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Festive fervour is back
If you have survived the Saptami weekend, probably you know what is in store in the coming days… illuminated markets full of buyers, traffic chaos at every popular spot and errands to run — enough to throw our already chock-a-block life out of gear.
Well, there still is time… we garner some helpful hints to help you navigate your way through the festival craziness. De-clutter; not only homes, even lives! Diwali is much about a neat and clean home. They say Goddess Lakshmi comes to a beautiful, illuminated home; please throw away the dresses if you haven't fitted in them for the last three years! But chances are you won't and even if you manage to accomplish this feat, there is a market full of new clothes you want to flaunt on your svelte figure. De-clutter your office desk, files, cupboards and more…trust us you will breathe easy. Make a plan Managing work, home, guests and gifts is not going to be easy. Take down notes. Sort out the priorities, set dates and follow them. Devote late mornings to shopping (traffic will be less) and finish chores at home in the evening. Keep lists ready so that you do not have to make more trips to the markets, which are a necessary evil in this season. Home beautiful home Lighting is the most important around this time of the year and there are plenty of options available. "Cove, spot, mood - you can choose for different light effects," says Renu Khanna, architecture and interiors expert. If there is not much time to make structural changes, play with rugs and bed-spreads. When it comes to colours and textures, you will be spoilt for choice! Look beautiful You definitely want to dazzle along with the beautifully lit up city. Well, if you still have to get your clothes stitched, hurry up. Once sorted out with the dress, get accessories in place. If you want to wear heirloom for the occasion, do check out for the fittings and get it sorted in time. Keep healthy Now you definitely don't want to be forced to fast after festivities. For that, Madhu Sharma, dietician at PGI, dishes out some advice, "Avoid khoya and milk-based sweets from the market totally. Besan barfi, laddu and petha are considerably safer options." Swap sweets with fruits and dry fruits. But be careful here too, no more than a handful of dry fruits a day. Madhu warns against over-indulgence. "Eat in moderation." Shopping for gifts Well, now the 'monstrous' task. Again, make neat lists, explore and stock up the gifts in time. Avoid sweets for there are chances that they will not go down well with health conscious folks. Why spend on something that your friends are not going to use! Keep some extra utility gifts too, who knows some long lost friend finds you just in time to wish Diwali! Try something new How about rustling up some sweetmeats at home? Get together with an aunt or granny to surprise your family with your culinary skill, which is a healthy way to bond with the family (what else is this season for). Try a rangoli with flowers, paint your wall, plant a tree, gift green or share your goodies with the underprivileged…make this festive season a happy one! mona@tribunemail.com
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Model talk
She simply dodges the question about the Bollywood movie that she will make her debut with. Despite our insistence, Akshita Agnihotri is in no mood to divulge any information. "I am bound by a contract, which doesn't allow me to reveal about the project." That's not the only reason behind changing the topic everytime it is brought up. "Publicity can wait; I am not hungry for it. If the work will be worth it, it will get its due," says the former Kingfisher Calendar finalist, who launched the Femina Plus Salon in Panchkula on Tuesday. The only facts that come from her at the end of all the persuasion is, "It's a big banner film, with a popular director."
You nudge her further about what all she is doing and reluctantly she talks about her second big break after auditioning for the Kingfisher Calendar, "I have been shortlisted as one of the 12 finalists of the calendar by FTV." She will occupy the cover page of the calendar, which she says is not that big a deal, "The competition was immense. I can't point out the difference between my capabilities and that of others; I think it was just luck that was on my side." This is not the only instance of an international accessories brand investing in India. "With the kind of market we have, it's natural for FTV to focus on Indians, shoot with the Indian models and make a calendar specifically for us." She is happy with the way her career has shaped up. "At 24, I am working; travelling in and outside India for 22 days a month. I only hope to grow further." Akshita has also been featured on the cover page of a popular fashion magazine, the credit of which she gives to her designer friend AD Singh. "He recommended me for a shoot and I was picked up." That is another positive outcome of doing back-to-back fashion shows; you get to make friends with the right people. "In a span of three years, I have walked the ramp for big names in the industry — Wendell Rodricks, Shantanu and Nikhil, Monapalli, Archana Kochhar, Shravan Kumar et al." And whom does she admire the most? "I bet for Sharvan Kumar. I have been with him on three fashion tours to Kochi, Chennai and Chandigarh, all in a gap of just a few days. For every city, he had a new collection, with a different theme and style. I haven't seen anybody work so hard in the industry." ashima@tribunemail.com
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Face the fact
Picture this; every morning the first thing — adjust the camera, slip into the best dress; just about right touch of pan-cake or maybe a different kind of shave….click, click, click. Then the tedious task of sifting through the pictures; finally, the best one is selected and finds a place on Facebook (FB) as the profile picture! Virtual vanity — what else can that be.
