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Project report
Did we expect to see a bearded, shabby guy moving around in his underpants? And what’s this, a decent looking guy with no signs of unrestrained madness and no-jaw-dropping beeped dialogues.
Kunaal Roy Kapur, the photographer Nitin from Delly Belly, passes off as any regular sane man with a degree of restrained comedy that he keeps dropping once a while. Whether it is his passing reference of finding hot babes with big bosoms in horror movie, or he being originally from Africa, Kunaal can create a blast without any loud gestures. In Chandigarh as part of the play, One on One, Kunal has more to himself than a Delly Belly, it is the understanding of his work and himself. But for obvious reasons, we still cannot get the surprised look off our face. A handsome looking guy who makes sense (quiet a rarity!), the kilos put on have gone and so has the never-washed-in-a-lifetime beard. “Oh Delly Belly is long gone. I had put in a lot of weight and now I have shed all of that,” he smiles. “It is fairly simple putting on weight, come and stay with my family and eat what we do, you will put on weight in days.” The invitation can be accepted any time soon in life, if Aamir has something interesting to offer! “Exactly, like for me Delly Belly happened after a friend recommended my name to the casting director of the movie. After 2-3 screen tests I was finalised, and I was on board playing Nitin,” he adds with much ease with which he did the character. “Well, the most difficult thing was, however, maintaining the continuity. All the time cement would be sprinkled on us for we were staying in a dusty apartment,” Kunaal says. Definitely, we have moved on talking and writing about the quirky tale where shit happens and so has the actor who is looking forward to more and better work. So, the theatre actor is all set to take on the commercial limelight and nitty gritty of it. A light smile comes and leaves immediately. “I started very early with television serial Just Mohabbat, which made gave me slight understanding of the sets and how things work. Yes, Delly Belly has given me recognition, and I want to work more. I appreciate the adulation, but this is not the reason why I am working. At the same time, if you don’t have an understanding of this world you can’t survive for long,” he shares. Now, this sounds like a lot of critical analysis. “Indeed, I am cynical in a way I am analytical about what I am doing and how. One should have a strong point.” Does this give us the leverage to use the idiom, ‘birds of a feather, flock together’? You got the right team to work with Kunaal- Mr Right Perfectionist Aamir Khan, equally right Imran Khan… He smiles, “I get your point! But you can’t be questioning things that do not concern you, sometimes you have to curb that desire.” He holds on to the smile. Theatre, it seems to have done a lot of good to you? Kunaal, who will be soon in yet another different kind of comedy in Project 36 wants to direct movies and work in those which have real life characters. “Putting common faces in real characters and situations are the kind of movies that I would want to direct. And Bollywood is definitely moving towards it, where common face characters are given equal importance. This sensibility in entertainment I owe to the theatre. It has made me lot more observant and believable on stage,” says the actor. It is time to practice before the final act. “I haven’t done theatre for along time, let me brush up my role,” Kunaal, the analytical, walks away. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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The words of silence
When the worlds of French music, common problems being faced by humans and theatre come together, it surely is something one cannot miss. In his hope of bringing forward the concept of French culture through songs and acts, Damien Reytier, the theatre director of the play Chat and Mute, shares excerpts from his journey of training students and the reasons behind choosing classical French musicians, followed by contemporary ones.
