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Driven by passion
At one level it's a poignant love story… at another the journey of life and at yet another plane it could be about existentialism.
In Chandigarh at the invitation of the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademy where his film was screened at the Government Museum auditorium, touched by the responses of the viewers he held that it’s this sharing experience that makes cinema so unique. He quips, “In movies, I articulate something and viewers capture it as well as derive their own meaning. That’s the beauty of cinema.” Yet he avers that literature and theatre are more sublime forms of art. Actually he believes there are two staircases in this world; one going upwards and another coming downwards from heaven. Cinema he thinks takes the stairs from earth upwards. Still much that happens in cinema according to him is also accidental, more pertinently about pre-cosmic equilibrium. For instance, during the making of Jaya Ganga he felt the need to pop-off the heroine after he witnessed a dramatic death in Benaras. He could easily take liberty with the text for it was on his book that the film was based. Incidentally, while he wrote the book some twenty-seven years ago the film was made much later. Down the memory lane he recalls how three Oscar winning personalities goaded him to make the film. Even though multiplexes didn’t exist back then, the film ran for 50 weeks in Paris won much critical acclaim, was featured at 50 prestigious film festivals, won awards like the Leonardo da Vinci Award for the screenplay. As he revisits the film he finds many shortcomings. “Perhaps it was to overcome this that I made another one titled One Dollar Curry, which ran to full house for three weeks in New Delhi.” Surviving as an independent film-maker he agrees is a struggle and “doesn’t get better with time either.” Yet it doesn’t stop him. His next one The Opium Symphony once again based on his book Whirlpool of Shadows is going to be a mega-budget film for which talks are already on with superstars of Bollywood. “Once big money is involved you have no option but to get the stars,” he states. However, megabucks or shoestring budget the driving force in any creative work is passion. He says, “That is the real investment. Cinema anyway is a bonfire of passion.” Fuelled by it he moves on to another project on the Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War. Then there is this novel about a man who goes to Paris in search of Ganesha. World of words or of visuals… ordinary mortals might sense a dividing line, to him its one and whole, and he straddles both with consummate ease translating one into another, unfailing in his endeavour to bring alive the essence in both.
French connection
Vijay Singh has chosen to live in Paris for it's a beautiful city, full of sensuality and above all everyone is an artist and art lover there. But if you thought he is taken in by existentialism of the West and with the notion that existence is futile, he remarks that he is an Indian first and three quarters of Indian philosophy is anyway melancholic. However, he also professes "India is full of magic."
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When stars came calling
If the crews didn't troop-in to cash-in on the lush green farms, the cast came along to make their presence felt; the merry-go-round affair of Chandigarh and the celebrities continued in 2012. We had Sunny Deol and we even had Sunny Leone, literally! Everybody who was somebody pulled over, not to share the season's greetings but to promote their movies!
While it couldn't have got bigger than last year, when Shah Rukh Khan cruised in twice for Ra.One and Don 2, it got slightly better with Bollywood's brand new sweethearts showing up for Student of The Year. Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra came under the scanner, as did their movie. They film was about love, friendship and sports, and didn't the trio play perfect sport while promoting it? Fresh faces Beginning of the calendar year, we had none other than Kathryn Bigelow of Hurt Locker fame halting in for a shoot schedule for Zero Dark Thirty; perhaps, our first close brush with Hollywood? And the city markets turned to film sets being depicted as Lahore! Press conferences or the shoot schedules, one by one, everyone walked in, open to queries and critics alike. Jism 2 brought forth the dare-bare Sunny Leone, the bold-faced Pooja Bhatt and the brave-heart Mahesh Bhatt. A few daring questions, some straight answers and we move on. Throw in a couple of 'forgettables' like Bidita Bag, Sharad Malhotra and Karan Sagoo of From Sydney With Love. Also throw in a couple of 'mentionables' like star son Jackky Bhagnani, star producer Vashu Bhagnani and director Sanjay Gadhvi halting in the city while on a five-city promotional tour for Ajab Gazab Love. Meanwhile, there were fillers in the form of former model Jatin Grewal, script-writer Sanjay Chauhan, actor Tisca Chopra barging in and out, keeping the city somewhat occupied. Bollywood stylist Pernia Qureshi, bhangra singer Dr. Zeus and star rapper Hard Kaur, musician Bappi Lahiri, singer Sukhwinder Singh ensured that the city didn't suffocate with an overdose of just Bollywood. Brand bargain
