Punjabi curry, English tadka
Jasmine Singh

More and more English words are finding their way into the lyrics of Punjabi songs. Little wonder the songs rock…

Tainu suit nahi hai weather, tu firain ksaai leather…chad gaye jawaani kudiye karey burrah burrah. Punjabi singer Geeta Zaildar's number from the film Burrah rocks at every party. People jump, dance and aim for the sky when it plays. If you happen to sit for a fraction of a second, you would end up smiling — the interesting song is garnished heavily with English words, which only perks up the song. You think you have missed out on something, just pick up any Punjabi song and track at least 10-15 English words are embedded in every number!

Not a single song passes until it is garnished with some recognizable, trendy English words. Pinglish is the word for Punjabi music albums here and it is being explored no end — Ah lai rose kudiye, zara mitran di hoja ni close kudiye.

"There is nothing wrong in using English words in Punjabi songs. In fact, this trend caters to the present generation. Besides, the words make the songs peppy and happening," says Punjabi singer Jeet Jagjit. Jeet, however, is not in favour of touching folk songs. "We can let them be, not every number requires a sprinkling of English words to make it catchy or popular," he adds.

Baby, come on, like that…some of these words used to find mention in Punjabi numbers, but now the frequency has increased manifold. All thanks to the name Yo Yo Honey Singh! The musician-rapper makes lavish use of English words in his songs — Kudiye ni tere brown rang ney, Mundey pat tey mere town tey…Hoge ni tere charche Star News to BBC /Ho brown brown skin wali, let me tell you one thing /Rab di saunh you so sexy!

Punjabi actor Kartar Cheema, who stars in upcoming movie Sarsa, finds the trend interesting. "It is nice to see my non-Punjabi friends singing Punjabi numbers. Use of English words just adds a universal factor and of course makes the song peppy."

Currently, the word 'Facebook' is the most-sought after. The word has been used in 18 Punjabi numbers with Kamal Heer's Raati teri photo dekhi Facebook tey main being the most popular. Punjabi singer and actor Preet Harpal, who has given many hit Punjabi numbers, doesn't call it a trend but a progression. "An artist or a singer finds inspiration from the life around. Punjabi singers would earlier talk about pind, charkha, phulkari in their songs, and now they use English words because they are commonly used while talking even in Punjabi."

Not only this, Punjabi music fans now travel, visit pubs, discotheques and drive fast cars, so such songs are a simple acceptable thing. He sings his number… Preet karey propose. Interestingly, singers like Punjabi MC, Hard Kaur and Jazzy B use a fusion of bhangra and hip-hop, which also made way for Pingslish Punjabi songs. "If Bollywood can use Punjabi singers and their songs, we can also use English words in our songs," laughs Dilraj Jassi, an upcoming Punjabi singer. "It only makes the songs global. For those who like folk songs, there are a whole lot of dedicated Punjabi singers doing it."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Learning, fun way
Manpriya Singh

Discovery Kids launches its first India production, Mystery Hunters India, which unravels a host of mysteries associated with our country

Entertainment embedded with learning is the stuff that parents dream of. When kids don't mind either, everything falls in place. Throw in a bit of adventure and that's the way to go! Travel the length and breadth of the country, exploring places, delving into tales that have bewildered people for ages. Discovery Kids launches its first India production, Mystery Hunters India, a series that demystifies intriguing myths of India.

"This show gives you information, entertainment all rolled into one. So you can learn a lot about things and all the while get to travel," Himanshu Sharma, Class VII student, a co-host, briefs about the show.

Apoorva Arora, 16-year-old girl from Delhi, joins in for all the fun and the learning in each episode. In the show, if there's delving into the thick jungles of Kerala to reveal the red rain one day, there's unearthing the truth behind the mysterious Naga people of the underground on the other and then moving on to the third largest crater lake in the world. Says Himanshu, "I enjoyed visiting Talakkad in Karnataka and then Qutab Minar in Delhi.

Before visiting any place we would do our homework." He adds, "I also enjoyed going to Pune as it's my hometown. We did a story on chariots and whether they are actually there."

Assisting the mystery hunters in all their endeavours and adventures is the doubting Dev, a stand-up comedian. Then there's the resident skeptical scientist back at the Mystery India Lab, who uses his own brand of humour to conduct fun experiments and uncover the truth. "Before the show, I just didn't have such knowledge. There's so much to learn about while you go all out." With so much of practical learning anyway, it's worth making a comparison with the official academic process. "I always discuss everything with my mother. She supported me throughout and let me be on the show," he beams.

