Young & Direct
If you thought direction had a lot to do with age and experience, here are a few young directors of Punjabi movies who have made a mark with their fresh approach... 
Jasmine Singh

The jatt doesn't while away his time riding horses or singing love songs in makki dey khait any longer. Instead, he goes to Canada to look for a job and falls in love with Juliet (Read Jatt and Juliet). He doesn't roar on the top of his voice, doesn't mention anything about jat da badla, on the contrary he weaves a comedy of errors by marrying his love without the knowledge of his parents (read Carry On Jatta).

Scripts are crisper, actors are smart, camera plays around interestingly; producers have become lenient on their pockets and the best part the captains of the ship — the directors — are discovering new shores. Here is the catch - young and fresh crop of directors are redefining Punjabi cinema, bringing a whiff of fresh change. We catch up with some young filmmakers and their freshly baked ideas.

Talking content
Smeep Kang

The last we saw Smeep was when he tickled our funny bone in Jaspal Bhatti's Mahaul Theek Hai. Smeep Kang from Patiala is tracing the graph of his successful venture Carry On Jatta, which starred Gippy Grewal and Mahie Gill. "My directorial debut was Chak De Phatte, but it didn't do well. I also made a DVD film Meri Vahuti Da Vyah," he says.

A screenplay and writer for films like Yaara O Dildaara, Smeep gives a lot of importance to the content of the film. "Technique can be a secondary thing if content is strong. This is what new directors are focussing on and introducing in cinema," he adds. This young director feels that more good films are being made now. "If there are ten bad films, there are four good films also."

The challenge

"Handling the second generation NRIs is a challenge. How long can we play on the nostalgia angle? We have to give them contemporary matter that they can relate to. They should be able to identify with the plot. The second hurdle is to satisfy the front-benchers so that they can recommend our films to others."

Comic twist
Amit Prasher

He was assisting Navnait Singh on Dharti and Taur Mitran Di before 32-year-old Amit Prashar from Nakodar, Jalandhar, directed his debut film Main Tera 22, Tu Mera 22 starring Amrinder Gill and Yo Yo Honey Singh.

New angle

"I am trying to bring fresh comedy to Punjab. Tu Mera 22, Main Tera 22 is about the relationship between two brothers and how they can rake up comedy."

The target

"I can create comedy and characters that the younger generation can relate better to."

Setting trends
Anurag Singh

The box-office hasn't stopped ringing; Jatt & Juliet is touted as the biggest Punjabi blockbuster, but director Anurag Singh is too modest to admit it as a major contribution to cinema.

Anurag made his Punjabi film debut with Yaar Anmulle, which was also a big hit.

First take

"I wouldn't say I have brought about a big change in Punjabi cinema because people like Mamohan Singh and Navnait Singh have done much more than this. For the first time, however, all non-singers were cast as actors in Yaar Anmulle. Secondly, for the first time, probably, Punjabi cinema saw a rom-com with Jatt & Juliet and audiences were talking about the chemistry between the actors, something that was never talked about earlier.

Character wise

For this 36-year-old director, the difference in his movies has come from the fact that humour and characters have been picked from everyday routine. "For instance, the character Fateh Singh in Jatt & Juliet is something that we have seen before, which is what makes it loveable," says Anurag.

Being different
Jatinder Mauhar

This 32-year-old looks at film-making as a challenge. "Herd mentality is present in the entertainment world as well. After one successful comedy movie, everyone wants to do the same," shares Jatinder, who made his debut with Mitti and is now busy with his upcoming, much-talked about project Sarsa starring Gul Panag.

Engaging the audience

"Every director brings in a new element. I don't consider my audiences foolish, which means I can't give them whatever. Movies for me are a medium of starting a dialogue. Entertainment should be engaging."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

German face, Punjabi stage
Talent moves beyond boundaries. 
This is especially true for German model Claudia Ciesla, who first came to India for Bigg Boss Season 3 in 2009 and has decided to stay on…
Sabia Talwar

Claudia Ciesla, a German model, came to India to participate in the reality show Bigg Boss Season 3 in 2009 and since then, she has stayed on in Mumbai. Her latest stint in a Punjabi movie Yaar Pardesi, which was released on August 24, shows that Claudia wants to experiment, be it Bollywood or Punjabi cinema. We catch up with the German lady.

