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The world is our stage…
The Indian entourage, better still the Indian gangs and solo dons of Bollywood are ruling the roost at Cannes. Whether it is about creating ripples in the fashion scene, walking the red carpet with a snake or just being all over, Bollywood news from Cannes is much awaited by the scribes, critics (the best time of the year when they can put their chopper board to use) and people who can only think about walking red carpets at marriages! For the last two years, Bollywood has been seen, heard and talked about at Cannes for all reasons. Newer faces, newer gowns, newer friends (read Mallika Sherawat dancing with Antonio Banderas at a recent Cannes party), we sure have made news. We take a quick look at all the things that made news.
Aish hi Aish One name that has supposedly become the Indian brand ambassador to Cannes is undoubtedly the green-eyed beauty Aishwarya Rai. From her first appearance to posing with the post-pregnancy flab in 2012, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has got the national and international media busy during her visits. The green saree that she wore at Cannes in 2003 sent designers into a shock although things got better with the gown that she wore a year later. And then, well of course with the candy man Abhisekh Bachchan, she definitely sent enough grit back home. In 2012, Aish poses in a traditional outfit, looking pretty. The fashion fraternity and fans weren't harsh on her this time — c'mon after all she is the yummy mummy at Cannes! What's the hype about? She attends Cannes as a brand ambassador for L'Oreal. It would be worthwhile to talk about her if she was going as an actress. I don't understand why we hype it so much. How can we compare her with actors or actresses who go for their work? She hits the court Actor Deepika Padukone made her first appearance at Cannes Film Festival-2010 in an Indian outfit - a saree. She stole the limelight from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan that year as she posed in her off-white embroidered saree showing her back and perfect figure. Films should come first "It's a good thing that Bollywood is being noticed at Cannes, but it should be more for films." Look, it's Sonam She is the official, self-appointed fashionista of Bollywood. Actor Sonam Kapoor has taken her job pretty seriously' the petite beauty has set trends at Cannes as well. All said and done, Sonam did not disappoint. She looked smashing in her dramatic white Jean Paul Gaultier Couture gown with a black print and a mesh overlay. For the second trip this year, Sonam struts down with her white and black polka dotted Naeem Khan gown. Why the hullabaloo? fashion is the only talking point at Cannes. Who is wearing what is all we talk about. Their is no harm in setting trends, the same should be done with movies as well. Kiss and tell She can invite eye balls by the tones; actor Mallika Sherawat knows how to make the camera at Cannes dance to her tunes. In 2010, two of her movies Hisss and Love Barrack were featured at Cannes. And she did it - she posed with a live python to promote her film Hisss. Cameras zoomed in and Mallika got what she wanted. This year she posed with old-time-friend Jackie Chan and swayed with Hollywood actor Antonia
Banderas. Work should be first You can't be all over the place; it also depends to what extent you want to do your PR. Publicity is important but it should be about work and not invalid things. Unusual dress code He the director of a different kind — Anurag Kashyap landed at Cannes with his Gangs of Wasseypur. And keeping to his different style, he made the entire cast wear gamchas to the screening. In fact, everyone attending the screening will be wearing a gamcha! A good market Piyush has acted, written, composed and sung songs in Gangs Of Wasseypur. He is surprised to see the reaction to the movie. "It was amazing. The French people responded well to the film and also to our gamchas," he says. "Everyone present at the screening was wearing a gamcha." According to Piyush, the Indian presence at Cannes has increased a lot. "Cannes is a good market for Indian films. The chances of meeting better financers and other avenues open if a film is recognised at this festival," adds
Piyush. The Punjabi
flavour Something we couldn't have comprehended either, Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi performed at Cannes! Jassi was chosen by National Film Development Corporation to perform at the theme party at Cannes. "I have been working on this for almost a year-and-a-half. I wanted our music to have a global presence and I am glad I could do that," he says. "I started with Ek
Onkar, moved to gurbani and then to Sufi music like Amir Khusrau, Baba Bulle Shah and then moved to my songs like Dil Laye
Gayi. It was such an amazing experience to perform in front of people who know about art, music and
Bollywood. People couldn't understand what I was singing but they could get the Punjabi beats," adds
Jassi, who is still at Cannes visiting different places. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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In the WEB again
Peter Parker is coming (rather climbing) to India first. The New York City, hometown of Spiderman's fictional universe, waits to watch the fourth franchise for exactly four days. And for those who felt a little left out of The Avengers Party, The Amazing Spiderman awaits! Is it because the film features Irrfan Khan as one of the baddies or is releasing in four languages or there is the Friday at play?
