A lasting VOICE
More than two decades in the music industry and having innumerable hit songs to his name, singer Udit Narayan still enjoys whatever songs come his way
Ashima Batish

Twenty years is a long time to be at the top and sustain that position! His reign began with singing for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988 and remained the same till 2008 when Tashan released! The scene has changed tremendously in the last five years — new singers cropped up, every now and then actors entered the domain of singers and reality shows created a glut of 'I-can- sing-too' singers —which in a way has affected Udit Narayan. The quantity of work he is getting has dipped, but he is more concerned about the quality.

"I enjoy whatever work I get. For me, it's a reason to be a part of the industry," says Udit, who was in Chandigarh on Thursday, on the invite of Citco Tourism to perform on the occasion of World Music Day. He doesn't rue that times have changed for him, "Others should also get a chance to showcase their talent. More the merrier; increase in the number of singers also means variety." He cites the example of the era when people thought there will be no quality singers post Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar, "Then came the next generation of singers, who if not as great as Rafi and Kishore, still managed to sing well and give hit numbers." Despite the changes that the music industry has gone through, he believes melody will still reign supreme and singers who promise it will always be the favourite among people. "Any song by Lata Mangeshkar still draws music lovers."

On the face of it, it might look that he has less work in Bollywood, but it all gets compensated with regional songs that he gives his voice to. He has sung in an unbelievable 32 languages, which include Kannada, Tamil, Bengali and even Nepali. "Talent never goes waste." The same he shares with his son Aditya Narayan, everytime he feels low. "He wants to focus on acting, rather than singing." For someone who has never been publicity hungry, dealing with the controversies his son is a part of was difficult initially. "The best form of publicity for me is when my songs are played on the radio. But in case of Aditya, I realised that rumours and controversies are a part of any actor's growing up."

Udit then recalls the lesson that Kalyanji of Kalyanji Anandji music directors duo fame once taught him. "He told me that Asha Bhonsle wouldn't have made it this big had she not gone under the skin of the character played by Helen. After so many years of experience also, everytime I enter a studio, I follow Kalyanji's advice." That's one of the secrets behind his successful career spanning over twenty long years!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Screen shot
Director Arshad Khan, whose serial Manzil Apni Apni is currently on air, is pretty flexible about floating between the big screen and the small
Ashima Batish

Since the last two decades, Arshad Khan has been successfully juggling between the small and the big screen. Usually, it's the other way round — from TV to films —but Arshad , was pretty flexible with switching mediums. What still matters to him is the substance that a project has to offer. "The television industry has made remarkable improvement in the last ten years, so much so that it's as good as the film industry of India." Arshad already has in his kitty films such as Vishwaatma, Dadagiri, Janejigar and TV soaps like Kesar, Koi Dil Mein Hai, and the recent Manzil Apni Apni.

It's been a great journey so far, full of rich experiences. "If I have worked with satellite channels and production houses, I have also directed shows for DD." Citing the difference between making shows for private channels and DD, he adds that both have their own advantages and disadvantages. "Although the budget is limited in DD shows, it offers you the freedom in terms of the storyline. Unlike satellite channels, producers don't come running to divert the plot of the show. But when it comes to budget, you can only experiment with shows run on satellite channels." He is a bit biased towards working in DD shows, for the massive reach the channel offers. "From big cities to nondescript towns of India, people watch my show Manjil Apni Apni."

Shifting between the mediums, he says, hasn't been tough at all. "I am technically very sound. My experience of directing films helped me adjust to the working system of soaps." One fact that bothers him about the TV industry is untrained actors landing up with major roles in serials. "I wish acting was taken more seriously. I wonder where the NSD pass-outs go. It's them who can do justice to a role rather than 'just anybody who has got a face'." Arshad is all agog for the next switch —from TV to films again. He will be directing a musical comedy film Tak Dhum Tak Dhish. "It's a medium budget film. The cast hasn't been finalised but we will have established actors."

ashima @tribunemail.com

gyan zone
The super fruit 
Satish Narula

The nature has provided us with the gift of fruits and vegetables. However, in general we have not understood their true value and most of our population is cereal based. The consumption of these bounties of nature is increased only if their value is understood. These are an excellent sources of nutrition but least understood. Guava is one such fruit that due to excellent qualities, should qualify to be an essential backyard tree.

