Music mania
Bollywood music evolves each year; 2012 was no different. Whether the lyrics made sense or not, as long as foot-tapping numbers came our way we didn’t mind…

Jasmine Singh

Do we need to explain why good music is the lifeline of a successful film? Bollywood was great in 2012 and so was the music or let’s just say…once the music was good the movie rocked! The year definitely saw a tug-of-war between the Sheilas, Munnis, Chammak Challos and Chikni Chamelis, but it also gave us melodies that rang a bell in our hearts. The boy couldn’t speak (read Barfi!), but he found the best expression through songs such as iss dil ka kya karoon.

Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan made everything so real with his numbers in Rockstar. If not for the songs, Jordan would have been lost somewhere. Coupled with AR Rahman’s music, every single track of the film weaved magic. Tum ho saath mere, Jo bhi main kehna chahun, Saada haq, Kun faya kun…the music was just melodious.

Soft & subtle

Softness travelled in many Bollywood numbers — Oh meharbaa (Ra One), Abhi mujh main kahin (Agneepath), Ishqzaade (Ishqzaade), Ishq wala love (Student of the year), Udey (Zindagi na mileygi dobara), Teri Meri Prem Kahani (Bodygaurd), Raabta (Agent Vinod) being some among them. Much was expected from Yash Chopra’s last Jab Tak Hai Jaan, but it was Challa by Rabbi Shergill that made a mark.

Desi tadka

From soft, soulful numbers to the ones that roared in discotheques, music took the fast and furious route with countable item songs making it to the chartbusters. Tinku Jia (Yamla Pagla Deewana), My name is Sheila (Tees Maar Khan), Chikni Chameli (Agneepath), Dil mera muft ka (Agent Vinod), Pyar ki pungi (Agent Vinod), Munni (Dabangg), Angrezi beat tey (Cocktail), Chammak Challo (Ra One), Character Dhila hai (Ready)…some songs that were quite a hit despite the unmindful lyrics!

Salt & pepper

The songs were peppy and yes they were naughty too — Chinta ta ta chita chita (Rowdy Rathore), O darling (7 Khoon Maaf), Rum whisky (Vicky Donor), Daru Desi (Cocktail). Topping the charts in the naughty quotient was Bappi Lahiri’s number Ooh La La in which Vidya Balan gyrated with Nasseurdin Shah. The number was a hit at every marriage and party. And the very recent Fevicol se from Dabangg 2, which graduated from Zandu baam!

Music cannot be categorized — music is music and will always remain so. Whether it is trying to ‘read between the lines’ track Bhaag Bhaag DK Bose from Delhi Belly or Ja Chudial from the same movie to something as different as Teri keh key lunga (Gangs Of Wasseypur) or O womaniya (Gangs Of Wasseypur) to Subha hone na de (Desi Boyz), you don’t have to use your mind to understand music!

The music story is incomplete without mention of the nasal twang of singer Himesh Reshamiya. All is well that ends well and towards the end, the singer definitely had a reason to keep his nose high. Hookah Bar and Balma (Khiladi 786)…his songs have left us with numbers we would want to play at the New Year Eve.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Top songs of the year
We have had a variety of hit songs throughout the year and list some of our favourites from different genres

Paani da rang from Vicky Donor

This melodious song sung and composed by actor Ayushmann Khurrana took the nation by storm and contributed to the success of the movie. It is such a sweet and soothing song that you can sing alone as well as with your friends anytime.It has a lovely, peppy tune even though the lyrics are almost sad.

The wonderful Cocktail



Our favourite songs from the album are by Yo Yo Honey Singh, Main Sharabi and Angrezi Beat. These were already hits but Deepika's sexy presence made them chartbusters. Tumhi Ho Bandhu is an instant favourite while Daaru Desi grows on you.




Raabta from Agent Vinod

The four soulful and intensely romantic versions of Raabta are the best thing to have come out of Agent Vinod. These songs can be played on loop and are great to make you feel happy during the wedding season. These are timeless songs that have lasted way beyond the movie. Saif Ali Khan has a good ear for music and Pritam churns out wonderful tunes for him.

