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A show with a difference
When perfectionist Aamir Khan chooses to debut on small screen, people wake up to the call of
Satyamev Jayate
It was in the 1970’s that the Government of India came with the female foeticide programme, in which it was suggested that more men are needed to make India develop at a faster pace. That’s when the rate of female foeticide accelerated. Only when a few social activists raised their concern, the initiative was a put a full stop to. Forty years down the line, there have been a mind-boggling three crore foeticides and infanticides across India. All facts and figures were provided in the first soul-stirring episode of Aamir Khan’s debut show, Satyamev Jayate. All facts and figures in correspondence to the title of the show, Satyamev Jayate, to Aamir Khan’s trademark — work of perfection. It could easily have been a mix of some facts, some drama, a few stories, a few sermons… It could easily have been the same-old docudrama stuff on female foeticide infused with over-the-top emotions of victims. But then Aamir Khan is not someone who would serve the same recipe of entertainment garnished with a few ingredients of social responsibility. “His debut on national television is worth it by all means, worth the hype the show created and worth the number of years he took to hit the small screen,” says Sushma Gupta, administrator, The British School, Panchkula, who is stunned by the facts provided by the show. “It brought tears to my eyes. We all know female foeticide is a prevalent in India but the extent to which it’s exists is appalling.” The stories that Aamir brought on the show were heartrending. Stories of a certain Amisha who had to abort six girl children in the span of eight years, of a certain Parvin whose husband distorted her face by biting her after she gave birth to two daughters, of a certain Dr Mitu Khurana who left her husband (also an orthopedic surgeon) to give birth to her two daughters, brought substance to the show. Vir Das, a stand-up comedian and actor from Aamir Khan’s production, Delhi Belly is all praise for the show. “The show reflected the sincere efforts and clear intentions of the actor and his unit. A serious issue was dealt with seriously in a one and a half hour episode. The way it was presented must have left an impact on people’s mind.” Celebrities started giving their take on twitter just after a few minutes. From Neha Dhupia, Farhan Akhtar to Preity Zinta, all participated. Rahul Mishra, a celebrated fashion designer made sure to stick to his TV set ten minutes before the show began. “And, it gave meaning to my Sunday. The show talked about the problems and then about the more important part, solutions,” says the designer. If the show highlighted the areas in Haryana and Rajasthan, which has the most skewed sex ratio, it also mentioned about the efforts made by the people of Jallahu Majra village, in Nawashaher district. The sex ratio of 755 girls per 1000 boys in 2001 became equal in the year 2005. The actor though made his debut on TV a decade later than other superstars, his fans feel that this is what sets him apart from the other A-listers. Varun Arora, a bank employee, says, “All actors want to entertain audience, make them happy. It’s only Aamir Khan who has the spirit to make them look at the harsh facts.” The only humourous part of the show was when an unmarried lot of men demanded that Salman Khan should lead their club and help them find a girl. Rest everything in the one and a hour episode was tear-jerking. One and a half hours of waking up to the bitter reality that gender equality is still a far fetched dream in India. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Tweet account
@Neha_Dhupia: #nowwatching @aamir_khan address the unreal problems of real
@taran_adarsh: There are stars. There are superstars. But there’s one superhero -Aamir Khan #SatyamevJayate
@bhogleharsha: if @aamir_khan provides
@realpreityzinta: Watching Aamir Khan on Satyamev Jayate discussing Female Foeticide ! I love this effort from him & thank him as a Woman !
@thekiranbedi: @aamir_khan absolutely the best program I have seen on TV in recent past. Thanku for converting an idiot box into an inspirationsl medium
@shekharkapur: Satyamev Jayate proves tht TV 2 can b a tool of social change.
@mbhandarkar268: Now Television will no longer be called an idiot box,the VISION of Television broadens up
with #SatyamevJayate !!!
@FarOutAkhtar: Satyamev Jayate. A show with a heart ??