(Starts December 22, everyday at 6 pm)

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Winter warmers
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

A chunky belt, an animal-print scarf, an oversized pair of ear-rings... top it all with a tortoise-rimmed shades & voila you are ready to eclipse the winter sun

After months of bare necessities, here comes the time of plenty. And when we talk of that, the first thing that comes to mind is winter accessories. Although belts are the biggest trend in this section, scarves, bags, caps and jewels are not far behind.

Belt up

It's official, belts are big this season. "When we say belts, they are everywhere this season. Right from sweaters to the trend of wearing it over a coat or even on a cape, it's the trend of slim belts that we will witness this winter," says Akhil Duggar, creative head, Madame.

Believe it or not, even the classic sheath dress is not complete without a waist belt this winter and it's the bows, chains, coloured corsets and obis-inserted buckles, including the jewelled and beaded ones, which are in vogue. "Although it's the sophistication of the 40's and 50's that makes a re-appearance this year, it is with accentuated waists and that has been done with skinny or wide-statement belts," adds Akhil.

Bag full

An alliance between different materials — refined leather, graphic drawings - slouchy hobos and backpacks are the trendsetters in bags this season. "Bags with printed interiors are quite big this season. The Paisley approaches, graphic elements and bold colours with contrasts are also a rage," says Sanjay, manager, Shoe Tree in Sector 17, Chandigarh. Straps too make a statement in bags and for this winter, it is either the rounded ones for a sporty look or square as well as geometrical retro-inspired ones.

Meanwhile, totes fade into the defined shape of doctor bags and shades of warm and cool; inlays and chains interrupt simple lines to create a lively and eclectic collection. Supersized bags too look fabulous and will be hard to miss this winter.

Neck-to-neck

The Paisley pattern, animal prints, floral mishmash and baroque insets are hard to resist in scarves this winter. Both in wool, silk and even pashmina silk, it's the knotted scarves, fringe, patterned knits and mufflers that are hot accessories for winter dressing. "Jewel tones are a rage and in scarves, three-dimensional, digital prints and a world of embroidery make for a perfect gear.

Add to that patchwork designs to accentuate grace and femininity," says Seema Sharma from Impressions in Sector 19, Chandigarh.

Just Jewels

Who said jewels are not for winter.

Consider wearing some trinkets for a chic look. Ball beads, encrusted flowers, geometric patterns, oversized ear-rings, pendants, statement rings and texture gold are trends to look out for.

Eye spy

The chill in the air demands care for the eyes too and this winter is all about cat-eye, clear-specs, flat-top, mod-shapes and tinted-lenses. Tortoise-shell and round shapes are also trendy.

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 shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 46

TAURUS: Indulging in idle talk and gossip will not satisfy you. Find activities that appeal to you. Students should devote plenty of time to studies. Short trips may have to be taken at very short time. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 58 

GEMINI: Beware, someone may back-stab you. You will be surprised at the excellent reception you get. Very good time to meet government officials. 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 is likely to clash in the evening. Women: do not argue over silly matters. A desire to beautify your home will make you visit an art gallery. Tarot message: 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 business day. Associates will be helpful. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial for making progress. 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. Whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve now. So, get going. This need not be a difficult day as long as you postpone any major move. 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. Women: do not be so worried about holding down your jobs. Tarot message: Do not 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 grab the opportunities and make them yours. Watch your step while dealing with superiors. 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 good 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. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 65

CAPRICORN: Not a favourable day for setting out on a long journey. There will be delays on road. Old patients: take complete rest. You may have some worries that causing restlessness. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52

AQUARIUS: Good company is likely to figure prominently in today’s activities. A new love affair is on the offing. Women: focus on balanced diet. Pet needs attention. 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 to complete 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 December 8...

Taking over responsibilities for a friend or lover boosts your self-esteem. You're a natural nurturer and you can help someone with a burden of stress and strain. This year, you will make optimum use of your ability. If you're not sure how to perform certain jobs, learn., whatever it is. Adding to your skills and qualifications will make you a hot commodity on the job market.

After a dark period, the light always returns; and now it’s time to face a new phase of life which is not ecplipsed by any shadow. This is the right moment to start organising your life as you will be able to re-invent yourself. There will be no resistance in your way towards success.

The first half of 2013 is perfect for you — your energy is abundant and your confidence and drive are all you need to succeed. In fact, you may be able to pull off the seemingly impossible, especially if it involves convincing someone your peers believe to be rock-solid in their attitudes.

You'll get the impression that someone is controlling your work; continue to work as normal, show trust in others and everything will be OK. It is a busy period for studies and career.

Many of you will find complications, unexpected errands, some emotional issues springing up. Long 'emotionally draining' talks will be necessary. Interaction with friends will be fruitful and could lead to interesting opportunities. Your travel plans will proceed smoothly and you will conclude tasks on schedule. Financially, your position will be sound and better than you had expected.

