A job well done...
There are some people who get cozy with their jobs. And then there are some who walk the extra mile to do something else
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

How far can you go to accomplish the dreams of your life? Well, maybe take a month’s leave and come back rejuvenated. That’s what we all do for a ‘break’, but then there are people who take a U-turn. These are the ones who have moved out of the cocoon of comfortable jobs and followed their dreams. We zoom in on some who left salaried jobs to pursue their passion.

Adventure trail

For Vipul Negi, who started Negi Sports Pvt Ltd in 2003, an adventure tourism company for children in this region, his job was something that he was doing for a living. “I was working for the sake of working, but I had my heart and mind in adventure tourism. And that too for children, since no one does tourism for children alone. So, I thought of starting camps for them; the project also did not require much capital. I started with holiday camps for children and the rest followed,” he says.

“At Negi Sports, my mission has always remained that I should conduct safe adventure-based courses that inspire confidence, self-reliance and concern for the environment in children. Though the journey required hardwork at each step, today when I look back I am satisfied with what I did. By god’s grace, today we have gone international. We are now taking children to Singapore and have courses where they will immerse in a different culture.” Well, where there is will there is a way!

Step-by-step

Moving away from a secure, well-salaried corporate job was not an easy decision for Atul Shrivastav as he had a family to feed. But done with the 9 to 11 job routine, he decided to do something of his own and from a Rs 1.7 lakh company to a massive rupees eight crore successful venture, his Augustus Communication Pvt Ltd has seen huge growth in the last four years. “I was fed-up with the routine of a corporate life where my world was squeezing to a four-hour life of my own. Other than that, however much you work hard you can never escape office politics; these things made me quit my job and start afresh. Though the going was tough and for almost two years I struggled, my hardwork paid off and today I am doing well,” he says.

And for his company, he made sure there was nothing corporate about it - no fixed timings of coming and leaving, no boss, no politics; everyone free to take decisions with obvious checks and balances et al.

Educated move

Today, every youngster wants to get into a corporate job, but Dilpreet Singh moved away from it because he wanted to teach! Now an assistant professor with Chitkara University, he had a work experience of six years before he quit to be an educationist. “I wanted my job to be communicative and involve training; there was nothing better than sharing knowledge with children, so I opted for teaching. It is much better than one-sided communication of my previous job that required twelve hours of hardwork and no result in the end, except the fat pay package.”

Food for thought

A known name in the city, Sundaram’s is a one-stop destination for South-Indian food lovers, but very few know that the man behind this venture was a salaried person till he was 49 years of age! At an age when people are comfortably settled, Sundaram and his wife Uma Maheshwari quit their jobs and started fresh with a food joint.

“I always had a passion for food and one fine day both of us quit our jobs to follow our heart’s calling. My job required a lot of hardwork and I was working for someone else’s growth; here I work for myself and my growth. That is motivation enough,” he says.

Behind lens keen eye
Director of the movie I Am Kalam Nila Madhab Panda says he lives each story himself before translating it into movies
Jasmine Singh

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Holding that as the reference point, director of Jalpari and I Am Kalam fame Nila Madhab Panda shares his bit of the story with us. It starts with — movies are not made overnight!

The statement does not come after Jalpari was invited for competition in the sixth annual 2012 Asia Pacific Screen Awards, it stems out of a creative instinct.

“I live a story myself for years together before translating it into movies. I don’t make films thinking that the script is good and I should make a film out of it. I observe the topic that comes from some part of my own life, I research on it and finally if I think I am mature enough to handle the subject, I take it on,” says Nila.

I Am Kalam and Jalpari both reflect a deep thought process. Adds the director, “Both the films have a universal appeal; a person sitting in the US or India can relate to it,” explains Nila, who took Jalpari to Cannes as well. “Jalpari revolves around the journey of 10-year-old Shreya through the unseen evils of our culture and society, as the city girl explores rural life for the first time with her brother Sam,” he says.

With film festivals, especially Cannes, becoming the new Mecca for Indian filmmakers to launch their movie, where does Nila stand? “First, I don’t make movies for film festivals or Cannes. I make it so that it has a universal appeal. I make movies that have topics that audiences can relate to,” he puts it straight. Cannes — what about the new one-stop destination? “What is the harm in screening a film at Cannes? Most people did not even know about it until Indian directors started taking their movies to Cannes. It is like a new religion and I respect it,” Nila minces no words.

