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No clamour for glamour
Seema Biswas has a certain aloofness about her. She walked into Tagore Theatre for the ongoing Chandigarh Theatre Festival on Friday afternoon dressed in a casual red suit and red floaters; rim of the glasses red too. ‘An unglamourous actor’ is what she calls herself and ‘not very ambitious’. “Main vo karti hun jo mere dil ko acha lagta hai,” she says. We dig in more…
On Jivito Mrito I have done solo plays before. But for Jivito Mrito, I never felt I was alone. It is a very intimate play; the audiences are as much part of it as the non-actor team. Films vs stage I love acting. However small the role, I give it my very best. Theatre gives me the chance to explore more. Unlike films where the director calls the last shot, it’s the actor who regulates the action based on many factors — audience being the foremost. One-film wonder I have been extremely fortunate to have landed in Bandit Queen. Yes, I am known for that film but so is Anupam Kher for Saaransh. Guess it’s more prevalent in India. Women in focus Women are used rather as a flower-pot on screen. Only once in a while there is a Mother India. Sadly, each day we wake up to read incidents related to women in papers and the screen still remains an untapped resource. On direction I can’t direct; I am not that intelligent. I am a director’s actor. I have learnt and enjoyed as much from Anuradha Madam as from Deepa Mehta. Glam power I am a huge fan of Mani Ratnam and Mahesh Bhatt of Arth. Even they prefer a Kareena or Karisma over the non-glamourous actors like us. But then I have enjoyed each phase; it has been a challenge to move from Assam to Delhi and then Mumbai. But I am happy with my lot…’Mujhe Madhuri ya Sridevi banana hi nahi tha!
Direct to the point
mona@tribunemail.com
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Soulful melodies
There is some communication gap between what the audience wants and what television as well as radio channels perceive as the demand. Halkat Jawani, which is being played the maximum on music channels, isn’t necessarily on the list of music-lovers. Playback singer Kavita Seth got this reality check during her shows at the IITs and IIMs, where she was asked to sing a track from Gangster, Mujhe Mat Roko, which hardly went on air! “The audience wants to listen to soulful music and sensible lyrics. I don’t understand who termed item songs as the most popular form of music. It’s a belief created by those who hold the remote control of the channels,” says the singer, who was in Chandigarh to promote her seventh album Ek Din.
Her work comprises nine songs, three of which are in her favourite genre Sufi. The lyrics are by Jagdish Prakash. The voice behind the super-hit songs Ek Tara from Wake Up Sid and Tumhi Ho Bandhu from Cocktail, Kavita is happy juggling Bollywood and individual albums. “Bollywood promises instant fame while albums give me creative space. When singing for films, we are bound by what music directors want; it’s the albums that give artists the freedom to grow and make what they think is right.” Kavita has sung for all the established music directors but she feels a change sets in everytime a new composer takes charge. “A fresher brings in fresh tunes. He doesn’t mind experimenting with folk music or instruments. The new breed of music directors is a welcome change.” In the last seven years of her career, she has sung very few songs because she keeps away from the rat-race. “I know I can’t afford to be this choosy, but my ethics don’t allow me to promote any music that’s deprived of a soul. I will never sing an item number,” which is despite the fact that her husky voice is best suited for it. Lyrics, she says, makes her pick a song. Her next big project is a Hollywood film Trishna starring Frieda Pinto, which will have three songs by her. Another popular trend that she has given a miss is of judging a reality show, which she feels distracts youngsters from following their goals. “The focus then shifts from riyaaz to just performing better than the competitors and winning praises from the judges.” As for being a judge, she says, “We all have been gifted with different voices, so who I am to decide whose voice is better than the rest.” As is expected, her sons are also into music and the younger one is cutting an album for her. Excited about the project, she informs, “I will sing Amir Khusrau’s poetry and the genre of music is trance. It again boils down to the same fact; youngsters know what experimenting with music actually is. Give them a break; don’t entangle them in reality shows.” Are the makers of reality shows hearing? ashima@tribunemail.com
