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Terrific toons
Those of you who cared more for cartoons than being punished in the classroom the next day for not doing homework, will get the warrior badge through this tiny endeavour that celebrates the spirit of cartoons and all that they stand for!
Cartoon connect
Cartoon Network was launched in the autumn of 1992, and the relationship between the parents and their children has been strained ever since! However, it’s high time the cartoons of that era received due credit for their content. You might want to travel in our imaginary time capsule to the time when Jonny Quest, Swat Kats, Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo, Flintstones, Top Cat, Yogi Bear, Scooby Doo—where are you? and Captain Planet ruled the world of cartoons. Needless to say, the element of global concern was of paramount importance in the Captain Planet series and the youngsters would want to imitate the concerns of the five young heroes of the cartoon, who fight against those who wanted to destroy ‘mother nature’ and cut down trees to build industries instead. Also, in the Flintstones series, the depiction of stone-age folks and the dinosaurs being tamed as pets, with the underlying theme of natural conservation was truly inspirational. Well, here’s what the Chandigarh folks say about the cartoons. “My favourite cartoon is Powerpuff Girls because it makes those three young girls look so powerful while they use their supernatural powers to fight the bad in the world,” says Sonali, who is a blogger and also working with a private company.
Gen-next calling
Hail the Incredible Crew, Adventure Time, Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10, Annoying Orange, Bayblade: Metal Masters, Young Justice: Invasion and Shin Chan—the cartoons of the new generation. Though they are packed with action, most of the people feel that the cartoons today lack content. While Ben 10 battles with the aliens, Bayblade series has its own set of war scores to settle. So, how does the youth today feel about the new generation cartoons? “I think that the cartoons these days are not as good as the ones that were telecast a decade ago. The violence and aggression shown in the cartoons today is baseless; most of the time the characters are fighting with each other or against aliens. I wonder what line of thought do they roll on,” says Tanya Saggi, a student at Hansraj Public School, Panchkula. Jasraj Suri, a businessman and web developer, says, “The kind of cartoons that were telecast during the early 90s, especially Mogli, were based on a deep-rooted value system. There was a lot that the children could learn then, but unfortunately the cartoons these days have fallen drastically in terms of content. Nevertheless, I will definitely appreciate the quality of animation and technology today.”
amarjot@tribunemail.com
Expert speak For children, everything is real. They cannot differentiate between animation and imagination, and tend to imitate what they see. I feel the cartoons that
are aired today lack content. Lately, many parents have complained about their children wanting to score a
zero in the tests just because they saw it in a cartoon. The American Association of Pediatrics advices that the children below the age of two should not be allowed to watch television at all and even those who fall between the age group of 5-6 should be allowed to watch for
not more than an hour.
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Huge impact, virtual-ly
It is about making a difference, whether you decide to march with the crowd protesting against an injustice or lighting a candle in the memory of someone who suffered an atrocity or one fine day you decided to collect data and put it together online; subsequently gathering support to create an online mass movement. In fact, it is from these online social awareness campaigns that victims like Jessica Lal and Aman Kachroo could get justice after their death. With the virtual world taking the shape of one big conference hall, online social awareness campaigns can really make a difference. Bridging the gap
When just about the entire country has to go on Facebook or Twitter, the online social campaigns surely hold some meaning. Rubina Singh, director Hollaback (Chandigarh chapter), runs an online blog and creates awareness about street sexual harassment. She says, “We encourage women to share their stories through a blog, as we believe that stories have the power to create strong emotions. We back it up with offline follow-ups, which include awareness campaigns as well.” The Hollaback is operational in Pathankot in Punjab as well. In Chandigarh, however, they have a virtual arrangement where they can map the place where the incident happened or where such incidents mainly happen. “It is about bringing people together on a common platform to create awareness,” she says. Empowering the young