Back in time

I started modelling at a very young age. Later, I studied economics because my parents never wanted me to compromise with academics. At one point in time, I wanted to become a tax consultant, but as luck would have it I walked the ramp and developed a confidence to face the camera. I have done one international movie Karma and then was invited as a contestant for Bigg Boss Season 3. After that I also did Zor Ka Jhatka: Total Wipeout before I was offered Yaar Pardesi.

Language no bar

As Yaar Pardesi is my first Punjabi movie, I had to learn fluent Punjabi. I did not want any dubbing, so you can see me speaking Punjabi. As far as my Hindi is concerned, while I was in the Bigg Boss house the other inmates tried to teach me. Also, after that I took Hindi lessons for one year as I decided to stay on in India.

Reality byte

Personally, I have pretty good memories from the Bigg Boss show. It's not scripted at all and exactly shows how the contestants deal with the pressure of being with each other and emerging as the winner. In that very situation one can be friends outside the Bigg Boss house, but definitely not inside because of the difference of opinions.

About 'Yaar Pardesi'

In this movie, I'm playing a character named Anna, who is a Canadian and is friends with Sehej, and they both study in Canada. The story revolves around how we land in Punjab where Anna needs to find her sister's husband who has abandoned her. It's a rom-com that also stars RJ Dhanveer, Vandana Singh, Gurpreet Ghuggi, BN Sharma and Binnu Dhillon. The movie has been directed by Gurbir Singh Grewal. I sport western outfits while we are in Canada and Punjabi attires like salwar suits when we are in Punjab.

Future forecast

It's decided that I'm here in India and I don't mind doing Hindi or Punjabi movies. I have also learnt Bollywood dancing. So basically I'm just waiting for good scripts and stories to come along. I'm a big fan of Imtiaz Ali and would love to work in one of his movies.

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

the ‘in’ side
Guest appearance
Sukhmani

If you are always welcoming guests, you must make sure you do up your guest bedroom in a way that they enjoy their stay with you. Create a retreat for your guests that will not only make them feel comfortable but pampered as well. Here are a few tips to decorate a perfect guest bedroom.

nDecorate the room with a soothing colour. Welcome the guests by adding fresh flowers or burning scented candles.

nDo not use this space as a storage room. Get rid of all the clutter. Refrain from decorating the room with all that you do not want to use in your own room.

nChoose window coverings wisely. They should not only add character to the room but also must provide privacy and light control.

nGive your guests a comfortable bed to sleep on. Avoid using saggy mattresses in the guestroom.

nKeep the linen for the guestroom separate. Keep the sheets and towels clean as well as fresh. Nothing can be more putting off than to sleep on dirty sheets. The pillow covers need to be lightly starched and ironed. Keep extra pillows and blankets handy.

nAdd a luggage rack or a bench to set down the suitcase. No one likes to bend over down to the floor to fetch out items.

nProvide your guests with storage for their clothes. Give them some space to hang their clothes to avoid them getting wrinkled.

nGive your guests a comfortable place to sit. Place an upholstered chair or a pair of chairs with a lamp close by.

nProvide some simple basics in the room like an alarm clock, bottled water with clean glasses, a night light and a TV.

nCreate a snack bar for your guests on the bedside table or the dressing table. Add a few pieces of cake, granola bars, chocolates, mints as well as biscuits and instruct your guests to help themselves.

nPut a basket of travel-sized toiletries like a shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soaps and mouthwash. Also add a small shaving-cream, disposable razor, nail file, tweezers and scissors.

nGive your guests something to read and entertain themselves when you are not around. Add coffee table books and magazines.

(Sukhmani is an interior & landscape designer)

Tip

A day before your guests arrive, spend some time in the guest room to check if any bulb needs replacing. Are there crumbs under the sofa cushions? Does the TV remote need new batteries? Are there any cobwebs on the ceiling? After you clean up and make any necessary changes you can sleep easy knowing your guests will have nothing but the best.

