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Punjabi script, success story
Punjabi movies have found favour with the audiences in the recent past. The success of
Jatt & Juliet underlines the fact… The man at the booking counter announced to the crowd queued up for movie tickets — Jatt & Juliet, housefull; no tickets. You can see Maximum if you want." In all probability, he was mistaken. Maybe it was the other way around! Television channels, print media and word of mouth publicity; this Punjabi movie is sure doing well across Punjab and other territories. Yes, it is not a hitting-on-your-face phenomenon but Punjabi movies in the past two years are doing phenomenally well. Starting with Mel Kara Dey Rabba, Yaar Anmulle to Jiney Mera Dil Luteya, the success story continues. As a movie buff standing in the queue said to his friend, "Yeh Punjabi movies kamaal kar rahi
hain!"
So it started
Actor Harbhjan Mann and director Manmohan Singh brought in a 'chic' element with their movies Asa Nu Maan Watan Da and Yaaran Naal Baharan; then came along a fresh crop of directors and actors who brought in a 'youngish' touch to Punjabi movies. Director Navaniat Singh of Mel Kara De Rabba fame introduced a Bollywood kind of feel to cinema. "Mel Kara De Rabba got a 100 per cent opening opposite Sanjay Dutt starrer Lamha. It was a deliberate effort to bring in fresh cinema and in this process we also introduced new actors like Gippy Grewal." The story continues with more films that are now giving Bollywood movies a run for their money. The success of Jatt & Juliet is an example. Top grossing films Jihne Mera Dil Luteya — Rs 12.50 crore A scene from Yaar Anmulle Jat is hit
Jatt & Juliet has received tremendous response from the audiences. As the lead actor of the film, Neeru Bajwa says, "In fact, the success of Jatt & Juliet makes me wonder what the audiences like. The entire credit of the success goes to the cameraman and the director of the movie Anurag, and also to the 'different script'." Neeru, who will be seen in Pinkey Mogey Wali, has signed another project opposite Diljit Dosanjh to be directed by Darmesh Darshan of Raja Hindustani fame. "Punjabi cinema has really improved. We have stopped taking up the NRI topics and are moving into a zone that is fresh."
Punjabi vs Bollywood
Rajan Batra, leading producer in Punjab, has an interesting take regarding the changing scenario. Jiney Mere Dil Luteya opened opposite Ajay Devgn starrer Singham, and it did as good as the Hindi movie. Yaar Anmulle got an 80 per cent opening opposite Rascals, which got a 30 per cent opening. Likewise, Jatt and Juliet is giving even Spiderman a run for its money," says Rajan Batra, who is not hesitant in sharing what profit Mel Kara De Rabba made with us. "The movie earned a gross profit of Rs 12.5 crore. In the coming times we are going to increase the budget of Punjabi movies and take it up to Rs 5 crore."
In new territory
Instead of restricting to Punjab region, distributors are now taking films to new territories. Pinkey Mogey Wali, releasing on September 28, is going to touch new locations. Says Batra, "Other than Punjab we will be taking the movie to Delhi, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Lucknow, Ganganagar, Alwar in Rajasthan, Raipur, Bilaspur in MP, Kolkata, Pune and Mumbai in Maharshtra, which means covering a fat chunk of India," he ends with a confident laugh.
Fan mail
It is not just figures; here are 'real' people who have made these statistics possible. Manek Sandhu, a practicing dentist from Mohali, is a regular moviegoer. "My cousins staying in Mumbai watched Jiney Mera Dil Luteya and Yaar Anmulle much before than I did. Last Sunday I tried watching Jatt and Juliet but it was housefull. Off late, I have seen many people giving Punjabi movies a preference over regular Hindi cinema." The reason for the success of Jatt and Juliet can be picked up from fans. "I liked the first-day-first-show of the movie; it is looks quiet like Hum Tum, but it's still good. The movie has some amazing dialogues and the treatment is very upbeat," says Navneet Kathuria, science teacher from
Ludhiana. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Where words flow...