Preity Zinta stopped by to launch a jewellery collection; Sunny Deol to inaugurate a hospitality venture and Soha Ali Khan to endorse a designer collection! Huma Qureshi of Gangs of Wasseypur fame walked the ramp while Subhash Ghai came looking for a leading lady for his next project while Kareena Kapoor was one of the high-points, arriving in the city as the rechristened Kareena Kapoor Khan, for a brand endorsement. We also had Kunal Kapoor convincing us to give a serious watch to Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana. The latter half also saw controversy queens Rakhi Sawant and Veena Malik increase their "item number" statistics by shooting for Punjabi films in the city. And are we not already looking forward to the next set of releases, starting with the promising Bhaag Milkha Bhaag? Farhan Khan has already made a first round by shooting in the city. Hardly anyone gives it a miss! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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A tribute to women
Artist Vijay Singh Chouhan from Ajmer will showcase his work at Art Portfolio, Sector 9, Madhya Marg, from December 29. Chouhan, who has been teaching art in Mayo College, Ajmer, since 1986, has several solo and group shows to his credit. Vijay has been undertaking commissioned work for Décor Art Gallery, Bedford England, since 1988. Décor Art Gallery has published prints from many of his paintings and exhibited his work in several places in the UK. He has just completed a 21-mt-long mural commissioned by a company in Milton Keynes, UK. His new series Woman is a tribute to the Indian women showing their mesmerising journey that virtually transports the onlooker into the land of traditions, rituals, places, war fronts and Vedas. (On till January 13) — TNS
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Wild encounter
It’s a call of the wild! A close brush with the animals that are not just endangered but elusive. Accordingly there are lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and even buffaloes. “These five are a common sight during a visit to any major national park in Africa,” shares the artist, Yash Pal Seth, an architect by profession. Wonders of The Wild, the wildlife photography exhibition, organised by North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, captures five of the greatest of Africa’s wild animals. The ones that remain mysterious and dangerous to hunt. He adds, “My professional assignment first took me to Zambia where I developed a passion for nature and wildlife. These photographs were taken during the 2008 trip and recently during the 2010 trip.”
He adds, “The cat family is so powerful, yet if you don’t provoke them, they don’t do anything. You have to maintain an eye contact at all times and stand facing them. It’s only when you show your back and run that they attack.” Moving on, the 50 photographs also include an angry hippo, a herd of hippo, a roaming giraffe, a herd of zebras, an impala, a steenbok, a brown capuchin enjoying an orange, a squirrel monkey, a meerkat on the lookout, a cheetah and an ostrich. Then there’s the beauty of a giraffe that has nearly finished all the green leaves of a tree, a baby cheetah on the lookout for food, a lioness drinking water, the pride of a white lioness, African elephants, rhinoceros, bulls having a conversation with each other, a watchful buffalo et al. Coming up is yet another African adventure. “I’d like to go to this place in Kenya where the migration of animals is said to be in millions. Unfortunately, we don’t have places with such animal density in India. You don’t have the kind of wildlife that exists in Africa.” It’s purely a call of the wild. manpriya@tribunemail.com On till December30 at Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Punjab Kala Bhawan—16.
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Global space
Just before 2012 finishes its last leg, The Gaur, an American-style boutique hotel opens its doors in Chandigarh. To begin with, its vintage cars and bikes that stand parked at the hotel’s portico. The owner plans to have vintage rally to promote causes social causes. Special care has been taken to keep the vegetarian and non-vegetarian sections separate. And, it has no ‘No Admission’ sign. Clear glass separates the cooking area from the restaurant and if you feel like you can have a peek into the kitchen. The beautified banquets offer space for corporate meetings as well as private functions. Sixteen rooms in total are divided into executive, deluxe, grand deluxe rooms and suites. “Customer comfort is what we keep in mind. The linen is seven star quality and the rooms are spacious with modern amenities,” says Rajeev Kakar, vice-president, corporate. The executive room is for Rs 3,875 plus taxes. mona@tibunemail.com
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Casually smart
John Players launches a stylish casual wear range for men. This collection sets the trend for Retro Remix theme, defined by vibrant colours and mix of retro patterns to create a range that is peppy yet stylish.
Reinventing the traveler style, John Players also presents the Urban Safari theme, with elegant colours and contemporary styling. Making a perfect fit for every occasion from a casual getaway to a more comfortable outing, the casual wear collection also introduces concepts like
'Shackets', a unique combination of shirts with jackets. More interesting is the 'carrot' leg trousers which can be teamed up with tees. The collection also entails tees with distressed graphics, hooded shirts and trousers.The new collection is priced Rs 549 onwards.