According to a study, one in nine youngsters admits to checking Facebook over 20 times a day. While the majority of young Facebook users spend far less time obsessing over their profiles — the average 18-25 year old spends 1 hour 20 minutes on the site each day. A huge number of youngsters admitted to worrying about their 'online appearance' and over a third (38 per cent) of young adults were worried about being tagged in unflattering photos.
Inder Gill, 22, a LLB student from Punjab University, uses Facebook as a tool to make friends and contacts. "Instead of a phone, FB is the place where I meet people and make contacts." Inder spends nearly 3-4 hours on his account and when it comes to pictures the guy makes sure, "that I upload my pictures, two in a day from the new SLR camera my friend has bought. On every picture I put, I get compliments, something that we all like. Don't we," he adds. Didn't we say it is not a huge job; a social responsibility these youngsters have undertaken. In fact, girls seem to be the most affected. The study also says that girls are more affected, with almost half claiming that 'friends seeing dodgy photos of them on FB' is one of their major worries in life! Kiran Bajwa, a graduate from Panjab University and her friend Jagbir Virk will only post the best shots. Jagvir is not so active on FB, but Kiran makes sure out of 100 pictures she clicks only the best ones reach her account. "I select two-four of the best pictures, which I upload on my account as the profile picture. I make sure I am looking the best because you can't look stupid on Facebook," says the girl who has one single issue with the photos on FB. 'I don't understand why girls Photoshop their pictures. They should keep it simple and nice," she shrugs. Some issues at hand they have!
Needless to say, we are talking about an integral part of their lives but does this put pressure on them to look good? Amartesh Brar, an engineering student from PU, knows of friends who change their FB pictures 10 times a day. He does it twice a week, but the point is that they can't afford to look bad. "The entire world is on FB and in that case, we have to put our best pictures. I really don't have to make an effort to be on FB because it is there on my mobile, which means it is a 24X7 job." Yes; and this generation is serious about it, but there are some who are making good use of it too. Take it from this student of fashion designing, Anupreet Sidhu, who is also a blogger. "I put my picture in a stylish dress everyday; my best shots in best dresses. Not only this, I also put pictures of well-dressed boys and girls as style tip for others." And you thought this is hardly a job! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Booked to change
Scholarship as meagre as Rs 25 per month or the budget allocations worth thousand crores only reflect the ironies of policy and the divide between rich and the poor. For author, Rajiv Ranjan Roy, provocations for handling the subject were as intense as the subject he was handling in Critical Appraisal: An insight into India's Exclusive Growth.