Online awareness movements are not just about inviting people to express their views on a common issue; many also help them in a totally different manner. Softtrix Web Solutions, an IT company in Mohali, started by brothers Ajay and Ashwani, have an online campaign ‘Tell me how’ where they give training to those who cannot afford, but want to do something in the IT sector. Ashwani, director of the company who started it with a handful of workers, now employs as many as 28 people, “We wanted to give back to the society what we got. We came up with the concept of providing job-oriented training to under-privileged youngsters sans direction.” Says Ajay, his brother and partner in the company, “We not only train, but also offer jobs to youngsters from the economically weaker sections of society.” Living every minute to the hilt and not surrendering to any difficulty are two young boys with their campaign LOL. Youngsters Sagar and Sameer are preparing for civil services and have also been practising yoga for a long time. “We write newsletters, inspirational quotes for corporates and all those who have a hectic lifestyle. We meet once in three months and share stories,” says Sameer Datta. Serving the society
Online campaigns in the past, Jaago India Jaago and Save The Tiger, have actually increased awareness. Gurbir Bains, a social worker from Mohali, started a campaign Mere Pind Mere Khet almost eight years ago, educating people staying in villages about new agricultural techniques. “I did make an effort through the campaign, but it was shelved because many farmers were not open to new ideas. However, many youngsters supported me in this,’ says the social worker who wants to restart it again. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Life in the Maruti lane
MTV VJ Rhea Chakraborty is young, bubbly and pretty. She plays Jazzleen, Chandigarh-di-hot-Shakira in the upcoming Mere Dad Ki Maruti which is her debut Hindi film. The vivacious girl talks about her journey into showbiz, cinematic influences, life in Mumbai, working with Ram Kapoor, being a foodie and more... Career graph
My father is a Bengali and my mother is a Konkani. Due to my Army background I have lived all over India. I auditioned for Teen Diva with my friends and I became the runner-up. My friends did not win anything. So then Ashish Patil, who is with MTV and also a producer with YRF, saw my audition and called me to Mumbai to become a VJ because I talk a lot. He is the reason I am here. So, I became a VJ and life was great. Then producer MS Raju from the South kept calling me and I would not take his calls. One day I was talking to one of my colleagues from MTV who is from Hyderabad and he told me how big MS Raju is. So I called him back and did a movie called Tuneega Tuneega. While shooting for that movie, I bagged this Hindi film. I had to do rounds and rounds of auditions for the role. At YRF, they do not care about your looks, they care about how you fit into the character. Chandigarh’s Shakira
Mere Dad Ki Maruti is set in Chandigarh. I play Jazzleen, Chandigarh di hot Shakira! She thinks she is too hot and all the boys are mad about her. It was easy and fun to play Jazzleen because I was paid just to look hot and throw tantrums. It is so easy for us girls to throw tantrums and act like a diva. We had a super crew and shooting in Chandigarh was fun too. Saqib, Ashima and I get along well and talk rubbish and pull each other’s legs! I have eaten so much on the sets because the food is killer! Nobody believed I am an actress because of all the butter chicken I ate and left piles of bones on the plate. I got along well with Ram Kapoor too. He is very sweet and charming and all the girls would go crazy about him. Real Rhea
I am a complete foodie. It is just my body-type that I can eat whatever I want and still stay thin. I do not exercise. I talk a lot and I think a lot and those activities burn calories. I sleep a lot. I write poetry and I have written a script for a production house. I watch at least 2-3 movies a week. I have grown up watching a lot of gangster movies like Scarface, Taxi Driver, The Godfather, Raging Bull, etc. I love shopping and I buy one perfume every week. My current favourite is Alien by Thierry Mugler and everyone loves it. I am also reading 50 Shades of Grey. I live in Bandra. Movies and influences
I recently saw a movie called Happy-Go-Lucky and I loved it. I think Vidya Balan is fabulous. I love Salman Khan because he is such a star and so good-looking. I would pay to watch him do nothing. I like him on the big screen but I got flustered and awkward when I met him. As a newcomer, I do not have much choice and I will do a film if it has a good role for me and a good script. Style statement
I love wearing loose-fitting clothes in plain colours and I will accentuate it with bright colours like neon and hot pink. My favourite colour is nude. I am a messy girl and I believe out of chaos comes order! I am not a sucker for brands and I do a lot of street shopping in Bandra and Sarojini Nagar. I love chunky bangles and wear them all the time even though they make so much noise. My job needs me to dress up all the time and wear make-up but on my days off, I just wear kajal and gloss and kurtas with skirts or palazzo pants. I mix Indo-Western wear. I wear bindis. I am a moody dresser. One day I will wear a pink frilly dress and the next day I will wear baggy pants with shirts. That’s me
I am single right now and I have too much work to be dating! I hate guys who wear tight clothes with Hermes or Louis Vuitton belts, pointed shoes, shaved arms, shaped eyebrows, and bad body odour. Turn ons in a guy are intelligence, wit, being well-read, and I would love the whole Italian mafia vibe. Men are supposed to be naturally amazing and look good without much effort. Like men are supposed to have naturally hairy arms and good skin, and smell good naturally. I don’t like too much perfume on men either. I think Farhan Akhtar is very good-looking and I like his voice and acting style. I like Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor very much.