Guava is an established source of Vitamin C that helps fight diseases. It has excellent anti-oxidant quality. The super fruit that it is, its nutritional qualities play vital role in prevention of cancer and the latest fear, the ageing. Good news is that the fruit is low in calorie and fat besides being a rich source of soluble dietary fiber. Don’t be surprised if I say that it contains more potassium than banana and apple. It is because of this reason that it is also known to control systolic blood pressure. It is a good source of vitamin A and B-complex besides many others.

Although due to the above said qualities it falls in ‘super fruit’ quality, it is least fussy when it comes to growing this fruit and justifiably qualifies to be an essential backyard tree. It can be grown in almost all the districts of Punjab. The suitable cultivars for this region are Sardar, Allahabad Safeda and Arka Amulya. One could obtain grafted guava plants of these varieties from PAU and its regional research station at Bahadurgarh.

Guava gives two crops in a year, i.e. the summer or rainy season crop and winter season crop. The latter is better both in yield and quality. The rainy season crop is bound to be attacked by fruit fly the maggots of which make the fruit unfit for consumption. It is therefore because of this reason that the summer crop should be discouraged. This can be done by withholding irrigation during April-May so that flowers drop. The flowers could also be removed physically when within reach. The fruiting is also discouraged by applying fertilizer in June as it encourages vegetative growth. There could be an exception though as those who relish the ‘still hard’ fruit could do so as these are not infested by insects. The fruit fly appears only when the loosening of the fruit skin starts.

Guava can be raised on different kind of soils. Its irrigation requirements are also very less. It can be watered after two to three weeks in summer and at monthly interval during winter. The fertilizer in guava is added during May-June. A full grown tree of ten years age should be added a dose of one kilogram of Urea, 2.5 kg Super phosphate and 1.5 kg of Muriate of Potash. The fertilizer should be thoroughly mixed with soil followed by copious irrigation.

(Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)

it’s rocking
Rustic flavour

Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur has been screened at the Cannes Film Festival 2012 and has managed to receive a good response. And the track O Womaniya, whose lyrics have been penned down by Varun Grover, is quite a hit. It has bizarre vocals of Khushboo Raj and Rekha Jha with a host of equally enthused female voices as the back-up. There is also a second version of this track with techno-improvisations.

Soft melody

It is like a ‘ladies-sangeet’ number such as Sasural Genda Phool and has a strong Bihari folk feel, which provides lighter moments in the terrifying action saga flick. The track is screechy and rustic to the core.

— Chavvi Mittal, student, MCM College

Live touch

I love this track’s piercing vocals that intensify the style; from then on it continues to impress. It is so apt with its playful and sensual lyrics. It takes the live feel to another level.

— Rohit Sethi, student, PU

Good job

It somehow reminds me of ‘Om Shanti Om’ from the movie Karz. This track is inventive and simple with its seemingly folk tune. Also it is sung with superb energy, which adds to the flavour.

— Seema Sharma, student, Khalsa College

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

Sweat it out Yoga has a new address

Tricity residents have a new spot to lay their yoga mats at Oxizone Fitness and Spa center which has opened its special classes for Hot Yoga at Zirakpur. Hot Yoga’s anti ageing, calorie burning and disease preventing benefits are recognised worldwide.

Designed to strengthen, tone and loosen muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind, Hot Yoga uniquely combines therapeutic and traditional yoga in specially heated room. Hot Yoga induces increase in metabolic rate and regulation of pituitary hypothalamus axis regulation and thus help in correction of hormone level in body.

This concept is introduced by Dr Simer Kaaur, a qualified doctor trained in head and neck cancer surgeries. She believes that staying fit or for losing weight in healthy way and getting rid of the underlying cause to attain fitness is what one should aim rather than short term effects.

Oxizone fitness & spa is more than just a gymnasium, with the state of art equipment to provide a holistic approach to meet the customer’s health and well being needs. — TNS 

High Spirits
Flammable 
Vineet Mishra

Blue Bonfire Exotic cocktail with a flamboyant blue flame colour just perfect for an exotic evening.

Instructions:

Stir the Blue Curaçao, White Rum and grapefruit juice together with ice in a mixing jug and pour with the ice into a highball glass. Top up with soda.