Celeb point
Back to the roots
Divya Dutta

Koi mujhko lauta de bachpan ka saawan, wo kaagaz ki kashti, wo baarish ka paani…These thoughts always float in my mind, when I come to Punjab!

Came to Chandigrh for work, but I kept a day for Ludhiana to meet all my folks. My super spirited ma told me, “I want to meet all my friends this time.” And I was very excited about the idea too. I had not seen them for years.

As I reached Ludhiana, a flood of people came to meet us. The house was full of visitors. Of course, it felt good but felt like an actor. Nothing wrong with that, just that I was keen to meet those who have known me as a child.

So we reached the farm house of my uncle, our family friend. Many people were invited to meet us.

As we entered the gates, I saw the tall man with a white beard. That was my uncle I saw after years. Except for the beard, the charm, the vigour, the bright glint in his eyes were just the same. I remembered he used to lift me up in the air, the strong man that he was, and leave me mid-air, with my hyper parents yelling to get daughter back.

For a second I felt like doing it again, for a second I forgot I am a big gal now. As I met all my uncles and aunts, the heart felt elated and relive those good old times once again, of course in an older version! But they all joked and recited poetry like time had just stood still. And I just kept looking at them, not getting enough. And I looked at my mom, her face bright and happy. Never seen her happier. There's nothing more beautiful than meeting those who are special. Those who are friends for life! As uncle took me to look up his library, I climbed up the steps looking up books! And he stood their watching and I became a little gal again, I was up on the shelves, upside down checking books in every corner, till we were called for lunch. In the fields where I'd once played so much!

I was happy, secure, back in childhood with no worries or thoughts of a grown-up, till it was time to leave. When aunty said, ‘Beta ik photo khicha lai bachayan naal’, I came back to reality, being an actor and far away from my childhood, but what a ride it was as I left from there with moist eyes, with all the warmth, all the affection. I saw the fading figures behind, those I love so much but meet so rarely! A silent thanks to god and a prayer so that I get to see these lovely people again soon, who are so full of unconditional love, who add to my memories of my lovely Punjab, who remind me of my little pranks, who still call me Divu beta and who still remind me of the beautiful days...with a promise of reliving them yet again…

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

pet passion
Coming home to Daisy
Manpriya Singh

Unconditional love is just the icing on the cake, what converts pet owners into dog lovers is the companionship that they have to offer. It’s always been the more the merrier.

Manmeet Singh, 25, businessman, too had to convince his mother to bring in another one. How did he do it? He laughs, “I just brought the dog home,” and adds, “She was like, ‘oh no, not again’!” But my father was alright with them.” Whatever the reception or first reactions, he is only too happy to come back home to his two pets, a six-year-old female German Shephard called Daisy and a brown and black three-year-old male Boxer called Shadow. “They love you back with no limits and that’s the best thing about them,” he puts it straight and simple.

Love me, love my dog

Wasn’t Dave Barry bang on with, “You can say any foolish thing to a dog and the dog will give you this look that says, ‘My God, you’re right! Never would’ve thought of that’!” “Whenever I’m home, I play with them, spend time with them. Most of the time they are around.” He adds, “I generally don’t take them out for walks because there’s not much time. I get back late but otherwise they sleep outside the room only.” Lest it does not go well with the lady of the house. He laughs, “My mom won’t approve of them sleeping inside my bedroom.” Nevertheless, inherent love for pets runs in the family, starting right back from his first Pomeranian called Cracker. “We got him during Diwali and that’s why my sisters named him Cracker.”

He says, “My grandfather loves dogs. We had a dog that he had trained and taught a lot of things, like how to shake hands and even do ‘Sat Sri Akal.’

Yours faithfully

The little quirks and characteristics are always part of the package. “Shadow is quite playful and he can literally eat anything.” Just when we thought it was his little shadow that follows him everywhere. “I had a white Boxer who didn’t survive, so this one was named after him because he is the previous one’s shadow.”