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Who will play Hrithik’s Sati?
It has been reported that Hrithik Roshan has been roped in to play Lord Shiva in a film written by Karan Malhotra and his wife, titled Shuddhi. According to sources both Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor are battling out to play the role of Sati in the movie.
Either Kareena Kapoor or Deepika Padukone will portray Sati. The maker has decided to cast either Kareena or Deepika for the movie but it is not yet finalised. Both the actresses are apt for the role. Director Karan Malhotra of Agneepath fame will direct the movie. However, the final choice will be made after the date and signing amount is finalised. The pre-production work is on progress. The availability of dates is another factor. Both the actresses are busy. But if we go by the work schedule, we will find that chances for Kareena Kapoor is bright as Kareena is currently shooting for Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha and she has Gori Tere Pyar Mein with Imran Khan. But Deepika Padukone has many films lined up which she has signed already. So chance for Kareena Kapoor grabbing the project is much higher. So, if all goes well Shuddhi will go on floor in November this year.
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Waiting for Mr India 2
Amrish Puri in iconic villain character Mogambo is still remembered. The superhero flick was directed by Shekhar Kapur and produced by Boney Kapoor. Boney Kapoor is in the process of making a sequel to the film. “Of course, I will be part of Mr India 2. But right now it is too early to talk about it. I don’t know what my role is going to be in the sequel. My husband is now going to start shooting No Entry Main Entry. So only after he finishes this film, we can talk about Mr India 2,” said Sridevi. Sridevi is overwhelmed to see the response of ‘English Vinglish’. English Vinglish was the right kind of film and I had a great character. It was one film which every woman could identify with, be it a wife or sister. Gauri conveyed the message so well. “Post the release of the film, many women came up to me and said that they were inspired by my character Shashi and have started learning English,” said Sridevi, who was in the Capital recently for the launch of Fiona, a digital RO water purifying technology. When asked what she feels most comfortable in, the actress said, “I love track pants. I know I cannot wear them all the time. I feel that whatever you wear, you should be comfortable in it. I don’t want to wear something which I am not sure of. My elder daughter is in her teens and she keeps updating me about styles.” The actress said that before stepping out, she has to take the approval of her husband and children. “I prefer wearing a sari to gown. When I go anywhere, I should look dignified and elegant. Before anyone else, I have to please my husband and children. My elder daughter Jhanvi is my biggest critic,” she said. When asked if her daughter will make her Bollywood debut anytime soon, Sridevi said, “Let them finish their studies. They are doing very well. Whatever they want to do, they are free to do.”
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Are you ready for Pratigya 2?
Is Pratigya 2 happening? Yes, Pratigya 2 is surely happening and I am part of it. However, it is too early to talk about the story and whether we will have the same characters and actors playing the roles. Is it true that you’re going to play a double role in the show; Pratigya and her daughter? I have no clue, but I have no issue playing a mother. People have already seen me as Pratigya who was the mother of a small child then. Tell us about your story in Ek Thhi Naayka. I cannot reveal much about the story, except that I play a Delhi girl who either might be a student or a working woman. She lives in a high-rise building where weird things start to happen with her. How does it feel to be working with Ekta again? It is great; I began my career with Kitani Mohabbat Hai. Ekta is my godmother and it is always an honour to be associated in any assignment with
her.
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Meet Gurbani and Rajji
Gurbani, played by Shefali, is a simple Punjabi girl who is very responsible and obedient. At the same time, her shy nature makes her sensitive to her mother’s feelings, who wants her to marry a NRI guy. Gurbani is close to her cousin Rajji even though the two families are at loggerheads with each other. Compared to Gurbani, Rajji is a vibrant, loud and adventurous girl. She always forces Gurbani to be her partner in crime whenever she has her adventurous instinct. While Rajji is intelligent enough to escape from the aftermath, it is Gurbani who always gets caught.
Keerti gets emotional
Come March 15 and Parichay will bid adieu to its audiences. It was indeed an emotional moment for the cast and crew of the show as they shot for the last episode on March 8. As a matter of fact, actress Keerti Nagpure, who made her TV debut as Siddhi in Parichay, even ended up crying on the sets. “It was a very emotional moment as I knew that I wouldn’t be shooting with my cast and crew anymore. However, I was very close to Samir (Soni), so when I knew that he had packed up a day before, it emotionally drained me. So, I couldn’t help but cry,” says Keerti. She adds, “Aarti (Singh) and I always considered the Parichay unit as our real family. We called our Maa (Alka Amin) and Papa (Vivek Mishraa) in the show, ‘Maa’ and ‘Papa’ even when we weren’t shooting. In fact, post my accident everybody looked after me very well.” She adds, “Aarti would always get lunch for me while my mother, on the show, would get breakfast. That is the kind of love we shared with each other. The last day wasn’t easy for us.
