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Star value
With the breaking of the box-office jinx, Punjabi artistes, hitherto considered good actors at best, are stars now. While promoting one of his recent films, Gurpreet Ghuggi may have started on a tangent but was, nevertheless, spot on, “There was a time when every Punjabi artiste had an alternative career. They were either paid peanuts or took to other things to earn a living. That is not the case anymore.” Punjabi cinema is an industry now, the regional tag almost a parallel and its artists, professionals in their own right!
Money matters
The scenario half-a-decade ago is what brings out the stark differences. “I don’t want to take names, but some of the heroes who have delivered recent hits charge anywhere between Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh whereas the charges of a top-notch comedian is anywhere between Rs 10 to Rs 15 lakh. Three years back, this figure was only Rs 5-6 lakh,” shares Sunny Sheoran, production manager, The Theatre Army. When the budget of the films takes a steep rise, it translates onto well-paid crew and even better paid cast. He adds, “Though there are a lot of things that stars consider before signing any film, the first question they ask is the budget of the film and then charge accordingly. Three crore is the average budget of any Punjabi film these days.” Fifteen to twenty per cent is what any producer ends up spending for the total casting. A decade back there were queries over the existence of the industry, now it’s a question of how far the cinema travels. “I even got calls from someone as far off as Hyderabad, saying they couldn’t get tickets for Carry On Jatta, despite two shows running.” While that was a one-off case, it propels our belief in something - if there’s a good film, it will be watched and language is not a bar! From Mumbai to Moga
Each passing year brings the news of a B-town resident making his or her Punjabi film debut! The recent to hop onto the bandwagon is Gul Panag for upcoming film Sarsa. Shares Gurpreet Baba, associate producer, Sarsa, “In fact, people from Bollywood come running. You have examples of stars like Jimmy Shergill, Gul Panag, Neha Dhupia…the list is endless. Here they get meaty roles and recognition. Gul liked the script so she signed it. Apart from money and networking, good relations also work in the industry.” There’s yet another who’s ready to jump onto the bandwagon; Jatin Grewal, former Gladrags model, awaits his Punjabi debut with Desi Munde. “It’s amazing how this industry is doing so well. In fact, some of the good regional movies get you much more recognition.” Shares Sunny, “Earlier acting in Punjabi films was considered something of a reverse gear. Now actors are more than willing to take a U-turn because they get paid well.” No one would share their budgets, but everyone would give their reasons! “I charge according to the budget if the script is good. Now these films are a success at the box-office and if they are raking in crores, I have every right to get a share in the pie,” says an actor. Adds Gurpreet Baba, “Far from the hue and cry over redundant themes, there’s an upcoming Punjabi film on children titled Seven Stupid.” Far from the surprise over well-paid regional actors, we are more than ready for celebrity Punjabi child artistes! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Comfort zone
Actor Eijaz Khan, in Chandigarh for the shooting of the movie Lucky Kabootar, says reality shows are not his cup of tea
When a television actor jumps on to the Bollywood bandwagon, a few things happen automatically. Amid the fame, money, recognition….an actor somehow also gets the license to criticise and crib about the relatively smaller medium - television. It then suddenly becomes all about regressive content, hectic schedules; no channelisation of creativity and only working on the tested formula of family dramas! In case of Eijaz Khan, the TV-actor-turned-Bollywood-actor with Tanu Weds Manu and aspiring to become a star with his next venture, Lucky Kabootar, it's just the opposite. He showers praises on the television industry and Bollywood at the same time. In Chandigarh for the shooting of the movie, he shares his experiences. Present tense
Eijaz is enjoying every moment of shooting for Lucky Kabootar, in which he plays the title role of Lucky Singh. Not too eager to divulge details about the story, the actor instead talks about the Punjabi backdrop of the film, "Punjabi culture translates into celebration. If a film has it, audience in India and overseas are guaranteed." Examples of Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana and Son of Sardar follow. Besides attributing the trend of Punjabi backdrop in films to its popularity worldwide, he says the dynamics of Bollywood is also changing. "The gap between regional cinema and mainstream is diminishing. Gangs of Wasseypur was a sophisticated version of a Bhojpuri film, Jab We Met had a strong Punjabi feel, the Bengali influence in Kahaani stood out and yet there were audiences for all the films." Eijaz is thoroughly enjoying his stay in Chandigarh and has been to all the villages in the vicinity. "I now understand why film-makers show Punjab in their films; there's a fresh feel to any film that's shot here." Looking back
He might have graduated to Bollywood from the television industry, but that doesn’t mean the latter wasn’t good enough. “I switched because I wanted to progress and not because television was bad. Actors who think Indian television content is outdated shouldn’t have ever ventured into the industry. They should have started with Bollywood instead,” quips the actor. He quotes the example of Ekta
Kapoor, who makes pure family dramas. “TV offers what audiences demand. Ekta is an extremely intelligent producer; she understands the pulse of the country and serves them what they want. You can’t befool a billion people
by producing stuff that’s unwanted.” Priority list
Eijaz will be seen this year in Zilla Gaziabad, much before the release of Lucky
Kabootar. Unfortunately, a couple of films that he was a part of failed to release at the box-office. So now after he has learnt his lessons, he wants to do films he is very sure of. Lucky Kabootar is being produced by Karan Kanwar and he feels the film will do justice to his talent. Doing reality shows was never a part of his agenda. He says that he has been offered a place in the Bigg Boss house ample times, but that's not his cup of tea. "Reality shows require more acting than films or television soaps. I am not that good an actor." Let Lucky Kabootar decide that! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: You won't be able to count on anyone; so if you are going to go out, prepare to walk, take a cab or stay home and have friends visit you. It's time to get rid of all the burdens you've been carrying on your shoulders. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters.
