The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Midnight’s Children… set for December release It’s official. Deepa Mehta’s next film Midnight’s Children, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie, is all set to release in India this December, with the author’s voiceover. Ronit Roy, who plays Ahmed Sinai, Saleem Sinai's father in the film, said, “I was aware Deepa was talking to PVR Pictures. I am thrilled. India has come of age. This film needs to be seen in India. It's a stunning film.” Meanwhile, the film will be shown to the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It includes highly critical metaphors of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who suspended democracy in India between 1975 and 1977.
	Getting candid with Divya Dutta With over 60 films in her kitty, you can’t deny the fact that Divya Dutta is a favourite of most directors. Since her first movie, Ishq Mein Jeena Ishq Mein Marna (1994), there has been no looking back for this pretty and petite actress. She exhibits a magnificent ability to completely transform into the characters she plays. We caught up with the gorgeous Divya to talk about her journey so far, her latest film Heroine and a lot more… How has the response been to your character in Heroine? It has been awesome. I have been pleasantly surprised that so many people have appreciated my character. It’s a role that people haven’t seen me playing before. My mom said that I carried the role with the right attitude. Have you ever personally witnessed any of the instances shown in Heroine? Being in the glam industry, you tend to experience them as it is one industry. Some happened to me indirectly. There are so many instances in the film that are so true. Even the lines that I was given in the film were so appropriate. No matter what, you have to fake confidence in this industry. You have acted in more than 60 films. How has been the transition from a simple Ludhiana girl to the heroine you are today. Honestly speaking, I haven’t been able to observe it because I am gradually changing. But my mom keeps telling me how much I have changed and for good. Who’s your favourite Khan. Why? Tough question. I will say Aamir Khan because I haven’t worked with him yet. When not working, how do you like to pass your time? I love to read. I write column for the newspaper The Tribune. I am also working on my book. Other than that, I like to go out with friends and spend time with my family. What’s next for you? There is Special Chabbis, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Vikramaditya Motwane’s next film.
	When Shah Rukh hated love stories … Despite the fact that Shah Rukh Khan has acted in many love stories, the star was against doing love stories. But it was filmmaker Yash Chopra who made him change his thoughts. “I was so anti doing love stories because I thought I am not good with them. I remember Yashji tell me, till you love, nobody will love you back. So true,” Shah Rukh wrote on Twitter. The actor is returning to romance with Yash Chopra’s last film Jab Tak Hai Jaan, opposite Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. The film is set to release on November 13.
	Sonam has rejected many films: Anil Kapoor Sonam Kapoor has done only seven films in the five years that she has spent so far in Bollywood but her father Anil Kapoor says he is proud of his daughter's choice of projects. The 52-year-old actor said Sonam is not the kind of actress who looks for quantity and has rejected many big projects in her quest for quality. "Sonam always says that she doesn't want to be a decorative element in a film. She wants a substantial role and to get that, she has rejected many film offers. Being a father, I am proud of this attitude of hers. I know in the long run it will help her evolve as a good actress and will make her base strong," Anil said. The Slumdog Millionnaire star, who is the brand ambassador for NGO Plan India, was in the capital to announce the first ever International Day for the Girl Child. "Being an actor and having spent almost four decades in showbiz, it's my responsibility to associate myself with causes which I feel strongly for. My life is ruled by three women - my two daughters and wife. Women are superior to men in every field and I feel they should be worshipped. I always had more female friends than male ones," he said. The day will be celebrated by illuminating four monuments in Delhi and Hyderabad in pink. —PTI
	First from last Kismet Love Paisa Dilli is such a big flop that cinema houses are pulling it down and cutting down shows, replacing them with other movies including Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak! Now that is unheard of! Over to direction Shekhar Suman is finally directing the movie starring his son Adhyayan Suman. He will be going to Dubai for that. He will be available to shoot for Dekh Bhai Dekh only in the middle of December. Slow and steady Fresh off the success of, her blockbuster debut, Vicky Donor, actress Yaami Gautam is in a happy space. She has also signed a bevy of brands and recently gifted herself a luxury car that’s been on her wish-list for quite a while. Shares Yaami “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to own an Audi and it’s overwhelming to finally have one.” Sonakshi, a busy bee Sonakshi Sinha wants to see Oh MY God because it is a good movie and because she has done an item song in it. She has not got the time to see it yet but is curious to see when and where her song plays in the movie. Try try again Emraan Hashmi is doing a movie with Neha Dhupia. In the movie, he has to run 250 metres in sixty seconds on a road in Mumbai. After nine takes, he finally got it right! Not bad, Emraan. Beep beep! Vidya Balan recently attended a book launch and read a passage from the book. She mouthed foul language in Ishqiya and The Dirty Picture, but she does not like doing so in real life. She said "beep" instead of the curse words while reading the book.
