Fun intended
Jackky Bhagnani sheds his flab and inhibition to woo his ladylove Nidhi Subbaiah in Ajab Gazab Love
Manpriya Singh

If you haven't had stupendous hits, third is often a critical number. Accordingly, Jackky Bhagnani is taking no chances and even before the crowd makes demands, he's ready to oblige. "I want to hear some noise! You guys cheer out loud and then I'll dance with you, so who's ready to dance with me?" and he's out to convince everyone in Chandigarh to go and watch Ajab Gazab Love.

Meanwhile, doing his bit is the director Sanjay Gadhvi, "It's a romantic comedy that's really funny. I guarantee you'll die laughing," with female lead Nidhi Subbaiah and the star producer Vashu Bhagnani.

In less than two years for his debut, the star son went from flab to fab, from weighing a hundred kilos to flaunting the six-packs. Jackky passes on the credit where it is due and pulls his reluctant trainer onto the stage. "Here is the guy who kills me in the gym and doesn't let me eat on the streets," before answering any other queries at length. "My character in this movie is basically to make people smile. I play a third generation wealthy guy, who comes back after doing automobile engineering and falls in love with a girl that hates rich people." Then on, the entire movie is a move to woo the girl.

Consequently, there's an ailing family member, hand-to-mouth existence, the proverbial sorry script and state of affairs all enacted to get the lady love.

Shares Sanjay, "We've shot the movie at some real good locations. From Indore to Italy, Tuscany, places like Milan Center and some places where no film unit has ever gone."

He adds, "Here is a romantic comedy that revolves around young actors and is a story that the entire family can go and watch. It's devoid of double meaning vulgar jokes."

With the likes of action flicks like Dhoom and its sequel behind him, romantic comedy was the gradual step for him. "One's face, one cannot change. One's spouse, one shouldn't change. As for the genre, one must change. Comedy is a bit difficult to attempt, that's one of the reasons I waited for the right script."

As also the right banner and the cast! He shrugs, "On the sets, Jackky would be like any other actor, plus I'm a specialist in launching star sons."

Laughs Jackky, "When you are working with your dad, you can't escape with excuses. It's actually difficult." Also, difficult is making one's presence felt, among a string of actors waiting for their line-up and star debuts increasing each year. "There is a population of 130 crore plus people. And there are only a bunch of good actors. There is a space for everyone." Therein come the active promotions, like the one his producer father is resorting to in a span of a day. He shares, "We thought of a five city promotion because we wanted the audience and people outside Mumbai to know about the film. It's like we had breakfast at Amritsar, lunch in Chandigarh, and we are off to have high tea, followed by dinner at some other place and dessert at again some other." They are on the verge of being whisked away for their next halt. 

Laughter lines
Bharti Singh would rather be a comedian than a heroine as the career of a comedian lasts forever
Mona

Three cheers: (L-R) Bharti Singh, Savvy Dadwal and Khushi Rajput. Photo: Pradeep Tewari 

Working through the night, wrapping up the shoot at five in the morning, catching the first flight for the film promotion, dead-tired with no food till late afternoon, Bharti Singh still manages to evoke laughter. She looks thinner (credits her Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa partner Savio) and prettier (credits Cleopatra Day Spa for the makeover), who was in Chandigarh on Thursday to promote her upcoming film, Yamle Jatt Yamle. Here is Bharti unplugged…

She plays…

… a typical serious heroine in Yamle Jatt Yamle. Her role in this film will bring tears to everyone's eyes, she swears. Well, Bharti plays what she is best at. Opposite Gurpreet Ghuggi, this duo promises this flick to be high on the dose of laughter. "I am always so busy--serials, film shoots, live shows-- but the director tricked me into working in this one with the promise to make me the lead heroine in his upcoming film," she blushes, as all those present burst into peals of laughter.

She dances…

… like a diva. Savio is the man she swears by. "Poore Hindustan main Savio jaisa koi nahi," she declares. "For, he is the one who can lift me," she adds. While Savio compliments her on the handwork she has put in.

Not a heroine…

…but comedian is what she intends to be for the rest of her life. People ask her if with her pretty looks and dancing skills she is aiming at lead roles in serials and films. "Nah. Models and heroines have short career spans. Comedians live forever. Others may come and go, Johnny Lever continues to make us laugh," says Bharti, acknowledging that what she is today, it is because of her comic streak!

