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Perfect recipe for success
Something he does more often these days is smile; showing his neat dimples, which most of the times are hidden under the short beard. With that shaved and sans the long curly locks, actor Kunal Kapoor is ready to take his position in the kitchen! The ingredients are laid, the batter is prepared; all he needs is a pretty hand to stir the dish. Tip-toes Huma Qureshi is in her high heels and together they whip up Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. In Chandigarh for the promotion of the soon-to-be released movie, this new pair of Bollywood spells out its recipe!
Matter of looks Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana kills the rebel and the poet in Kunal Kapoor, not literally though! “This is what happens when you play a long-haired intense looking guy in two-three Bollywood projects; I get offers for similar kind of roles. Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana breaks this mould,” says Kunal Kapoor, who is on a back-to-back Chandigarh and Punjab publicity tour. After all, the movie has all the right Punjabi flavours! “While most people think that the movie is about a recipe, it is just used as a metaphor. The movie is about self-discovery in the end,” says the actor, slipping into how he chose real sets over studio shooting. “For a movie like Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, the essence comes through if it is shot in real places; in this case we shot outside Ludhiana in a dhaba,” says the actor who has a passion for flying and is a complete foodie? “I can virtually live on chicken.” Nothing new for a Punjabi! “Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana has a different kind of Punjabi portrayal, which is not over-the-top or very loud. This film is our attempt to revive the comedy of the 70s and 80s, when humour was driven by the characters in the story. In fact, our producer Anurag was skeptical since he hasn’t attempted anything like this before,” adds Kunal, the actor who has the heart to admit that he does regret doing some projects. “I have started smiling too; one way to break the stereotype,” says Kunal, who has been offered a hundred roles after Rang De Basanti that were on the lines of a rebel or a poet. The actor, however, is not in a race to get anywhere. “People consider me an intellectual because of my appearance. Some even think I have had a bad childhood,” he smiles. His dimples become more evident! high on heels She a recent convert; from a tomboy to an actress! “I am still getting used to walking in high heels,” the pretty-looking Huma Qureshi struts in with confidence. The lady from Gangs Of Wasseypur (GOW) plays a Punjabi doctor in Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. “A lead actress playing a Punjabi doctor is probably being attempted for the first time. This is an interesting character and I help Kunal to discover the recipe.” We are still looking at her high heels; it definitely takes heart to walk in those. And a heart to say your mind! This is how her role was coined in GOW. “I guess I was adding to the comic element, which came out of dialogues that were real, not really daring. I think other actresses are doing far daring roles,” shares this girl from Delhi. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Act by Act
Proud of his roots, this talented guy from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has come a long way. Rajpal Yadav, an actor who has given brilliant performances in comic, serious, negative as well as lead roles, is ready with his dream project – Ata, Pata, Lapata. In Chandigarh on Monday, to promote his film that releases this Friday, Rajpal opens his heart to us.
Following a dream Rajpal took proper training before he moved to Mumbai to live his dream. His formal theatre training began in the Bhartendu Natya Academy, Lucknow, followed by National School of Drama, Delhi. “Not many know I am educated,” he jests. A long innings In 2012, this actor completes 25 years in acting. From doing almost every major classical Indian play, he has also enacted a range of characters on screen. From playing a terrorist in Jungle (that fetched him Screen Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role) to the lead in Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon, he leaves an indelible mark in all his films. “Acting is what has given me everything and that is what I will do till the very end,” he says. Character call Having done more than 100 films, Rajpal still scans the character he has to enact on screen first. “I had just two scenes in Paheli, which I am proud to have done,” he says. A dream role, you question and he answers philosophically, “Jo beet gaya hakikat hai, jo nahi vo sapna.” Stage presence Rajpal says he has performed on stage in almost every city in all the six continents, “You will find more Indian audiences abroad than here.” With his Nuaras Natraj Theatre Company, he is busy acting and directing three plays, including one solo. Creative creation Ata Pata Lapata is the result of Rajpal following his call of creativity. As many as 170 theatre artistes are part of this organised, musical chaos, which is also Dara Singh’s last film. This musical satire has been directed as well as produced by Rajpal and he plays a double role in it. “Entertainment it is, but it also has depth. Story of a common man, probably this film will answer some of your questions too,” he says. Up next Rajpal is extremely proud of playing the central role in Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain, his first international project. “It is a very sensitive and beautiful film,” says Rajpal, who will also be
seen in a couple of other films soon. “Please watch my film for once; I have put my heart and soul into it. Viewers’ opinion is of utmost importance for me,” he signs off. mona@tribunemail.com
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Spiced up!
