More the merrier
Ashima Batish

After the rousing success of Carry on Jatta, the same team of actors and men behind the lens are back with a laughter riot — Jatts in Golmaal. We dig in more to find out whether comedies are the order of the day…

The biggest compliment for the Punjabi film industry is coming from its biggest competitor — Bollywood. Not in words as such, but how the latter is repositioning its work strategy. For example, directors in B-town now ensure that the release dates of their movies do not clash with that of Punjabi films.

The lesson was learnt when Carry on Jatta and Jatt and Juliet ate into the share of Hindi films in North India, and even abroad. "How much can Bollywood change? Some 70 Punjabi films will release next year," says Ksshitaj, co-director of the film Carry on Jatta, who is now busy directing Jatts in Golmaal. He was in Chandigarh to announce the same along with the actors on Monday.

The genre of the film is the same — comedy; it has the same set of actors who made Carry on Jatta a success and even men behind the camera remain the same! The film is about a boy who gets into a problem and his friends who in a bid to help him land him in further trouble. "Hence the name Jatts in Golmaal," he adds. While the industry is busy churning out comedies, the other director of the film, R Raja, says the genre is the most difficult to handle, especially in Punjab. "Punjabis have a great sense of humour. You can't fool them with silly jokes," he believes.

"There is no time to lose focus or get disoriented. Now that people except sensible comedy, we shouldn't bother about petty issues. The goal is big, the perspective is mature — to make Punjabi cinema even better," echo the directors. Fingers crossed!

The backbone

Aarya Babbar might replace Diljit Dosanjh, who in turn can take the place of Gippy Grewal, who might play musical chairs with Amrinder Gill; in-between all this, what remains irreplaceable is the supporting cast. There is nobody to substitute Jaswinder Bhalla, Binu Dhillon or Gurpreet Ghuggi in Punjabi films, especially those that fall in the comedy genre.

As to what makes them indispensable in films, Ghuggi cites a different reason from Jaswinder, "There are very few Punjabi actors who have a great comic timing. Now that Punjabi films are becoming popular, we can't take any risk with less trained actors. It's time to mint money." And in a bid to be a part of the party, Ghuggi has come up with his own production house — Round Square. The first film, Paaji In Trouble, from the house has already been decided, which will also be an Akshay Kumar's presentation.

Jaswinder, on the other hand, feels that supporting actors add humour to the film. His popular signature line in the films he has worked in off-late suggests the same, "People have kind of mugged up my lines. It's just like how kids use to memorise numeric tables." He will again have a couple of them in Jatts in Golmaal. As for the rest, the credit goes to script and dialogue-writers.

Back in action

It feels strange when after so many films, an actor has to appear for auditions and then get a chance to share screen space with others in the club. However, Arya Babbar is fine with it; in fact it's a matter of pride for him that he passed the audition for Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming venture Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola. He will be playing the second lead in the film, which is a love triangle. "People come up to me to ask if I am really playing this important a role," he quips. While he keeps on juggling between Bollywood and Punjabi films, he feels it's in the latter where he gets all the limelight. "And I also get to do a variety of roles." He will be next seen in Pankaj Batra's film, which he clarifies is not a comedy and a film by Baljeet Singh, which is based on the life of a sportsman. "I hope we soon do action movies here since we have started experimenting well." Hope the 70 films next year are not all comedies!

ashima@tribunemail.com

There is no time to lose focus or get disoriented. Now that people except sensible comedy, we shouldn't bother about petty issues. The goal is big, the perspective is mature — to make Punjabi cinema even better.

— Ksshitaj & R Raja, Directors

Prim & proper
Poonam Bindra

Wannabe young ladies are minding their P's and Q's over soup in Park Plaza after their graduation in the cosmopolitan-1 course of ISOE — The International School of Etiquette, Ludhiana. Affiliated to the parent body in Manhattan, the institute has taken these girls through an extensive period of training, including the art of conversation, social manners, table etiquettes, especially for fine-dining, the 'do-it-yourself' art of make-up and hair-styling; nuances of international cuisine and most important of all, the art of self-defense.

"Till now I did not even know that there was a correct way of holding the spoon while having soup" exclaims Shivika Talwar, a young mother. She adds, "I will soon be going for cosmopolitan-2 in order to further brush my personality."