Lucky colour: Royal-blue. Lucky number: 51 TAURUS: Love can take a turn if you aren't thoughtful, generous and loyal. Be attentive toward the ones you love and let bygones be bygones. You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 50 GEMINI: Be attentive towards the ones you love. A chance to hook up with someone interesting will spark an idea for a new project. You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Tarot message: Be articulate with people. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 40 CANCER: Be careful of doing anything that might get you into trouble. Visiting good friends will be a great way to generate happiness. A chance to hook up with someone interesting will spark an idea for a new project. Tarot message: Do not over-indulge. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 34 LEO: You will dazzle everyone if you put yourself in the mainstream today. This is a perfect time to entertain or to let others entertain you. A chance to do things a little differently will lead to many more changes. Tarot message: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Tomato-red. Lucky number: 40 VIRGO: You will be in a cheerful and optimistic frame of mind and will want to spend time with family and close friends. Romantic relationships will bring fulfillment and moments of tenderness. Tarot message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Pink Lucky number: 60
LIBRA: You will be enthusiastic about some developments in your personal life. Past efforts will lead to new opportunities on the career front. Romantic relationships are enhanced by spending quality time together. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Orchid. Lucky number: 66 SCORPIO: You will be in a very creative frame of mind and come up with innovative ideas, which will be appreciated by seniors and colleagues. You will be inundated with social invitations. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 49 SAGITTARIUS: You will want your space as you mull over recent events. To avoid disappointment with the outcome, don’t make financial decisions impulsively. Make an effort to reach out to your partner. Tarot message: Be on the guard against duplicity, fraud or trickery. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Lucky number: 62 CAPRICORN: You will be inspired to make some changes in your lifestyle. Your insights and inputs will be valuable to colleagues and loved ones. Romantic relationships will bring moments of happiness. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Silver. Lucky number: 32 AQUARIUS: You will be very optimistic about certain developments on the career front. Chance encounters will help you clarify some of your reservations about new business ventures. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Set the pleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Lucky number: 49 PISCES: You may have sudden insights into vexing issues and this will help put you in a cheerful and relaxed frame of mind. Your love life will be smooth sailing and your partner will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Deep-red Lucky number: 37
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 4...
You will be sensitive to the disturbing feelings you arouse in someone else. Try to stay fair instead of abusing this attention. Showing too much compassion will not be wise. Try to check your expenses for improved finances. Communication in relationships needs to be checked; think twice before you speak. Getting caught up is important, but cultivating awareness of what others are up to is also the key. You may not be compartmentalising as neatly as you think; recognising the fact means you can take corrective measures. Exhausting trips and having to wait will make you lose your patience. Expect consistent income, professional gratification and excellent collaboration. Promising planetary movements offer good time for consolidating your professional position. There is little time to relax and no time to waste. Your real friends will understand. Once the clouds have blown away, the sun will shine brightly. But once everything is clear, it will be too late to take further action. Do not worry about offending anyone. A busy and active 2013 is likely with cooperation from extended family and in-laws. Those of you with spouses may have to go 'a bit above and beyond' near the end of 2012, especially in situations where 'special events' have been planned. Businessmen will find the year particularly profitable. Substantial gains through commission work or speculative trading is on the cards. You will be buying an expensive gift for your beloved. Romance and work can mix. Meeting someone while running an errand or deepening a connection when doing a chore are possibilities. What's the point of going out on a daytrip to see an island when there's a great big beach that you've barely begun to explore? Mood: Optimistic Compatible signs: Virgo, Libra Lucky colours: Light-cyan, Beige Lucky days: Monday and Friday Lucky numbers: 4, 7, 8, 26, 56
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Chatter box
The bigg fight
Rumour mills at work
Copy-cat Kritika?
