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This honey ain’t sweet!
When the cause and effect show up in a vicious circle, passing the buck comes a little easy. What's difficult is to asses where the buck stops. Even two days after the Punjab government got a rap from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, for 'raper'…err… rapper Honey Singh's vulgar songs doing the rounds; the friends and foes from the music fraternity, the moral police, the lawyers, those in the entertainment industry, everyone seems to have an opinion, if not the solution.
Perhaps, if the X-rated lyrics weren't a smash hit, we might get the artistes to sing only songs of the soil. Society's calling The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the state government to boycott such artistes and further take action against the 29-year-old singer for vulgar songs and lyrics. Aren't a lot of vulgar obsessions a society's creation? Some put it down to a clear case of demand and supply. The High Court has also put the onus on the society by asking it to boycott such singers. Opines Harshdeep Kaur, Sufi singer, "People should filter out their choices; what they listen to and let their children listen to. If the songs are not a hit, the record labels wouldn't sign such singers. If Honey Singh's songs are played at every function and event, is it the singer's fault for coming up with more of such songs to please his fans?" Star appeal Amidst the blatant blamegame, there are some that believe in taking a wholesome view. If the singer has made Dope Shope, a part of common parlance, he has also dispelled the stereotypes of 'fair and lovely' through his song Brown Rang. Says singer Ashok Masti, "It's not a debate of today; the purists have been voicing concerns about the preservation of culture for a long time now." He adds, "Everybody has to contribute and make efforts. The media can give less space to such artists and more to folk singers as well as poets. The public can play an active role. You can't target only one artiste. There are so many who chase overnight stardom through such measures." Blame it all A lot many attribute the blame to the artiste - where it all originates from. Singer Karran Jesbir, aka Jassi Jasraj, who worked with Honey Singh on the album Zanjeer-The Game Changer, had once remarked, "When we worked together, I didn't let him do any indecent rap in my songs." He adds, "Our fight is basically with the attack on our culture and there is nobody as blameworthy as him right now, for coming up with explicit songs and lyrics. When one's popular, there is all the more onus on oneself." His album National Villager-Face to Face was a retort to then Honey Singh's new album International Villager. Legally speaking Like several times before, Public Interest Litigation is where it always starts from. The singer has been booked under section 294 of IPC (obscene acts and songs). Under Section 294 of the IPC, the accused can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine, or with both. Shares singer Pammi Bai, who is also a law graduate, "I have read the High Court's directive and agree with it. The court was shown the lyrics of the song Main Hun Balatkari before this decision. This measure is long called for not only against him, but all the artists. Nobody should have a right to stomp over our culture, and dish vulgarity to the young and impressionable." We bet there are several that agree word to word, not just with the directive but also the sentiment! Nods Dr Rajpal Singh, scholar and academician, "People are crazy for Honey Singh, especially the youth. I agree with the decision of the High Court. It's about making the people aware and discouraging the upcoming artists from coming up with similar songs as well as themes. Artists have a strong influence on society, they can slowly erode our culture and there must definitely be some strong action against him. No doubt, he's given some good compositions but that can be done minus the sleaze." What remains to be seen is that are the sangeet ceremonies now going to happen minus the Angrezi Beats and High Heels? manpriya@tribunemail.com
— Pammi Bai
— Harshdeep Kaur
— Ashok Masti
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Flying high
Uncertain are the ways in the glamour industry. Mukul Dev has been active on both the big and the small screen for a decade-and-a-half, but it's only now that he is full with assignments of his choice. In Chandigarh, on Saturday, Mukul opens up on his journey in telly, films and more.
Heer & Hero The movie is a comedy with a dash of romance and action. I do a cameo and my character takes the love story forward. Also, on the cards is another movie on Udham Singh with the same production house. Punjabi rules I have been active in Hindi, Telugu, Bengali and Punjabi cinema. I would say that today they are more or less on the same level, the only distinction being the language. It looks like this year there would be 150 plus releases in Punjabi, which is a good sign. I wouldn't be surprised if Punjabi cinema gives other industries a run for their money. Honest take Television made me survive, ran my kitchen and also got me recognition. But it is a tough industry; schedules are tight and pressure immense. I started with television, moved to films and so goes the back and forth game although I like films the most. Hands full I am in a happy phase today. My hands are full with work. There is Mental, Rambo Rajkumar, Bhaag Johnny; I signed a film with the Bhatts that will have Emraan Hashmi and Bipasha Basu only yesterday. This is going to be India's first IMAX, 3D film. Star value Often people ask if it helps to be a star son in the industry; I believe after five flops, you might get a sixth if you are a star kid while others might not. I find them much more under pressure than us, who are from non-filmy backgrounds, as the comparison with their parents is always there. Personal note The film industry is challenging. While the biggest plus is recognition and adulation, the minus is hectic schedules - no time to sleep. There is little time that I get for myself, but whenever I do I fly. I have been a commercial pilot; flew jets, now I do that for leisure. Every three years I renew my license. Last time I was shooting around here, I did fly at the Patiala Flying Club; wouldn't get time for that mona@tribunemail.com
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TROUBLE SHOOTER
I grew up noticing all the pupils who were brighter than me in school. Also, I noticed the ones who were prettier, thinner and had natural talents and abilities. Unfortunately I had none of these things. The trouble is I have always valued them and have not really placed enough value elsewhere. Consequently I now feel empty, as though I am nothing.