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first-day-first show
Starring: Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda
The spotlight followed her, the camera loved her, the paparazzi couldn't get enough of her, Mahi Arora (Kareena Kapoor) was a 'Superstar' in every sense of the word! Not only was she on top of her game, she was also single, fancy-free and footloose. She was beautiful, famous, successful and very rich and of course still young. In short a case of pure perfection. This is what the world would have you believe about her. It is said that paradox exists in the darkness behind the spotlight. Unfortunately, Mahi's inner world was in direct contrast to her outer life. After all uneasy lays the head that wears a crown. Prone to intense mood swings, in fact secretly bipolar, insecure, unsure and very lonely. Mahi's only source of happiness was love, her insane, all-pervasive, all-consuming love for the reigning superstar who hadn't quite committed to her. While all her contemporaries were busy making career moves, endorsements, 'alliances' and even marriages; Mahi, unmindful of her career was only focused on somehow getting her love requited and in her attempt to do that begins a journey spiraling downwards. The story goes through various ill-fated relationships and career roller coasters all the way to a point where Mahi is forced to risk everything she had. Could Mahi retain her position as the No. 1 Heroine of her times? Was her true love ever going to be requited? Was Mahi going to lose everything she cared for? Or was there a way of saving herself to emerge as a true Heroine . . . of life? Flop show The movie is quite slow and serious. It succeeds to bore you throughout and the only eye candy is Kareena Kapoor who looks stunningly glamorous. On the other hand the whole focus is on Kareena, which makes it more monotonous. Neena Sharma, housewife Memorable Mahi Apart from Kareena Kapoor, who is the fulcrum of the movie, Randeep Hooda and Arjun Rampal have played their role quite decently. I just loved Kareena as Mahi and this one is one of her memorable roles. Suhani Bansal, student, Panjab University Kareena shines Kareena has done an amazing job with her power-packed performance. I just loved Bebo in Halkat Jawaani and I also liked the track Saiyaan. The second half is rather dragged but overall the movie is a one-time watch. Gaurav Saini, bank employee (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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Luck factor
Day one of the shoot; an old construction in Chandigarh and vans lined up outside a palatial residence. The spot boy leads us to a place where Gurpreet Ghuggi warmly welcomes with a smile.
From the proud maker of Carry on Jatta Sameep Kang, here is another movie titled Lucky Di Unlucky Story. Gurpreet Ghuggi is still rehearsing his lines, but no one can expect silence when the laughter man is around. “Energy yaar, koi khap khup pao,” he says. How does he feel after the success of Carry On Jatta? Says Gurpreet, “I think it is a benchmark and a milestone all in one; we wish the same for Lucky Di Unlucky Story. The movie stars Gurpreet Ghuggi, Gippy Grewal and Binnu Dhillon in lead roles. A breather and then another shot; director Sameep Kang explains the dialogue to Gurpreet. “It’s the very first day of the shoot, so it’s a bit difficult to get into the character straight-away,” adds Gurpreet. The comedy man tells us about the story of the movie, which deals with serious problems of a common man dealt with in a comic way. “Binnu and I portray the lives of married men and Gippy is single, but still having troubles,” says
Gurpreet.
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Sky is the limit
Appetising aroma of food, nice company and a perfect setting — the newly-opened rooftop restaurant Sky Lounge, Oyster, in Sector -17 is a place where you smell fresh air as you order delectable food from the menu.
With a seating capacity of 70-80 people, Sky Lounge is all about dining in the open. With a perfect uitlisation of space, the place has a lot of ‘leg room’ for the diners. Rajesh Mahajan, the managing director, wants to give a different meaning to eating out. “Ambience and neat pricing are two factors that we have taken into consideration,” he says. With jugglers fuming fire and promising to do their tricks every weekend, you can always enjoy the far and wide look. A vegetarian buffet here is for Rs 699 (per head) and non-vegetarian buffet can be savoured for Rs 799.
