The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	An inspiration called woman... Real women of substance they have been, but so far unsung...Prithamnian, brings to the fore these exemplary women who played significant role in the lives of Sikh Gurus Mona If you thought we have imbibed the working women culture from the West, Prithamnian, an exhibition of inspiring women from Sikh history, makes you question that and many more such beliefs. Eleven frames, culled from rather recent history, give a peep into the lives of these worthy women — warriors who actually went to the battlefield to ones who seamlessly blended the roles of a home-maker and political advisor. Neeta Mohindra, an actor, director and painter has brought together her varied skills to present these mesmerising works in mix media. The quest started as she got to play Sada Kaur, a Sikh warrior queen in telly-series Maharaja Ranjit Singh. “I was shocked to know that there was hardly any information and almost no visual images of this warrior who not only taught martial arts to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, but was a clever decision-maker,” says Neeta. Knowing more about Sada Kaur motivated her to research more about women in this league and the journey has been an incredibly satisfying one. Historical texts gave her some information about these gutsy women who played a significant role in Sikh Gurus’ lives. Yet, it was a challenge to bring them alive in visual medium for there were no images. Neeta brought her skills as a theatre person in a play here… she enacted each of these well-researched roles on stage, all for herself, in costumes designed by Poonam Rampal and got thousands of pictures clicked before she actually sat down to wield the brush. Her impressive frames in mixed media are a tell-tale sign of the efforts she has put in. “This journey has been a fruitful one. It’s heartening to know that it was Mata Khivi, wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji, who started langar, which today is a significant facet of Sikh identity. Such is the story of Bibi Bani also, who shouldered the responsibility towards her father and husband even after her wedding beautifully,” she avers. Having done her first solo show long back in 1984, Neeta, head of Department of Fine Arts at BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar, has worked on varied themes. She intends to further explore the lives of Sikh women who have played exemplary roles. Meanwhile, her two solo shows Buhe Barian and Chanda Mama Door Ke are running successfully in their tenth year. Power to women Prithmani, originated from ‘prithvi’ (earth), is what Sikh Gurus called a woman. And as Neeta Mohindra celebrates women in their varied roles—creator, nurturer and warrior— she calls her show Prithmanian. (On at the Punjab Kala Bhawan-16 till October 21) mona@tribunemail.com
	Star track Paradise regained Kashmir is often called Paradise on Earth. Once the beloved location of filmmakers, it is again reclaiming its position in B-town. Significant portions of Jab Tak Hai Jaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, have been shot in the valley. We bring you an assortment of some of the new songs shot there Shot at sight Bekaraan from 7 Khoon Maaf: Vishal Bhardwaj's composition is lilting and passionate. Shot at Gulmarg, Jallani House and Shalimar Gardens (in Srinagar), the song captures the romance between Priyanka Chopra and Irrfan Khan. Icing on the cake Katiya from Rockstar: Nargis Fakhri's character is from Kashmir, so a portion of the movie was shot there. Our favourite is Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis imitating Shammi Kapoor and Sharmila Tagore from Kashmir Ki Kali and having all the fun in the snow. We adore the Kashmiri outfits as well. Rhythm and hues Ishq Wala Love from Student Of The Year: The love song is soothing, sweet and addictive. The crew and cast had a tough time shooting it because of the cold but the results are worth the effort! The bright hues of their clothes look fabulous against the snowy landscape. Authentic vision Madno from Lamhaa: This is a melodious love song featuring Bipasha Basu, Sanjay Dutt and Kunal Kapoor. It is shot at various locations in Srinagar such as Pari Mahal, Dal Lake and some lovely gardens. Madno is the Kashmiri word for honey. Bolt from the blue Naam Adaa Likhna from Yahaan: Minissha Lamba's debut film was shot entirely in Kashmir. She played a local and Jimmy Shergill played her Army officer beau. This song has been shot in the wild outdoors and the soft blue light enhances the beauty of the song. Joining in… Jiya Re from Jab Tak Hai Jaan: This is the latest song to be shot in the heavenly valley. Hot-pants-clad Anushka Sharma dances with abandon to the peppy song on a shikara in Dal Lake and at Pahalgam. Kashmir' beauty hasn't faded at all! Anushka and Shah Rukh Khan make a good pair.
