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Magic realism
Who doesn’t want to be a Jeannie? And who wouldn’t dream of being one? SAB TV went a step ahead with the supremely popular American sitcom of the 80s I Dream Of Jeannie, bought the rights and seems to be living up that dream through the Indian adaptation Jeannie Aur Juju.
“We may have bought the rights but the adaptation had our own script and we have Indianised the programme,” clarifies Anooj Kapoor, business head, along with the cast Gia Manek and Ali Asgar, at a meet and greet opportunity in Chandigarh. “I had watched the sitcom as a young child but ever since I signed on for the character, I consciously made an effort not to see it. Reason being I wanted to be as natural as possible,” shares Gia, the Jeannie with the magical powers. The conscious efforts brought in conviction and perhaps, that’s one of the reasons that the adaptation is not a mere reproduction. “I wanted to be able to play the character convincingly. In fact, in personal life I am so like Jeannie. I just had to be myself. I am as mad and as naughty. The only difference is that I don’t have magical powers,” adds the once popular Gopi Bahu of Saath Nibhana Saathiya. For the uninitiated, the Jeannie Aur Juju is about the love of a genie for a regular mortal. Steps in Vicky, the pilot, played by Ali Asgar, who is a known face in the Indian television, “When I sign on any script, there’s this selfish vision as to what is my contribution to the show; before this, I was repeating myself as an actor. I wanted to do something that had both a mass appeal and a class appeal.” The thirty-day and twelve hour shoot schedule, “doesn’t leave any scope for future or any other projects” and any related questions! Elaborates Ali Asgar, “It’s like a very difficult daily soap; we are constantly evolving the script and sometimes each scene takes as many as three hours.” Throwing in a sense humour doesn’t come easy and a clean one, all the more. Opines Anooj Kapoor, “We wanted to be a channel where parents don’t have to control the remote. You will not come across irreverent humour or any sexual connotations.” He adds, “We believe in Sooraj Barjatya families coupled with Hrishikesh Mukherjee school of humour.” Seems to have worked really well for them! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Just beat it
As a DJ, you got to have your priorities in place. More often than not, the role stretches beyond just mixing and blending music, and it’s a pick between catering to the crowd and playing some great music. DJ Rink seems to have got hers right. “I am not just here to play. I am somebody who’ll make their night special and be their friend for the evening.” She adds, “When it comes to what to play, their wish is my command.”
It’s been over half-a-decade of having been-here-done-that and still going strong, so she is qualified enough to comment on the city crowd. “I’ve been coming to Chandigarh on and off now, used to perform at Warehouse long back,” shares the Mumbai-based DJ. As of now, the Valentine bash at The Blue Blazer saw her spin some of the old romantic numbers, apart from her forte — Bollywood. “The city’s music tastes have evolved. While they haven’t given up their penchant for commercial, Bollywood and Punjabi tracks, there is an acceptance for newer genres and experimental music.” She adds, “Now if you play EDM or House, the crowd is receptive. With Sunburn Festival happening and much more exposure towards different elements of music, this was bound to happen.” When not playing for others, it’s plugging onto her kind of music, comprising some soft original romantic numbers and various influences. “I listen to a lot of Sufi music, Jagjit Singh, Rihanna, Chris Brown and the like.” Post the two remix albums, Desi Diva Dj Rink and Lady Architect, coming up is an album comprising seven tracks and a song inspired by Blackberry Messenger status. “I have a song coming up called The Way You Like Me. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Laugh out loud
Usually films end at a wedding scene…on a happily ever after note! This one, yes another madcap Punjabi comedy, goes ahead. While capturing a big, fat Punjabi wedding, the story moves ahead through a series of twists and turns.