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star track
Soha Ali Khan is proud that she has an education to fall back on once her acting career ends. Find out more facts about your favourite actors Full-time mother Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
is so busy that she does not get time to read. She wanted to do medicine but ended doing architecture and leaving that course for Bollywood. She keeps sipping warm water. She has no time to decide what to wear. European bond Kareena Kapoor loves holidaying in Paris and other parts of Europe. She steps out without any make-up on her face. She loves eating pizzas. Her favourite cuisine is Italian. She invites her tuition teachers to her premieres or special screenings. Niche segment Soha Ali Khan loves biryani. Soha Ali Khan loves living alone in a city like Mumbai and has found a place of her own in Bandra. She loves ordering chicken biryani at 3 am! She is very proud of her educational qualifications which she can use once her acting career ends. Behind the camera Kangna Ranaut does not save money. Kangna Ranaut does not save her earnings because she spends all that on shopping for designer clothes, shoes, and bags. She has learnt French because she goes to Europe often.
Black magic Shahid Kapoor likes women in black. Shahid Kapoor would like to see his girlfriend (when he gets one) wear black, red and white clothes. He loves wearing white tees and blue jeans. He loves walking his dog in the area where he lives. He loves to have colour around him. He doesn't drink.
Wedding bells for Vidya
Bollywood is going to witness another big fat wedding this year. Actress Vidya Balan who is going steady with UTV head honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur for a long time has decided to settle down with her beau. The duo will get hitched in December, 2012. Not very long, Vidya accepted her likeness for Siddharth in an event. Though the duo tour together and make trips for holidays abroad, they never came clear about their affair. It was more like a hush-hush affair. Apart from holidaying together, it is also heard that Siddharth has purchased a sea facing, plush bungalow in a Mumbai suburb for their new married life. According to a source, the duo is busy giving a final touch to their wedding preparation which is slated to take place in December. Vidya and Siddharth’s love story went on board during the shooting of Kahaani. Well, congrats to Vidya and Siddharth in advance and hope that won’t play hide and seek. |
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chatter box
Composer-cum-singer Himesh Reshammiya, the mentor for the Indian contestants on a music reality show Sur Kshetra couldn’t be more excited about the show. He feels it will generate as much excitement as a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Why did you choose to be on this show? The concept was striking and also the fact that it comes from Gajendra Singh. I have known him for years and it was a pleasure to be working with him. How is it working with Aatif Aslam? Good. We share a cordial relation. We are mentors of Indian and Pakistani teams with legendary judges on the jury panel. It has been a memorable journey on this show India Pakistan are two countries who always strive for competition. Yes, I guess it has always been this way. On Sur Kshetra the two teams will fight for the ultimate title. It is a battle of supremacy in singing. I want both Indian and Pakistani singers to perform well but of course I want India to win. How do singers on such platform benefit? The participants get a platform to showcase their talent. Irrespective of the fact that they are winners or not, they get publicity which eventually helps their in their career. What else is in the pipeline? I am busy co-producing a film starring Akshay Kumar called Khiladi 786. After the recent hits Bol Bachchan.
Love one & all
Bollywood actress Hrishita Bhatt will soon be seen on Star Plus’ Lakhon Mein Ek. The talented actress who has shared the silver screen with top notch Bollywood actors will be playing a different role in the coming episode. Hrishita will support the role of a paralytic patient from Kolkata who gets the zeal to live again because of her husband’s hard work and efforts. When asked why she chose the role, Hrishita said, “I was touched with the love that both husband and wife shared. This is so touching that someone has actually gone ahead and made the life of his soulmate so beautiful. Initially, I was not ready to do this but Hadi Ali Abrar, the director of the episode convinced me to do this role. I am so glad that I am part of this story and also happy that Star Plus is bringing stories of such heroes out to everyone.”