Cocktail Jokes: A bear walks into a bar and says to the bartender, “I would like a bourbon and...... a coke.” The bartender says “What’s up with the big pause?” The bear said “I’ve had them all my life”

(Mishra is director CocktailJockey.com)

Over a cup of coffee!
Gurvinder Singh

If you thought coffee-making is not an art, after meeting Aparupa Roy you will surely change your thinking. The way she brews up the flavours and prepares for a cup, one surely believes coffee-making is an art!

“No other beverage is so open to experimentation and tastes great in most of the conditions – hot or cold. Coffee is tremendously versatile, which makes it the world’s favourite drink after water,” she says. And one should not forget the health benefits – coffee improves blood circulation, cures skin diseases and helps in preventing indigestion.

Aparupa is in Ludhiana to commence a month-long Coffee Festival at Cafe Coffee Day, Sarabha Nagar, Model Town Extension, where people can learn some tricks of coffee-making from her.

“Coffee absorbs the aroma of its surroundings, so where it comes from becomes important. For example, Mysore Royal has the aroma of spices and fruits. So the regional flavour makes it unique. Black coffee (Americana) is a strong coffee, whereas Arabica variety is the purest form and has very little caffeine content. Robusta - a wild variety of coffee - is very acidic,” Roy adds up to our knowledge bank. Roy, a coffee evangelist, earned the title of a coffee expert from Coffee Lab in Bengaluru. “To become an expert and then coffee guru, one needs to have the passion and knowledge.”

“Such is the utility of coffee that now people have even started getting pedicures and manicures with it,” she signs off.

Relish it

“One has to understand ‘fragrance’ of the dry coffee, the ‘aroma’ when it is wet and then the flavours - caramel, chocolate, fruity, salty, coal, woody etc. Later, you taste it with the tip of your tongue and slurp it while feeling the palate absorb it,” says Aparupa.

Desi look alike 

What is life without a little bit of shock and suspense ? I thought this caption will wake my readers up from their heat-induced stupor! In South India, attukulu is poha, or pressed rice-flakes, and attu is a dosa. Rice in any form is a healthier option to maida preparations like breads, buns or pizzas. My kitchen always has a canister of poha ready to morph into a myriad of creations, quick, simple, delicious and healthy. Poha dosa, also called sponge dosa is literally that spongy and soft, unlike the

paper crisp variety. Serve it folded over with an ‘aloo masaala’ filling or simply with a tomato chutney with a mustard, heeng and curry patta tempering. Perhaps I can initiate you all into that fare another day? Another option is to pile up grated carrots, onion slices and fresh coriander onto the semi-cooked dosa, then cover to soften slightly.

Method

n Wash and soak rice and poha separately in plenty of water.

n Keep aside for 5-6 hours.

n Drain and grind separately to a fine paste, using as little water as possible.

n Keep aside for 7-8 hours or overnight.

n Add curd, heeng, soda and salt and beat well.

n Heat a dosa tava and sprinkle some water on it. This is called the splash-test. If it sizzles, you know the tava is ready !

n Put a half a cup of batter on it. Spread the batter in a circular motion, using a katori.

n Sprinkle a tsp. of oil on it and cover.

n Allow to fry over low heat, till bottom is golden brown.

n Serve immediately with grated vegetable topping.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh based culinary expert)

star track
Richa’s baby steps in Bollywood 

After a brief role in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, actress Richa Chadda is seen playing a substantial role in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur (GoW). However, Richa insists that she’s one regular Delhi girl and no Bollywood diva. We caught up with Richa to talk about her role in GoW, future plans, etc…

How did the movie happen for you?

I had auditioned for the role. Everyone liked my audition and I was soon selected. Despite the fact that the character is quite complex, Anurag assured me that I can do justice to it. It’s an important character in the film and I’m thankful to Anurag for it.

How was it working with a National Award winning actor like Manoj Bajpai?

He’s a qualified actor. He has been very supportive. He knew that I am a newcomer so he helped me with dialogues. He told me how to add the Bhojpuri element while delivering them. When I did it, everybody on the sets was simply amazed with my dialogue delivery.

How was it working with a critically acclaimed director like Anurag Kashyap?

He’s a complete prankster. It never gets boring when he’s around. He’s fun and always cracking jokes. At the same time, he makes sure that everyone is comfortable. He gives equal importance to everyone and makes sure they realise their importance on the sets.