Literary gatherings are gaining momentum in Chandigarh. We assess what makes them a happening affair
Ajay Arora, owner of Capital Book Depot, who has been organising author-reader interactions, says, "The interactions are mostly not structured but not only the readers, the authors also tend to a get a direct feedback on their writings." Ajay's interactions are based on popular subjects and are getting a good response. Of course, the presence of publishers is helping the cause. "It gives young authors a platform to talk about their work as well," he chips in. Venues also play a role and Browser, Sector 8, tends to be a favourite with many authors and readers. "We generally try to invite authors with an established track record," shares Pankaj Singh, owner of the Browser. Focusing more on inviting authors who are writing fiction, due to the obvious popularity among readers, Pankaj feels that sometimes authors dictate the gathering. "Long back, we had invited Ankit Fadia for one such session; there was no way to invite just about anyone, so the target was only IT-based firms," he adds. Calling it a two-way thing, which benefits not only the author but the readers as well, Pankaj feels that such gatherings help bridge a gap. "In several instances, the audience tends to know about the fictional elements that surface out of personal perspectives," he opines. In other areas, it is mostly about trying to encourage budding authors.
The historical perspective
One important place for the exchange of ideas was the salon. The word salon first appeared in France in 1664 (from the Italian word salone, itself from sala, the large reception hall of Italian mansions). Literary gatherings before this were often referred to by using the name of the room in which they were held. Before the end of the 17th century, these gatherings were frequently held in the bedroom (treated as a more private form of drawing room): a lady, reclining on her bed, would receive close friends who would sit on chairs or stools drawn around. This practice may be contrasted with the greater formalities of Louis XIV's petit lever, where all stood. (Courtesy: Internet) At a recent literary festival organised by Books and Brew, the audience base was upcoming, aspiring and established names in the writing industry. Vishal Bhasin, co-founder of Books and Brew, is keeping his fingers crossed and hopes that such events turn non-readers into voracious ones. The recent event saw Manpreet Singh Badal talk about his love for books and he spoke about his journey with the printed words. "Sometimes the agenda is also networking. Once the gathering is small, communication is easy and can reap the desired benefits," says Vishal. He hopes that such monthly meetings, blogs, book reviews and columns dedicated to upcoming authors will change the reading culture in Chandigarh. "We will also hold creative writing workshops in association with publishers soon," he adds. Although Kafe Kaffee Kuch held its last literary gathering over a year back, Sukhmani Kohli, co-founder of the Kafe, shares her point of view on the same subject. "Book reading sessions are just another way of building a community," she says. A lot of learning, according to Sukhmani, comes from interaction. "The urban settings are such that people are seen moving away from each other. Such gatherings tend to bring people together and create a common ground for deliberations and discussions," she adds.
vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Guess who's making a comeback!
After Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor, it's yummy-mummies Sushmita Sen and Sonali Bendre, who are all set to re-join the silver screen
Sonali Bendre, who was last seen in Telugu film Shankar Dada MBBS, is doing the sequel of Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. The actress will be seen playing the role of a sensitive yet complex woman named Mumtaz and apparently, she's quiet ecstatic about the project. She says, "I can now confirm that I am indeed doing Ekta Kapoor's sequel to Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. I am sure it is going to be a lot of fun since it is Ekta and (filmmaker) Milan Luthria's film. The two main hurdles I had were that of the producer and director, and in this case, everything fell into place because I know both of them. I share a certain comfort level with them." Sushmita, on the other hand, has promised to return to silver screen by the end of this year. Sen has also accepted that she's going to marry soon.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Charm, diplomacy, respect and cooperation are far better attributes to employ in dealing with people if you want positive results. Tendencies for revenge should be controlled. Job applications yield results. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 65
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 6...
Your activity levels will be low this year. This trend might be seen in finances, personal relationships and work. You may try to implement certain policies that may fail to bring in the desired results. Satisfaction is very less for the 2012-13. However, you may not have control over desires. You'll be excited by an opportunity for professional growth, which encourages you to do as much as possible. You'll feel like casting aside your worries and you'll find excuses to criticise your partner. This will make you feel better. Great force of spirit and great physical power are hidden inside you. Even if you don't always notice it, this potential is present and you must simply learn to cultivate it and discipline it. This is the right moment for using what is inside you. Health of spouse needs proper care and attention. All commitments and financial transactions need to be handled carefully. You will have some difficulty with family members but don't let this ruin your peace of mind. Shirking household duties and squabbling over money may damage your marital life. Keep away from signing any new joint ventures and partnerships. If travelling, make sure you carry all-important documents. Chances of your recovering from physical illness are high which will enable you to participate in sports competition. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented to you, should concentrate on the needs of others but being extra generous with children will only lead to trouble. If you run from a situation--it will follow you in the worst possible way. Known for the generosity of their spirits, the number six people are extremely caring, sacrificing and loving, and have a rainbow-coloured aura. Mood: Seeking pleasure and enjoying life. Compatible signs: Cancer, Leo. Lucky colours: Aqua, dark violet. Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday.