"The book is a must read for the students of all streams, policy-makers,
research scholars and those who wish to become a party to the country's
evolution as a mature and successful democracy." If not the problems of getting published as an author, he was handling problems of the other kind. Poverty, terrorism, communalism, corruption, riots, unemployment, illiteracy…unfortunately, do we have a dearth of them? From how India needs to create more non- agricultural jobs for farmers, to how loan waiver could have been handled better…there are as many as twelve chapters, while each chapter deals with a dozen issues. "The book deals with what's wrong with the country's policy making at a fundamental level… How the divide between the rich and the poor has only increased. Why the rich won't like to pay the taxes…and how taxes never reach the poor." He adds, "It has taken me two and half years of compiling and writing this book which also includes the intervals of discouragement." On the cards is an outsider's perspective on the state of Punjab. "I am working on a book which is on ethos of Punjab, it's a study of its plight and prosperity." As for this one, each piece brings forth the need of a serious re-look at the policies and programmes that are being followed at present. From chic-lits to social issues, it's a breather. — Manpriya Singh
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Short game
…Control the length of the shot by the length of the backswing Jesse Grewal
To hit varied distances, we have to have different speeds of the club head at impact. This could be done by having a constant acceleration and vary the length of the back swing or increase or decrease the rate of acceleration. The latter is not a consistent or easy way to do this. It is easier to maintain the same tempo and vary the length of the backswing which gives the club more time to pick up speed. The longer the backswing, the higher the club head speed and therefore the ball would fly a greater distance. To have a visual reference to the length of the backswing, create an imaginary clock. The players head would represent a 12 o’clock position and the feet a 6 o’clock position. The left arm would represent the needle of the clock. Take your shortest club – a lob wedge if you have one. Make three shots from the 7 o’clock backswing and not the distance the ball flies. Similarly repeat this from the 8, 9 and 10 o’clock positions. Take an average of the well hit shots for each length of backswing. You would have 4 sets of distances with one club. Do the same exercise with your sand, gap and pitching wedge. You now would have a pattern up to your full pitching wedge. The follow through would be only slightly longer than the backswing. So if one has a backswing at 9 o’clock the follow through would be just past 3 o’clock. Make a chart of these distances and keep this in your bag. You could have some overlapping numbers –the lob wedge from 10 o’clock could be the same as a sand wedge from 9 or 8 o’clock. The decision on which to use could then depend on the lie or the trajectory required.
(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)
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This bond will go on…
Divya Dutta
This news shocks! To the extent of making me numb! Some people are meant to live forever. Yash Chopra was most certainly one of those, who is immortalised by his work and his persona. I would never think Yash Chopra is no more. It just doesn’t make sense. He was the person, who when you looked around, was always there. As an inspiration, as a support, as an ever-smiling sweet personality, his reassuring presence brought strength and smiles to many, me being one of those! I first met Yash Chopra when I faced the panel of judges for the Stardust talent hunt. He sat there in front of the nervous me along with Shekhar Kapoor, Subhash Ghai and Sooraj Barjatya. I was standing in front of the man who made me fall in love with Hindi films, the sheer beauty, grandeur, romanticism, nuanced relationships! It’s a world he transported us all to for those two to three hours! A beautiful world, a sensitive world, a world of beauty, romance and emotions! His world. Yes, it reflected his persona. All I could think was ‘I wish I could join films and I wish I am directed by him some day!’One fine day, when I was shooting in London, I got a call from Aditya Chopra. “Yashji is directing Veer Zaara and he wants to meet you.” My heart skipped a beat. The Yash Chopra! Really? I could not wait to meet him and when I did I saw a picture of humility. He remembered all my films and all my work. With warmth and grace, in true Punjabi style, he explained the nuances of Shabbo to me. My first shot for Veer Zaara was a two page monologue and Yashji, Adiitya, Shah Rukh and Preity were there. Could I be more tense? I just wanted to get it right in the first go and wanted shabaashi from Yashji! After the shot, I heard a loud cheer and Yashji came and hugged me. That was my trophy, the most precious gift from Yashji to me. Post the film, I continued sharing a special bond with him. And he was always there. If he ever saw my film, he would call. I used to tell him, Yashji you are two days younger to me. His birthday came two days after mine. I've been fortunate to witness his witty side, get his advice and share poetry with him. He was so special and he touched so many