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A leaf from life's book
How could a guy who barely passed his graduation become a success in advertising, film production, sports sponsorship and more? F?@k Knows…well, this is Shailendra Singh's latest outing…as an author. "Life threw its own challenges at me and I sure wanted to recount the experiences in a movie or book; I wasn't sure," says Shailendra, in Chandigarh, on Friday.
He did choose the good-old form…writing…and after finishing the book, celebrated with champagne! "I did not think about finding a publisher or reaching out," he admits. "Big publishing houses are looking for writers and are pretty open, only you should write a book that people want to read," he adds. F?@k Knows is the story of his life and this rather cool guy (he is the brain behind Desh Ki Dhadkan, Coming Home to Siyarams and Bharti Airtel campaigns) dishes it out in these 234 pages. And, mind you, it's no gyan that he is distributing, "It's my life, how I learnt, failed and evolved. But each individual has to find his or her own direction," he insists. The name F?@k Knows, of course, is a marketing gimmick as also his expression for life's mysteries and more! Although he swears by his power to 'connect' with the masses, he is not over-confident about his innings as an author. "Today readers are smart; you just can't fool them," he admits. If readers give thumbs up to his first book, he has two more in offing; F Knows 2 and Sleeping with the Superstars — his take on having been associated with superstars; the likes of Kapil Dev and Boris Becker, whom he dreamt of knowing as a kid (both of them are his 'friends' now)! Shailendra is immensely proud of Tamil movie Kancheevaram, which got him a National Award; films like Phir Milenge, Page 3, Traffic Signal, Yahaan and Hanuman, but he is very much conscious of the opportunities lost as well — Danny Boyle did come to entertainment, media and communications conglomerate Percept Limited, which Shailendra is a Joint Managing Director of, with Slumdog Millionaire but that time he did not have that much budget. However, he is not crying over spilt milk, "I was fortunate to have had the chances I got and glad that I took them," says Shailendra, the 'risk-taker'. "I launched as many as 180 debuts. My first film Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi was debut for Vishal Shekhar, Salim-Sulaiman, Rajiv Jain and Shaan (remember Musu Musu Haasi Deu?)." While he stays with his commercials from the start to finish, with movies that Percept produces he has never ever stepped on the site of shooting. Why? "Well, filmmakers are pretty strong-minded people. I have stayed out of the line so far," says Shailendra, who intends to change that in year 2013. Being all over in varied fields, Shailendra has his own set of contradictions that he proudly bears; he is wearing Om and Cross together, which is symbolic of it. "Life is all about living on your own terms." And he already is! mona@tribunemail.com
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Driving force
If you live on a daily dose of Bollywood gossip, do you remember the 'fable' about Amitabh Bachchan spending 10-15 minutes every day to zero-in on which car from the fleet of Porsche and Jaguar parked in his garage should he choose?
Now, a few more from Bollywood have taken this fascination a bit too seriously. First, it was Ferrari and now it is Maruti, the cars are zooming their way to the theatres! Ashima Chibber's debut film Mere Dad Ki Maruti brings the all-time favourite Indian household out in the open and with that a couple of fresh faces. Accent bound She learnt how to drive on the sets of my Dad Ki Maruti; her first car is a Skoda, but she doesn't drive it! Rhea though had one helluva time working on this project. "I had auditioned for Baand Baja Baraat when I was 17; I did a good job, however it didn't work for me. Then Mere Dad Ki Maruti happened," shares Rhea, an ex-VJ who plays a Punjabi in the film. By the way she is a Bengali! "I had to really work on my dialect and the accent. Though I have travelled throughout the country, shifting 14 schools, this one was a challenge," shares this young actress, who has also stayed in Ambala for a while. With the movie hitting the theatre on March 15, Rhea sure is having sleepless nights. "Day in and day out, I see myself at the screening of the movie with people giving me mixed reactions. I just hope the audiences like my work." Learning Punjabi
He insists that we speak in Punjabi with him. Saqeeb Saleem has spent a lot of time working on his Punjabi accent. "I even came down to Chandigarh and hung out at the geri route to catch the accent and style," says this 24-year-old, who has a fair idea about good things people are talking about him. He laughs, "I am a small guy and in no hurry to reach anywhere. I would rather do films that I can talk about." Saqeeb has already shot for a portion of Bombay Talkies featuring Rani Mukherjee and Randeep Hooda. "I am young (24) and I get to work with such great people. It is exciting," he exclaims. "I had to persuade my father to buy me my first car. I would accelerate the speed of the car the minute I would enter the college," shares the actor.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Essence of women
It was a women's day and in sync with the occasion, Cleopatra Day Spa kicked off their women empowerment campaign with Miss Himachal Ujala Rajta as the Sukam Face of The Year 2013.
