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Punjabi at heart
When we saw scores of cameras waiting at a Sector- 35 joint in Chandigarh on Wednesday evening, we wondered whether they were all for Bobby Deol? Our doubts were soon settled as dot on time was the dashing Deol, dressed in black coat and jeans taking long strides towards the crowd.
A quick round of Venky's outlet, few words to pep up the staff manning the show and a small talk on what's on in life…currently it's Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 — the movie will have Dharmendra with his two sons and their individual trademark style in place. To make good movies is what Bobby wants to do the rest of his life and also work with the younger tribe of directors. But not having too many projects at hand doesn't bother him. "After all it's the love of the people that we get, which is the best part of being in the film industry," says Bobby, "which our family has already received in plenty." Quiz him on his favourite actor and he says with a glint of pride, "My dad. It's him that I really look up to." He carries the tag of being from Punjab on his sleeve and any opportunity to come back to his homeland is more than welcome. What brought him to Chandigarh was Venky's foray into the dairy industry with the launch of cattle feed, and Bobby takes the job of being the brand ambassador of VH group very seriously. The group holds 80 per cent of the market share in the country's overall poultry sector. Says Bobby, "Like any other Punjabi, I am a foodie. Chicken is a favourite, not only with me but also both my sons." Before leaving, he updates us on his ongoing project, "The sequel to Yamla Pagla Deewana is going to be definitely bigger than the first outing. We will shortly begin shooting in England." He also wishes to break the stereotype and be part of contemporary cinema. We are waiting! mona@tribunemail.com
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Nothing commercial
His school teacher in a rural village, Bhabour Sahib, Nangal in Punjab, once told him the value and magic of time. "Even if you try to hold it, once gone time never comes back," the teacher had said.
Little did this man, who did not know how to talk in any language other than Punjabi, who came to Chandigarh with just determination and loads of creativity, know that he was going to use the teaching some day! Today, making successful television, film and radio commercials, Lalit Sharma uses time to the hilt. "I started shooting TV commercials for my retail clients in 2005, but back then it was not very technically sound. Nevertheless, it was a relatively new concept for the city that had a limited reach as far as advertising was concerned," says Lalit, founder and CEO of Mantrin, an advertising agency. It was while making commercials for various brands that Lalit, who is inspired by the teachings of Chanakya, went on to explore more in the world of advertising. "I read more on commercials; I would try and understand what makes for a hit commercial. I would wonder how people still remember and even sing along with the Nirma advertisement," he says. Creativity was a gift that Lalit always had! "I went on to do a course in mass communication, which did give me some understanding but largely I understood that shooting a TV commercial was as creative a job as shooting a film," adds Lalit, who rates the script and story board as the main ingredients of any advertisement. "One has to understand that a TV or film commercial means saying the maximum in fewer words and less time. So, the idea is to leave an impact within seconds. For this, I understand what a particular brand wants; then comes in the visualisation, script, storyboard and execution," adds Lalit, who goes to Mumbai for every shoot. Lalit feels Chandigarh still doesn't have the equipment and facility for high-end shoots. TV sustains on commercials, which is why the technical aspect for the shoot has gone strong. "We shoot the advertisement on 35 mm, so that the finishing touches are neat," says Lalit, who also does brand consultancy. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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A modern cut
For a graduate from NIFT, the world is a ramp and everyone is a model. In Chandigarh, Swati Srivastava (27) launches her collection at Tatva. Focused on surface ornamentation, she talks about her love for the unconventional.