Cinema is a true reflection of society and this director believes in justifying his scripts. “I don’t make films for my relatives; I make them for my audiences. At the end of the day, a movie has to be engaging and entertaining. Why should I sacrifice my story for an actor? As long as my character is being justified I don’t care who you are.” This could smell of arrogance, but Nila is a director who wants to give movie-lovers something real.

This is another reason why he has associated himself with the Green Screen Lab Endeavour. “I want to send across the idea that we can make small budget movies on children and also encourage writers, directors and producers to take up subjects based on children,” says Nila, whose next project is based on what India would be in 2020. “This will again be a realistic venture.”

(Jalpari will release in Indian theatres on July 20)

coming soon
For the love of films
Europe in Love, a film fest, will showcase eight films from eight European Union countries
Manpriya Singh

Those who want a slice of Italy can warm up with the Wedding and Other Disasters. The other seven European Union countries too are set to dish out the best of their cinematic experience.

“There will be a seven-day festival in which eight films will be showcased,” shares Tapesh Sharma, secretary, Chandigarh Film Society. He’s talking of the 17th European Union Film Festival to be held in Chandigarh.

There’s Apricot Island from Slovakia, followed by Aching Hearts from Denmark and Camino from Spain. The countries and the titles might change but the subject remains the common thread, including the theme this year, Europe in Love.

“All the movies are love stories. Subscribing to the theme, they are all romantic films.” Only one film from a country has been selected. He adds, “They are the best entries from their respective countries. And they are all recent films.” Behind the scenes, there’s a film preview committee ensuring that only the best of cinema travels across. “The film should be based on a believable story. Even if it is fiction, there has to be some real life or practical aspect. Then there has to be sensitivity in dealing with the subject and good direction. Nobody likes to see forced stories.”

Moving on, there’s A Friend of Mine from Estonia and Kameleon from Hungary, a story of a conman who first tries to fleece a rich and beautiful ballerina. Followed by Touch of Spice from Greece, a story of an excellent cook who uses his cooking skills to spice up the life of those around him but who forgets to put a little bit of spice in his own life. “Some of the countries didn’t agree for their films to be screened because for each screening, they need to pay a royalty to the producer. Next year onwards there will be full fledged European Union Film Festival in Chandigarh.” While this year, the festival is sealed by If You Love, an edgy musical love story between a politician’s daughter and an immigrant family.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

(To be held from July 8 at Bhargava Auditorium, PGI, Chandigarh)

GET PHYSICAL
Breathe easy now
Yoga is one of the most effective ways to keep hypertension at bay
Renu Sabberwal

Our heart is the most busy organ of our body. It beats 1, 00,000 times a day. Blood circulation is like an automatic fountain where the water springs up to fall down and then gather again to spring up once more. Blood is pumped by the heart into arteries. It then flows through millions of minute vessels throughout the body and pumps back to the heart, through the veins.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is chronically elevated. 
It is actually the force of blood that is pushing up against the walls of the vessels. If the pressure is too high, the heart has to work harder and this could lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and even renal failure.

The normal level for blood pressure is below 120/80, where 120 represents the systolic measurement (peak pressure in the arteries) and 80 represents the diastolic measurement (minimum pressure in the arteries). Blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called pre-hypertension (to denote increased risk of hypertension), and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered hypertension.

Hypertension may be classified as essential or secondary. Essential hypertension is the term for blood pressure with unknown cause. It accounts for about 95 per cent of cases. Secondary hypertension is the term for high blood pressure with a known direct cause, such as kidney disease, tumors, or birth control pills.

Why hypertension

Hypertension is very common these days, irrespective of age. Though the exact causes of hypertension cannot be pin pointed, there are several factors that have been associated with the condition. These include:

  • Smoking and alcohol
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes, stress and aging
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • High level of salt intake
  • Insufficient calcium, potassium, and magnesium consumption
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Genetics

What to do

  • Change in lifestyle
  • Moderation in eating, working, exerting etc.
  • Salt-free diet and no saturated fats
  • Weight control to normal BMI.
  • Regular yogabhyasa under guidance of a trained yoga teacher.
  • Drugs recommended by doctor

Go for pranayama

Pranayama deals with controlled breathing, a method of controlling prana or life force through the regulation of breathing. As a result of deep and controlled breathing, the freshly oxygenated blood (during inhalation) travels from lungs to the heart and cleanses the blood faster. Pranayama, anulom bhastrika vilom pranayama, bhramri pranayama and omkar dhyana and chanting are a few asanas that bring relaxation.