	Classical touch Kartik-Music & Dance Utsav, an annual affair from this year onwards, takes off on October 13. To celebrate the month of Indian festivals such as Navratras and Dusshera, the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi will organise Kartik Music and Dance Utsav from this year onwards. Following is the itinerary for 2012. Dastoor-e-Mausiqi October 13 Dastoor-e-Mausiqi, a classical vocal recital by Pt Yashpaul Sagunpiya, an acclaimed exponent of Hindustani classical vocal music from Agra Gharana, will be held on the day. He is a Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and has participated in various national-level sangeet sammelans in different parts of the country. Pt Yashpaul has also received many state and national-level honours. His disciple Kashish Mittal, who is well-known vocalist of our region, will also perform on the occasion. Gandhi: Wrap & Weft October 14 Padma Shri Geeta Chandran, internationally acclaimed Bharatnatyam dancer will put up Gandhi: Warp & Weft, a solo performance, on the day. Gandhi: Warp and Weft explores key concepts from Gandhian philosophy through the narrative lens of a female dancer in the 21st century. The choreography plays with ideology through abstract movement as well as narrative gestures, and incorporates both classical Bharatanatyam as well as contemporary movement theatre in its physical vocabulary. The performance comprises six concepts interpreted through dance that flows contiguously from one to the other. The first concept 'religious unity' is connected to the deep reliance on spiritual syncretism that Gandhi propagated. The second section 'celibacy' probes Gandhi's lifelong experiment to set aside desires of the flesh while remaining in other ways an active householder and husband. The third theme is satyagraha, which is inspired by Gandhi's prison writings, his mass civil disobedience movements and epochal moments like the Dandi March. From there, the piece will explore 'ahimsa', both in the concept of turning the other cheek as peace offering, as well as the violence inflicted on the self through such radical protests like hunger strikes. The fifth section will look at 'caste and shram' with an eye both to the reformations of the past that Gandhi sought regarding the dignity of labour as well as the atrocities of caste oppression that continue to our present day. The concluding section khadi will examine Gandhi's belief for ecological sustainability and balance and uses thread as a metaphor for the bonds that the Gandhian movement sought to create across the nation. Geeta Chandran's Gandhi: Waft and Weft will be performed to an evocative soundscape engineered by sound artist Pratik Biswas, which weaves diverse sound elements ranging from traditional Carnatic tracks to the more esoterically abstract ones. Costumes by Sandhya Raman in cotton and khadi mirror the dancer's mental transformations through this intensely personal narrative journey. (At Tagore Theatre 6pm onwards)
	it’s happening A tribute to the Begum Pracheen Kala Kendra is organising its 180th Monthly Baithak Programme featuring noted singer Pamela Singh. She will pay a musical tribute to Begum Akhtar in an evening of ghazals. Gurgaon-based Pamela Singh is a name to reckon with in the field of music, theatre and Bollywood. Since her first public performance at the age of 14, she has travelled throughout the length and breadth of the country and abroad, including England, France, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Germany, Dubai and Pakistan. Having retired as head of Music Department, Government College for Girls, Sector 11, Pamela Singh is an approved artiste of All-India Radio and Doordarshan. Her love for theatre took her to join The Company, headed by Neelam Mansingh. She has also worked with theatre icon Shri BV Karanth. Pamela Singh has also acted in films like Love Aaj Kal and Band Baaja Baraat. (On October 11 at Bhaskar Rao Indoor Auditorium, Sector 35, Chandigarh)
	Indulge Suit your Chinese plate! Jasmine Singh Be a little creative here…and this includes taking a pick from your choice of noodles along with the sauce and one main dish from the Wok. There you have set up your own Chinese bowl and you are very much digging into something interesting from The Chinese Bowl Festival at Park Plaza Sector-17, Chandigarh. It is fairly simple; the meal is served in a bowl and the guest chooses the main dish, sauce and staple, which serves as the main dish in the bowl. Flat noodles, rice noodles, glass noodles, sticky rice or fried rice; dress it up with hot garlic, sesame chilli, black bean, hunan, oyster, Singaporean along with exotic vegetables, stir-fried tofu or steamed fish, the Chinese Bowl Festival sets up a palate of your choice in Rs 399 for vegetarians and Rs 599 for non-vegetarians. Gagandeep Singh, general manager, Park Plaza, will be adding this concept to the menu. “Authentic Chinese stuff served in an easy fashion, wherein the guest sets up his or her own menu, is the concept behind the food festival.” With food festivals becoming a monthly event with all hotels restaurants, Gagandeep feels these give people a chance to try out dishes of a particular place, which ideally they wouldn’t go to eat. Park Plaza is coming up with another food festival by the end of the month called GT Road, which will serve food from Pakistan to Kolkata. jasmine@tribunemail.com