Dressed in her own creation from the evening wear collection, she poses pretty in her brown, red and orange dress with a shimmering, fitted silhouette underneath. "I don't believe in the stereotypical underskirt. For me, it should be dressier than the sari," she says. Her chocolate brown eyes scan the room as she looks for her models and pleases the shutterbugs. Taking surface ornamentation to another level, her sense of creativity blooms as she talks about the unconventional blouses she has to her credit, "It basically has a heavily embroidered sleeve in skin colour, resembling an armlet, complete with embroidery for the ring as well." Her collection is a splash of relaxed resort-wear, formal evening-wear and the bright festival collection. Talking about her resort-wear, she says, "See, this is hand-painted," while pointing to the intricate image of a goddess. "It's on Matka silk, with a brush and fabric paints," she adds. Kalamkari is the work and exquisite is the creation. Complete with maxis, tunics, kaftans and emphasis on the back, the ornamentation comes alive in hand-painted buttons. Her previous visits to Chandigarh have given her an insight into the fact that the city loves experiments. "The crowd does not mind risking it," she says. Working with crepe, silk jerseys, crinkled lycra is her evening-wear collection. The festive collection is lustrous saris, short kurtis, shararas and embellishments. "I love working with flowers, made with wires to give it a 3-D look," she explains. Also supplying to a niche clientele in India and abroad, Swati had to give up working with Sabyasachi Mukherjee due to time constraints. "The point at which we were talking about me joining him, he got busy with the Fashion Week, so I moved on," she says. Into customisation, her bridal-wear brims with young colours and non-traditional boundaries. "The brides should have fun and move out of the red-orange brigade," she adds. Having a diploma with Mona Lamba and Pali Sachdev, she sure has a lot of experience up her embellished sleeve. Looking at going the "different" way, Swati also designs ball gowns. "The demand is so huge that it's impossible to stay away from them," she smiles. The Delhi-based designer has her production house in Delhi and Lucknow. vasudha@tribunemail.com
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Simple, smiling steps
A dimpled smile coupled with gorgeous looks is what makes Prachi Desai stand apart in Bollywood. Her latest movies, Bol Bachchan and Teri Meri Kahaani, have stamped her presence further. "Bol Bachchan has been my biggest commercial movie till date and my experience has been wonderful," she says.
Prachi started her career with a television serial when she was just seventeen. "I was in my twelfth standard back in Pune when I gave the auditions for Zee TV's Kasam Se. Later, I shifted to Mumbai." Her next appearance was in the dance reality show Jhalak Dhikhlaja Season 2, which made headlines due to a controversial win of the dancing diva. "I think people started recognising that I'm quite young when I did this dance show." While she was doing Jhalak Dikhlaja, the movie Rock On came along. "Initially when I received a call from the production house of Rock On I thought it was a prank, but later it was confirmed. Imagine I was just nineteen then." She made the right choices and finally bid adieu to the telly world. "I had time to sit back and think what I really wanted out of my life; I chose Bollywood over television." In India, people have regressive thinking about actors on television unlike Hollywood where stars like Jennifer Aniston do both television shows and movies. "As television is very time-consuming and exhausting, I shifted to movies. But I would always thank television and Ekta Kapoor for what I am today." From the role of a modern girl in Rock On to Once Upon a Time in Mumbai to Teri Meri Kahaani and Bol Bachchan, Prachi has done a variety of roles. She will next be seen in I, Me Aur Main, where she plays the role of a Bohemian girl. "I'm very fortunate to have done such a wide variety of roles. I'm happy and excited that people have started noticing my work." Fame did not come easy though, "I struggled a lot and will continue to do so forever, as I'm not a star kid." Any advice for aspiring actors? "There are a lot of people out there working hard, but luck surely has a role to play. So be ambitious, but keep your options open." sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
Style statement
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Emma Roberts dating Evan Peters?
Nancy Drew star Emma Roberts is reportedly dating actor Evan Peters. The 21-year-old actress and Peters met on the sets of independent comedy Adult World, reported a website. "Emma and Evan have been dating for a few months," a source said.
Emma, who is the niece of Hollywood star Julia Roberts took Peters to her stylist Emily Current's wedding last week and the couple were seen holding hands at the ceremony. Post-wedding, Emma posted on her Twitter page that she had an amazing time at the wedding. "Fun at Emily's wedding. Had the most lovely time," she tweeted. Emma was earlier dating actor Chord Overstreet but split in May this year.— PTI
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Angelina upset with Pitt’s mother
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is reportedly upset with fiance Brad Pitt's
mother for buying girly outfits for her daughter Shiloh.