Getting acquainted to the field of theatre in 2007, Damien got more engrossed during his study at the University of Sorbonne in Paris. Apart from gaining knowledge in sociology, the bearded Frenchman has also acted in several classical plays and the famed Agitprop Theatre. “It was during the several street plays that I worked on several theme-oriented plots,” he says, sipping water at regular intervals. From dramatisation to devices with masks and mute theatre, the director knows exactly what he wants to represent through his play. “They are cultural plays, with five French songs and follow the chronological order of their existence.” The sequence of the play revolves around the songs being in the background and the nine students from Alliance Francaise enacting them without the use of words. “Using Georges Brassens songs became vital as the song-writer is an institution himself,” Damien chips in. This will be followed by another classical French song-writer’s composition Serge Gainsbourg, which revolves around the routine of a worker. “I have used classical songs because they focus on the evolution of French music,” he adds, smiling and going back to water! The next act moves to Renaud’s composition playing in the background and students involved in the funny daily life of a French rouge. The theatre act, which in a normal course takes around three months of preparation, has taken only a month-and-a-half here. “The contemporary song used by La Rue Ketanou is based on problems the youth face in love and life,” he smiles. The final song by Toguna talks of the destruction of life and plants by humans. “The group Toguna belongs to the French territory Reunion, off Madagascar Island. So, the theme is also derived out of different global ones and humanism,” he shares with us. Being a professional in the field of theatre, Damien shares his primary problem of time constraint, “Thanks to how comfortable the actors are with facial expressions, preparing them was more of a delight than trouble.” It was the restriction of character portrayal, which ended up being a hurdle. “More time would not have improved the performance, but just reduced the stress level.” Upon the subject of introducing mute theatre to Chandigarh, Damien just wants to familiarise Chandigarh with the popular French concept. “Indians don’t know much about it and it’s interesting to introduce concepts here,” he adds taking assistance of the translator to explain his thoughts vividly. Having put effort in correlating the actions to the lyrics and acting, he didn’t mind giving freedom to his actors. “They are all so talented, some of them may go professional,” he smiles, and the water makes its presence felt again! Just if the ironies of life could have music in the background, life would be so much more magical. vasudha@tribunemail.com
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chill out Suparna-Saraswati Puri
Over the years fascination with the spice archipelago has resulted in a multitude of narratives. Some historical in perspective, others literary or fictional in appeal whatever they might be a common denominator runs through all and that is lure of the exotic. However, my dream of visiting one out of the many islands came through with a close friend’s persuasiveness and who had shifted base to Jakarta, Indonesia. The dream vacation was planned for just over a week with a stopover at Bangkok on the way back home. My experience with most travel destinations has been that in order to truly savour a foreign or at home locale a totally workable to-do list is mandatory. Hence, for Jakarta I envisioned an agenda high on outdoor exploration. One of the first impressions about the capital city was its expanse and traffic jams and a casual remark made by my hostess only reiterated the fact by saying, “Whenever an overseas guest is to be received from the airport I ensure that my picnic chiller has sufficient stock of beverage(s) because getting stuck in traffic for couple of hours is always a possibility!” Among the many wonderful experiences of Jakarta, chiefly and an unforgettable one was my visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII). On entering the magnificently huge campus an immediate reaction of awe is spontaneously generated and you embark on an engaging journey with Indonesia and its multidimensional culture. Translated literally it means “Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park” and it is indeed so. Located on the undulating terrain of eastern Jakarta, the TMII complex stands on a landmass of 120 hectares that offers fourteen museums, ten gardens, a host of religious structures besides theatres, monuments, hostels, rides, innovative recreational facilities and technological centre. Thought of and conceptualised by Ibu Tien Soeharto, former Indonesian First Lady, Taman Mini as it is popularly known is an ideal experience for anyone who wishes to acquaint with the enticing heritage of the spice archipelago. From Aceh to Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi, Java and Papua, the twenty-six replicas in the form of provincial pavillions showcase a brilliant amalgamation of the archipelago’s typically traditional and authentic architecture, environment, aesthetics and art. Besides being a tourist hot spot of Jakarta Taman Mini offers a USP unlike that of any other exotic destination. The campus provides a unique socio-anthropological connect that introduces young Indonesians to their rich antecedents via a realistic depiction of the historical environment and lifestyles of ethnic people of Indonesia. The truth of this fact gets borne out the moment you enter into any one of the reconstructions of regional provincial residences. For instance, the North Sumatera Pavilion presents six kinds of traditional houses: the Batak Simalungun ruma bolon, the Batak Toba jabu bolon, the Batak Karo siwaluh jabu, the Batak Pak-pak Dairi, the Nias house and the Malayan house. The main gate of the Pavilion is a gapura with a welcome script “horas mejuha juha”. The house’s distinct feature is in the construction of the lower part of the building in the form of logs placed crosswise from corner to corner. The roof is also unique as the top portion is in the form of a water buffalo’s head complete with the horns. A section of the house is decorated with paintings in red, white and black. A colourful range of historical relics, traditional costumes, art instruments, handicrafts easily enrapture and engage your aesthetic sensibilities. For example, traditional “Batak” houses function as a gallery to exhibit various historical aspects, way of life and cultural goods such as traditional costumes, wedding dais, traditional weapons and traditional musical instruments and ulos (traditional Batak cloth). Although constructional form of these traditional houses is adapted to the original ones especially with regard to size, shape of roof and windows, ornamentation of interiors, room arrangement, stairs and other details, there is an exception that stands amidst the replicas. If you are one of those who believe that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the places and moments that take our breath away, then Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is indeed a must for you. (Puri, a freelance writer who also teaches History, Art & Architecture and is based in Chandigarh)
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Child’s play
TV programmes have become an inseparable part of any child’s growing up process today. Not only the cartoon channels, even serials meant for kids are an everyday affair. According to Damandeep Singh Baggan, who is from Patiala and plays one of the characters in a TV show by Disney Channel, “Such shows cater to all age groups, right from the toddlers to the senior ones and children can learn a lot from them.” Apart from being family shows, these also interest children in other ways. “For example, in one of the television series, a child discusses about dating with his parents. Instead of learning from wrong sources, it is about the openness between parents
and children.”
