On a comic note
Bringing a smile to somebody’s face is not an easy job. The cast and crew of SAB TV’s new comic soap Bhai, Bhaiya Aur Brother are aiming at precisely that...
Jasmine Singh

Making daily soaps or even movies is a serious business, but there is something that is far more serious than this - making a comedy daily soap! Imagine the innumerable punches, just the right timing and just the right funny dialogues and that too daily. Isn’t this serious? If you still doubt, the cast and crew of SAB TV’s new comic soap Bhai, Bhaiya Aur Brother tells how ‘lightly serious’ they are. Co-produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Deven Bhojani, the comic soap has Sooraj Thapar, Vrajesh Hirjee and Chirag Vora.

Real talent

Deven Bhojani
For him, comedy is the medium of expression and a very challenging job, which is why he likes it so much. Deven Bhojani the director of comedy show Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and Khichdi is now co-producing the new show. “I don’t plan things, they happen. I flow in life that takes me sometimes to acting, direction and production,” shares Deven. Bringing a smile on a stressed face is sure a challenge. “Only few people can do good comedy and write equally well, and if I have the talent why shouldn’t I be doing it?” Deven smiles, pauses and then smiles when asked where he picks his reel-life characters from. “Hmm…of course from real life, sometimes while travelling I see someone with a particular kind of mannerism. But in Bhai, Bhaiya Aur Brother, I have incorporated some bits of mannerism from my mother,” he smiles, trying to hold back his laugher. “The way she does the puja and talks so much, I have used these to characterise the reel-life mother in the soap.” Deven has a group of old and young dialogue writers, “The only instruction that I have given them is that comedy has to be entertaining, period.”

Well-etched

Chirag Vohra
He plays Bhaiya, the hassled peacekeeper of the family. Chirag Vohra finds his character well-etched with nothing left to be worked on. “Deven narrated the character so well that I was clear as an actor and performer on what was expected of me.”

Worth the effort

Sooraj Thapar
An artificial moustache, an artificial paunch... actor Sooraj Thapar carries this disguise with a smile. “This moustache takes ages to be fixed and this pillow on the paunch doesn’t let my diaphragm expand, but every bit is worth for my role in Bhai, Bhaiya Aur Brother,” shares Sooraj, who plays bhai in the comic soap. “Deven wasn’t convinced with my physique, so I had to tuck a pillow under my shirt and behave a bit lethargic. Deven asked me to improvise a bit and I finally got the role.” Sooraj finds humour in everyday life too, as an actor though he is open to all kinds of roles. “I get to play different characters in theatre and serials. I am playing a negative character on TV serial Chhal,” adds Sooraj.

Act right

Vrajesh Hirjee
The world over, actors have to go through what Vrajesh is facing right now. “If audiences like an actor in comedy, he or she is expected to do the same thing over and over again,” says Hirjee, who plays ‘brother’ in the soap. When it comes to exploring other genres than comedy, Hirjee falls back on theatre. “I have recently done a two-act play Chinese Coffee; I was surprised to see the response I got from the audiences. I was wondering why weren’t audiences laughing, later I realised it was a play where they were not supposed to laugh,” he keeps a straight face. In his kitty, Hirjee has a couple of films, Joker and Dekho Yeh Hai Mumbai.

Talking telly

Vipul Amrutlal Shah
It was high-time he came back to television. “I wanted to settle in cinema first and then do TV. It is a good time to come to telly,” offers Vipul Shah, film producer and director. According to Vipul, things on telly are in for a change. In the coming 4-5 years, we will see better soaps and eventually get rid of saas bahu dramas.”

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Animated stuff
Ashima Batish

The impact of four minutes dedicated to a global cause is now being felt around the world. When Jaspal Bhatti wrote the script and his son Jasraj directed Bunty’s Tree, little did they know that a four-minute animation film on tree conservation will get such rave reviews. The film has been to numerous short-film festivals, appreciated by environmentalists already…but now Jasraj is aiming for more. “Film festivals and environmentalists only make for two segments. We want that the film should be watched by the masses. For that we have approached certain state governments for funds, which will help us screen the film for the mass audience,” says Jasraj.

The film is now headed towards Reelkids Film Festival in Canada, where again it will be watched by over 5,000 students together. “The subject of the film and also the way it has been presented gives it a global appeal. It could have been made in the form of a documentary but we merged the issue of deforestation with a story. And people could relate to it,” he adds. The total count of festivals where the film has been screened is ten.