A chirpy 20-year-old Aaina, feels the course has taught her how to structure her talk and tame the accompanying gestures, "Being an extrovert, I always ended talking too much but now I feel I just have to mould my talk according to the demands of the situation."

Says Roopa Pahwa, the director of ISOE, who updates her learning and teaching methods regularly, "I began this institute because of my fascination for proper etiquettes; but as I interact with the people more, I realise the strong need for more of such kind of institutes, which provide global exposure, in our country."

For Palak and Muskan, who work in a kindergarten school, the high-point was the classes in self-defense. "It adds to the confidence level and in developing our own style; the more we learn the more we want to learn further."

Another student, Rasneet, is probably thinking of her wedding, which is round the corner, "I feel much more confident with this certificate in hand, which has an international accreditation."

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The card The Devil suggests that a relationship of yours can be shaken. Start thinking about what can go wrong. A temptation to overindulge might not be good. Tarot message: Don’t forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Magic number: 56

TAURUS: Follow a good routine of exercise and diet to make sure you’re keeping up with health matters. Focus on the little things that need to be done and stick to routines. Stay away from intrigue.

Tarot message: Plan your life and avoid delays.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 27

GEMINI: Try not to over-exert yourself. Be careful so that you do not meet with an accident. Be careful about your financial situation. Students: bury your nose in books. Be logical in your thoughts. Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties, but don’t worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 30

CANCER: Flattery, charm and a willingness to be bold will bring success. An evening event could test your nerves. There will be some last-minute changes that will put you on the edge of your seat. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends.

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 50

LEO: You are likely to meet someone special. This is a great day for socialising once you get going. You can get invited to a lavish event that makes you feel self-conscious. Tarot message: Accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Silver-grey.

Magic number: 44

VIRGO: The card “Ten of Pentacles” promises self-confidence. Opportunities to socialise and mix with all and sundry will put many choices in your path. You have the capability to cope with every situation. Tarot message: Set an unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 35

LIBRA: Your earning power will increase; so be on the lookout for money-making opportunities. An intimate connection with special someone is worth pursuing no matter how difficult. New people you meet will be rather exciting.

Tarot message: Use your instinct.

Lucky colour: Deep-red.

Magic number: 46

SCORPIO: A restless and irritable atmosphere could pervade in the morning. Avoid getting sidetracked or letting somebody’s bad mood sully your day. Don’t let an opportunity pass by as there may be untold benefits awaiting you.

Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25

SAGITTARIUS: Stick to your work and avoid new territory because this is not a day for making decisions. An imminent journey can put you in emotional turmoil, but these are unfounded fears. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 39

CAPRICORN: An enthusiastic mood is encouraged by your card “The World”. You are sure to help those around you, but do not over-commit yourself. Your loved ones may not be as enthusiastic about your busy plans as you are.

Tarot message: Do not divest assets. Lucky colour: Sky-blue.

Magic number: 48

AQUARIUS: Thoroughness will be your key to success. Try to avoid getting caught up in conversations that divert you from your course. Otherwise, you can chat away the time you have for work. If a neighbour is going away for a while. Tarot message: Balance is recommended. Lucky colour: Peacock-green. Magic number: 63

PISCES: Conflict between your private and professional life can test your abilities. Strong views on politics or the environment might entice you to get up and speak at a public forum. Don’t be shy. This could lead to bigger and better things. Tarot message: Emphasis on spiritual needs.Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Magic number: 28

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 4...

Your energy will make you feel invincible and will earn the respect of colleagues as well as superiors. You'll be curious to discover something extra about your loved one; try to avoid showing this, as it could be misinterpreted.

It's easy for you to attract money-making opportunities. People respond well to your compassionate, warm-hearted approach to life. Take this opportunity to apply for a job. You'll fare well in a position that involves preparing food, caring for children or creating comfortable environments. Trust your instincts when dealing with an impressive executive. Putting your prospective employer at ease will result in a job offer. Smile, tell a joke or two, and ask plenty of questions about the company.

Let others rush around; you need time to think and plan. Even if the boss is breathing down your neck, you know that you've got the time to really sort out all the issues for the coming time.

