Sibling revelry
The portrayal of brother-sister relationship in Bollywood movies has moved from being clichéd to more realistic. And the future holds more promise…
Jasmine Singh

He doesn't run around pulling her plait, she doesn't sneak into his room and check out his CD collection; they do not keep a tab on each other's phone calls… the portrayal of brother-sister relationships in Bollywood is anything but real!
Stills from the movies Josh, My Brother Nikhil, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Iqbaal and Fiza
Stills from the movies Josh, My Brother Nikhil, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Iqbaal and Fiza
Stills from the movies Josh, My Brother Nikhil, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Iqbaal and Fiza
Stills from the movies Josh, My Brother Nikhil, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Iqbaal and Fiza
Bonding well: Stills from the movies Josh, My Brother Nikhil, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Iqbaal and Fiza

Either she is raped in the first half of the film with the brother taking revenge throughout the second half or she is stuck to the wheelchair with bhaiya fulfilling all her wishes like in the movie Majboor, Hindi films haven't gone too far in exploring this relationship. It was only off late that we saw some 'real' brother and sisters standing up for each other (Fiza), running after each other's blood (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na), inspiring each other (Iqbaal) or being protective (Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya and Josh).

C'mon Bollywood when you can explore just about any existing relationship, you definitely can do much better with Rakhi. What do you say?

When in Bollywood, there is always a brother, a sister, father and mother! "Agreed," says actor Rati Agnihotri, "along with Hindi, I have done movies in other languages as well, and yes there is always a brother and a father in a movie. In earlier movies like Sacha Jhoota or Hare Rama Hare Krishna, the brother was always shown as a father figure. Now, movies portray this as a more friendly relationship. Nevertheless, the brother acting as the lighthouse doesn't go away." Rati lists Fiza as one such movie that has brilliantly explored the brother-sister relationship."Karisma Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan have acted very well and given this relationship a truly real dimension," she adds.

Speaking volumes about the onscreen bhaiya, the song bhaiya mere, raakhi key bandhan ko nibhana is invariably the biggest contribution of Bollywood towards this beautiful relationship. Did we stop somewhere after Dev Anand got Zeenat Amaan out of the drug trap humming phoolon ka taaron ka sab ka kehna hai, ek hazaaron main mere behna hai.

For actor Pravin Dabbas of Khosla Ka Ghosla the sibling relationship cannot be explored in the true sense on celluloid. "This relationship is explored better on screen when one sibling is in need of help like in the movies Fiza or Iqbaal. For this to be portrayed really well, it has to be dramatised," he adds. Pravin doesn't deny the fact that in the past this brother-sister tie was explored pretty well in movies like Hare Rama…

Then of course we could have something more than just Shah Rukh Khan prying on Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Josh or sister Neelam delivering saccharine, unbelievable dialogues in Hum Saath Saath Hain! Give us something more, something like a real sister-brother fight! Take it from the villain of yesteryears Raza Murad, "Sisters in the movies of 60s and 70s were generally portraying a clichéd character, where she is raped by the villain or is blind. We have moved from tear-jerker movies to those like Josh, which bring out the more real kind of brother-sister relationship." Time and again, cinema has explored the sibling relationship and chances are that we will see more movies with a touch of reality. This time she will neither be a rape victim nor chasing bhaiya all over with a silk thread!

jasmine@tribunemail.com
A still from Hare Rama Hare Krishna
A still from Hare Rama Hare Krishna

Saying it with a song

Phoolon ka taaron ka (Hare Rama Hare Krishna)
Bhaiya mere rakhi key bandhan ko (Choti Behan)
Mer bhaiya mere chanda (Kajal)
Yeh Rakhi bandan hai aisa (Beimaan)
Rang birangi rakhi leykar (Anpad)
Behna ney bhai ki kalai (Resham ki dori)
Chanda rey mere bhaiya sey (Chambal ki kasam)
Rakhi key din (Pyari Behan) — Courtesy: Internet

coming soon
A slice from life

Nature moves on, events occur; it's us who react to them. If all goes well, it fuels our ego, if otherwise…leads to a guilty feeling. Such is the theme of the play Munna Ki Wapasi.