Directed at the Mad Arts Jaspal Bhatti Film School, it took fourteen months for the entire unit of Bunty’s Tree to complete the film. 

Cut to reality
Having battled domestic violence, the chirpy actor Vimmi Jaggi has evolved into a socially conscious being
Nonika Singh

Only the other day she was full of beans, enacting her parts with gusto. Today Vimmi Jaggi, NSD alumnus, has matured beyond years. The actor who has survived domestic violence not only lives to tell her tale but also make a difference to others. Living in the US for last seven years, this victim of domestic violence is working with South Asian women and making documentary films.

Before you jump the gun, let you be reminded, her films are not about domestic violence. The very first Defining America dealt with the problem of immigrants, the cultural shock they experience and their dilemmas. Another film Satrang made for an NGO by the same name looked at the community of transgender, gays and lesbians. And the more recent Apology, screened at the School of Social Work Film Festival at University of South California, is about child sexual abuse.

Predictably that leads us to much-acclaimed programme Satyamev Jayate whose second episode too hovered around a similar theme. Smiles Vimmi and says, “Undeniably Aamir Khan is doing a great job. In fact, I am so happy at the way India is changing, ready to discuss issues that were brushed under the carpet not too long ago.”

But what gave her the courage to come out in the open with her predicament? And the smile fades away into a thoughtful look of self-reflection. She states, “Only with acceptance comes healing. For a long time I went into a state of depression till I realised the import of Mark Twain’s words — “The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself.” Actually, her reasons for being forthcoming about her personal condition are no different than the times when she dared to enact out short stories of Sadat Hasan Manto, the no-holds-barred Urdu writer.

Indeed, she does miss the wahs wahs, the adulation that her performances elicited. But in the land of opportunity she has learnt to use theatre as a medium to bring solace to others. Domestic violence, she asserts, is the most dismal reality of South Asian Women in the US as an overwhelming majority of women suffer from it. So why not make a film on it? In good time, she will. Making documentary films in the US or anywhere else, she remarks, is not difficult in the technology-driven era. She has her own camera, has invested in other equipment too and for editing hires the services of professionals. She quips. “The crucial part of making short films is to find the right platform for airing these.”

Till that happens, she who is planning to do a Ph D on cultural taboos, is only too happy to use art as a tool to create a dialogue with those who find it hard to voice the gravity and enormity of their condition. Vimmi’s status in far away distant lands by the way is “happy and single, brown and proud.”

nonika @tribunemail.com

The world is his stage…
Actor Ankur Vikal prefers to work hard and keep his achievements on a low key
Sabia Talwar

Ankur Vikal, a face that you have seen in movies like Slumdog Millionaire, Mango Soufflé, Maqbool, Missed Call and many more, has his hands full with Bollywood as well as Hollywood projects. Says Ankur, “I grew up in Gujarat, studied architecture in Baroda and later joined the National School of Drama in Delhi.” And then finally in 2001, Ankur landed in the city of dreams, Mumbai.

We wonder how much of his acting background comes from his being a theatre artiste. “Theatre has helped me hone my acting skills. While I was a student at NSD, Naseeruddin Shah used to take lectures in our final-year; when I came to Mumbai I joined his theatre group, Motley. I have been a part of it for ten years now.” He adds, “Whereas film-making is a costly affair theatre is the cheapest form through which one can reach out to audiences.”

What about movies, when did the journey start? “I have done quite a lot of movies but it’s just that I haven’t talked about them. My first movie was Mango Soufflé, which was on the subject of gay sexuality. Thereafter, I worked in Maqbool and Missed Call, which also went to the Cannes Film Festival in 2005. And then Slumdog Millionaire happened.”

And that’s not it, Ankur has done many plays, a Telegu movie with Nagarjuna and a thriller, which was recently released, titled The Forest. “I am in the main lead in The Forest and it has been directed by Richard Grylls.”

Ankur faced a leopard in reality while shooting for a scene of The Forest. How was it like? “It was amazing; I had to train myself to climb a tree and the leopard would be set free; rushing up to the tree and climbing it was an uphill task.”

Ankur has just comeback from Namibia where he was shooting for a Tamil movie along with Dhanush. We wonder how much of a struggle it was for Ankur to make a name. “I did not have to struggle much, but I feel that while you are working it is a continuous struggle to improve and learn.”

As for the future, he has loads on hand. “Fame will come to you when it has to, but it’s just that you should honestly do your work,” he signs off.

