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Saying it with a smile
He doesn't come up with one-liners that leave you in splits; he does not pack every line of the conversation with a comic punch. Relaxed after a hectic day's schedule in Chandigarh, actor Vir Das looks as bright and spunky as natural light. He slides back on the couch, smiles and gets ready for the interview, even when all the time you expect to see an up, close and personal side of this actor and stand-up comedian.
Shooting for an under-production Bollywood film Santa Banta, actor Vir Das of Delly Belly and Badmaash Company fame is the man of the moment in the industry. A smile springs up on his face. "After Delly Belly, I had a good number of scripts on my table, out of which I had to choose. This year I have seven releases and I am doing some really fantastic as well as different roles," says the actor who will be seen in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Revolver Rani opposite Kangana Ranaut, among many others. "This one is not a comedy; it is a dark love story, a different kind of cinema to watch out for." So, is Go Goa Gone? He smiles softly, while we are still expecting something, a punch maybe! "Go Goa Gone was like one big party. We packed ourselves and some Zombie stuff and partied in Mauritius and Goa. This is a first-of-its-kind Bollywood Zombie movie, so we were as much an audience in the movie like any outsider would be," says Vir Das, who is playing Banta in Santa Banta. Before we could ask the much-expected question on the comfort factor with the language, the actor makes it easy, "I have a language tutor on the sets; whenever I go wrong with the dialect I am corrected." Vir Das is an acclaimed stand-up comedian who can bring the house down with his punches and straight expressions. "A stand-up comedy act brings in an immediate response from the audience, for a film though I have to wait for nine months, which requires a lot of patience. People started saying that I had vanished after Delly Belly for almost two years, which was a big risk. So, obviously I was doing a lot of work," he says. We don't see a speck of pompousness in his words. He adds, "While working in a movie I am bothered about each little detail, I have to go to the depth of the character. I would get bored myself if I have to do similar stuff all the time, and trust me the audience is too smart, I will get caught in three seconds," he smiles. As the interaction with the lovely person nears its end, we leave every hope of being teased with a comic act; it is his simple smile that we come back with and it is the same smile that Vir Das uses to make the audiences smile! It was at Knox that Vir first explored stand-up comedy with his first (1-1/2 hour) special, Brown Men Can't Hump, which debuted to an audience of 800 in Knox's Harbach Theatre. He later went on to receive a Richter Scholarship for Theatre and the Colton Performance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting from Knox.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Let’s party!
Are you turning eighteen or is it your twenty-fifth anniversary? Birthday or a farewell, baby shower or a sleep over! Well, get ready to party! The Party Hunters opens at Chandigarh, Sector 22 with the notion — whatever you do, do it right! So, go for a theme party in an impressive ambience, surprise your friends or family, click photographs with the crazy wigs and huge goggles, and be the talk of the town!
What's in store? While the scintillating details make the shop a happy place in itself, what's on display peps up your spirit! Starting from LED glasses, glow sippers and straws along with vuvuzelas or themed hats as well as masks, make you want to jump and grab it all. Moving on, crowns, title-holders, themed-candles, balloons and banners etc can make for a gala event. And if you are a cricket fan, the Indian flags, caps and wigs can take you to another level. Fun with themes "We also keep theme-based party material like baby shower or an overall Disney-based theme along with those for adults like a slumber, bachelor's, birthday, masquerade party and much more," says Prerna Kapoor, owner. Price tag While the frames start from Rs 150 for kids and Rs 350 for adults, the banners go from Rs 150 up to Rs 350. The price of theme props starts from Rs 150 up to Rs 500.