Based on Rabindranath Tagore's story by the same name, it was life's philosophy that finds expression in this story that caught director Chandrashekher's attention.

"An event changes everything in the life of Raicharan. From a trusted guardian, almost a family member to someone rendered jobless and turned out from the house, the relationships change almost instantly," says the director, a pass-out from the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University.

"It was difficult to interpret his character. In fact, I took philosophy classes to understand better," he adds.

The result: dohas from Kabir become part of the play for it's difficult to represent the life philosophy on stage.

The play by the Centre for Education and Voluntary Action (CEVA) is on Friday at 7:00 pm at the Tagore Theatre-18. — Mona

success mantra
The perfect therapy
Mona

Medicine was rather a chance profession for Dr Anil Bhansali, but once in it he passed each stage with distinction. Today, a leading name in endocrinology, he is known for not only professional excellence, but also fair administrative skills and invincible compassion. Fond of reading (he writes as well) and music, his passion is to keep fit.

"Everyone has ample time if only you intend to utilise it well," he says. Head of the department at PGIMER, Dr Anil lists out characteristics that go into the making of a good medico.

Zeal to work

Dr Bhansali did his MBBS and later MD from Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur. Posted at the Primary Health Centre at a village 70 kilometres from Jaipur, unlike others, he chose to stay at the place of his posting.

"I had no free time even there. My aim was to give best healthcare right at that village level and not refer patients to Jaipur," he says.

He started and ran successfully many programmes like vaccination, chlorination of wells and family planning. "It is hardwork coupled with zeal that takes one forward in life," he adds.

Kindness to patients

People come to us when they are sick. The family members around are also so hassled that it demands that they are treated with compassion.

It's human limitation, we can't save every patient who comes at the hospital but sincere efforts are noticed by those around you. Many times relatives of the deceased come and acknowledge our efforts, and even thank us for putting in our best efforts.

Impeccable training

One is able to deliver if one has the confidence that comes with fine training. What I have learnt at the PGI is very valuable. Our training programmes are par excellence anywhere around the country. My 25-year stint here has not only helped me rise professionally, but also taught me how get work done by those around me.

Being up to date

One needs to keep abreast with the latest in one's field. Otherwise, you are not being sincere to your patients. I was happy doing my bit in the Rajasthan village, but it was the desire to do research that I came to PGI for the DM course.

Dignity of profession

Study of medicine is not expensive at all if one gets through proper channel. Rewards are fairly decent even in the government sector. Private hospitals do pay well, but it ultimately comes from the patients' pocket, which is sometimes not justified. Sincerity towards patients is a must for anyone in the medical profession.

mona@tribunemail.com

Go-getter
People’s person
Vasudha Gupta

Not everyone in life is born with a plan and knows exactly where he is heading. Ishaan Vadhera was no different. It was only three years back that Ishaan really knew what he was getting into. Today, at 21 he has successfully completed an internship with Your Brand Voice, one of the leading social media marketing firms. Currently studying at the Indiana State University in USA, the lad is no different from a thousand others.

Motivational factor

Never being the one to blame anyone, Ishaan has done everything that ever hit his mind. From theatre at DAV College dramatics club Aaghaaz to an international student conference in Germany, he is a whole lot of beans rolled into one bag. “AISEC was one of the rare good platforms I had,” he says, after having been to Ukraine and Hungary through them. It is the network he has managed to create through his travel, which showed him the window to the world. “I want my education to be inspirational learning rather than a regular one,” he says.