Riddhima, chandigarh Many people grow up comparing themselves to others who one may perceive as more intelligent or more attractive. So, what happens is the large majority of the day is spent in thinking about what one does not have instead of what one does. Try and look around you. If you compare yourself to others who are prettier or slimmer, do you also see the attributes that you do have? Probably not. Are you organised and good at your job? Are you a good friend, loyal, kind to others less fortunate than us? Do you give it value? If you are not a beauty but healthy and look after yourself, is it not okay? Maybe you can for the next three weeks, just focus daily on your values by writing them down for 10 minutes daily. Remember to keep challenging the negative beliefs when they crop up and assert to yourself your values, "I am a person with many attributes and I am living each day to its best." Tell yourself "I live each day to the best of my ability and I accept myself for what I am and value my qualities." What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? How does one deal with it? I feel I have it but I can't tell my parents as they worry a lot. Meena, Mohali OCD is like when a thought gets stuck in our head and keeps playing again and again evoking anxiety related to the thought. Then one may carry out a behaviour or compulsion to neutralise the thought, eg wash hands repeatedly thinking they are dirty or praying if violent or sexual images keep coming into one's mind. Medicine helps. So does cognitive behaviour therapy which helps one to develop coping skills to deal with the OCD. In OCD certain parts of the brain work differently and the brain creates thoughts which are not under one's control. Basically people are taught to re-label the thought. Second, to reattribute the thoughts and behaviours to their root cause, ie the OCD. Third, Refocus. Shift your focus and attention onto something else. You acknowledge the thoughts, you create an understanding that it is the OCD and that you are being fed false messages by your brain. (Waraich is a Chandigarh-based psycho therapist)
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Bridal finery
Tanya Malhotra Planning a wedding is a difficult task. And when it comes to a typical Indian wedding, the mission becomes even more demanding. Bandhan--the royal exhibition inaugurated at J W Marriott on Saturday, tries to make things easy for you. This is truly a one stop shop for would be brides and grooms. What's in store Out of the 65 stalls in the exhibition, you will find yourself surrounded by a lot of suits in vibrant colours. Designers wears from Rimjhim, Begum's, Kalakaary, Ruzhan Pakistani Concepts, Reins Creation, Mrignaini, Aankh Delhi and Pehchan offer an assortment of dresses, suits and sarees for pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding celebrations. "If you think Anarkali is out of the fashion circuit, think again. For Anarkali, this is just the beginning. It's time to improvise though, with a mix of fabrics like chiffon, georgette, cotton and silk together with the embellishments like polki, phulkari, swarowski, zari and beads. Also, the handwork like dabka and embroidery bring out the best in a fabric," says Shilpy Jairath from Ethnic Designs by Shilpy. While a few designers in the exhibition are based locally, some hail from states like Delhi-NCR, Kolkata and Rajasthan. The price range is reasonable too starting from Rs 2,000 and goes up to Rs 20,000. Get casual Apart from that, for your casual needs these stores offer kurtas, dresses, jumpsuits, waistcoats and jackets starting from Rs 500 going up to Rs 4,500. Not to forget a wide range of footwear, leather bags that start from Rs 500 going up to Rs 14,000. In addition to that, handcrafted table mats, cushion covers along with the range of bed sheets are very much in progression with the theme. Bling factor The jewellery section offers casual to bridal jewellery. Santustee Jewellers is displaying the Nizam Jewellery from Hyderabad to the contemporary designs. "As they say, now that you have a piece of jewellery, you can buy a dress to go with it!" echo Minakshi and Aradhana Anand from BVR Luxuries. Coming back to the planning part, from planning a venue to sending invitation, booking photographers, decoration, lighting and catering; the wedding studio also brings a stall at the exhibition to take care of your needs. Other than that from body care products to herbal remedies, aroma therapies, chocolate stall, glass painted trays and lanterns and free sketches, the only thing you will miss is somebody offering water to hold on for a while and absorb it all in. "We introduce this exhibition twice in a year for summer and winter weddings. The response in JW Marriott is the best so far. We are also hoping to bring in an Indo-Pak clothing exhibition with food stalls in July," says Neha Amit Singla, business head, Resonance, the company that brought the exhibition. On till May 19
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It's time to shop!