lives! He was there for the film industry, representing and supporting their cause. He was there to celebrate special moments for the industry and to support and be there for those who needed him. Yashji was the head of the film family. It feels a loss, it feels a vacuum to have lost him. So suddenly! The last I spoke to him was when he saw Heroine and called me. It meant the world to me. The last I met him was at Mr Bachchan’s birthday. We chatted a lot. He was his exuberant pleasant self and a month before his film release and a few days after his 80th birthday, he is gone! I still pinch myself as I write this, the vision blurs, with teardrops in the eye, with the vision of the legendary filmmaker that he was, his smiling face, his witty remarks, his reassuring presence! Yes, I still say some people are meant to live forever…he was that. And he lives in our hearts. Main pal do pal ka shayar hun, pal do pal meri kahaani hai... His kahani is the everlasting one, which will live in our hearts forever. (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Follow your dream
Parvesh Rana
Kavita, Chandigarh It is very interesting and encouraging to know that you have the zest to follow your dreams, but you haven’t specified what you would want to do. Also, I feel it is advisable to discuss it with your family. I am sure once they are convinced, you can share your responsibility with them and you can take this decision. Age is really no bar if you have the passion for it. I am a 40-year-old man and a single parent. Of late, my colleagues are insisting that I should get married. They think I wouldn’t be able to carry this responsibility single handed. Is their a solution to this? Davinder Sharma, Mohali You are doing what most people wouldn’t be able to. And if you decided to go ahead with this decision of bringing up a child on your own then you should stick to it. But if you find a suitable girl, you can reconsider your decision. (Rana is a television anchor)
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Life’s like that
Sanjay Kumbkarni’s solo photography exhibition captures life in different contexts Manpriya Singh
Each picture provokes a thought, while each couplet accompanying the picture, sums up the thought. If every frame of The Streetside Brew, a photography exhibition by Sanjay Kumbkarni, is to be believed, there’s a lot brewing on the streets. From the protection seeking clutch of a child to the beauty of a stranger’s smile. The 13th solo exhibition comprising 46 photographs largely touches life. Shares Kumbkarni, “My last two shows were on nature. But a lot of pictures on the subject life, kept accumulating. Though I perceive nature too to be a part of life!” He adds, “Most of them were clicked during my travels to Kolkata, Varanasi, Himachal and Rajasthan.” Perspectives that only a holiday would bestow on an otherwise mechanical mind. Like a feeble old man, depicting, “the apathy that lies brazen on a busy Delhi street, with Parliament in full session and parties in heat.” He shares, “The basic feeling is born, the moment I click and like a picture. Then later I lend words to that feeling.” Some paint a scenic picture, sand dunes, mud-cake houses and hordes of tourists, while others underscore the disturbing elements around. “Our lives have become too consuming and mechanical. People need to be shaken up once in a while from their stupor and sensitised about things.” Things that we wouldn’t pause to think over in the rigmarole of routine. Moving ahead, there’s a picture of tribal kids, for whom a squirrel must be caught for dinner, against the parallel of McDonald’s and Sensex. A cleric talking on the phone, a homeless seeking shelter on a piece of priceless real estate, the pavement, a widow left on the streets of Varanasi to fend for herself, parallel to the mystery of an evening prayer in Varanasi, then Rajasthan with its beauty and colour and tradition in full swing. Very many tell us a story or at least a tradition.On the cards is yet another display, around the same time, though its subject hasn’t worked out yet. “It’s going to be there for sure.” On till October 28 at Panjab Kala Bhavan
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Full of beans
They say first impression is the last one. But then each to his own. A place like Shivalik View has challenged the saying every once a while. What used to be a little less colourful place, now wears different shades from the palette.
CITCO comes up with another addition, this one’s a multi-cuisine restaurant Bazm and a 24-hour coffee shop Le Café at Hotel Shivalik View. With a contemporary touch, Le Café is a place where you can lounge and enjoy the live wood oven pizza and more. The place will keep you engaged with live features like getting your own hand-crafted base made with the choice of the toppings. Says AK Malhotra, general manager, CITCO, who wants this place to match up to the hi-end hotels in the same line as Shivalik View, “We have one 24 hr- coffee shop in Mount View and this is the next one. Shivalik View scores in hospitality, ambience and sumptuous cuisine. The idea is to provide best of facilities and a menu that suits the taste of all.” From coffee to culture, Bazm with traditional motifs and interiors offers a relaxing ambience for the guests to enjoy the culinary options. Live cooking is another feature that you wouldn’t be able to miss.