Your debut movie was Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! in 2008. Now, Gangs of Wasseypur in 2012. What kept you busy for four years?

Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! released on 28 November, 2008. Just a month away from 2009, and two days after the terrorist attacks that happened in Mumbai. So the film couldn’t do well on the box-office despite the rave reviews. However, 
I kept on receiving offers after that. But all were cliché characters about a Delhi girl who smokes, drinks, and likes to abuse. I am not comfortable doing such character as they’re clichéd. I had signed a couple of films during that time though. But both the films didn’t happen. I started shooting for GoW in 2010. The movie is in two parts so it kept me busy. In between, I continued my passion for theatre and did some plays. So I’ve constantly been working.

You’re also wearing prosthetics in the film. How difficult it was to shoot with them?

It was very difficult. For example, if the shoot was at 8 AM, I had to be on the sets two hours before so they could put it on me. I am wearing two prosthetics belly in the film. One is six months old and the other is nine months. They were heavy. I couldn’t even use the toilet properly. But it was essential for the character and it did reflect in my performance.

You also went to Cannes for the film. How was it?

It was amazing. It was all beyond my imagination. A regular Delhi girl who was in a wheelchair for two months after going through a knee surgery, it was hard to believe.  I was surrounded by critics, media and known people. It was beneficial for me as an actor as I got to interact with several people from the field.  

What’s the best compliment you received for the film?

A lady journalist who was sitting next to me in Cannes during the screening asked me the name of the actress who played my character. She loved my performance and I felt that my hard-word paid off.

Didn’t she recognise you?

No, she didn’t. In the film, my look is completely different. And I’m actually glad that she didn’t recognise me but my look in the film is more of a village belle. I don’t wear outfits like those in real life. (Laughs)

What’s next for you?

My next film Tamanchey shall release by September. By August, I shall finalise the two international projects that I’ve in hand. I will divulge the details once they’re finalised. So let’s see.

After Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap, which director would you like to work with next?

Mira Nair, Shekhar Kapur, Imtiaz Ali, Neeraj Pandey and the list goes on. I just want to do movies with a good script. I don’t desire money but I want to earn credibility and respect as an actor.

Family time

Rajesh Khanna is ailing. His former wife Dimple Kapadia has been by his bedside and daughter Rinke is flying down from London. Even Twinkle who is pregnant visits him regularly. His illness has brought the family together.

 

 

 

Aamir’s mantra of excellence...

Aamir Khan has never tried to fit into the mould of conventional Bollywood actors. He has lived life on his own terms and is one of the biggest superstars in the country. The versatile actor does whatever it takes and gets into the skin of the character. He has done movies that have pleased him, worked with new people and delighted us with marvelous performances each time in movies that have redefined cinema and impacted our lives, be it Qayamat se Qayamat Tak, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Sarfarosh Dil Chahta Hai, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, or Taare Zameen Par.  His television show has created records and changes. He is currently preparing for Dhoom 3. Talaash is his next release.

Who better than him, then, to tell us about what one needs to be successful and happy?

1Follow excellence, not success. If you follow excellence, success and fame will have no choice but to follow you.

2Do what makes you happy and content, not what makes you successful. If you like what you do and are happy doing what you do, you will do it well.

3Be grateful for all that you have. Love is the most important thing in life, along with health and care. Money and power cannot buy love, health and care.

5If you are powerful, use your power to help and benefit others. Power is of no use unless you use it to help others and contribute to society.

4Don’t compete with anyone. Try to improve and excel in your field. —HRM

 

 

Bebo out, Deepika in

Deepika Padukone is doing Karan Johar-Ekta Kapoor’s production with Emraan Hashmi. It is a very strong role. Kareena stepped out and Deepika stepped in and she is thrilled to do this movie.

Memorable paw mark

Pawprints of Uggie, the Jack Russell terrier who shot to fame starring in the Oscar-winning film The Artist, will be immortalised at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Uggie, who became a fixture on the Hollywood scene during last year’s awards-season campaign on behalf of best picture Oscar winner The Artist, will plant his paws in cement at the Theater on June 25. A retirement party for the pooch is also being thrown by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, coinciding with the release of The Artist on Blu-ray and DVD on June 26, said a publication.

The canine celebrity is scheduled to arrive at the party by fire engine.