Over to Daisy. “She’s very intelligent. Whenever she’s in the room, she senses my mood immediately, looks at me first and behaves accordingly.” Which could vary from being all over the place to crawling inside and sitting in the corner. He says, “She’s very choosy about food but really makes a lot of fuss when she needs to be taken to the doctor.”

manpriya@tribunemail.com 

At the pinnacle 

Any award, big or small means a lot. When it happens to be against the big players, it makes all the more different. Kids’ wear brand 612 Ivy League, bagged the Pinnacle Award 2012, as the best brand under the kids’ wear category.

“It is only a three-year-old brand and was conceptualised because we saw a huge market. There was nobody catering to pre-teens,” beams the managing director, Manu Indrayan, at an event in Chandigarh. He adds, “Ivy League stands for the aspirations of the child at this age. They get influenced by cartoon characters, fairies and see the world through a rosy filtered glass.”

And what the award means to him? He shares, “It feels great. That means we have outperformed any other brand that has a shelf area in the kid’s wear section. That means there was a demand for our clothing.”

He adds, “There were Gini and Johnny, Lilliput and Benetton. It feels good to be winning against the established players.” The Pinnacle Awards are organised annually by Shoppers Stop. —TNS

High Spirits
Pink Panther
Vineet Mishra

The Classic version of this drink has been a favourite of all the royal ladies since the British Raj.

Ingredients

45 ml Absolut peach

15 ml cherry syrup

1/4 tsp. chaat masala

Cranberry juice

Cola

Instructions  

Pour the Vodka, chat masala and cherry syrup into a highball glass filled with ice. Stir. Fill the glass with equal amounts of cranberry juice and cola.

Cocktail Facts:

July 30 is known as Black Tots Day to memorialise the day in 1970 when the British Navy did away with this ritual of providing every sailor with a daily ration of Vodka.

(Mishra is a cocktail jockey)

Master Chef
Marvels of marbling
Kandla Nijhowne

This heading sounds musical, doesn't it? If I attempt any further rhyming, I shall catch myself warbling! Who would think of simultaneously preparing a vanilla-cake batter and a chocolate-cake one, then throwing them together in the same tin and swirling them around till they create ripples of contrasting colour and then bake it? A whiz-cook certainly! This is traditionally called a marble cake and is truly a gorgeous sight! Two batters are dropped alternately into a tin, then a toothpick or a knitting needle is dipped in and twirled around to meld the batters, but not quite. If it worries you that two batters sounds cumbersome, trust me it isn't, since you initially prepare only one. If you drop the mixture in heaps and omit the swirling, you will have distinct blobs of baked chocolate and vanilla cake without the marbling effect. This dear readers, looking like a spotty animal would be called “Cow cake”! Holy Cow!

Method

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees C. Lightly grease a medium sized cake tin or loaf pan and set aside. Sieve together the maida, baking powder, and salt. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about five minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla, then add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the lassi. Roughly divide the batter into two bowls. (I retain a slightly larger portion for the chocolate cake!) In a bowl, mix cocoa and 1/4 cup boiling water until smooth. Add the cocoa mixture to the reserved cake batter and stir until well combined. Spoon batters into the prepared tin, alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate to simulate a “checkerboard” effect. To create “marbling”, run a knife or wooden skewer through the batters in a swirling motion. Do not over mix. Bake, rotating the pan halfway through, until a cake tester comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes then turn out cake from the tin and cool completely on the rack.

(Nijhowne is a culinary expert)

Romanian marble butter cake

Ingredients

½ butter

1¾ cup maida

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla essence

2/3 cup thick “lassi”

¼ cup (heaped) cocoa powder

Fruits of labour
Mona

Over two decades in the industry, film director Sangeeth Sivan has learnt things the hard way. A known name in the Malayalam film industry, he made a move to Mumbai over a decade back in search of a bigger audience. Currently fine-tuning the script for Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, before he leaves for the UK for its shooting, Sangeeth shares excerpts from his stint in tinsel town.

"My movie Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne bombed at the box-office in 2003. Everyone told me to pack my bags and leave Mumbai," he says. But what kept him there was the faith of his producer Ekta Kapoor. "Ekta had already promised me a flick and we did Kyaa Kool Hai Hum despite people asking her not to bank on me," he says.