O.G.J. — Hun Vajjega Band, yes, this is the name of this movie, but if you are thinking when you last encountered this tongue twister cum abbreviation, just say it aloud. Oh Jije is story of a jija sali on the run. What makes this special is that it is all Punjabi theatre actors that form the cast. “There are about fifteen characters in the movie, all of them essential to the plot,” says Sandeep Dey, who has handled screenplay, cinematography and editing of the film. “What Punjabi cinema has seen is quantitative growth. O.G.J. is a step ahead. Ours is a step in the qualitative direction,” says Sandeep. Dev Kharoud, who was last seen in Hashar, Kabbadi and Sadda Haq, is happy to have landed this role. “This movie gave me a chance to dabble with comedy, romance and action, which I totally enjoyed,” he says. Swaraj Ghuman plays the mother who uses all the tricks of the trade to keep her clever, lawyer son in tow. Kul Sidhu, Raj Shreya Singh, Lakhvinder Singh, Saheb Verma, Dhanveer, Raju Pavel are the other actors in the movie that has been written and directed by Inder Paul Singh. A clean family entertainer is likely on the cards but why only comedy? Sandeep answers, “Punjab being close to the border has seen many invasions and tragedies. When not at war, Punjabis love to have fun. Therefore, comedy will always be central to Punjabi movie scene.” (The movie hits the screens on March
1) mona@tribunemail.com
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Singh shines through
Jasmine Singh
After the success of Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22, here comes a movie that will add something to the circle. Directed by Navaniat Singh, Singh Vs Kaur fills up many genres—it is comedy full house, romance a bit and action, loads. Director Navaniat Singh, known to bring about a young and fresh change in Punjabi cinema with movies like Mel Kara De Rabba, has opened a full account with comedy. Talking about a ‘genre’, which the Punjabi cinema has fallen in love with, head over heels, Singh Vs Kaur has fresh laughable dialogues. A slight feeling a déjà vu comes and goes; courtesy the movie that shares the first name with a Bollywood movie (Read Singh Is Kingg). But the director, Navaniat has ensured it is just a feeling of ‘seen that before’, so even if something of Singh Vs Kaur reeks of Singh is Kingg, it is your personal choice. By things, we specially mean comedy is in place. And by comedy in place, we mean the dialogues are in place and by dialogues in place, we mean actors are in place. Doesn’t this reek of Namak Halaal? Singh Vs Kaur stars Gippy Grewal, Surveen Chawla, Binnu Dhillon, Avtar Gill and BN Sharma. It is more or less those people who gave us a hit comedy of the year Carry On Jatta. The good thing about the movie is that everyone has tried to keep the word repetition at bay, especially Gippy Grewal. The actor undoubtedly has great comic timing and with dialogues in chaste Punjabi he is every bit Nihal Singh of Singh Vs Kaur. After Carry On Jatta, you would ideally expect Gippy to do the same act, but surely he doesn’t. Swaying between comedy, romance and action, Gippy tells the audience that he is here to give something new. The same hold true for actor-comedian Binnu Dhillon and BN Sharma, both using new punches to pierce your funny bone! But someone who really needs to do more than looking beautiful and sexy is Surveen Chawla. The actress sure looks pretty, really pretty in her Bollywoodish costumes, she, however, needs to act more. Another actor that needs a mention is Avtar Gill; he plays the sarpanch and sure behaves like one. Towards the middle, or end you are again bitten by the déjà vu bug of Singh is Kingg… brush it off! The storyline of Singh Vs Kaur is new to Punjabi cinema, not new to Bollywood though! The movie has some good action sequences. And who else but our former Mirza hero Gippy would know how to do them well. You cannot take a singer out of the actor, so Gippy has given his hit number to this flick too. Pind Massi Dey Gayi Si will make you dance for sure! And if it doesn’t, you at least can’t stop your feet from tapping. So, if you want to laugh more on new jokes, Singh Vs Kaur can be your pick. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Zeroing down on Jessica
Janhvi Patel