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Musical epic
Life OK has given the viewers the biggest ever visual extravaganza– Ramleela, Ajay Devgn Ke Saath. A musical based on the epic saga of Ramayana, with a blend of traditional dance and drama is being showcased in a never before seen format. Ajay Devgn is the presenter of the musical experience of Ramleela featuring more than 20 songs wrapped up crisply in a five episode series. Life OK's novel take on Ramleela adds a fresh aroma to the mythological experience of Ramayana! Created on a much bigger canvas, Ramleela proudly engages some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Ajay Devgn as Sutradhar, Rajniesh Duggal as Ram, Richa Pallod as Sita, Aman Yattan Verma as Raavan, Anu Malik’s magical touch as the music director of the title track, Remo D’Souza as the choreographer and national award winner Swanand Kirkire as script consultant. The Ramayana saga has been produced by Wizcraft International which has mastered the production of musicals. Darshan Jhariwala is the theatrical director for Ramleela. Omung Kumar, ace art director has built unique and astounding sets to recreate the journey of Ramayana. Grand arches, massive gates, gigantic statues, lethal weapons are all weaved in a decor that reflects on the splendor and glory of Lord Rama’s times. The show tells an age-old tale through modern technology, state of the art sound; lights and special effects, fights and dances on trapezes and pyro and hydro techniques. Ajay Devgn who plays a Sutradhar explains his latest avatar, “We all have grown up listening to the tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Being a worshipper myself, I believe that these beautiful tales have some great lessons of life to teach us. In today’s fast and competitive society, surprisingly such lessons derived from these simple tales make our lives so much simpler and meaningful. It makes us a better person! And that’s one of the key reasons I decided to be a part of Ramlila. The show is a five episode special from Dusshera to Diwali, but with every episode we aim at highlighting some important lessons derived from the beautiful story of Ramayana, and that too in a very entertaining manner. The story shall be presented as a musical; from dancing and drama to physical stunts, lavish sets and amazing special effects, Ram Leela shall have it all. We have the biggest of names in the entertainment industry associated with the show. Being India’s first musical on television, I consider it to be a revolutionary step
Meet the Sita
How excited are you about the new project?
Extremely excited. I will put in my best effort. When I saw the presentation, I realised it was going to be a grand one. It is a first on TV, on a scale on a musical Broadway, which I have seen in New York and London. And to be part of it in India is overwhelming. Was the story of Ramayan also a cause for choosing this venture? Everything put together. First, musical Broadway on this large scale and to top it having a subject like Ramayan was the best thing. We have heard the story since childhood. Would you have done it had it been a regular TV show? Not really as I feel a regular TV show gets monotonous. I love the fact that in Ram Leela, the story will end in five episodes. It will be a new not only for the audiences but the actors too. This venture will be tough for you as you will have to go through whole lot of preparation… Yes, I will and I am ready for that. I had to rehearse for dance and learn dialogues by heart. But I guess that’s the challenge when you do something new to try and push your boundaries. I have done movies, ads and even theatre but this is totally new and exciting. How good are you at a dancing as this will be a musical? I am a kathak dancer and I think it will be easy for me. I will get to dance and act in the show. I get to play a magnificent character like Sita. It will be a lot of hard work but I think I will enjoy it too. Will you do more TV? It would depend on what is offered to me. I will see if it is worth the time and effort.
Work before health
This month is certainly emerging as the month of malady. While little Pihu aka Amrita Mukherjee of Bade Achhe Lagte Hain is still unwell, the latest we have learnt is that handsome hunk Ashish Kapoor has also fallen ill. “I am very unwell and down with viral. I can’t even speak properly. It’s very difficult to shoot under these circumstances but as you know…work must go on,” shares Ashish, who is currently a part of Sony TV’s Love Marriage Ya Arranged Marriage. “I won’t let my work hamper because of my health. I am also trying to lead my normal lifestyle but yes, weakness is there.”