Rinku Karmarkar enjoyed the role of twin sisters in Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha recently. She essayed two roles one dramatic and the other comedy. She feels dramatic roles are fun as they have scope for more. But she’s glad she got the chance to do two roles.
Queen of hearts
The semi-finals of Zee TV's Dance Ke Superkids will see superstar Rani Mukherjee gracing the occasion. The sultry Bengali beauty had come on the sets to promote her upcoming film Aiyya.
Rani announced, "I am here to do a lot of masti with the Dance Ke Baaps," the moment she entered the sets. And this is exactly what she did at the semi-finals of Dance Ke Superkids. The moment she met Grandmaster Mithun da, she bent down to touch his feet to seek his blessings for her upcoming movie. "The world may call him dada or Mithun da but for me he will always be Mithun mama (Maternal uncle). He has known me since the time I was born," said Rani Mukherjee. "I have seen her grow up and it's a proud moment when she is touted to be one of the most talented actresses," said grandmaster Mithun da. Right from singing Aati Kya Khandala with Jeet Das to showing him the famous flaming matchstick trick, to making rotis for Om… Rani did it all. Last but not the least, Jay Bhanushali finally got a peck on his cheeks by none other than the beautiful Rani.
I’m sorry
Buzz is that wrestler Sangram Singh has been approached for Bigg Boss 6. It is rumoured that he has been offered Rs one crore to be part of the show yet he has refused it as he believes that the show harms rather than making anyone’s career.
Dead end
Dil Se Di Dua… Subhagyawati Bhava may finally meet its fate soon. To Janhavi’s (Sriti jha) dismay, Viraaj (Karanvir Bohra) has managed to escape from the prison. Not just that he has also captured Raghav’s family and taken them as hostages in a bid to blackmail Janhavi and get her back. The wicked master mind would stop nowhere to get what he wants. Janhavi finally decides to marry Viraaj but confesses that she is only doing so to ensure her family’s safety. In the game of traps, Viraaj finally decides to let her go but asks for a single parting gift, an embrace. Just as Janhavi goes closer to Viraaj he pulls out a knife and stabs his lady love.
Priyamvada Kant is thrilled to be hosting a travel show Head or Tales. It will be aired on channel Travel Trends that will feature different parts of our country. This Delhi girl has been travelling for over a month and later plans to do a daily soap too. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: Your card Two of Cups suggests that romance will be on your mind. Independent efforts are unlikely to bring spectacular gains. You might have to cancel a proposed trip to avoid friction tonight. A minor incident can have dramatic effects. Tarot message: Act righteously. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 57
TAURUS: Spiritual values surface. Taxation matters get adjourned. The personal and professional areas of your life might be at odds. It is easy to maintain a romantic view of daily events and forget that your desires never seem to get fulfilled. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 65 GEMINI: Social activities accelerate. Co-workers are helpful. Professionals: your clientele increases. A love relationship is revitalised. A proposal of marriage or a decision to start a family is high on the list now.
Tarot message: You need to take things slowly. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 30 CANCER: Your card The King brings joyous news. Share your interests with your family members. Legal matters come to the fore. It is a good day for purchasing a vehicle. You need a break from hectic schedule.
Tarot message: Try to rid out of negative feelings. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33 LEO: Check your e-mails and appointments before setting out this morning and you won’t miss anything important. Chances are you will get a message mixed up. Give a friend in need a call. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted. Lucky
colour: White. Magic number: 61 VIRGO: Bring routine matters up to date. You need to be alert and responsive. Evening time is good for purchasing ornaments. Read a good book at bed-time. Group efforts will inspire you and introduce you to interesting friends and contacts. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 44
LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. You may find that a journey undertaken now is subject to delays. Avoid a social gathering in the evening. Messages you receive will be very subtle or contain hidden meanings. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 29 SCORPIO: Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach an agreement with loved ones. Examinations or tests of any kind might be more stressful than usual.
Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky
colour: Green. Magic number: 63 SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled especially in the morning. Factory owners: you will not be able to get co-operation from labour. Home will be most enjoyable. This is the time of increased communication or travel. Tarot message: Leave the past. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 52 CAPRICORN: Mental work will be stimulating today. Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. Women: beware of strangers. Early memories can surface, arousing nasty emotions. Tarot message: Handle others carefully and don’t antagonise anyone. Lucky colour: Purple
Magic number: 36 AQUARIUS: Business matters will not proceed smoothly. Attempt to improve your health will be successful. An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. Practice deep-breathing and change your normal routine.
Tarot message: Don’t give up your rights or freedom. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40 PISCES: It would be wise to keep work and domestic matters separate. Retrenchment or loss of a job can release you from the bonds of commitment, allowing you to change those things in your life that bring you down.
Tarot message: You are on the right track. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 22...
You have another fortunate year ahead. Work front will be bright; chances for progress are seen. Financial matters may give you hope. You will be able to maintain confidence in personal relationship. Health will be better. You'll be open to all ideas and will make good investments, especially if you are self-employed. You will not accept orders from your beloved. The Saturn advises a little more maturity. A stimulating conversation with a magnetic official brings a surge of satisfaction. It's nice to feel the full power of your allure. In the past, you regretted not fitting a particular type that is so popular in magazines and movies. Now you realise the appeal of being different. Embrace your unique qualities and use them to your advantage. Learn what looks good on you and play up those features. Do all that you can to cash-in on the lucky breaks coming your way. Distant affairs can be made more profitable with the co-operation of close associates. The financial propositions that are put to you are apt to be more profitable. Being born on the 22nd of September, you are capable of handling large-scale undertakings, assuming great responsibility and working towards their completion. Using your imagination and developing your creativity seems almost essential to you now. You find escape from the mundane through art, poetry, reading and writing. The more you allow your thoughts to wander, the easier it will be to solve everyday problems. Too much aggression will be negative. Those born after 1970 will be irritated by some unresolved matter. Avoid arguments - everything will work out for the best. Students may get admissions to universities abroad. Colleagues and associates will be helpful and the self-employed will expand their enterprise profitably. You must prepare for the best and expect the worst. An easy inflow of money makes the year comfortable in business. However, those of you awaiting news of promotion or an important posting may have to be patient. Those who are pursuing loan from bank will get the sanctioned. The health of an elder causes concern. Health will be well, but a family member’s health may cause worries. Try to do routine exercises to keep your body fit. Some mental stress may disturb your health. Mood: Emotional and impatient. Compatible signs: Taurus, Sagittarius. Lucky colours: Cream, Mauve Lucky days: Monday and Wednesday. Lucky numbers: 9, 16, 22, 29, 40
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Anuradha Kapur, director, National School of Drama (NSD), is in Chandigarh with the play Jivito Mrito, which is based on Tagore’s story. Why Tagore? “Women in Tagore are rare. They are so psychologically detailed,” says Anuradha. A director in love with rich visuals, she believes as much in working with basics as also with technology. She is glad that more opportunities have opened up for students now. “Today theatre offers much more than being just actor or director…there is stage-designing, costume- designing, light and sound, and so much more.” She is excited about more theatre institutes opening up across the country, “I am happy with the work the other institutes are doing. What makes us different is that we lay a lot of emphasis on practical production.” She is striving to spread NSD’s reach. However, it is not about replicating the premier institute in other places, but to take forward the rich traditions of theatre.
Sana Aahad Kachi Memon (September 22, 1988), an actress and model, did a show on SAB TV - Lo Ho Gayi Pooja Iss Ghar Ki. She was chosen among 200 other children to play Shahrukh Khan’s daughter in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), her only movie besides Badal (2000) and Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega in which she reprised her role from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) as the little Anjali in a guest appearance. She won the Sansui Viewers’ Choice Award as the Best Child Artist for it.