Bhatti lives…

…on, in hearts. Bharti has been King of Comedy Jaspal Bhatti's favourite comedian. Shocked at his sudden demise, she says, "Only he could present the gravest of the problems in a fun way making you think about it. I wonder if anyone else can repeat the feat."

Bharti continues what she is best at… Yamle Jatt Yamle releases this November. Also, she is looking forward to the release of Khiladi 786 where again she plays that serious role which is going to make you cry…

mona@tribunemail.com

 

Filling the void

Savvy Dadwal is the lead actor, director and producer of upcoming film Yamle Jatt Yamle. A movie shot partly in Goa, this one is a family drama full on laughter. "Usually movies focus on campus or family life. What happens in-between is what our movie is about," says Savvy. From Amritsar, this hunk with an agricultural background has been assistant director for films Veer Zaara, Rang De Basanti and Dabangg. This is his first venture in Punjabi. 

artist’s studio
Concrete evidence
Nonika Singh

If change be the only constant in life, how can an artist's vocabulary be the same? So in his long artistic odyssey talented artist Madan Lal has been constantly reinventing himself. That's not all. Unlike other artists, he works on several series at one go.

Sure he has bid adieu to the image of Budhha that pervaded his canvases for a long, long time winning him much adulation and buyers like Tina Ambani. For quite some time now he has been discovering new images in his series Urban Emotions. At one point the image of peacock dominates his work. Then at another human foetuses swim in an aquarium alluding to many things but chiefly that in next 50 years life will transform dramatically and even birth of a baby will be a rare phenomenon. Concerned by the growing urbanisation and concretisation of natural spaces, he expresses his feelings in myriad ways.

Readying himself for an upcoming exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery and for opening of a new Indian gallery in Germany, his studio in Sector 48 Chandigarh is akin to a mini gallery. We take a peep not just into his creative space but also into his mindscape and his alluring creative process.

Visual journey

While most artists move from realism to abstraction, Madan has been going back and forth. More than a decade ago abstract forms ruled his canvass. Later, he turned to semi-realistic figures that defined his series Music Within and Journey Towards Silence. Right now, the faces that he is painting are incredibly alive and real and other elements like balconies, telephone instruments, roads and other building elements are juxtaposed by way of interesting compositions.

Art and aesthetics

Whatever be his subject, aesthetics is never sacrificed in his works. He says, "I paint beauty. What's the point in recording ugliness with which the world is anyway swarming?" No wonder in his hands, dustbins become rose plants, road maps a lyrical figure. Why he lends sensuality even to urinals. Interestingly, this particular object came into his visual space per chance. He dismisses the suggestion that he has been inspired by other artists like Marcel Duchamp who used a urinal way back in 1917 to make an artistic statement.

Exhilaration of creation

As he simultaneously paints on larger than life canvases as well as smaller ones, he doesn't think either is a challenge. In fact, art for him is sheer joy of expressing what is within him. He quips, "When I paint no gallery or buyer is involved. I am the creator and the spectator. First and foremost I paint for myself."

Spirituality and eroticism

As many of his canvases are now celebrating the union of man and woman in semi-abstract images, he doesn't think eroticism is an anti-thesis of spirituality. On the contrary he feels that both fall in the same paradigm as, "Both make you forget the world and bring you closer to your inner-self."

Alphabets of painting

Symbols that he uses generously in his works are his language. He says, "If I just paint two figures it would be such a bland statement. Unless I correlate the figurative with metaphors, the work will be meaningless." Right now he is preoccupied with geometric forms most certainly a fall out of living in Corbusier's Chandigarh. Yet the way he arranges it all the lyrical quality remains immanent.

Mysterious process

Indeed, no artist is an island unto himself and responds to his environment. Yet when Madan picks up his brush an unknown force guides him. He starts with one colour. Equally unconsciously, he picks up another and once he has achieved the tonal quality of colours, drawing follows last. As he loves to revel in the play of lines, the strength of line work is as engaging as the VIGBOYR hues.

Serial count

Though he does commissioned work he doesn't care to repeat images, only certain elements and colours. Besides, one thing leads to another. What began as lock series evolved into human forms of its own volition.