Kashif’s Bigg lost opportunity
Kashif Qureshi, the first common man ever to enter the Bigg Boss house, is the second evictee from the show. Kashif entered the house with much fanfare as he was the only common man amongst a bunch of well known and popular faces. Coming with a martial arts background, Kashif was eager and enthusiastic to share his knowledge on various topics with the other housemates. However, his eagerness was misunderstood by many and he was eventually embroiled in fights with Sapna, Niketan and Urvashi and was disliked by the rest. During his two weeks stay in the house, Kashif was also known for his flirty ways as he was seen charming Karishma by calling her ‘a fresh fruit from the Garden of Eden’. However, the highlight of his stay was his fight with Sapna which also resulted in getting a warning from Bigg Boss. Kashif, however, did have a few friends in the house like Aseem, Sampat Pal and Navjot Sidhu, who he respected and considered as a knowledgeable man. Speaking on his exit, Kashif said, “Coming to the Bigg Boss house has been a life changing experience. I never thought I would get to learn so much about the world. Now that I am out of the house, I know my life will change completely and I can’t wait for it to begin.”
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Behind the lens
The Lord Of The Rings star Andy Serkis will step behind the camera to direct a fresh take on George Orwell's classic tale, Animal Farm. The 48-year-old, who made his directorial debut as a second unit helmer on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, said that the remake will have a fresh way of looking at the political satire, a publication reported. "I think we found a rather fresh way of looking at it. We are using an amalgamation of filming styles to create the environments," Serkis said.
—PTI
No more action for Steven Spielberg
Oscar-winning film-maker Steven Spielberg is turning his back on action movies, saying he has no interest in directing another high-octane blockbuster. Spielberg, 65, made a name for himself in Hollywood with big-budget sci-fi and adventure movies including Jaws, Jurassic Park and the Indiana Jones franchise, but he now wants to concentrate on other genres, a publication reported. The director said that he was drawn to his latest movie "Lincoln" as it is a pared-down biopic without big action sequences or special effects. "I knew I could do the action in my sleep at this point in my career. In my life, the action doesn't hold any... it doesn't attract me anymore," he said. Spielberg also said that he never expected his acclaimed 1993 drama Schindler's List to resonate with audiences, which is why he shot it in black and white. —PTI
Lucky in love again
127 Hours star James Franco is reportedly dating model-actress Ashley Benson.
The 34-year-old actor began romancing the Pretty Little Liars beauty last month and the pair is smitten with each other, reported a publication. "They have been seeing each other for a little over a month, but things are going well," a source said. Last year, Franco split from his long-term girlfriend Ahna O'Reilly after dating for five years. He said that the long-distance had become too much for them as he was studying English at Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut, while she stayed in Los Angeles. "That relationship lasted about four or five years. We'd been living together in LA then I came to New York to go to school for two years. Then I signed up for more school at Yale. I think that was it for her," he had said. The Hollywood star also said that he didn't have much luck with girls when he was growing up because he was so shy. "I think girls liked me, but I was awkward, shy and emotionally immature, so I didn't have a ton of girlfriends. I had short-term relationships and always got dumped, I think because I was too slow for them," he added. —PTI
Why remember Yash Chopra?
Legendary film-maker Yash Chopra passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday evening because of dengue and multi organ failure. The tragic moment happened just three weeks shy of the release of his last picture, Jab Tak Hai Jaan. It is a sad, sad time for generations of people in India and his patrons across the globe. He is survived by wife Pamela Chopra and two sons: Aditya and Uday. His legacy lives on through his cinema that redefined Hindi films. We bring you the reasons we love Yash Chopra's movies.
