A tune so different
Musician Rabbi Shergill is unconventional and he wears this attitude on his sleeve…
Jasmine Singh

A wide open space, a river delta, Cessna flying over river Brahmaputra, a well-made cup of coffee and a sound engineer…bliss does not only lie in the revving sound of bikes or in posh rectangular spaces, it lies somewhere in that open space; a space that overwhelms independent musician Rabbi Shergill, a space that he connects to on a deeper level.

Rabbi doesn't want to invest a lot of grey cells on the futile exercise of unraveling more; he would rather talk about his up, close and personal experience of seeing the wildlife from his recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh. In Chandigarh to perform at a concert organised by Rotaract Club, the artist gives a damn to endless things, clothes being one of them! Rest, we figure out.

After the break

"This isn't a clearly defined off-season for working musicians, but there is a lull in gigs. I think I will start working in May or June maybe," says Rabbi on what's new after the song Challa in Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

Being a misfit

There is nothing like Bollywood sensitivity. The dynamics of film-making is changing, which sees fusion of newer sensibilities. I think it is either Punjabi or Bollywood music; there is nothing like Delhi or Kolkata-based independent music. These are the two markets in music and looking at their paying capability, both are the same. Punjabi music is doing great, however I don't fit in either of the two. I am a misfit in both! I have to define my own niche; I have to find some window for myself.

Defining boundaries

I don't think I am a Sufi by any stretch of imagination. I don't know what Sufi means; it is best exemplified by the qawaals. I don't even know if all Punjabi poetry is Sufi! I write about politics, relationships; I don't fit in here. As far being spiritual is concerned, I am as human as the next person in question. I like human pleasures as I like the metaphysical ones. In fact, I find more bliss in watching a river delta than being in a gurdwara. Like anyone else, I am moved deeply by a beautiful landscape and find an inherent unconscious connection with the nature.

Talk about collaborations

Collaboration (read Dewarist where jamms-in Papon!) is a cultural product dictated by the market. It is more like a commercial product, where some people decide what the format will be. It is no form of artistic expression. If you ask me which artist I would like to collaborate with, I would to put pressure on my grey cells. All I can say is give me a good mixing engineer with whom I would like to collaborate.

Spaced out

I can barely take Mumbai or Delhi, as spaces is not my idea of connecting. I feel there are endless things to do; I am not fond of bikes, I give a damn about clothes…let me fly a Cessna over Brahmaputra and I will find my bliss!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Calm & composed
Music is what he is made for and Shankar Sahney is every bit the devoted musician…
Mona

Verse by verse: Shankar Sahney
Verse by verse: Shankar Sahney Photo: S Chandan

In the world of instant hits, followed by oblivion, Shankar Sahney has remained grounded for almost last decade-and-a-half! The singer-composer divides his time between Delhi and Mumbai; in the former there is a never-ending demand for his stage shows while Mumbai is the base for composing film music.

Hindi, Punjabi, Sufi, romantic, item numbers or devotional, Shankar is happy cutting music and much more. In Chandigarh on Saturday, Shankar, who has studied and started his musical journey in the City Beautiful, shares notes from his life.

Melody time

Right now, Shankar is busy giving music in as many as five films — Demokrazy, Poison, Maa, Bloody D and Wake Up India. It's not easy to go experimental within the set framework of six songs format of film music, but Shankar tries to find a way out. "I am glad that the producers have faith in me and give me the leverage to experiment," says Shankar, who has directed as many as fourteen singers in the industry, including Asha Bhosle, Mamta Sharma, Sanjeevani and Jaspinder Narula. "It was great fun doing an item number with Sanjeevani, who is otherwise known for her soft or devotional songs," he admits.

Lessons learnt

Quiz Shankar on the ongoing abusive lyrics debate and he comes out clear, "Anything that people can't do in real life, they would love to see it on screen. I have had my share of bandukan songs that were lapped up by the masses, but soon I realised that as a responsible member of the society I need to stay away from anything that could have a negative impact." While composing, Shankar emphasises on lyrics for rhythm comes naturally to him. "Picturisation as well as lyrics are of grave significance. It's alright to give naughty hints, but stop short of abuses."

Up next

Three more albums are in the pipeline — one Sufi, another Punjabi and a spiritual one — by Shankar who recently got the best album award for Wari Jawan Ishqe, something that he is immensely proud of. It afforded him a chance to work with Asha Bhosle. He also has plans to release an e-book He Told Me Himself/Shiv Ne Swayam Kaha.

Deep faith

While Shankar has given many commercial hits, he has also competed the distribution of one crore albums of Maha Mrityunjaya Japa. Meditation and music go side-by-side for Shankar, who devotes two hours from three to five in the morning to both without fail for the last ten years. "I guess it is my name that endears me to Lord Shiva. It is from him that I derive all the energy - physical as well as spiritual."