India's multi-brand watch retailer, Helios, the watch store, owned by Titan Industries, opened its 47th and Chandigarh's 3rd store at Elante Mall. Helios houses over 25 international brands in its collection including well-known international brands like Emporio Armani, Guess, Seiko, Tommy Hilfiger, FCUK, Citizen, Fossil, Diesel, DKNY, Kenneth Cole and Titan's own brands like Xylys, Nebula, Octane and Raga.
Speaking on the occasion, Saumen Bhaumik, associate VP and business head-North, Titan Industries Ltd. said, "The launch of the third store in Chandigarh is very exciting for Helios as it reflects the global aspirations of our customers in the form of a contemporary and upscale shopping experience." — TNS
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Between the lines
Like it happened yesterday…a diffident techie, shared his love story with the world. His maiden venture was a hit and so was the second. And ready he is with his third outing as a writer with a book, Like It Happened Yesterday!
What were the best days of your life? If your answer is around your childhood, well, this one is for you. Ravinder wants to take you back to your school days; paper boats in rains, counting bogies of the passing train and the simple solution to any problems that cropped up — Akkad Bakkad Bambey Bo! Right from the trepidation just before the board exam results to first love, well, this is what you will find here. "The story in this book is my story; starts from nursery and ends at the result of class XII. A small town boy (or a boy next door)...so that just like in my previous books, my readers are able to relate with my story," says Ravinder. Only the pressure is immense this time around. "I am very anxious just before the release. But I have to share that while writing this one; I was very optimistic." While his readers cried with his other two books, this time he is aiming to make them laugh. The book hits the shelf on June15. Published by Penguin, it's priced at Rs 140.
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Spicy & exotic
Hotel Shivalikview which offers an exciting range of culinary options under one roof has organised a three-day Desi/Videshi Food Festival. The food items are titled in chaste desi and videshi languages. According to general manager Anurag Walia, "The theme itself depicts our mid-summer food surprises, which has been designed to cater to all types of taste-buds with a pocket-friendly rate which is Rs 400 per person. It includes all-non-alcoholic desi/videshi coolers, unlimited veg and non-veg snacks besides an elaborate buffet food specialties which have been designed by our Master Chef Vineet."
A Cash Bar with a bartender offers drinks and mocktails. This three-day food festival offers several signature mouthwatering dishes. Narangi paneer, basil orange balls, mango chicken, natkhat jalpari are the names of the starters followed by jungle karahi, matki chicken, mutton changeji, teryaki fish, summer chicken, tex mex in seven dips, susa-de-pescodo, rang birangi, biryani are the few names in the main course besides beet root halwa, aam ras phirni, chocolate jalebi and anjeer jamuns in dessert are bound to tickle assures chef Vineet. The festival not only provides food but the entertainment quotient by organising a live Sufi and Folk Fusion show by Rudraksh Band. The hip swinging music, feet-tapping dances and exotic food makes it a place to be if you want to start off your day after a weekend on a refreshing and positive note. On till May 19
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Invisible connection
While Mahesh Bhatt dismisses the unsavoury rumours and confirms their new collaboration is titled Invisible, a source close to the project sniggers, "We really don't know who stands to gain from these reports about Emraan being 'miffed' with Bhatt saab because of announcements suggesting the star is doing another film with the Bhatts. Emraan shares the kind of rapport with Mahesh Bhatt where the Bhatt saab only has to ask, and Emraan would do the film. But the Bhatts have never believed in mixing professional and personal relations. If they did, they would've launched Bhatt saab's son Rahul long ago. Every actor who works with Vishesh Films is free to choose the projects he or she wants. And that goes for Emraan as well." Confirming the project with Emraan, Mahesh Bhatt says, "Emraan is in New York. I spoke to him just an hour ago and he certainly didn't sound even remotely miffed. Our relationship is not built on quicksand." About Invisible, Mahesh Bhatt says, "Emraan is starring in our next mega-project entitled Invisible which Vikram Bhatt will direct. It's an original story written by Shagufta Rafique and Vikram Bhatt." Vikram, who is unwell said, "Invisible would be an entirely new optical and emotional experience for the audience."