Jolie, 37, raises six children with Pitt and Shiloh is their biological daughter. The six-year-old likes dressing up
like a boy, but her grandmother Jane insisted on buying her girly outfits, reported a website. "It's well documented that Shiloh likes to dress like a boy. But Jane still insists on buying her fairy costumes and princess dresses, which Angelina finds very disrespectful," a source said. Jolie also raises Maddox, 10, Pax, nine, Zahara, seven, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with Pitt.
—
PTI
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In conversation with AB
Abhishek Bachchan had recently gone to the studio of a Radio channel along with director Rohit Shetty to promote their latest movie Bol Bachchan.
Unlike the typical promotion for a newly released movie the interaction with Abhishek brought to light many different facets of his personality. During his hour long chat, Abhishek was heard as the voice of smart and thinking marketer, a loving father, an understanding husband and a talented spotter. When quizzed by some listeners about Aishwarya and ‘Baby B’ Aradhya and who he loved more, Abhishek patiently said that no father on earth can ever answer that question like that. “Both are an integral part of my life and I need them both to make me complete.”
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Cheaper the better!
If you're the one who's been saving all the money for the rainy day, it's here; as almost every brand in Chandigarh is offering a sale on various products. Providing you a good excuse to splurge and update your wardrobe, this is the time for some budgeted shopping. Here's a quick check. Colour block
After the nude phase and the colour-blocking (never mind the cool ones who only wear black or white), the new trend is dresses in one colour. So, sales mean you can pick a turquoise tee over electric blue jeans and navy blue shoes. At French Connection in Sector-17, you can discover new shades and shapes. Clever placement of dark and light shades makes this sale a bright one. Right from crochet to plain hues, the sale has some great offers on pants too. Bags are a good deal and here you can pick them for almost half the price. From leather bags to slings and hob-nobs to jute and even sequin-lined satchels, there is every little bit to love about this sale. In the jeans
For the lovers of blue, the basic hue of jeans, Espirit is the place to be. Joyfully blinding, it's the best deal for girls as you can pick jeans at 50 per cent discount. If you are looking for some black blazer or woollen coats there are a few pieces at 40 per cent off. Men also have a few deals to bag in tees at 50 per cent and much more options at 40 per cent, where you have a variety in plain, stripes and check shirts. Trousers too are a good deal! For more casual stuff, walk into the Polo showroom where you can pick men's tees and shirts at 20 and 30 per cent discount. Foot work
It's time you do some footwork. Shoe Tree in Sector 17 has some good picks at great prices. At flat Rs 795 you can pick peep-toes in varied hues, some shimmery flat slip-on sandals, the evergreen ballet shoes and even wedges in animal prints. If you are looking for those crochet and lace stilletoes, then this is the place where you can pick them at flat 40 per cent. Watch out
Wrist watches have always been popular and if you are passionate about them, Espirit is offering watches at 20 per cent discount. Suit yourself
Coming to Indian wear, if you like unstitched fabrics head to Kohinoor-17, where you can avail flat 20 per cent discount on any fabric. The high point of this sale is an unlimited choice in fabrics right from pure crepe to georgette, net and hand- embroidered suits. For readymade stuff, check out Biba and Pantaloons at Paras Down Town Square, Zirakpur. At Biba you can avail flat 50 per cent on complete suits and 25 to 50 per cent on
kurtis.