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

A playwright today doesn’t sit in a locked room, but actors, directors and writers come together to conceive a performance, says eminent theatre person Maya Krishna Rao
Universal appeal
Mona

Maya Krishna Rao Maya Krishna Rao has played a significant role in bringing about socio-cultural change in the country. Theatre-person, stand-up comedian, Maya’s solo performances make most of the sound, music and silence!

In Chandigarh on Friday to participate in the Women Directors’ Theatre Festival, she shares excerpts from her amazing journey.

“I started with Kathakali, dance-drama form from Kerala, in my childhood and have grown with it,” says Maya. And as a teenager she related to it differently as compared to when she grew up. “The milestone, however, has been when I realised that I can use this very traditional art form to express everyday concerns and reality,” she says.

Maya has made extensive use of music and dance in her works, which she usually conceives, writes, acts and directs, but Quality Street that she brings to Chandigarh is different. Picked up from a short story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Maya is glad that Mrs Njuko shares the same world (Nigeria) where unbelievable things happen, just like in India. “Quality Street has universality about it. It addresses the parent-child relationship,” says Maya.

If solo-woman plays are her high-point, it’s stand-up comedy that she loves the most. But the journey to the stage has not been an easy one. “In the beginning, my legs would shake; it’s been kind of a nervous excitement,” reveals Maya. Over the years, she has found ways to tackle that. Being spontaneous, wearing ridiculous costumes (they come in handy while creating ridiculous acts), she has found her niche in political themes, comparing the big policy decisions with the trivial. Be it a cookery expert striking a deal for Kandhar situation or Vajpayee in Kerala for knee-treatment, she makes the most of the latest news in her stand-up acts. “Once I have a big bagicha (she wears huge floral hats) on my head, I feel I can do anything.”

There are less women in the field and she emphasises there should be more, but she doesn’t blame lack of good scripts or opportunities for artistes to grow. “If one has the drive, sky is the limit today, but what lacks is that we don’t prepare artistes to be organisers. How to write and present the project is what one needs to know well,” says Maya, who considers herself lucky being in India where one need not depend on institutions to organise theatre festivals, as only two like-minded people can pull-off a show successfully.

Being self-dependent has not necessarily come from her acting experience, but her training as a political science teacher. “We must help develop artistes into thinkers and organisers,” says Maya, who teaches at the National School of Drama that’s soon planning to introduce such a course.

mona@tribunemail.com

First-day-first show 
Lovable rowdies

Rowdy Rathore

Shiva (Akshay Kumar) is a small-time conman in love with Priya (Sonakshi Sinha), a pretty girl whom he meets at a wedding where he isn’t invited. Into this picture perfect world enters six-year-old Neha who believes Shiva to be her dad! And if this isn’t bad enough, Shiva also becomes the object of a series of life-threatening attacks by a gang of deadly criminals who seem to know something he doesn’t. While trying desperately to save his life and love, Shiva stumbles upon a secret. A secret that takes him to a small town in Bihar; a town terrorised by its ruthless MLA and the mafia he controls; a town whose inhabitants’ only hope for redemption is Shiva!

Well-packaged

The movie is a correct blend of emotions, drama and humour. Besides all these, Akshay Kumar’s performance is mind-blowing and it’s good to see him back in the action genre.

Bhupinder Singh, bank employee

Balanced thoughts

The movie maintains its entertainment level throughout. As for Sonakshi Sinha, the desi girl image suits her a lot. Also, Akshay shows all his skill through his double role.

Palaki Arora, student, MCM College

Total entertainer

It is a total entertainer minus the over-the-top stunts. The music is quite average but the movie is surely a fun ride.

Kavita Sharma, housewife

Snowhite and the Huntsman

In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart plays Snow White, the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Charlize Theron) out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power. The breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.

Evil wins

Kristen Stewart has not been able to overcome the image of her Twilight’s character Bella. So Charlize Theron’s act as the evil queen is the only good thing about the movie. Charlize looks gorgeous even with her wicked makeup.

Kudrat Sethi, student

Average play

The movie is uninspiring and clichéd but has been shot beautifully. The movie fails to do justice to the fairytale and hangs in mediocrity.

Simran Kaur, student

Different take

Kristen Stewart’s act as the princess is not at all convincing. Charilze Theron plays her role very well. The story has been given a bit of different treatment as compared to the fairytale which seems interesting.