Duff Goldman, the pastry chef featured on Food Network’s Ace of Cakes, also will bring him a cake. — PTI

Being a father

Salman Khan is known to be a very compassionate person with a big heart. The actor is especially fond of children and has spearheaded many initiatives to help under privileged children in India and abroad. In the past when quizzed about having his own kids Salman generally used to brush aside the topic. In fact, he would smartly counter the question saying he treats all the kids he supports through this NGO like his own! But looks like the recently celebrated Father’s Day has made Salman rethink his future rather seriously. He wants his own child and then adopt another one later.

 

 

Patience does pay

Shahid Kapur is finally doing an action film with Prabhudeva and this is now confirmed. It just might be the hit and action movie that Shahid wants!

Baby B’s face off

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s fans have seen the face of her baby. They say she has brown eyes, brown skin tone, and has long eyelashes. They spotted her while shopping in London while Ash was there.

Adventure driven role

Kainaz Motiwala of Ragini MMS fame is playing a chauffeur in her upcoming film. The film is set in Delhi and she plays the role of an adventurous girl who wants to break sexist ideas. The film is directed by newcomer Vikrant Mahajan.

Birthday bumps

Mika Singh held his birthday bash with friends like Ekta Kapoor, Shaan, Kiran Bawa,Vivek Oberoi, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kishwer Merchant, Karishma Tanna, Vishal-Shekhar, and others. And thankfully there was no kiss controversy this time! 

 

 

Mystery of the title

It is unfortunate that despite several denials, large sections of the media have begun to call Yash Chopra’s as yet untitled film starring Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma as Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum.

This is completely baseless and the movie still remains untitled.

While some have responsibly helped to set the records straight, others have chosen to continue to perpetuate this baseless rumour. Yash Raj Films requests all to await their announcement of the title of this much awaited 
film which resumed shooting in London earlier this month and has created a huge interest and buzz all around.

This film also brings together the award winning pair of A R Rahman and Gulzar, who along with Yash Chopra, are working on creating some wonderful and meaningful music.

The film is scheduled for a Diwali 2012 release, the festive time when 
Yash Chopra movies over the years have lit up homes worldwide.

 

 

An astronomical ride...

Eros International Media Ltd, a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry has announced an opening weekend collection of Rs. 25 crore worldwide for Ferrari Ki Sawaari. The film has grossed over Rs. 20 crore in India (net collection: Rs. 13.91 crore) and Rs. 5 crore overseas.

Debutant Director Rajesh Mapuskar’s fun-filled story of small guys and their big dreams and how these dreams turn into a mad comedy of errors has opened very well at the box office with positive reviews and audience reactions. Produced by Vinod Chopra Films, Eros International released Ferrari Ki Sawaari worldwide on 15th June 2012.

Commenting on the film’s performance, Nandu Ahuja, Senior VP – Distribution – India, Eros International Media Ltd, “Vinod Chopra and his team have gained a reputation for presenting clean, entertaining films with a message for the entire family and with Ferrari Ki Sawaari, they have once again won the hearts of the audiences. We are also happy with critics’ reactions to this joyride. The film showed a growth in collections over the weekend viz. Saturday showed a 36 per cent increase over Friday, Sunday showed a growth of approx 47 per cent over Saturday and Sunday over Friday was 99 per cent.

Pranab Kapadia, President – Marketing & Distribution, Eros International plc added, “Ferrari Ki Sawaari is yet another success story which goes on to show that modest budget films are gaining popularity with the audiences. We had similar success with Vicky Donor earlier this year and this augurs well for new talent, be it actors or directors, to make their presence known in a rapidly growing Indian film industry. We are delighted to see this evolving trend that allows Eros to offer more such films later this year such as Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi and English Vinglish.” Ferrari Ki Sawaari is a heartwarming film about a young father’s endeavour to fulfill the dream of his talented 10-year-old son. Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and dialogues by Rajkumar Hirani, Ferrari Ki Sawaari stars Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani and Ritwik Sahore with a song appearance by Vidya Balan. 

chatter box
Tinsel town aspirations 

Famous actor Shilpa Shirodkar who married Apresh Ranjit, a merchant banker from the UK is now returning to acting with DD's TV show Betiya Vardaan Hoti Hai. She will play the lead role in a show based in a village.

Making a mark

You must have seen him on television as Sahil Virani and Kshitij in two revolutionary fiction shows from the Balaji banner - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kkusum. 