	Memory bank Mona The US: Erstwhile land of opportunities has left Dinesh Verma richer in terms of memories and images. Working in the field of insurance has been his profession, while his passion is photography. In his decade-long journey, he has captured nature in its myriad forms. Starting with flowers, he has clicked water droplets and more. Luminous Interval, a photo exhibition on at the Punjab Kala Bhawan-16, captures his travel to the US last winter. From the happening Times Square to sea lions at Pier 39, San Fran and mesmerising sunset at Santa Monica beach, Dinesh has seized beautiful moments. Keeping abreast of the latest in technology, Dinesh is in love with his hobby. “Photography is everything to me,” he says. Whenever exhausted or down, he takes his camera and marches out to click nature in its pristine beauty. The current exhibition focuses on the highlights of his travel. So be the street musicians at New York subway or windmills at San Francisco or the dreamy entrance to Tao, Venetian, he has put it all on display. Grand Canyon is there, so is the fleeting view of the Californian wine yards. Forty two colourful frames in total are on display. Join him on his journey. (On till October 14)
	Friends, forever Sheershak Anand and Shantanu Ray Chibber wanted to pursue different careers, but destiny brought them together into the field of film-making Sabia Talwar Shantanu Ray Chibber and Sheershak Anand, writer-director duo, have a real-life story that reads like a film script. Their bond of their friendship has been cemented by the common career they are pursuing now. Shantanu completed his initial education from Jalandhar, Punjab, and later moved to Kolkata, where he became friends with Sheershak. Shantanu later shifted to Australia to become a professional oceanographer while Sheershak moved to Delhi with the dream of becoming a mathematician. After years, the two friends reunited for an evening and over drinks, decided to move ahead together in the line of film-making. We catch up. First break Shantanu and Sheershak moved to Mumbai in 2005, and their first script was for Neil Nitin Mukesh and Bipasha Basu-starrer Aa Dekhen Zara. Says Shantanu, "We always wanted to direct, but here in Mumbai both of us realised that people should like our concepts first. So, we picked up script-writing." Dual relation Write and directing being their passion, they enjoy both equally. "Writing and direction, if done by the same set of people, makes the process of film-making much easier. I really enjoy writing as it is a real challenge to come up with original stuff," says Sheershak. He adds, "It was destiny that got us together.” Moving on Their movies, including '3G', 'Table 21' and Namak are in the post-production phases. Says Shantanu, "It was a struggle for nearly ten years before our initial break; one must believe in one's abilities." sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
	green thumb Pick up the right rose Satish Narula With changing lifestyle and love for flowers, roses have become more popular than ever. Celebrations like Friendship Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and above all, the Valentine’s Day, have further given a boost to the popularity of roses. Gardeners want to have roses in their home garden but surprisingly, the plant is hardly available by name. There are some sources that claim to give named varieties but authentication is a far cry. However, when one goes to buy, either one has to rely on the nurseryman who is ‘sure’ about the colour one wants or go by the plant that has the bloom showing the actual colour. In roses, there are different kinds of blooms, the ones with single colour, with bi-colour, with stripes or with changing colours. And in case you can get the named varieties, ask for Golden Giant and Buccaneer for yellow; Christian Dior, John F Kennedy, First Red for red blooms; Mischief and Confidence for pink blooms, Scarlet, Vermillion for orange blooms; Pascalli and Summer Snow for white blooms; Anvil Spark for stripped blooms and Oklahama for nearest to black and Blue Moon or Sky Blue for nearest to blue bloom. But like any other plant, the rose has its share of problems too. One of the main problems is the short life span of the plant. This primarily is due to the exposure of roots at the time of pruning the bushes. While exposing the roots, one is bound to damage the feeder roots that are confined to the upper layer. Over the years such damages make the plants weak and this shortens their life. The plants keep dying with every passing year and planting new ones lead to the presence of plants of different age in the same bed, thus causing loss of uniformity. The manure and fertilizers added to the soil are all water soluble and are available to the plant naturally, therefore there is no need to expose the roots. Insects like scale, aphids are deadly for the plant. Whereas the former sucks sap from the main stem and twigs, the latter devitalises the opening blooms. Spraying systemic insecticides like rogor or metasystox takes care of these insects. One could also apply in soil the systemic insecticides like phorate granules. Diseases like die back are serious. It sets in at the time of pruning when the cut ends are left unattended. The plant starts drying from the tip downwards. The cut ends should be smeared with some fungicide like blitox. A paste could be made by adding a few drops of water in blitox powder. (Narula is senior PAU horticulturist)