"Never mind, all I know is I'm excited about catching it first. Each of the Spiderman sequels has broken records before and the best part is that this movie has an India connection; catching it before people in the US makes it even more exciting," exclaims Mrigya Samyal, final-year B.Com student, DAV-10. It's the Marvel character for kids, Andrew Garfield for girls (hitherto Toby Maguire) and action for guys that works out fine. A month before, it's all over the Internet and all the working sites. Among the countless fan pages and community sites, there's a Spiderman India, Indian Spiderman, India's Spiderman, while The Amazing Spiderman clocks a seven-digit figure! The Spiderman in Punjabi is viral on YouTube, with exponential hits and clicks. Says Neelam Garg, former Mrs India runners-up, "I have watched all the Spiderman sequels. More than great, this one is surprising news. The last sequel was full of many characters, I would say second Spiderman was the best, but I can't wait to catch this one." No prizes for guessing why! "It's like a Yash Chopra movie releasing in Manhattan first and Mumbai later. Whatever are the reasons, but surprising it is. Whether you are a hardcore Spiderman fan or not, you'll be tempted to catch it before if you have the opportunity," says Dheeraj Mittal, law student, Panjab University. He adds, "But for some reason I feel after July 3, when it releases in the US, it will be an even play. Anyways, it I the first-day-first-show and first three day shows are likely to jam-packed." The reasons might vary, but the fact of the matter is that everyone is curious, one way or the other. Says Glory Khanna, psychology student, DAV College, "More than anything else, I'm curious to know why they are releasing the movie in India before." Who hasn't cribbed over late releases to the extended families abroad? This is your chance. This time, Peter Parker tries to figure out all the 'whys' is his life. A flashback journey that tries to find why he was raised by aunt May and Uncle Ben and not his mother and father! Meanwhile, the officials are confident of the obvious. "Indian audience will enjoy the new reboot of the franchise even more because they are watching it before the people in US." To be precise, four days before, starting June 29! As Mrigya says, "It's worth to show-off when it comes to watching a movie first." Don't we all do it?
Spiderman trivia n
The original writers of Spiderman conceived of the character as an orphan being raised by his uncle and aunt. Someone who led a normal life to some extent and dealt with ordinary troubles of adolescence, in addition to the responsibility and role of a costumed crime fighter. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Changing face of Punjabi cinema
Nineteen-to-dozen has been written about the rising and shining Punjabi cinema —better scripts, good actors, sound technicians, easy-to-digest dialogues, yes Punjabi cinema is certainly stepping up. But in the whole fanfare, we lost out on people who are playing the backbone of this industry — the producers and financers. Bigger and better budgets have also redefined Punjabi cinema!
Vikram Singh, the co-producer of upcoming Punjabi movie Kinna Karde Haan Pyar talks about smart investment and understanding the project before pouring in the moolah. The film is being co-produced by Subhash Chander of Esha Arts Production and Sukhbir Dhotia of 3S Production, and directed by Sukhbir Dhotia. Actors Gugu Gill, Soni Sidhu, BN Sharma, Rana Ranbir, Victor John, Punjabi singer Harman Sidhu and Komal Dhillon create an interesting ensemble. Says Sukhbir, who makes his debut as a director, with Kinna Kardey Haan Pyar, "The story brings to light the fact how some boys use NRI girls as a bait to go abroad." Yet another NRI issue, haven't we moved ahead in times? "Certainly, but then we can't stop ignoring issues that bother us or are happening around us. The idea is to provide wholesome entertainment through the film and also leave a subtle message. Even if it is an NRI issue, if it is shot and directed properly, audiences watch it," he says. Punjabi audiences have become smarter and so has someone else - the producer. Vikram Singh also marks his debut with Kinna Karde Haan Pyar. The co-producer, however, feels it is about seeing things in perspective. "People from real estate sector are investing money in Punjabi movies because the face of cinema is changing. If you pick up the right script and cast, you will not go wrong. This means returns are certain." With corporate houses coming into the scene, producers are finding substance in their investment as well. "Earlier a group of friends would get together and make a film with a limited budget, but now Punjabi cinema is moving towards smart and well-read producers. They understand the nuances of film-making and actively take part in it," says Vikram. Vikram has a couple of other projects in hand as well. "I am doing a Hindi film based on love, betrayal and revenge. Warner Brothers has already offered to sign up for distribution costs across India," says Vikram, who is also planning another Punjabi movie with Diljit Dosanjh. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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The ‘in’ side Sukhmani
The primary function of a headboard is to retain pillows and shams and prevent them from slipping off the bed. Today they also make a style statement and serve as focal point to the entire bedroom. They are easy to install and within minutes you can change the look of your bedroom. Before selecting a headboard you must always keep the colour scheme and the style of the room in mind. Wooden headboards
Metal headboards Metal headboards are strong as compared to other headboards. They are beautifully crafted centerpieces to any bedroom. Wrought iron and brass headboards can give bed the appearance of an antique, while metals like brushed aluminum and stainless steel are perfect for a contemporary bedroom. Padded headboards