The Gangs of Wasseypur

Sneha Khanwalkar's quirky and rustic score is not for everyone, but it is quite an achievement because it is so unique, original and true to the spirit of the movie. We would pick O Womaniya, Chi Cha Ledar, and Electric Piya from the albums.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan (poem) and Ishq Shava from Jab Tak Hai Jaan

The poem, which plays in the opening, is divine and one can get addicted to it! Ishq Shava is a happy and catchy dance number; we love the video and the instrumental music that precedes it! Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif set the stage on fire with their sexy moves and blazingchemistry!

Strings of the heart
Singer Arif Lohar from Pakistan remains unassuming despite the rocking success of Jugni
 
Jasmine Singh

Meeting someone on a cold, or let’s say very cold, winter evening doesn’t sound like a warm idea. We see him walking towards us, dressed in black — black turban, black velvet achkan and black chaadra. Short stature, but carrying a smile wide enough to touch anyone’s heart! Our man in black has painted the entire nation red with a single track. Punjabi singer from Pakistan Arif Lohar doesn’t talk much before his live show. He just remembers his father, famous singer Aalam Lohar, his mother and the Almighty.

He sits down to talk, smiling, patient, instructing his entourage to be quiet for a minute. He wants to be in the moment. It is Ashish, Danish and Rickky Mann from Scorpions who have brought him to Chandigarh, and he is all-praise for them. “I have been to the city before; it is a good place. I never have enough time to look around,” says the singer, who we are told is a ‘pure’ Sufi singer.

Alif Allah chambey di booti…mention of the first few lines lights up his eyes; it is the song Jugni that has rocked the entire world. Did he know this was to become an anthem? “Whatever I sing, I do it from my soul. And whatever is done from the soul is bound to touch hearts,” he says. There is no sign of hurry despite the constant reminders about the live show. “People ask me to sing Jugni wherever I go; this is overwhelming,” shares Arif, who sings with his musical instrument chimta. Those who followed Coke Studio Season 3 Pakistan can’t get over how he touched the chords of the heart when he sang Jugni with Pakistani singer Messha. “By the way, I have already done a lot of work in Pakistan. I have worked in films, recorded more than 3,000 Punjabi songs and cut nearly 150 albums. It was only after my song was used in the Bollywood movie Cocktail that people actually sat up and took notice of me,” he adds.

Arif doesn’t care much about his success outside Pakistan. “I am a pure Sufi folk singer, who sings for god…par kab uski rehmat honi hai koi pata nai.” Arif is now flooded with many Bollywood projects, but it is live shows that are keeping him busy. “I will be going on a world tour now; visiting England and Australia with my songs; I am quite excited about it,” he adds. Those who have seen his live performances swear by his magical energy. “Bus ji Allah ki rehmat hai,” he has no other explanation.

star track
Diana Penty to romance Salman?


Big move: Diana Penty

After impressing the audience with her performance in Saif Ali Khan's Cocktail, Diana Penty is moving up the ladder in a big way. If all goes well, the pretty lady will soon be seen romancing Salman Khan. Diana will play the leading lady in Sohail Khan's upcoming directorial project tentatively titled Radhe that would star Salman Khan.

It is said that Sohail is busy preparing for the venture at a rapid pace whereby the script is being fine tuned every day. In the process he came to a conclusion that for the film, he needed someone relatively fresh innocent face who could also display maturity of the character. This is when the filmmaker thought of Diana.

Sohail got in touch with a common friend and initiated a meeting with Diana. The first chat went very well and they have been in touch since then. It is said that the actress liked the role immensely and is now in advanced talks with the filmmaker.

The final formalities will only take place at the beginning of the 2013, since Sohail is busy with the New Year celebrations with his family. The film is expected to go on the floors in May, next year.

Akshay’s special film


Playing conman: Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar’s Special Chabbis is very guarded and has been kept completely under wraps. The entire team has taken a lot of effort in keeping the news underground on what the film is about. Officially, Special Chabbis is an edgy, gritty heist drama and the makers are highlighting that the film is based on the real-life daring heist in 1987 where an unknown man posing as CBI officer recruited 26 men and executed a daylight raid on the Opera House branch of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri in Mumbai and disappeared with jewellery worth lakhs of rupees.