	John Abraham to work with Mohanlal? After the resounding success of Vicky Donor, actor- producer John Abraham is planning to rope in Malayalam superstar Mohanlal for his next film Jaffna, to be directed by Shoojit Sircar. "We are also looking at regional films. I am producing a Marathi film. Definitely, I would love to produce a Malayalam film. We have one of the best actors in our country there - a gentleman called Mohanlal," said John. "There is so much to learn from him. I hope he has a role in Jaffna. We are planning to do it together," added the actor who will co-produce the film. It is learnt that Jaffna would be an off-beat political thriller about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) activities in Sri Lanka before it was decimated by the Sri Lankan Army in 2009. John has also made it clear that he would want to get into direction in the near future
	It's a boy for Megan! Transformers star Megan Fox and her husband Brian Austin Green welcomed their son, Noah Shannon, late September, but chose not to announce the birth of their son until now. The 26-year-old took to her Facebook to announce the news of the birth of her son, reported a publication online. "We have been very lucky to have had a peaceful few weeks at home. He is healthy, happy and perfect. We are humbled to have the opportunity to call ourselves the parents of this beautiful soul and I am forever grateful to God for allowing me to know this kind of boundless, immaculate love," Fox wrote. "Thanks to those of you who wish to send your positive energy and well wishes. May God bless you and your families abundantly." Fox never commented on her pregnancy, but only confirmed the news by posing for a picture in June. The actress was first rumoured to be pregnant back in March. — PTI
	Farah’s working policy Choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan has hinted that after the disheartening fate of her home production Joker, she will work with those who will stand by her films through thick and thin. Directed and co-produced by Farah's husband Shirish Kunder, Joker had Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead but Akshay did not promote the film amid reports that he had differences with Kunder. "'Joker got a bad response. People had killed the film even before it released. What happened was not nice, lesson learnt - go ahead. When a star does not stand by the film then it is free for all...that is all I want to say," Farah said, without naming anybody. "You have to stand by the film, that is very important. So you will have to work with those who will stand by the film, come what may," she said. Meanwhile, Farah is ecstatic that her debut film as an actress Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi got good response at the box office. "I think the film did pretty well. When I saw the film, I thought it is a nice movie. However, Farah is sure that she won't act in future.— PTI
	Designs on you Ex-Miss Universe and actress Lara Dutta is all set to launch her own line of Indian ethnic wear. "Excited to launch my own line of ethnic Indian wear that will be available in stores this coming festive season!:-).Have Worked hard on it!" she revealed on Twitter. The 34-year-old actress, who gave birth to a baby girl with tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi, in January, also thanked her fans for the wishes. ''Thank you for all the good wishes and support!:-). Its my very 1st collection and I think it looks good :-) Will wait 2 see ur reactions!:-)" she added on Twitter. her first foray as a business woman. She turned film producer with Chalo Dilli, under her banner Bheegi Basanti Productions, which released last year.
	Food for thought Hollywood star couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie imported 5,000 pounds worth of British food to their home in the south of France because their children love it so much. The pair, who are parents to six kids, Maddox, 11, Pax, eight, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, six, and twins Knox and Vivienne, four, reportedly fell in love with baked beans, pies, ready meals and crisps while living in Surrey and recently imported their favourite foods to their home near Chateau Miraval, reported a publication online. "The kids have gone off French food after living in the UK for so long. Brad had a look online and found an English food company which delivers ready meals such as cottage pie, toad in the hole and apple crumble. The kids love Turkey Twizzlers and baked beans on toast so Brad put in a massive order. He filled two freezers," a source said. The 48-year-old actor and his fiancee Jolie have been known to spoil their children in the past and the actress recently said that she wants to be their children's friend.” —PTI
	The wedding bells Singer-actor Justin Timberlake is set to marry fiancee Jessica Biel, in their favourite little town near Naples in Italy, this week. The couple, who got engaged on their annual Christmas holiday last December after more than five years of being together, will exchange vows in a small town that holds special memories for both of them, reported a publication online. "The wedding is happening outside of Naples in a tiny town this week. It is their favourite place, a location that is very special to them. There will be a few hundred guests, and the maid of honour will be Jessica's longtime best friend, Lindsay Ratowsky," a source said. Biel reportedly arrived in Italy after picking up her wedding dress. — PTI
	The big deal Sunny Leone has signed a three film deal with a production house for Rs 3 crore. It begins after she wraps up the sequel to Ragini MMS. So the films will start releasing in 2013.