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Make a wish
"It does take some effort initially, but after you decide to work everything falls in place. Every woman should pursue her dreams," says Nidhi Sidhu, who started working after 14 years of her marriage. "I started working because I wanted to put my learning and education to use and realise my self-worth," she says. Currently, she is working as a counsellor and psychology teacher at a reputed private school. She feels content and satisfied that she is pursuing her dreams. Rasna Sabharwal started working seven years after her marriage. "I told my husband that I wanted to work, and he supported me in this decision," she said. Rasna set up a garments showroom and after few years of hard work, today, she manages three such garment outlets. It doesn't come easy for women who decide to work after a few years. "Everyone faces teething problems. Our families are used to seeing us around, also we are generally comfortable with the way things are. So, everyone has to adjust to the new role," says Nidhi. "Adjustments in the form of time management has to be done," she says. But things fall in place if you believe in yourself, she adds. "You have to make adjustments and balance your family and professional life because spending quality time with kids becomes very important," says Rasna. But the efforts made are worth it! "Not only is it satisfying for yourself, but you set an example for your children as well. I want my daughters to become financially independent, and they would look up to me when they grow up," says Rasna. "Working women are aware of what is happening in the society and are a role model for the children who look up to their parents," says Ginny, working as a fashion designer. "It is immensely satisfying to work. At the end of the day every single minute counts. Like all women, family is of utmost importance to me. But there comes a time when you have to step out of the comfort zone, do a bit more and realise your self-worth and dreams. I think every woman should pursue her dreams, rather than regretting later. They should not miss out on achieving their potential. It's never too late to learn and never too late to begin," says Nidhi.
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Royal treat
Pride KC Hotel & Spa, Sector 3, Panchkula brings 'Hyderabadi Food Festival' at Water Court Cafe, the all -day dining restaurant from April 19 to 28.
The food festival will have authentic Hyderabadi cuisine in association with Master Chef Rehman Mujeebur who has an expertise and experience of ten years in organising food festivals in a most innovative and professional manner. This festival offers variants of vegetarian and non vegetarian options. Secret recipes of Chef Rehman.Mujeebur are made of well-chosen exotic spices and ingredients. — TNS
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the
‘in’ side Sukhmani
Ottomans are often sold as coordinating furniture with armchairs, but can also be used as a footstool, pouf or a coffee table. Ottomans are no longer restricted to the living rooms but are being used in other rooms such as the bedroom, gaming room, family room etc.
If you are using ottomans as coffee tables, make them with tight tops and rather flat as opposed to padded with a pillow effect. This way you can set things on top of them without worrying about them toppling over. Contemporary decor has caught on to its usefulness. In most modern decors you will find an ottoman, breaking up the formal patterns of furniture by being off-centre and unbound by the need to be up against the wall. In order to choose the right ottoman to fit your home, keep the following points in mind.
(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
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All that glitters
Added to the existing range is an interesting combination of traditional and new age designs which highlights the directions for gold in future. Crafted in 18 and 22K gold, the collection with its chic designs and superior finish, not only brings alive craftsmanship but also is a gorgeous wedding gift. According to Sandeep Kulhalli, vice president, retail and marketing, Tanishq, "Gold is so well entrenched in our customs and traditions that it continues to be regarded as a unique storehouse of emotional and financial value, for Indians." "Changing times have led to certain shifts in perception and usage of gold jewellery with a renewed emphasis on the element of modernity. Bold and stylish light weight pieces, in 18 and 22K gold, bringing alive the versatility of gold in newer ways. Accessible Tanishq is an attempt to get every consumer shop for gold jewellery without worrying much about the soaring prices and build a collection over a period of time", he adds. With Akshay Trithiya being just around the corner, Accessible Tanishq is in the forefront, showcasing the variety and versatility of this marvelous metal to keep up with the age old tradition to buy gold during the occasion.Available from Rs 5000 onwards, this range offers a wide variety in earrings, finger rings, pendants, bangles and is available at Tanishq stores across India. — TNS
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Step up in style
The uber chic, sex and the city look is something every woman desires and not to forget a closet full of shoes. To give Chandigarh a dose of New York chic, Steve Madden, the footwear brand opens doors at Elante Mall in Chandigarh.
Drawing inspiration from rock and roll, fused with a jolt of sex appeal and urban edge, Steve Madden represents a lifestyle creating designs that are innovative, fun, sometimes wild and always spot-on-chic. The store is an eclectic mix of New York hood fused with urban chic, represented by gold and paisley walls. The exposed brick wall is reminiscent of the streets of downtown New York lending a sense of grunginess to the decor. The collection speaks to every woman or their alter ego, enticing them to sport a look they have always dreamed of. Steve Madden has something for every woman ranging from sky high heels in myriad colors to a variety of flats, wedges and pumps in the season's latest trends-Studs, Sparkle and Shimmer. In addition to this, the brand has a range of bags and accessories and a very distinctive collection for men ranging from formal wear to a semi-casual understated look. The stores will also offer Madden Girl, a fashionable line for younger girls who wish to make a statement. — TNS
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The ship story
No waves, splashes or wind in the sails when you see these ships! The rather large replicas of the ships with glorious set of sails and exquisite craftsmanship adorn the rooms of many residents in Ludhiana. And these engender both curiosity and pleasant surprise together.