However, sources close to the unit say that everyone is trying to underplay the fact that the role of Akshay Kumar is based on Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, better known as Natwarlal.

Natwarlal was an inspiration for the name of Amitabh Bachchan’s film, Mr Natwarlal in 1979 which was an action comedy that drew inspiration from the famous heartland hero.

As the folklore goes, he was a famous conman known for repeatedly selling the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort along with Rashtrapati Bhavan.  Till the very end no one was able to catch him, even if caught he would escape and he remains a mystery even when he is no more.

In the film like Natwarlal. Akshay Kumar uses a lot of aliases, is a master of disguises and uses novel ideas to dupe people. He is also said to have cheated a number of industrialists by taking from them huge money in cash. Directed by Neeraj Pandey of A Wednesday fame it has Akshay Kumar, Manoj Bajpai, Jimmy Shergill and Anupam Kher in pivotal roles.

Big B’s big heart

Kind gesture: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has donated Rs 2,50,000 to the late constable Subhash Tomar’s family. He died on 25 December on the clashes that took place during the Delhi protests following the gang rape of a 23 year old paramedical student.

Amitabh donated the check of Rs 2,50,000 to the South Indian Educational Society. The legendary actor tweeted about the donation to the deceased family.

“Many do not know that a police constable was critically injured in the protests that turned violent day before .. he succumbed!!

Constable carrying out orders in the line of duty ... was only earning member of his large family ..!!” he tweeted. “I have donated my cash Award money to his family!! They are distraught and of lesser means.. prayers!!!” he added.

The victim’s condition is said to be serious and people all over are praying for the speedy recovery of the rape victim. Amitabh also lashed out at a pessimistic who commented about donating money through another few tweets.

“Donate and do not talk about it, they say you do nothing for society ... do and talk about it, they say you seek publicity! To those poor ignorants who think and express thus ... STFU !!!” he added further.

And he rounded off by explaining himself: “STFU : Saner Thoughts Fail U ... !!! Just in case you thought it was something else..... !!!!!!”

Matru and Bijlee on the run...


Promotional drive: Imran Khan and Anushka

Anushka Sharma and Imran Khan are promoting Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola in full-swing and have tied up with TABCab for movie promotions and contests. The movie releases on 11 January 2013.





Protect women


Justice demanded: Deepika Padukone



Deepika Padukone is angry and shocked by the crimes against women, like most Indian citizens. She says, “Women are constantly blamed for the way they dress. It is high time that we do something about stopping such crimes. The rules and the laws should become a lot stricter and action needs to be taken and faster.”






Leave him alone!


Fan mail: Justin Bieber

Just when everyone thought singer Justin Bieber's love life was back on track, his fans have shown that they are not pleased with it. The couple had rekindled their romance post a short breakup. After this, a fan started writing on Twitter: "I am disgusted". A fan known as Strongforjieber wrote: "Go back to your own friends and family. Let Justin breath."

Gomez had broken up with Bieber earlier. — IANS 

 

New pair

Finding love: Bipasha Basu



Bipasha Basu and Harman Baweja arrived together for Jackky Bhagnani's party and grabbed a lot of eyeballs. They were unfazed by the attention and garnered more interest than the birthday boy got!


Tough times for Priyanka

Coping up: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra is said to be going through tremendous turmoil and stress because of her father’s frail health. It was evident at a recent shoot when the actress faced the camera with Sanjay Dutt for Apoorva Lakhia’s Zanjeer. Priyanka kept forgetting her lines, says a source.

“It was not like Priyanka at all. She is never known to forget a single line. But there she was standing in front of Mr Dutt, faltering and fumbling over her lines repeatedly," the source said. Sanjay was indulgent and understanding. This is said to have gone on for hours, as the leading man Ram Charan Teja who has his own problems with the Hindi language, sat patiently and waited for his two co-stars to get their act together.

“Priyanka said she was forgetting her lines because she was overawed by Dutt’s presence. But we feel it was something else.

Priyanka is not known to lose her cool under the most trying circumstances,” said the source. A friend reveals how her father’s illness has indeed begun to take toll on Priyanka’s concentration.