Over a slice of a thin crust pizza and one of Tomoto Bruschetta, the subject of conversation can’t be more appropriate than what makes Italian cuisine world famous, more so when the other party is a celebrated Italian chef Bill Marchetti.
So what makes the pasta score over the Indian curry chicken? “Pasta travelled from Italy, made a stop-over at the speciality cuisine restaurants of five-stars; then made space for itself in the a-la-carte menus, went on to be served by the street vendors and finally came a full circle in the form of packaged food. I have heard it has even found a mention in the Punjabi film Jihne Mera Dil Luteya,” says Bill, who is also the executive chef of the Spaghetti Kitchen, an Italian restaurant that opened in Chandigarh on Monday. Taking the comparative analysis further, he says that curry chicken has failed to cross the borders convincingly. “Indians don’t consider cooking a very respectable profession abroad and you can’t expect natives of other countries to handle spices as effectively.” It doesn’t stop here. Indian cuisine, unlike Italian, doesn’t have, as Bill says, the ‘hero’ dishes like pasta, pizza, spaghetti. Strangely, diversity here has negatively affected the popularity of Indian cuisine. There isn’t one dish that can represent India as such, “What people have in North India is different from what they eat in the South. The variety of what India offers in terms of food might be rich, but then no single dish represents India.” And chicken tikka masala also fails in the bid; corrects Bills, “It was invented by the British.” Bill knows both sides of Indian and Italian cuisine story because he has culinary experiences in both parts of the world - East and West. After initial learning in Italy, he shifted to Australia in 1984 and opened the first Italian restaurant there. Then he made a shift to India, worked with ITC for eleven long years; at Maurya for five and is now in Chandigarh. He pledges to make people fall in love with authentic Italian food. Besides working inside the kitchens and handling oregano, he loves to travel and check sites in the country from where he gets his ingredients. “You might see me with Gary and George of Masterchef Australia, who were on an eight-city tour of India. If not anything, TV shows on food promote experimentation in people.
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STAR TRACK Kelly considers stripping to be a form of an art which has been around for years now Actress Kelly Brook has come out in defence of her decision to strip for a risqué revue show, insisting burlesque is an ‘art form’ and features nudity in a ‘beautiful way’. The Piranha 3D star will join the cast of Crazy Horse's Forever Crazy in London for one week as a guest performer next month and she will appear alongside naked dancers. However, Brook is adamant the show is about more than just stripping off. "It might surprise some people to hear that getting my kit off is not what I'm about. I don't need to be in a strip show and that isn't what burlesque is about - it's so much more than just the striptease. It's an art form which has been around for more than 170 years...," a website quoted her as saying. "When I was asked to appear as a guest in the London production, I jumped at the chance - even though I'm pretty nervous. All the performers, except me, will be fully naked, so the audience see everything but in the most beautiful way. Thankfully, as a guest performer I don't have to strip to the nude," she added. —
IANS
Is Mila Kunis expecting?
Mila Kunis, who has kept dating rumours with Ashton Kutcher afloat with casual hangouts and motorcycle rides, is the latest Hollywood actress to come under scrutiny with what looks to be a bit of a baby bump. The 29-year-old actress stepped
out with beau Kutcher recently, and though the pair kept things casual in jeans and T-shirts, it was the slightly taut nature of Kunis' tank top that drew speculation of a baby-to-be. Just one day earlier, the pair strolled through North Hollywood for an ice cream date, with the actress donning workout clothes and a looser black hoodie. The 34-year-old actor and his former That 70s Show co-star had earlier denied dating even as they spent time together shopping for furniture and riding motorcycles.