Something that you had taken for granted falls through due to a hitch, but Saturn will put you back on the straight road. This year, the stars advise those of the last decade to plan any affair with a great deal of zeal. Traps are possible and it's better not to risk losses. The year is favourable for getting good results. Your knowledge would increase further. If planning to go abroad for further studies, the time is good. Emotional issues, arguments, fast errands to fix, escalated spending and fending off 'interfering' factions from outside the family unit may dominate. Issues appear to calm quickly, but not without a heap of talking and patience. Your fuse remains short but 'tolerable'.

A bevy of good ideas can help offset some of the spending that drove the budget up.

Mood: Impatient at times

Compatible signs: Aries, Taurus

Lucky colours: Golden, Sea-green

Lucky days: Monday and Friday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 5, 17, 44

Javed Jaffery You share your birthday with Javed Jaffery (December 4, 1963, Mumbai), son of Syed Jawaher Ali Jaffrey (actor Jagdeep). Jaaved made his mark in Hindi cinema when he caricatured the role of taporis, the local name given to the hoodlums of Bombay. The film Meri Jung, released in the year 1985, gave him his first opportunity to enact the role of a villain. Known for comic roles, he won his first IIFA award for best comic role in Salaam Namaste in 2006.

Chatter box
A brush with Binny

Punjabi kudi Binny Sharma who grabbed eyeballs in Dance India Dance has stormed the small screen again with her new show on Sahara One television. She portrays the character Meera in Dheeraj Kumar’s family show Tujh Sang Preet Lagayee Sajna. Earlier, the cute, charming Binny, charmed the viewers with her role in Sanjog Se Bani Sangini. She talks about her new role.

Tell us about the character Meera?

As a person Meera is simple, born and brought up in a middle class Marwari family. She is capable of studying and doing household works to fulfill her dreams. It is a very strong character.

How did Tujh Sang Preet Lagayee happen?

The team of Creative Eye Productions contacted me for the role. I liked the new concept of this show. So I immediately signed.

What excited you about the role?

Though I have played a character in Sanjog Se Bani Sangini, this by far is the most challenging. Meera is real and I am finding myself, essaying her.

Do you think your role will go down well?

Definitely viewers will appreciate my character. I will give my 100 per cent to Meera.

How close is the character of Meera with that of Binny in real?

Meera and Binny are almost alike except for a few characteristics. Also one has to give a part of your personality to every character you play. I can say that Meera is as real as I could be.

What is your philosophy of life?

Be the way you are. Just believe in yourself, be determined towards your goal and definitely you will get success in your life.

Your hobbies….?

Dancing, watching movies and listening to music are my hobbies.

What are your future plans?

I am working in films also. I have done a parallel role with Rituparna Sengupta in film Nayee Umeed. Recently I have done an item number in an upcoming film.

— Dharam Pal

Lapataganj to go off air?

A still from Lapataganj Sab TV seems to be up for some programming change. Golmaal Hai Bhai Sab Golmaal Hai has already been pulled off air and common man comedy R K Laxman has been shifted to the 7.30 pm slot. And now we have learnt that Garima Productions’ Lapataganj is all set to wrap by January.

“They have already started cost cutting in terms of having episodes with less actors. The plug will be pulled in January,” said a credible source.

It is also believed that Lapataganj will come back with season 2 in the coming months.

Sati vs Meera

Different take: Mouni Roy
Different take: Mouni Roy

Mouni Roy has been very busy this year. Post her success as Sati in Mahadev, she has quickly returned with a new show Junoon. The pretty actress talks about the show, her co-stars and her much talked about love life.

What do you like about Junoon?

I love my character Meera who is a go-getter unlike me. She is very possessive about her mother. The show moves fast and it highlights the setting and contrast of modern and rural lives. 

Your role as Sati in Mahadev was quite appreciated…

Yes, but I wasn’t keen on doing it initially you know. But when the producer explained the role and their plans for the show, I realised it would be a magnificent one. And it was indeed a great show. Now, I think differently about mythological shows.

There were rumours about you and Mohit Raina who plays Mahadev…

Well, they were mere rumours. But yes Mohit and I are friends and good ones at that.