“Outwardly, she is doing fine... Going about all her duties as per schedule. And god knows, her plate is more than full at the moment, with her international singing career and a slew of Bollywood projects happening simultaneously. "But Priyanka is deeply troubled by her father’s illness. She will never talk about it with any of us, not even her mom or kid brother.

"Just see how calmly and confidently she dealt with the backlash regarding her friendship with Shah Rukh Khan. But this (her father’s illness) has overpowered her equipoise,” said the friend.

Priyanka is extremely close to her father.

IANS

chatter box
Jhakaas Kapoor on Comedy Circus


Masti & magic: Anil Kapoor on Comedy Circus

Jhakaas Kapoor New Year is going to be special on Sony Entertainment Television’s Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe as Anil Kapoor is going to set the stage on fire with his Gangnam moves. This glittery episode will see Anil Kapoor in his entire splendour, right from mouthing his jhakaas dialogues to a small comic act along with host Shruti. This high voltage entertainment episode will even see the star dancing to the Gangnam style. Anil along with Bharti, Siddharth and Kiku will rock the stage with their own funny version of the hit YouTube sensation.

 

Bulgarian festivities

TV star Kushal Tandon celebrated Christmas, the Bulgarian way! Kushal got a chance to enjoy the festivities with his family and partner Elena. While his family specially flew for the occasion, Elena is here to participate with him in Dance reality show Nach Baliye.

Kushal and Elena were excited to be together and he made sure Elena feels at home here. Apart from the tradition of setting up their own Christmas tree, Kushal took time off to help Elena prepare 11 delectable dishes following in the popular Bulgarian tradition.

Fun time: Kushal Tandon

 

Arjun finds Nadia

New face: Shital Shah

Production house 4 Lions Films has at last got hold of a female lead for their Star Plus’ crime based show Arjun. Earlier, Sana Khan was playing the role as the female lead but she had to opt out of it because of bad health. Ever since her exit, the production house was busy hunting for a suitable face and now their hunt has come to an end with Shital Shah.

Shital, who has earlier done more than 100 shows for a plays with Paresh Rawal, is excited to play the role of Nadia.

 

For kid’s sake

Ami Trivedi, who was last seen in Papad Pol on Sab TV, gave birth to a baby boy recently. Her husband Niraj Sanghai was an excited dad and was alongside Ami throughout. Ami though will focus on her kid for now, but she 
says she will be back to acting soon.

 

Spoilsport Sheela

In Star Plus’ Pyar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha this week, Sheela will plan to ruin Harish and Avantika’s married life. She will try to stop Aditya from confessing his love to Pankhuri.

 

New twists and turns

In Star Plus’ Ek Veer Ki Ardaas – Veera this week, Ranvi will complete Veera’s admission formalities at school. News of Gurpreet’s health will reach the village and the man who fought with Kartaar will start spreading rumours about Kartaar and Ratan. Ratan will console Kartaar and will ask him to be Gurpreet’s pillar of strength.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Feeling of love and strong impulses come together in an exciting mix. Take it easy today. It will be pointless to attempt to force the pace. Deal with routine job. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40

TAURUS: You are unlikely to get very far if trying to put new plans into action. An illness can mean having to take the day off work. Putting energy into your domestic life can give you the lift you need now. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurances of people. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 61

GEMINI: Sacrifices made today can put you in a far better place for the future. Bring a breath of fresh air into your life by rearranging your environment. Important changes in the way you handle your work should be postponed. Tarot message: Be creative in your business. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 24

CANCER: Make an early start today and get to work as soon as possible. Not only will you impress the boss, but also feel an immediate sense of achievement. Make every effort to further your ambitions. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 33

LEO: You will get bogged down in the daily grind. Problems of others will have to be attended. There is little you can do to advance your own affairs. This will be a difficult day for dealing with business partners. Tarot message: A penny saved is penny earned Lucky colour: Green.  Magic number: 62

VIRGO: A day of heavy spending. Patience and time are required to make progress. The advice of elders, professionals and people with greater experience than yours can make all the difference. Your love life will be active. Tarot message: Plan your life better. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 59

LIBRA: Happiness is on the cards. An increasing income means more luxuries of life to enjoy. Socialising and attending gala events can be costly. This is an easy-going day. You will have loads of energy. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 63