The pair's recent talk about one day having a family has only added fuel to the fire. "I do want a family," a publication quoted Kunis. "I'd rather be in love and have a baby than a movie," she added. —
ANI
Leading the show
Hollywood A-listers Bradley Cooper and Johnny Depp have signed on hot new complex roles in which spy satellites and evil forces will be just a few of the elements, it has been revealed. According to a website, Cooper has been tapped to join Emma Stone in Cameron Crowe's Deep Tiki - a film that combines Hawaiian
mythical folklore, love and war.
On the other hand, according to the Hollywood Reporter, Depp has signed on to play the lead role in Transcendence, which will mark the directorial debut of 'Inception' cinematographer Wally Pfister, set to begin shooting next year. The plot of 'Transcendence' has Depp's character being sucked into an evil computer that he created. — ANI hit act: Bradley Cooper
No hurry!
Singer Justin Timberlake, who recently tied the knot with actress Jessica Biel, is too busy to have children.
Timberlake's grandmother Sadie Boma says the couple is too busy with their careers right now to even think about starting a family. "I don't think they will rush it. I'm not sure they can. They are both away so much that it would be hard to take care of a baby together and I know Justin would want to be there," a website quoted Sadie as saying. However, she insists when the time comes, Timberlake, 31 and Beil, 30, will be fantastic parents. She added, "Oh, Justin is going to be the best dad. That boy has always been so great with children, and I know Jessica will be a great
mother." — IANS
Italian wedding for Simpson?
Singer Jessica Simpson wants to marry Eric Johnson in Italy. The 32-year-old is reportedly trying to follow in the footsteps of Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake who recently married there.
"They were planning a Hawaiian wedding before they had their baby but Jessica is toying with having it in Italy. But she hasn't committed yet,” a website quoted a source as saying. —IANS
Chris Brown is just a friend: Scherzinger
Singer Nicole Scherzinger has opened up about the recent pictures that showed her kissing Chris Brown, insisting they are just friends. The 34-year-old, who is dating British racing driver Lewis Hamilton, was linked to Brown after images emerged of them talking together at a nightclub in Los Angeles last month. The pictures showed the R&B singer leaning in to kiss Scherzinger on the cheek. However she is adamant that their relationship is pure. —IANS
Birthday gift
Model-actress Celina Jaitly has showed-off her love for husband Peter Haag by inking his name on her ring finger. The 30-year-old actress, who tied the knot with the Austrian businessman last year, posted a photo of the tattoo on Twitter.
"Did something special for hubby on his bday... Tattooed his name on my ring finger," she wrote. Celina has currently taken a hiatus from films as she is busy with her seven-months-old twins Winston and Viraaj. — PTI Inked forever: Celina Jaitly
A note of thanks
Former supermodel Kate Moss says she will always be grateful to ex-boyfriend Johnny Depp for helping her cope with life in the spotlight during her initial years of fame. The 38-year-old catwalk beauty dated the Hollywood
actor between 1994 and 1998, and they were rumoured to have been engaged before their split, reported a publication. Moss said he gave her valuable advice which she still finds useful. "I was lucky to be with Johnny at that stage. He taught me a lot about fame. He told me 'never complain, never explain'. That's why I don't use Twitter and things like that. I don't want people to know what is true all the time and that's what keeps the mystery," she wrote in her book, Kate: The Kate Moss Book. — PTI
Second time lucky
Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has expressed her delight at being named the brand ambassador for the second time for the Indian Film Festival to be held in Melbourne in April 2013. Balan, who was roped in as the brand ambassador for Victoria's Indian Film Festival, said in Mumbai that was delighted to be the face of the film festival for the second time in a row.