How does yoga help?

Yoga helps in weight loss which in turn reduces blood pressure. Regular yoga performers are less likely to suffer from hypertension than those who do not practise. Other recommended asanas include, uttan asana, adho mukha shav asana, hast asana, bhuj angasana, vakra asana, makar asana, parvat asana and hasta parsav asana.

(Sabberwal is a Ludhiana-based yoga expert)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

pet passion
You & I…together we go
Manpriya Singh

It was only a matter of switching onto 101 Dalmatians and she turned her house upside down for her own dotted possession. Laughs Amreen Singh, student, MCM DAV College, "I was in Class V, when I saw the movie on television and that was it for me." A tantrum here and there, her first bundle of joy followed and bingo, the rest as they is history.

"I named him Bingo because at the time, it felt as if I had won a jackpot." She adds, "Last year, I underwent a surgery, Bingo, went all numb and a week after I came back home, didn't survive." That was the start of another chapter; there's been no looking back then. Love for the animal survived the animal itself. She recalls, "Dalmatian traits say they are slim and active dogs but my baby was chubby and a poor eater. In the entire span of eight years, either my mother or I spoon fed him all the meals."

Black labrador, Brutus followed. "Only a dog can take a dog's place. After Brutus, a week later, we also got a golden labrador Honey." Just in case, someone gets the idea. "He has been named not after the famous Punjabi rapper but his colour is such and he is dear to all of us."

Love me, love my dog

It didn't just stop at puppy love. "Around two years back, it was a cold winter night. I was studying till late when I heard something scratching my window." She drew the curtain aside to a cute brown and white kitten and till date the cat has her own Kitty Corner outside her room window. Like in the famous rhyme, she literally has three bags full. "Honey is such a darling. I have given him the title of Fevicol Dog. Because he follows me, wherever I go. Even when I go to the rest room or bolt my door, he starts scratching it and pushing it with his nose." As for Brutus, "He's a loner. While he loves to sit with us, he also loves to be outside chasing squirrels and all by himself." There's still room for some more of both the pleasure and the problems. "I'm looking for a chocolate brown Labrador. I want a female dog to give them company."

Yours faithfully

The early morning breakfast calls, the loving dedication in their eyes, the grand reception on way back home. There's a mention of each of these and beyond. "I have all the dog toys, brushes scattered all over the house, their pictures in my laptop, on my phone and everything else shows that my life's good." Need we say anything beyond? She sums up, "For many, a pet is an added member to the family but for me, my pets have been my first love, best friends, secret keepers and what not." @@manpriya@tribunemail.com

it’s rocking
Everyone’s darling

The big banner movies manage to grab the limelight due to their much hyped item numbers, From Sydney With Love with its latest song Pyaari Pyaari shows that even low budget movies can have good music. The movie stars Sharad Malhotra, Bidita Bag, Prateek Chakravorty, Evelyn Sharma and Karan Sagoo.

The lyrics of this song are written in collaboration by Thor Patridge, Nabin Laskar and Sohail Sen. Vocals are by Brooklyn Shanti and Sohail Sen.

Special notes

I am really not expecting much from the movie but I find this song very cute. I would love my dream guy to sing this song for me to make me feel special.

Rhea Samra, student, PU

Differently interesting

The song is quite girly but the lyrics coming out from a guy makes it an interesting track. Also, the track is soft and different from the regular Bollywood songs.

Akshay Rathee, student, GGDSD College

Young days

I love to view the song literally every minute on Youtube. The video is so colourful and youthful that it tells one that the movie is going to be entertaining.

Pankaj Wadhwa, student, Khalsa College

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

TRENDSETTER
Hi Five

Zeena Bajwa It is wonderful to see how simplicity combined with elegance and a trendy attitude becomes a fashion statement. It may not be getting hooked on to the ‘brand’ wagon or making a hole in the pocket but the stance one adopts says it all. Final year BDS student Zeena Bajwa becomes trendy with her nonchalant smart attitude.

Your sense of style

Simple and sleek, how one carries oneself is my idea of style .It could be just a pair of good fitting jeans and tee which maybe looking wow.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories

My black ‘coach’ bag

Brand crazy or street pick ups?

Comfortable with both – the idea is what looks good on me.