Volunteer to help or attend gatherings so you can become more comfy with a 'cross section' of other members. Watch what you say because your words will be taken seriously.

Mood: Emotional and confused

Compatible signs: Gemini, Taurus

Lucky colours: Cream, lime yellow

Lucky days: Friday and Saturday.

Lucky numbers: 6, 8, 15, 23, 45

A living legend, Dharmendra (December 8, 1935, Sahnewal), one of the biggest Bollywood superstars, shares his birthday with you. He represented the Bikaner constituency of Rajasthan (BJP) as MP. He was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Hindi cinema. He appeared in more than 200 Hindi films since the early 1960s.

He is the father of Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol and actress Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from Hema Malini. The "He-Man" as he is often called as, has given blockbusters consistently from 1962 till 1995 as the lead hero.

He was signed by Arjun Hingorani for the film Dil Bhi Tera, Hum Bhi Tere (1960). As per his stars Dharmendra will continue to entertain till he lives.

Chatter box
On a high

Aditya Redij, currently seen in Junoon--Aisi Nafrat, Toh Kaisa Ishq, has proved his acting skill in Naa Aana Iss Des Laado and Preeto. Here he talks about his role, his makeover and his love life…

Why did you choose to take on this show?

For the role, what else? Prithvi is an enigma. He is fierce, loyal and very different from what we have seen anyone on TV. When I heard about this role, I knew I would be doing it. Also, I loved the fact that I would get a chance to do stunts. It’s a great high.

Your look in the show has been appreciated…

Thank you. The moustache and the costume were needed for the rustic role. And I have been working out since we started shooting. I used to workout anyway but now I focus on stamina and flexibility.

Your last show Preeto’s sudden end must have been tough?

Yes, it was sudden and it was tough. But whatever happened, happened. I got time to spend with my family and friends.

Meanwhile, you also got engaged to your girlfriend Natasha Sharma...

Yes. We met during Laado and became good friends. Gradually it became love. We both understand each other well and now our families too are involved. 

When’s the wedding?

Not soon. Perhaps after a year. Nothing is decided yet.

Sallu’s Chulbul act on TV

The set of Diya aur Baati Hum will soon be expecting an unexpected hulchal. This hulchal will be caused by the favourite cop of the country, our very own Chulbul Pandey. Yes you read it right. Salman Khan will soon be seen in the gully of Pushkar where he will meet Sooraj and Sandhya. While we all know that he will be promoting his upcoming movie Dabangg 2, his encounter with the Rathi couple will be a surprise for the audience. Sandhya aka Deepika who has already worked with the other two Khans of the Industry, Aamir when he came on Diya Aur Baati Hum to promote Satyamev Jayate and Shahrukh Khan during the music launch of Ra. One, is very excited to meet Salman. When asked she said, “I have seen all his movies and I am his great fan. People in the industry have told me that he is a good human being hence I am really looking forward to shoot with him.” Catch Salman Khan on Diya aur Baati Hum on December 12 and 13 at 9 pm on Star Plus!

New address

Married couple Raqesh Vashisht and Riddhi Dogra recently shifted to their new home in Andheri. The duo didn’t mind getting the right interiors done as they wanted their house to look perfect. Apparently Raqesh has spent a bomb on the house which is bigger than their earlier Juhu home.

Dolly won’t dance

Buzz is that for Season 5 of Nach Baliye Dolly Bindra was approached but she turned it down as she feels her husband Kaizaad Kermani can’t dance.

Time to groove!

The countdown for the Season 5 of Nach Baliye has started. This celebrity dance show is the much-awaited show of the year, as there are too many speculations happening, right from the judges to the participants. According to sources, the recent development is that Shilpa Shetty is being approached for judging this show. Some of the most speculative names for Season 5 are Sania Mirza and Shoiab Mallick and Rahul and Dimpy Mahajan. This is not the end, boxer Vijender Singh is also approached to shake a leg with his wife Archana this season. TV heartthrob Karan Singh Grover is also ready to set the stage on fire with his wife Jennifer Winget. There is one more popular name in participants list—television’s strict saasu maa Bhabho aka Neelu Waghela who will be seen dancing with his husband. While the judges and anchor for the show are yet to be confirmed, one thing is sure that this time we are going to get more than just dance.

Closed chapters

Rumour has it that soon two shows on Sony will go off air. Love Marriage Ya Arranged Marriage and the other is Aamna Sharif’s comeback show Hongey Judaa Na Hum.

A still from Love Marriage Ya Arranged Marriage

Friends & Family

Turn around: John Abraham with Priya Runchal Boycott mode: Saif Ali Khan

John Abraham's fortunes have turned around this year with the success of Vicky Donor and he has some big and anticipated projects like Race 2 and Shootout at Wadala coming up. He is also getting married soon. He talks about the people he admires the most.