Academy Award nominated actress Jessica Chastain is the hero of Zero Dark Thirty as she breathes life into tough-as-nails CIA agent Maya. The gorgeous redhead talks about working with Kathryn Bigelow, shooting in India, preparing for the movie, and more. How did you prepare for the role? My character was based on a CIA agent Maya who I never got to interact with to prepare for my role. So, I had to approach the role like any other character I've played and when it came to the questions that I couldn't answer through the research, I had to use my imagination. Kathryn Bigelow and Mark's imagination to create the character worked really well. She is a fearless, intelligent and extremely independent woman who represents this generation, and that was really exciting. How do you deal with the controversies surrounding Zero Dark Thirty? A lot of research has gone into the making of the movie. As it is based on one of the world’s greatest manhunts, it is naturally dramatic. So, people might feel that it’s dramatised. We were all ready for such comments. Share the experience of being directed by Academy Award winner Kathryn Bigelow… She (Kathryn) was awesome. Once she took me to Maya’s apartment and asked me how I wanted that to be. Yes, if you ask me, Kathryn herself does not believe in that (violence), but according to her, a filmmaker is a filmmaker. I think her approach to the movie was incredible and that’s what inspired me as well. The movie was shot in North India. So how did you like India, the people, the food? It was really an amazing experience working in India; it’s a colorful country with unity in diversity. I didn’t get much to see as I was busy shooting for the film. I got a chance to visit Taj Mahal and some parts of Rajasthan and Chandigarh as much of the shooting was done in the outskirts of these places. I realised that the culture and living was so very different. I also went on a horse drawn carriage. What do you look for in a role or movie before you take it up? As an actor I want to play different kinds of roles and I don't want to be associated with a certain look for each part because I want to be allowed to age. The wonderful thing about (different roles I've had) is that they look so different. For movie I looked into the scripts that excite me. How does it feel to be nominated for an Academy Award yet again and how do you handle fame and success? I never go for fame and success. My main agenda for doing a movie is to entertainment my fan and audiences. Tell us about your vegan lifestyle. Yes (laughs). I had no problem taking the weight off thanks to yoga and my vegan diet. I do a lot of yoga. I'm also vegan, so that helps. I lose weight really quick. I inspired my mom to take on the vegan lifestyle, and now my mother runs a vegan restaurant!
Bipasha and her phobias!
Dealing with stalkers I am an independent woman. I don't have an entourage because I love my freedom. I get stalked when I go to the parlour, the gym, and outside my building too. I know the difference between admiration and staring and these guys stare. I so want to punch them in the face. Then the police will come in the picture. Claustrophobic reaction I break into a cold sweat when I see big crowds because they mob us. The organisers promise all sorts of security on paper but at the event we are on our own. The security cannot help. The scenario is much safer abroad. I know I have a condition and I need clinical help and attention. Just friends
Herman Baweja is my friend and we hang out together and we have common friends too. We like each other but there is no need to rush into a relationship because the heart takes time to decide.
Dostana director Tarun Mansukhani, who has not directed a film since Dostana, is going to assist Karan Johar on Bombay Talkies. There are four segments made by four different directors in the movie and Tarun is the associate director for
Karan.
Amitabh to star in a daily soap
Amitabh Bachchan is all set to act in a daily soap. According to the latest buzz, Big B will feature in a daily series which will be produced by Amitabh Bachchan’s company ABCL. It is going to be a mega-budget serial and auditions of the actors will be held soon. The show will go on air at the end of this year. He will not appear in every episode but he will be appearing on special episodes only to promote the serial. After hosting KBC, Bachchan has become a hot favourite among the TV audience. For a while now, Bachchan has apparently been toying with the idea of doing a television serial. "Last year, he held meetings with several channel producers, expressing his desire to act in a daily soap. Some of them even made a few presentations. But nothing worked out then," says a source close to the developments. "But given that this is Bachchan's first-ever daily soap appearance, utmost care is being taken to keep the project under wraps," said the source, adding that an official announcement is likely next week. The 70-year-old megastar who likes to keep himself busy, has not signed any major films this year. "While some attributed to his health concerns, truth is, he worked out his schedule for his television debut. After his stints with KBC, he is now in love and comfortable with the medium," added the source.