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Secrets and dramas
Starry debut Hair and how: Farhan Akthar and Adhuna Akthar Concept of failure
A still from Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein
Prabhu Deva gives tips Prabhu Deva, was recently spotted on the sets of Reality TV Show, Lux The Chosen One. Celebrating the success of Rowdy Rathore, he had to assign and judge a task for young contestants. Not only did he do that to perfection, but he also made their day by filling them in on interesting anecdotes from the Rowdy Rathore shooting days. Exposing too much
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New releases
Producers: Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision Pvt Ltd and Ajay Devgn Films
Director: Rohit Shetty
Rohit Shetty is back with comedy Bol Bachchan. The idea of this film is based on Utpal Dutt and Amol Palekar starrer Golmaal. It is presented by Fox Star Studios. Bol Bachchan marks the return of super hit duo, Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn. This duo has been ruling over the Rs 100 crore club with movies like Golmaal 3 and Singham. Junior Bachchan also stars in this action-comic extravaganza along with Asin, Prachi Desai, Krushna Abhishek, Archana Puran Singh, Asrani and Neeraj Vora. The promos, already on air, promise hilarious jaw-dropping action sequences directed by Jai Singh Nijar. Thos who have gone through the rushes of this comedy say it is a typical Rohit Shetty style mainstream commercial film which is year 2012 keenly awaited film. The music has been composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Farhad-Sajid and Shabbir Ahmed have penned the lyrics. Screenplay is written by Yunus Sajawal (Rohit Shetty’s favourite). 3 Bachelors
Producer: Pramod Sharma Director: Ajai Sinha The film has been in the making for three years due to some production issues. With new producer Pramod Sharma took
the reins and 3 Bachelors is finally set to release today all over. The film stars Sharman Joshi, Riya Sen, Raima Sen and Manish Nagpal in the lead roles. The romantic comedy is a take on a two small town boys. It is a blend of fun, comic scenes, love, lust, revenge and drama. 3 Bachelors has a story which millions of Bachelors have faced, are facing and will face in future. This is must watch for everybody.
— Dharam Pal
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Riding in the rain
Simranjeet Gill It looks like finally the monsoon has arrived. So, it’s time to scout for your bike keys, dust off the seat and grab your biking jacket. Hit the mountains with rain drops falling from the visor of your helmet. While you enjoy the ride and the cool wind, make sure you follow some tips to ensure an enjoyable ride. Before the ride
Before you get on the bike, check the bike totally, including the engine, tyre pressure and the brakes. Talking about check-ups, brake of the bike is something you can’t take chances with. Never apply brakes hard on wet roads, this will lead to skidding. In addition to this, get the disc and complete inside of drum brakes cleaned before the ride. Lastly, check for brake oil. You don’t want to take a chance in the rain. Roll on
It is important to keep the tyres in good condition before the ride. Replace the tyre if the rubber is worn off. Again, treads of the tyres is something you have to be careful about. They need to be deep in the centre and on the sides because they help in dispersing standing water and also provide grip. Check for tyre pressure and keep it at optimal level, which again will help you enjoy a smooth ride. Gear up
Now that you are hitting the road, ensure you are wearing a proper gear, especially a water proof one. If you are drenched and still carry on with driving you can catch cold by the time you finish the ride. Don’t forget to put on water-proof gloves for good grip. Clean the helmet visor to avoid any accidents. While on road
If it pours a lot, there is no point in continuing the ride, stop and park yourself in some shade. Parking under a tree is not a very safe idea though. Clean the bike and remove entire mud from the engine. Don’t try any stunts on wet road. Keep parking lights on while riding. And last but not the least, keep a clean cloth with you to clean the helmet, brake lights or head lights. (Gill is a Chandigarh-based HOG rider)
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Do what you feel is right