@ameesha_patel: Aamir khan is truly an inspiration n idol.
super show. eye opener n deals w such imp social issues.hats off
to aamir
Compiled by Vasudha Gupta
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A journey on stage
In Chandigarh, the director of Yayawar, NSD Repertory Company, Ranjeet Kapoor talks about his association with his
passion—theatre
Apart from the brilliant performances and the larger-than-life set designs, there is a lot more that theatre entails in its soul. Today, if the strengths are becoming the talking points, so are the very evident flaws. Ranjeet Kapoor, an alumnus of the National School of Drama and a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, is the director of the three plays brought by the National School of Drama Repertory Company to Chandigarh. He speaks at length about the problems theatre, particularly in the northern belt, is facing. Ranjeet sees a clear cut distinction between how the north and other parts of India look at performing arts. “If you move towards Gujarat, Maharashtra and Bengal, these places have a richer foundation in theatre,” he says. Even the way families react to women in theatre seems to bother the script writer. “Even today, in south a prospective bride is judged on the basis of how adaptable she is to performing arts. The scenario is totally different in the north,” he justifies by adding that only the monthly income of the girl-in-question is important. Keeping the focus only on actors’ performance, Ranjeet feels that the day an actor is satisfied in the field, the actor in him dies. “In the first 30 seconds or a minute-and-a-half, something should be able to grip the audience,” he says. For him, it is the effort put in the acting skills, which talks louder than the lights and the music. Brimming with respect for his actors, he says, “My only wish is that actors should be able to enjoy on stage.” Despite running away from theatre as a kid, Ranjeet was pulled into it when he joined the National School of Drama in 1973. “My creative urge satisfied only in theatre,” he says, talking about being a vagabond’s son. Ranjeet stands by the point that he will never make plays out of the Indian sensibilities. “For an actor, a true test is when you can forget you are being watched,” he adds. Maintaining consistency of his work, Ranjeet believes in calling himself a theatre survivor. Feeling young about bringing the three plays to Chandigarh, the director attributes the success of the play to the group. The toughest part, of course has been selecting three plays, which can be executed with two women. His aspirations are also not too big. A small-budget meaningful film, with not a major cast and a faithful producer is all he needs. Shocked at the tax situation in Punjab, the director does not mince his words. “Theatre pehle hi mara ja raha hai, us par taxes,” he says, setting a benchmark is openly sharing that theatre should be exempted from taxes. vasudha@tribunemail.com
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The story tellers
Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi started its summer bonanza with American literary couple Eric Goodman and Susan Morgan sharing their world and more…
Programmed to be a doctor, Eric Goodman followed his heart after pre-medical and pursued writing. A novelist, lyricist, travel and TV writer, also professor at Miami University, Ohio, he was in Chandigarh with his newest novel ‘Twelfth and Race’ on the invite of Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi (CSA). “Writing is a lonely job, and, only those who really have it in them pursue the field and be successful,” says Eric, a graduate of both Yale and Stanford University. He wrote his first novel High on the Enemy Bridge as class work in the later. “Writing is a long drawn process. I learnt how to write a novel with my first one though unpublished,” says Eric. He has grown with each. Influenced by Nobel Prize-winning novelist William Faulkner, Eric too uses stream of consciousness technique. He gives voices to the thoughts that aren’t supposed to be said. He read passages from Twelfth and Race and was pretty overwhelmed by the audience’s questions and response. “India is more open to caste, creed and religious questions than we Americans I suppose,” he reflects. “What it means to be a parent is what the novel is about. Story of a mixed race couple, it aims to go against the racial prejudices,” he adds. Writing is easier in the classes, feels Eric, “Later, one needs to make it a point and write on a daily basis.” For those writing today, he cautions, “It’s important to be aware of the literary tradition. Sadly, the younger writers, sucked in by the other media, haven’t really read the cannon.” Eric is already working on his next, a story of an American couple who sponsor and later form a bond with an Indian girl based in Kolkata. “I am really fond of India and its writers. I admire A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry and The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. Indian authors have this certain vibrance about them,” he avers. Delving deep
In times when writers publish their first novels by 16, Susan Morgan took 12 years to research on the woman all America knew. And, what a fascinating journey…In Chandigarh for CSA’s event, she shared her research that took her around the world along with husband and two kids. “All we had were Anna’s lies. Her real story had eluded scholars for years,” says Susan, who got interested in her by picking up a book Romance of the Harem, from library, thinking it to be a light read. Once on job, this literary critic checked tons of photocopies of East India’s company’s soldiers’ correspondence and also paper listings of all the passengers that landed on a particular port all through 1850s and 60s and many more such efforts over the years. The result, Bombay Anna, the real story and adventures of The King and I Governess. Celebrating Dickens
CSA also celebrated 200 years of Charles Dickens by a presentation on the celebrated novelist by Vivek Atray, a civil servant and author of Move on Bunny. “I have also read Oliver Twist, The Old Curiosity Shop... The focus today was on lesser known facts and interesting vignettes,” says Vivek.