Wall mounted headboards These are not attached to the frame of the bed but are instead mounted directly on the wall behind the bed. These are ideal for modern, platform-style beds, which are low to the wall, and which sometimes don't include the hardware to attach a more traditional headboard. Since they save a lot of floor space, they are best used in small bedrooms. Many people prefer a headboard that incorporates storage space into its design. There are many designs that accomplish this; some have bookshelves placed at the head of the bed, while others contain shelves and cubbies in a variety of sizes. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior & landscape designer)
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Pet passion Manpriya Singh
A sneaky visit to a veterinary, a chance meeting with a pet supposed to leave for a dog show and "there it was a tiny baby in a basket with a pom alongside." And Mishika Chaudhry, B Com student, got her Oscar home. "It's not the Academy Oscar, it's the Auscar," she corrects before starting the conversation on her pet. With the basics of the seven-year-old golden brown labrador right, we move onto the other properties. She adds, "We were sitting and thinking of a name for him when my cousin suggested that we name him Auscar, not the one everybody usually associates with, but with a slight twist." It's been seven years of togetherness ever since. "Now he's everyone's favourite. Whosoever gets back home, first calls for Auscar as if he were the baby of the family. Love me, love my dog In every pet story, there is first a dog hater, an ardent dog lover, the furore when the newbie comes home. "When we had to get Auscar, my dad was most apprehensive. He had a lot of reservations like who would take care of the dog, take him for a walk, medical check ups etc." As always, things took a U-turn. "Now he's fond of Auscar the most." She adds, "In fact, so much so that now he sleeps only in mom and dad's room." Like with each time, things fall in place. Yours faithfully Not that there hasn't been a fair share of drama. "Just two months back, once we almost lost him. Our servant took him for a walk and someone must have spotted him. He was in the garden when someone just frisked him away." A period of two days that spelt emotional disaster! "Our servant was out on the streets calling his name loudly when Auscar started barking on hearing him from inside a house." A pampered pooch never comes without its tantrums. "He doesn't eat food. Unlike other labs that are always hungry, he needs to be pulled out from under the bed, each time and fed with a spoon like a baby." That's not it. "He's also very unpredictable, there's a window in the house from which you can see each and everyone passing by. He's sweet to some of the people and then all of a sudden he turns hostile. So, we can't even tell people don't be scared, he won't do anything." Wait, there's still some more trivia. "He also has very fixed timings. Like, if he has to go for a ten o'clock walk with a certain person, then he has to go for the walk, he won't do anything else during that time. And also, he would like to be taken out by the same person, no one else would do." She beams, "My dog's a strict disciplinarian."
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HEART
talk Parvesh Rana This is my first job and I am finding it very difficult to adjust. My colleagues are more interested in my personal life, details of which I don't like to share. How should I adjust? Seema, Mohali Take it easy. Every office is more or less the same. Your colleagues are only trying to know you better. Share the details you want because no one is forcing you. Be open to people and you will settle down pretty soon. I am a thirty five year old single woman. I don't like people interfering in my personal life. How do I snub them? Sneha, Ludhiana This is a normal tendency of people to be curious about others. Just be normal and tell them politely but firmly that you don't like sharing details. Don't burn your blood over what people say. (Rana is a television anchor and Bollywood actor)
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Green thumb Satish Narula
Begonia is mostly a semi-shade loving plant that is available in a variety of colour and type of foliage and profusion of blooms. There is a range of foliage that may be tiny to one foot or more and soft, leathery or puckered. The foliage may also be coloured and variegated. There may be set bands too on the foliage. The margin in certain cases could also be frilled. You may find begonias growing in hills, from the temperate region to the plains. What, however, the begonias abhor is the direct sun or high winds. The morning sun is welcome. In fact, that may bring out more of colour in foliage. The begonias may be available from 20 to 30 cm bedding border to tall, one-and- a-half-meter high shrubbery plant. The tuberous rooted begonias are mostly found in the climate of Dehradun or Mussoori. This type has a wide range of colour in blooms that may be as big as rose flower. The petals may be simple or frilled and the blooms may also be single or double type. The colours are also very pure and unique. It may be a pure white or pink, scarlet, purple or crimson. The range is due to hybridization which is very successful in this case. Do not be surprised if you see one growing in a hanging basket. Yes, there is a trailing begonia too. The bedding begonias hardly grow high. They are most suitable for pot culture. They bear flowers profusely and are easy to propagate from cuttings. They are hardy in nature too. But when it comes to name a very hardy type, rex begonia scores over others. This type can be grown near small water bodies or even in rockeries (in shade). They make very good terrarium plant too. Begonia roots are very tender, thin and confined near to the surface of soil. In severe summers care should be taken not to let the soil dry. Keep it moist. It is always a pleasure for the gardeners to do experiments in garden and there is nothing that can beat the happiness attained with success. In case of begonia, you can try to multiply the plants, especially in case of Himalayan begonia, by sections of leaf cuttings. One inch square cuttings could be spread on pure sand and the surface of sand is kept moist. (Narula is a PAU horticulturist)
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So you wanna dance?