Earlier you were in a relationship with Gaurav Chopra but you spilt with him. Why?

I don’t like to talk about my personal life, so I won’t comment.

What is your kind of guy?

Intelligent man who has the ability to listen to me. He should respect his elders and be positive about life.

A ghar jamai’s confession

Pankaj Tiwari, who is presently seen in Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga on Sahara One, is playing Aakash, the son-in-law of the Raichand family who stays with his in-laws. The serial depicts the culture of ghar jamai.

He says, “I am different from Aakash. But, I love my character as he has a strange personality. He has some moral standards that he follows. The only thing that I am unable to digest is that he has to stay at his wife’s house. I understand the circumstances that Aakash was in. While Aakash is a jovial kind of a person, I am not. On the contrary, I am quiet and calm and composed.”

He continues, “The show is different and unique. People do stay with their in-laws and every ghar jamai has a different story to tell. Therefore, I feel that we must accept every such person.”

“Talking about my girlfriend, all I can say is that it’s been eight years now that I am with her for which I feel happy and blessed. On the professional front, I am open to doing different kind of roles but it all depends on what kind of character I am offered,” he signs off.

Best of friends?

In Channel V's march towards being the only genuine youth GEC in the country, comes its latest show, Best Friends Forever? A story of intrigue, love, deceit, mystery, danger and betrayal, Best Friends Forever?, is ultimately about the value of friendship in today's times. This thriller drama that revolves around three best friends, one charming boyfriend and a mysterious entity that starts governing their lives and relationships, is set to change your telly world forever.

Best Friends Forever?, set in a law college backdrop is about Sanjana, Ila, Vinnie and Varun. While Sanjana, Ila and Vinnie are the best of friends, they all fancy Varun in their own way. The show, Best Friends Forever? launches on Dec 3, 2012; Monday-Friday, 7:30 pm

Short & sweet
Jasmine Singh

The good old SMS has turned twenty. But is it still as popular a means of communication as in the days of yore? We find out…

Every emotion, feeling, every thought…found a passage. A small blank space allowed us to pour our heart on to it and then send it to whomsoever it was meant for. This is what SMSing would do and this is what it still does, though its undisputed territory has now been encroached upon by some funky and happening services like the BlackBerry Messenger or the WhatsApp Messenger.

As the text message celebrated its 21st birthday on Sunday, we text people on how frequently do they message. While we do that, a study reveals that the volume of texts has dropped down to a significant number. Ping! Who is replying first!

Amit Singh, student of electronics engineering, doesn’t remember the last time he sent a text message to his friends. “The one-odd SMS I get is either on some scheme that is going on or about the mobile bill.” It doesn’t surprise. As Amit is connected to most of his friends either through the social networking sites or through other communication applications, SMS is ‘not cool’ anymore. “I have 124 people on WhatsApp. Text messages are almost passé. I don’t check SMSes as I use the BB service,” he adds, as if he feels it was quite inevitable.

‘Sorry, I am busy, Call me later I am in a meeting, Sorry I don’t think this will work, can’t make it to the office today’… SMSes were ‘the’ mode of communication till sometime ago; now, for the first time in the history of mobile phones, SMS volumes are showing signs of decline. “I can just ping my friend, making them take note of the message. Not to forget I can send videos or pictures from the place of action then and there,” Mehak Singh, 22, student of fashion designing, shows her hi-tech, fully loaded, phone. “I check my text messages to see my mobile bill or banking details or for any forwarded message. The other means of communication are so fast and interesting that it is addictive.”

The only other time that text messages are to be seen is when the festival greetings are sent in bulk. “I don’t even do that,” Manmeet Aulakh, 24, student, shrugs his shoulders. Technology changes fast; tomorrow who knows where we are heading too! It is pretty natural for Manmeet. “First we had pagers, then mobile phones, Orkut, Facebook, and now it is BB and other services. They are fast and enjoyable. Text messages are somewhat boring.”