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Bridge the gap
Parvesh Rana
I am a 35-year-old man living in Chandigarh. My wife stays in Delhi. It is long distance relationship. The problem is that we have started getting used to staying alone. Despite immense understanding, I don't like her interfering in my work, when she comes here. What should I do? Manish, Chandigarh I think it is just about distance. You both should visit each other more often and try to work out something where you can spend as much time as possible. There is nothing wrong with you two other than the fact that sometimes staying alone makes one independent and then we don't like interferences. Try to work out on the interaction front and everything is okay. I am a 20-year-old girl and have moved to the city a year back. I am studying and doing part time job, but my problem is that I have a problem of opening up with people; I can't interact freely and probably suffering from inferiority complex. This is affecting my work also? Kriti, Zirakpur You should just be confident about yourself. If you still feel so you should join some personality building class. You should interact more with people without any inhibitions. It is normal to feel out of place, but this doesn't mean you will shut yourself. (Rana is a television anchor)
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Healthy option
Recognising the need for nutritional food and in its quest to constantly innovate and bring delightful and healthy products for its consumers, Britannia Industries Ltd. has re-launched the staple diet of numerous households—the delicious and nutritious sliced bread.
Loaded with 10 essential vitamins, Britannia's vitamin enriched bread, gives a great start to your day. Re-launched in an all new packaging, these breads are packed with inherent goodness. The range is available in pack sizes 200gm - 800gm at Rs 10-28.
— TNS
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Playing the race card?
Deana Uppal is facing a similar situation which made Shilpa Shetty an international icon with reality show Big Brother.
But while the public and media speculate racism, ex-Playboy bunny girl and the show’s contestant Shievonne Robinson have accused Deana of “playing the race card” to garner sympathy. After another housemate Conor McIntyre used expletives for Deana and called her “a piece of shit”, UK television watchdog Ofcom ordered an investigation. Now Shievonne has gone ahead and had a spat with the 23-year-old Miss India UK. Deana is often shown in tears after tiffs with the show’s housemates. But when we asked Shilpa Shetty’s ex-publicist Dale Bhagwagar who handled her through the thick and thin of Big Brother controversies, he almost dismissed the racial abuse allegations. “Since Deana is the next Indian after Shilpa on the show; similarities are bound to be drawn up. Nothing more; nothing less,” quipped the PR guru. But he added, “It’s unfair to compare the two cases as both Shilpa and Deana have different personalities.” Meanwhile, Shievonne is nominated for eviction from Big Brother this week alongside Conor McIntyre.
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Angelina upset with Pitt’s mother
Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is reportedly upset with fiance Brad Pitt's mother for buying girly outfits for her daughter Shiloh.
Jolie, 37, raises six children with Pitt and Shiloh is their biological daughter. The six-year-old likes dressing up like a boy, but her grandmother Jane insisted on buying her girly outfits, reported a website. "It's well documented that Shiloh likes to dress like a boy. But Jane still insists on buying her fairy costumes and princess dresses, which Angelina finds very disrespectful," a source said. Jolie also raises Maddox, 10, Pax, nine, Zahara, seven, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with Pitt. — PTI
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The Dark Knight Rises
Producer: Emma Thomas, Charles Reven, Christopher Nolan. Director: Christopher Nolan The news about the epic conclusion of this action drama and crime story in which Batman might die has created a pre-release interest among the viewers. The Dark knight Rises is the last film in Christopher Nolan’s legendary Batman series. Anne Hathaway plays Catwoman. For action lovers, it is a must watch at Multiplexes. Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baki Hai
Producer: Narendra Singh Director: Rajnish Raj Thakur It is a satire on the film industry showcasing the struggle of a maker before he brings film on to the marquee. This Narendra Singh-produced film, directed by Rajnish Raj Thakur could be the struggle of any of us who seek to make their passion, their profession and face the innumerable hurdles that follow, albeit in the humorous manner. This comedy sortie has Sunil Shetty, Rajpal Yadav, Om Puri, Udita Gosami, Shahwar Ali and Shayan Munshi. Is our audience is ready for something like this? — Dharam Pal
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Right move
Deepika Padukone is contending with Priyanka Chopra for the role of Juliet in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ras Leela opposite Ranveer Singh. She has been sending feelers to the director post Cocktail as he has seen
it. Deepika’s bags full
Deepika Padukone has already got two films which Kareena was going to do. She is doing a film with Emraan Hashmi and she is also up for Chennai Express. The organisers of the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises are choosing Shah Rukh Khan over Salman Khan. The former is invited over the latter as they don't want any clash. |
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Zee Café has raced ahead of other English general entertainment channel genre, with 5.3 GRPs last week. Their shows put the channel on top of the charts with The Mentalist being the one to hook the audiences the most followed by Make it or Break it and Pretty Little Liars.