Sangeeth, who has all been for small and experimental films, has decided to change track to make a true entertainer this time. Quiz him on Rs 100-crore club and he laughs, "That's what film-making has been reduced to. No one discusses the film or its story, but how much it earns and how quickly."

Earlier, this director from Alleppey, would try to do something new with each project he undertook, but things have changed immensely since he began. "Earlier, one couldn't make a mistake for costs were huge and stakes high." Cut to present; the film is a hit even before it goes into making if it has a big star's name attached to it. His approach is pretty clear now — Hindi films for masses, and small budget, experimental cinema in Malayalam and one film a year. "I want to work with younger talent, make my kind of films and also reach the masses." His project in hand, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, promises to be a fun film just like its prequel. "The story-line this time is quite different," he says.

mona@tribunemail.com

Sangeeth Sivan was literally written off as a director after Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne failed at the box-office. Having weathered the storm, today he is fine-tuning the script for Yamla Pagla Deewana 2

STAR TRACK
Ranveer is Ram & Deepika is Leela

The cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum love opus has been in the news since its inception. First, Kareena was going to do it but then Sanjay decided not to cast her because of her wedding nuptials later this year, then Priyanka was nearly finalised until Deepika convinced the filmmaker to sign her for the movie. Once again, we heard that Kareena was a part of the movie because her wedding was postponed. Now, it has been finalised that Deepika and Ranveer are playing the leads in the romantic movie.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali does not want to talk about the movie. A source close to him tell us, “Kareena was the perfect Leela that Sanjay Leela Bhansali had envisioned but she cannot do the movie for various reasons. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has now found the perfect Leela in Deepika. He does not know why he did not think of her before. There was no doubt about Ranveer playing Ram. Both of them bring wonderful chemistry to their parts. Ranveer is charming and Deepika is fragile and elegant. Her beauty is vintage and Indian. There is an amazing spark between Ranveer and Deepika as the pair is completely new and fresh.”

Ram Leela is a very big film for Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone because Sanjay is known to extract fine performances from his actors no matter what the fate of the film. The movie will release in 2013.

Ranbir fined for smoking in public

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has been fined Rs 200 for smoking in public by the district court. The 29-year-old actor was accused of violating the Rajasthan Prevention of Smoking Act, after a local daily published images of Ranbir smoking on May 28, while shooting for Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani with Deepika Padukone.

Harish Vaishnav had lodged a complaint at a local court in Udaipur, following which Ranbir was summoned on June 26. Since the summon could not be delivered to him by the date, the court fixed July 26 for his appearance, on which day his lawyer KK Purohit appeared and said that Ranbir did smoke in public but it was part of the film.

He also said that the act will not be repeated. According to the Rajasthan Prevention of Smoking Act, a person found guilty of smoking in public can be sentenced to a maximum imprisonment of six months or a fine of Rs 200. On Monday, the court ordered Ranbir to pay the fine. —PTI

Heroine is 80 per cent reality: Kareena

Madhur Bhandarkar is known to mirror reality in most of his films and Kareena Kapoor says his latest project Heroine is eighty percent based on real life. Kareena plays the role of Bollywood actress Mahi Arora in the film which revolves around the ups and downs in the life of a superstar.

Buzz was that the film has incorporated many incidents from the lives of actresses in the Hindi film industry.

"I think the film is 80 per cent based on reality. I have been watching it while dubbing for the film and I am shocked! After viewing this film, people will know what happens in the personal life of actresses," said Kareena.

After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan pulled out of the film due to pregnancy, Kareena, who was Madhur's initial choice, stepped in to play the lead role. "I am glad the film finally came to me as I was keen on working with Madhur after watching Chandni Bar. I am happy I've worked in one of his best films," said Kareena.

The 31-year-old actress said she did not have any apprehensions taking up the film after Aishwarya opted out. —PTI

Single and ready to mingle

TV hottie Vikrant Massey is looking for that special someone. The popular star is playing the second lead in Ranveer Singh's next release. He also has another film and TV projects in his kitty. The soft-spoken actor talks about love, life, family and career. Read on to get to know him better.

What makes you feel good?