Factually speaking

  • The first text was sent from an Orbitel 901. Contract engineer Neil Papworth wrote “Merry Christmas” to Vodafone colleague Richard Jarvis. It was December 3, 1992. Owing to technological restrictions, he had to use a PC to send the message. Jarvis was unable to reply.
  • Phones did not have the ability to compose SMS messages until Nokia introduced the feature to its range in 1993. Texts couldn’t be sent between different networks in the UK until 1999.
  • UK led the texting revolution, thumbing out a billion texts a month by February 2001.
  • In 1995, texting was made faster (or more confusing, depending on which side of the fence you sat) by the introduction of T9 – better known as predictive text.
  • In 2006, Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanan (who had also been voted Finland’s sexiest man that year) is said to have dumped his girlfriend by text.
  • Perhaps inspired by the above, Finnish author Hannu Luntiala penned a novel written entirely in texts in 2007. It was a first and hopefully a last.
  • Think you get a lot of text spam? In China, users get more than 12 spam texts per week.
  • Staying with China, text speak is often done in numbers in the People’s Republic: 520 (wu er ling) sounds like “I love you” (wo ai ni) while 748 (qi si ba) sounds like “go to hell” (qu si ba). Excuse our Mandarin!

(Courtesy: Internet)

Par Excellence
The turning action of the body
Jesse Grewal

Jesse Grewal The engine of the golf swing is the turning or rotation of the body. This powerful move throws the arms into their plane if the arms have no work of their own. The arms will only go off plane when they do some work themselves. The rotation of the body creates centrifugal force which, when combined with the dropping of the arms with gravity, produce club head speed.

The body can do three moves – a lateral move which is a sideways action (sway), an up and down action when the spine straightens and then goes down again or a rotation which is around the spine or around

a fixed axis. While doing any one of these it cannot do the other. So, if a player goes up in the back swing the shoulders will not turn at that time and they will only turn when the upward motion stops.

Similarly, when a player sways on the back swing the rotation will be restricted. It is also true that if the body goes up on the backswing it will do the opposite on the downswing which is to go down. If we sway away from the target on the backswing we will make a sliding move towards the target on the down swing.

The key to the correct body action is to initiate the swing with the turning of the body or the big muscles. This would help create a correct body turn in the backswing and set the body in to a good position to hit the ball. The shoulders have to turn on plane which is at right angles to the spine.

A good exercise for this is to make a few swings with the club chest height in front of the body. This makes the swing go around the body. Then we tilt the spine into address position and make the same swing around the spine. The club will now move up only because the spine is tilted.

Once we achieve this we are only to lift our arms a little bit to make the swing slightly more upright.

(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

Doc Talk
Joint venture
Dr Harinder Batth

Many people complain of worsening pain in winter. Low air pressure during rain and low temperature in winter are main reasons for pain. In cold weather, the body may circulate less blood to the peripheral areas as a way of conserving warm blood around the heart. As a result, joints become stiffer, which leads to joint pain. When the skin is colder, pain sensors work more, which is why it hurts more.

During the winter, many people are more sedentary than they are in summer and their joints tend to stiffen up.

Some arthritis pain relief tips for the winter:

Dress warmly

If it’s cold outside, keep yourself warm with gloves over hands that ache and added woollen layers over knees and legs. Warm clothes raise local temperature and increase local blood flow relieving pains.

Exercise inside

People with joint pain should stay active and the best way is to have an indoor exercise plan.

Enjoy warm water

Swimming in a heated pool is both a great exercise and soothing to joints. You can also get relief from warm baths. Just don’t step out into the cold after your soak. Let your body temperature normalise a bit first.

Supplement vitamin D

Being deficient in vitamin D might make osteoarthritis worse. You are less likely to get enough vitamin D in the winter, so this is a good time to take a supplement or make sure your diet is vitamin D-rich.

Stay safe

When the weather turns icy, people with arthritis need to protect their joints from further damage. If you’re going outside, pick solid, supportive shoes and try to walk on a surface.

Add fish oil and vitamins

“Omega-3 fatty acids do have some benefit because they seem to reduce the level of inflammation. You need about 2,000 to 3,000 mg a day to get benefits. Avoid overdose.

(Dr Batth, Chandigarh-based orthopedic surgeon)

A mélange of dancing stars

Groovy time: A still from Anybody Can Dance
Groovy time
: A still from Anybody Can Dance

Dancer Salman Khan, all set to make his acting debut with choreographer-director Remo D'Souza's Anybody Can Dance, says the 3D dance film has kept pop legend Michael Jackson alive in every way possible. "It is already known that Remo sir is a great fan of MJ.