Simmi Waraich My wife gets very angry and remains angry for a long time. At times she gets so annoyed she tries to hit herself or leave the house at night. We have a two year old son. She says she wants to break off with me. I feel the problem is not so much but she feels that I side with my parents and do not take her opinion seriously. She is a homemaker. Can medication or counselling help her? Harsh Chabbra, Chandigarh Usually in a marriage if there are problems, the solution is to give couples counselling. Individual treatment is given if the person comes forward himself or herself and asks for help to change their behaviour. During the course of treatment if it is felt that medication may help, it is suggested. Many times, if only one person is called for counselling, that person may feel that their grievances are not being heard and so in couple counselling, both are seen as part of the issue and treated together. Smoother ways of communication are implemented, positives are focussed on thus this requires multiple sessions. For example, a woman who was brought by her husband felt upset but when it was suggested that both partners needed to make changes and certain changes were suggested to try out at home, she became calmer. My husband told me not to work after we got married. His mother asks me why I talk to my mother so frequently. My mother lives with my brother who is unwell and unable to work. All this upsets me and I have disturbed sleep and depression. Charu Mehta, Zirakpur In life people will give their opinions which you may find distasteful. If you do wish to work or study further just be clear about it and go ahead. Worst your husband may object but keep talking calmly and repeat why you wish to. It's called "the broken record" where you keep repeating briefly what you want and why. Otherwise you may find that all your life you will keep blaming him for not allowing you to work. Second, your mother-in-law’s opinions may not change but don't let it affect you. We cannot have others approval all the time for what we do but go ahead and do what you feel is right anyway. Just be calm. Avoid blame game or getting upset. Eventually that is the best way to get around people. Your disturbed sleep is a result of your getting affected by the criticism. Expect criticism but go ahead and do what you need to. Don’t keep thinking about the same things. Do stuff that you like and something that can divert your attention from all this. Being assertive is an important part in life. (Waraich is a Chandigarh-based psychiatrist)
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Italian treat
Ravioli, a food festival at Oregano, offers a variety of traditional pastas
The festival offers an assorted selection of traditional Italian pasta. The delectable raviolis are paired with wines, spirits and cocktails, perfect to make a memorable meal. The restaurant presents its guests with variety of choices of vegetarian, non-vegetarian and sea food ravioli, antipasti, marinated olives, mixed herbs, parmesan cheese wheel, parmesan cheese grated and many more options from the buffet. Says Chef Antenello, “Ravioli makes an easy supper dish, or be served as a starter, either with a sauce or just a drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and scattered with fresh herbs and parmesan servings. Guests can also purchase uncooked ravioli along with pesto and sun-dried tomato. The enthusiastic fans of Italian food can also learn how to cook raviolis here.” The restaurant is all set to present a slice of Italian culinary heritage. On till July 15
— TNS
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Days of the young
Love is a given in young days; couple it with some challenges and comes along a story that everyone can connect to!
Yet another Punjabi film Yaraan Naal Baharaan II hits the screens on July 13. Is it a sequel? "Well, the title is apt for the film," comes a vague reply from producer Preetpal Shergill. The lead hero Rajwinder Sumal (Goldy) says, "It's a surprise. There is a connection to Yaraan Naal Baharaan, but 'what it is' we don't want to reveal right
now!"
A debut film for Rishita Monga, this movie is set to be a family entertainer. "Having grown up in Punjabi culture, I am nervously excited to see the kind of response the movie gets." Along with rather new actors, including Vikramjeet Virk (he started with Khele Hum Jee Jaan Se, has done a serial Shobha Somnath Ki and a couple of South Indian films), the movie also has veteran actors like Shivendra Mahal and Yograj Singh. "For an artiste, it's important not to repeat himself; this movie gives me another chance to present something different," says Mahal who plays an NRI returned home. mona@tribunemail.com
Playing cop
The movie has seasoned actor-cricketer Yograj Singh playing a cop. He had almost stopped working for he thought the artiste inside him didn't get his due in the Punjabi film industry. But when offered the role of a cop in the times of terrorism in Yaraan Naal Baharaan II, he couldn't refuse. "When one goes about setting things right, a few wrongs happen even at the hands of an officer. I was moved by the emotional appeal," says Yograj.