mona@tribunemail.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: Recognise your behavior and try to keep a check on your temper otherwise; today could become quite tough. Try and plan a romantic evening for your loved one. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 25
TAURUS:
Use this day to rest and recharge your batteries. Take out time for yourself. While health would be stable, it is advisable to be cautious when driving. Some people may be traveling on business or work. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 47 GEMINI:
Be compassionate towards your partner and let them be open with you. A family member may need your support. The presence of Venus would shower you with love, romance and passion in relationships. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 36
CANCER: Health would be a matter of concern. At home, there may be a past conflict that could resurface and create some stress. Social interactions would be lively and entertaining. You may end up with an old friend. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 53 LEO:
The day would focus on your adaptability to changing situations and your own ability to change. Due to your new found confidence, some people may not be too happy and you may face some resistance. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 64 VIRGO:
Your social life would be hectic and exciting. Singles would be looking for someone special to bond with; however, things may not go very smoothly. Married couples would be worried about their partners’ spending habits. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 38
LIBRA: Businessmen may consider entering partnerships with like-minded individuals. Some of you would also, contemplate painting or redecorating the house. This would also, be a good day to travel and get in touch with relatives and friends. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 27 SCORPIO:
The focus of the day would be getting in touch with your true self and your own needs as compared to those of others. Be more receptive to new ideas and you would be surprised. Tarot message: Focus new light on your emotional and spiritual place. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 42 SAGITTARIUS:
The presence of the full moon in your own sign increases your sense of perception and intuition. Although your health would be good, some of you may suffer from minor injuries, colds, fevers and the like. Tarot message: At work don’t hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 61 CAPRICORN:
At work, avoid putting too much on your plate and postpone some things for the next day. Some of you may have to take a personal decision towards the middle of the day. Many of you would be inclined towards religion. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build great success. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 40 AQUARIUS:
Memories, romance, feelings and emotions would be the focus of the day. It is important that you learn from the past, enjoy the present and then move forward. At work, this would be quite a motivating day. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Magic number: 55 PISCES:
Your competitive nature would help you stay ahead of others. Transfer and promotion for some employees cannot be ruled out. Business transactions need to be tackled carefully. Stick to your budget to avoid financial constraints. Tarot message: Push yourself to succeed and your efforts will pay. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 59
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The year ahead
If your birthday is May 7...
For a satisfied life improve your mental toughness. Although your financial position improves but the outflow of money will still create hindrance in executing your projects. Be independent and take your own decisions when it comes to making fresh investments. The year requires you to be careful while dealing with the happenings. On the career front, the day can give you much stress. Money matters may act as a constraint and force you to start saving money. Personal relationships may suffer due to lack of self-discipline. Matters of finances could be frustrating. The toughest period has passed and new opportunities are visible on the horizon. The problem is that despite your eagerness to take the lead and jump after these new opportunities your financial restrictions will leave you hindered and agitated. Focus on your short-term goals as this will inevitably set the platform from which you will rise. On the economic side, those born before 1950 must be careful to organise themselves dilligently in order to dodge any risk of robbery or loss. You still have plenty of time left to change things around. Sometimes you need to take a few steps back before you can make that great leap forward. You are standing too close to the big picture to see the whole thing all at once. Your judgment is not the best so stay off of discussions or any approach. A very enjoyable time is likely but not until after a ‘sketchy’ health or fatigue issue you may have. No matter where you are, keep plenty of company around you. You are tempted to try a small flutter and perhaps you will get lucky. Just be sure that you keep it small and don’t gamble with money that has been put aside to pay future bills. Your confidence helps melt all obstacles that stand in your way. You will look back on this time with pleasure. New friends may also be ‘in the mix,’ especially during daytime mixers, lunches and ‘chance encounters’ while out with friends doing errands, shopping or shared hobbies, sports or social events. You may be vulnerable to acne, headaches and congestion. You have good stamina, but need rest to avoid overworking themselves into burnout and exhaustion. Take care of your dental problem. Fever and nose block may give you some trouble.