	Bigg opportunity Urvashi Dholakia has been a popular figure on TV, especially due to her famous role Komolika. Now, she is a constant figure in Bigg Boss. We caught up with the actress before she entered the house… Why did you choose to go into the Bigg Boss house? This was a good opportunity. It had been offered to me many times and this time things worked out. What are your expectations? I am going to have a good time. This will be a challenge for me, which is why I chose it. Also, it would be a good career move too. It is a job for me. Like a project. I am sure it would be fun, interesting, and of course different too. What about staying away from family? Well, my sons wanted me to do this. For work one has to stay away from family. They are more than happy but I will miss them. Are you scared or worried about controversies? Not at all. I am blunt and straight talker. I can handle myself. Right move: Urvashi Dholakia
	chatter box Who wants to live Poonam’s life? Poonam Pandey, known for her rather loud and boisterous persona, is always vying for attention and stops at nothing; be it her bold tweets or her rather popular claims to strip! Grapevine has it that the sultry model, who leads a rather fascinating life, now wants to give her fans a chance to live her life! Buzz is that she has approached the makers of Live My Life (wherein a die-hard fan gets an opportunity to live the life of his favourite superstar) to be part of the show. She has a huge fan base which is no secret but would someone want to live her life for a day? It would be fascinating to see if there is any! But apparently the makers of the show aren’t too keen on featuring Poonam as they feature prominent Bollywood stars only. But neither are they saying ‘no’! Looks like Poonam and the audiences will have to wait and watch! In fact, rumour has it that quite a few other actors have also approached the makers of the show. But how many of them actually get featured; only time will tell! Controversy’s child>>Poonam Pandey Goodbye Lakshmi Shashi-Sumeet Mittal's Main Lakshmi Tere Angan Ki and Alaxmi Humari Super Bahu, produced by Hats Off Productions are rumoured to go off air on October 21. Life Ok will replace the shows with new shows. Heartache & love More drama is coming up in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Ram (Ram Kapoor) won’t get Pihu’s (Amruta Mukrerjee) custody as the court decides she’s too young. Meanwhile, Neha’s illegitimate son Rehaan (Vaibhav) will fall in love with Cady (Arshima Thapar) and so will Rahul. New show on air The buzz is that Giaa Maanek’s new show Jeannie Aur Juju will go on air by the end of October at 9.30 pm and R K Laxman Ki Duniya that airs at the same time will shift to another slot. According to sources the channel hasn’t decided yet. Karan says qabool hai! Karan Singh Grover will soon be seen on TV in a new show called Qabool Hai. The drama is set in a Muslim household and will air on Zee in mid October. Nehalaxmi Iyer, Shalini Kapoor Sagar and Rishab Sinha from Spiltsvilla 5 too will be in the show.
	Horror stint You first caught sight of this young Jammu lad on TV as Aryan Khanna in the series Special Squad. And if you’ve been wondering what Bhanu Uday has been up to post the successful TV stint, we’ve found out that he’s been pursuing his film career and will soon be seen in the lead role in a horror film Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai. “I wanted to act in films. But on the second day of landing in Mumbai, I got the offer to act in Special Squad and grabbed the opportunity!” informs the NSD-trained actor. Today he thanks this stint for paving the road for his film career! “After Special Squad, I was shooting for Prakash Jha’s TV series Bahubali and had a fleeting introduction with actor Deepraj Rana. It was he who felt that I was suited for the role and suggested my name for MJKRH,” says the happy guy, who was recently seen in Star Plus's tele film series—Teri Meri Love Stories. In fact, it was like a dream come true for this handsome lad. “I’ve always loved a well made horror film. The Ring has been one of my favourites! Fear is a very primal emotion and a horror film always elicits my most visceral reactions in a cinema hall! When I heard director Debaloy Dey’s vision for MJKRH...I knew that this was going to be a genuinely scary and a classy film and I was on!” he says!