Some channels are making programmes that families can sit and watch together; these are not only entertaining for kids but also the parents. He adds, “Children should not be stopped from watching programmes, as suppressing them makes them want to do things all the more. They should rather be counselled on what to watch and what not. The expanding industry also provides opportunities for kids.” Baggan has himself been into acting since his childhood and has also been doing voice-overs, commercials, movie roles and now a TV series.
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Flirt away the boredom
Men who flirt with their female colleagues do so because they are bored of their job and are lacking in sensitivity, a new study has claimed. A survey of 200 people found that flirty men had lower levels of job satisfaction, suggesting that rather than being a sign of passion their amorous behaviour could be down to ennui.
A follow-up questionnaire suggested that men who flirted in the workplace had lower levels of “emotional intelligence”, or understanding of other people’s feelings. The second study, but not the first, also indicated that women who flirted at work were happier in their jobs but researchers said the result could have been a fluke. The psychologists, from Surrey University, set out to test the theory that flirting could improve people’s chances of being promoted at work. “What we found was the complete opposite. Flirts don’t perform better at work and men who flirt are less satisfied with their jobs,” the Telegraph quoted Adrian Banks, the study leader as saying. “There is strong
evidence against that notion that you can flirt your way to the top,” banks said.
— ANI
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The Foodies Poonam Bindra Want to have a lovely coffee in the evening and submerge yourself in the fragrance of chocolate? Then The Choclate Box inside the MBD Mall is the right place for you. The décor is totally ‘choclaty’ with Vintage cars, a replica of the Eiffel Tower, wine bottles, Easter eggs, fancy clutches…all crafted from chocolate! As we trooped in for a coffee, we were amazed to see a chocolate cake in the shape of the great Titanic. “Our USP is designer chocolate cakes made out of the finest Belgian chocolate, which are customised according to the clients’ need,” says the general manager, MBD Neopolis Rakesh Rawat, who proudly calls it his ‘chocolate boutique.’ The place also provides wedding cakes. We could also spot some people trying out Chocotails! “This Vodkatini is something so different; it’s bitter and sweet at the same time. The taste is a combination of basil, lemon grass, green tea, vodka and of course chocolate,” echo Saurabh and Gautam, who have been hooked on to The Chocolate Box ever since it started operations. “Black Magic is another drink we relish; it is made of Hazelnut syrup, chocolate chips and a touch of Vodka,” they add. Some others were savouring the Charlie stand at a birthday bash, which is a traditional three-tier serving with assorted snacks. For a total dessert experience, Chef Sovan Das recommends the Bizzare Fruity Yoghurt, which is made from double hung yoghurt and Florentine as well as almond slice. The place also has a variety of gluten and sugar free goodies! The place also offers different kinds of tea. “I love their ‘get the power’ tea; especially how they serve it,” says businessman Agnish Oswal, who loves to unwind here after a hard day’s work. Signature sandwiches, soft crepes and chocolate idlis are some more delicacies that are popular. A Chocotail costs Rs 365 plus taxes and a set of three choco idlis costs Rs 265 plus taxes.