Feathers in the cap

It all began under the right guidance of school teachers at St John’s, which paved the way for Ishaan’s thoughts. Completing his Class XII from Bhavan Vidyalaya, Ishaan attended DAVC where he joined Aaghaaz. This was the time he performed nationally including a winning performance at the Mood Indigo college festival. It was the International Student Week in Ilmenau, Germany, which changed Ishaan’s life. The student week introduced him to the concept of global citizenship. Then of course, it has been the two-month-long internship at Your Brand Voice that changed him further. Also a part of a famous fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Ishaan’s pride comes out as he talks more of it. “The chapter at my campus was dying. Under my recruitment program the fraternity recruited 34 people and raised $3 million for a house,” says Ishaan. Being a part of the Chandigarh Squash team and the editor of ‘Mouthpiece’, the journal of Bhavan Vidyalya during his schooling and changing it around have been a couple of other feathers in his overloaded cap.

Strengths and weaknesses

Truly interested in connecting with people, Ishaan has a way of talking, which helps get the point across. He can be a bit disorganised though. “I like to give my 100 per cent in whatever I do. Even if it means letting go of something more important,” he adds.

Flipside of being an achiever

Always trying to learn the best and the most from his experiences, Ishaan leaves the negativity to adopt the positives. Focused and directed, Ishaan’s brush with flipside has only given him a richer positive to learn from.

Words of Wisdom

“You can only join the dots when you look back,” he says quoting the late apple CEO Steven Jobs. Passionate about passions in life, Ishaan suggests to always focus on the present as the present decides the future and holds your past. “It’s valuable to attach with people who teach you,” he says.

it’s rocking
Lyrical addiction

The much talked about Bhatt project Jism 2 has good music to look forward to. The track Abhi Abhi has tenderly drilled piano notes in an enchanting expression of guitar. It has KK’s mesmerising soft tone with Munish Makhija and Arko Pravo Mukherjee's sensuously driven poetic words which make the track a meaningful one.

Mixture of all

The track is an amazing blend of sensuousness, pain, joy and compassion that are displayed in a perfect soft tone. KK shows his brilliance of voice quality, flawless vocals and variations from low notes to high notes which make this track the finest soft-rock ballad of the year.

Nandini Shah, student, PU

One for love

It is a very touchy and a mushy song, which everyone would like to dedicate to the love of their life.

Jai Kohli, student, GGDSD College

Meaningful song

KK’s lovely vocals make you stick to it. It works for a movie like this as a romantic number has a different appeal and feel to it. The lyrics are meaningful and convey so much.

Veera Rai, homemaker

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

Laugh out loud!
Sabia Talwar

Question: "What kind of hair do oceans have?"
Answer: "Wavy"
How silly a joke this is, but it would have at least made you smile if not laugh. It's not that jokes have to be extra-ordinarily funny to make one giggle because a latest study has revealed that no matter how badly a joke is told, it will sometimes elicit a few polite laughs because social norms make us averse to providing negative feedback. And what better than a comedian himself, who has reached new heights with his character Shampy in the latest Punjabi hit movie Jatt and Juliet, talking about the same. Says Rana Ranbir, "Being humans we are very much trained to laugh even on the worst of jokes. Also, being a comedian I'm trained to rehearse and give a lot of thought on what kind of jokes I'm going to present to my audience, but trust me sometimes things happen on the spot and makes people fall off their seats." Like there are some old songs on which one is bound to dance, there are many jokes that become common through phones, television and Internet where one is automatically forced to laugh. And your friends will always laugh to keep you in high spirits. Lest they are true ones! Joyce Ehrlinger, a Florida State University assistant professor of psychology, maintains that because society trains one not to hurt others' feelings, we rarely hear the truth about ourselves, even when it's well-deserved. What if it is a compulsion to burst into a fit of laughter? "Sometimes the situation is so stressful that laughing is the only option to make the mood go light, even if nothing is funny," says Rahul Mittal, an MBA student from Chandigarh. In complete respect for the emotion of humour we mark the words from Charlie Chaplin saying that, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." Says Bhagwant Mann, a well-known comedian, "Sense of humour entirely depends on the type of situation one is exposed to. It also depends on the kind of audience. It so happens that you start laughing seeing the other person laugh." And yes there is no dearth of over-confident people who giggle at their own jokes, which is so artificial. "I agree with the findings of the study because being a performer I know that the audience sometimes just laughs out of respect," adds Bhagwant. Laughter sure is the best medicine!