"Happy Feet dance benefits children because it's different. Since children are full of energy, it soothes their heart and helps them express their feelings," Gagan shares. Also a national-level swimmer, Gagan feels that kids today should start looking beyond Bollywood in terms of dancing style. "The need to understand western music is more today," she adds. Hoping to open her own studio in the US some day, Gagan is a keen learner and an enthusiastic teacher as well. As far as the dance goes, it has more than just movements as it attracts not only kids, but also the adults. "I think adults can learn Happy Feet dance because it doesn't have any language. It's a way of living a positive life," she says. Looking at the limitation of resources, in teaching different kinds of dance, Gagan is an expert in TAP, ballet, jive and ballroom dancing. — TNS
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Burger time!
The minute we think of fast food our taste buds crave for preparations like burgers, pizzas and much more. So there is yet another fast food franchise Burger Girl, which has had a huge success in the USA. It is a full service, sit down and fast food family restaurant, bringing a new concept of "casual fast food" dining to the forefront of India's fast food craze.
The menu is a hit list of all American choices with a twist of spices and sauces sure to please the taste buds of people with traditional Indian tastes. The menu card of Burger Girl includes Woozookie which is a sweet, mouth-watering treat, mixed with a warm cookie straight from the oven, with an icy cold scoop of tasty ice cream! There are more savory dishes like varieties of pizzas and burgers. The vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices were carefully chosen, simple in design but great on flavours. —TNS
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Star track
Actor Will Smith admits his two kids understand the fame game better than him. “Do I worry about Willow and Jaden? No, they were born into that world. They’re on the internet all the time, so they know the game. They know where to go, what to say. They’re far more savvy,” a website quoted Smith as saying. The actor has two kids, Jaden, 13, and 11-year-old Willow with wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith feels his well-guarded kids might suffer with things that will hurt their self-esteem in the future. “Of course, there are going to be things that are hurtful and self-esteem issues, like we all have, but I grew up in a neighbourhood, where I saw a guy get shot and take nine bullets to the chest, so Hollywood is a far safer experience than where I grew up,” he said. The 43-year-old has been spending more time at home recently as he has been working in the production department rather than in front of the camera. He admits his family is ready to see him back at work. “Willow’s doing her music and whipping her hair, Jaden’s got a TV show. And daddy’s been sort of producing at home. But everyone’s really ready for daddy to go back to work now,” he said. — IANS
Anthony Hopkins to star in Red 2
The 2010 film featured Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Morgan
Freeman and Helen Mirren as former special operations agents forced to come out of retirement for one last job. Studio executives at Summit Entertainment are preparing to begin production on a follow-up to the film and they’re hoping to add the 74-year-old actor to the line-up, reported a publication Hopkins will play a villainous scientist locked up in a mental asylum. However, Hopkins will only be able to sign on
for the role if the shooting schedule doesn’t clash with his commitments to the Thor franchise,
in which he plays the ancient superhero’s father, is due for release in November, 2013. Catherine Zeta-Jones and South Korean actor Byung-hun Lee have already been added to the cast of Red 2, which is slated to hit movie
theatres in the summer of 2013. — PTI
Ayushmann wants to go with the audiences’ choice
“I am a huge Bollywood fan and I would love to do commercial cinema. I will do everything, like dancing around trees and saving the girl. But having said that, I would also love to do the kind of cinema that Vicky Donor has created,” Ayushmann, 27, said in a recent interview. “I think it is a safer zone. People have become very mature these days. The Indian audience has changed, so lets go with the audiences,” he added. The actor has already signed John Abraham’s next Hamara Bajaj. The film about a struggling actor from Agra will go on the floor in December. He may sign another film with a well-known director soon. His boy-next-door image in Vicky Donor, which revolved around sperm donation, has earned him a lot of accolades and the VJ-turned-actor is enjoying the adulation. “It feels really good, I was used to attention earlier but this is on a bigger level. The best part is that it was a gradual progression. I was popular in college as well and school, but now being on the big screen, it means a lot to me personally,” said Ayushmann. In the film, he plays a good-for-nothing guy who goes on to become a professional sperm donor. “People knew that I have got a certain talent, but after Vicky Donor success they have started respecting me more and at 27, if you gain respect that says a lot,” said Ayushmann, who is set to host IIFA Rocks, a fashion and music night, to be held in Singapore as part of the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards from June 7-9. “You can have a female fan following, people would find you cute...it happens. But if you gain respect at a farely young age, that means you have achieved a lot,” he added. It often happens that after the success of the first film, audience expects more and Ayushmann says he will be careful while choosing projects. “From our first film, expectation was not that much...and responsibility was less,” he said. —IANS
Charity begins at Cannes
Diane Kruger, Gerard Butler, Janet Jackson and Kylie Minogue were among the stars, who turned out to raise nearly $11 million for Aids research at a glitzy charity ball in Cannes.