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Master
Chef Nik Mittal 
Truffles are the easiest yet the tastiest handmade chocolate. Here is an easy recipe for butter truffles. Hand rolled butter truffles Utensils Three lt pan, a whisk, a piping bag with plain nozzle and a plate covered with butter paper. Prepration Stir butter unit light than add condensed milk. Now add warm melted chocolate. Add the flavour. Process Pipe the oblong truffles of 3 cm long. Cool in the refrigeration for 1 hour. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder. Nik’s advice You can be creative with hand roll truffle. You can add nuts, alcohol and also the truffles can be covered with chocolate flakes or coconut powder. Always use the best quality chocolate because that’s where the taste will come from. (Nik Mittal is Chandigarh-based chef)
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Butter 500gm |
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Why time flies…
Time seems to go faster than usual when we are on holidays. But once you return to the daily routine your break will suddenly seem like it lasted for a lifetime, say psychologists. They believe the effect is down to the different methods the brain uses to judge the passage of time.
Learning to manipulate our perception of time could make our lives feel fuller and reassure those who feel that the years slip by faster as they grow older.
— ANI
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star track
Veena Malik’s relationship with public is bitter sweet; post her participation in a reality show, leading dailies hailed her as the voice of liberal Muslims. She also took to a debate head on with a ‘mufti’ who accused her of immoral behavior. In a television show on celebrities, she bared it all. The actress and model admitted to her hunger for continuous fame and the tact she employed to get it. She further talks about how she chose to ride on the wave of news surrounding her ex – boyfriend Mohammed Asif. Confessing further, she also talks about her love for Ashmit Patil, and how she has issues labeling the relationship, due to the constant state of limbo that it is in. Good to know, at least someone in the B-town admits things.
Salman Khan is impressed by the beauty of Kashmir while shooting for the film Qasam Se Qasam Se. He is best friends with actor Azim and is so thrilled by the beauty of the place that he wants to shoot the second schedule of Dabangg 2 there. This, he thinks, will also promote tourism!
RGV: No trouble between Sanjay and me
According to a source, Sanjay Dutt and the production house aren’t happy with the original climax of Department. While a song that features Dutt is yet to be shot. All of this, just a month before the film’s release.
However, RGV cleared the air. “Department release is as scheduled on May 18th and whatever is reported is hogwash. There’s no trouble between Sanjay Dutt and me.
Poonam Pandey doesn’t seem to care about the buzz Sunny Leone has created. She thinks the latter is not classy. She says she could have done Bipasha Basu’s role in Jism better than she did and she also says that she knows where to draw the line. Taking on: Poonam Pandey
Angry young man
Tusshar Kapoor is angry with director Samir Karnik of Chaar Din Ki Chaandni because he has not been paid fully for the movie yet. The movie bombed.
Not so keen
Kareena Kapoor has turned down the joint production of Ekta Kapoor and Karan Johar which would be directed by a newcomer and have Emraan Hashmi in the lead. She only wants to do a magnum opus directed by Johar himself.
Magnum girl: Kareena Kapoor
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chatter box
Sahara One’s prime time show Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi… Niyati has accomplished a milestone of 300 episodes. This achievement surely called for a
Mahek on a roll
Since out of Bigg Boss house Mahek Chahal has been on one |
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Astro turf
ARIES: You are endowed with mental power and intelligence. You may be harbouring some unrealistic expectations about career and life. If so, you are likely to have your bubble burst by the evening. Tarot message: You need to take things slowly and listen to your inner voice. Lucky colour: Red
Lucky number: 38
TAURUS: Loved ones will be openly critical of new friendships. If you have been considering a job overseas, then this seems to be a favourable day. Be careful as you are prone to making impulsive decisions regarding your finance. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 42 GEMINI: Utilize your excellent intellect and listening skills to uncover new things about your friends and coworkers. A Libran person won’t make. Tarot message: You have to realise that even way out ideas can be put into practice if you have sufficient common sense. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Lucky number: 34 CANCER: Your heart is now open for healing, loving and sharing. Connect with people who are involved in arts, music and poetry may play a significant role at this time. Beware of a revengeful person. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Magenta. Lucky number: 33 LEO: You have strong ideas, but that doesn’t mean you’re not open to learning new things. A romantic relationship needs to be reinforced with tender loving care. A Taurus person supports you emotionally and financially. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom even if you do not relish. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Lucky number: 30 VIRGO: Don’t make hasty decisions as it could lead to waste of time and money. Hurried action and judgments can lead to chaos and confusion. There could be good news regarding a family member. Tarot message: Restore ties with business people you have been out of touch for so long. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 60
LIBRA: At work, many of you will meet important and influential people and this will hold a lot of promise, professionally. You will receive unexpected visitors and gifts from loved ones. Tarot message: Business problems must be solved without anybody getting hurt. Lucky colour: Pink.