Mood: Cheerful and then a bit ‘hesitant’ or in need of it! Compatible signs: Virgo, Libra. Lucky colours: Blanched almond, Chocolate. Lucky days: Monday and Wednesday. Lucky numbers: 7, 12, 14, 56, 75. Lucky gem: Opel. Lucky flower: Pink tulip.
Traci Lords (May 7, 1968) who shares her birthday is a talented actress, singer, movie producers and writer who made a great career during past years. She started her career like actress from a very young age. She appeared for the first time in What Gets Me Hot, Those Young Girls and Talk Dirty to Me Part III. She also gained some awards for her roles from the movies. She started to appear at many famous TV shows and playing in many famous movies. She also became a singer and released some songs and in the same time she appeared in many music videos.
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Exploring options
After playing the young Jhansi (Manu) on Zee TV’s historical show Jhansi Ki Rani, Ulka Gupta will now be seen in DJ’s A Creative Unit’s upcoming show on Star Plus. The story line of the show is that of a Punjabi family in Delhi and revolves around a girl who will elope and marry only to be left by her hubby. Ulka has been approached but not signed on yet.
Action packed
Problem actor
Balaji’s new show on Zee TV, Tere Ishq Nachaye, based on hit film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, already has Sara Khan of Dhoondh Legi Manzil Hamein on board. But rumours were that Nishant Malkani was signed as lead. Now buzz is that he has opted out of the show because the channel wanted a non-exit clause while Nishant didn’t. Earlier he had quit the hit show Ram Milaayi Jodi which caused lots of trouble for the show.
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De-stress with Jia Manek
Saath Nibhana Sathiya’s Gopi aka Jia Manek is a fun filled, carefree, bubbly girl who knows how to make ample use of her free time and spend it well. How do you de-stress? I de-stress by spending time with my loved ones. When you meet people you love and are comfortable with, all your stress and tension of the day simply vanish. I feel my tiredness slips away once I reach home. What are your hobbies? Dancing, watching TV, which I hardly get time to do these days. I used to enjoy riding horses and did so for over three years before I started acting. I also used to enjoy pottery but again spare time is a bonus for me so I hardly get to indulge in my hobbies. What are your favourite dishes? I love tandoori dishes, all dishes cooked with chicken and fried fish. In Vegetarian food , I love spring roll and anything that my mom cooks. She is a brilliant cook and I hog all that she makes. Can you cook? I can cook a basic meal dal, rice, sabji, roti- though my rotis are as round as they should be. I manage cooking and my best dishes are chicken tikka and cheese omelette. I can proudly say, if you eat them once you will want to have them again and again. Do you prefer chilling at home or grooving at a party? I love partying and going dancing with my friends. I put on a sexy outfit and burn the dance floor. What are your favourites films? I am a big Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor fan. All their movies are my favourite. I loved Dabangg and Jab We Met.
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Beyond their Bolly world
Bollywood inhabitants are a lot more than actors. They are icons and role models and known for many things
other than acting. Read on to find out more.
Be yourself
Salman Khan: He does not act; he simple plays himself on screen. Dabangg and Wanted are testimony to that. Apart from acting, he is known for his magnanimous ways, his protégées, his charitable organisation, Being Human, his girlfriends, and his tantrums.
Balanced act
Kareena Kapoor: She is a prolific actress. Besides that, she is known as a style and fitness icon. She shot to fame with size zero; she lost weight through eating right and healthy and doing Yoga. She has launched novels by her dietitian and Yoga trainer. Her sense of style is glamourous yet simple.