Happy to be in Chandigarh, where this singer has spent his formative years, he is a bit put-off with the increasing traffic and pollution. However, he is proud of singers like Sartaj. "His gayaki is just complete." Shankar would be frequently here as soon as his Punjabi movie, a comedy based on social issues, gets rolling!

mona@tribunemail.com

Chained to perfection
A magnificent dress without proper accessories remains tasteless. And when it comes to neck pieces, choose the best to augment your style…
Serena Miglani

Do you want to bewitch people even with a simple outfit? Just accessorise with magnificent jewellery and glam up your style quotient! Talk about casual outfits or alluring Western dresses or even the traditional Indian outfits, accessories have and will always remain an essential and vital component of a female's wardrobe.

When it comes to dainty as well as classy neckpieces, there is no denying the fact that they add a lot of flair to the look! "I am a complete accessories person and whether Western or Indian, neckpieces will remain my all-time favourite. I feel they complete my attire lend them charm," says Raashi Vohra, a housewife. Be it chunky junk jewellery, statement necklaces or those colourful, layered pearl neckpieces, these captivating pieces surely up your style quotient.

With summer setting in, necklines will soon plunge and it is just about the time to showcase necklaces in various materials - silver, gold or even plastic. So what do the girls prefer? "It is all about colour-matching and girls are particular that neckpieces go well with their outfits," says Raman Kumar, Manager, Jewels -11, Chandigarh.

Multi-layered chain accessories, oversized pendants, chunky chokers and collar necklaces with well-crafted stones add the glam quotient to any outfit. The tattered necklaces and crocheted statement neckpieces can give your ensemble a fresh and interesting look. And for that Bohemian feeling, strands of thick rope and entail rustic pieces will give one-of-its-kind touch to the apparel.

The Hamsa jewellery with the quirky pendants is a favourite amid fashionistas. "I like wearing long-oxidised chains with my dresses and these days when it comes to pendants, owls, butterflies, watches, dragons...all the amusing stuff is in. For glitter, I favour layered necklaces," says Heena Nagpal, student, Government College for Girls -11, Chandigarh.

The best way to flaunt these neckpieces is to go the Lucite way, which is quite in these days — multicoloured pieces in gold, embellished, layered and twisted — there are a host of options to choose from. For that incredibly chic look, go for the feathered or geometric necklaces.

When it comes to Indian ensemble, gorgeous baroque pearls work well and lend a classic look. Variety of Kundan necklaces, which are gold-plated and in bright hues, afford an ethnic charm.

"AD Kundan neckpieces are in vogue; they complement the traditional Indian wear and when paired with jhumkas, add to the overall appeal," says Inderjeet Singh, owner, Bittu Bangle and Art jewellery, Sector 22, Chandigarh. Clusters of sparkling crystals, pyrites or raw diamonds as well as emeralds give a sophisticated touch to your look.

Whether it is unconventional items or sophisticated accent pieces, this season it is all about carrying them with élan and making a huge style statement.

Glam up

Check out the statement necklaces, light-weight black metal embellished chains, exquisite pearls and beads at Jewels-11, Dewsun-11 , Bittu Bangle and Art jewellery -22 and the street favourite Shastri market-22 , Chandigarh. The pieces range from Rs 200 to Rs 3000 and above.

Glam up

Multi-layered chain accessories, oversized pendants, chunky chokers and collar necklaces with well-crafted stones add the glam quotient to any outfit. The tattered necklaces and crocheted statement neckpieces can give your ensemble a fresh and interesting look. And for that Bohemian feeling, strands of thick rope and entail rustic pieces will give one-of-its-kind touch to the apparel.

Close encounter with Sridevi

Sridevi ruled the roost in Bollywood from the 80s through the 90s. She took a break from the movies for 15 years, to raise her daughters Jhanvi and Khushi. She made a stellar comeback with English Vinglish, which was about a woman empowering herself and finding her own identity. Here, she opens up about her life in general.

On English Vinglish

It felt really good when the movie was appreciated in so many ways. I always believed in the movie from day one. I am glad that the role came to me and that people loved it as much as I did and we could pull it off so well.

In the pipeline

I have been reading scripts after English Vinglish, but there has been no announcement as yet because I have not chosen any script. Let us see how soon I get back on the sets. My family convinced me to act again. I believe in quality work.

Who’s the next Sridevi?

I have done my work whole-heartedly and God has been kind to me. The audience has loved me too and I am grateful to them. It would be unfair to pick any one actress as the next Sridevi because everyone is so good in their own way and has their own charm.