Doing good work, being appreciated for it and spending time with my family and friends makes me feel good.

What do you do in your spare time?

I get very little free time but I spend time with my parents and my brother. I have groups of friends and catch up with them as much as I can. I love going for drives and dinners. I have to watch a movie every night. I like going clubbing too.

Do you have a fitness routine?

I have none at all. I don’t even go to the gym. I keep planning on beefing up but I just can’t drag myself to the gym. But one day I will.

What is your favourite possession?

I love my car and the music system that I have installed. I recently bought a new phone. I am a simple person but I splurge on perfumes because I have to smell good at all times. Caroline Herrera 212 and Issey Miyake are my favourite perfumes.

What kind of a girl are you looking for?

She has to be unique and special, different from everyone else and yet simple. I should be able to talk to her as communication is the key. I want somebody who will take care of me and my parents when I am not around. I would love it if she cooks for me but I also want to give her a very comfortable life.

Tell us about your family?

I have my mother Meena, my father Jolly and my elder brother Mohsin. My mother is always worried about where I am, my father is more like a friend and I have the highest regard for my brother Mohsin. He is a very simple guy but very intelligent and also very honest and true.

What is most important to you right now?

I want to do good work and make enough money to take care of my family because they have given me so much. I am grateful for all the work that is coming my way. I want to be seen as an actor. All 
my friends are dating and/or married and expecting. I do want to date somebody but I am pressed for time right now. I know it will happen when the time is right.

Do you have any dating tips?

I think the guy should always pay. Take the girl on long drives, hold her hand, walk on the beach and take her to dinner. Talk to her and listen to what she has to say. Sing romantic songs for her. Drop her home safely. Make her feel comfortable. Smell good and be at your charming best.

Look who’s drinking

Mahie Gill plays an alcoholic in the sequel to Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster. She used to start drinking at 8 in the morning on the sets in Gujarat to get into the character. The cast and crew members would have a ball over her getting high.

Living out of a suitcase

Amy Jackson is working on Shankar's film titled I Am, opposite Vikram. She shot the movie for two days straight, flew to Mumbai for a commercial shooting and went back to Chennai to resume shooting for her movie. Phew!

 

 

Silence is golden 

Neha Dhupia turned 32 this week. We do not know much about her personal life because she keeps it private. She just smiles through personal questions that are shot at her.

 

 

chatter box
Cupid strikes

Sara Khan and Ashmit Patel are excited about their upcoming film Sawaariya. After Khathushyam the duo shot a song to celebrate Holi. The movie is sure to grab eyeballs with the amazing and sizzling chemistry between the two.

About the same, Sara said, "It was great working with Ashmit. Shooting for the Holi song was great fun. Ashmit adds, "Working and having fun is a rare experience." After controversial shows on TV, Sara and Ashmit are all set to entertain the aam janta. We hope they make it as real as they made it reel.

Bad boy is back

When everything was going right, a sudden entry into Star Plus' Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon has created quite a uproar. Abhaas Mehta who plays Shyam is back on the show with a bang.

While the Raizada household prepares for the grand wedding of their lovable Khushi(Sanaya Irani) and Arnav (Barun Sobti), Shyam's entry will ensure that the mystery continues. "It's good to be back in action. I am hoping that my fans stay glued to the show. I feel it's always good to let curiosity take over," says Abhaas Mehta when asked how he feels to be back on the show. Watch Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon Monday to Friday at 8 pm on Star Plus.

As dirty as it gets

This August Max channel is all set to entertain, engage and delight all Bollywood crazy fans with its latest offering Dirty Khabar, an exclusive out of the box show, which will provide the latest gossip in and around Bollywood in a manner which is zaraa hatke!

The show, set in a form of a newsroom studio, will be hosted by the multi-talented performer, RJ and presenter Mantraand the beautiful television star Karishma Tanna. The tribe of mimicry artistes ranging from VIP, Kapil, Raja, Priya Raina, Vikalp, Mubin, Howard Rosemeyer, Jaswant and many more will be seen in the garb of Bollywood celebrities giving their take on films and presenting their views as critics. The half hour weekly show will have a series of Bollywood topics covered in a very burlesque manner. Right from giving the latest gossip with a tangy twist, to providing the andar ki khabar in paparazzi style.