AmfAR’s annual Cinema Against Aids event was held during the famous Cannes Film Festival at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes and featured a cocktail reception, dinner and a money-raising auction, a publication reported. Movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and German supermodel Heidi Klum started off the bidding by offering up a pricey Cartier watch. Klum sparked a bidding war by promising the winner a massage. Other coveted lots in the auction included a guitar owned by Ronnie Wood and the chance to star in a short film by Karl Lagerfeld, while Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev offered to bite a winning bidder. The night also included performances from pop singer Jessie J. — PTI
I would love to do a Marathi film: Vidya Balan
Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who has performed a Lavani number in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's forthcoming film Ferrari Ki Sawari', says she is now keen to do a Marathi film as well.
"I would love to do Marathi film...they are doing well. There is some great work happening there (Marathi cinema)," Vidya said recently. Dressed in a red nauvari' (Maharashtrian style) sari, Vidya danced on the popular Lavani song — Maala Jau De at a promotional event for Ferrari Ki Sawari. When asked whether
she received any criticism for the lavani (Maharashtrian folk dance) song, she said, "As of now I have not received any criticism for my performance. I remember after the song was out, someone called me up saying you reminded me of an authentic lavani dancer. I am happy the way the song has shaped up." While doing the song, the actress looked up to noted actresses Madhuri Dixit and late Smita Patil for inspiration. "For the lavani song...my inspiration is Madhuri. I liked her song (Humko Aaj Kal) from film Sailaab and I also admire Smita Patil's performance in Bhoomika," she said, adding that she practised for ten days to perfect her steps for the dance. "I was happy when this song was offered to me. It was always my dream to do a lavani song. I am not a trained dancer...I had to put it in a lot of effort," she said. — PTI
Jon Favreau returning to Iron Man 3
Favreau directed the first two installments of the Marvel comics movie adaptation, but announced in 2010 that he would not be taking charge of Iron Man 3 so he could work on other projects. Shane Black was brought in as his replacement and production began in North Carolina, a publication said. However, Favreau hasn't cut all his ties to the upcoming sequel, he has been invited back to portray Happy Hogan once more. The director, who will also serve as executive producer on the new film, made a cameo as the character in the 2008 original, and enjoyed more screen time as Hogan in Iron Man 2. Actors Guy Pearce and Ben Kingsley have also been added to the new cast of Iron Man 3, which will see Downey Jr return as the titular superhero, with Gwyneth Paltrow as his love interest and assistant, Pepper Potts. The film is due for release in May. — PTI
Bradley Cooper to produce, star in American Sniper
The movie which is based on the autobiography of Kyle will be produced by Cooper's March 1 company, a publication reported. Jason Dean Hall is writing a script based on the book which has the complete title American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History, which reveals how Kyle recorded the highest number of sniper kills for an American and has been praised for its honest first-person account of a man who shoots from far and close distances. The book also features passages from Kyle's wife who reflects on how her husband's passion switched from her to war and the SEALS (United States Navy's Sea, Air and Land Teams). —PTI
Female vocals to Batman's Robin
Superhero Batman's sidekick Robin is set for a sex change in two new animated movies as the crime fighting character will be voiced by a girl.
Modern Family star Ariel Winter will play Carrie Kelly, the brand new Robin in the two animated films, a publication said. Robocop star Peter Weller will take on the lead role of Batman/Bruce Wayne. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns actor Michael McKean will voice Dr
Wolper. — PTI
Smartest of all
The 44-year-old actor's sharp suits in the James Bond movies helped him top the poll for Lovefilm, and Smith's Men in Black agent alter-ego landed him second place, reported a publication. Late star Heath Ledger came third for his eccentric Joker character in The Dark Knight, Depp was placed fourth for his turn in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, while Jim Carrey's outlandish outfits in Dumb and Dumber placed him into fifth. — PTI
PC pampers herself
Perfumes are my weakness and I feel every person should smell good. My current preference is Dolce & Gabbana The One, but my all time favourite is Ralph Lauren Romance. Skin care I believe in skin deep beauty. The best and simple way is cleaning, toning and moisturising. One should never go over even in doing this. Drink lots of water it cleans your digestive system and when you are clean from inside your skin naturally glows. My crazy schedule doesn't allow me the luxury very often, but I try and get in a facial whenever possible. Hairy tales After Love Story 2050 my hair was in bad shape because I had colored it twice and had done some experiments too but then I promised myself to set them right. And then I started taking care of it. Being an actress we have to do many experiments with our hair but I oil it regularly. And trimming your hair is most important and I do it once in two months. Food buff I am blessed with a good metabolism rate so I don’t put on weight usually and being a Punjabi food is my weakness. I love eating all kinds of food. But eating healthy is very important. I don’t like to work out much but sometimes I have to do it. I love homemade food. —HRM
The ‘gangs’ steal the show at Cannes
The longest-running entry in this year's Cannes festival, a five-hour Indian gangster epic, won a warm welcome at the Riviera event, even drawing parallels with Quentin Tarantino.