Style icon
Sonam Kapoor: She is hardly an actress. Sonam Kapoor is famous for her unmatched and classy sense of style. She experiments fearlessly. She is a non-vegetarian but is also an animal lover. The leggy beauty has also inspired people to lose weight through exercise.
Art lover
Abhay Deol: He is an unconventional actor who does not care for the typical Bollywood life. He is known for his interests in the arts and crafts such as pottery and he loves travelling. He has also started his production house, Forbidden Films. He does not care about his image or being too media savvy.
Different cuts
Farhan Akhtar: Before he became an actor with Rock On, he was a writer and director. He has given us beautiful films such as Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya. Besides being an actor, Farhan is a singer, writer, rock star, director, producer, and poet. He also directed Don 2.
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All in the mind...
Renee Singh
Benefits of meditation
The benefits of meditation are manifold. It reduces your stress response and shields you from the effects of chronic stress. Practicing meditation
Practicing meditation leads to the following positive effects: -
How meditation works
One must take out at least 5-20 distraction free minutes. Now find yourself a quiet place, sit in a relaxed position, clear your mind and focus on a sound like ‘Oooommm’ or even on your own breathing. Many practitioners give a spiritual colour to it but it can also be a secular exercise. Positives of meditation
Meditation vs other stress reduction techniques
Unlike other stress reduction therapies like herbal remedies or other chemical drugs, it has no side effects, no outside equipment is required, is easy to practice and is not strenuous at all. While meditation can be practiced in many ways and through several different techniques, there is a common thread that runs through virtually all the techniques. Quiet mind
Your thinking mind becomes quiet and you stop focusing on the stressors of your daily life. You can control those negative voices in your head and tell them to keep quiet. Being in the now
All meditation practices involve focusing on the now. This involves experiencing each moment and letting it go. This takes practice. Altered state of
consciousness
Meditation increases brain activity in an area of the brain associated with happiness and positive thoughts and emotions. Regular practice brings prolonged positive changes in these areas. Types of meditation
techniques
Two different categories of meditation have been defined by researchers
concentrative. This involves focusing on a particular object that is generally outside oneself. Example-a candle flame, a mantra or a pinpoint. Non concentrative
meditation
This has a broader focus, it includes the sounds in one’s environment as well as internal body states. Both these techniques have tremendous benefits and can be used to one’s advantage. Basic meditation technique
Sit in a comfortable posture and be an ‘objective observer’ of your thoughts. Focused meditation
technique
Here you can focus on something like a statue, ocean waves or one’s own breath. Activity oriented
meditation technique
Here we engage in repetitive activity and experience the ‘flow’ by ‘getting into the zone’.It allows the brain to shift thoughts easily. Gardening, yoga etc also helps. Mindfulness techniques
It involves staying in the present moment rather than the past or the future. Spiritual meditation
Some people practice meditation from a spiritual perspective. They experience guidance or inner wisdom when the mind is quiet. Meditation should be made a part of everyday lives. (Singh is a Chandigarh
based psychotherapist)
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Vidya Balan to launch Indian Film Festival in Melbourne
Not only many successful Indian films have been shot in Australia of late but the appeal of Indian movies in Australia has been growing by leaps and bounds as well. Quite a bit of this surging interest in Indian movies can be attributed to the Indian Film Festival and its indefatigable director Mitu
Bhowmick-Lange. Once a director of TV shows and documentaries for a whole range of channels,
Bhowmick-Lange set up the Indian Film Festival in 2010, delivered by her production house— Mind Blowing Films. (Mind Blowing Films is also the leading distributor of Indian films in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Mitu has been instrumental in integrating Hindi films with mainstream exhibitors with Indian films opening same day and date as in India at some of the best cinema chains in Australasia.) Every year since then the festival has grown in scale, and even found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by assembling the largest Bollywood dance class ever led by Malaika Arora Khan. Impressed with the achievements of the festival, this year, the Victorian Government granted the festival its official imprimatur by tying up with it for three years.