And he is competing with nobody else but his son Yuvraj Singh, "I am a proud father but I don't want to go to the grave with a 'Yuvraj Singh's father' tag."
He adds, "I was not too happy with his driving and partying ways, but I couldn't say much for he had really grown in stature. Yuvraj is a changed man today. Having faced death from such close quarters, he is all that I wished he should be. He prays, is practicing and thinking of doing his bit for orphans. Over with his brush with money, name and fame, today I would call him a fakir. And, yes, we are looking for a heroic comeback for him. He does want to play for his country and also lead the team!"
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The 'chopper' act
The Jannat 2 girl Esha Gupta, who is all set to play a cop in Prakash Jha's upcoming Chakravyuh, recently shot a scene mid air dangling from a chopper. Big deal? Well, that was indeed a big deal for the starlet as Esha suffers from vertigo.
Initially, when the actress was asked to shoot the scene, Esha was petrified hearing it. She at once requested a body double or find a way out of doing the scene. However, later she agreed to do the stunt as soon as Esha saw Jha with a camera, in another helicopter. "I have been battling vertigo for a long time. It's something that I deal with on a daily basis. In fact, I recently shifted into my new apartment which is on the 11th floor, but I tell my friends how I will never look down from the balcony!" says Esha. Speaking about the shoot on the sets of Chakravyuh, Esha said, "I was supposed to be strapped mid-air in this helicopter for a scene. But when I saw my director in another chopper with a camera shooting me, I got the courage. So I got myself strapped to the harness, said my prayers and did the shot." Directed and produced by Prakash Jha, Chakravyuh stars Abhay Deol, Arjun Rampal, Om Puri and Kabir Bedi in pivotal roles, besides Gupta. The film is scheduled to release October 5th, 2012.
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Farhan most stylish celebrity: Adhuna Akhtar
Hair stylist Adhuna Akhtar, who has a long list of Bollywood clientele, says her husband Farhan Akhtar is the most stylish celebrity in tinsel town. Adhuna, who has given many actors an image makeover onscreen, be it the urban youth look of Aamir Khan in Dil Chahta Hai or the spunky Preity Zinta in Lakshya, said Farhan is always experimental.
"My husband is the most stylish celebrity in Bollywood. He is always ready to experiment. He sits and listens to all the styling advices I give. He is a stylish person in real life too. He looked brilliant in Rock On," said Adhuna, who is styling Farhan for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag too.
She is set to make her debut on television with TLC's styling and make-over series Be Blunt. The six-part series will showcase the transformation of the women across the country. At the end of each episode, participants will also get to meet Bollywood actors.
— PTI
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Royal fun
Vineet Mishra
Ingredients: Garnish: Apple wedge and mint leaves Instructions: Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini cocktail glass with a sugar rim. Garnish with an apple wedge and mint leaves. (Mishra is a Chandigarh-based cocktail jockey)
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The idea of sitting and reading out your book to curious ears in a cozy ambience is becoming a popular concept in Chandigarh. The reading community is warming up to the idea of interacting with their favourite authors and finding out what goes on in their mind. We check out.
Ranveer Singh (July 6, 1985, Mumbai) who shares his birthday with you was seen in Band Baaja Baaraat and his role in the movie was appreciated. He portrayed the role of a typical Delhi University boy perfectly. He became an overnight superstar. Number six, representing Venus, has lot of glamorous roles for Ranveer in the coming time. He should sign new films on third, sixth or the ninth of every month. The year 2013 belongs to him.
Shaleen Bhanot had thought that his return on TV with Star Plus, Sajda Tere Pyaar Mein would
be a smashing one but the show ended within seven months. Yet Shaleen doesn’t feel too bad. He feels the concept was too different from the usual stories on TV, which is why it didn’t maybe audiences weren’t ready.
In Shashi and Sumeet Mittal Productions' Kairee on Colors, Ambi (Preeti Chaudhary) has decided to continue her marriage with Anuj (Jay Bhanushali). She has learnt about her saas Imarti’s (Hema Singh) true character and soon will expose her before Anuj and everyone else. She will find out that Imarti’s husband left her so she’s bitter and scared that her sons too will leave her.
The Lord Nelson Cinderella style royal cocktail.