New media

Madan now plans to switch over to new mediums. Digital painting is one genre he is exploring. Since he believes one of the prime purposes of art is to stun and jolt viewers, he is toying with the concept of installations to go along with his paintings. He chuckles, "Imagine if in a gallery painted urinals are hung upside down who would not notice it?" On a more serious note he avers, "It's time to make art lovers sit up and take notice. The feel of three dimension is unparalleled. By singing slow paced ghazals we have pushed viewers into a slumber zone. Let's do some rock now."

Whatever be his visual music, he intends to devote himself full time to art. Planning to quit his job in near future he will be thinking, sleeping and creating art 24 by 7.

Fair enough!

Vanity Fair brings its Spring-Summer show once again. The fair will offer all it's famous for--Indo-western wear, sarees, tunics, western wear, handbags and shoes , semi-precious jewellery, lifestyle accessories, artifacts, wrought iron, garden and wooden furniture, paintings and prints, home linen, carpets and garden accessories.

Whispering Willows offers a scrumptious barbeque, pizzas and a variety of cuisine by the poolside.

Also, a live electrifying performance by Gazi Khan and The Mangniars recreate the magic of a dessert evening with soulful music from the Thar in the evening. You can also take your pick from the loads of stalls geared up for Karva Chauth and Diwali which includes designer festival wear for women and children, LED candles by The Ray Store and other gift options. Loads of first time exhibitors in Chandigarh from Mumbai, Kolkatta, Chennai, Jaipur and Delhi will be taking part in the exhibition. Designer Neha Chawla , Naureen Singh, The Citrine from Delhi, Jaipur Pitara (quilted jackets and coats), Radhika Jalan-Jaipur, Manthan - Jaipur, The Custom Clothing Co ( winter jackets, coats ), Vinita Jain ( Woolen kurtis), Tiramisu, Anamika's Kritsav from Kolkata are to name a few.

There will be a separate garden section to showcase garden furniture and accessories like planters, stepping stones, candle stands and lanterns, terracotta, bonsais, plants and herbs.

On October 27 & 28 at Whispering Willows, Zirakpur

TNS

it’s rocking
Love notes


A still from Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Yash Chopra's last film was in the headlines earlier because its title was undecided. But the title, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, and its first trailer give us a glimpse of what to expect. The movie starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma has dreamy shots and the legend's last work will definitely be a memorable one. The track Saans has all the hallmarks of a Yash Chopra song. The composition is rich, melodious and high on emotions. As expected, Shreya Ghoshal helps elevate the song to a different level with strong vocals and is truly accompanied by her partner Mohit Chauhan who also keeps up the high standard. Gulzar's lines are intense and very romantic.

Hit material

Overall this track is a good effort and will probably turn out to be a hit, especially on the big screen. I love the lyrics which are so meaningful and worth dedicating to your loved one.

Jina Sharma, Student, MCM College

Romantic all the way

It is like a trademark romantic song, reminiscent of Yash Raj Films. The vocals by Mohit Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal are magical with a good blend of instruments. But in terms of composition, Rahman could have produced a better track. It's definitely not the finest from his stable, but still succeeds in impressing.

Manit Bansal, young entrepreneur

Raising the bar

Seeing Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif romance on screen is just so ecstatic. I loved the song and because of this track I expect a lot from the movie.

Naina Das, housewife

Addictive tune

The track has something magical about it that one is suddenly attracted towards its soothing tune. Even the lyrics are very maeningful and I’m addicted to the track that I listen to it literally everytime.

Ruhani Arora, student, Panjab University

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

Peace of art
Jasmeet Rehan Garg has captured various forms of karma in her canvas 
Manpriya Singh

Thirteen pieces of art are enough to give the slant to the exhibition, if not for anything else. There's a glimpse into the subject as also the thought process of the artist. Karmic Strokes, the ongoing exhibition by Jasmeet Rehan Garg, explores the emotions around life and karma. "I've tried depicting various forms of karma, Buddha in his varying moods. I find a lot of peace and respite in Buddha."

The four months of endeavour comprises only a few figurative works, while the others remain abstract. There's one based on motherhood called Touch of Unborn Love, yet another talks of Holy Waters, based on the Buddha and when he attained nirvana. There's the Saffron Puff, painting a colourful picture of a typical sadhu at the bank of the Ganga.