Then there was something that every woman would love to get, exquisite summer makeover. Needless to say, everybody saluted the spirit of womanhood. With regional beauty title sitting pretty with her, the next stop is rather obvious. Shares Ujala, "My next move is to go Miss India contest." Till that happens, it's endorsing various brands and promotional activities that’s keeping her busy these days. She adds, "Being a true woman, entails beauty and substance." Well said. — TNS
Cool cotton
The Rashtriya Sanskriti Samaj Avom Sabhayata is organizing Cotton Fab, an exhibition that brings weavers from across the country under one roof. The products on display include printed fabrics like saganeri, bagru, dabu, gamthi, gujari, bagh, kalamkari, batik, ajarks etc. Home furnishing items like kalamkari rugs, gudari, punja durries, table cloths, printed and weaved bed covers, are also a major draw. —TNS On at Kisan Bhawan till March 13.
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Jennifer checks in
Just like hundreds of rich LA mothers, Lopez has been making the rounds in LA, interviewing schools for her kids, who will be starting kindergarten, reported a website. The Maid in Manhattan star went, with kids, to the famous Buckley School in the San Fernando Valley, which is considered by many to be the best LA has to offer. Tuition and other costs at the school total a whopping $ 33,345 for the year, per child. Like all the other parents, Lopez put on some snazzy clothes as she went on the interview rounds. Lots of very rich and famous parents try getting their kids into Buckley. Alums include Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Richie, Matthew Perry and current student Paris Jackson. — PTI School time: Jennifer Lopez
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On the wrong side
Pop star Justin Bieber was rushed to hospital, after he collapsed during a performance, due to short breath.
The teen sensation was performing in front of thousands of fans on the third night of the London leg of his world-wide tour Belive when he fell ill and left the stage.
After getting treatment backstage from his emergency medical team, the singer returned to finish the concert. The 19-year-old actor later tweeted "getting better" and uploaded a picture of him, while on a hospital bed, after being checked by doctors for breathing problems. "Getting better. Thanks for everyone pulling me through tonight. Best fans in the world. Figuring out what happened. Thanks for the love," Bieber tweeted. The singer's London trip is not going well. He was slammed by fans for arriving late during his first concert, which saw his younger fans leave without seeing Bieber perform. Bieber later apologised and blamed the delay on technical difficulties and slammed the media for exaggerating it. He also ranted on Twitter about hitting the headlines for wrong reasons. —PTI
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Ayushmann’s high on life
Ayushmann Khurrana has changed post Vicky Donor as he has been busy shooting films back to back, hosting awards shows and singing. He talks about how his life has changed and being passionate about acting.