Your style icon would be

Katrina Kaif for she only wears what she can carry off well. She looks pretty in whatever she wears. She can carry off any dress in an elegant manner.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

It has to be Lady Gaga,I don’t understand her sense of style.

Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous

Comfortably stylish

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…..

Wide floral pants are a funny trend

Your take on accessories?

I am not much of an accessory person – just a elegant watch would denote my style

If given the choice which designer would you be liked to be dressed by

D K & Y would be my ideal choice and I would feel lucky.

What gives you a high on the confidence level…

Confidence level is best if you feel you are looking good and if you carry it off comfortably.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Master Chef
Under the umbrella
Vishvesh Khanna

The mushroom stands royal and stately in the hierarchy of food and is especially a treat for the veggies. Its versatility and nutritive value with very less cooking time makes it a favourite with many. It can be had as a main meal dish. It is time we experimented more with it, other than just making gravy of mushroom and peas.

Procedure

  • Stem out mushrooms and make cavity for stuffing.
  • make stuffing with chopped mushrooms stems, grated mozzarella cheese, red chilli flakes, chopped jalapenoes and seasoning
  • Stuff it into mushroom cavity
  • Make batter with refined flour, egg and water and again check seasoning of this batter before crumbing it with bread crumbs
  • Gently press and cover mushrooms with bread crumbs, from all sides so that it does not puncture in fryer.
  • Deep fry it and serve hot.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Snack time: Stuffed mushrooms Stuffed mushrooms

portions 2

ingredients quantity

Fresh Button Mushrooms 12

Mozzarella cheese 50gm

Jalapenoes 50gm

Red chilli flakes 10gm

Bread crumbs(for crumbing) 200gm

Oil for frying 2lt.

Parsley 10

for making batter-

Refined flour 100gm

Egg 1

Water 50ml

Salt to taste

White pepper 2gm

Ayushmann to star in Rohan’s new film

Next move: Ayushmann Khurrana Filmmaker Rohan Sippy, who last directed Dum Maaro Dum, is now all geared up to commence with the production of his next film in July. Presented by T-series and Ramesh Sippy Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the film is a buddy comedy. The yet untitled film will mark Bhushan Kumar and Ramesh Sippy’s first joint venture as co- producers.

For the first time, Rohan won’t have Abhishek Bachchan as the lead face for his film unlike his previous directorial ventures Bluffmaster, Kuch Naa Kaho and Dum Maaro Dum.  Abhishek who loved the script but has other work commitments will be appearing in the film in a cameo. Rohan further adds, “He is my good luck charm and he is doing a cameo. We are trying to shoot before he starts shooting for his upcoming action flick.”

The film will see the Vicky Donor actor Ayushmann Khurrana and the Delhi Belly boy Kunal Roy Kapoor sharing the screen space. Earlier, Rohan had worked with Kunal Roy Kapoor as the producer when Kunal had directed political satire The President Is Coming some years ago.

Says Rohan, “I realised that Kunal has great potential as an actor and that’s why we got him on board as well. Ayushmann and Kunal are new age actors who have a definite connect with today’s audience.”

Rohan says, “We have done many films with Bhushan Kumar and he is an extremely passionate producer. It is amazing to see the kind of clout he enjoys in the industry, but in spite of that, he has the passion to make the kinds of films that he believes in.”

Bhushan Kumar too is quite content to work with Sippy Junior. “Rohan is one director who has a great sense of music. The experience of working on Dum Maaro Dum with him was great. And even now, he has given me a lot of freedom to get involved in the music of this film,” says Kumar.

Well, one is eagerly looking forward to watching the duo – Ayushmann and Kunal – weave their magic onscreen.

Troubled relationship
Meera claims Shoaib Akthar broke her engagement!

Pakistani superstar Meera feels that cricketer Shoaib Akhtar is behind breaking up her engagement with her fiancé Naveed Shahzad. Meera who was engaged to Naveed was getting ready to marry him this year. But she says, Shoaib, whom she had dated earlier for a year-and-a-half, instigated her to-be in-laws.

As a result she says, “They suddenly began making fake allegations about me. Naveed’s father Raja Pervez Ashraf accused me of theft and also falsely claimed that I was married earlier and that a divorce was pending. They did this drama for cheap media hype. All this hurt me a lot and I felt terribly humiliated,” says the actress who has now called off her marriage plans.

On asked why she parted with Shoaib earlier, Meera said that she caught him cheating on her. “I warned him, but he just wouldn’t understand the concept of a one-woman-man. I wanted to marry him, but he wasn’t serious about our relationship, so I had to leave him.”