Since ABCD is a dance film, we have kept the legend alive in every act of the film. While watching it people will get a glimpse of his moves all the way till the end," Salman said in an interview.

The 27-year-old rose to fame after winning the first season popular dance reality show Dance India Dance under the mentorship of Remo. He has also featured in a song in Salman Khan-starrer Wanted and the title track of Rakta Charitra. Actor-director Prabhu Deva, who stars in the film, will also pay a special song tribute to Jackson along with Remo.

The high-octane dance film is being produced by UTV and stars choreographer Ganesh Acharya, former DID participants Dharmesh, Prince, Mayuresh and Vrushali.

Lauren Gottlieb, winner of international dance reality show So You Think You Can Dance, has been roped in as the female lead.

When asked how he bagged the role in the film, Salman said, "The moment I won DID, Remo sir hugged me on stage and said that he was going to make a movie with me someday. I was too emotional at that time and I did not react then. Three years later, I was in his house and he said that there was a film and that UTV has decided to back it. "I was so excited, I just hugged him and thanked him. Since then it feels like I am living in a dream world and I don't want to wake up ever," he added. Anybody Can Dance will hit theatres on February 8, 2013. — PTI

Enterprising Akhtar

Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have opened a private preview theatre in Santacruz. Both wanted to time it’s opening with their big release as producers of Talaash. Unfortunately work has not yet got completed and screenings would be able to start only text week.

Excel Entertainment's Talaash is their big release after Shah Rukh Khan's Don 2 and it comes almost a year later after Don 2.

Both were keen to have the plush private theatre open for all by Wednesday before the release however few things have lead to its delay and it will be available for viewing after a week.

Situated in the suburban hub, it’s a very luxurious and intimate theatre with plush seats and state of the art technology as Excel Entertainment is known for its latest technology. Usually all film screenings happen at Filmcity as the picture quality and sound is awesome. However with this preview theatre we are very sure that Ritesh and Farhan would get lots of requests to open or lend their property to others for previews.

The spokesperson of Excel Entertainment says "Ritesh and Farhan are enterprising and they were keen to open the preview theatre called Lightbox before the release of Talaash. Work has been going on for almost a year to get the state of the art theatre opened in suburbs.  We are excited about the screenings that will happen here."

“No clash with Aamir,” says Himesh


All is well: Himesh Reshammiya

The monsoon of clashes that began with the simultaneous release of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar will be carried forward with the release of the Aamir Khan-starrer Talaash and Akshay Kumar’s Khiladi 786 though the films will be released within a week of each other on November 30 and December 7, respectively.

However, Khiladi 786 producer Himesh Reshammiya denies any rift or clash with Aamir Khan. Since both these big ticket films release within a week of each other, the industry was abuzz that we would see a repeat of the Divali clash between Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar over single screens.

However Himesh refutes such talks by observing, “Co-producers and distributor Eros International have written agreements with all the single screens owners.” Himesh, who has also acted in this film besides giving the music, says, “This apparent clash is more a media creation, for both the films are not releasing on the same day. These days, most bookings are done for the first week only and only 10 to 15 per cent of them remain in the second week. So where does the issue of a clash come up?” he asks.

Khiladi 786 will release all over India in around 2500 screens.

TRENDSETTER
Jewel in the crown

The discerning eye can spot style from far. It is the attitude which speaks for itself other than being carefully attired according to what is ‘a la mode’! What clicks where is anybody’s guess but those who make heads turn wherever they go are called trendsetters in the true sense!

Svelte Nitika Singal, a jewellery designer, has the instinct for fashion—

Your sense of style

A comfort exuding style which suits the frame and is appropriate in the parameters of the prevalent trends makes a person stylish.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories

Cable knit sweater from Zara.

Brand crazy or street pick-ups?

Brands are a safe bet for the quality lasts till it lasts!

Who would be your style icon?

Shewta Bachchan for her poise and dressing sense!

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Hmmm! Can’t say! Everybody has their own style.

Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous?

Chic for me!

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Tattoos on any part of the body.