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is October 11... Efforts for future will bring results. There will be a good atmosphere at work. Financial gains may not give you smooth returns. You may suffer from cold or pain in thighs. Someone will tell you a secret about one of the bosses - keep it to yourself or you risk losing your job. You'll feel demoralised as you feel your partner's feelings aren't mutual. Seek comfort in a close friend who will cheer you up. Thinking outside the proverbial box is great, but looping others in is the key. Both, the more practical-minded parties and those who can keep up with you have invaluable inputs - get them early. The year 2013 seems advantageous and full of good opportunities. The stars will bring you useful news and audacious work projects. Try to play your cards as best as you can. But if you take one wrong step, you will suffer a very nasty fall. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you can let down your guard during your travels. You appear to put a lot into and may be 'slightly' disappointed with the outcome of things. Be willing to 'reach out' and help people. An unusual or unexpected 'turn of events' may have you scrambling to reschedule or compensate. Stability at work will be achieved after a great deal of hardwork. Senior executives are likely to take charge of an important position after the sudden resignation of the incumbent. However, you should not involve yourself in any controversies and then only you will be able to derive the maximum benefit from this. Friends 'going above and beyond' for you as they 'knock themselves out,' will put you in the ‘cat bird’ seat in your career, but not without 'owing a favour back.' Don't fear the debt! Mentally, you'll be lively and happy. It will be a good time to build up your stamina and reserves to tackle the coming onslaught of work. If you can go along with an open heart, that's fine. But if you start to feel resentment, it's probably better to back out and do your own thing. Mood: Vulnerable at times. Compatible signs: Sagittarius, Libra Lucky colours: Spring-green, Purple Lucky days: Thursday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 4, 6, 19, 22, 40 You share your birthday with Amitabh Bachchan (October 11, 1942, Allahabad), who needs no introduction. His horoscope is a case study for astrologers due to Saturn,Venus and Mercury, besides Neech Raj Bhang Yog This combination has made him the maha nayak of the century. While Mercury has bestowed oratory power, Saturn made him rich. However, four planets in the eighth house victimised him politically. His 71st year commencing today will bring more laurels. In 2013, he might suffer from a small problem in the stomach.
	Astro Turf P Khurrana ARIES: Your card Eight of Wands suggests that extra money is likely to come. You will start off in a confident, optimistic mood. Life is not likely to run according to plan. Personal dreams, hopes and wishes are up for review. Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Magic number: 40 TAURUS: There is breathing space now to get your act together and clear your mind. Stay focused on business because that’s what will pay dividends. Family members are congenial & co-operative. Tarot message: New offers must be put on hold as their outcome is uncertain. Lucky colour: Creamy-white. Magic number: 29 GEMINI: Reckless spending will be a cause for regret. So no matter now tempting or urgent the purchase, be cautious. You need to spend more time on repair work around the house. Vitality may be little low. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52 CANCER: Although you have sufficient funds, stick to only window-shopping. Arrangements you made to meet with friends can change at the last moment. Expect a degree of chaos and mayhem in traffic and at airports. Tarot message: Ignore minor official problems. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26 LEO: You will enjoy tidying up and sorting all your paper-work. A good time for looking up to an old flame. Partnership affairs are in the limelight. Try to be true to your feelings. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: Do not bottle up emotions and become agitated. Plan some fun and relaxation with loved ones; leave stress city behind. Health issues should be treated right away and not put-off until other day. Tarot message: Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42 LIBRA: Your personal skills and style of working are likely to shine. A financial matter that has been delayed should move forward now. You may receive a romantic proposition and should be very careful about how you respond. Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youngsters. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 28 SCORPIO: Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios can make for an interesting day. Stimulating and thought-provoking ideas will be in abundance. Business will run smoothly. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being over-anxious. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 64 SAGITTARIUS: It’s a day when dreams come true. If you believe in something with enough hope, it just might happen. You are in a position to move and motivate others. Tarot message: You will not get away with wrong-doings, so don't even try. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30 CAPRICORN: Career affairs can be reaching a triumphant climax. You are in an ideal job, doing what you have and showing the world just how capable you are. Health problems show improvement. Tarot message: There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Lucky colour: Silver-grey. Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: The card The Page of Swords reveals that you are noted for your resilience. Romance takes a turn for the better. Keep extra cash in hand to cope with additional expenses. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 63 PISCES: You need more clarity and open-ness in financial or business matters. Get expert advice to help you sort out the problem. Teenagers: you may meet someone today who will set your heart aflutter. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 51