Toral Rasputra may have been roped in to play the new Anandi in Balika Vadhu but for her co-star Shashank Vyas, Pratyusha Banerjee is still Anandi. Shashank, better known as Jagya, has shared screen space with Pratyusha for more than two years. Hence, it’s difficult for him to erase her from his mind and Shashank is missing her on the sets.
Screen space: Toral Rasputra Gautam Rode, who essays the title role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s show Saraswatichandra, seems to be miffed with his female fans. The reason is that he is tired of answering the same question that whether he is wearing lipstick on the show. According to his fans, the color of his lips is extra pink on screen. However, Gautam is miffed and denied that he’s using lipstick. Even Gautam’s mom asked him the same question. However, he says that it’s because he doesn’t smoke or drink.
Lip service: Gautam Rode Mishal cheers dancing couple
The Nach Baliye competition is heating up as there are only four jodis left. With Kunwar and Charlie’s upcoming ouster, the competition has indeed become intense. Our industry is cheering for their favourites and Mishal Raheja is no different. While Mishal isn’t being seen on screen currently, the actor’s pairing with Mahhi was extremely popular in Lagi Tujhse Lagan. In fact, we hear that Mishal is rooting for his onscreen partner Mahhi and her real life partner Jay as he has loved their consistent performances.
Aamir Khan had put an embargo on all his ads and endorsements while he was shooting Satyameva
Jayate. He recently shot his first ad post the show. The shoot was done in a college in Mumbai by Avinash Gowariker who is an ace photographer and Ashutosh Gowariker’s brother. He has known Aamir since his Baazi days. Aamir wore a black T-shirt and yellow pants and had a youthful appearance. The endorsement is for an old Indian company entering the electronic market for the first time.
Market value: Aamir Khan
Vidya Balan plays a loud and proud Punjabi housewife in Ghanchakkar opposite Emraan Hashmi, which is being directed by Rajkumar Gupta. She has worn bright kurtis and salwars in the movie and no sarees as she usually does. There will be a photo exhibition of the clothes she has worn to promote the movie after the launch of its trailer. She might just spark a new trend with her looks.
New act: Vidya Balan
Shah Rukh Khan says he will not talk about his personal life on social media anymore and that includes his wife Gauri, friends in the industry, and children Aryan and Suhaana because people misquote him. He is keen on talking about his movies and says that he is currently working hard to wrap up shooting for Chennai Express. Sonam Kapoor likes all things musical and she is attending many musical concerts in Delhi. After a Sufi concert last week, she went for Norah Jones’s jazz concert. She attended it with Ayushmann Khurrana and was more than happy to be part of the crowd.
Note it: Sonam Kapoor Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are dear friends who bond extremely well. He is missing her on the sets of Ram Leela and he is calling Deepika “Ash” while giving her instructions. DP is cool with it as she understands their bond.
Sanjay leela Bhansali (L) with Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan Parineeti Chopra loves to eat and it shows in her full figure. She loves pizza and gets her fill no matter where she is. She now eats in moderation and does not care about being skinny. Looking the character is what she aims for instead of just being thin. So, she lives by her own rules. Wish she wore more form-flattering clothes!
Real foodie: Parineeti Chopra
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Be cautious as someone at office can try to harm your interest. Call friends you haven't seen for a long time.
Keep an open mind. Don’t stress yourself. Tarot message: Don’t take hasty decisions.
Lucky colour: Turquoise. Lucky number: 60
TAURUS: Finances and investments will take up a major chunk of your day today. The planets indicate that this is favourable time to deal with your thoughts and suppressed feelings. Health will be strong.
Tarot message: Take limited risks. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 52 GEMINI: You will receive some sound counsel from unexpected sources. Be attentive. Professionally, you will face a conflict at work; deal with it sensitively and tactfully.
Tarot message: Give time to your family. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Lucky number: 46 CANCER: This will be a
surprising and rewarding day. There will be monetary profits and appreciation. Your personal commitments will require attention. Health will be
consistent. Tarot Message: Stay focused. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 39 LEO: The day will be busy,
yet happy, where you will be able to achieve a lot in your personal and professional life. Profits will ease the burden of rising expenses.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain grip over your business. Lucky
colour: Green. Lucky number: 28 VIRGO: A hectic social life will keep you on your toes
today and lead to some interesting associations. Patience, love and tolerance will help you sort out problems in
your relationship. Tarot message: Be optimistic. Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 63
LIBRA: Most of you will be craving for something stimulating and entertaining today. You will be open to challenging assignments at work to prove your immense potential.
