a million times, the first hand experience is a thousand times better,” she said.

When women go gaga over our item girl, how can men be behind? “I have been a huge fan of Maliaka. Seeing her perform right here has been the best day of my life,” said Naresh Kumar, inviting frowning looks from his better half. Most ecstatic, however, is the college crowd. “It’s like seeing fantasy in real,” says Mayank, an engineering student from Dera Bassi.

However, not all have been that lucky to get a glimpse of Malaika. Strangely, the event started dot on time, and, all those who followed ‘Indian Standard Time’ had to make peace with the fights only.

Says Gurmeet Singh who came all the way from Ludhiana, “The concert was already over when we entered the venue. But then the fights are exciting enough.”

Priya Sharma, MA Public Administration student from Panjab University came for the event with her mom and Judo instructor. “The fights look real,” she observed.

SFL entertained viewers, but, what made the glamour girl happy was her son who accompanied her. As she shared with the cheering crowd his presence, the shy boy only cowered in the corner. There was enough action, glamour and blood in the event. Sadly, there weren’t many takers!

mona@tribunemail.com

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: There could be several disruptions and this could leave you feeling irritated. Be careful as you are prone to losing your temper with loved ones. Spending time with your partner is a priority.

Tarot message: Use your instinct to gain more power.

Lucky colour: Royal blue

Lucky number: 27

TAURUS: Joint ventures with a close friend or colleague will prove to be profitable in the long run. Your beloved will go out of the way to make it up for past digressions. Success of someone close will bring happiness.

Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid any delays. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 40

GEMINI: Plans for today might undergo a change whether you like it or not. Partnership could be a problem. Meetings and negotiations for proposals scheduled for today will yield good results. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Cream

Lucky number: 47

CANCER: Hard work and perseverance will certainly get rewarded. Put behind the unpleasant events of the past and look forward to a nice day. Genuine appreciation and understanding will come your way. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Parrot green

Lucky number: 48

LEO: Meetings and talks will go off very well. Be patient and consider all factors before making a decision. An advance payment will materialise. Loved ones may feel that fun and laughter times are needed. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom even if you do not relish. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 38

VIRGO: The employed can look forward to an out of turn promotion with additional benefits. To maintain peace and harmony at home you may have to make a little extra effort. Tarot message: Restore ties with business people you have been out of touch for so long. Lucky colour: Deep red

Lucky number: 28

LIBRA: The unemployed can look forward to get a good job .To maintain peace and harmony at home you may have to make a little extra effort. An advance payment will materialise in evening. Loved ones may feel neglected.

Tarot message: Make an effort to boost your income. Lucky colour: Off white Lucky number: 55

SCORPIO: You will strike a good bargain getting you immediate benefits. Concentrate on your routine work. Don’t let it bother you. You can’t please everybody. Social activity will help to ease your mind. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried. Lucky colour: Orange

Lucky number: 46

SAGITTARIUS: Try to remain calm and give your version of the situation that will be accepted. There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Implement new plans. Tarot message: Watch your actions and polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Florescent green. Lucky number: 45

CAPRICORN: Keep your mind open to ideas and new offers of work. You may be concerned about your beloved who has not been keeping well or may be depressed. You may face some criticism.

Tarot message: Don’t afraid to lend a helping hand to others.

Lucky colour: Brown

Lucky number: 41

AQUARIUS: Do not get tied down by any promises, especially regarding money matters. Temptation to criticise a family member must be avoided. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time.

Lucky colour: Violet

Lucky number: 51

PISCES: An office romance might land you into trouble. Be assertive where and when you have to. Stability and inner strength is what you’re looking for. Tarot message: You have to tread familiar ground if you are to make a breakthrough in your career.

Lucky colour: Golden

Lucky number: 30

The year ahead 
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 9...