Post Vicky Donor I have done television and hosted cricket shows but Bollywood has given me an unparalleled respect and fan following. People have shown so much love that I want to give back to them. I have my dream directors too and would love to work with Imtiaz Ali and Aditya Chopra. The voice within I was totally surprised by the awards I won for singing Paani Da Rang. That song is very close to my heart and is a shared memory with a dear friend. I never aspired to be a singer, I just did it during theatre. I am singing in Nautanki Saala too and may be in my other films. It lends credibility when the actor sings for himself. Pressure points I don't feel any pressure, anymore. I am too busy working so there is no time to think. I used to worry after the release of Vicky Donor and at that time, I felt the pressure to deliver yet another hit and I also worried about the offers I would get. Now, I am happy with the movies I am getting. Rohan Sippy and Kunal Roy Kapoor are great people to work with. Something for everyone I do not feel Vicky Donor was a complete comedy because the first half was light and the second half was dramatic and serious. Even Nautanki Saala has a heavy romantic angle. I do not want to get slotted as a comic actor and you will see that through the movies I am doing. There is a variety of roles. On a roll I
love my job and I am passionate about it. My family and wife are very supportive. I do not have Sundays anymore. I hardly go for parties. That concept is gone! I have been in Delhi for a month and I am living out of suitcases. I have no complaints because life is amazing and I love acting. I am living my dream. Career graph: Ayushmann Khurrana
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League of her own
Confirming the reports, Madhuri Dixit tweeted: 'So looking forward to work with Pt.Birju Maharajji again! Working on the song today. Super excited!' Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the film is a sequel to the commercially successful Ishqiya. Dedh Ishqiya stars Arshad Warsi, Naseeruddin Shah, Madhuri Dixit, and Huma Qureshi.
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Pattinson bans Stewart from movie set?
Robert Pattinson is reportedly adamant that he does not want estranged girlfriend Kristen Stewart to visit him on the sets of The Rover in Australia.
Pattinson has been 8,000 miles away Down Under shooting for the movie and sources have said that he is reflecting on his on-off relationship with Stewart, as they spend time apart, reported a publication.
"Rob doesn't want (Kristen) to visit. He felt like they needed space. He wants a break," said a source. Stewart has apparently pushed Pattinson away to the point that he is no longer responding to her calls and texts. The 26-year-old actor came to Australia with the mindset that a time away would help their relationship. Though it's been 50 days and counting since the couple was last united, a source on the set of The Rover said, "Rob is really enjoying himself." The Twilight star was spotted at a tavern near his shooting location on February 24, chowing down on garlic bread and chatting up the locals. "He was relaxed and friendly. He even complimented one waitress on her hairstyle," an eyewitness said. — PTI
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Pooja's new look
Hair is the one thing that really can make one feel different. I like to try different hair styles but since I was doing Pratigya for three years, I was stuck in continuity and couldn't change my hair at all. Now, my show The Serial has given me that kind of freedom to go crazy and experiment with my hair. And trust me I feel like I have a new life after the new haircut."
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Karan gets chatty
Which TV shows do you like to watch? I regularly watch Qubool Hai and also tune into foreign channels. I used to watch Friends and also liked The Big Bang Theory. There is a new show coming up called Anger Management which I also intend to watch. I have also been watching my wife's show Saraswatichandra regularly. Other than that, I don't watch TV shows. I am very conceited, shallow and self-centered, you see. One film director you would like to work with? Martin Scorsese. But I'd actually like
to work with anybody who is making a Who do you look up to? I am a huge fan of Amitabh Bachchan and have seen most of his works. I know many of his dialogues by heart too. What is your greatest strength as an actor? I have a lot of conviction in whatever I do. I try to actually feel what the character is going through. I feel that if I don't get into that feeling, the audience won't feel the real impact. What kind of roles would you never do? I don't think about the roles that I don't want to do. Instead I ponder on the roles I want to do. Your dream role is… My dream role is Amitabh Bachchan's
role in Sharabi.