This actor rose to popularity with these memorable characters which led him to sign many other shows like Doli Saja Ke, Parivaar, Radha ki Betiyaan… and more recently Pavitra Rishta, in which his performance in a negative role was highly appreciated, so much so that he made a comeback even after his exit out of the show.

Replacing Ankur Nayyar as Coach Karanveer in Humse Hai Life, Amit Sareen will be seen preparing Sia to achieve her big dream of becoming a boxer.

 

 

Stepping into a host’s shoes

Life OK is on the verge of change. The channel will soon launch their flagship show: The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and sources claim Kritika Kamra who is seen in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge might host the show. This will be Kritika's first hosting assignment.

Anubhav Sinha (June 22, 1965, Allahabad) is known for his recent work as a director in the Bollywood film, Cash (2007).His film Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai did not fare well at the box office but his next Dus, his first multi starrer turned out to be the biggest opening. This was followed by highly acclaimed Tathastu. Anubhav will do better behind camera in 2014.

 

 

 

Battleground television

Balaji Telefilms and Jay Mehta Productions are locked in a battle over the title of their shows. Apparently Jay Mehta titled the show Tere Ishq Nachaye but soon learnt that Balaji had registered it. That is when they changed the title of their show. Meanwhile, as both shows are based in Punjab and a love story, Jay's show Rab Se Sona Ishq will air first while Balaji's show with Saraa Khan will air in September.

 

 

Reshammiya is here again

He is a unique phenomenon in Bollywood, a man with special musical hit list is all set to return to the small screen with Star Plus's Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar 2 finale this weekend. Trust Himesh Reshammiya to be ever so ready when it comes to surprising people and the same happened with JJWS2. All the contestants and judges were shocked to know that Himesh knew the details about all the contestants and stated that he has been watching the show. These days he is busy rehearsing for the finale performance. He is also undergoing a special training session with the top four contestants. As this is Himesh's comeback on television after almost more than two years, he is positively looking forward for the same. Well, there is going to be music masti and entertainment on this two-month-long musical extravaganza grand finale. Hat’s off to follow up.

 

 

Love is in the air

Navi Bhangu and Dimple Jhangiani In Life OK's Amrit Manthan after loads of drama now Nimrit (Dimple Jhangiani) and Agam (Navi Bhangu) will get romantic. The couple will reveal their feelings for each other and in a hot rain sequence, their news of divorce will come to an end.

Getting closer: Navi Bhangu and Dimple Jhangiani 

 

 

New Releases
Gangs of Wasseypur

Producer: Anurag Kashyap Film Pvt Ltd, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Directed: Anurag Kashyap

Gangs of Wasseypur is Anurag Kashyap's most ambitious project which was recently screened at this year's Cannes Film Festival in the Directors' Fortnight section and has grabbed eyeballs in the run-up to release. It has 340 characters in total, a feat that has landed in the record books. Shot on a big scale, Gangs of Wasseypur comprises two parts - part one covers the time period between 1941 and 1990 and part two is set in current times. Shot in Benaras, this politico-revenge thriller on the coal mafia stars Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Reema Sen, Richa Chadha and Tigmanshu Dhulia. The movie provides a peep into the whole history of mafia which is funny without trying to be. It is not a slapstick comedy. There is no deliberate comedy but it is funny. The first part of Gangs of Wasseypur releases today all over and second part will be released before the year end.

Teri Meri Kahaani

Producer: Kunal Kohli, Vicky Bahri, Sunil Lulla

Director: Kunal Kohli

Kunal Kohli's last four films have been romances and now he has come up with a love story set in three different periods with the Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor starrer Teri Meri Mahaani. Kunal Kohli has tried a new way of telling three stories in one. The narrative of this eternal love story is very different. An attempt has been to make a path-breaking film in the way the director has woven together three stories. The lead pair Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra will be paired second time together after Kaminey. Prachi Desai and Neha Sharma also star in this film which has songs like Mukhtasar… and Jab Se Mera Dil Ko Uff…

Brave

Producer: Katherine Sarafian

Directors: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman

Produced by Pixar Animation Studio and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, Brave is the first animation feature film driven by a female lead. This animation fantasy is set in ancient-mythical Scotland. Brave departs from the traditional fairy-tale storyline. Director Mark Andrews taught sword-fighting to animations while shooting this animated film.
— Dharam Pal