And what’s more this year’s most feted Bollywood star Vidya Balan is the ambassador for the festival. She will be in Melbourne on the May 11 and 12 to promote the festival, which will run from June 11 - 22, 2012. Said
Balan, “I am very honoured to be an ambassador for the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne which has done so much to spread the word about the vibrancy of Indian cinema in Australia. I love the format of the festival and the wide range of films screened. It not only showcases the best of Indian cinema but also provides a platform for young upcoming film makers through its short film competition. When I was in Melbourne I was smitten by the city, its love for films from all parts of the world and its multicultural spirit, and I am sure the Indian Film Festival will contribute greatly to add to that spirit”. Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange said “I am delighted that Vidya Balan is coming to Melbourne to launch the festival program. It is an honour for us, as she is inarguably India’s biggest actor right now. Vidya is the true embodiment of a festival that endeavours to showcase the sheer breadth and evolution of Indian
cinema.” Balan will launch the festival program on Friday May 11 at The Investment Centre, Collins St at 10.00am. On Saturday May 12, she will soak up the atmosphere at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, presenting the match ball to umpires in the middle of the MCG prior to the Richmond v Sydney match. She will be the first Indian to have the honour of doing this.
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Cool quotient
Summer fashion does not necessarily mean shorts and noodle-strap tops. Find out how you can turn heads in this hot weather...
Contemporary chic “A lot of people don’t know how to dress up in the summer and trust me, it is not about noodle straps, tees and shorts. We need clothes that allow our skin to breathe and add oomph to our daily dressing,” says Ritu
Kochar, corporate director INIFD. She suggests, “Turkish pants with structured tops and drape dresses in linens and voils to beat the heat. Layers can be played with. A tank top can be paired with Turkish pants and an open shirt in mulmul or soft cotton.” Cotton dresses in floral prints, knee-length skirts and tapered pants too are a good idea to dress in. Palazzo pants that started making rounds in fashion circuit last year too are a strong contender for a chic look. Designers vouch that the trend will hold good for another couple of seasons. Traditional cut “Indian ethnic wear too can be fashionable,” says Babi Grewal from
Babi’s. She adds, “Classic silhouettes withstand the vagaries of fashion trends. And for women who feel comfortable in Indian wear, there are kurtas with cut-away sleeves that can be paired with narrow cotton pants. Cigarette pants, kurtas paired with palazzos work well.” Apart from regular summer colours like whites and creams, she suggests pastels. “This season is also about colours like blue, pista green and peach turquoise.” Summer is incomplete without handloom. And considering that we live in a city that has extreme heat and cold, it’s not a bad idea to invest in handloom dresses; as designers too have given a stylish spin to the traditional fabric with ikats and kalamkaris for dresses and tunics. And it was at the recent Lakme Fashion Week that Sashikant Naidu showcased saris and dresses in khadi and cotton with kalamkari technique. So, remember to include handloom in your wardrobe. Style check In vogue:
Turkish pants, palazzo pants, androgynous shirt dresses, cigarette pants in cottons and linens, A-line knee length skirts and dresses. Breathe easy: Choose from handloom cottons, linens,
cotton-khadi blends and mulmuls. Flirty pastels: Whites, off whites, aqua, bright shades of yellows, oranges and pistachio greens work well for summer.
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Kailash against
Kolaveri Di’s success
“Kolaveri Di for me is much-hyped and much-touted number, no thanks to the social media. The collapse of the movie led to the collapse of the song itself. How many Hindi songs are still being hummed by people even today though the movies could have been a big failure? “Sometimes not-so-good work can get Academy Awards. We exaggerate a lot in India and get overexcited. India is full of emotional people. Our albums may be less popular number but they are sure to be preserved for life. That’s the difference between good music and bad one,” said Kher. His nine-member-band, founded in 2005, is a blend of medieval Indian music, Sufi and Western music and has the most distinct style of Kher where he sings as through a female devotee/lover trying to persuade her deity/loved one. “Paresh and Naresh are my soul mates. We were born somewhere and met by chance. The core strength of all three of us is soulful music and core belief towards purity and love for music. Our emotions are same and that’s one common thread that is binding all of us to create magic and music. Kailasa means divine and we create divine music,” Kher said. Asked about his future projects, he said, “Our belief and that of our band is so strong that we do not plan anything in advance.” Kher, who had once judged a singing reality show, said he finds them too commercial to showcase one’s talent. “I find reality shows worrisome as the real talent is suppressed. Commercial interests bind their growth and many miss the real growth by attending such shows.”