Anurag Kashyap, who directed the five hour 20 minute Gangs of Wasseypur, described the film as "a Bollywood-influenced gangster epic, part Western, part documentary." With a folk-meets-dubstep soundtrack and a basis in true stories, the film follows three generations of coal and scrap-trade mafia gangs in a suburb in east India who are obsessed with traditional Hindi cinema. The two-part film screened this week in the Directors' Fortnight sidebar section of the Cannes festival, to strong reviews. "Gangs of Wasseypur puts Tarantino in a corner with its cool command of cinematically-inspired and referenced violence, ironic characters and breathless pace," was how a publication summed up the movie. "There's never a dull moment in this Indian gangland epic," wrote another publication. Bollywood stars like to spice up the red carpet at Cannes but their movies seldom create a serious buzz. Kashyap, who is also working with British Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle on a film about 1960s Mumbai, hopes Cannes exposure can help change perceptions of Indian cinema and boost ties with foreign film-makers. His film was one of three examples at Cannes this year of a burgeoning, alternative Indian cinema that departs from commercial song-and-dance Bollywood hits so popular at home but the other two met with more lukewarm reviews. Kashyap also had a hand in the experimental Peddlers, which screened in the other main sidebar section at Cannes, Critics' Week. Directed by newcomer Vasan Bala and financed through appeals on Facebook, the Mumbai-set movie weaves together the stories of a cynical narcotics cop, and two youngsters who fall into the drug trade. A publication regretted its "confused, at times naive story-telling", despite an "action-packed last half-hour." Likewise, Ashim Ahluwalia's Miss Lovely, screened in the Un Certain Regard new talent section of the festival, drew a muted reception. Yet another publication said the storyline, about the sleazy world of 1980s "C" grade Hindi movies, had the potential to be fascinating, but was rendered "charmless" and "dull" through an overly-serious tone. —AFP
Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh were spotted together at a suburban club near Ranveer’s house. This is a club he frequently visits but Anushka was spotted dropping him off for the first time. They were holding hands. How sweet is that!
From music world to Bollywood
The half-German-half-Indian international supermodel, who is working in a couple of Hindi flicks, including the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone-starrer Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, says, “When I was approached to perform for a Euphoria video opposite Palash Sen, I was very excited.” “They've introduced many popular actresses, including Vidya Balan and Neha Dhupia. Moreover, I'm a huge fan of rock music, so I was more than thrilled to do a slow rock song video with them,” she adds. Like most Euphoria numbers earlier, the recently released video is also getting rave reviews. Meanwhile, apart from Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani under Karan Johar's banner Dharma Productions, Evelyn’s is also gearing up for Manish Tiwary's Issaq opposite Prateik Babbar and Prateek Chakravorty’s debut film From Sydney With Love.
Ghostly experience
“So we were shooting
at this one location which apparently is supposed to be haunted! And the unit boys did experience a presence. One of our light boys came running complaining that some one was standing by his side and passed right through him. At
first we thought he was joking trying to create sensation but then when he sat trembling like a leaf is when we sat and heard him out,” he said. Nonetheless, the shooting for the film is 35 per cent completed. “We have completed 35 per cent of the movie. It’s an exciting film with a great story line screenplay and visual treat. It’s difficult to hold the character of ‘Sam’ in 3G. Everyday brings a new challenge” he added.
Under control
There was no clash between Salman khan and Shah Rukh Khan at Karan Johar’s birthday bash because Salman Khan didn’t attend as he is still shooting Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif in Thailand
Salman Khan will host Bigg Boss’ new sixth season all by himself, without Sanjay Dutt. He is currently in Thailand and this season will roll much later so he will have time to shoot it.
Prachi Desai had to look plump in Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan and slim and trim in John Abraham’s movie. She was shooting both simultaneously and did interval training to look appropriate in both films.
Neetu Chandra plays a desi girl in a Greek film and is currently shooting for it in Cyprus. She was chosen over the likes of Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor.
Jacqueline Fernandez has been doing yoga for the past three years with a personal trainer to stay fit. She can also do perfect head stands! How cool is that! She also follows a particular diet which she doesn’t cheat on.
Cold war
Rumour has it that Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor share cold vibes over Anushka Sharma. Ranveer and Anushka have been on and off since Band Baaja Baaraat.