Astro turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: A day of heavy spending. Patience is important to make progress. The advice of elders and professionals can make all the difference. Your love life will be active. Interesting day for mixing with people from overseas. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Magic number: 59

TAURUS: Excitement and happiness on the cards. Increase in income means more luxuries in life. Socialising and attending gala events can be costly. You will have a lot of energy. Postpone journeys. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Blood red. Magic number: 63

GEMINI: Grinding through grid lock traffic will be annoying and frustrating. Someone you meet today may give you a useful business tip. Go over accounts. It's best to stay at home during leisure activities. Tarot message: Be sure before involving yourself in new projects. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 57

CANCER:Early morning is very exciting. Today you will see many policies that you have been following bearing fruit. You will be able to take a lead in partnership affairs. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 50

LEO: Matters involving spending, saving are worth examining. Speak to your boss about pay hike. Be sure to grasp the opportunity that comes your way today. Sudden changes in romance are on the cards. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 41

VIRGO: You could be in line for a promotion in the form of an award. Employment affairs are satisfactory. Your interest in overseas affairs will stimulate you. Enjoy and ride your luck in the evening. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 52 

LIBRA: Friction in the workplace can slow down production and frazzle everyone's nerves. Words said in the heat of the moment may not express true feelings. Remember "Silence is golden". You will have more time to help others. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 25  

SCORPIO: Feeling of love and strong impulses come together in an exciting but frivolous mix. It would be pointless to attempt to force pace around you. Social gathering may be rather dull. Meet up friends and relieve your tensions. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40

SAGITTARIUS: You are unlikely to get very far if trying to put new plans into operation. An illness could mean having to take the day off work. Putting energy into your domestic life can give you the lift you need now. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Blonde. Magic number: 61

CAPRICORN: Sacrifices today can put you in a far better place in future. Bring a breath of fresh air by rearranging your environment. Married will find their spouse difficult. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Chocolate brown. Magic number: 24

AQUARIUS: Make an early start today and get to work as soon as possible. Not only will you impress the boss but you will feel an immediate sense of achievement. Ensure that your reputation spreads far. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Citric blue. Magic number: 33

PISCES: You can find it too easy to get bogged down in the daily grind and caught up in your natural ambition to get ahead. This will be a difficult day for dealing with business partners. Tarot message: Remember the old saying, "Penny saved is penny earned". Lucky colour: Lush green. Magic number: 62 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 22...

Health-related problems might cause discomfort. Do not let your relatives and friends manage your finances or you could soon be surpassing your budget. Use your head in romance as love is always blind. If you run from a situation-it will follow you in the worst possible way. Personal relationships may suffer due to lack of communication. There are chances of stomach ailments. At work, there can be annoying situations that will require attention and systematic planning. Avoid taking it out on others and don't be bitter. Involuntarily, you'll go to meet a friend and see your loved one talking to someone. This will make you angry and jealous. Now you can finally take that decision which puts an end to your hostile and unfavorable situation. Remember that it'll be enough for you to take the first step, the rest will come alone. Take this opportunity and correct it once and for all everything which is not right around you.

Since you are number four, you are capable of handling large scale undertakings, assuming great responsibility, and working long and hard towards completion. Often, especially in the early part of life, there is rigidity or stubbornness, and a tendency to repress feelings. Number four people are trustworthy, hard-working, and helpful. Your usual structured thinking may be missing in action at the beginning of the week, so get feedback from a co-worker or another pertinent party. The upside is that an idea you have now can be a big winner, once you translate it into workable terms. In work duties, it is worthwhile that you evaluate the situation by looking for better concentration. This could give you excellent results. Those born after 1980 will have new energy in projects they wish to undertake.

Sudden financial gains will change your mood. Intellectual group of people will offer a helping hand and assistance financially. If you are ready to work hard, you will meet your goals and make profits out of it.

You need to take care of your health. Mars has been encouraging you to bide your time, but that's soon eclipsed by the restless energies coming in. A love interest makes a bold proposition, and you counter it with one of your own.

Mood: Excellent but busy. Compatible signs: Taurus, Gemini. Lucky colours: Green, Aqua. Lucky days: Monday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 14, 20, 21, 27, 38

Lucky gem: Gomedh. Lucky flower: Dahlia





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