Same to same: Kritika Kamra
The power-puff girl
ON THE TOP: Ekta Kapoor
Behind
the scenes
Amar Upadhyay has no regrets that he did not win the Bigg Boss finale last season (5). He was one of the top three contenders. We got him to reveal some of the secrets… Tell us about the format. Bigg Boss is a very hard psychological game. The Endemol team deputes 10/12 people to follow each contestant and try to psyche them out through various tasks and food supply control regimes that one literally becomes crazy after three months. I had to live without my phone which I am so addicted to. So what advice would you give to the new house mates? Go out and play your game. Last year, I was the only honest guy who openly said that I was doing what I believed in. Everyone else was claiming to make friends, but in the true sense, they were not. You can’t make any fresh relationships inside a house unless you already know them. Are you in touch with any of your house mates? Yes, I occasionally talk to Laxmi (Narayan Tripathi), Shraddha Sharma and Vida Samadzai. Do you think Bigg Boss is rigged? The channel alone decides as to who will be eliminated every week and who will finally win. Had it not been for me, Pooja Bedi would have surely won. I also facilitated exit of Shakti Kapoor. Bigg Boss season 6 hits the screens from October 7.
The curious case of missing stars
At the Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa party last week, winner Gurmeet Choudhary and runner up Rashmi Desai were missing. They did not turn up at all. Out of the three finalists, only Rithvik Dhanjani showed up at the bash. Even the three judges, Karan Johar, Madhuri Dixit and Remo Dsouza were found missing at the do. Taking advantage of this situation, other contestants like Giaa Maanek, Karan Wahi, Talat Aziz made their presence felt and really rocked the dance floor. Out of the hosts, Ragini Khanna was present but Manish Paul chose not to attend.
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Malaika Arora Khan seems to have it all, looks, great body, fan following and happy family. Here, she shares her life
Busy bee
Malaika Arora Khan has a very happening life and she looks stunning. She is a part of Salim Khan's big family. Here she talks about fitness, multi-tasking and more. I have a lot to do everyday. Right from judging a show to taking care of my family to producing a film and even dancing. The best part is the family support I have. We are all there for each other, no matter what. I look forward to all my daily activities and I am happy that I keep busy. Fitness freak
I am very particular about keeping fit even though I am genetically thin. I work out at the gym and I do yoga and pilates every week. I am careful about what I eat and when I eat it. All in a day
I wake up at seven everyday. I drop my son Arhaan to school and then go to the gym. Then I proceed to my shoots or wherever I am needed. When at home, I look after the things that need to be done. Sometimes I cook and my friends come over or I go out for lunch. There is so much to do in the family too. Talent hunt
I try my best to choose the right talent on shows and judge them in the right way. It is a part of my job to motivate them to reach their full potential. I avoid nasty comments because I do not like putting people down. Dance drama
I love dancing but dancing professionally is something I find very hectic because it takes most of my time. Also, it needs rehearsals, co-ordination and time. Then there is the visual aspect, such as costumes and styling, that needs to be looked after too. I like challenges as they make me
grow.