1. Priya Runchal

She is a banker and is currently studying abroad for at least another year. She is a mature 28-year-old girl, who is extremely supportive of what I do, but chooses to stay out of media, which works very well for both of us. At the same time, she has a strong sense of self that I really like.

2. Karan Johar

I am very close to Karan Johar and he is someone I talk to. His problem is that he is the agony aunt for the entire industry. With me, he does not have to listen to the woes and the politics that goes on in the industry as he knows that I am fiercely detached from that space. For me, I look at someone from the way the person takes care of his parents and I love the way Karan takes care of his mother.

3. Aditya Chopra

One man I look up to and love and whose word I take is Aditya Chopra. He has always positioned me rightly, be it in Dhoom or New York. When I am in a fix, I will pick up the phone and talk to Adi.

4. Hrithik Roshan

I am fiercely protective of Hrithik. We never talk about work and always only talk about school friends. Uday Chopra is also our classmate. Hrithik is hands down more good-looking than me. I have seen him graduate from what he was and it makes me immensely happy to see how he has worked on his body and diction.

5. Amitabh Bachchan

All of us were in awe of him when he used to come to our school. I remember once he came wearing a kurta and a white shawl and we were looking as if someone had come from another planet. I feel blessed to know the Bachchan family personally today.

First-day-first show
Game over

Khiladi Akshay Kumar returns in the company of Raj Babbar, Asin Thottumkal, Mithun Chakraborty, Paresh Rawal and Himesh Reshammiya in a typical Bollywood masala flick. Khiladi 786 is all about match-making. What follows are song sequences, comedy and action. Here are the early viewers sharing their quick take—

Comedy show

It’s a typical Bollywood comedy-action film. You name a comedian and he is there — Johnny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Kapil Sharma, Bharti Singh and Gurpreet Ghuggi. Funny film, a good one- time watch.

Vinay Sharma, commerce student

Khiladi wins

If there is anything good about the film, it is Akshay Kumar. He looks young and is endearing. Apart from him, almost everyone and everything bores you. Asin does nothing new either.

Gagan Kaur, Microbiology student

Huge hotch-potch

The film has all quintessential Bollywood ideas and characters. From a Canadian aunt to African grandmom, the storywriter has left no stone unturned but alas what a waste!

Gaurav Gupta, engineering student

Waste of time

One expects something out of a film, this one delivers nothing! The same old plot, poor jokes, regular songs, car-flying action and innocent sardar. It is a flop show.

— Neeta Ahuja, homemaker

— As told to Mona

Farah praises Kareena

Choreographer Farah Khan is happy with the response of Fevicol Se item number from Dabangg 2 and she goes gaga over Kareena Kapoor who grooved to the tune. Farah is happy with the response so far.

"I am very happy. I do very few songs a year and I normally choose. I heard the songs of Dabangg last time as well and chose Munni badnaam, but this time Arbaaz (Khan) had already picked Fevicol se for me," the 47-year-old said.

“I feel happy because we work really hard. Kareena had worked especially hard because she was just doing an item number. I always give steps that everyone can do, parents and kids and all," she added.

When she was asked which is her favourite, Munni or Fevicol se, she said: "If you tell me to choose between my daughters Diva or Anya, how can I?"

"So Munni Badnam Hui has already become an iconic song, an icon of item songs. Similarly I will hope for Fevicol se. It has fun steps. It is not vulgar at all," she added.

Directed and produced by Arbaaz Khan, Dabangg 2 stars Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha in lead roles. The film will hit the theatres on December 2.

Priyanka vs Parineeti: Sisterly love or war?

Work in progress

If Sanjay Leela Bhansali can set Shakespeare’s love tragedy Romeo & Juliet in Gujarat then why can’t Shekhar Kapoor situate the same timeless material in futuristic Mumbai and shoot it in Singapore?

That’s exactly what Shekhar will do in Paani. The film is a tale of star-crossed lovers from incompatible social stratas where the girl would be an upper-class elite of Caucasian pedigree while the boy would be a tanned, bare-bodied, desi ruffian with the manners of a street urchin and the lingo of a fish seller.

Shekhar is currently in Singapore hunting for locations. “Paani is a cross-cultural, Romeo & Juliet, love story set in futuristic Mumbai when water will be the biggest asset and the most expensive commodity in the world. Wealth would be determined by how much of the city’s water supply is controlled by the powers-that-be. In the film, Mumbai would be divided into the upper city and the lower city,” informs our source. When questioned about the cast, Shekhar Kapoor said, “I can’t talk about it. The Paani casting is under an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) right now.”