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Absolutely flat
Sachin Kalra Many men strive to achieve flat abs. But exercise alone does not win the battle. A lean mid-section takes a combination of good nutrition, cardiovascular conditioning and abdominal training. It’s a lot of hard work and requires total commitment and discipline. It is a difficult task but not an impossible one. Training Stomach exercises are a great tool to use for a flat stomach. Exercises help tone your stomach and shape your ab muscles. There are various exercises to achieve this. Given below are some exercises you can start with. Classic crunch: The abdominal crunch is a classic because it's so effective. Lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands behind your head, elbows facing out. Now, slowly raise your shoulders off the ground and try to touch your breastbone to your pelvis, breathing out as you go. Only your spine should bend, your hips should not move. Do these slowly to avoid using momentum to help. Hold the pose, and then slowly return to the floor. Do three sets of 10-12 reps. Rest for 30 seconds in between the sets. Bicycle: Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. Put your hands beside your head. Bring your knees up to about a 45-degree angle and slowly go through a bicycle pedal motion. Touch your left elbow to your right knee, then your right elbow to your left knee. Breathe evenly throughout the exercise. Stability ball crunch: Crunch exercises can be more effective when done on a big inflatable ball called an exercise ball. Sit on an inflated exercise ball, feet flat on the floor. Roll down on the ball, so that the middle of your back rests at the top of the ball. Hold your thigh’s level with the floor, knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outward, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Contract your abdominal muscles, curling your chest toward your pelvis. Keep your lower back in contact with the ball and your feet firmly set on the floor. When you’ve taken the crunch as far as you can, hold it a moment, then slowly relax, returning to the starting position. Reverse crunch: The reverse crunch targets the lower abs. Lie on the floor and place hands on the floor or behind the head. Bring the knees in towards the chest until they're bent to 90 degrees, with feet together or crossed. Contract the abs to curl the hips off the floor, reaching the legs up towards the ceiling. Lower and repeat for 1-3 sets of 12-16 reps. Cardio If your abs is covered with a layer of fat, no workout will give you a visible six pack. Work toward dissolving the fat with 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio on most days of the week. Besides burning fat, regular cardio protects against heart disease, depression and colon cancer. Nutrition Exercising is great, but without watching your diet, it's going to be a long, slow road to getting a flat stomach. So follow a good sensible diet if you want to see some serious results. The key is eating lots of fruits and vegetables and lean proteins and staying away from sugar and starchy foods. (Kalra is a Chandigarh-based fitness expert)
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Do not hold back anything from your boss today. Your hardwork will not go unnoticed. Focus on your health. Love life will be thrilling. Put your problems aside for an evening of cheer.
Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. TAURUS: Check all figures related to jointly held funds carefully. Your friends and co-workers will support you at all times. A new project can get a
go-ahead and engage your attention. Tarot message: Focus on your career. GEMINI: This is a very hazardous day for speculation. Pace yourself; since your energy levels can be low. Take some time out for meditation to disengage from any negative thoughts. Health will be stable. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. CANCER: Get all your affairs Tarot message: Be positive. LEO: It is a good day for negotiating contracts. You are unlikely to get much chance to relax this evening. Things will be sorted out if you are willing to be honest and face up to your own truth. Tarot message: Do not
spend carelessly. VIRGO: It is a useful day for discussing long-term plans.
Your energy levels are at a peak. Travel plans can put you in a happy place. Health will
be strong. Tarot message: Spend some time on meditation. LIBRA: The Queen of Swords reveals that your love life will be exciting. Life at home is much easier to cope up with. Spend your spare time in the company of
loved ones. Make sure you stick to your budget. Tarot message: Stay optimistic. SCORPIO: A day of mixed luck. Your patient stand will be fruitful. Any projects connected with study, travel and cultural pursuits will be very satisfying. You will overcome the obstacles in your path with hardwork. Tarot message: Take your decisions wisely. SAGITTARIUS: Avoid making any important business move. A new romance is on the cards. Don't rely on anybody else to help you achieve your goals. Legal matters will be in your favour. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems trouble you. CAPRICORN: A relative will behave in a rather unpredictable way. Set your priorities right. Your hardwork will yield good results. Don't stress yourself too much, relax for a while and enjoy
with your loved ones. Tarot message: Focus on your goals. AQUARIUS: Put more effort into completing unfinished work. An opportunity in an alternative lifestyle and travel will give you
the motivation you need for personal development. Tarot message: Take care of your health. PISCES: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates will be rather aggressive. Emotionally you can be easily disturbed. This is a positive time for business partnerships
and joint ventures. Tarot message: Stay focused. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is March 9...