"I chose the Buddha series because I wanted to break into a relatively unknown market. Chandigarh is comparatively new to art and needs a lot more exposure," adds the Delhi- based artist. Media marketing to painting is quite a switch though it has been seamless for her. "I always wanted to paint and depict the depths of human emotions and life through shades of colour."

Moving on, there are a few that display forms, random strokes or some face. The shadows and shades of Buddha generously dot the works.

She adds, "My previous solo exhibition was also on similar lines. I painted life, its forms, its phenomenon." Goes without saying, the next one too is likely to be on, 'any deep- rooted emotion that touches her'. She adds, "While this exhibition in the city lasts, I'm also available for any live painting that anyone wants to get done." What else remains to be done is, "I aspire to leave a mark on society by painting various social stigmas, their negatives effects at large and depict a world free from bondages."

On till October 28 at The Taj, Chandigarh.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Star track
Not an issue


Used to rejection: Robert De Niro

Hollywood star Robert De Niro says actor Leonardo DiCaprio has replaced him in acclaimed director Martin Scorsese's films.

The 69-year-old actor said that his former This Boy's Life co-star has now taken over as Scorsese's big screen star of choice and he is only asked to hand out awards these days, reported a publication.

"What mostly gets me here is to present awards to other people. I have handed out Oscars to Sean Penn, Eli Wallach and Francis Coppola. I have honoured Meryl Streep at the Kennedy Centre. I have handed out about a half dozen lifetime achievement awards to Marty Scorsese, from the BAFTA to the Golden Globes," De Niro said.

"So even though Leonardo DiCaprio has taken my place in Marty's movies, I am apparently the go-to guy in handing out the hardware. I have gotten pretty good at giving out awards but frankly I have gotten out of practice accepting an award myself. It has been awhile except for getting that medal from the Irish American League when they could not get Liam Neeson," he added. — PTI 

The chapter continues…


Starry family: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie 

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's son Pax and daughter Zahara have reportedly been cast alongside their actress mother in the upcoming film Maleficent.

The Hollywood couple's four-year-old daughter Vivienne is already playing the role of young Princess Aurora who eventually grows up to be the nemesis of evil Maleficent in the film, Walt Disney Productions previously confirmed, reported a publication.

"They have smaller parts. Shiloh was supposed to be in it, too, but she was bored and not in the mood during the day her part was supposed to happen, so she ended up not being in the film," said a source.

Maleficent, due to be out in 2014, retells the story of 'Sleeping Beauty' from the perspective of the villainess Maleficent, played by Jolie.

Elle Fanning, who plays the grown Princess Aurora, is already gushing about Jolie in the role.

"She's incredible. She's so elegant. She looks just amazing as Maleficent, all her costumes and her makeup," said Fanning.

The 14-year-old actress admitted that Jolie is a bit frightening in her Maleficent costume. —PTI

Career achievement award for Ben


Work recognition: Ben Affleck

Actor-director Ben Affleck is all set to be honoured with a top prize at the upcoming Casting Society of America's 2012 Artios Awards.

The 40-year-old will follow in the footsteps of fellow film-maker Quentin Tarantino when he receives the Career Achievement Award, a publication said.

Casting director Lora Kennedy, who worked with Affleck on his movie Argo, will also take home a trophy.

This year's Artios Awards, which celebrate outstanding film, TV and theatre casting.

"Ben is one of the first all encompassing film-makers we have honoured (sic). Ben is a consummate actor, director, writer and producer. The Artios Awards are known for celebrating casting directors, who can challenge audiences with their original and bold ideas," Pam Dixon, CSA President said in a statement.

The awards will be handed out at twin ceremonies in New York and Los Angeles on October 29. —PTI 

Royal shot

happy scene: Daniel Craig

Bond star Daniel Craig says working with Britain's Queen Elizabeth was lovely.

The 44-year-old, who worked alongside the monarch for a sketch shot for the Opening Ceremony of the London Olympics, is pleased how good the stunt looked and said it was surreal working with her, reported a publication.

"I think she did good, I think she did fantastically. I am a big fan of Danny Boyle. He did an amazing job with the Opening Ceremony. I was proud to be a small part of it. It was quite surreal to be in the palace with the queen but Danny was being lovely, and so was she," he said.