"I had seen such a ship at some place and wanted to get it for myself as well. I finally saw it on a visit to China and got it from there. This is a perfect piece for me," says Anshul Garg, a businessman. "I found this interesting replica of ship at a décor exhibition and found it very impressive, so got it for my home," says Sarabjit, another businessman. "It surely seems very interesting, as it is almost the size of a boat and everyone coming to the place asks about it," says Anshul, a Ludhiana resident. "It also has a bit of antique value, for it is a replica of an old Chinese ship and like a quaint ship of the olden times," he says. "The ship has inspired me to go for the theme of sea for home interiors," adds Sarabjit. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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star track Huma Qureshi's third film Ek Thi Daayan released this week. She talks about her growing up years, becoming an actress and also clarifies her equation with Anurag Kashyap. Childhood memories My father is Saleem Qureshi and he is from Delhi. My mother is a Kashmiri and a wonderful cook. My father runs a restaurant, called Saleem's, in Delhi. My brother Saqib and I grew up in a large house with a large family as my father has seven siblings. Over the weekends, we were sent to my grandparents' place and they were very conservative. I did not learn Urdu because I thought it was uncool! How I wish I had learnt it at the time! During summer vacations, we would go to Kashmir. I was bratty and tomboyish. During my teenage years, I was not allowed to play because I am a girl and I resented that. Acting bug I always liked participating in everything. I did theatre in college and I liked it but I didn't have the courage to admit that I wanted to act. I came to Mumbai for a film, which never took off so I went back. I decided to come to Mumbai and give myself one year to find work. It took me six months to convince my parents. So I got out of my serious relationship in Delhi and came to Mumbai to fulfill my acting dreams. Then I began doing ads with Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. Anurag Kashyap met me during the shoot with Aamir Khan in Panchgani and that is how Gangs of Wasseypur happened. On Kalki
Rumour mills All these rumours about me and Anurag have started in the last couple of months and I feel that it is to take attention away from the films I am doing. We are not dating. He is my friend. He is a little unreliable in the sense that you don't know whether he will take your call or not. But you can still count on him and he will guide you. Dear brother Saqib is my younger brother and is more sensible than me. He is my best friend and my adviser. I am emotional and instinctive while he is more practical. It is good to have family around.
Arjun Kapoor wears as many as 45 formal suits in the upcoming Aurangzeb and that made it very difficult for him to do the action sequences while handling heavy guns. Both the characters are suave and stylish yet violent and ruthless.
Action replay: Arjun Kapoor
The sequel to Force has been delayed. It was announced after the success of Force but John Abraham got busy with other projects and also his own productions so producer Vipul Shah is waiting for him to get free. Force 2 cannot be made without John Abraham.
John Abraham
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were spotted shopping in New York. They even interacted with fans that approached them and said they were shopping for Aaradhya. Their baby girl will also accompany them on their anniversary vacation and celebrations.
Proud parents: Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
In tropical paradise
Taapsee Pannu celebrated the success of her Bollywood debut by taking off to Maldives with her sister and best friends. She had an amazing time at the tropical paradise. She indulged in swimming, walking and exploring the island. She planned the trip right down to the minute
details.
Holiday time: Taapsee Pannu
Let’s get rolling
The success of Commando has encouraged the filmmakers to make a sequel with the same cast and crew. Vidyut Jamwal has already secured his place as an action hero and has many female fans. So the film will roll in September.
Success story: Vidyut Jamwal
On a promising note
The rock concert scene for Aashiqui 2 was shot with secret and spy cameras to capture the real-life frenzy and reactions of the audience. It was shot at the amphitheatre in Bandra with due permissions. Aditya Roy Kapoor managed to entertain the crowd.
Real life: Poster of Aashiqui 2
I will not wear uncomfortable clothes: Kate
Brideswar star Kate Hudson refuses to wear uncomfortable clothes. The 34-year-old actress, who is famous for her fashionable choices, said that she will not wear an outfit she does not feel good in because comfort comes before style, reported a website.