SCORPIO: Grinding through committee crowds and grid lock traffic will be annoying. Someone you meet today will give you a useful business tip. It is the best to stay at home during leisure time today. Tarot message: Involve yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 57

SAGITTARIUS: Early part of the day is most exciting. A real buzz in the air evokes fresh possibilities. Today your hardwork will bear fruit. Do not allow friends or family to distract you during study hours. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 50

CAPRICORN: Financial issues are highlighted. Matters involving spending, saving and borrowing are all worth examining. Be sure to grasp an opportunity that comes your way today. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 41

  AQUARIUS: Make sure you are doing your best. You can be in line for a promotion or recognition in the form of an award. Employment affairs are satisfactory. Enjoy and ride your luck in the evening. Tarot message: Competition will bring out your best. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 52

PISCES: Friction at the workplace can slow down production. Try to stay balance and remember – ‘silence is golden’. You will have more time to cater to the needs 
of other people.
Tarot message: Balance in all aspects of life is recommended. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 28...

People are impressed with your ability to be fair in trying circumstances. Even if you're fond of a particular friend, you don't deny his or her shortcomings. If somebody is more worthy of a job, you'll give it. This can cause problems with your loved one, but it can't be helped. Your reputation is too important to be jeopardised. Besides, being honest is the only way things will change. Once your friends see you aren't satisfied with their performance, they'll change.

The year 2013 is very positive for you. You would be at your creative peak and this is a period for achievements. A flood of fresh ideas will come after May. New ideas and things you learn will usher progress. Friendships will revive and income will also go up substantially. There is a possibility of a new and sudden relationship. Worry and stress about children will trouble you. Health can be a cause of concern in the middle of the year; be careful.

The Stars favour; you'll manage yourself effectively and find a solution to all your problems. In January, find a group that is more intent on having fun than proving their athletic prowess. Be patient if things don't go according to plan. Jupiter's change means you'll earn more and become more captivating, pleasing new partners. You'll be very prudent with your beloved and try to be more patient than usual. After June, you must try to eliminate all that is superficial in favour of what is essential. You must not consider this as a loss as what you lose on one hand, you gain on the other.

Unpleasant working conditions are taking a toll on your health. An oppressive environment undermines your productivity. Traps are possible and it's better not to risk losses. Your knowledge will increase further during 2013. If planning to go abroad for further studies, the time is favourable. Emotional issues, arguments and financial issues will dominate 2013.

Issues appear to calm quickly, but not without a heap of talking and patience. Your fuse remains short but 'tolerable'. Joint ventures will make steady progress. Destiny will bless you in August with better professional opportunities and you will be able to earn more.

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.

You share your birthday with Ratan Naval Tata (December28, 1937), who received the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s most distinguished civilian awards, in 2000, Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and Lifetime Achievement Award by the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation in 2012. Ratan Tata serves in senior capacities in various organisations in India and he is a member of the Prime Minister's Council on Trade and Industry. In December 2012, Tata was named one of The Men of the Year 2012 by Top Gear magazine.

New Releases

Jack Reacher
A still from Jack Reacher
A still from Jack Reacher

Producer: Paramount Pictures

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Jack Reacher is based on One Shot, one of the series of best-selling novels by Lee Child. It is about a former soldier turned drifter who travels the United States doing his own brand of justice. Jack Reacher is written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The film stars Tom Cruise and British actress Rosamund Pike.

Jack Reacher is a crime film in which a homicide investigator digs deeper into a case involving a trained military sniper who shot five random victims. It is witty, it is fast-moving, the plot is puzzling and incisive and quite dark in places. The violence and humour in this film is pretty edgy. It also stars Richard Jenkins. Watch Tom Cruise in Lee Child’s created powerful character in Jack Reacher.

2 Nights In Soul Valley

Producer: Pinta and Dehal Productions

Director: Harish Sharma

Journalist-turned-director Harish Sharma is ready to take centre-stage with his debut film 2 Nights in Soul Valley. It is a horror film written by Sunam Prasad. The film stars Hemant Pandey, Sumeet Sharma, Milli Moonstone, Akash Khari, Meenakshi Gaurav Shah. The movie is based on a true life incident.

Dharam Pal





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