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Give yourself time 
Simmi Waraich

My husband has been cheating on me. I have discussed it with my parents but I do not want to leave him. I am a homemaker and look after the children. These days I am neglecting my children. I am often angry and I fight a lot.

Sneha, Ambala

If you look closely, the anger is often due to one’s ego or if we do not feel good about ourselves “ How could this happen to me?” A good relationship can be built up again. If you have faith in yourself it will show outwardly on your face and actions. Also it is important not to let these affect children. Avoid talking ill about their father to them. Try to find some things that you enjoy- which is your personal space- regular exercise or learning a new language or skill like painting or dance. Write out a plan for yourself for the next month and follow it. Give yourself some time. Think out things by talking to your family. If depression persists see a psychiatrist.

I am a student studying in Australia. I have a boyfriend since one year. We have been thinking of getting married and his mother and sister have moved in here recently. His mother is from a village background and she said certain things that I did not like. Yesterday my boyfriend hit me. I am feeling very upset.

Minal, Australia

Stay in touch with your friends there- do not isolate yourself. Talk out things with them. Perhaps your boyfriend's mother overreacted - it can happen and perhaps you overreacted to her as well. It must have been upsetting for you to face that. Your boyfriend had no business to hit you no matter what. Try to talk calmly, avoid blame or shouting. Consider whether getting further into this relationship is good for you. Sometimes it is better to let go of something in time rather than carry on.

(Waraich is a Chandigarh-based psychiatrist)

One for the bride

It’s that time of the year again. Weddings, lehangas, bridal bangles, jewellery and everything that a girl dreams of! Come the month of August, and the city is swept by everything and anything related to weddings.

Wedding Asia comes to Chandigarh to add zing to your trousseau. And it is the designer trio of Sakshi, Gauri and Ansi, who have brought their collection Antya this time. A pass-out from NIFT, this trio has a lot more than just fabrics and colours to offer. Working with kundan, pita work in dabka and zardozi, the girls are busy to give you the outfit of your dreams.

Using the latest concept of an Anarkali with a lehanga, Sakshi talks about how they do it differently. “See, this has a velvet choli with a net skirt and an embellished double-shaded lehanga,” she says, pointing proudly to her creation. Workings on the colours ruling the ramp like fuchsia, orange and purple, the embellishments have been kept simple and non-jarring. Not only appealing to the upper-middle segment, the trio is also focused on catering to the mid section and work on customised budgets. “The clientele in Chandigarh looks for elegance, which is why coming back here is a delight,” shares Gauri. The two-year-old brand is all set to add magic to your wedding wardrobe. (The exhibition is on at Taj, Chandigarh, from August 3 to 5)

Vasudha Gupta

Master Chef
Cookie feast
Kandla Nijhowne

Anzac is a popular cookie but who would believe that the word is the abbreviated form of ‘Australia and New Zealand Army Corp’. I love anything with a story or some random fact attached to it! These cookies became known during World War-I as Anzac biscuits because women from Australia and New Zealand baked, packed and parceled them to their soldiers serving overseas during World War-1. Anzac cookies didn't spoil easily and shipped well therefore making them a nice little something to send to your soldier during wartime. You too can pack them for school tiffin or a picnic. Being more chewy than crisp in character, they are perfect for the monsoon month. We don't have to fret about sogginess. They contain no eggs, so advantage vegetarians.

Method

  • n Use a large heavy pan to combine the butter, sugar, water and honey.
  • n Warm over low heat till the sugar melts somewhat.
  • n Add the lemon juice, maida, oats, soda and coconut all at once.
  • n Stir to incorporate the ingredients completely.
  • n Divide the dough into two and gently knead , then roughly shape each portion into an 8 inch log.
  • n Foil-wrap the 'logs' and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
  • n Pre heat oven to 180 degrees C.
  • n Remove one log at a time from the fridge and let it soften just slightly.
  • n Slice little roundels of dough, ¼ inch thick and lay out spaced on a greased baking sheet.
  • n Bake for 14-17 minutes, or until golden brown all over.
  • n Rotate the sheets from top to bottom and from front to back halfway through baking to ensure even baking.
  • n Cool completely before stacking or storing. Keep it in an airtight container for at least two weeks.