Ajay Mehta, student

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

Gyan zone
Art melange
The annual design collection show put together by graduating students of NIIFT was a riot of colours… 
Ashima Batish

One can feel the energy brimming in the room. Each student pepped up, each and every one of them making all the efforts to display their collection in the best possible manner. At Suvyan, an annual design collection show put together by the graduating students of NIIFT, Mohali, the scenario is pretty usual. From one corner to the other, there are students’ creations and it isn’t easy to pick up the best. We observe closely to present five among them.

Art route

Revival of art seems like a moral obligation for fashion designers. Even the big names in the industry have dedicated at least a couple collections to the traditional art forms. Drawing inspiration from the trend, Aishwarya Deep, through her collection, has tried to be a part of the revival movement. Instead of joining a commercial house to better her designing and textile-making skill, she worked under the NGO, Jharcraft, which is committed to the cause of bringing Jharkhand craft into focus. Her first collection has elements of Sohrai paintings. She has used motifs which were used by the artists of the state to decorate the walls of their houses. Cushions and curtains highlight the beauty of Hazaribagh paintings, which is popularly referred to as Godhna art. “People have almost forgotten about this form of tattoo art, which was practiced by tribals in the state.” Aishwarya has used the motifs to make it apt for the contemporary décor as well. The fabrics used are cotton and chanderi silk.

Eye candy

In tandem with the colour scheme of the season, neons, is Chandini Singh’s soft furnishing collection. And the name describes it even better—Candies. Thus there are colours and a lot of them right from blue, orange, yellow to purple, yet in her designs, not a single colour pinches the eye. Rather it’s a treat. The cutwork, about which Chandini is quick to add, “is digitally done”, adds the fun element. She explains the term, digitally done: “It has been done by a machine. One needs to be more careful with it because what is done on the fabric can’t be undone!”

Digitally yours

Two great craft works put together has to result in a great collection. Not that appliqué work is a new craft to be used on soft furnishings, but it sure looks great when combined with Kantha work. Jyoti Sharma’s work themed on the retro look looks less retro and more metro, but how does it matter if the outcome is good. The blue, green and orange colours put as patches one on top of the other make for a great bed-sheet. “Kantha work adds subtlety to the loud retro look,” says the aspiring fashion designer.

Old is Gold

Manisha Miglani’s collection has been inspired by the Mughal period. Aptly titled The Colours of Royal India, the soft furnishings have figures of a male and female. The colour scheme as quite expected is royal blue, royal green, fuschia and orange. For someone who wants to add colour to their décor, she has some stuff to promise.

Mix & match

Menali Jiaswal picked up two contradictory themes for her two collections. One is made keeping in mind fantasies of a small-town girl who wants to live life in a big city. So, on the cushions are vehicles, which denote the fast life of big cities and monuments like Jama Masjid as well as Red Fort. Explaining her collection even better is the print of a girl wearing a bright red lipstick and another one carrying a sling bag. The second collection has digital prints of Buddha. “One for the living room and one for the bedroom. In the bedroom, you want to be at peace with yourself. And Buddha is the epitome of peace?”

ashima@tribunemail.com

star track
PC to pay tribute to Rekha

Priyanka Chopra will pay tribute to veteran Bollywood actress Rekha, while Shahid Kapoor will perform on South songs at the IIFA awards this year.

Both the actors, who are gearing up for the release of their upcoming film, Teri Meri Kahani, will be performing at the 13th IIFA awards to be held in Singapore from June 7 to 9.

"There are lot of South actors who are coming to IIFA this year including Kamal Hassan. So this time I am going down South. I will be performing on old South songs. I would be performing on one of the songs from Appu Raja. It is a cool song, I am trying to learn the lyrics. It is my ode to South film industry," said Shahid.

While, Priyanka would be paying tribute to Rekha, who would be receiving the lifetime achievement award at IIFA.

"This year I would be paying tribute to Rekhaji. I completely love and adore her," Priyanka said.

Besides, this both Shahid and Priyanka, who would be promoting their soon to be released film, Teri Meri Kahani, will also, perform together on songs from this film. Teri Meri Kahani directed by Kunal Kohli, is a love story depicting three different eras - 1910, 1960 and 2012, is slated to release on June 22.