Eva’s diary
Eva Grover, who was last seen essaying the role of Niharika who was a manipulative mother in the hit show Bade Acche Lagte Hai is a calm and sorted person in real life and is into writing a diary almost on a daily basis. She feels it is a good outlet to express herself. She says, “I write my experiences, thoughts and the happenings that touch my heart. It helps me in knowing myself and understanding the happenings in the right perspective. It gives me clarity of thought. It is the best way to unwind after hard day work. I just love spending time with myself and enjoy solitude. People who don’t enjoy being alone they don’t know what they are missing out on”. Well Eva for sure other actors can take a cue from you and try out writing and maintaining a diary to maintain the zest for life.
SRK gets chatty with Anupama
The latest episode of The Front Row with Anupama Chopra on Star World brings us the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan July 20 at 8pm with a one-hour-special episode. When asked about the art of being a superhero, SRK says, “I think the art of being a super hero is that you are never too small to help anyone.
So whoever helps anyone I think is a super hero.” The discussion continues with SRK talking about the popularity of the ‘superheroes’ genre in India. SRK commented on it by saying, “You actually have to deal with a lot of Bollywoodisation of a super hero to hopefully make it work here. And with due respect, you know somewhere that a film like this, you see it from a point of view of comparing it to a western genre and that somehow obviously leaves a lot to be desired.” He further says “This fantasia, so to say, or this leap of faith where the super hero is going to save you against the krypton, flying down and saving thousands of people is still too fantastic for us. Our fantasies are still limited to buying a good house, having a good car and having a regular job.” Lastly Shah Rukh reveals his love for Batman as a character.
What’s cooking
No time for marriage
Drasti Dhami of Colors’ show Madhubala is irked by rumours about her marriage and refutes them. The beauty explains why she won’t hide her marriage and how her fans don’t believe the rumours.
There have been rumours of your impending marriage? Yes, I am very irritated by such rumours. Right now my focus is work and nothing else. In fact I shoot for long hours daily and hardly have time to socialise. So where is the time to do anything else? These are false rumours and I don’t know who is spreading them and why. But you have been spotted with a guy friend. Yes. I have a group of friends and we all go out together. So, I don’t know why one person is being singled out. Most of my friends aren’t from the industry. So, they don’t understand that rumours are part of the industry. Do you feel marriage affects the fan base of a TV actor? I don’t think it should as many TV successful stars are happily married. The fans love the actors for the characters they play and being married or not won’t affect their careers. But my fans have told me that they don’t believe in these rumours and that’s some relief for me. Please go on... I don’t understand why is it assumed that I would hide my marriage. When the day comes there will be a proper announcement. How is it going with Madhubala? The show is doing well and I have got superb response for my role as Madhubala. The whole tussle between RK and her will now only escalate.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Be true to your ideals and don’t sell yourself for money or glamour. A secret arrangement comes to light. The person whose name starts with alphabet ‘N’ or ‘R’ gives you an excellent advice. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before starting new. Lucky colour: Olive.
Magic number: 58
TAURUS: Simple things in life will bring you joy today. A health issue could be worrying you now. Don’t procrastinate in getting a diagnosis. Do not be rash or impulsive today. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confusing yourself. Lucky colour: Pale green.