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chatter box
Shabnam, has more or less, been doing negative or grey characters on television. However, she doesn’t regret any of her decisions to enact any roles she has performed till date, but enjoys them thoroughly. “Yes, with the kind of roles I have portrayed on television, I have been typecast to a great extent. Most of the roles I get to play are negative in nature. I guess that has to do with the fact that I look different and glamorous according to the people who take casting calls,” states Shabnam, who in real life is a shy and introvert girl. A sweet and homely Shabnam, has had a stint with Bollywood also and not surprisingly, her characters in films like Murder and Raaz 2, were equally fire brand and intense. Shabnam says, “Well, I feel there is a fun element in playing such roles. This junglee billi streak is what really excites me. For an instance, Jhumpa is such a character who jumps at peoples’ necks to wring their throats. I feel, it’s one of the most unique characters across all television shows today and I love playing her.” Talking about her characters, Shabnam says she is completely different from in real life. She believes there’s no fun being yourself on screen; probably, that’s the reason, why she felt, acting is the medium that can let her play what she wants and not just what she is. Shabnam, being an introvert and shy girl, takes the pleasure of unleashing herself in the kind of roles she gets to portray. “My characters let me unleash a madness that I dare not bare in real life,” she says. Being an introvert has its own de-merits as well. As such people do not mingle well with their co-workers they are always at the risk of being tagged as snobbish and arrogant, which just contradicts Shabnam’s nature. “People I work with don’t really know me too well. I have been called all sorts of contradictory names by different people. I still get affected by people’s opinion of me and fret over it for days, but I am trying to let go.” However, those who know Shabnam well, become friends for life, as they know how humble and friendly she is. “This industry had given me some amazing friends, I love them dearly.”Coming back to her career plans, Shabnam, doesn’t want to stick to doing devious roles in television only. She has a film in her kitty, which would go on floors this September. But excited about her character in the film, she says, “My character in the film goes through a bizarre roller coaster ride in the film. The makers are hoping to first enter some international film festivals before they try their hand at releasing it here. With the kind of talent, patience and perseverance, Shabnam possess, we are sure she will be a performer at international level.
Donning a new role
Twisted story
In Saas Bina Sasural on Sony, Tej (Ravi Dubey) will donate his lottery winnings to charity. Later they will open a new shop but they will get conned. Meanwhile Malti’s (Rohini Banerjee) baby shower sequence will be a happy occasion for the family. A still from Saas Bina Sasural
Making a comeback
While shooting in a Chawl recently for Channel V’s Gumraah recently, host Karan Kundra got mobbed by a gang of kids. He was leaving and the kids surrounded his car, in attempt to not hurt the kids he ended up with a dent in car as it hit a wall.
Missing Anandi
After becoming a rage as young Anandi in Colors' Balika Vadhu, Avika Gor who was present at the party to celebrate the 1000 episodes of the show, claims she will always miss being a part of the show.
Ready to tie the knot
Jayshree Soni aka Niyati of Sahara One show wants to marry her boyfriend Shrey Pareekh but due to work schedules hasn’t got free dates. But the makers are unwilling to give her leave as she recently took days off when her dad underwent bypass surgery.
Karan Singh Grover tried his hand at films twice but both times the films got shelved. Leaving a lucrative television career and good hit show Dill Mill Gayye, he had signed on Vikram Bhatt's film Mr. Romeo and recently a film opposite Diana Hayden. While the first one was scrapped he shot for the second but now it seems it has got no buyers.
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Astro turf
ARIES: You will meet exciting new people. Health problem could slow you down. Avoid travelling today. Some of you will have an exciting time with your lover today. Take your lover out for a dinner. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36
TAURUS: Love life is sparkling today. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. Get into your hobbies or a favourite sport. A friend might try to talk you into doing something you would rather not do. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 50 GEMINI: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Don’t click on one of those flashing winner signs on the Internet. Take care of your health today. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses.
Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 35. CANCER: Communication on the job can assume greater importance. But you do need to be careful not to get caught up in red-tapism. Don’t let the petty aspects take precedence over what is rewarding. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Aqua.
Magic number: 59 LEO: There can be a small get-together at home. A level of anxiety could interfere with your well-being. Go outside for a walk and visit a local scenic spot for relaxing your senses. Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 33 VIRGO: Take things step-by-step. Club and group activities occupy you. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Focus on hobbies. Make sure you join a reputable organisation, and then reap the spiritual rewards. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 25
LIBRA: Students: bury your nose in books. Be logical. Housewives will financially feel secure. A change of plans can throw you into turmoil. Stop worrying about what other people think of you. Tarot message: Learn from past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 25 SCORPIO: Push routine to one side. You will fall in love with someone you will meet soon. Partnership issues are likely to surface. Face the facts, talk to your partner, with love and honesty. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence which will be on trial. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 31 SAGITTARIUS: Hasty actions can lead to situations best avoided. Keep your wits about you and try to pause if agitated. Colleagues and associates might step on your toes or try to bully you. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42 CAPRICORN: There will be opportunities to show off your artistic flair. Loved ones will do what they can to help to solve financial problems. Once you get going, pace will pick up. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 52 AQUARIUS: The card Six of Wands emphasise on fun, frolics and accelerated social activities. Talk to your lover about your future plans. Enjoy fantasising over the countless possibilities. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 40 PISCES: Today love and travel figure prominently. You can put yourself in line for a promotion or salary increase. Rather than let them stew under the surface, call a family meeting and let everyone have their say without interruption. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63
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The year ahead
If your birthday is May 27...