This year, choreographer-turned-director Prabhu Deva will be choreographing the dance moves for all those performing at IIFA including Shahid, Priyanka, Bipasha Basu, Sonakshi Sinha, Ranbir Kapoor and others. The award ceremony will be hosted by Shahid and Farhan Akhtar. —PTI 

 

 

Ridhima Sud shares a wonderful experience at los angeles
Finding the rightful owner

Ridhima Sud
Ridhima Sud

Delhi girl Ridhima Sud makes her debut with the International film The Owner that traces the journey of a backpack. The backpack passes hands, introducing us to myraid characters (including the one played by Ridhima in the Dubai leg of the film) and jumping genres from comedy to drama to horror. 

She lives between LA, Mumbai, New Delhi and New York acting and doing art consultancy for her friends as a hobby.

 During her recent trip to LA — a city she regularly visits to further her craft, Ridhima had the opportunity to meet with the vivacious Trudy Styler (who is married to singer Sting) at their beautiful Malibu home. Post this Trudy very graciously went all out to help Ridhima get access to exclusive acting courses that would have been difficult for her to be a part of otherwise on such short notice and that too on a complimentary basis! Ridhima was reading the book’ Immortals of Meluha at the time and during their conversation on India and spirituality — both strong interests of Trudy's, Ridhima read out a passage from the book which resonated with the multi-faceted and enigmatic Trudy. Since its well known how much Sting and Trudy love India, Ridhima gave them a copy of the book with a personalised note. "I loved meeting her, she is the most gracious and warm person. She had to fly out in a few hours and inspite the pre-flight chaos she managed to share some of her wisdom with me. She is someone I look up to and admire a lot."

Trudy in return gave her a little signed copy of Larry Moss' acting book which she swears by and recommends!  What a wonderful experience for an actor at threshold of her first release. — HRM

 

 

Pricey issue

Fame is new to Parineeti Chopra. Post the success of Ishaqzaade, she has become a star. Rumour has it that a cosmetics brand withdrew their collaboration with her when she demanded a whopping fee of Rs 50 lakh per day! 

Relaxing mode

Director Dibakar Banerjee has quietly taken off for a holiday even before the release of his film Shanghai. The director’s sudden decision left his actors Emrran Hashmi and Abhay Deol amused and shocked. It is a norm in the industry that actors and directors go around to promote their films prior to its release. However, this time the director decided to bend the rules for himself and took off on a holiday in the serene locales of the Himachal Pradesh.

Sources close to the film said that “Director Dibakar just left without informing anyone. He has finished all the post production of his film and needed a break. Emraan and Abhay tried contacting him once they realised he is not in town and is busy holidaying.”

“Both Abhay and Emraan are very excited and nervous at the feedback they have receiving so far for the film and wanted Dibakar support at this juncture. Since they are both busy with the promotional activities they were not aware that he has taken off on a holiday but once they did they have been hounding him with calls to return immediately. Dibakar is amused and has been delaying and telling them that he will be back soon. He is now expected to return in the coming week” adds the source.

When contacted, Emraan Hashmi informed, “I requested Dibakar to fly back. We need to gear up for the film's release.” Apparently Dibakar flew down to Delhi for a press conference for a few hours as he had committed to them.

 

 

A journey called acting

Rekha Rekha, the epitome of beauty and sensuality after mesmerising the Indian audience for over three decades will now be felicitated for her ‘Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema’ at the much-anticipated  IIFA Awards 2012 to be held at Lion City, Singapore. Known to have done several classic films that have been imprinted in the minds of her fans, the actress has come a long way, going on to become India’s favorite glamour icon after what was termed as the original ‘makeover’ queen.

Each year, IIFA honours a member of the Indian Film Fraternity who has made innumerable contributions to Indian cinema. Keeping this in mind, the IIFA Advisory Board and the IIFA Management recognises Rekha for her achievements in Indian Cinema, in its 13thyear. Stalwarts of Indian cinema like V. K. Murthy and Yash Johar, among others have previously been recipients of this prestigious award. Marking the 13th year of the IIFA celebration even more special, this special award will honour the diva that created a storehouse of Indian film histories finest moments.

Says Rekha, “I am extremely humbled to be appreciated and considered for the IIFA for my contributions to the film fraternity. It has been a long journey and hopefully my passion and love for cinema will continue to reach out to all my fans. I am especially happy to be honoured at a time when the industry celebrates a centenary of Indian films.”

Daughter to South Indian film stars, Gemini Ganesan and Pushpavalli, Rekha’s 30-odd years in Bollywood proved promising from the very beginning. Her first release, Sawan Bhadon (1970), was a smash success and she became an instant star. It was instantly followed by a string of hits like Namak Haram, Dharma, Kahani Kismet Ki, and Pran Jaaye Par Vachan Na Jaaye. But it was Do Anjaane where she played an ambitious wife who sacrificed love that left audiences enraptured.