	Well begun is … The promos of Jab Tak Hai Jaan and even the songs have got a huge number of likes. So much so, that the shares have surpassed the numbers for even Twilight Breaking Dawn part 2. It has better buzz than Son of Sardaar.
	On a singing spree Ayushmann Khurrana has sung two songs in Nautanki Saala. One is a sad song on the lines of Paani da and the other is a happy Punjabi song. The film is a musical with eight songs.
	Characteristic touch At the trailer launch of Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, Vishal, Anushka, and Imran were in character. Anushka showed off her tattoo and danced and there were a lot of laughs among everyone!
	Miss-matched Rakhi Sawant has a special appearance in the latest Krrishh sequel and she shot for it in suburban Mumbai. We wonder what she is doing in it. She did an item song in Krazzy 4.
	chatter box In a soup Last week, TV producer Gajendra Singh, was arrested for fraud as a case was filed against him in Kanpur. Reports claim Gajendra didn’t attend the Kanpur court case hearing. Gajendra is the man behind many reality shows like Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Surkshetra.
	A taste of his own medicine The weekend episode of Lakhon Mein Ek will be a story about police officer Prakash (Kiran Kumar), who lives with his mother, his wife Urvashi and daughters Shreya and Shweta in a middle-class Hindu joint-family in Mysore. Though on the surface, he is an honest officer, liberal-minded, Prakash is in fact a narrow-minded, possessive husband who doesn’t allow his wife to step out of the house. She is not even allowed to meet her parents and harassed for dowry. It all changes when their daughter Shreya falls in love with Aatish and marries him (Ajay Chaudhary). Seeing how his mother-in-law suffers, Aatish decides he must do something. Plotting with Prakash's mother and his wife, Aatish begins behaving exactly as Prakash does with his wife. Will Aatish be successful in changing Prakash’s mindset?
	On a joyride Bollywood’s love for super-bikes is quite known by now. Spearheaded by the Khans and Abrahams, the trend is now being taken forward by Ashmit Patel. The actor who was busy shooting for Bindass Superdude couldn’t take his eyes off the super cool, customised Vardenchi Bike, which will be given to the winner of the show. Such was his love for the mean machine that he preferred to spend his breaks during the shoot with his new love, the Vardenchi Bike. “Biking has always been my passion and the Vardenchi customised Bike for Superdude, well, it literally stole my heart”, says the actor. Ashmit has even asked the channel to gift him the same bike!
	Back to the basics Choreographer, director and judge on TV reality show- Remo D’Souza sure has come a long way. But now he is going back to his roots and will be choreographing Life Ok’s version of Ramayan called Ram Leela which will be a la Broadway musical. How excited are you about this project? I am thrilled. Doing a Broadway musical style show on TV is a challenge. But at the same time, it will be fun to do something like this. Grand sets, story telling, the lavish projection, everything will be different from what I have done in the past. Ramanyan is a subject which has been explored on TV many a times. What will be new this time? Yes we have seen Ramayan on TV before but this will be a different take on it. We will present it like a musical show and entertain our viewers with a sound and light show. It will be a never seen before version of the story. Will audiences accept this version of their favourite mythological tale? I think audiences are game for anything new and fresh. Even if it is a story told before, a novel presentation and narrative makes all the difference. They want entertainment and this show will air during the festive season, so it will engage them further. What kind of preparation have you done? We have been rehearsing and dancing with 20 members of the cast including dancers and actors. A show of this scale needs rehearsals though on TV one has the liberty to do retakes, I would prefer if a segment is okayed in the first take itself.