Shabana declares war on a song!
Shabana's tweet which invited a lot of responses read, "I cannot believe the song Ishq ki Maa Ki has been written by a woman Pallavi Mishra. Revolting shameful disgusting and condemnable." Hate-tweets against Pallavi Mishra, including some comparing her to Honey Singh were posted. Tragically the song that offended Shabana is not written by Pallavi but Amit Kasaria who has written the song and directed the film I Don't Luv You which contains the song. Kasaria stands up stoutly against Shabana's tirade. Amit says, "I have the highest regard for Shabanaji. She doesn't seem to know that I wrote the song that has offended her. And I wonder why it has offended her! My song is not the least offensive. I'd say Bhaag DK Bhaag and Teri Keh Ke Lunga are the songs she should be targeting." Amit adds, "I repeat, my song doesn't insult women in any way. It only expresses the frustration of the young in love. My film is not anti-women at all. I invite Shabana to see my film. I am sure she will have a different opinion after seeing what I have to say." Shabana retorts, "There're no absolutes in freedom. We must exercise self-regulation, we find children dancing to such songs! Compared to today's songs the Sarkai lo Khatiya Jaada Lage era seems innocent." Shabana is specially concerned about the effect such songs have on children. "The 'sexualisation' of children can't be condoned. I am shocked at how actors agree to mouth these vulgar lyrics."
Marriage of convenience
Shocking reality
Vidya Balan admitted that she was shocked when everyone was rude to her regarding her weight and that was a low phase in her life. She was used to unconditional love and acceptance from her family while growing up as everyone said she was pretty with a pleasantly plump figure.
Manisha Koirala has survived the fight against cancer. She is still in New York and will return to India in June. She announced the happy news on Twitter and thanked her followers and fans for their prayers and blessings. She will regain her health slowly and steadily now.
No e-cigarettes for Sanju
There was a huge crowd of lawyers, court members, fans, supporters, and the media as he drove from his home to the court.
The blue eyed boring boys
Uday Chopra: He comes from a banner which has been churning stars one after the other in recent times. However, Uday's career never really took off. It probably only got people to add him to their hate list after seeing his films. Thankfully, he is retiring after Dhoom 3. People are jealous of him because he is dating sexy Nargis Fakhri.
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More drama, more action
Rohit, who is essaying the role of Madhav, has never received any attention or affection from his wife Aaradhya and when Priti makes an entry and shows interest in him as a person, he too starts reciprocating. “Her character is something like Anushka Sharma in Jab Tak Hain Jaan. She is very bubbly, full of life and open to showing her affection. It’s a love triangle but here Madhav is loved for his qualities and his human nature rather than his looks. It’s interesting and many people will connect to it,” says Sumeet Mittal. And why did Priti accept this role? “She is very young and full of life. Of course, the show is also good.”
Mahadev completes 400 episodes!
Life OK’s top show Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev completed 400 episodes last week and the team celebrated the landmark by cutting a cake on the sets. Producer Nikhil Sinha said, “I am very happy. Next we will be looking forward to 500, 600 and then 1000 (smiles).” The show will soon see a maha episode. “We will witness a maha episode where Jalandhar and Mahadev will come face to face yet again on June 2. This will also be the concluding episode of the duel,” he added. Does this mean the end of Jalandhar? Guess we’ll have to wait and watch!
Aishwarya gets emotional
This happened when the team of IDS was shooting a very crucial episode where the top 24 had to be selected in the competition. While every contestant put their best foot forward in front of the judges, only two made it to the next level. Even though they took their competition very sportingly, there were a few who broke down. All efforts of Aishwarya to stop the children from crying went in vain; in fact she also broke down. She said, “As the competition is very tough on India’s Dancing Superstar; every contestant tries his or her best to move on to the next round, but it is really painful to see cute innocent kids getting eliminated. Since we have spent so much of time together, it’s really difficult to see someone exit after coming this far in the competition.”
The plot thickens
In the upcoming episodes of Yeh Rishta Kya Kahlata Hai, the Singhanias hire a new driver but Akshara gets suspicious of him. Chikki plans to hold a party with Akshara and Naitik’s help. Later, Akshara and Gayatri go to the market, but suddenly Naksh goes missing.