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Past perfect
Harvinder Singh Khalsa, a collector of antiques, aims at reviving the textiles of the yore It doesn’t get more vibrant than this—fuchsia phulkaris spread on the walls, bagh prints strewn on the floor. In between, there are the likes of parandas, rumal, ino, pakhis, katni, velna, raths, giving a peep into the Punjabi culture at its best. The ongoing exhibition at Punjab kala Bhawan, Virasat, aims at letting one and all take a trip down the memory lane of the long lost culture that now exists amidst memories, drawing room conversations, rare collections or exhibitions like these. Starting with some of the omnipresent, screaming crafts from Punjab—phulkari. Apart from the pink and orange, earthy hues dominate the traditional form of embroidery. Shares Harvinder Singh Khalsa, vice-chairman, Punjab Arts Council, “All this is part of my personal collection. Since it’s only a fraction, we plan to bring the rest in phases. This time we themed it around Punjab textiles.” While most of the exhibits are craft collected over a period of three decades, some are as ancient as 120 to 130 year old. Pointing at a blue velvet kurta with gold embroidery, he says, “You look at the finish and durability of these garments. We do not get such materials any more. I started collecting these articles after 1984 and some of them are from the Partition era. This is my passion, so there can be no question of time or money.” He adds, “Preserving culture is government’s work but since they’ll only do governmental work, individuals should come together.” Moving on, there’s charkha, gaddas (carts), bulls frock, daris with traditional patterns of animals and household articles and basic geometric designs. A short poem accompanies each article on display, bringing in its cultural significance. There are ghagras (traditional long skirts) is as much as 20 gazz of cloth. The size and the length of the fabric speaks volumes of the women those days. “It hints at what people were like. You hand over this much of fabric to a today’s girl and she’ll bury under the weight,” he laughs. Then there’s a typical attire of a man those days, a long shirt accompanying a wrap around lower. One in blue which is late Kuldeep Manak’s dress stands pretty and precious among the exhibits. Accompanying folk songs in the background add to the nostaligia and make for a wholesome cultural dose. manpriya@tribunemail.com On till October 4 at Punjab Kala Bhawan.
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Bundle of Jo(e)y
Manpriya Singh
Staying in hostels and working in the metropolitans, there was only an in-between time when they could have a pet. Did the boys not make the most of it?
“Our parents were a little apprehensive initially and before this we were in hostels, so we anyway couldn’t keep a dog. Once I was in college and one fine day, my brother got him,” laughs Bhavpreet Singh, software engineer and former student of Rayat and Bahra College of Engineering. To have a dog, you don’t need a reason, to not have one, excuses galore. He adds, “A new house had to have a new dog. Also I always wanted a dog in the house.” That’s how the household got introduced to the now one-and-half-year-old, black Labrador called Joey. Love me, love my dog
Does anyone picture the iconic satellite character from Friends? He shares, “We thought of a couple of names, toyed with some of them. I even discussed it with my friends. As for this name, it just happened. But it is definitely based on the character of Joey Tribbiani from Friends and it is so apt.” He adds, “Because that’s exactly the role he plays for me and my brother Amreek, an aspiring cricketer.” We guess he missed out on the home front. The place where they run around, wagging tails, all ears, giving company, making their presence felt. Some of the many things that differentiate a household with a pet from the one without none! Yours faithfully
Like someone once said, “We’ve begun to long for the pitter-patter of little feet. So, we bought a dog. Well, it’s cheaper and we get more feet.” Recalls Bhavpreet, “When we got Joey home, he was really little. He couldn’t even walk. We always had cats as kids but that was by chance. A cat delivered five kittens in the courtyard. But we decided to have this dog,” He adds, “What I like the most about Joey is the little things he does all day. It could be something as mundane as eating. Then things like wagging his tail, crawling about the entire house.” That’s not where the madness ends. “Give him a ball and see him go crazy, that’s the best time to spend with him and also play and enjoy with him.” Friendly all day and slightly cranky at night, that’s him for you. Not that anyone’s complaining. “Around three am in the morning, he gets restless, needs something to eat. But that’s alright.” |
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Brand new brew
Heineken Lager Beer, the iconic global beer brand, was unveiled in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Brewed at United Breweries’ brewery at Taloja, near Mumbai, Heineken is positioned as a super-premium lager beer that will target the discerning beer drinker in India.
Heineken has been launched in bespoke world class packaging, with imported green embossed bottles and clear plastic labels, a first for any beer brand in India. Samar Singh Sheikhawat, senior vice-president (marketing), United Breweries Limited, says, “The taste and quality of Heineken brewed and bottled in India is true to the original time-honoured recipe handed down through generations. We will leverage our deep understanding of the Indian beer market and complement that with robust marketing programmes and the strength of our distribution network to bring to Indian consumers this truly global beer brand.” Just four natural ingredients go into the making of Heineken. High quality malted barley and hops imported from Europe, the all-important Heineken A-yeast, and water treated to Heineken specifications. These are all combined under the watchful eyes of Heineken brew-masters to ensure the same taste and quality that the world-renowned premium lager is famous for. The entire process has been the result of close co-ordination between the Heineken global supply chain and the UBL team. The brand has also been James Bond’s preferred beer for some time now, and is the global partner for the upcoming Bond film - Skyfall. Available in pack sizes of 650ml and 330ml sizes, Heineken will retail at around Rs 125 and Rs 75, respectively.