	NEW RELEASE Student Of The Year Producer: Hiroo Johar, Gauri Khan Director: Karan Johar The expectation in the trade circles is very high when it comes to filmmaker Karan Johar. Student Of The Year is Karan’s latest movie starring Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter Aalia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra. Aalia Bhatt has reportedly shed 16 kgs to turn into a glamourous diva in this film which releases all over today. The film also stars Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kayoze Irani, Ronit Roy, Ram Kapoor, Sana Saeed, Sushma Seth, Farida Jalal, Prachi Shan and Akshay Anand. It’s after a gap of two years that Karan Johar has directed a film. His last venture was My Name Is Khan. Kajol, Farah Khan, Vaibhavi Merchant and Boman Irani will be seen doing a cameo in this student drama. The combination of music composers Vishal-Shekhar, cherographers Farah Khan, Bosco-Caesar, Remo and Vaibhavi Merchant is already doing wonders for the music of the film. Ishq wala love…, Radha … and The disco … songs have managed to create some buzz for the film. — Dharam Pal
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is October 19... Investment made will enhance your prosperity and financial security, but desist from investing in 2013. It is a year when events will be good and disturbing at the same time - leaving you confused and tired. There are times in life when you have to make decisions; it is probably time to make a few necessary changes and to start from the scratch. Luckily, you will be in good spirits. Someone will try to cause harm; as strong forces are working against you, avoid confrontations and even if you want to settle a score, do it in a dignified way. Don't take your seniors for granted. Motivate yourself to be more optimistic. It increases confidence and flexibility. Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment. You will be upset because of the prevailing conditions at home. A good year for romance; your children will make you proud and happy with their progress. Old issues never go away and one or two will be rearing their less-than-pretty heads. The guise may change, but in all likelihood the roots remain the same; keep lessons previously learnt in mind. Make sure new projects get some air-time and some breathing room. Mood: Impulsive. Compatible signs: Pisces, Cancer. Lucky colours: Fire Brick, Cyan. Lucky days: Monday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 9, 13, 42, 43, 90. You share your birthday with Sunny Deol (Ajay Singh Dharmendra Deol October19, 1956). He made his Bollywood debut with the super-hit movie Betaab. Sunny's biggest hit to date is Gadar - Ek Prem Katha. The film catapulted Sunny to numero uno status. Sunny’s stars augur a big award in 2015.
	Astro turf P Khurrana ARIES: Love and travel are on the cards today. You can put yourself in line for a promotion or salary increase. Strong feelings can distort your sense of perspective. Rather than let them simmer, call a family meeting and let everyone have their say. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63 TAURUS: Make an effort to attain and maintain harmony. Communication on the job can assume greater importance, but you do need to be careful that you do not get caught up in red tape. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 59 GEMINI: New people you meet will be exciting. Remember your resolutions about diet and nutrition. Take it easy this morning and bask in the luxury of a late start. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms with yourself. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36 CANCER: Love life is sparkling. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. Get into your hobbies or a favourite sport for mental and physical stimulation. Avoid any impulse to gamble. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 50 LEO: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Household affairs continue smoothly. Businessmen: do not invest money in hastily concluded deals. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 35 VIRGO: Not a good day for shopping. There can be a small get-together at home. Promotion to a management position might trigger self-doubt. Be conscious of yourself. Anxiety could interfere with your sense of well-being. Tarot message: Don't take hasty decisions Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33 LIBRA: Sportsmen: sincerity is the key to success. Club and group activities keep you busy. Health glows. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Focus on hobbies. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 25 SCORPIO: Working women: take complete rest today. Students: bury your nose in books. Be logical in your thoughts. Housewives: financially you will feel secure. A change of plans can throw you into turmoil. Tarot message: Learn from past experience. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 25 SAGITTARIUS: Push routine to one side. You might fall madly in love during a trip or while attending a conference. Drive carefully. Partnership issues are likely to surface. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 31 CAPRICORN: An auspicious day for purchasing ornaments. Hasty actions can lead to situations best avoided. Keep your wits about you and try to pause if agitated. Colleagues and associates might step on your toes or try to bully you. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42 AQUARIUS: There will be good opportunities to show off your artistic flair. Loved ones will do what they can to help solve financial problems. Savour the romantic glow of the morning. Tarot message: Accomplish tasks on time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 52 PISCES: The card “Six of Wands” forecasts fun and social activity. Your effort will not go unnoticed by superiors. Talk to your lover about your future plans and goals. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40