—TNS
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Heritage Haveli, Ropar is organising a New Year's bash called Kicshtart 2013. Troupes from Rajasthan will perform Kalbelia, Chari and Bhawai dances besides fire dance. Sukshinder Shinda, who is a bhangra record producer and singer-songwriter from Handsworth in Birmingham, England, will also perform at the event. Since releasing his first professional recording in 1993, Dhol Beat Ek, Shinda has produced or collaborated on more than 200 albums, including all of Jazzy B's releases and the majority of Amrinder Gill's. In 2001 Shinda released his first solo album, Phases, which featured the singles "Daroo" and "Dil". Another highlight of the celebration will be DJ Bally. — TNS
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Master Chef Soups are the ultimate comfort food, specially when the temperature has plummeted down to 6 and 7 degrees! The bitter chill is best chased away by a steaming bowl of soup full of nourishing goodness. I usually try and sneak in vegetables into the tureen, the sort that are scoffed upon in normal course!
Method Peel and cube the pumpkin. Use a heavy pot, add oil, then sliced onion. Stir fry and then add the pumpkin along with the cinnamon, chopped garlic and rosemary. Add vegetable stock and seasoning, and simmer till tender. Remove into a blender when cool and puree till smooth. Stir in the milk, grated nutmeg add sugar. Check seasoning. Serve hot with a generous drizzle of cream if using. Float a little raft of cinnamon on the ready bowl with a sprinkling of cinnamon powder. In summer the cream can be replaced with thick, beaten yogurt as a garnish, along with a sprig of mint or rosemary. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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Tom Cruise happy being single
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise is reportedly not ready to settle down again after the break down of his third marriage with Katie Holmes. The 50-year-old, who split from Holmes, 33, in June this year after six years of marriage, has been spotted chatting with multiple women in recent weeks. But sources close to him insist he is still single. "He's single and will be talking to women - all of whom he won't be instantly dating," a source said. The source also played down reports that he was romancing Cynthia Jorge, a 26-year-old manager of the restaurant Beauty & Essex, after they were spotted dancing together at nightclub Le Baron here. "Cynthia told me they went out for drinks and it was nothing but a casual night out. She said he's a nice guy," source added.—PTI
Celebration mode
Ajay Devgn and his family will bring in the New Year at his farmhouse in Karjat. He is shooting for Himmatwala and has a lot to celebrate this year like the success of Son of Sardaar. The cast and crew of the film will celebrate along with his family and
friends.
Sizzling chemistry
Gul visits Jor Mela
Actress Gul Panag recently visited the holy Shaheedi Jor Mela, which is organised every year in December at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, in the Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab to pay homage to the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh ji and Baba Fateh Singh ji, the youngest of the tenth guru of sikhs Guru Gobind Singh's four sons. ‘Langars all the way from Chandigarh to Fatehgarh Saheb. Hot tea, hotter jalebis, bread pakodas, kheer, gajar halwa and more!! Eaten so much,’ the actress tweeted.
Over 10 lakh people over three days visit the Shahidi Jor Mela.
Helping hand...
Ayushmann Khurrana played fourth assistant director on the sets of Vicky Donor. He also flew down to Kochi recently to assist Shoojit Sircar and John Abraham on the sets of their next film Madras Cafe. He had promised he would assist on John Abraham's productions.
Ayushmann Khurrana
Sick leave
Tena Desai backed out on the sets of Table No. 21 while shooting on a boat in Fiji in the high sea. She shot for half hour but then felt like throwing up and ultimately blacked out! The film also stars Rajeev Khandelwal and Paresh Rawal.
Sea phobia:
Tena Desai
Show time
Angelic gesture
Kajol went to a shop in Bandra and bought all the angels she saw on the shelves and ran a fat bill. Does she just want to keep them in her house or give them away as gifts of love and protection to her family and friends? Either way, a good gesture. |
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Surprise!
Ravi Dubey’s girlfriend Sargun Mehta made his birthday really special for him. The couple will soon be seen shaking a leg in Nach Baliye 5. Though Ravi's working schedule does not permit him to celebrate his birthday lavishly, however his girlfriend Sargun made it memorable. Ravi first went to a temple and later to an orphanage. In the evening he went out for dinner with Sargun. Sargun says, "We went to Merlins with a few friends to celebrate his birthday. He loves to sing Hindi songs at the karaoke.” Sargun gifted Ravi a Samsung Galaxy note 800 and even made a card for him.
What’s cooking!
Sanjeev Kapoor met his biggest fan, a gujarati lady called Trupti. Trupti has taken part in every food- based show with a hope to meet her favourite celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Mumbai witnessed Master Chef Season 3 Auditions on Sunday and this lady was all set with her big bag of food and crockery hoping to impress her idol. Well, when the organisers learnt about her fascination with Chef Sanjeev, they couldn’t help but make her meet him on a special request.