This is a good year for academic achievements. Guidance from seniors and teachers will pull you out of several problems. You’ll have your head in the clouds and you’ll deal with your daily routine in a superficial manner. A heated disagreement is likely regarding domestic issues. Health wise, this period will be dull therefore you should be careful of what you eat. Certain important work will come to a standstill due to bleak financial position. Your erratic behaviour will cause differences between you and you’re beloved. Stick to your job and don’t count on others to pitch in and help you today. Watch out for any individual who might try to mislead you or give you information that might cause you some harm.

Number nine and Mars make you assertive and authoritative. This allows you to handle unfavourable situations easily on any front. The year promises a happy and serene domestic life, as prosperity reigns. This is because you do financially very well this year and are able to save too. Health-wise, the period seems satisfactory, except for a bad patch sometime in the third quarter of the year. Government employees may be lured towards dishonest means. Job front may not prove satisfactory, especially for call centre employees or those doing night shifts. Chance of going abroad for some students may materialise this year. An influential person will grant you a favour. November and February are significant months.

Financial problems ruin your ability to think constructively. Do not neglect your social life. Take some time out of your busy schedule and go out to attend a party with your family. It will not only relieve your pressure but also remove your hesitation. Contacting influential people will bring you useful results. Listen to the advice given by others-if you really want to be benefited today.

There is a raise in salary coming your way. Keep coworker friends at arm’s length but still be kind and smile a greeting. Don’t let them know you are being more back to the wall. Stay out of any situation where two or more pals are having a problem. Persons who are suffering from digestive problems are likely to find a remedy for their problem. Mood: Vulnerable at times. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Leo. Lucky colours: Bright yellow and Luminous. Lucky days: Sunday and Monday. Lucky numbers: 4, 14, 49. Lucky gem: Triangular Coral. Lucky flower: Orange. Suggestion on birthday: Feed kheer or donate white shirts to down poor children.

Kristen Stewart Kristen Stewart (April 9, 1990, Los Angeles, California, USA) is a young, beautiful and talented American film and television actor. Daughter of John Stewart, who worked for FOX and her mother is a screenwriter. She debuted in 1999 with a minor role in made-for-television film The Thirteenth Year and after two years she appeared in The Safety of Objects. Her fame started to increase when she had a role in the major movie Panic Room. She is best known for playing Bella in the Twilight Saga.

B’day celebrations

On the sets of Zee’s Dance India Dance, the whole unit celebrated dance master Remo D’souza’s birthday. He cut a cake but not before Terence Lewis put it on Remo’s face with icing and later Remo reciprocated too. In the end, Remo got a sweet kiss from his wife who was present on the sets too.

Chatter box
Surprise package

Image makeover: Sandhaya
Image makeover: Sandhaya

To celebrate the festival Baishakhi in the upcoming special Star Parivaar Ka Tyohaar on Star Plus, Sandhya aka Deepika Singh from Diya aur Baati Hum performed on the peppy dance number Chammak Challo.

The members of the Parivaar were extremely ecstatic to see how the coy bahu gave an extremely startling performance.

Everyone who were present from the Star Parivaar were so shocked that they all gave her a standing ovation. Well done Sandhya!

Brotherly connection


Too much confusion: Shaan

The controversial chapter between Ash King and Shaan doesn’t seem to come to an end. After a long debate between the two regarding the famous number I love you from Bodyguard which Shaan and Ash King both have sung, they came face to face on the sets of Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar2.  While Shaan is playing judge on the show, Ash King was there for a celebrity guest performance. Ash King to build bridges between the two commented that Shaan’s father and his father were great friends and even worked together for years. Shaan was shocked to hear the news and gave a bizarre look to him, and publicly asked Ash King to have a chat with him post the show . Now, what’s cooking behind the scenes nobody knows.

Special occasion

Gaurav Chopraa celebrated his birthday with his family in Delhi. Post Uttaran, he was off to a film shoot and wanted some family time. Instead of partying, he did pooja and had a quite dinner in the evening. He claims it was special for him.