Feel good factor

I enjoy fashion and my daughters and I bond over fashion. I also like staying in shape because it makes me feel so good. I have never been so fit and happy in my life as I am now. We have so many more choices now and I love dressing up. It feels good.

Cyrus spotted without engagement ring!

On-off: Miley Cyrus After rubbishing reports that she has called off her wedding with Liam Hemsworth, singer actress Miley Cyrus was spotted out without her engagement ring. When leaving a recording studio in Los Angeles, in an attempt to hide her face from cameras, the Hannah Montana star raised her hand, which wore two rings but not the one that was given by Hemsworth when he proposed to her, reported a website.

Earlier on the same day, Cyrus took to Twitter to deny that her wedding with the The Hunger Games star was cancelled, "I am so sick of LA. And sick of the lies that come with it. I didn't call off my wedding. Taking a break from social media. #draining." However, a source has claimed that their relationship had been facing ups and downs, saying, "They have a very strong physical attraction, but have very different personalities and backgrounds. This makes their relationship very complicated." — PTI

CHATTER BOX

Happy ending: Sayantani Ghosh Brewing a dramatic climax

Mrs Kaushik ki Paanch Bahuein, which is telecast on Zee TV, is about to end. While Khushbu Thakkar will make a re-entry, sources reveal that Sayantani Ghosh will also be seen in the final track. Bhushan Bhai will kidnap the five brothers of the Kaushik family and the bahus will decide to dress up like men and woo the sisters of Bhushan Bhai. Also, Sayantani, will help the bahus in saving their husbands. The show will end on a happy note with the brothers' homecoming.

Happy ending: Sayantani Ghosh

Dev Anand Blast from the past

Movies OK will showcase classic Hindi films, starring Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and Dharmendra on every Sunday evening. Some of the films that will be showcased include Guide, Hare Ram Hare Krishna, Jewel Thief, Pratigya, Don and Dostana. Tinu Anand said, "The aura and charisma of actors in the 80's and 90's stood unmatched. "Esha Deol asserted, "The best thing about Papa is his simplicity, which was reflected in every character he dawned. Watching Pratigya on television is going to be a great family experience. I feel blessed to be their daughter."

Stranger than fiction

A still from Gurbani The new show, Gurbani, which will be telecast on Colors is inspired by true stories. The show depicts the state of young girls from Punjab, who have been enticed into the NRI dream by their parents and are still waiting for their husbands to return. Debutante Shefali Sharma, who plays Gurbani's character, says, "It's an honour for me to be playing the role of Gurbani. It is an incredible opportunity for me to work towards protecting the dreams of many girls, who had to face opposition as they gave in to the demands of parents and society."

Veteran actor Navni Parihar, who plays Rano, says, "Had it not been for this role, I might not have decided to return to television. This show is not just another name added to the many shows that get launched."

Gurbani will premiere on March 18, from Monday to Friday at 10.30 pm only on Colors!

Gaurav Khanna Marriage on cards

Actor Gaurav Khanna plans to get married soon. "I want a girl who is well-educated, independent and respects elders. Till now I have not found any such girl, but I genuinely hope to find her soon," he says.

Devoleena Bhattacharjee Health trouble

Devoleena Bhattacharjee, the Gopi Bahu in Saath Nibhana Saathiya, fell ill while shooting for the Kumbh Mela sequence in her show. Devoleena was in the cold water for many hours during the long shoot.

Wonder man: Sushant Singh Rajput Guessing game

Sushant Singh Rajput has signed many big films in Bollywood but he turned down Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie even though he attended SLB's birthday bash. So, we wonder why he turned down the movie?

Wonder man: Sushant Singh Rajput

Reflex action

After the failure of I, Me, Aur Main, the budget of John Abraham's Madras Cafe has been slashed by Rs ten crore, from Rs 32 crore to Rs 22 crore. Viacom 18 called the actor to their office for some straight talk and gave John a wake-up call. Some portion of the movie has already been shot. They don’t want to risk too much money.

Centre of attraction

Ranveer Singh knows how to attract attention. At a recent premiere, he met Huma Qureshi on the red carpet and danced with her even though she does not know him personally. She was embarrassed and he was doing this just for the cameras!

Fresh image: Anushka Sharma Fringe benefits

Anushka Sharma has got a new hairstyle. While she was shooting in Paris and Turkey, her international stylist gave her a fringe which got her many compliments, so she came back to Mumbai and actually got a fringe. She looks even cuter and fresher.

Fresh image: Anushka Sharma

Right time: Saif Ali Khan Objectively speaking

Saif Ali Khan was supposed to do Sajid Khan's remake of Judwaa but Saif feels that Salman Khan will do a better job. The superstar starred in the original, 15 years ago. Saif is willing to wait for another film to work with Sajid Khan and feels Salman should reprise the twin role.