    Anzac cookies

    1 cup oats

    8 tablespoons butter

    ¾ cup grain-sugar

    1 tablespoon water

    2 tablespoons honey

    1 cup maida

    1½ tsp lemon juice

    ½ teaspoon baking soda

    1 cup desiccated coconut

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

Out to scare you...
Bipasha Basu is looking forward to her role in the upcoming Raaz 3

Bipasha Basu is back in an eye-catching avatar, however a little scary this time. The actress recently released the first look of romantic-horror 3D film Raaz 3.

The film revolves around a film director (Emraan Hashmi) caught between two superstars (Bipasha Basu and Esha Gupta). Bipasha, then, gets jealous of Esha's success and resorts to black magic to get rid of her. Emraan, who loves Esha, can do anything to save her.

Explaining her character, Bipasha said, “I am playing a very human role in Raaz 3! Shanaya is a prisoner of fame!” Moreover, Mahesh Bhatt, who gave Bipasha her first film Jism, praised her in one of his recent interviews. In the interview, he narrated an incident where the actress lost control over herself and couldn’t stop crying even as director Vikram Bhatt kept shouting cut.

Reacting to his comments, Bipasha Basu added, “Interview of Mahesh Bhatt saab about me not only moved you all, it moved me! For once someone wrote about an actor’s human side! The real side!” “People dissect us superficially and write about us but do they really observe us... Being an actor is not very different! I am vulnerable and go through ups and downs in life like everybody else! But we have to look strong always. If we don’t look strong, people will dig into our wounds deeper to acquire some frivolous gossip!” she added.

Auction packed!
Film memorabalia fetched lakhs at an auction in Delhi

Superstar Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao successfully bid for film memorabilia worth Rs 2,38,000 at the first Osian's-Cinefan auction, including Shammi Kapoor's jacket for Rs 88,000.

The auction, held in the capital as a part of the ongoing Osian's film festival, turned out to be a grand success with sales of Rs 69.55 lakh and 86 per cent lots sold. Gurgaon-based Kingdom of Dreams successfully bid Rs 15.6 lakh for the full rights to the last recorded song of Kishore Kumar for its new musical show Jhumroo that celebrates the spirit of the legendary singer.

Auction lots on offer consisted of vintage and rare posters, show-cards, stills, song-synopsis booklets among other artifacts.

Highlights were 45 signed black and white photographic stills by the evergreen Dev Anand, rare Satyajit Ray-designed film posters of the 1960s, the turquoise ring set in silver worn by Farooque Sheikh in Muzaffar Ali's Umrao Jaan and a cricket bat signed by Aamir and the team from Lagaan.

Rare photographic stills mounted on lobby cards and show-cards from Aan, Mother India, Dil Diya Dard Liya, Leader, Humraaz, Zanjeer, Aan Milo Sajna and Shammi Kapoor's scarf from Junglee too went under the hammer.

Many posters from Rajesh Khanna's films such as Aradhana, Amar Prem and Andaz fared exceedingly well. "After eleven years of hard work by Osian's, India can proudly say it has the basis of an international standard market for its cinematic heritage; hereafter no one will dismiss these items as raddi (garbage).” "They are collectibles and they have significant financial value. Though there is still a significant distance to cover for an in-depth market to emerge and hundreds of dealers to surface in a legitimate manner," Neville Tuli, founder chairman – Osian's, said. —PTI

Fresh from the neighbourhood!

After doing the controversial film Kaptan in Pakistan, Saeeda Imtiyaz, who plays the role of Jemima Khan, is in Mumbai to try her luck in Bollywood.

Her debut film Kaptan is made on the life of cricketer and politician Imran Khan. Saeeda Imtiyaz has done more than hundreds of ads before trying for Hindi films in India.