Time issues: Aroona Irani That’s not done

Talented Aroona Irani got angry on her show Dekha Ek Khwaab on Sony when the director called for the shot when she wasn’t ready. She got angry and once the director went and spoke to her, she calmed down. Time issues: Aroona Irani

On the role

Nisha Rawal Nisha Rawal who is Karan Mehra’s girlfriend will now be seen in a TV show.

She will appear in Main Laxmi Tere Aangan Ki on Life OK in a parallel lead role.

MOVING AHEAD: Nisha Rawal

Apara speaks fashion

Famous for her role in classic series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Apara Mehta loves shopping and has her own individual sense of fashion. She has even played a role of fashion designer in one of her plays called Aaye Dur Se Milne Huzur. We caught up with Apara to talk about fashion.

What fashion means

Fashion to me is being myself. I like to have my own style and somewhat I’ve been successful in doing that. I have my own style of dressing. I don’t really believe in trends or copy what others are wearing. I buy what I love.

My favourite shopping destination

Every year, I am in the US for at least 45 days out of which, I have to work 40 days. Still, I ensure that I get enough time to go out and check different stores. I know about the good stores. In fact, I know about the stores more than locals. It often surprises them. But that’s where I have been shopping for years, which is how I know the best places.

Not brand conscious

I am not concerned about brands at all. I don’t think it really makes a difference to wear branded stuff as long as it’s looking good on you. I never look at the cost while buying.

I design my own stuff

I am not much of a designer person. I design my own kurtas and salwar-kameez. I am often in Ahmadabad and Surat. That’s where I usually shop for fabrics for my clothes and get them stitched from my own tailor.

My usual outfits

I prefer saris, salwar-kameez and denims. In fact, I’ve more denims than my daughter. I keep shopping for more and more. No matter where in the world I am, I always make some time to shop.

I love bindis

Bindis are my favourite accessories. Ever since I was in college, I have been designing my own bindis. All my friends in college used to love them. I am also very fond of jewellery.

Fashion tip for fans

The most important thing is the fitting. I always give importance to it.

Sometimes, the outfits are too tight or sometimes they are too loose. So before buying always check the size.

The silent treatment...

In the times when we get to hear trainers being flown down from across the world for an actor’s perfect body for his character.

Some even staying like their character before the movie starts to others leaving no stone unturned to get into the skin of their characters. Veteran actor Annu Kapoor doesn’t like to talk about all this.

Annu plays the role of Doctor Chaddha in the upcoming movie Vicky Donor. He is said to have gained a lot of weight and even worked on his voice modulation and body posture. However, when asked about how he did it all, he says it is a part of his job. “Why glorify what you do in terms of preparation for your character? As an actor this is my job. Do we ask a journalist what kind of research they did before doing a story or ask a cop what went into becoming one? Certain things are given and need to be done,” says Annu. In Vicky Donor, Annu essays the role of a fertility doctor, Dr Chaddha from Delhi who encourages the right guy to donate his sperm. Considering Annu is very particular about his health, gaining weight wasn’t easy. “For years I have maintained a diet and stuck to it. But to gain weight for this one wasn’t easy. I even forced myself to eat 12 chapatis at a time. I hogged a lot for sure, but now I am back to the gym and long walks. But don’t get me wrong, I am not fussing about it, as an actor it was my job and that’s what I did.”

 Annu has been known to portray his characters with perfection. Whether it was Keemat Lal in 7 Khoon Maaf, Mr Gaitonde in Mr India, Guldasta in Tezaab or now Dr Chaddha in Vicky Donor, the actor likes to give his best. “I joined this industry by a strange co-incidence. But then I am here to act and that’s what I do… simple!” Vicky Donor releases April 20th, 2012.

My son is the coolest kid: Charlize Thero
Charlize Theron wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps to raise her son Jackson in the best way

Hollywood actress Charlize Theron, who recently adopted a baby boy named Jackson, says he is “the coolest kid ever”. The Young Adult star adopted the African-American boy last month and is smitten with the tot, reported a publication.