Your take on accessories?

I am totally an accessory person, especially gold and massive earrings are my favourite!

Given the choice which designer would you like to be dressed by?

Anamika Khanna has a special eye for design!

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

Literally, wearing high heels gives me a high and of course compliments!

— As told to Poonam Bindra

History re-lived

A documentary on the popular Ghadar movement, Dujja Ghadar (Revolt II) was premiered at Punjab Kala Bhawan auditorium in Chandigarh recently.

Produced and directed by Khushal Lalli, it aims at spreading awareness about the now forgotten freedom struggle launched by Punjabi Indians abroad.

Organised by Punjab Music and Drama Academy, the premiere had Lalli explaining the reasons and the nuances involved in making such a movie. "The purpose is to make youth aware about the sacrifices and the legacy of the heroes of the Ghadar movement, who were known as 'Gaddari Babbe'," he said at the function.

He said the movie was launched to coincide with the anniversary programmes of the Ghadar movement. It has already been released in the US and has been receiving praise from the Sikh community based there.

The 48-minute-long documentary depicts incidents related with the movement. The events and narrative have been presented after consulting eminent historians like Dr Harish Puri, Prof Malwinderjit Singh Wariach and NRI journalist Jasbir Singh Shameel. Renowned expert Mukhtiar Singh Zaffar of the Dhadhi Jatha has also contributed towards the presentation of the movement.

Samaira, Kareena glued to Fevicol se…


Fun song: Samaira with Karishma and Kareena

Actress Kareena Kapoor says she loved the rustic lyrics of Fevicol se, her latest item number in Dabangg 2, and is sure that her niece Samaira is also going to love it. Samaira is Kareena's sister Karisma Kapoor's daughter. The song is sung by Mamta Sharma and choreographed by Farah Khan.

"I loved it. My BBM (BlackBerry messenger) status will also be Pata le mujhe missed call se, I think it's fun and everybody is going to be talking about it," the 32-year-old said. "I am sure Samaira is going to be singing it because she loves all these fun, masala numbers. She is quite filmy in that sense. I am really happy that she will be dancing to it," she added.

Kareena, who is married to actor Saif Ali Khan and has worked with Salman, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, says she has a special connection with all the Khans of Bollywood."I think I have a 'fevicol' connection with all my Khans, of course my husband Saif (Ali Khan) being first," she said.

"With Salman there has been Bodyguard, with Shah Rukh there has been RA.One, with Aamir there has been 3 Idiots and now Talaash. I think I am a very, very lucky girl," she added. — IANS

Understanding dad

Actor Akshay Kumar doesn't wish to push his son Aarav into filmdom and says he has full freedom to make his own career choices.

"If he wants to become an actor, he can. He is just 10 years old. He can become whatever he wishes to, when he grows up. He might want to become a doctor or lawyer or anything, I don't want to pressurise him at the moment," said Akshay.

Married to Twinkle Khanna, the couple has two kids—Aarav, 10 and daughter Nitara, born in September. With a career span of over two decades, the actor is looking better with each of his films. Asked about the secret behind it, Akshay said, "I don't do anything in life other than smiling. It has been proven in science and real life as well that the most important thing is to make others smile.”

"I read and save all the jokes, which I receive on my phone. I really like when people laugh," said Akshay.

With films like Rowdy Rathore and Housefull 2 making it to the Rs 100 crore-club, this year has been very successful for Akshay. — IANS

Miley Cyrus loves honest Osbourne


Right connect: Miley Cyrus

Singer Miley Cyrus believes she and singer Kelly Osbourne are such good friends because they share an honest nature. "I like it when people are honest. Like, if I look bad, I want you to tell me if I look bad. I've always been that person," said Cyrus.

''I really like honest people and I think that's why me and Kelly get along so well, and I think a lot of people are put out by it. They can't believe she really has no filter, but I don't really either," added the 20-year-old.

However, Cyrus insists she never pushes her opinions on people and doesn't judge others.

''I think there's a time and a place to be respectful and I also don't like those people that feel like they're entitled to speak everyone's truth. I don't feel that I'm the person in charge of putting everyone in their place in any way and I won't really give my opinion unless you ask me. I'm not judgmental," she said.





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