Gulzar’s Ghar heralded the arrival of a mature Rekha and she went on to woo Indian audiences and ultimately became the box-office queen with movies like Muqqadar ka Sikandar, Khubsoorat, Judaai, Maang Bharo Sajna, Ek Hi Bhool, Basera. Yash Chopra’s Silsila and Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan sealed her ‘diva’ status, putting her into a league of her own.

 

 

Not wanted as of now

Actor Shahid Kapoor has denied the reports that he is starring in Wanted sequel allegedly being planned by choreographer-director Prabhu Deva.

“I don't think anyone can replace Salman Khan. I think because me and Prabhu Sir have been meeting up to do a film together and he is choreographing IIFA (International Indian Film Academy awards) ...people are jumping to conclusions,” the 31-year-old star said.

“We have not decided anything yet, what we will do or when. But yes, we are very keen to work with each other. But these are all rumours, I have not said yes to anything,” he added.

Directed by Prabhu Deva, Wanted was a remake of Puri Jagannadh's Telugu hit Pokiri, starring Mahesh Babu.

Shahid is presently busy promoting his upcoming film Teri Meri Kahaani opposite Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Kunal Kohli, the film hits theatres June 22.

 

 

 

Career shift

She took the audience by surprise appearing in Saat Khoon Maaf and singer Usha Uthup says she is looking forward to some meaty roles in Bollywood now.

The 64-year-old singer played a loyal help to Priyanka Chopra's character in the film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. She even lent her voice to the hit song Darling in the film.

"I am waiting for good roles, looking for something meaty. In the meantime I have done a bit of acting in Kerala and Bengal. I hope I get some offers in Bollywood, another good role like I did in Saat Khoon Maaf," said Usha.

She is nominated in the best playback singer category alongwith Rekha Bhardwaj for the track Darling at the upcoming IIFA awards. The song has already got her a Filmfare award this year.

"I hope I win the IIFA award too," said Usha.

Besides being nominated, the singer is going to perform at the IIFA Rocks in Singapore on June 8, the night before the awards ceremony. She will be performing in collaboration with Leslie Lewis and Hariharan to mark 100 years of Indian Cinema.

"The combination of me, Hariharan and Leslie Lewis is amazing. Who would imagine the three of us teaming up? Our performance is a tribute to 100 years of Indian Cinema. It's been a real tough call shortlisting songs from so many decades and from among hundreds of hit tracks," she said. — PTI

 

 

Emma Roberts, Chord Overstreet split again

Emma Roberts and Chord Overstreet Actress Emma Roberts and Chord Overstreet have reportedly broken up again.

Roberts, 21, and Overstreet, 23, started dating after meeting at Coachella, California, in 2011. They broke up in January and then reunited in April, reported a publication.

"They're done. The last few weeks have been really rough," a source said.

The couple was last seen together at the Nylon Young Hollywood party on May 9 but they were already experiencing trouble.

"They posed for pictures. After that, the two were on opposite sides of the VIP section. It's a really immature relationship. All they did was fight. They're just on two different paths in life. They just grew apart and decided to part ways," the source added. — PTI

 

 

Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone to star in Grudge Match

Robert De Niro Hollywood stars Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone are officially in talks to star in boxing film Grudge Match.

The pair is favoured by director Peter Segal for the boxing film, which tells the tale of two rival boxers who are tempted back into the ring for one last bout despite neither of them having fought for years, reported a website.

Stallone, 64, has appeared in six Rocky films while 67-year-old De Niro won an Oscar for his portrayal of Jake La Motta in Raging Bull.

Sylvester StalloneThe comedy, which was first announced in 2010, will see the pair go head-to-head in the ultimate boxing face-off. Doug Ellin, the creator of popular TV series Entourage, has been chosen by Warner Bros to write the script.

The film is expected to go on the floors next year.

"Stallone and De Niro are expected to come on board as they're both fans of the director and have both sent themselves up in comedies. If they go head-to-head in the ring it will certainly be a little piece of Hollywood history," a source said. —PTI

 

 

Winning glory

Shah Rukh Khan finally has something to celebrate. He called a press conference at his residence and showed the IPL trophy that his team Kolkata Knight Riders and also greeted fans that had gathered outside his mansion.

Good times

Prachi Desai’s career is finally going somewhere and she has endorsements in her lap. She is the new ambassador for Citizen Luxury Watches for women.