Meanwhile, Dale Bhagwagar, Meera’s publicist in Mumbai, confirmed that the actress has plans of visiting India to discuss a couple of Bollywood offers she’s received.

Salman’s sorry for the homeless

Touched: Salman Khan Actor Salman Khan and his family has expressed his grief over the accident that happened last Sunday by a car allegedly owned by his brother Arbaaz Khan and driven by Sohail Khan’s driver, claiming the life of a 70-year-old woman.

“v feel sad for the lady, it is really v sad that she was home less n sleeping on the roads, may god rest her soul in peace,” he tweeted.

According to some reports in the media, the Khan has refused to pay compensation to the family of the victim as they had disowned her.

The actor added that the driver has been working with his dad and mom for past 25 years and called the incident unfortunate. “Driver working vit dad n mum fr the past 25 years, reason was they found him v slow n safe, sad that it had to b him. unfortunate incident,” he added on Twitter. — HRM

Get charged with Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra is known for her interactive and friendly ways and she is always happy and chirpy. She is down-to-earth and approachable and treats fans and media with kindness. She shares tips on maintaining high energy levels and being happy.

1.I believe I am beautiful and that is why the world thinks I am beautiful. I believe in being beautiful on the inside.

2.I am a very interactive person and I love talking and listening. So press conferences and social networking and meeting my friends and fans give me a chance to do that. We must listen well to interact properly.

3.I love feeling happy and energetic and have a desire to feel that way. So if I am low, I somehow change my thoughts and energy to feel happy again.

4.I love dancing, eating, talking, chatting, social networking, running, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with my family so all this makes me happy. I love coffee and I love my dogs and watching the rain.

5.I love working but sometimes I go overboard. So taking breaks and resting is important. I have learnt that. I am so grateful that so many of my dreams have come true and so much more. I think gratitude helps us feel happy.

Perry’s friends happy about divorce

Good riddance: Katy Perry Singer Katy Perry’s close friend and stylist Johnny Wujek says it was the right decision for her and husband Russell Brand to split as she is now happier than ever. The couple split in December last year after 14 months of marriage.

“She’s so much happier since she and Russell ended. She’s not miserable at all. We’re all really happy for her. It was the right decision that the marriage ended. Life’s good and her career is killing it. She’s a free woman and she can do whatever she wants,” said Wujek.

Perry has been romantically linked with Rob Ackroyd and French model Baptiste Giabiconi since splitting from Russell but Johnny insists she is just having a good time.

“She’s just a girl having fun. That’s what these guys, Rob and Baptiste, popping up in her life are all about,” he said. — IANS

Ranbir gets a new nickname

Special co-stars: Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Ranbir Kapoor’s parents named him Murphy, but everyone calls him Barfi! Always ready with a prank up his sleeve, he’s quite the charmer, especially with the ladies! In Darjeeling, Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor) is the talk of the town. Even though he can neither speak nor listen! His bitter-sweet relationship with two beautiful young ladies, Shruti (Ileana D’cruz) and Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra) sets in motion a chain of events that will turn his life upside down!
Special co-stars: Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra

Parenthood over career

Actress Angelina Jolie insists looking after her six children is “easy”. The 37-year-old insist she and fiancé Brad Pitt never worry about missing anything in their careers due to the demands of caring for Maddox, 11, Pax, eight, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, six, and three-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

“It’s just so easy for me to be looking after the kids even thought it takes a lot of energy and you don’t have much time for yourself,” said Jolie as saying.

“The children are so much a part of my life and Brad’s that we don’t worry or stress ourselves about not working more often,” she added.

CHATTER BOX

Celebration time

The lead cast of Ek Hazzaron Main… Amidst a lot of fun and drama, the cast and crew of Star Plus’ Ek Hazzaron Mein Meri Behna Hain celebrated successful 200 episodes. With cakes being cut and little memorable moments being shared, the cast and crew had a fun filled day. They resumed shooting after a lavish lunch. “It feels great to have completed 200 episodes. The entire cast and crew are one big family. We look forward to coming to work each day. We all share a wonderful bond and it’s fun working,” says an excited Krystle D’souza (Jeevika).
The lead cast of Ek Hazzaron Main…

“The content of the show is great. A strong sense of emotion prevails even today. My character has come a long way, from being bubbly to depressed, I have enjoyed the journey and I am sure there’s still a good distance to go,” says the bubbly Nia Sharma who plays Maanvi. Kushal Tandon who has been showing a lot of emotions on the show lately was very happy to answer, “Two hundred episodes and definitely many more exciting ones to come. We are all enjoying the time spent on shoots and the warmth of my co-stars makes it a joyful experience. Cheers to the entire team of Ek Hazzaron Mein Meri Behna Hain!”