"I feel extremely proud to be appointed brand ambassador of the Indian film festival of Melbourne for the second time in a row. Thank you very much the State of Victoria, the honorable minister. It's wonderful to have met you," said
Balan. The film festival will celebrate Indian cinema and will showcase the depth and diversity of the Indian film industry. The festival will also pay tribute to the legendary Bollywood film-maker, late Yash Chopra by showcasing some of his greatest work. The festival complements to create bonds of greater understanding and experience between the Victorian and Indian film industries. The film festival provides a platform for young, upcoming film-makers through its short film competition.— ANI |
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chatter box The mouthwatering sweet and succulent jalebi has found an ardent admirer in George Calombaris, chef judge at the cooking reality show Master Chef, that has acquired immense popularity in India. On his first visit to the country, George explored the crowded and narrow lanes of the Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi settling down to a jalebi treat at one of its famous sweatmeat shop. "I have been eating jalebies for the past three days but this one is by far the best. It is so much smooth, so yummy. There is so much history in it" said George. Australian cooking sensations Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris were on a visit to the country as part of the four -month long Oz Fest celebrations showcasing the diversity of the continent in India. With Gary not well, it was just George who participated in the tour on Sunday, around the galis of the historical Old Delhi savouring sweets and enjoyed the attention that locals showered on him attracted by a posse of TV cameras. "I am taking the recipe of the Jalebi with me and I will try to make a fusion out of it," said George. Abhishek Jain who owns the jalebiwala shop and claims to have been in business for the past 15 years and is the fifth generation of his family to do said, "It was so chaotic that I was not able to understand how to mange things. My wife is a big fan of George as she watches Master Chef and I wanted to take his autograph for my wife but because of the chaos I was unable to do so." Previously Jain has seen the likes of Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra visit his shop. "Honestly it is not something very big for me as I have seen many celebrities over the years, but like any other this too is a good experience for us," said Jain. "Gary and I were really honoured when the Prime Minister asked us to be part of the Oz fest as it is a religion in Australia," George said. — PTI
A noble deed
In the biggest recognition till date for television's most influential show, Star India CEO Uday Shankar and screen idol Aamir Khan were honoured by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Government of India in recognition of their efforts to create awareness against social discrimination through the show. "Satyamev Jayate was a natural evolution of content, given Star's steadfast and widening focus on socially relevant issues," Uday Shankar, CEO of Star India, said. "This recognition will spur us to advance in this path of leveraging the power of TV to act as a change agent."
Sister act
We have seen film personalities going to the small screen to promote their shows. Keeping this tradition, Farah and Sajid Khan turned up for the launch of anew sibling based television show. Yash Patnaik's Beyond Dreams had the two Khans launching their upcoming show Veera on Star Plus. Farah liked the concept and was too happy to launch the show. Sibling love: Sajid Khan with sister Farah Khan
Off to Bollywood
Leading television actor generally quit television when they get roles in films. Ditto happened to Rageeni Nandwani, who recently bagged a role in a film. She has quit her show Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyien. She has been replaced by Vindhya Tiwari, who was earlier seen in Maryaada Lekin Kab Tak.
My sons think I'm a superhero: Britney
Pop star Britney Spears says her two young sons think that she is on a mission to save the world when she leaves home for work. The 30-year-old singer's boys, Sean Preston, seven, and Jayden James, six, love watching her on The X Factor and they are convinced that she has special powers when she is on the TV talent show . "The boys try to figure out where I go when I go film X Factor. They're like, 'Mommy's
going off to be a superhero,'" she said. Since joining the programme, the Hold It Against Me hitmaker has been seen sitting on the panel with Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and L A Reid in a variety of bright, figure-hugging dresses. Spears says her style icons are former 'American Idol' judge Jennifer Lopez because she is a "classic beauty" and Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker because her looks are bright, funky and young. —
PTI
It’s about changing times
Sab TV has once again made programming changes. Now R K Laxman Ki Duniya will air at 7.30pm with new show Jeannie Aur Juju airing at 9.30pm. But this means Golmaal Hain Bhai Sab Golmaal Hain will go off air by October end. The show ends in three months of launch while its prequel ran for two and a half years.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Enjoy a quiet morning and get into any artistic project at home. A trip to the market will inspire you to eat nutrient-rich food. Let your imagination run free; luck will be with you.
Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties, but don't worry. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 33
TAURUS: Today you will find people generally hard to pin down. Conflicting energies in the cosmos makes this a good day for recharging your mind. Unexpected visitors bringing news can be an interesting. Tarot message: Balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51 GEMINI: Your card the Sword states that enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job, as it is the best way of boosting your reserves.
Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 34 CANCER: Concentrate on your career path and the business at hand. Be flexible in your thinking. Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple, albeit unexpected solution.
Tarot message: Accomplish
time-consuming tasks. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 39 LEO: Today attention revolves around your home, property and family. Money rolls after lunch. You will have to modify your plans. Friends' company stimulates you. Your determination will ensure success. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hardwork. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 27 VIRGO:Hobbies will give you much satisfaction. Discuss an investment. Real estate matters will suffer. Your confidence is on the rise. Business negotiations will give you a chance to shine.
Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 45
LIBRA: A good day for romance. Avoid gossiping because it can spoil your chances of success. Think longterm. Do not try to rush others people. Be realistic before applying for more credit.
Tarot message: Try to be active in grabbing financial opportunities. Lucky
colour: Yellow. Magic number: 47 SCORPIO: Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding from loved ones. Frank discussion could clear the air. A more comfortable lifestyle will result from a pay raise.
Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Magic number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: The day will become rather sensitive for marital relationship. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that are physically challenging. Appointments and meetings could fill up your day. Tarot message: Be firm in extracting a commitment.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29 CAPRICORN: Emotions have to be controlled. Partners will not agree with your plans. No need to put your hard-earned money at stake. A childhood dream might be close to becoming a reality.
Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 42 AQUARIUS: Hope fills your heart. Planning to buy a house? A good offer is on the cards. Patience and hardwork pays. Focus on leadership and inspiration. You can make new acquaintances and enjoy visiting new places.
Tarot message: Try to relax and put your cares aside. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 61 PISCES: Surprising events can lead to a major change; rethink what you are doing with your life. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Home renovations will need more money than you had planned.
Tarot message: Be sure of involving yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 58
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 30...
Official travel may assume importance. Finances require control and refined analysis. Personal life will have occasional disputes. You might have to deal with cough and cold; take care. Worries over daily matters are possible. You'll find the right solution at the right moment and obtain personal satisfaction. You'll feel upset about a promise you recently made to your beloved; don't worry if you can't honour it in time. You know how to inspire loyalty. An older colleague is making trouble, contradicting everything you do and say. Fortunately, most of your fellow workers are ready to support you. You're more interested in producing results than arguing over insignificant details. Stay calm in the face of criticism. By pretending nasty comments don't have any effect, your tormentor will get bored and look for another victim. Are you looking for a job? Tell your inner circle to look for a position for you. Be conscious of your responsibilities. Some pre-planned decisions regarding finances will not give expected results. You will be prone to suffer from common cold and leg pain. To win, you must use neither aggression nor arrogance. Indeed, you can obtain great things by being calm. Your apparently weak attitude is your strength and nobody can oppose you. Great success will arrive. Your private concerns will disappear into oblivion. You can dedicate yourself entirely to the goal you have been pursuing for a long time. Things will fall into place to your immediate advantage. Do as much as possible in the next couple of months and don't get too attached to what you do get done. A change of plan: hitches and misunderstandings are expected. Try to cast aside your anxiety, avoid fights and focus on what is essential. Those with an ascendant in Capricorn will be able to focus on their particular aims. The stars recommend making the most of this. If you try to push the envelope too far, you will be humbled. If you take a foolish gamble, you could end up losing everything. Some chances are not worth taking. You will make a big investment. You will not be able to make up your mind about an overseas trip. Your health might experience ups and downs; hence observe slight precautions as and when required. The health of your spouse will also require your attention. Mood: Growing more vulnerable. Compatible signs: Taurus, Gemini. Lucky colours: Purple, Yellow. Lucky days: Friday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 3, 9, 15, 21, 22.
You share your birthday with Dalip Tahil (October 30, 1952), who is a film, television and theatre actor. He made his debut with the film Ankur and got his first major role in Ramesh Sippy's film Shaan. He has appeared in over 100 films, mostly playing the role of a villain. He also worked in television serials The Sword of Tipu Sultan and Buniyaad. He got international recognition when he bagged the role of Dan Ferreira in the popular British television
soap opera EastEnders.
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