Brotherly ties

Sooraj Barjatya wants Salman Khan to play the lead role of Prem in his next movie and he wants Khan’s protégé Arjun Kapoor to play his angry and rebellious younger brother. Casting coup there!

 

 

Double the fun

Arjun Kapoor Arjun Kapoor has a double role in his next film titled Aurangzeb. It is with Yash Raj Films and no other details have been disclosed as yet. Shooting is already underway.

The right choice

Salman Khan's fortunes were turned around by smart business manager Reshma Shetty who helped him choose the right films and endorsements in the past couple of years. Sanjay Dutt has sacked Dharm Uberoi post the debacle of Department and he has now hired the expertise of Reshma Shetty to reform his career.

Premiere presence

Emraan Hashmi doesn't like award shows and doesn't attend them. He is attending IIFA not for the ceremony but simply for the premiere of his film Shanghai which is bound to be another beautiful feather in his cap.

chatter box
The date is decided

Karan Kundra The popular reality teen crime show on Channel [V], dealing with real-life teenage crimes peppered with messages, warnings, solutions and an in-depth psychoanalysis of a teenager’s psyche, is now gearing up to reach out to a larger audience. It will air on Star Plus starting June 2, Saturday and Sunday at 8PM. Each one-hour episode of Gumrah features experts and psychologists providing a professional insight into the mind of a teenager, why these crimes take place, the reason behind a teenager’s heinous actions and how a young criminal is born in a modern society. Gumrah is hosted by popular TV actor Karan Kundra.

 

 

Someone’s loss is someone’s gain

Fans should look out for some dramatic scenes in Life OK’s Saubhagyavati Bhava as Viraj (Karanveer Bohra) who has lost his memory will see Jhanvi (Sriti Jha) but not recognise her. She will be terrified on spotting him in Raghav’s (Harshad Chopda) house.

 

 

Ready to shake a leg

Known for her comic skills, now Bharti Singh will join the dancing fray with Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on Colors. The promos starring her are looking making waves while only time will tell if she has the same cool timing in dancing as she has in comedy. 

Battle for survival

Big CBS Prime brings 24th season of Survivor to India Some believe men are superior to women; others say women are better. Which of the two mis more powerful is an age old debate. To give more heat to this ongoing dispute BIG CBS PRIME, the channel that offers the latest, freshest and hottest entertainment for the urban Indian male brings the 24th season of the longest running reality show, Survivor: One World. 

 

 

Romance is in the air

Buzz is that Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon on Star Plus will soon have the romance quotient back. Khushi (Sanaya Irani) will be successful in saving Arnav (Barun Sobti) and they will end up in a jungle leading to some intimate moments.

Acting minus action

Sharad Kelkar had a knee surgery as it was troubling him since three years. But he couldn’t go on leave as he has been playing the role of Dr Ashutosh in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge on Sony sitting on a wheelchair. The makers altered the story to accommodate his injury.

 

 

Laughing matter

Siddhant Karnick aka Akshat in Aasman Se Aage on Life OK had a ward robe malfunction while shooting a Desi Girls act wherein he had to strip his clothes one by one and end up in a long underwear. However, while doing so, his underwear tore when he stripped off his pant and the crew could help but laughing.

Designs on TV

They spell elegance through every woven yarn. We know them as fashion designers. Their creations from prêt to couture, traditional to contemporary, classic to avant-garde and desi to global, have not just made them celebrity designers in India , but on the global scenario too.

Keeping these fashion followers in mind, BIG CBS LOVE is coming up with a new show, I Love Style, coming up just for you. Some of India’s biggest names from the world of fashion have been signed up as mentors on the show. Rohit Bal, Anamika Khanna, JJ Valaya, Rocky S, Gaurav Gupta, Ranna Gill, Shantanu & Nikhil, Rina Dhaka, Abraham & Thakore, Neeta Lulla, Kavita Bhartia, Ankur and Priyanka Modi...the huge glamour brigade, will come together for the first time on Indian television on BIG CBS LOVE’s home grown format I Love Style. 

With their keen understanding of the growing Indian woman’s needs for comfortable, stylish, branded and affordable clothing, these designers will share some of their ideal and popular wear with the viewers. Dressing up the bold and the beautiful, sexy models and celebrities, these designers aim to bring out stylish line of clothes for work place.