Prachi Desai lost a bet to John Abraham while filming I Me Aur Main. They had to do a lot of jumping off parapets and Prachi chickened out while John did it because he is a daredevil! Looks like Prachi and John bonded very well during the making of the film.
bonding well: Prachi Desai
Priyamani turns item girl for SRK
Priyamani is not a newcomer to Hindi film industry; she has earlier worked in movies like Rakht Charitra and Raavan. Unfortunately none of the movies did well in the box office and her performance was not noted by the moviegoers. She is a noted actress in down south. Her performance in the Tamil film Paruthi Veeran (in the year 2006) brought her the coveted National Award. Therefore, acting is no something new to her but doing an item number is. Priyamani has never done an item number. However, things are all set to change, she is going to do an item number for the very first time in Rohit Shetty’s movie Chennai Express. She says, "I have never done an item number. It is the first time and there is always a first time for everything." The actress is excited about the item number as it will give her an opportunity to meet and act with the King Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) of Bollywood. The actress said, "I am very excited. I am just waiting for the shoot to happen so that I get to meet Shah Rukh Khan and to shoot with him." However, doing an item number is not an easy job. She has to compete with the likes of Katrina Kaif, Deepika, Kareena Kapoor and Malaika Arora Khan. They have already established a very high standard for item numbers with their recent performances. When Priyamani was asked about the daunting task that she has undertaken, she replied "I am not scared. That is a completely different league. They are excellent in what they do, which is fantastic. I am not going to be scared to be branded.” It seems Priyamani is confident about what she is doing. Answering questions about working in Bollywood she said, "You need to see what kind of offers come your way. Just because it is Bollywood, it does not mean that you have to take it. If something nice comes my way, I will take it up."
Sensible step
The chosen one
Loss and gain
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Holiday in Hong Kong
Happily married to handsome Gurmeet Choudhary aka Yash of Punar Vivaah, Debina Banerjee, who is seen in Chidya Ghar, recently went to Hong Kong to celebrate her wedding anniversary. She gives us the details. How was your vacation? It was superb. We chose Hong Kong as it's one of the closest destinations to India. Both Gurmeet and I don't get long breaks. As we had only three days, this was the best bet. What was the best memory of this trip? The best memory was the ride in a cable car to see the world's tallest sleeping Buddha. We went to the top of the mountain by rope-way which took about half an hour. The cable car was made of glass so we could see everything below. When we reached the place, it was beautiful. High up in the mountains surrounded by clouds, so clear and pristine! It was extraordinary. We heard you even renewed your wedding vows? Yes, actually our wedding anniversary is a few days away but as we were on a trip together and we decided to pledge our vows to each other. It was beautiful. What else was new on this trip? Food. We tried new dishes in fine dine restaurants and street joints. Eating authentic food is a different high. Your show is doing well. Are you looking at more work? Well, for now I am enjoying Chidiya Ghar on Sab TV and let's see what else comes my way.
Changing relation
Resshmi Ghosh, who is currently shooting for her new show Savitri to be aired on Life Ok soon, laughs at the co-incidence. Resshmi plays a sister to Krip Suri who a few years back she played wife to for another show on Sony. Resshmi says, "We actors keep facing such things. One minute you're romancing someone and the next moment it's a brother-sister relationship." Krip and Resshmi are very good friends in real life hence changing and fitting into such roles have never been an issue for them.
In Madhubala, now that RK (Vivian Dsena) has left Madhubala (Drashti Dhami), she will go back to her original life. She will pick up the pieces of her life and start working again. Heartbroken Madhu will try to move on but the media and RK's fans will keep intruding into her life.
Voting for Ankita
Aakansha Singh (Megha) worked with veteran actor Aanjjan Srivatsav in Colors' Na Bole Tum... Na Maine Kuch Kaha. And when his son recently got married, her absence was noted. The actress who has been shooting daily for her show said she had explained herself to
Aanjjanji.