Craig's upcoming Bond film Skyfall was premiered recently. —PTI

Frozen in wax 

xerox copy: Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson wax statue has been unveiled at the Madame Tussauds's museum in Blackpool but the statue barely resembles the Twilight star.

The statue catered to every small detail of Pattinson's features - from his wild hair down to his stubble, but failed to get an identical look.

Tussauds' wizards of wax even dressed the figure in Pattinson's trademark suit jacket, jeans and skinny tie. But his hair is too dark, his skin the wrong tone, and his face an odd shape.

Hundreds of fans, who stood outside to get a glimpse of the statue when it was unveiled here, were disappointed when they realised it does not quite hit the mark.

The statue, which is said to have cost 150,000 pounds and took four months to get ready, looked like a bad clone of the star.

The wax figure will mingle with the likes of the Queen, Will and Kate and The Beatles in Blackpool and will go for a world tour in November.

Meanwhile, Pattinson is looking forward to the release of Breaking Dawn 2, final movie of Twilight franchise, coming out next month. — PTI

Nicole’s graceful show

Praise worthy: Nicole Kidman

Actress Nicole Kidman looked elegant as she stepped on sets wearing a vintage floral dress for her upcoming biopic Grace of Monaco.

The 45-year-old star was costumed as the late actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly in the colourful design as she arrived to film her scenes in Menton, France.

Stylists had accessorised the Oscar winner's look with a large hat, long white gloves and flat shoes, reported a publication.

They styled Kidman's cropped blonde hair in loose curls which were tucked under the hat. The superstar was spotted carrying a basket of bread during her scenes as she walked across a bridge.

The crew also filmed her on a sprawling yacht that had been docked in Nice, France a day earlier.

Last week the actress was spotted shooting in Monaco as she plays Kelly who was considered one of the most beautiful and stylish women in the world.

She has been making every effort to emulate the regal Princess of Monaco, and was even pictured riding a horse during a shoot last week. The biopic tells the story of the Philadelphia-born star, who made it big in Hollywood before she married Price Rainier of Monaco at a fairy-tale wedding in 1956.

Helmed by La Vie en Rose director Olivier Dahn, the film co-stars Tim Roth, Parker Posey, and Milo Ventimiglia. —PTI

Jackman’s tragic past

Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman has opened up about his heartache of being abandoned by his mother when he was just eight-year-old.

The Wolverine star, 44, says Grace Watson, left the family when he was just eight. She left Australia for the UK and only broke the news to her five children via telegram.

Jackman, who has forgiven his mother, says he discovered she had battled depression and was "struggling", a publication reported.

"One of the main things I remember is that horrible feeling that people were talking about you and looking at you because it was odd for the mother to leave," said Jackman.

After his parents divorced, his sisters, Zoe and Sonia, moved to England to live with their mother. Jackman and his brothers, Ralph and Ian, stayed on in Sydney with their father, Chris.

"The thing I never felt - and I know this might sound strange - I never felt that my mum didn't love me. I've spoken about it at length with her since and I know she was struggling. She was in hospital after I was born suffering from post-natal depression. There wasn't a support network for her here."

"There comes a certain point in life when you have to stop blaming other people for how you feel or the misfortunes in your life. —PTI 

Passing the parcel


Fitness matters: Kelly Osbourne

Fashion Police host Kelly Osbourne is launching a fitness contest to help overweight fans get into shape in 2013.

The 27-year-old daughter of rocker Ozzy Osbourne dropped several dress sizes after competing on US reality show 'Dancing With The Stars' in 2009 and she has continued with her healthy diet and exercise regimen, reported a website.

She is teaming up with producers behind UK TV show Daybreak to find three tubby Brits in need of a body makeover.

Osbourne will fly the trio out to Hollywood next year and introduce them to a team of personal trainers, dole out nutritional advice, and help them create diet plans.

"There is no quick fix. It's not just about losing weight. Nothing comes easy. You've got to want it. That's why I really want people to enter this competition who really do want this life change.

"It can be really fun, but at the same time it sucks! But you've got to learn to like it. I'm not going to torture anyone, I'm going to make it really fun," she said.

"For me, food became a bit of an emotional thing. I punished myself with it. But I was also uneducated about how to eat properly and what was good for my body and what times of day are appropriate to eat. It's amazing now that I can share everything that I have learned with everyone else," Osbourne added. — PTI

Like father, like son

Versatile act: Adhyayan Suman

Adhyayan Suman, son of actor Shekhar Suman, says he wants to be versatile like his father.