Lucky number: 51 SCORPIO: The day will be filled with meetings, interactions, relationships and new associations. On a personal level, this could imply friendships and engagements. Professionally, depend on colleagues for their inputs. Tarot message: Make an effort to boost your income. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 63 SAGITTARIUS: Be extra careful with your finances and do not get lured by any-get-rich-quick schemes. Also, do not overspend
unnecessarily since it may cause a strain in relationships. Business trips would yield results. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 26 CAPRICORN: Your inner peace and contentment will be needed the most today, since there may be some disagreements and rguments with friends, partners. There may be some good news soon. Tarot message: Meditate to maintain balance of your head and heart. Lucky colour: purple.
Lucky number: 46 PISCES: This will be quite an eventful day, which will bring you some positive news or happening. Unexpected profits, support or anything that could help you out may just come your way. You will need to watch what you say. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself and for no one else. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 49
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The year ahead
If your birthday is April 22...
What’s happening now is something you are not likely to forget in a hurry. Something inside you is looking for reasons and answers. You might actually discover that you are more involved in the moment than you have allowed yourself to imagine till date. You want to change everything in haste. You are looking for better understanding in your relationships with those that are closest to you. At the moment, events are overpowering and superior to your strength; you cannot win and it is useless to oppose them. So, be patient and let time take it’s own course. You must try to eliminate the obstacles first; avoid danger by pulling yourself away from the situation. Be firm and decisive in whatever you do. Don’t let little things bother you at any cost. Avoid interfering in others affairs because that will not lead you anywhere. Even if usual tasks seem tiring to you, there will be no lack of interesting occasions. Mood: Distracted easily and vulnerable Compatible signs: Gemini, Sagittarius. Lucky colours: Papaya Whip, Light Yellow. Lucky days: Tuesday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 3, 8, 12, 13, 33 Lucky gem: Hematite. Lucky flower: Dahlia.
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Ingredients
grand celebration. Amber
(Sachin Shroff) and Niyati (Jayshree Soni), the lead couple of the show, along with the rest of the cast took time off from their shoot and indulged in much deserved fun and frolic. Dheeraj Kumar, producer, Creative Eye, also joined in for the celebrations. Amber and Niyati kicked off the celebration by cutting a cake.
roller-coaster ride, being inundated with shows. She has been living from a bag and recently flew to four different cities of India in five days for a song shoot and two other events and in-between the travelling also rehearsals for the shows. This pressure of working round the clock and a punishing work schedule has taken a toll on Mahek’s health and she is down high fever and body pains. Mahek has been asked by doctors to take a few days off but the way her work schedule is filling up and the workaholic that she is, we don’t think her fever will be able to hold her back.
AQUARIUS: With the exit of Saturn from your professional aspect, you will receive many lucrative job and professional opportunities, leading to job satisfaction. Communication, too, will be refined and smooth. Tarot message: Try to forget your failures and mistakes. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 29
Chetan Bhagat (April 22, 1974) has authored four blockbuster novels - Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Centre, The 3 Mistakes of My Life and 2 States (2009).
All four books have remained bestsellers since their release and have inspired major Bollywood films. He is the biggest selling English language novelist in India’s history. Chetan is also a popular motivational speaker. His basic number is 4 and life path digit is 2. Number 2 plays a very significant role in his life.