Right time: Saif Ali Khan

Proud parent: Shah Rukh Khan Like father, like daughter

Shah Rukh Khan wants his daughter Suhana to become an actress. He feels that she has a lot of talent and he is looking forward to her posing on magazine covers, doing interviews and reading gossip and spicy stories about her. He knows that she will work with the crème de la creme of Bollywood.

Proud parent: Shah Rukh Khan

 

 

 

Kodak moment: Shahid Kapoor
Kodak moment: Shahid Kapoor

While the sun shines

Sonakshi Sinha and Shahid Kapoor are now in Bhuj, shooting for Rambo Rajkumar. It is very hot there and they hang out in casual clothes and play carrom, during breaks, with the cast and crew. We also hear that Shahid and Sonakshi are bonding well on the sets. In fact, they share a common passion for photography. Shahid even clicked some shots of Sonakshi. Interesting!

Camera friendly: Sonakshi Sinha
Camera friendly: Sonakshi Sinha

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: The Emperor gets you in touch with you leadership qualities. Today your best approach is not to confront people but to go about your own tasks with great dedication. Tarot message: Use your judgment and be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29

TAURUS: The third eye of Lord Shiva opens to instigate a major transformation. Keep away from another Taurus person at work who is arrogant and conceited. A good day to spend with your friends. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32

GEMINI: The moon takes you through a difficult karmic situation today. You're challenged to turn around questionable circumstances for the better. Pay attention to important issues. Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 47

CANCER: You draw The Ace of Cups, which brings beauty, pleasure and happiness. Subtle pressure within organisations, or even on friends, seem necessary to get things done. Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 45

LEO: The Lovers inspire you to climb new heights and actualise creative ideas. There are shake-ups in relationships today. Introduce norms that are agreeable to both of you. Tarot message: It is best to balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51

VIRGO: You will make an impact and shine like The Star. You will take the lead today; set the pace and control the emotional agenda. Distant news will bring cheerfulness. Tarot message: There will be certain minor difficulties at work but don't worry. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 33

LIBRA:The Wheel of Fortune spins in some good fortune. Today you are capable of handling many situations at the same time. Listen to practical and good-intentioned advisors. Tarot message: Be sure involving yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 58

SCORPIO: Your card The Priests ushers in a gracious influence. You are challenged to think things through at the risk of uncertainty of your own decisions. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the day and put your worries aside. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 61

SAGITTARIUS: Nine Golden Cups greets you with happiness. Be careful about arousing a reaction against what you're doing. Love and romance add special flavour. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27

CAPRICORN: The Queen of Wands allows you to achieve professional success. You can show a charisma that inspires others to follow your lead. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 39

AQUARIUS: The Queen of Swords brings mental clarity and perspective in a chaotic situation. You focus on what you want and let those with different ideas go their way. Tarot message: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42

PISCES: Three Wands representing the universal that is Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh greets you today. You easily become enthusiastic but you must stay grounded. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 34

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 10...

This time your birthday falls on Maha Shivratri. In order to seek blessings of God, you will visit a shrine pertaining to your religion. The first four months are appropriate for tackling difficult projects and also troublesome interpersonal issues. You are willing to experiment and your undeterred spirit will get you through the tough situations.

You will start a new relationship with some one who is not only successful but famous too. If you are on the lookout for promotion, this is the ideal time as your boss will recommend you for the same. It will be a better week for people associated with finance or banking sector. Opportunities will be utilized to its most, be it the career or a new love interest. Support and favors from relatives will be helpful during the middle of the year. Professionals will grow steadily in their respective careers. Businessmen will please their regular clientele. Those in service will be appreciated for their sincere efforts. Politicians should be humble in their approach. In order to sort your chaotic plans, seek the advice of a reliable and trustworthy person. The stars support your choices. Those born after 1980 will witness life changing events corresponding serenity. They'll be conciliatory and helpful towards others.

If you are willing to sacrifice, romantic relationships will be a feat conquered. Even silence can speak a thousand words in your situation.

Mood: Reassuring in terms of faith and belief.

Dolly ThakoreCompatible Signs: Sagittarius, Leo, Gemini

Lucky Colors: Rose Pink, Blue

Lucky Days: Monday.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 10, 11, 15, 52

Dolly Thakore (March 10,1943,) is a veteran theatre actress and casting director. She also appeared in the film Page 3. Thakore was the casting director for the Academy Award winning film Gandhi back in the year 1982, where she was also responsible for recruiting the Indian actors in the film and for the publicity of the film. She also starred in the TV series Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka.





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