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One team, many roles
Happily frolicking in the sun is a team of seven. That they have travelled early by road to reach Chandigarh on Friday morning and would barely get to catch on to sleep before they present back-to-back three shows in two days, does not seem to bother them. Probably this is what happens when one profession coincides with one’s passion!
The cast of The Bureaucrat was handpicked by play director Rahul da Cunha, doyen of English theatre, and each of these actors revel in being on stage presenting a meaningful comedy, which targets the Indian political set-up. The miraculous cast of seven who play 17 characters on stage share some notes with us. Mr Bugs, the bureaucrat Played by Bhargava Krishna (better known as Bugs), this is a story of a bureaucrat and his transformation. “This role helped me get in touch with my own negative emotions, which one doesn’t want to believe,” says Bugs, an actor, writer and director, all rolled into one. One in billions Neil Bhoopalam plays the bureaucrat’s son, a VJ in this play, “I have been a VJ, but what I got to do in this part has been entirely different from my actual experience, which has left me quite stirred,” says Neil. Bugs admires his role: “There are billions of people in our country, but none could have played his character better.” Nine roles, one cheque Sukant Goel plays a peon, sardar, college student, MTV CEO, cameraman, farmer, bodyguard, Russian diplomat and a farmer in the play. “The swiftness in changing clothes and transforming myself into different roles has been a great high,” says Sukant who left his paying job as chemical engineer in West Africa to pursue his passion. Hardworking & ambitious Shivani plays Mrinalini, the bureaucrat’s secretary and later the home minister’s. A seasoned actor and director, she infused fresh energy into the play as she stepped into Anu Menon’s shoes some six shows back. “For the first time I am playing a Bengali character and it’s been absolute fun,” she acknowledges. Interpreting for self For Mohali boy Jaswinder Singh, who plays the home minister, Friday’s performance will be special because this is for the first time that his mother Harjeet Kaur will see him act on stage ever since he turned a professional actor. “Having always worked with ‘tough’ directors, this time I got a lot of independence to interpret the character in my own way; Rahul’s way of functioning is amazing,” says Jaswinder. Youngest of the lot Natasha Azad, the youngest among the cast, essays three characters on stage. A big leap in her career, she has slowly learnt her craft. “I have learnt a lot from my experienced co-actors,” says this biologist, who got into acting soon after her graduation. Acting in inheritance Aseem Hattangadi’s blood tests reveal ‘theatre positive’ as his parents are Jaydev and Rohini Hattangadi! Playing the bureaucrat’s alter ego, he is a trained from FDI, Pune. “Rahul would at times SMS at night to share some insight. When one’s director is living the play day-in and day-out, what could be more inspiring for an actor,” he says.
mona@tribunemail.com
Stage show Rage Theatre founder Rajit Kapur lets his team speak up their mind on The Bureaucrat. Known for his contribution towards theatre, TV and cinema, his plan of action is simple. “To do more shows and have more space for them.” With one play a year at Rage, this year they have already done four and another would be ready in December. They have also bounced back in Hindi Theatre with Jaal and Mahua. And it’s A Walk in the Woods with Naseeruddin Shah that has made him more alert as an actor. Holding the audience for two hours with only two characters is not new for Rajit, as his play Love Letters is running successfully in its 20th year!