It will be a good year on the work front. Financial dealings encounter progress. Personal life proceeds on a good front. Health will be in excellent condition. This is a favorable period and do not be apprehensive in troubles as you will make a mark. Achieve your goals with a reasonable pace and certain amount of constancy. You'll meet important and influential people. And if you consider them trustworthy, value their advice. Enjoy life to the fullest and thereby experience pleasure and enjoyment, making most of it. Do not be revelatory especially about your investments and your future goals. Relations with your spouse will get strained with office work taking a toll and consuming your time. To avoid problems, avoid criticizing your mate over small issues. You have the caliber to cross the threshold and achieve tremendously, so do not leave the opportunities that come your way. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. Monetary matters and financial crunches will be a source of tension. You will be tempted by short cuts and want to earn money through quick means. If you require help, friends will come to your aid. Those undertaking a small vacation with their beloved will witness memorable moments worth cherishing. Partners will be enthusiastic about new plans and ventures. Be careful in your words and actions as it can be misinterpreted. Mood: Tender and softening as the week unfolds
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More drama on Bade Achhe Lagte Hai
There's more drama in store for viewers in the coming episodes with Ayesha getting insecure that her move has actually got Ram (Ram Kapoor) and Priya (Sakshi Tanwar) to stay together. She will also be worried over the fact that Ram might take away the property from her. Now, in the mean time, Ram and Priya will get back to Mumbai. Also, the family members will get back to the Kapoor mansion.
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Mahadev finds his Sati
A source informs, "Mouni is always in touch with Mohit and both of them take time out from their personal schedules to spend time together. But they make sure that they are not spotted publicly as Mohit plays god in the show and doesn't want to spoil his godly image. He is a very private person." It's a known fact that Mouni, who was part of the same mythological show as Sati, always shared a great chemistry with her co-star on the sets. "But she is more than a good friend to Mohit. They like each other," adds the source. However, Mouni denied the buzz and said that she keeps in touch with all her co-stars and refused to comment. Well, what's the worry?
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Jennifer Lopez is currently on the lookout for a good, exclusive school for her five-year-old twins Max and
Emme.
Ace Kathak dancer Birju Maharaj, who had earlier choreographed Madhuri Dixit in films like Devdaas and Dil To Pagal Hai, is choreographing her for her upcoming film Dedh Ishqiya, which is currently being shot at Sitapur, near Lucknow.
Television actors generally don't experiment with their look as they have to play a particular character. But when Pooja Gor of Pratigya fame got a break she got a completely new look. Pooja says, "I wanted a visible change that would make me feel different about myself and so I thought why not go for a haircut?
Actor Karan Singh Grover talks about his favourite shows, his favourite actor and more….
Juliette Binoche (March 9, 1964), a French actress. Appeared in more than 40 feature films, and have received numerous international accolades, is a published author and has given stage performances across the world. After performing in several stage productions, she was propelled into the world of André Téchiné, who made her a star in France with the leading role in his 1985 drama Rendez-vous. Her performance in her The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988), launched her internationally.
Balaji Telefilms' Bade Achhe Laggte Hain on Sony TV recently witnessed huge drama with Ayesha (Akanksha Juneja) throwing everyone out of the house.
Recently Priyanka Chopra's aunt found a perfect match for her in Mohit Raina. But it seems that the actor has already found someone else.
If the latest buzz to be believed then Mohit, who plays Lord Shiva in the television show, Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev, is apparently more than "just friends" with Mouni Roy.