"My next agenda is I am going to get into singing. As far as production is concerned with my dad's next film Heartless I am concentrating on my production house. I will also get into direction in future," said Adhyayan.

"I want to be versatile like my dad," he added.

"Fortunately this year I have six films in my kitty. I am doing Dehraadun Diary, Heartless, Himmatwala and then I am doing one South remake. There are two more projects," he added.

"My dad does give his opinions before I sign any film but he never interferes. Taking up a film is completely my call.” —IANS

One for her mother

Actress Dia Mirza, who made her Bollywood debut with 2001 release Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, has dedicated her first Bengali film Paanch Adhyay to her mother.

"It is my first Bengali and my first regional film ever. I dedicate this to my mother, who is a Bengali. She is turning 60 this year and it was a very special moment for me when she saw the movie and said 'this is the best birthday gift you could have ever given me'," Dia said.

Paanch Adhyay is film critic turned director Pratim Das Gupta's first film. It is the story of love found and lost in the lives of a contemporary Indian couple, told in moments of past and present.

The cast of the film includes actors Priyanshu Chatterjee, Soumitra Chatterjee and Sampurna Lahiri. —IANS

Chatter box
In good health and spirits 
TV personality Mini Mathur has been able to keep herself in good shape. She started her career as a VJ and since then little has changed in the way she looks. Here she talks about fitness and why it’s important to her.

hale & hearty: Mini Mathur

How do you keep yourself so fit?

I do functional training. I have been doing it regularly for the last few months now and I am thoroughly enjoying it. It is a high repetition functional training which aims at burning fat.

Do you have a controlled diet?

I don’t kill myself with dieting as I eat in moderation always. I don’t eat junk, dessert or fried food and work out continuously. Basically if you stop working out then everything you eat turns into fat.  I work out even when I eat calorie rich food. I am a foodie.

How do you manage to eat the right food and work at odd hours?

I don’t work 30 days a month. In fact, I am healthier when I am working as I focus on what I eat. I eat every two hours to keep energy levels high. At home, I bake and cook so I keep munching something or the other. I ensure that something yummy and healthy is cooked at home for children.

Do you think a fit body is important for those who are a part of the glamour world?

I maintain my body for myself. I hate being overweight. One feels like shopping only if one has a fit body. If clothes don’t fit me, I don’t shop. If one is slim and fit, even a sack dress would look good.

How do you handle stress at work and home?

You have balance in everything you do. Fitness is important as you have a dormant lifestyle. When I get stressed at work spending time with kids helps me.

Not a bad deal!

Aman Varma will soon be back on TV. He will play the role of Ravan in Life Ok’s Ram Leela. Excited about the venture, the actor talks about his role.

Why did you choose to do this role?

The role of Ravan in Ram Leela has variations. Not many know that Ravan was a learned man but his ego and anger led to his destruction. In the journey of Ramayan, I will play various shades of this character. 

Ramayan has been revisited many a times. What will be new this time?

The fact that it’s a musical like a broadway play will render novelty to it. The action will be dramatic and I will get a chance to dance and sing at the same time. This is wonderful and totally new for me as an actor. It is exciting and challenging too.

What kind of preparations are you doing?

I am working on my fitness as I will have to do many dance forms. I will do tandav, Indian classical dances and even Bollywood. Though dance is not my forte, I am working on it as well. This role will be physically demanding and I am looking forward to shooting.

Is this your first mythological character?

No. I played Rishketu in Ravi Chopra’s Mahabharat 2. He was a quiet character and believed in rules and truth.

Simi goes online!

NET WORTH: Simi Garewal 

The eternal diva of Hindi cinema – Simi Garewal – is all set to rock the virtual world after storming Bollywood and television. The actress who celebrated her 65th birthday on October 17 got herself a website: simigarewal.com. "I have spent the last four months working continuously on it,” she says. “It wasn’t easy finding photographs for the site. Each word has been written by me, so it’s extremely personal. Luckily, I’ve always kept a diary that recorded every conversation, which really came in handy now. I’ve also put together the designs and music.