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Age no bar
Ask Sulbha Deshpande, 76, about the relevance of age in the profession and she says, “If acting is a passion and not a profession, age is just a number.” A privileged member of the ‘age no bar’ club, Sulbha Deshpande, recently played the role of Sridevi’s mother-in-law in English Vinglish. English Vinglish happened because Gauri Shinde needed an actor to fit into the role of a Marathi-speaking old woman. “I have got good reviews for my work though I haven’t watched the movie yet.” Into acting for over 40 years now, Sulbha has all this while happily juggled between films, television and theatre. What’s more significant is that her contribution to acting hasn’t been on the superfluous level alone. It went beyond acting much before, in 1979, “Along with my husband, I laid the foundation of two organisations — Aavishkar, for theatre artists, and Chandrashala, to promote children theatre in Mumbai,” says the veteran actor, who was in Chandigarh on Friday as part of World Arthritis Day, which was celebrated by Fortis. Now when she looks back, she feels happy that Aavishkar has produced actors like Nana Patekar and Urmila Matondkar. It’s strictly for monetary reasons that she picks up films and TV shows, but that does not mean money matters because if it had, six years ago she wouldn’t have given up working in Hindi shows for Marathi TV. “Producers of Marathi shows don’t have enough money to employ good actors. And there aren’t many actors for whom money is not the deciding factor. I realised that it was high time to switch
the course.” For the same reason, each year, she travels to Pune to act in films made by the students of Films and Television Institute of India. Since the grant given to the students is extremely nominal, it’s difficult for them to hire good actors. “For me, now is the time to help the next generation take over with poise.” Her children theatre foundation Chandrashala also aims at honing the talent of children. She rues the fact that only Marathi, Kannada, and Bengali theatre has understood the value of children
theatre. Theatre actors, she says, should have a holistic approach than just limiting it to analysing the content. “That is known as lab theatre; popularly known as experimental theatre. It takes into consideration content, actors, props and even what kind of theatre people would like to see.” At 76, she dreams of theatre reaching every city and village of India. Age, as she says again, is just a number! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Rashmi returns as Tapasya
After having quit the show that made her a household name, Rashmi Desai will soon return to the show Uttaran. We catch up…
How come you are going back to Uttaran? Eight months ago when I was doing the show, I was told the role would be of an older character, which I wasn’t willing to portray. However, now we have settled some things that were bothering me and come to a mutual understanding. I love Tapasya’s role and it is close to my heart. Are you back for good? Yes. I have been asked time and again if Tapasya will return and now I can say for sure that she will return. Audiences will see me soon. What did you do in the interim? I relaxed, went on a holiday and enjoyed my life. I realised being a married woman means lots of responsibilities of home, in-laws and husband; so time flew by. Recently being part of the dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa was also wonderful. Did you have any inkling about your return? No. When I quit, I wanted a break as with my marriage coming up I needed time for my personal life. Now, I am glad to return as the role is good. The focus of the show will be on Ichcha and Tapu; I am looking forward to it. What about plans of turning a producer? Nothing of that sort is happening for now. We had thought of it, but there is no time.
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Heroine in the making
Sridevi and her family are on a high after the success of English Vinglish which is quite unprecedented. Rumour has it that the veteran actress is now preparing her older daughter Janhvi to become an actress.
Sridevi had recently said that she wants Janhvi and Khushi to study and then get married early. She did not want them entering Bollywood. She had said she discusses fashion with them and fitness too. Of course, the family watches movies together. Now sources close to the actress insist that she is training Janhvi quietly to become an actress at a young age and debut in a film within a year or two. Janhvi is very fashion conscious, stylish, and she works out regularly. Sri had a weight problem and she doesn’t want her daughters to have that so they are being trained in nutrition and fitness from now on. Janhvi turned heads at the premiere of English Vinglish with her good looks, confidence, grace and poise. The parents will choose the film for her debut and might even make one. Sridevi is a protective mother and Janhvi won't have to struggle. Anyway, the industry is more professional and organized now and there is a variety of roles. Sridevi wants Janhvi to follow her footsteps. We might see Janhvi Kapoor debut sometime next year!
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Deepika has the best smile
Deepika Padukone has the best smile in Bollywood. And no, it's not just us who are saying this, but the results of a latest brand survey done at a recent dental seminar have announced that.
Deepika's glowing smile has gained the highest amount of votes by the dental brand. Amongst many other personalities of the film industry who were being short-listed for the same, Deepika bagged the highest amount of votes. She is evidently pleased with the results and responds with a glowing smile. When people congratulated her on winning the survey, she revealed that according to her Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit have the most pleasant smile amongst others in our Bollywood industry. Well, keep smiling Deepika… it looks good on you! Say cheese: Deepika Padukone >>
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Nothing loveable about this storyline
Starring: Rani Mukerji and Prithviraj Sukumaran Total disaster Flop show Single-track success Bhoot Returns Architect Tarun (J D Chakravarthy) along with his wife Namrata (Manisha Koirala), his son Taman and daughter Nimmi move into a luxurious bungalow which is situated near his work place. One fine day while exploring the house, Nimmi finds a cute looking doll and ever since starts including an imaginary friend in all her activities. Soon a series of inexplicable things happen to Tarun's family. The family finally decides to vacate the house. But the house has other plans of its own as Nimmi is found missing. One-time watch Eerie effect Repeat treat (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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Power-packed statement!