Chetan Hansraj is the latest to join Life OK's show Welcome-Baazi Mehmaan Nawaazi Ki. Chetan, who has been busy with film than TV, loved cooking for his guests. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: Chances are high for meeting a good companion. Couples can spend a delightful time in each other's company, appreciating all the strengths of the relationship. Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas don't waste money by financing the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 27
TAURUS: A bubbly mood in good company relieves the heaviness of pending duties and responsibilities on your plate for the days to come. Go to bed well in time otherwise sleeplessness can cause disturbance. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 63 GEMINI: Learning processes and communication endeavours are highlighted. Changes made today will certainly be for the best. An engagement or marriage is likely. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires; if you are truthful you will prosper.
Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27 CANCER: You will be free to operate as you feel is right. Relatives will do all they can to help. Speculation in property is not favoured. Legal matters can encounter red-tape; be patient. Tarot message: Any idea can be put into practice with common sense. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 57 LEO: The atmosphere will not be conducive for achieving good results. A run-in with an aggressive character can spoil the day. Steer clear of trouble and don't react to provocation. Tarot message: Nobody has deliberately let you down, so keep going.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 56 VIRGO: The pendulum of luck will not stop. Health-wise, rest is needed otherwise fatigue will produce pessimism. Leave stress, worries and cares behind; enjoy yourself. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds in relationships and partnerships. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 51
LIBRA: The Knight of Wands promises a high-profile day. Expect to be on the receiving end of kindness and generosity from those who genuinely appreciate you. Tarot message: If you play your cards right; you'll be able to reinforce your current position. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 52 SCORPIO: Your card "the Fool" reveals deception, delays and unhealthy condition in your profession. Keep your wits about you and you will come out for the better in a deal. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Forest-green.
Magic number: 50 SAGITTARIUS: You will have to check your plans. Improve your health by paying more attention to diet. Today you will be able to surprise the boss by showing the adaptable side of your nature. Tarot message: Draw on your inner energies and begin moving from thought to action. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 27 CAPRICORN: Today money will come in from unexpected sources. Parents will find that this is a good time for dealing with youngsters. Crazy suggestions for entertainment can intrigue, but may not work too well. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 29 AQUARIUS: Deal with all outstanding communication as certain people are sure waiting for a reply. Detachment does not mean indifference. An early warning of a health problem is a blessing in disguise. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 64 PISCES: Today fear of loss of reputation can grip you. Be courageous about a new investment opportunity. Housewives will develop interest in social activities. Demands on the domestic front need immediate attention. Tarot message: Your efforts will gain momentum. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 48
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The year ahead
If your birthday is February 16...
You're still in the loving glow of Venus after Valentine's Day and it is a good time to declare your feelings. A cozy cosmic mood brings your heart down to the earth, opening you to quality time with your lover-friend. Acquiring expert knowledge of your favourite subject is a labour of love. It may take you years to get an advanced degree, but that doesn't bother you. Friends will be supportive of your endeavour and help any way they can. If you need help around the home, ask somebody who owes you a favour. You find a new project where, to your delight, you feel you are the central figure. You will perform well in your part of the work. Whether you're acquiring new skills (always a plus), volunteering for a new project or looking at a largescale shake-up, the stars shed light on your efforts. This year you'll be loquacious and a superior will be pleased at the way you express yourself. Consider proposals from abroad. It is a good time for career growth. The time will soon come when you will need all the people on your side. Are you sure that you really know what you are asking for? There is a good opportunity to go overseas for further studies. You may be 'vulnerable' but appear to be able to fix any issues that do arise. Things will keep marching in the right direction in your career. Your boss will make necessary recommendations for your promotion. It will be a better time for people connected with finance or banking industry. A friend of a friend can solve problems inexpensively and effortlessly. You'll be very well mentally, as also courageous and confident; ready to face any problems. Towards the end of 2013, you will become more vulnerable and tend to ignore health problems. Mood: Vulnerable at times. Compatible signs: Taurus, Scorpio. Lucky colours: Brown. Lucky days: Thursday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 7, 14, 44, 57, 99.