Romantic movies The dream merchant's movies such as Silsila, Kabhi Kabhie, Chandni, Lamhe, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, and Veer Zaara redefined the meaning of romance in Indian cinema and made us believe in love in its purest, truest, ideal form. Memorable music The music of Yash Chopra's films is full of evergreen melodies. He has collaborated with the likes of Shiv-Hari, Khayaam, Uttam Singh, Madan Mohan, and others to give us much-cherished songs in movies like Silsila, Kabhi Kabhie, Chandni, Lamhe, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, and Veer Zaara. Songs that instantly come to one's mind are Dekha ek khwaab, Kabhi kabhie, Tu meri chandni, Kabhi main kahoon, Dil toh pagal hai, Tu hai meri Kiran, Do pal ki, and others. AR Rahman and Chopra collaborated for the first (and last) time on Jab Tak Hai Jaan and the music is making waves, especially the poem. Exotic locales Yash Chopra is responsible for Bollywood's romance with foreign locations, especially Switzerland and The Netherlands. Dekha ek khwaab was shot at the famous Tulip Gardens in Holland. The Swiss Government also bestowed him with an honour a few years ago. In India, his beloved shooting spot was Kashmir and major portions of Silsila and Kabhi Kabhie were shot there. He believed in shooting
at naturally beautiful places and capturing their beauty on film. Beautiful heroines Every heroine wanted to work with the film-maker at any point in cinema. It was a rare honour to work with him. Yash Chopra's heroines looked ethereally gorgeous in his movies from Parveen Babi in Deewaar, Rakhi in Kabhi Kabhie, Rekha in Silsila, Sridevi in Lamhe and Chandni, Juhi Chawla in Darr, Karisma Kapoor and Madhuri in Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta in Veer Zaara and now Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif in Jab Tak Hai Jaan. The leading ladies looked sensual and feminine but never cheap or trashy. They wore white sarees and chiffon sarees and many danced in the rain to fiery instrumental music. It was done with immense grace and class. Career-maker for King Khan and Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan owes a major chunk of his career to films like Deewaar, Trishul, and Kabhi Kabhie. Yash Chopra has made four hit films since 1993 and they all have been with Shah Rukh Khan. Yash Chopra has given SRK a negative role in Darr and intensely romantic roles in Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Veer Zaara, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Unforgettable Lines Quote-worthy dialogues and lyrics are the forte of Yash Chopra's movies. Who can forget, Aaj khush toh bahut hoge tum? from Deewaar and Kabhi kabhie mere dil mein khayaal aata hai..., Main aur meri tanhai aksar yeh baatein karti hai... and Kkkk...Kiran! —HRM
Festive time
Kajol was spotted with her mother Tanuja and sister Tanisha at a Durga Puja pandal. Clad in colourful saris, the actresses looked beautiful. The North Bombay Sarvajanik Puja is one of the oldest pandals in Mumbai and famous amongst Bollywood celebrities. Other celebrities spotted at the pandal were Bappi Lahiri, Tanisha, Anurag Basu, and Imitiaz Ali.
Sweet tooth
The show must go on
'Ouch!' That might be how Aazaan star Sachiin Joshi might have reacted this week, when he tried to do a stunt for his forthcoming movie Mumbai Mirror where he plays a tough but quirky cop.
During a song picturisation, against the wishes of his unit, Sachiin refused to use a body double for a shot where his character had to break a Dahi Handi with his head in a fit of frenzy. It was an energetic Govinda song with vigorous dancing, amidst 200 dancers, 250 Dahi Handi professionals and 500-strong crowd. The mukhda went, Poster phatega, toh hero hi niklega, mathey se phodega handi… Govinda aala re aala re, Govinda. But our hero got so carried away in the passion of the shoot that while dancing with abandon he banged his head on the Handi real hard. But alas! It did not break. Instead Sachiin's forehead started bleeding. Oh oh! Confirming the incident, the actor's publicist admitted, "Yes, Sachiin did get injured a bit. But even after the accident, he was sporting enough to carry on with the shoot, of course after a bit of first aid and medication." We checked on this with a source and realised Sachiin really hadn't learnt his lesson! Our source informed us, he did continue to finally 'break' the Dahi Handi with his head in one of the retakes, even as the renowned choreographer Chinni Prakash looked at him in awe, admiring the young gun's zest and determination.