Jewel queen
The romantic saga Hongey Judaa Na Hum on Sony Entertainment television is all set to bring in a new twist for the audiences. Currently, Muskaan is ready to get engaged with Dr. Anirudh on the show. Aaamna Sharif a brand conscious actress will wear her own jewellery for the engagement sequence. You would be surprised to know that the jewellery she will be wearing on the show is worth rupees 70 lakhs. Well, you can only imagine how beautiful and stunning she will be looking in this episode.
In & out...
Shraddha Arya from Main Laxmi Tere Aangan Ki was in talks with the producers Shashi Sumeet Mittal for their next production Dil Ki Nazar Se … Khoobsurat. Now the buzz is that she is out of the project due to money issues. Soumya Seth of Navya fame has been zeroed in as the final choice for the lead of the serial. Sargun Mehta too had shot a pilot for them but couldn’t do the show due to certain creative differences.
Love being a homemaker: Suhasi
Actress Suhasi Dhami shot to fame with Zee TV’s Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli. Now, she will be back on the small screen with a new show Housewife hai... Sab Jaanti Hai. We caught up with the pretty woman and quizzed her on her new show.
How different is your character in Housewife Hai … Sab Jaanti Hai from Abha? Playing the feisty and spunky Sona is different from my previous role of an idealistic beti and bahu in YMGGK. Sona is a journalist who consciously decides to leave her job and be a housewife after marriage. The show will explore how she applies her intelligence to being a smart housewife, plays her cards well and brings an otherwise dysfunctional family back on the track. Does
the show emphasize on the importance of a homemaker? Yes, it does. The show will prove that being a homemaker is a job which is not a paid one. A housewife pulls off multiple things making it the most challenging job. What made you accept the show? The very premise of the show excites me as I feel strongly about the subject. It is sad how a lot of people say – Oh, she doesn’t do anything, she’s a housewife! I find that statement ridiculous because people fail to realise the mountains most housewives move in the course of an average day. Households that run like well-oiled machinery will come to a standstill and families will fall apart if these hardworking women stop doing the job they do. Yet, they are constantly made to feel like they do not make a significant contribution. I am extremely glad to be a part of a show that highlights the dignity that exists in being a housewife and gives them their due respect. Who are the other actors? There’s Aniruddh Dave who will play a cop and
my husband in the show, Himani Shivpuriji will be seen as my greedy, self-centered, dominating mother-in-law, ever brimming with snide remarks and sarcasm. And
Parikshit Sahni plays my father- in- law. You are also part of Nach Baliye 5. Is your husband a better dancer or you? We both are working hard but it was my wish to be a part of the show which is why we are here. I love dance and didn’t want to miss this opportunity.
Mita is blessed
In Devon Ke Dev.. Mahadev, a new actor for the role of evil Daaruka was to be casted. Daarka worships goddess Parvati with dedication and after being blessed plans to destroy people on earth. The production team was in talks with Kishwar Merchant for the same. Rumours are that she threw tantrums and now she has been replaced by Mita Vashisth on the show.
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Astro turf
ARIES: It is a day to forget work. Romance is in your mind. Uncooperative family members will throw a spanner in your life. Sportsmen may feel restless. Confide in a friend, take time for long walk, or read a good book. Tarot message: You need to take things slowly. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 62TAURUS: Today you will be in an enthusiastic frame of mind. Matters connected with the state or government agency will go smoothly. Loss through speculation is on cards. Tarot message: Change the status quo both at work and relationships. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 29GEMINI: Trying to get some time out for yourself could be the hardest thing today. Relax and be a little more tolerant. You will be in a mood to find fault with people who are dear to you; curb this habit. Extravagance could get the better of you. Tarot message: Follow your instinct. Lucky color: Purple. Magic number: 30CANCER: Teamwork is the highlight of the day. Home life will be pleasant. Older people may create certain problems. Check your car before you set out for a long journey. Teamwork and happy relationships mark this day. Tarot message: Draw inner energies. Lucky colour: Rusty. Magic number: 64LEO: Life is not always a bed of roses. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land deal. Emotions have to be controlled. No pain no gain. Look after yourself now to avoid problems. Tarot message: A confrontation needs to be managed. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 59 VIRGO: Let a project take its time. You will be happy in the company of friends. A good time to strengthen ties with your partners. Handle property matters carefully. Some of you could be suffering from financial insecurity. It is a temporary phase. Tarot message: Enjoy your dreams. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 41 LIBRA: Relax, there is no work pressure at all. Friends will be easygoing and willing to fall in love with your plans. Singles: a good proposal is coming your way. A romantic alliance is likely to blossom by the evening. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 46 SCORPIO: Best day to get things done by people in power. You will get an opportunity to become a member of an important club. Family affairs run smoothly. Take a look at why you are putting up with the situations you do not like. Tarot message: Be determined. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 25SAGITTARIUS: A love relation is bubbling with excitement. Making a spontaneous trip can fill the need for variety. Students will take up creative hobbies. Businessmen: expect help from clients and loan from bank. Be careful not to violate traffic. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty. Lucky colour: Crème. Magic number: 27CAPRICORN: Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should be controlled. Believe in your own worthiness. Right day for investment in property. Industrialists will have to take care of labour problem. This is a time to formulate your goals. Tarot message: Trust your heart. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 43 AQUARIUS: Scarifies today can put you in a far better place in the future. Promotion? Talk to your boss. Real estate transaction should not be started. A long awaited issue finally gets settled. Tarot message: Now is the need to question the value judgment. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 60PISCES: The Moon reveals that you could stretch your relationship a bit too far. Domestic issues come up for urgent consideration. Youngsters may have differences with parents. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky color: Ebony. Magic number: 42
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 29...