Feeling green

Talk to me: Srman JainWell known television actor Srman Jain, “Prachin” of Saas Bina Saural now has a new flavour in his role. Prachin’s character got a new dimension. Whenever he feels angry or depressed he goes to plants and talk to them. About the same, Srman says, “It was really challenging initially, but slowly   I started enjoying it, but now I see myself as different person in real life. The character in my serial is really affecting me. I see myself changing drastically, whenever I feel low or in tough situation, I can’t stop myself from going to plants and sharing things. I know sometimes it looks stupid, but somewhere it’s giving me a kind of satisfaction.” “Somewhere I feel great that now I have some new friends to talk and I bought so many plants for my house. It’s been a month and what’s amazing (maybe I am wrong) is that I feel they start talking back to me,” Srman laughs.
Talk to me: Srman Jain

Round the clock

Hard worker: Hunar HaliActor Hunar Hali whom we are currently seeing as Aditi in 24 Frames’Chhal Sheh Aur Maat is one hard working actor who seems to be working round the clock. Hunar feels that all that glitters is not gold. “Our audience feels that in the glamour industry all things are attached with glitz and glamour but it’s not true. For a 30 minute show, we have to slog and put in so many hours of effort. Every day we work so hard for that.” Hunar also feels that when you are working in a show like this, there are special requirements for shooting. So a bit of extra effort is needed every day. “And also working daily in a tight schedule is challenging. You hardly get to sleep and over and above that there is always a tension of transmission and TRP.”
Hard worker: Hunar Hali

 

Walking on cloud nine

Gen Next: Samir KoccharThe leap in Ekta Kapoor’s Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (BALH) will soon air and she has been preparing for the same. She has signed host Samir Kochhar to play the third lead in this love story. Samir couldn’t be happier. We caught up with actor-anchor to talk about the show and more…
Gen Next: Samir Kocchar

How did this show come about?

Well as they say. It was luck that made things fall into place. I am very happy to sign on for this role. As it will be my first acting role on TV. I have been on TV as a host but not acted in a serial. I am looking forward to that experience.

Why shift from hosting to acting?

I came to Mumbai to act but I went on to do other things. Now when I got this offer, I was more than happy to take it on. Other than doing a show for Ekta, I have also signed a film with her Once Upon A Time in Mumbai 2. I play the cop who chases the crime in the city.

What have you heard about the show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain?

I asked people around and heard a lot about it. People are very excited about the leap I hear and I am glad to be part of such a popular show.

With Sakshi and Ram being huge entities on the show, how will you fit in?

I am not here to take anyone’s space. I am here to have fun not compete with anyone. I am overwhelmed by the reactions after signing on.

What is your role in the show?

I play a rich business tycoon, who has a painful past. He is a stickler for time, likes to do things his way, has no time for anything else other than work. He has a past which changed him but he doesn’t talk about it.  He meets Priya and later they become friends. The show will take a five-year leap. We leave for Dubai in a week to shoot.

What next is in store for you?

Working on the TV show will take a huge chunk out of my dates and I have a film in the offing too. So, I guess I am pretty busy for now.

Poster of English VinglishJism 2 too hot to handle

The posters of Jism 2 have created a buzz and a hot one at that. Dino Morea says that the television promos of the sexy movie will have to be toned down and the promo will air with adult movies at the cinema.

First look

The first-look poster of English Vinglish is now out. The promo is already in theatres and we think it is boring and overrated.

Tall trouble

Arjun Kapoor is tall and is afraid of ceiling fans. Because of his height, his hand hits the fan so he is scared of them. Weird!

Fan fear: Arjun Kapoor

Sinha is stable

Masses’ choice: Rohit ShettyShatrughan Sinha was rushed to a nearby hospital in suburban Mumbai on Tuesday because he developed breathlessness due to being allergic to wall paint. He is stable now.

What makes Rohit Shetty successful?