Always remember your moral values. Number nine and planet Mars make you industrious, smashing, audacious, passionate and witty. You are always keen to have high-profile friends in your social circles. Clean surrounding will be liked by you but should check your despotic, offensive and glowering nature. Do not negotiate while making a deal. Just wait as the time of increment on your pay package will be forthcoming and then look for the quality of things for home rather than quantity. You have so much to do that you'll decide to take a vacation to unwind and relax. Wait for the right time to tell your loved one what you think of him or her. Bad decisions of the past will lead to frustration and mental turmoil. You may be stranded and unable to decide what to do next. Concrete view point is necessary to succeed in lawful matter, which is rare so avoid indulging in any kind of administrative affairs. Financial losses seem likely if you invest on the words of others. You will upset your spouse if you spend money on things that you don't immediately require. Absence of love may be felt. Complete pending work before your boss takes a note of it. Don't make hasty decisions, which you will regret later in life. You have a wonderful way of sweeping other people up in your enthusiasm. Throw yourself wholeheartedly into communicating your intentions, and keep the home fire burning. Thanks to your co-workers' and your own initiative, a project will go well but you'll manage to get most of the credit. Those born after 1970 will be able to make changes and feel serene once again. You still have plenty of time left to change things around you. 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. You are sure to have some emotional challenges and a few short fuse situations this week. Be patient with members who's 'tone' is sarcastic and hold your own tongue also. Mood: Burdened and over emotionally distracted at times. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Leo. Lucky colours: Maroon, White. Lucky days: Wednesday and Thursday. Lucky numbers: 3, 10, 30, 45. Lucky gem: Red coral and yellow sapphire. Lucky Flower: Red rose
Eric Bischoff a wrestling personality (May 27, 1955- Detroit) most known for serving as president of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later General Manager of World Wrestling Entertainment's RAW brand is also sharing his birthday. Bischoff was also known to sporadically compete as an in-ring performer, with a WCW Hardcore Championship reign to his credit.
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If you want an instant change to your bedroom without spending too much, add a stylish headboard to the bed. A headboard is a segment of the bed that is mostly attached to the frame at the head of the bed.
Wood is a natural and durable material, so it remains fantastic over the years even if you change the colour and style of your bedroom. You can go for a nicely carved or ornate headboard if you have a traditional décor or a straight-line one in case of a contemporary décor.
The padded headboard, upholstered in supple leather or top-grade fabric, will not only offer a nice place to rest your head, but will also add a luxurious design element to a room.
There is a wide range of flora available to choose from. Visit any nursery now and you will find many new species. Even in old species, a variety of new introductions have been made. To enjoy your garden to the best, you should keep changing. In some of the plant species, there is no end to introduction of new kinds. Begonia is one such wonder.
Born and brought up in Mumbai, Gagan Preet's affinity towards dance began over the family's regular dinner parties. A dancing course at YMCA-Mississippi fuelled her commitment further and today, in her attempt to introduce different kinds of feminine English style of dancing, she has come out with a latest dance form called Happy Feet.
The Silence of the Lambs star Anthony Hopkins is in talks to go bad again as the villain in an all-star sequel to hit action movie Red.
He would love to do commercial cinema, but at the same time Ayushmann Khurrana doesn’t want to alienate himself from the Vicky Donor kind of movies. He feels viewers have matured and it is wiser to go with their choice.
Film-maker Jon Favreau is making a return to the Iron Man franchise to reprise his onscreen role as actor Robert Downey Jr's bodyguard sidekick.
Hangover actor Bradley Cooper is set to star in and produce American Sniper, which is based on the autobiography of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.
Hollywood star Daniel Craig has been named the best dressed screen star in an online poll.
Priyanka Chopra wins you over with her wit, charm, beauty and smile. She has evolved beautifully over the years and is a terrific actress. She talks about looking and feeling good. Smelling good
Even before actress Vidya Balan made it big in Bollywood, she was a known face in the industry, thanks to her association with the band Euphoria. Now, newbie Evelyn Sharma is hoping, the same magic will rub on her as well.
Neil Nitin Mukesh, who is in Fiji on a 50-days schedule for Bejoy Nambair’s psycho-horror film 3G, informed about a ghostly experience that happened during the shoot recently.
She is evil, she is nasty, she can kill with one look and she is Jhumpa, a cunning and vicious character in Hitler Didi. However, this role is very slyly crafted by Shabnam Sayed aka Surabhi Vanzara (now). Shabnam screams and abuses in an amazing Bong accent in the daily soap. It is interesting to see, how beautifully she maintains her craftiness in a sugar-coated bangla accent.
Sushmita Mukherjee will now be seen in a cameo in Colors new show Madhubala-Ek Ishq, Ek Junoon airing on May 28. She will play Daima who helps the thakurian run away from her evil husband. Madhubala stars Drashti Dhami and Vivian D'Sena in lead roles.
There is good news for all the Nand Kishore fans. The character of Nand Kishore played by Karan Godwan is all set to make a comeback in Star Plus’ Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon. With Arnav being kidnapped, his entry will be pivotal in helping Khushi in her search for her husband. His comic character had been much appreciated in the past. There were many fan mails that said that they were eager to see him back on the show and their wish has been duly fulfilled. We truly hope that his re-entry will make his fans really happy.