— TNS
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Ranbir Kapoor, inside out
Ranbir Kapoor is a complete entertainer. In a free-wheeling chat, he talks about On Katrina Kaif
She is a close friend of mine and we hang out together and we are fond of each other. I am not dating her. I have other friends too such as Deepika, Bipasha and Priyanka. I am also friends with my old exes, not that I have many. Friends forever
My friends in the industry are Ayan Mukerji and Imtiaz Ali. Ayan is so young and talented and he is a fine writer. We just click. Imtiaz is extraordinary and it is impossible to not love him. He is so sensitive to everyone's needs and he understands cinema in and out. He is not commercial at all. You can talk to him about anything. He is wise and does not judge. Bad boy image
I am not the greatest guy on the planet neither am I the greatest boyfriend. My exes know that. I make mistakes and try to learn from them. I am now looking for a girl, I can get serious with and then I will tell my mother about her. I am close to my mother. I recently quit smoking because I had a bet with her on Barfi's success. I don't brush my teeth at night, I eat junk food and I am naughty.
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Old wine, new bottle
Ekta Kapoor is all set to remake the 1976 film, Naagin. It is learnt that Balaji Motion Pictures has almost finalised buying the rights from the original producer. As of now, the production house is busy checking whether any filmmaker has registered the title Naagin.
Confirming the news, producer Kohli says, “I am selling the remake rights of Naagin to Balaji. Though the film is a good product, I am not interested in remaking it. Hence, why should I keep it with me? Balaji is a good production house and I need money.” It is learnt that if all goes well, the film is likely to go on floors in 2013. Of late, there’s been an upsurge in the purchase of remake rights of many 70s and 80s films. It is known that Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar are on producer Rajat Rawail’s wish-list for his remake of the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Kaalia.
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Roll-icking treat
Manju Dewan
Method
(Dewan is a
Ludhiana-based culinary expert) Vietnamese roll ingredients
For salad
As told to Poonam Bindra
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B-town actors are making a beeline for Punjabi film industry, the budgets are swelling & actors are being paid like never before...
Soha Ali Khan was born on October 4, 1978, in New Delhi. She is the daughter of Sharmila Tagore and her brother is Saif Ali Khan. Soha made her acting debut with the Bollywood production Dil Maange More opposite Shahid Kapoor. She has since received critical acclaim for her performances in the Bengali film Antar Mahal and Rang De Basanti Her stars predict a bright career in films.
Aamna Sharif is back on the small screen after a hiatus of five years with Honge Judaa Na Hum, but says she does not want to do reality shows. The 30-year-old, who became popular as Kashish with her debut show Kahiin To Hoga, tried her luck in Bollywood too with Aloo Chaat and Shakal Pe Mat Ja, but none could stir the box office.
Before the launch of any big show on television, the rival channels gear up by coming up with something out-of-the-box to fight the competition. Well, this is exactly what is happening when it comes to the upcoming launch of Colors’ big ticket reality show, Bigg Boss (season 6). So, what will the number one channel Star Plus do to combat it? Well, here is news for you. Diya Aur Baati Hum the number one show of TV will be telecast from Monday to Saturday from this week onwards. Way to go, Star Plus! Now it is for viewers to decide whether they will tune in to watch some family drama or relish some real fights on the 9pm slots.
Television actress Rashmi Desai Sandhu has put an end to the news of producing a show with actor husband Nandish Sandhu, saying that it is not true. The 25-year-old, famous for her performance in TV show Uttaran, participated in the recently concluded dance show reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 5. She garnered appreciation for giving a flawless performances and was in top three, but lost the title to Gurmeet
Choudhary.
Kritika Kamra, who plays the popular character of the bubbly and feisty Dr Nidhi in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, has sharp features and a great figure. She is often compared to Kareena Kapoor because of their stark resemblance. Kritika is even accused of copying Kareena’s style. But the actress denies it. She says they have similarities but that doesn’t mean she would copy her.
Well-known TV and film producer Ekta Kapoor has made it to the list of 25 Most Powerful Women in India Business. Kapoor, joint managing director of Balaji Telefilm, features in the list compiled by Business Today for her work in television and films.
A whole-meal snack with a lot of veggies is what foodies are looking for these days. This is why
the subway sandwiches are so popular. As they take care of the carbs and
vitamins too, they are recommended for the diet conscious. These Vietnamese rolls falls in the same line . They are as yummy to eat and simple to make.