All’s well that ends well

Saas Bina Sasural on Sony TV will be going off air from next month. The shooting for the last few episodes is nearly complete. There is still good news for the fans of Aishwarya Sakhuja. Aishwarya will be seen in the last episode of the serial.

According to sources the serial will end on a happy note. Toasty, will be coming back, and she will decide to stay with the Chaturvedi family. After Radhika's (Rubina Dhilak) endeavour to unite Tej (Ravi Dubey) and Toasty successfully, the show will wrap up.

When contacted Rubina said, "I am very attached to the show. I am going to miss every part of the journey, which has been amazing."Aishwarya, on the other hand said, "Yes, I am coming for the last episode of Saas Bina Sasural. It feels great to be back on the sets of the show. I will miss it."

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 29...

You will come up with brilliant ideas that will bring

financial gains. Social activities along with the family would be pleasurable. Those engaged will find their sweetheart a source of great happiness. Associate with experienced people and learn from what they have to say. You would be full of good ideas and your choice of activities will bring you gains beyond your expectations. You have to let go of the past if you wish to get out of the sentimental mood that grips you. Pending issues become murkier and expenses cloud your mind. Make sure you have the approval of others before you make changes to your environment.

Akkineni Nagarjuna, popularly known as Nagarjuna (August 29, 1959, Chennai) is a Telugu cinema actor and a successful producer. Nagarjuna charges close to 12crores per movie and is probably the highest paid actor in the Telugu film industry. He owns several restaurants in India and abroad. While working on Khuda Gawah in Afghanistan, Nagarjuna fell in love with the region so much that he bought a huge property there. 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Avoid getting involved with demanding social issues. Minor problems will provoke you. Home life will cause some interference.

Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red Magic number: 32.

TAURUS: Your card Four of Wands promises an excellent day. Take a break. Do not feel guilty about taking time out to look after your well-being. Preventing health problem is better than treating it. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 42.

GEMINI: , diplomacy, respect and cooperation are far better attributes to employ in dealing with people if you want positive results. Tendency for revenge should be controlled. Job applications yield good results. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 65

CANCER: Be prepared for multiple invitations to social events. Your family may be having a big get together. Turn your attention to jobs that give you an opportunity to make the best use of your intellect. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youth.

Lucky colour: Royal blue.

Magic number: 36

LEO: Now is the time to distinguish clearly between wants and needs. Your desires have no end but your bank account will dry up before you fulfill your wants. You can look forward to hearing from a friend who can drop in for a pot-luck.

Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 33

VIRGO: Stick to what you know and do your best and you will not go wrong. There may be trouble brewing in the family. Do not let too many people know what you are planning.

Tarot message: Versatility and a quicksilver mind will bail you out of a situation.Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Magic number: 64

LIBRA: An urgent crisis at job can drag you back to the workplace. Make the best of it by doing what must be done quickly and effectively. A chance encounter with an ex-flame may revive old memories. Tarot message: You find a fountain head of will power within yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 24

SCORPIO: You should give a serious thought to your business. Decisions, especially involving career should not be put off. Do not walk about in daze. Be careful about minor injury.

Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.

Lucky colour: Silver grey.

Magic number: 54

SAGITTARIUS: A major domestic purchase can be made. Be patient, even though you want it immediately. Students can be successful in written test. Love life suffers due to family problems.

Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital.

Lucky colour: Sea green.

Magic number: 60.

CAPRICORN: Learn how to do something better. Working women should be careful while dealing with clients. Children may enjoy the company of their parents. Businessmen find the day quite hectic. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays.

Lucky colour: Peacock green.

Magic number: 29

AQUARIUS: It is a good day on the financial front. Women between the age group of 40-45 take care of your health. Sportsmen especially cricketers may win the game.

Tarot message: Use careful judgment in handling issues. Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 61

PISCES: Group meeting can be both productive and enjoyable. Selling big goals may seem unrealistic. If you shoot for what you really want, it might happen.

Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry.

Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels.

Magic number: 55





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