Saeeda plays Jemima Khan in the movie, which is going to be released in 2012. It is the most awaited movie in Pakistan. The story follows Imran Khan’s life post the World Cup victory in 1992. It follows the events that shaped up his life; from the tragic death of his mother, to his efforts and endeavors in building the first cancer hospital in Pakistan.

The movie shows how Jemima Khan separated or drifted apart from Imran Khan and what she went through emotionally during that period. How she coped and was still brave enough to face every thing that took place around her and still supported her ex-husband. Also, to what extent the people of Pakistan accepted her and what all she faced after and before the divorce.

Get the party started


Club hopping: Evelyn Sharma
Club hopping: Evelyn Sharma

Just hours after walking the ramp as a showstopper for designer Nazia Syed, Bollywood newbie Evelyn Sharma was spotted club-hopping with Tamil actor-turned-filmmaker Dhanush K Raja; as the Kolaveri Di boy turned 29 this week.

A birdie tells us that ever since Evelyn visited Chennai for the inauguration of a gymnasium last month, she has become good friends with the Why This Kolaveri Di boys – music composer Anirudh Ravichander and actor-writer-singer Dhanush.

After the two had flown down to Mumbai for Evelyn’s birthday bash a few days ago, she returned the gesture by heading to Chennai for Dhanush’s birthday bash this week. We even got to know that the boys took her on a club-hopping tour with a bunch of friends celebrating Dhanush’s birthday in pomp and style, while they all danced the night away in maddening frenzy.

The half-German, half-Indian Evelyn has already signed five movies before her debut this week with the comedy From Sydney With Love. Wonder if this new-found friendship with Anirudh and Dhanush will add a Tamil movie to her over-flowing kitty!

Did you know?
Katrina Kaif wants to live in a sea-facing bungalow, Karan Johar makes his heroines skinny, Priyanka Chopra wants a boy to make the first move… stars and their trivia!
Zoom in: Kareena Kapoor
Zoom in: Kareena Kapoor

I, me and myself

Kareena Kapoor's favourite cuisine is Italian. She loves holidaying in Switzerland and goes there twice a year. She has no regrets about anything she has done. She considers herself the numero uno actress. She is very fond of Imran Khan. If she likes certain shoes, she will buy the same pair in different colours. She worships her sister, Karisma.

Home away from home

Katrina Kaif loves ultra-fattening and sweet cinnamon rolls from a particular brand and she can eat three big rolls at a time, all by herself. After she shot Sheila Ki Jawani, Farah Khan rewarded her with three buns. She watches movies from around the world. She feels at home in Mumbai. She wants a sea-facing bungalow.

Rolled up: Katrina Kaif

Spice of life

Priyanka Chopra wants the boy to make the first move. It takes a lot to make her melt and the boy should be willing to do anything to win her heart. She wants him to chase her. She believes in the institution of marriage. She likes people making small gestures such as taking her out for ice-cream and car/bike rides. She likes watching the rain fall from her window and going for drives with loud music.
                                                     Dreamy girl: Priyanka Chopra

Go green: Lara Dutta Up close and personal

Lara Dutta loves noodles. She hates dishonesty. She does a mix of Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Kundalini yoga. She follows Art of Living so she doesn’t drink. She applies the law of attraction. She has been living independently since the age of 16. She likes being married to Mahesh Bhupathi.
Go green: Lara Dutta

Diet conscious: Karan Johar The weight trainer

Karan Johar made Rani Mukerji diet and lose five to ten kilos for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He also got Kareena to nearly starve herself for the role of Poo in Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham. Now, he made Aalia Bhatt lose sixteen kilos for the lead role in Student of The Year!

                                                  Diet conscious: Karan Johar

Star track

Name dropping
Vivek Oberoi and Mallika Sherawat
Promotion spree: Vivek Oberoi and Mallika Sherawat

Mallika Sherawat and Vivek Oberoi promoted their movie Kismat Love Paisa Dilli recently in Mumbai sharing one big long t-shirt. Vivek was friendly while Mallika was a little cold and aloof and arrogant in the way she spoke. She talked a lot about her Hollywood connections.