Health will be strong. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.
Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 41 SCORPIO: Manage personal relationships with diplomacy and tact. Think with your heart today and don’t make hasty decisions. Stay focused at work to achieve your goal.
Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Orange.
Lucky number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: Health problems will bother you. Keep a close watch on your
diet. At work, you will be open to feedback. You need to work hard to earn
promotions. Tarot message: Stay focused. Lucky colour: Mauve. Lucky number: 30 CAPRICORN: Don’t hesitate to seek help and guidance today. You will be surprised by what you learn. In the context of emotions, this will be a confusing day.
Tarot message: You need to focus on stabilising your financial position.
Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 64 AQUARIUS: Travelling and communication will be a part of today. Some of you will be philosophical and spiritually inclined today. Health problems are likely to arise.
Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at the workplace. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Lucky number: 50 PISCES: Adventure, fun and entertainment will be on the top of your mind today and you will spend a good deal of time partying and at get-togethers
with friends. Tarot message: Be open to new opportunities. Lucky colour: Purple.
Lucky number: 25
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THE YEAR AHEAD
If your birthday is March 13...
Watch out for opportunities in unusual places, ‘chance’ encounters with enormous potential and advantageous positions in tow are likely. Stormy time at the workplace is also on the cards. It will be more convenient to postpone new projects. However, those born before 1980 will complete their projects and this will be appreciated. They will be able to surge ahead in their careers. It is more important for you to be honest than polite. A friend is in need of help, but is too proud to ask for assistance. If you drop some subtle hints, you can open some doors. You must take charge when no one else is willing to do so. Cooperation and collaboration both seem to be favouring. Expect a new business offer this week. Support from colleagues will be motivating. Indications are that this is also an energetic year. The second half of the year will be better for financial dealings, although partnerships and joint ventures should be completely avoided. This year, although productive, is one where results will be slow and will require you to give in your best. Spend more time getting yourself in shape and sharpening your skills. New opportunities are likely to come by. Those of you planning to go abroad will be successful. Influenced by number 4 and Uranus, you are talented, bold, reliable, energetic and a systematic individual. You always aim high and work with complete dedication towards your goals, but at times you receive a setback after coming extremely close to your goals because of your stubborn nature. Romance will flourish and some lovebirds will even go for a matrimonial alliance. There are bright chances for additional finances. You will get enough chances to earn profits from investments. However, you are advised not to jump to conclusions and examine all aspects critically before you take any decision. You will be inclined to experiment or launch a new initiative. Property related issues need to be handled smoothly. Lend support to your fellows, as they need it.
Skin problems will bother you, so do take proper medication. Mood: Pumped and ready Compatible signs: Capricorn, Aquarius Lucky days: Monday and Wednesday.
You share your birthday with Jeet Upender (March 13), who shook a leg on the hugely popular number, Hawa Hawa, from the movie Don 2. After a year-long hiatus, Jeet Upendra was back with a bang in Sony's Yeh Meri Life Hai. Due to uncertain characteristics of number 4, Jeet’s career will remain ‘blow hot blow cold’ types.
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Imagination is perhaps the only refuge from reality and can sometimes even challenge the realms of reality! If you are a product of the 80s and the 90s, you will know exactly what happens when imagination meets animation and remember the yells of your mother from the kitchen even as your eyes were transfixed on your favourite cartoon character on television — Arabian Nights, Duck Tales or Little Mermaid!
Sridevi, who made a great comeback with Gauri Shinde’s English Vinglish, said that she would definitely be part of sequel to 1987 blockbuster Mr India which starred Anil Kapoor and Sridevi in the lead.
Popular show Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya will be back soon with a new season. Actress Pooja Gor confirms the same.
Colors’ upcoming show Gurbani is all set to launch on March 18. The female leads in the show are completely new to the industry. Shefali Sharma, who essays the title role of Gurbani, is from Amritsar. The other girl, Neha Bagga, who plays Gurbani’s cousin sister Rajji, is based out of
Chandigarh.
Missing old days
Pink
of health
Aamir endorses again
Vidya’s Punjabi look
Nothing personal
Musical treat
Missing Ash
Live to eat
Lucky
colours: Blue