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chatter box 
Zee TV’s popular show, Punar Vivah is rumoured to go off air in June because of the problems between Gurmeet Choudhary, who plays the role of Yash and the producers of the show. Apparently, things got worse after Gurmeet took up Nach Baliye without telling the makers. Star wars: A still from Punar Vivah
A theatrical interlude
Eijaz Khan, who was last seen in TV soap, Shubh Vivah, has now signed up a play. He talks about taking up theatre and his experiences.
Why did you decide to debut in this play called ‘The Seduction’? Well, firstly it kind of fell into my lap. Earlier, I was supposed to work in Khalid Mohd's play, Kennedy Bridge. But unfortunately, I couldn't. A friend of mine suggested my name to Manish Gandhi, the director of Seduction; I met him, loved what I read and took it on. I really like the fact that everyone in the team is a graduate from FTII. Moreover, most importantly, I believed I could do justice to the character Peter Fernandes. So here I am What is so special about the role? He is a great master and he will teach the audience a systematic practical demonstration how to go about everything. That idea is fascinating in itself. Do you have any stage fright? Yes of course. However, theatre is a very different medium so I have been rehearsing and working very hard and I can only hope for it to pay off well. Every platform has different parameters. TV has time constraints, while films have many different factors that need to work in unison for that one perfect shot. Nevertheless, theatre is the only one that has a process. One might rehearse a lot but on stage one gets only one
take. What’s happening on your film front? Well, I have a film called Lucky Kabootar, which is being shot currently.
New pursuit: Eijaz khan
The latest buzz
ready to tango: Krystle Dsouza
Work and pleasure
Money matters: Archana Puran Singh
A giant leap
Buzz is that the show, Hitler Didi is going in for a makeover, wherein Rati Pandey and Sumit Vats will soon go for a leap. Also, Aasiya Kazi will return to the show and with her a child, Hardik Somnathwala, who will soon befriend Indu.
Fan inks Kunwar’s name
A special bonding
Aishwarya Sakhuja is enjoying hosting Nach Baliye Shriman v/s Shrimati and is looking forward to co-hosting India's Dancing Superstar that will be telecast on Star Plus. Recently, at the auditions of the show she bonded with her co-host Mohit Malhotra aka Kartik of Bade Acche Lagte
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Astro turf
ARIES: Romantic life will take quite an interesting turn. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility without incentive. Domestic compulsions will make your life uneasy.
Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding & humility. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 36
TAURUS: Social events will be a positive stimulus for you. Those in love will have an exciting day. Hobbies and extra curricular activities will gain extra momentum. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussion.
Lucky colour: Skin Magic number: 29 GEMINI: Jealousy and possessiveness will create issues. This is a perfect time to start practicing independence and letting go. Push extra cash into a safe scheme.
Tarot message: Keep a close watch on your health. Lucky colour: Copper. Magic number: 34 CANCER: Think twice before you start spending. You will meet an interesting person today. Do not disturb jointly held fund without the consent of your partner. Efforts bear fruit.
Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky
colour: Maroon. Magic number: 33 LEO: You need to honour yourself first and foremost. An opportunity to work unsupervised will enhance your performance and lead to promotion. The spotlight is on the sale or purchase of property.
Tarot message: Wait and watch carefully before taking a decision. Lucky
colour: Blue. Magic number: 30 VIRGO: This will be the most tiring day at work. Being optimistic will help you finish the day with a smile on your face. Women will feel rather insecure. Romantic luck will boost your spirits.
Tarot message: A competition will push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 44
LIBRA: Inspiration will motivate you. An issue that is niggling at the back of your
mind should be addressed. Love life sparkles. Health will be strong. Tarot message: Concentrate
on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 32 SCORPIO: Friendly vibes and thoughts of romance will be highlighted today. Do not trust anyone easily. Curb the habit of finding faults with people who are dear to you.
Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky
colour: Grey. Magic number: 46 SAGITTARIUS: Do not compromise things that are important to you. Teamwork is the keynote of the day. Home life will be pleasant. Older people may drum up certain problems for you.
Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky
colour: Coffee-brown. Magic number: 50 CAPRICORN: If you keep an unbiased perspective, you will be able to make quite a decent profit in the long term. Relatives will be difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land deal.
Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital. Lucky colour: Burgundy.
Magic number: 63 AQUARIUS: Gossip in the workplace will cause unexpected problems. Take what is useful and discard the rest. Those in love will have the slightest sign of trouble. Health area can be problematic.
Tarot message: You a fountainhead of will power within yourself. Lucky
colour: Saffron. Magic number: 59 PISCES: Think wisely before you start spending your extra cash, as there will be a surprise around the corner. Do not avoid responsibility. Do not make any travel plans today. Romantic life takes an upswing. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage.
Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 48
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Women these days are moving out of the cosy comfort of the four walls of their homes to find a new meaning to their identity in the society.
This ten day food festival will offers dinner buffet including succulent kebabs, steaming hot biryanis and an array of exotic desserts. The menu offers a tempting array of delectable world famous: Kebabs: (Gosht Seekh Kebab, Pathar Gosht, Sikham Puri, Nizami Murg Tikka, Chutpati Muchli etc), curries (Haleem, Harisa, Achar Gosht, Hyderabadi Nehari, Karhai Gosht, Paneer Khushrang etc), different kinds of biryanis ( Kache Gosht Ki Biryani, Pakki Murg Biryani, Navratan Biryani)and deserts ( Dabal Ka Meetha, Khubani Ka Meetha, Gul E Firdous).
An ottoman is a piece of furniture consisting of a padded seat that neither has a back nor arms. The ottoman's background and current uses are obscured by an intricate interweaving of social history, literature, travel, legend, art and romantic idealism. The ottoman even suffers from a confused identity, sometimes called a footstool, bench, couch, divan or even the whimsical pouf. It is indeed an interesting piece of furniture and one not to be dismissed as merely an accessory.
Today, the style options are endless. From the first ottoman being used as actual seating to now occupying a position of potential repose for all manner of objects, from coffee service to magazine and book display to merely a prop for weary feet. It is a multifunctional piece of furniture, which is movable and adaptable. Ottomans can be feminine with curving lines and dressmaker details or oversized and decidedly masculine. They can be round, square, rectangular, octagonal or triangular. You can skirt them, pleat them, cord them, add button tufting, and even pillow top them.
Using ottomans in pairs always look better than just using one. They can be separated and moved around as required.
Jewellery has found a new expression as Tanishq, introduces 'Accessible Tanishq', a range of gold and diamond jewellery starting at Rs.5, 000. Targeted at the value-seeking Indian consumers, the range comprises of cutting edge fashion alongside timeless beauty, resulting in an aspirational selection for either gifting purpose or for self-purchase.
Kalki and I are friends. We got along very well while we were in Panchgani. I met Kalki and Anurag together. We both went strawberry shopping. Both of them come over to my place for biryani. We hang out together. While shooting for Ek Thi Daayan, we took the same vanity van and left the door open so we could enter each other's space whenever we wanted. She is a good actress and has made a space for herself despite her unconventional looks.
"Women need to wear things they are comfortable and confident in. I've had people push dresses on me that are high-fashion, but if I can't walk or I'm uncomfortable, forget it," she said. Hudson said she loves to wear white. "If I'm running out of the door, it's a dress, whether it's with boots or sandals or flip-flops, a sweater - even if it's slightly cold and I wear a lot of white," she added. — PTI
Among TV, theatre and films, which medium do you like the most and why?
After Shaan, Drashti Dhami, and Siddharth Shukla, Krystle Dsouza aka Jeevika of Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai and Ekta Kaul aka Sahiba of Rab Se Sohna Isshq have been approached for celebrity dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6.
Archana Puran Singh will soon complete six years of judging Comedy Circus and she is still gung ho about judging the comic acts though her co judges keep changing. She says that she is earning good money for a day’s work, so why not.
Kunwar Amarjeet Singh, who is juggling between dancing and acting with Nach Baliye and Dil Dosti Dance, recently came across a picture of a fan, who has tatooed his name ‘Kunwar Amar’ on her hand. When contacted, Kunwar said, “I really couldn’t believe my eyes. Nevertheless, it is an honour to receive so much love. I feel bad when people go to such extremes to show their love. I really wouldn’t want anyone being hurt or in pain because of me.”