Magic number: 46 GEMINI: Postpone work that requires concentration and physical effort. Relationships can be minefield with all sorts of emotion surfacing to colour the actual situation. Step back and take several deep breaths before you say something. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself. Lucky colour: Ivory. Magic number: 36 CANCER: Satisfactory day for working mothers. You will have difficulty getting along with associates. Money matters can take a turn for the better. Business can be mixed with pleasure most satisfactorily. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Lavender.
Magic number: 55 LEO: The outcome of lawsuit might be postponed leaving you in limbo a bit longer. You should not hesitate to shop around for a better deal. A word of caution for those suffering from any abdominal complaint. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be prepared to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: If you don’t expect the day to run smoothly get yourself prepared. If you are travelling give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. At workplace co-operation will result in more success. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 45
LIBRA: Make sure you have your purse or wallet before leaving home. A friend might need your support and you may need to put off your engagement. Romance can be disturbing. This is a pleasant day to catch up with odd jobs. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 25 SCORPIO:They probably won’t be finalised right away. Should a friend ask you for a loan, be cautions. If you don’t feel you can trust him or don’t have the spare cash tell him the truth. Tarot message: Don’t get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a large period of time. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Those around you could lose you with their abstract ideas about important issues. Politicians or bureaucrats are in the limelight. Today there are good opportunities to increase your earnings. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 63 CAPRICORN: Strange under currents at home can give rise to all sorts of drama. The card The Night Princess infuses a fairly active morning for the children. Park your vehicle carefully and obey traffic rules. Tarot message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: You definitely do not appreciate your friend interference. Make sure you really want to hear secrets or rumours about someone. It is not your business and is not likely to be to your advantage. Personal relationship heats up. Tarot message: Watch your action at work. Lucky colour: Sandy Brown. Magic number: 57 PISCES: You could wake up with a headache. Working women: take proper care of your child’s health. A re-union or welcome home party will be fun. Seeing people from different times in your life is an emotional time. Tarot message: Don’t let opposition faze you.
Lucky colour: Lime green. Magic number: 31
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 20...
Hectic work seems to have left you exhausted and tired. Safeguard your interest when dealing with friends- business associates and relatives as they might not be considerate to your needs. Relax towards the later half of the year. If you run from a situation it will follow you in the worst possible way. Elderly people need to take care of their health. There will be a rise in your expenses that will bother you. Do not behave stubborn as you would easily offend others. Avoid committing yourself into any new joint venture and seek the advice of people close to you if necessary. Watch out for individual who might try to mislead you or give you information that might cause you some harm. Sudden planetary movement provokes unexpected changes which will directly affect the practicalities. Unexpected advantages are on the cards. The stars advise youngsters to never stop looking for the best opportunity: they have to act quickly. Every move will be a winning move. The ascent will seem easier if you keep your eyes on the prize. If you want to climb the mountain, you will have to do it alone. If you quit before you reach the top, you might always be sorry that you did not try harder to go that extra mile. Mood : In need of acting, thinking and playing the one man/woman show routine. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Taurus. Lucky colours: Moccasin, Fuchsia Lucky days: Wednesday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 4, 8, 12, 16, 32
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Clash of the Khans
Top slot
Recently the cast and crew from Diya Aur Baati Hum visited Singapore for the upcoming track where Sooraj aka Anas takes part in the cooking contest. Along with Sooraj, Sandhya, Bhabho and Arun went to encourage him during the contest. Will Sooraj win and what changes will come in his life during the competition?
Gracy Singh (July 20,1980 Delhi,), is best known for her role as Gauri in Lagaan. She began her career touring with the dance group "The Planets" and her first acting role was in the television soap, Amanat. She then got an acting role in the film Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain (as Kajol's younger sister) and also in Hu Tu Tu. She was nominated in this role for the Filmfare best debut actress award, losing it to Bipasha Basu. She has starred in Punjabi films such as Lakh Pardesi Hoye. She is the director of the NGO Save our Souls for abolishing dowry. Singh is also a trained classical dancer having studied Bharatanatyam . Blue Mountain is her new venture.