 

 

Replacement theory

Sonia Singh Sonia Singh will replace Mona Wasu as Richa Thakral in Parichay on Colors. Richa’s entry will create tension between Kunal and Siddhi. She will create misunderstandings between the couple.

Sonakshi Sinha (June 2, 1987), daughter of Shatrughan Sinha, is popular for her role of Rajjo in hit film Dabangg opposite Salman Khan. The film also marked her debut in the Hindi film industry. She designed costumes for movie Mera Dil Leke Deko. The sum of Sonakshi’s birth date comes to be six which coincides with 2013 (total 6) predicting her remarkable success in coming year.

Astro Turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: Don’t make any hasty decisions regarding your family matters. Younger member in the family may offer you a valuable advice. Home renovations or business plans can be reassessed with good outcomes assured. Tarot message: Don’t try to end the entire deadlock at one go. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 33

TAURUS: A dispute over some small issue is possible at your work place. Heavy expenses will make you frustrated. Beware of delays and postponement. Mixed trends will prevail throughout the day. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; so don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 48

GEMINI: Take proper care of your diet. Love life will be exciting. Expectantwomen: focus on medical check up. Financial matters may come under strains. There is a potential for future growth.Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 56

CANCER: Make good use of the quiet morning, and you will be well preparedfor the rest of the day. Personal relations will be neglected. Be patient till things start moving in the desired direction.Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 38

LEO: The card Six of Wands will give you extra rewards. Try to keep your schedule varied and flexible rather than letting yourself get pinned down to one spot. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 40

VIRGO: Your card the Judgement gives you strength and a strong vision. Communication over legal matters, travel plans and education can be postponed and cause undue stress. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms in writing.Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33

LIBRA: Today you will have difficulty in getting along with your associates. Women: avoid gossiping. Work and professional responsibilitieswill place demands on your time. Tarot message: Use careful judgment in handling issues involving property. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44

SCORPIO: Health needs attention. Do not be in too much of a hurry to get your financial plans underway. You might be able to do yourself a bit of good with thehelp of influential people. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 59

SAGITTARIUS: Today you are likely to spend money on astrology orphilosophical books. Agreement made today will be valuable to you. Personal andbusiness partnerships are blessed today.Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Teal Magic number: 63

CAPRICORN: The day starts with smiles and cheers. Business affairs are undercontrol. Friends are pleasant but not particularly significant. A romantic overture to your working day might give you plenty to think about. Tarot message: Take responsibility for your own action.Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 26

AQUARIUS: An auspicious day for biz-folk. Meeting new people will bringdelightful opportunity for romance and minor flirtation. Get out and about early; activity and social interaction will do you a world of good. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Violet Magic number: 54

PISCES: Avoid speculation today. The married people will enjoy a pleasantly romantic phase at home. Put off dicey deals. Be as cooperative as possible and make a special effort to help others. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Rust Magic number: 40

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 2...

Support of influential people will give you a big boost to your moral. Investment in stocks and mutual funds recommended for long-term gains. A favourable day for domestic matters and finishing pending household jobs. Favourable planets will bring you plenty of reasons to feel pleased today. You may have to visit hospitals for health related problems. Be careful who you deal with financially. Some changes at home could lead to problems with loved ones. Handle your love affair carefully. Take care of your action and words as a person in authority will be less understanding if you make any mistake.

If your skill and talent are a good fit for your current role, you can make major leaps. If you can, unwind and live without losing the sense of reality. The stars advise those with a commercial activity to be careful and prudent regarding purchases and business, especially if they are new. Do not neglect your regular study schedule. It is necessary to devote some time for your studies. You will get success.

Cooperation is rather low and emotions may be running a bit ‘high.’ Keep your cool with children, in-laws, siblings and elderly members. You put a great deal of work, effort and patience for some reason and if it relates to the weekend or important events, continued ‘tact’ and a soft approach will be needed for success. Interaction with friends will be fruitful and could lead to interesting opportunities. Your travel plans will proceed smoothly and you will conclude tasks on schedule.

Friends will need your attention. Make sure you can ‘afford’ the distraction before you may any promises. Avoid gaining weight now. But you’ll be recovering soon. Keeping yourself busy with an activity that you enjoy is likely to attract positive attention from someone you find interesting.

State of mind: Investing ‘a lot’

Compatible signs: Pisces, Gemini

Lucky colours: Mauve, Magenta

Lucky days: Thursday and Sunday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 9, 15, 16, 25

Lucky gem: Pearl.

Lucky flower: Motiya.

Suggestion on birthday: Donate utensils to poor.





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