She is more than happy living in Los Angeles. She says it is a lot cleaner, greener, happier than Mumbai. She loves the parties she attends and has hinted that she might do a big Hollywood film. We wonder why she has not posed for Playboy yet! That will bring her a lot of fame and fortune. As for the film, it is a wacky romantic comedy!

So the joke goes…

Promising note: Mugdha GodseSaif Ali Khan decided to play a prank to take some attention away from questions regarding his marriage. He actually said that he was doing a romantic comedy with Hollywood actress Natalie Portman and his phone rang non-stop for this. He has now said he was just joking.

The year that is

Mugdha Godse turned a year older last month. She celebrated her birthday in Spain where she is currently vacationing. Her up coming films include, a venture with Vinay Pathak and Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine.
Promising note: Mugdha Godse

Chatter box

Age is just a number
Manav Gohil
mind game: Manav Gohil

Manav Gohil who has enjoyed a great run on TV took a hiatus from the medium. But now he is all set to make a comeback with the role of a teacher in the series, Buddy on Channel V.

Tell us about Buddy project.

My character is Anirudh Jaitley who has a mysterious past which gives it an edge. He is a professor who ends up mentoring school kids.

Why did you choose this role as a comeback?

I was looking for some good work since the last year but either the projects didn’t appeal to me or didn’t suit my demands. I don’t mind playing a 45-year-old man and father to a 17-year-old girl. I am also playing a 55- year- old man in a Gujarati film.

Channel V is a youth channel and not a general entertainment channel. Will the reach of your show differ then?

Yes, a general entertainment channel has a wider reach. But I look at the project in totality. As I have done travel shows, theatre… what happens is after a while you start working for yourself too. My job is to cater to an audience whatever category it is.

Don’t you want to be a part of a hit show?

I used to be in such a race a while ago but things have changed in the last decade. The channels too are jittery about projects not working and pull off shows in 3-4 months if they don’t deliver numbers. You can never say this will work for sure. Planning a career on TV is foolish.

Doesn’t it bother you to play the role of an old man?

Age doesn’t matter. In fact, the role gets challenging. I had a problem playing a dad two years ago. Now I am cool about it. A year ago I did a show called Agle Janam Mohe Bitya Hi Kijo where I played a dad.

looking forward: Aditya Redij

Opening new chapters

Aditya Redij who was disappointed about his show Preeto ending abruptly with Imagine TV shutting down has now been signed for Yash Patnaik's next show. He will play a proud villager Prithvi. Mouni Roy will play the female lead. Apparently he is working hard and is keeping his look of the show under wraps
Anas Rashid
Anas Rashid

For the love of Indian food

Anas Rashid who recently went to Singapore to shoot for his show Diya Aur Baati Hum missed Indian food the most. As per the story he had to go to Singapore to participate in a cookery contest. Anas claims there is no match to our own food. He went to a locality called Little India and enjoyed simple Indian food there.

Payback time
Sangram Singh
Guest role: Sangram Singh

Wrestler Sangram Singh who was seen in Survivor India and is Payal Rohatgi’ friend will be seen as an expert on various news channels talking about wrestling as the Olympics have begun. Sangram, who himself practices professional wrestling will be the face of Olympic wrestling in India on television, Excited about taking on this new role, Sangram says, "I wanted to do something for the sport that has given me so much in life. It is due to wrestling that people now know me and recognise me. I want recognition for my fellow wrestlers too and that's why I decided to take on this role."
Karanvir Bohra
HAPPY FEET: Karanvir Bohra

Jay Soni Soaked in tricolour

Life OK will celebrate the Independence Day in a gala manner with a show called Azaadi. It will see performances from Sanjeeda Sheikh, Karanvir Bohra, Siddharth Shukla, Mouni Roy, Kinshuk Mahajan, Manish Rai Singhani, Piyush Sahdev. It will be aired on August 15.

There’s always a next time!