Whenever there’s a power cut, political or electrical, much sparks are seen flying in the heated discussions of the public who grapple around in the dark. To turn these sparks in guffaws of laughter, Jaspal Bhatti has churned out a romantic comedy, Power Cut, with the back drop of power cuts and shortage of power in most parts of India.
The story is set in Punjab with Prem Chopra as the power minister of the state and Rajesh Puri as the power corporation CMD. Bhatti, the ace satirist and Jaswinder Bhalla, who is top comedian of Punjabi Cinema, play the village jesters (bhands) who make fun of the electrical and political system. The name of the heroine in the film is Bijli and hero is called Current. The film has been directed by Bhatti himself. All the credits will be displayed in Bhatti’s ulta pulta style as usual. For example Tukbandi is by Kumaar, camera jerks by Raju Kaygee and underground singers are Sunidhi Chauhan, Mika, Master Saleem and Lembar Hussainpuri of Sadi Gali song from Tanu weds Manu. Bhatti is introducing his son Jasraj Bhatti in the film as one of the two male lead actors. The other main lead male actor is Zafar Khan. Produced by Paveljit Ruppal, the script piracy credit will be attributed to Jaspal Bhatti whereas music piracy is by Gurmeet Singh. Bhatti feels if our politicians put in as much as half the effort in planning for electrical power as they exert to grab the political power our country would shine. The movie is being released on October 26.— TNS
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Heavenly touch
Vineet Mishra Sip your cocktail to know the full form of the cocktail! It’s great! Instructions Fill a highball glass to the rim with ice cubes. Pour lime cordial and Absolut Pepper and the Redbull over the ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge. Cocktail tips While making a cocktail, put the least expensive ingredients first. For example, lime juice etc and then more expensive ingredients like liqueur. That way if you make a mistake, you can save your cost. Happy sipping.
* 45 ml Absolut Pepper * 25 ml Lime Cordial * Red bull to top-up * Lime wedges (Mishra is owner of CocktailJockey.com)
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Fit ‘n’ fine Farah
Farah Khan has put up her recent picture on Twitter. She is looking fit and fabulous in a trimmed avatar. The choreographer-director-actress has so far knocked off 14 kg and is trying to lose more. She was also looking forward to appearing as the fourth judge on India's Got Talent. Priety Zinta came on the show to promote Ishq in Paris.
heavenly body:
Divyanka Tripathi
Critical point
Power of prayer: A still from Madhubala
Zee TV turns 20
These entertainment extravaganzas featuring the most memorable singers of Zee TV’s longest-running singing reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and the hottest dancing sensations from India’s top-rated dance reality show Dance India Dance will take the cities of Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Dehradun, Bhopal, Aurangabad, Kanpur and Lucknow by storm all through October. ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ is easily the oldest and the most iconic property Zee TV has produced, followed religiously for over 18 years by lovers of music across the world. The show has unearthed and lent India’s music fraternity some of its most prized jewels. Dance India Dance, the only definitive platform for dance on Indian television, continues to enjoy a cult following and remains India’s No. 1 reality show. It has revolutionised dance as an art form and changed the way dance and dancers are perceived in India. Both shows have made superstars out of India’s common man and so the channel has plans of celebrating its 20th birthday with the viewers of India through Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live - concerts that let them interact with their favourite artistes from these two iconic properties.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 13...