— PTI
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TREND SETTER
Every person has a sense of style in his own right. Yet there are only a few who’d attract the second glances, who have the power to make the camera go zoom on them. It could be tousled hair, it could be torn jeans. Our this week’s face in the crowd Amandeep Singh, student, M. Pharma, believes in conventional men’s dressing and likes to keep it semi-formal most of the times. Your sense of style is… I totally believe in dressing up as per occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a wedding function, one should look the part. Also I’m a very jeans and tee shirt kind of guy. Latest addition in the wardrobe… They are all very basic. Jeans by Levi’s and tees by Lee. Brand freak or street smart? Brands certainly are worth their tags, but what’s more important is to be able to carry them off well. Choose one: Sporty, Glamorous or Chic Any day, a glamorous look works out better. It’s attractive and appealing. My style icon … Has to be Saif Ali Khan. The only Indian actor I feel, who knows how to carry the semi formal look. Who’s the worst dressed celebrity around? Akshay Kumar. For some reason, I feel he doesn’t do justice to whatever look he’s sporting. One fashion trend you don’t understand… Teaming up sports shoes with kurta pyjamas. Either you wear black leather shoes without socks laces or a Punjabi jutti with a kurta pyjama. Your take on accessories A good sports watch and that’s it. One thing that boosts your confidence A good compliment and a good fit in any outfit. I would love to be dressed up by … Tommy Hilfiger and Rohit Bal when it comes to designers. I feel they are the best in their fields. (As told to Manpriya Singh) (If you think you too fit the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com We’ll sift the best from the rest)
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Music to ears
Game for it
It reasonably shows the serious and distressed state of a beloved and the track has a different feel to it. I’m addicted to the song so much that I listen to it when I wake up till I go to sleep. — Gauri Handa, student, MCM College Fresh take
The track is a wonderful surprise from Ayushmann who seems to have gained a fair bit of experience by hosting reality shows. His fresh voice goes well. — Tusshar Kaushik, MBA student One for love
The lyrics are so meaningful and the track goes for everyone who was in love, is in love and will fall in love in future. The song is just beautiful with its tender Punjabi lyrics. I definitely want to hear more songs from Ayushmann. — Herika Chadha, housewife (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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Please don’t stop the music
In an era when we have an awards function for almost each category, there was one held for the well deserving Punjabi music industry by a couple of sponsors. Present were the glitterati of the tri-city and the stars from the music fraternity. Think almost all the major songs and all the major singers.
The jury for the awards was renowned Punjabi folk singer Dolly Guleria and well-known music director Atul Sharma. As the evening advanced, the crowds went into frenzy with the action-packed and foot stomping performances by Karmaasa, Ali Brothers, Rabbi Shergill, Sikander Khan, Jassi Sidhu, Raj Brar, Mailika Jyoti, Alfaaz and J Star. There were as many as nineteen award categories which witnessed the best downloaded song award go to Alfaaz, best religious song go to Sarabjeet Cheema. The honour for best Sufi song went to Satinder Sartaj while the best Bhangra hit had J-star walking away with applause. The best music album, as expected went to none other than Honey Singh. Commenting on the occasion, a company spokesperson said, “Music is the true celebration of life in Punjab.” Here is hoping Punjabi music continues to witness a steady growth in the Indian music industry.
— TNS
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Ali Zafar received the Best New Talent trophy at the 143rd Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards. Ali Zafar says friends like Katrina Kaif have made life easy in India. Katrina Kaif
She is a good actress and a good friend. I have other friends over here too so it makes living in Mumbai easy and fun. Bollywood
I think Bollywood is the world’s biggest industry. It has a big heart and even the Indian audiences have a big heart. If you see the industry, you’ll find people from all over the world working because of its adaptable nature. It doesn’t matter if you are from Hollywood or Lollywood, you should work here to experience all of it. The award
I really adore this award. It’s really a big and prestigious honour for me. I feel I am too small for an award like this. So, I would like to thank the jury for thinking about me for such a prestigious award. I am happy and grateful and have no words to express. Future films
I have Chashme Baddoor. I play a college student in it so I got really thin for it. Now I am gaining weight for the remake of Vettai
and am doing a cameo in Tere Bin Laden Part 3. I really liked that role. I am really happy with the success of London Paris New York, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, and Tere Bin Laden. I couldn’t have asked for more!