Rohit Shetty says his success does not go to his head and his friends keep him grounded. He does not care about critics because he makes entertaining commercial films for the masses.
Masses’ choice: Rohit Shetty

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Meeting new people will be rather exciting. Health problems could slow you down. Take it easy this morning. Some of you might be lying in the arms of your lover and be reluctant to make any changes all day long. Tarot message: Make compromises and come to terms with yourself. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36

TAURUS: Love life is sparklingly beautiful. Enjoy the positive vibes and plan a good day. A friend might try to talk you into doing something you should avoid. Say no and be done with it. Avoid any impulse to gamble. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: Sky blue Magic number: 26

GEMINI: Communication on the job can assume greater importance. But you do need to be careful that you do not get caught up in red tape. Don’t let the petty aspects take precedence. Work in advertising might come your way. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 59

CANCER: A piece of good news will cheer you up. Your bosses at work will expect more than what you may be able to deliver. Everything will soon fall into place. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 35

LEO: A promotion to a management position might trigger self-doubt. A level of anxiety could interfere with your sense of well-being. Visit a local scenic spot for relaxation. Consider your diet also. 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: Club and group activities occupy you. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Anything you have done wrong or in a slipshod fashion can be exposed to the public. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 25

LIBRA: Be logical in your thoughts. A change of plans can throw you into turmoil. Don’t expect people to make compromises and you feel let down. Tarot message: Learn from past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61

SCORPIO: You might fall madly in love during travel or during a conference. Partnership issues are likely to surface. Face the facts. Talk to your partner, with love and honesty and changes can occur. 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, which should be avoided. This will allow your mind the chance to catch up on your emotions and stay on track and be sensible. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42

CAPRICORN: Loved ones will do what they can to help solve financial problems. Savour the romantic glow of the morning. You can expect to have people trying to influence you, so stay focused. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 52

AQUARIUS: Your card says emphasis on fun, frolics, and accelerated social activities. Love letters and other heartening communications will make you happy. Talk with your lover about your future plans. 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. The accent is on pleasure and entertainment. Rather than let them stew under the surface, call a family meeting. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 5...

Desert your stubborn attitude for the sake of your happy life. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented to you. Lack of communication with someone you care will leave you depressed. Even gifts/presents may not help in changing the mood of your sweetheart. It will be a good time to send your resume or appear for an interview. If you run from a situation- it will follow you in the worst possible way. Your impulsive nature may cause serious health problems. Certain important work will come to a halt due to bleak financial positions. Be careful not to pick up an argument with someone you live. Conflicting issues if any- should be solved amicably. Your gloomy life may give tension to your spouse. Stay away from gossip and rumours. What people value, believe and even expect has an effect on relationships.

If you don’t share the same goals, a friendship will eventually die out. You value honesty and faithfulness but a partner is secretive and wants more independence. Before making joint commitments get to know others by keeping your eyes and ears open.  Freedom and enthusiasm are the trademarks of the number five people. Air and fire are their dual elements, while they possess earth tones auras. Their lucky month and day are May and Tuesday respectively. Any month’s 1, 3, 7, 9, 14 and 23 dates are favourable. Business: Be proactive about making the most of shifting circumstances; you’ll look like a forward-thinking rock star. Career: you’ll manage matters well and will find the right solution to all your problems.

A foreign trip may be more taxing than expected. Finance: Money matters are likely to take a drastic positive change and a marked improvement in financial resources is indicated. Friendship: You are prone to biting off more than you can chew. Love: Expect to be spellbound by a charismatic person. Travel: Be careful in road rage.

Bobby DarlingMood: Eager to invest. Compatible signs: Cancer, Aries. Lucky colours: Red, antique white. Lucky days: Monday and Thursday. Lucky numbers: 4, 8, 9, 23, 48.

Bobby Darling (July 5) was born as Pankaj Sharma in Delhi and identifies with being a woman. Darling, went to audition for a TV show and caught the attention of Rishi Vohra, who cast her in the film Maine Dil Tujhko Diya as the leader of the college group ‘The Sisters’. Initially a minor role, her character was fleshed out when producer/director Sohail Khan became impressed with her performance during filming. Traffic Signal, Hota Hai Dil Pyaar Mein Paagal, Naughty Boy, Apna Sapna Money Money, Navarasa, Kyaa Kool Hai Hum, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha, Chalte Chalte, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Style, Taal are some films in which she made an impact. Astrologically, her gender problem will not be any sort of hindrance in the career. 2012 which has a total number of five, coincides with her birth date.





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