“Jackson is incredible, the greatest gift. He is the coolest kid ever,” Theron said. The 36-year-old actress’ adoption was a surprise to her fans and Theron says she was coming under increasing pressure from her mother Gerda to provide her with a grandchild.

“I’ve always been very honest in saying I wanted a family. I’ve always known I wanted a family. I don’t think my mom could wait any more!” she added.Theron is incredibly close to her mother and says she wants to be the same type of mother to Jackson. “I hope to be like my mom. Fair, tough, loving and supportive. My mom has made it possible for me to be who I am. Our family is everything. Her greatest skill was encouraging me to find my own person and own independence,” she said. The actress - who split from boyfriend Stuart Townsend in January 2010 after almost nine years together - adopted Jackson as a single parent. — PTI

Oh so tweet!

Celina Jaitly
Twin flavoured: Celina Jaitly

Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly’s two-week-old twin sons Winston and Viraaj are now on Twitter. The 30-year-old actress and husband Peter Haag became proud parents on March 24 and they presented their sons with Twitter accounts.

“On their 2-week birthday, we presented our sons with their Twitter IDs @winstonjhaag & @viraajjhaag yesterday. So stay tuned for baby talk (sic),” Jaitly posted. Jaitly, also took to her sons Twiiter handle to tweet on their behalf.

“Hmmm, what will I do first when I grow up? Maybe I should try to repaint my dad’s car orange... #innovation (sic),” Viraaj wrote. Winston said, “First Santa Claus and now the Easter Bunny... Ya right!...They think I was born just yesterday... #easter (sic).” Jaitly, a former Miss India Universe, announced her engagement to Haag in January and married him in July last year, at a thousand year old monastery in Austria. The couple is based in Dubai. — PTI

Legal eagle
Britney now has two men looking after her...

Pop star Britney Spears will soon have two men watching over her after her fiance Jason Trawick has applied to be a co-conservator over the singer. The 30-year-old singer’s father Jamie Spears, who has been legally in control of Britney since her public meltdown in February 2008, is asking a court to add Trawick as a co-conservator.

The legal moves means Britney is set to wed her former manager, 40, sooner rather than later following their December engagement, a publication reported. “Trawick will only have shared legal control over his fiancee’s general well-being, but not her finances,” a source said. Although conservator can make decisions over a person’s food, clothing and healthcare, the singer actually has quite a lot of freedom. “This is probably a compromise between Britney, her father and Trawick to get the marriage off on the right foot. Obviously, her future husband needs to have a say in her well being,” the source added. — PTI

Lots of love, little bit of lies

Love Lies and Seeta is the first of its kind in the effort to make an urban/hip/romantic comedy entertainer in an extremely low budget. They all have a confession to make; they are all in love with Seeta!

The movie is about three guys who fall in love with the same girl while the girl doesn’t believe in love. It’s a new-age romantic comedy set in New York and revolves around the idea of love, friendship and this girl Seeta in particular. “The idea was simple –to make the first of its kind- fun, young urban romantic comedy in an extremely low budget. The movie took a year and a half to make. I enjoyed the process of writing the story as well as making the movie, and I hope the Indian audience likes the movie as much as I liked making it,” says Chandra. The movie releases May 4, 2012.

Living for the moment

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian says she is a big fan of Kanye West’s new song in which the rapper professes his love for the reality TV star. In the song, the 34-year-old singer professes his love for Kardashian and his despise for her ex-husband Kris Humphries. Kardashian appeared on a television show and took on question after question about her new hook-up, saying, “I completely respect and understand that you have to ask these questions.” The socialite then explained she’s been friends with West for years and is excited for what the future holds for them, reported a publication. Speaking of Humphries, Kardashian said she doesn’t want to talk about him anymore saying, “I have closed that chapter ... I’m just really ready to move on.” — PTI

 





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