Are you in a wistful frame of mind? Something is making you reluctant to face facts or deal with harsh truths? Beware of a tendency to bury your head in the sand in the hope that anything nasty will go away soon. It won't; so tackle it another day when you're feeling more resilient. Work front will be smooth, but financial matters may not be that easy. You may feel lethargic. It will be better to postpone important issues for some other day. Good events are possible in personal relationship; however, you will have to wait for them. Don’t end up making promises you can't keep. You'll probably try to convert everyone to your way of thinking, especially if you think you are morally or ethically right. Try to tone all this down, otherwise you'll waste a marvellous opportunity to use your brain and come up with some fantastic ideas. Work wisdom involves knowing when not to make a move. What might seem bold is more likely a blunder; what you need now is to attend to the basics. You'll be able to get better results by working closely with a new partner, who surprisingly works better than you had anticipated. The year starts with some personal problems, especially with in-laws or elderly people. Don't force an issue, especially if you are planning events. Loss cannot be ruled out and attending funerals is possible. Some of you are likely to travel abroad while others to receive business and monetary gains through overseas associations. Mood: Highly focused
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Turn your attention to matters of money. Go over the figures and see where you stand. If there are problems, discuss them with partners or close associates. Forgive and forget is the best policy. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.
Lucky colour: Yellow. TAURUS: Enjoy friendly gathering in your neighborhood. Luck is on your side and good things will come your way. With partners, co-workers and even rivals, you will be favoured. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Beige. GEMINI: Listen to your heart, regardless of what your head keeps telling you. Are you doing something to please somebody? If the answer is yes; then it might be time for you to reassess your motives. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky
colour: Burgundy. CANCER: Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job. Domestic chores will interfere with your plans. Inconsequential encounters can have far-reaching effects on your psyche. Tarot message: Learn from your past experience. Lucky colour: Silver. LEO: Older people and family commitments can take up your time. Don’t try to dodge. Children may need attention, so take them with you. Give your creative talent a vent. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from coming to their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Purple. VIRGO: A recent training or practice programme should pay off big-time today. Enter a competition that will stretch your abilities and offers a fantastic prize, since you might just win. Contracts as well as agreements can be finalised and plans initiated. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish. Lucky colour: Golden. LIBRA: A joint meeting will be held to review the situation and plan a future strategy. Those married will spend an interesting day. Financial gains will accrue through relatives and well-wishers. Make sure you know what is needed. Tarot message: Take one thing at a time.
Lucky colour: Orange. SCORPIO: The eligible will decide to get married and obtain the blessings of their family. A certain misunderstanding with a close relative will get cleared. Do not be rash. A dream might stay with you and become a cause for introspection. Tarot message: Listen carefully. Lucky
colour: Blue. SAGITTARIUS: Lovers: you are surely going to enjoy today’s meeting. Women will pass through a period of depression. You need to blow off steam in an impersonal setting for the sake of peace. Keep yourself cool tonight. Tarot message: A useful tip at the stock exchange will benefit you. Lucky colour: Red. CAPRICORN: Students: you are unlikely to face financial problem today. Businessmen: profitable opportunity knocks after 4.00 pm; act fast. Do not push the point, let it go. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before you start a new project. Lucky
colour: Green. AQUARIUS: You are unlikely to be in the mood to start new jobs. Health could affect your plans. There will be an opportunity to exercise and benefit from your natural talents. The best outlet for pressure is passion. Tarot message: Do not fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Grey. PISCES: Let your imagination run and enjoy the creative ideas that spring up. You are likely to be over-sensitive towards others, but this will help your communicate better. Pleasure comes through measuring your accomplishment. Tarot message: Try a new off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Pink. |
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Sixty and retire; this thankfully doesn’t apply to actors even as we get to see Amitabh Bachchan on the silver screen at 70. Add three decades to the number and we had Zohra Sehgal giving interviews on her 100th birthday this year. Not too long ago she did Saawariya at the age of 95! What has age got to do with art?
Ingredients
Playing ‘apsara’
Parting ways
Bigg tour!
Prison diary
You share your birthday with Kate Walsh (Kathleen Erin Walsh), who was born on October 13, 1967, in San Jose, California, USA. She has acted in films such as Normal Life, Peppermills, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer Part 2, Bewitched, Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie and Under the Tuscan Sun. She appeared with a memorable quote in the series, "When you turn your car on, does it return the favour?"