Jay Soni aka Ishaan of Sasural Genda Phool participated in the wild card round of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 but he couldn’t make it. That doesn’t mean the actor is sad about it. He claims he is happy to get a chance to show his talent but he finds hosting reality shows more fun. He says that dance requires lot of energy.

not a deal: Jay Soni

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to concentrate on leisure activities. Imagination is important for artists and script writers. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47

TAURUS: Your card is “the Magician” so you are likely to be taken unaware by surprises today. It is a better period for working in familiar surroundings. Consider alternative therapies as an aid to accelerate healing. Tarot message: At work don’t hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Spend this perfect day with your sweet-heart. Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love most. It is a social day to rate the best of them. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 35

CANCER: If you have recently taken on a new job make sure you negotiate the specific terms and conditions. Special skills and abilities will not be noticed. You may begin to feel rather tired so do not push yourself. Tarot message: Don’t take impulsive decisions in a personal relationship. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 40

LEO: Your performance is on public view and those in charge will be watching your moves. The day favours those of you now treading unfamiliar ground. Do not pay much attention to gossip about loved ones. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 32

VIRGO: Sudden encounters with extraordinary character leave a mark on your life. You will find it difficult to reach agreements with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 25

LIBRA: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled especially in the morning. Factory workers: no co-operation from labour. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable when the time comes to relax and unwind. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 28

SCORPIO: This abundance is not due to luck but all because of your hard-work. Long-term projects and contracts can be paying off handsomely. Fanciful schemes suggested by friends should be gently but firmly rejected. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: Good business continues. Relationships move to closer intimacy and fulfilling promises. Once you have decided on a certain course of action stick to your guns. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Turn on the charm and the world’s your oyster. Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunity that comes your way. It is a perfect day for a clean-up around the house; off for the weeks. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build great success. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 51

AQUARIUS: A day is built for workaholics, which is great if you love your job and want to establish a powerful momentum of productivity. Enjoyment can be obtained in the company of the person dearest to you. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 65

PISCES: Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people in on what you are planning. Warmth and joy can flow to you in romance. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 2...

Your birthday falls on Raksha Bandhan, which you must celebrate with family.  Number two is the mediator and peace-lover. It indicates the desire for harmony. It is a gentle, considerate, and sensitive vibration. Ruled by the moon, you will be diplomatic, warm, peaceful and sensitive. If expressed negatively, you will be dependent, manipulative, passive and aggressive. A sneak peak at a partner's emails or text messages will be a bad idea. You might come across things you would have been better off, not seeing. Don't overlook the value of observation. Instead of being preoccupied, keep an ear and an eye open; you'll see pertinent parts of the picture you've been missing.

Around December, a few minor adjustments make much more sense than attempts at big changes or starting from a scratch. Don't drink alcohol as it may upset your sleep and prevent you from resting. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented. You will have difficulty with family members but don't let this ruin the peace of your mind. Behave decently with your sweetheart. If you run from a situation- it will follow you in the worst possible way.

Don't wait till the last minute. Try to anticipate problems by concentration. Only in this way will you find solutions and come out of this with your head held high. If you cannot change things, you should move on. Spend more time getting yourself in shape and sharpening your skills. New opportunities will come soon.

There may be a few tensions but you will be able to overcome it. Work and other practical responsibilities can become detours and take you away from romance. Ideally, you can find someone with whom you can work and play at the same time.

Mood: Happy and satisfied. Compatible signs: Leo, Scorpio. Lucky colours: Magenta, Slate blue. Lucky days: Friday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 11, 14, 32

Sam Worthington (full name Samuel Worthington) was born on August 2, 1976, in Perth, Australia. He appeared in lead role in the movie Somersault and it earned him the Australian Film Institute’s Best Lead Actor award. He was seen in some TV shows in his country, like The Surgeon. Sam Worthington is famous as an Australian-born actor who has acted in movies like Avatar (2009). He performed predominantly in leading roles in a variety of low-budget films before transitioning to major studio films, ranging from romantic drama and comedy-drama to science fiction and action. He was also in prime role in a remake of Macbeth.





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