Absent mark
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Astro turf
ARIES: “The Priestess” manifests material and emotional abundance with inner strength, maturity as well as communication skills. This is a good time to compete for a position of power. TAURUS: The card “Magician” reveals that your imagination can run wild now and you want to act out a strange desire. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. GEMINI: Your card “The Princess of Cups” helps you maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Children may be annoyed if they feel restricted. Give a thought to travel plans. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from coming to their own conclusions.Lucky colour: Peach. CANCER: The “Ace of Wands” strengthens and you will feel elated to see roses all the way. Engaging conversation with neighbours create a confusing atmosphere. Take care of any dealings with strangers. Tarot message: Accomplish tasks that normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26 LEO: 'The Knight of Pentacles' brings a healing today. You need some help today. Changes in your home are apparent and you must be willing to bend if you don't want to find yourself alone. Do not enter into any speculation. Tarot message: Take thing one at a time Lucky
colour: Forest-green. VIRGO: “The Knight of Swords” instigates you to be active and clever. The biggest plans require attention towards minute details. In fact, the higher you aim, the more precision is needed. LIBRA: Today, mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Be careful about getting into disagreements with seniors. Plan a special romantic evening with your partner. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange, which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Black. SCORPIO: Your card “The Moon” helps you gain balance, perspective and clarity in relationships. Further studies will help fine-tune your capabilities to perfection. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before you start a new project. SAGITTARIUS: Do not put undue pressure on yourself to take on unwelcome tasks. Indulge yourself in personal pleasures; like eating, sleeping or counting your net worth. Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of problematic
situations. Lucky colour: Brown. CAPRICORN: “Three Wands” representing the Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh Trinity brings success in whatever you do today. You could be in an irritable mood and loved ones may bear the brunt of your temper. Monetary gains are indicated. Tarot message: Never fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Golden-yellow. Magic number: 35 AQUARIUS: Fresh possibilities are likely. Longest journeys start with the first steps. Make initial moves to get the ball rolling in the right direction. There could be lots of activity at work, which will help enhance your career prospects. Tarot message: Try an off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 54 PISCES: Your health and well-being are a priority. Set aside part of the weekly budget for whatever you need to ensure that you stay in top shape. A new approach to an old problem is required. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 24...
You will talk a lot of sense on your birthday, particularly when it comes to discussions with loved ones. You will take a very practical approach, without losing either your sense of fun or humor. It's an especially good day for taking part in a discussion or serious conversation in which you're prepared to speak from the heart and say what you think. Joint arrangement that has worked great until now could run into a few problems. A partner has grown bored and wants a change or someone else has entered the scene and what worked in the past isn't working anymore. If you are single and had hoped for more than just friendship from someone, it will become apparent that they've always just seen you as a friend. This is a fantastic year for putting your thoughts into words or getting them down on paper. Your ideas are well-organised, you're thinking clearly and you know what you want to say. You will pay attention to everything that’s said around you. You might overhear a very precious piece of information that will help finish a transaction in business. You won't want to give in to a superior's directives as you'll be convinced you know how to work, but eventually you'll give in. Your loved one will be truly happy with your spirit of initiative and follow you with great curiosity in everything. You'll be very enthusiastic and passionate. You will gain more profits by pulling back temporarily and maintaining your independence. Timely discussion of direction and goals is the key, whether with your boss, subordinates or team. Don't shy away from taking charge; others will be either grateful or impressed that you're driving the process. Work autonomously, as relationships with those around you won't be great. Do things your way. Those of the third decade will be extremely busy but time is limited. It is vital to stay alert to find solutions to this problem. Time is on your side. Getting there should be half the fun. You can avoid frustration if you re-assure everyone of your true intentions. If you refuse to give up, you will get to where you want to go, but do not make the mistake of becoming so determined that you lose sight of the beauty around you. Investments will bring gradual profits. Your ability to stand out in public would bring you popularity and recognition. Mood: Too easily 'blind-sided' at times Compatible signs: Scorpio, Capricorn Lucky colours: Yellow, Sky-blue Lucky Days: Tuesday and Wednesday. Lucky Numbers: 5, 8, 21, 25, 80
You share your birthday with Mallika Sherawat [Reema Lamba, October 24, 1981, Rohtak], who first appeared in a TV commercial with Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan. She debuted with the film Jeena Sirf Mere Liye. Later she starred in many movies including, Khwahish, Murder The Myth with Jackie Chan; Pyaar Ke Side Effects. Her Stars predict a good innings in Bollywood.
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