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Full of thrills
Murder 3
Way too drab Unlike its prequels, Murder 3 doesn’t offer much entertainment and there is no murder in the flick like the title suggests. The first half of the movie makes it close to being a horror flick and the second half has a lot of twists that are predictable. It is a one-time watch. Yuvraj Singh Sidhu, student Thrills in spurts I like Randeep Hooda and the way he builds tension with his mysterious silence. Also, Aditi's traumatic breakdown at being betrayed is impressive. I also like the music of the film. Nancy Sharma, student Time pass It is a decent remake. However, I did not quite like the movie. Sara Loren cannot act, though she looks beautiful. All in all, it’s just a time pass. Amrit Sandhu, student Zero Dark
Thirty Zero Dark Thirty received wide critical acclaim and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay. Zero Dark Thirty earned four Golden Globe Award nominations. Intellectual appeal I just loved the movie. It gives a moral platform to politics. Moreover, it has a lot more to it than just an operation to kill Osama Bin Laden. There are a lot many scenes that justify the director’s brilliance to understand such an intense topic and play on it beautifully. It’s a must watch. Simar Sandhu, Student GCG-11 —
As told to Amarjot Kaur
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It is a simple philosophy that says every act has to go through the full circle. A movie like Singh Vs Kaur reminds one of that. It is not the place to get serious or even remotely mention the word philosophy, but drawing comparisons comes naturally to a movie buff.
Bipasha Basu is one of the hottest and most desirable women in India. She has another supernatural release Aatma in a couple of months. Yet, her life is not perfect because she has phobias and stalkers. She talks about it.
KJo gets an assistant
Lost bet
Emraan Hashmi is one of the most sale-able actors today with a huge fan following. He turned down a lucrative endorsement for a liquor brand because he felt that would send out the wrong message to his fans, many of whom are quite young and impressionable. We applaud him for this!
Three of Neil Nitin Mukesh's movies namely David, 7 Khoon Maaf and Johnny Gaddaar have been chosen by the International Academy of Film and Television, Los Angeles’ new chapter of edgy Bollywood movies in the study of film-making. The actor has also been invited to introduce the movies because he has explored alternative cinema since the beginning of his career.
Vidya Balan is playing carnatic singer M S Subbalakshmi in a biopic, directed by cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Rajeev Menon. The makers approached Aishwarya Rai Bachchan first but she did not get back to them as she is too busy with her daughter and then Vidya got the role.
Madhubala moves on
Sushant Singh Rajput, who is waiting for his debut film Kai Po Che to release, feels his girlfriend Ankita Lokhande too can become an actress if she wants to. He feels the day she decides to join movies she will have loads of offers.
Conspicuous by absence
Chetan can cook
You share your birthday with John Patrick McEnroe, Jr, (February 16, 1959, Wiesbaden, Germany), who is a former World number 1 professional tennis player from the United States. He won seven Grand Slam singles titles, nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles and one Grand Slam mixed doubles title.
Directed by Vishesh Bhatt and produced by Mukesh Bhatt from Vishesh Films, Murder 3 is an official Bollywood remake of the Colombian thriller The Hidden Face. The plot of the movie revolves around a hot-shot fashion and wildlife photographer, Vikram
(Randeep Hooda), who gets into a relationship with a waitress from a lounge, Nisha (Sara Loren). She moves in with him in his palatial house, which was made decades ago. Also, it holds many secrets which Nisha and
Vikram, who is dealing with the mysterious disappearance of his former girlfriend Roshni
(Aditi Rao Hydari), uncover.
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark
Boal, the film is a dramatisation of the US operation that found and killed Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda. It stars Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, Jennifer
Ehle, Mark Strong and Kyle Chandler.