Someone you are indebted to will try to change your mind about a decision that you have already taken. You will get out of it with a spin. People around you will admire and agree with you. Things might be stressful at the work front; focus more. It is not the perfect time to fulfill your desires. In this period, self-control and self-discipline are fundamental. Do not follow your instincts, but try to maintain boundaries that you cannot cross. Your enormous confidence and easy work schedule brings enough time to relax today. Don't overspend too much in order to impress others. Make sure you have approval of everyone before you make changes to your home environment. Partners will be enthusiastic about your new plans and ventures. Be careful not to make harsh comments in case you are pushed into an argument. Career will be high on your priority and bring in growth in the first half of 2013. Authority and confidence will be high. Opposition to your ideas and issues in marriage as well as relations can trouble in the second half of the year. Control your ego. Stamina and immune system can dip in March, so you need to take care of your health. You will feel sleepy and low on energy in the first half of June. Luck and happiness will rise in the second half of July. You will feel happy in the company of children. Travel will be pleasurable. There is a positive period in August. Position and career will move up after August 15, 2013. Socially it will be a good period as friendships will prosper. October will begin positively and financial gains are likely. Around mid-month you might see a general dip in energy, finances and a sense of detachment as well as lethargy. November will start slowly with low energy levels, but things will turn around mid-month and you will see a revival of activity. By the end of 2013, you will be in control of things. Mood: Emotional and vulnerable. Compatible signs: Taurus, Cancer. Lucky colours: Cherry-red, Purple. Lucky days: Wednesday and Thursday. Lucky numbers: 7, 12, 15, 45, 50.
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Cruise’s charisma works
An ex-American army guy gets involved in a case pertaining to another military sniper, only to be drawn into a bigger conspiracy. When director Christopher McQuarrie directs Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher, an action expert and a smooth talker who always gets the girl, it’s another thriller from Cruise saga, which is captivating as usual. Here is how our first show audience rate this adaptation of Lee Child's novel. Cruise at its best One goes to see Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher and comes out a happy man. A total Cruise flick, one gets ample of his smashing moments. Must watch for those who love thrillers. Ashish Thakur, student Good watch Suspense keeps one hooked and Tom Cruise is a treat on screen. Thriller is the genre Cruise has mastered. It entertains and keep one involved. Sonalika Singh, dentist Slow show It did not turn out to be as engaging as I expected. Plot moves at an unbearable slow speed. In fact, I did sleep in the show. Vaishali, doctor intern Cruise rocks Tom Cruise has done number of such movies and he rocks still. Age has only matured him as an actor. There are funny moments and tough ones too. Loved it all the way. Harmeet Singh, BPO employee — As told to Mona
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The photographs are tentatively priced at Rs 3,000 to 5,000 and 50 per cent of the sale proceeds go to Save The Tiger Fund. Speaking of which, the cat family that is, shares the author, “I have great regard for the cat family. When I started taking these photographs, we had no clue about animal
behaviour. Almost all the pictures have been taken while in the jeep.” 
Spicy pumpkin velvette soup
1 tbsp butter
You share your birthday with Twinkle Khanna (December 29, 1974, Mumbai), who shared her birthday with her father, late Rajesh Khanna. She married Akshay Kumar after leaving film industry in 2001 and ventured into interior designing. She made her debut opposite Bobby Deol in Barsaat (1995). Her notable films include Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai. Twinkle is likely to shine in 2015, but in the capacity of a producer.