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She’s got the looks!
Chitrangada Singh is above 30, she has a son, she is married, and yet she is one of the hottest, most desired women in the country. She looks gorgeous, has a fab body, lovely hair, speaks well, and is a talented actress as well. She talks about striking a balance. Balancing work and family
It is difficult shuttling between my career in Mumbai and family in Delhi but I have to do it. I want to pursue a career here and I want to do it badly so I manage somehow. Hotness quotient
I think I look really pretty after working out. The kajal being smudged and my face is flushed and I am all sweaty I think I look really hot then (Laughs). Skin care
I think it is important to use a night cream. I endorse Garnier and their night cream is very good. It takes care of all the damage caused by pollution, sun exposure, chemicals, etc. Be water friendly
Hydration does wonders for your skin. Make sure you remember to drink plenty of water. Apply minimal make-up and remove every trace every night. Suit yourself
I wear clothes that suit me and my body type. I think that is better than following trends blindly. I have to feel comfortable in my skin. I love wearing black as it
suits my skin tone. I do not buy brands just because they are popular. The clothes have to be comfortable and I have to look good in them.
— HRM
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Hollywood stars Jennifer Garner, Dakota Fanning and Julia Stiles are all set to star as leading ladies in a new web series. America Ferrera and Virginia Madsen have also signed up to appear in the YouTube channel called Where It Gets Interesting (WIGS), which will feature A-list actresses taking the main roles in high-end scripted dramas, reported a publication. Created by Black Swan producer Jon Avnet and Albert Nobbs WIGS will broadcast new and original content every weekday. “This is where entertainment is going. So get on board now or you might miss the train,” Madsen said. Actors Michael C Hall, Stephen Moyer and Alfred Molina are the male stars who will appear on WIGS. — PTI
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Taking a break
In Star Plus’ show Sajda Tere Pyar Mein, Shaleen Bhanot will show off some cool fitness routine moves including kick boxing and Taekwondo. Shaleen had to shoot amidst a fire circle in the latter part of the shoot and he was bit nervous but did it nevertheless. This bare bodied scene will surely get him praise.
Making a comeback
One of the most widely recommended ways of reducing stress is meditation. There are of course so many other ways of reducing stress but meditation is considered one of the best ways. It is a little more challenging for some people than for others. I’m an absolute fan of meditation and not only preach it but also practice it. It has many health enhancing benefits, reduces symptoms of anxiety and stress, relieves complaints like headaches, enhances immunity etc. We are now in the month of May which is called the ‘Meditation Month’. So this is the perfect time to start one’s meditation practice.
Weather plays an important role in our dressing sensibilities. Unlike West, where spring and summer are celebrated, we face hot and humid weather and summer fashion for us means getting back to the basics. But with some planning, you can stay comfortable in the heat and be a head-turner too!
Singer Kailash Kher, who is touring US with his band Kailasa, says the success of songs like Kolaveri Di is sheer fluke and will not stand the test of time. The 38-year-old, who shot to fame in Bollywood with his sufi compositions, said such songs come like waves and disappear within a period of time.
It’s not just the movie Vicky Donor that is being applauded left, right and centre but also it’s track Pani Da Rang. Lead actor Ayushmann Khurranna shows his multi-talented side by turning into a vocalist, composer and lyricist for this track. The song is truly impressive, with an appreciable soft-toned voice, has appealing lyrics and above all well-orchestrated composition that radiates every expression with ease. Sukanya Puryakashta’s melancholically deep-toned voice sings the female version of the track. In tender tonality of a mushy romantic ballad, it has strong Punjabi affixation and comes in slender feminine chorals, stringed arrangements that connect well with the situation.