New releases

Ajab Gazabb Love

Producer: Vashu Bhagnani

Director: Sanjay Gadhvi

The promos of much-hyped Jacky Bhagnani and Nidhi Subbaiah starrer romantic comedy has created a lot of interest among the cinegoers. Ajab Gazabb Love is a remake of Seema Tapakai, a successful Telugu film Jacky Bhagnani plays a rich kid who falls in love with Nidhi Subbaiah who belongs to a middle class family.

Directed by Sanjay Gadhvi, this romantic comedy also stars Darshan Jariwala and Kirron Kher. The kissing scene between the lead stars in the song Boom boom...has created quite a buzz for this film.

— Dharam Pal

Chakravyuh

Producer: Sunil Lulla, Prakash Jha

Director: Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha, the filmmaker known for hard hitting social drama, is ready to take centre stage with his next social drama Chakravyuh based on power politics. Jha’s last film Aakarshan was on reservation of seats for backward sections and privatisation of education. Chakravyuh Praksh Jha’s is also about a complex issue. It is a based on a subject as complex as the Naxal issue in the interiors of India. The film has a lot of action and drama on Naxali.

Abhay Deol has done some high-voltage stunts for the first time in this film using a lot of guns and rifles.

Co-starring Arjun Rampal, Esha Gupta, Manoj Bajpayee, Om Puri, Anjali Patil, Kabir Bedi, Murli Sharma and Chetan Pandit, Chakravyuh shot in Panchmarhi and Bhopal, released on Dussehra festival.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You can bring dreams back into focus with the added benefit of your age and wisdom. You will be in the mood to meet people from different walks of life. Tarot message: You will prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 46.

TAURUS: Indulging in idle talk and gossip with neighbours will not work. Check out the newspapers to find activities that appeal to you. Students should give yourself plenty of time for study. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 58.

GEMINI: Beware! Someone will back-stab you. You will be surprised at the excellent reception you get. A very good time to meet government officials. The health of your child needs attention. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 31.

CANCER: Do not become easily ruffled. Your personal and public life are likely to clash in the evening. Women: do not argue over silly matters. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself and prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Bottle green Magic number: 63.

LEO: You have achieved most of your short-term objectives today. A good day for business. Associates will be helpful. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial for making progress. Eat wisely. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 27

VIRGO: Your resources can be boosted. It is a good time to look at real estate. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. So, get up and get going. Turn to member of your family if you need advice. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 36.

LIBRA: Your card Two of Pentacles shine on love, money and sports. Stick to your schedule. Your conscience is likely to be pricked. Instead, open your mind to new things and be surprised with your findings. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44

SCORPIO: There is a promise of better things in the offing. It is simply up to you to take hold of opportunities and make them yours. Speak out your mind. Tarot message: Do as many courses as you can to get ahead of others. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 51.

SAGITTARIUS: Your emotions can over-ride your judgment in some situations. Problems for factory workers are indicated. You could be misreading the actions of loved ones. Your diet needs more attention. Tarot message: Take things one at a time instead of a pronged. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 65.

CAPRICORN: Not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. There will be delays in communication. Old patients: take complete rest. Lovers: a romantic evening is ahead. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52

AQUARIUS: Good company and plenty of clear are likely to figure prominently in today’s activities. A new love affair might be dominating your every moment. A Libra friend will be supportive. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 32

PISCES: This is not the right day for property deals. Get your priorities right. An offer to move up the corporate ladder may be within your grasp. You may have to make a long journey which will be successful. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 28

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 26...

Part of the backdrop of your life changes on this birthday, as a friendship begins to expand and improve. Over the next year, you'll see some of your relationships growing, leading to greater understanding. This will also be a very good time to concentrate on teamwork rather than doing it alone, particularly if you want to make some money.

You're going places. Your ambitions are starting to receive a shot in the arm, filling you with ideas and the determination to succeed. You may even decide to aim very high indeed and set your sights on targets that you would normally consider to be way beyond you. Right now, however, you're eager to give them your best shot.

The emphasis in your life shifts from money to the way you communicate with others. This will be a wonderful opportunity to spend more time with the people you see on a day-to-day basis, and to really enjoy the connections you establish with one another along the way.

Mood: Insecure and conservative, especially with cash

Compatible signs: Cancer, Pisces

Lucky colours: Gold & orange

Lucky days: Monday and Tuesday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 45, 67, 75





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