Cameo calling
While Hunar Ali of Chhal Sheh Aur Maat fame was hoping to bag the lead in Shakuntalam Telefilm's next serial on Sony with Ruslaan Mumtaz and Jaya Bhattacharya, it seems she won’t get it after all. She was in talks for the show but when the story changed her role had to be scrapped. Now the makers have got a new girl to play the lead.
Fiji over Punjab
Neha Dhupia missed the premiere of her Punjabi film Rangeelay because she is currently in Fiji due to work commitments. How lucky she is to be able to work in Fiji!
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Astro turf
ARIES: Sacrifices made today can put you in a far better place in the future. Real estate transaction should not be started. Sudden travel can disturb certain plans.
Tarot message: Be cautious about monetary aspects. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 60ss TAURUS: “The Moon” reveals that you can stretch your relationship a bit too far. Speak your mind to your beloved to clear a misunderstanding. Property deals get concluded. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 42 GEMINI: It is a day to forget worries at work. Talk to Tarot message: Take things slowly and listen to your inner voice. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 62 CANCER: Today you will be in an enthusiastic frame of mind. Loss through speculation is on the cards, so be careful. Unexpected callers can intrude upon your solitude. Tarot message: Voice the feelings of your heart. Lucky colour: Silver-grey. Magic number: 29 LEO: Relax and be a little more tolerant. You will be in a mood to find fault with people who are dear to you; curb this habit. Extravagance can get the better Tarot message: Follow your instinct. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 30 VIRGO: Teamwork is the keynote of the day. Home life will be pleasant and cheerful. Older people may drum up a certain problem. Teamwork is important today. Tarot message: Draw on inner energies. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 64
LIBRA: Life is not always bed of roses. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land or property deal. Tarot message: Any confrontation needs to be managed with care Lucky colour: Royal-blue. Magic number: 59 SCORPIO: Let a project take its own time to materialise. You will be happy in the company of friends. Answer an invitation affirmatively. Tarot message: It is important to enjoy your dreams, but be sure you don’t play tricks on yourself. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 41 SAGITTARIUS: Relax; there is no work pressure at all. Friends will be easy-going and willing to Tarot message: Do not let Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 46 CAPRICORN: You will get an opportunity to become a member of an important club. Family affairs run along smoothly. Guard against mischievous interference. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 25 AQUARIUS: Love relations bubble with excitement. Making Tarot message: Win the war with honesty and not by distorting any facts. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 27 PISCES: Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should Tarot message: Trust your Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 43
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I have read the High Court's directive and agree with it. The court was shown the lyrics of the song Main Hun Balatkari before this decision. This measure has been long called for...nobody should have a right to stomp over our culture.
People should filter out their choices. If the songs are not a hit, the record labels wouldn't sign such singers. If Honey Singh's songs are played at every function and event, is it the singer's fault for coming up with more of such songs to please his fans?
It's not today’s debate; the purists have been voicing concerns about preservation of culture for a long time now. Everybody has to make efforts. The media can give less space to such artists and more to folk singers as well as poets. 
Invisible is the title of the film that Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt's most successful protégé Emraan Hashmi would star in, thereby ending speculations in a section of the press about Emraan being in two minds doing a project for the banner that kick started his career.
A song entitled Ishq ki Maa Ki so infuriated Shabana Azmi that she called up an FM channel playing the song. Says a source, Ishq ki Maa Ki was playing on a FM channel.When Shabana heard the number she immediately called up the radio jockey and demanded to know why such a song was being played. She also tweeted angrily against the song and the lyricist."
We have heard that Karishma Kapoor is not divorcing her husband Sanjay Kapur though they both have been estranged for years because she does not want him to stop footing the bills for her extravagant expenses. She does not want a one-off payment and is not setting him free. We hope this gets sorted out and they can get on with their lives. There is something called monthly alimony.
Survivor’s story
Sanjay
Dutt surrendered himself before the court and will now serve his 3.5 year
sentence. He has been allowed his own pillow and bed-sheet to use at jail but
has been denied electronic cigarettes. 
Harman Baweja: He made one of the most-hyped debuts in Bollywood telling everyone how he could shake a leg at par with Hrithik Roshan and the resemblance he shared with him. He tanked before one could even gasp for air. Bigger tanks like What's Your Raashee and Victory followed. Priyanka Chopra also dumped him and now he is apparently seeing Bipasha Basu.
Vivek Oberoi: He had a powerful launch and has delivered good performances. But he lost his fan following very early and besides a few good films his career tanked. Recently, his Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story flopped. He is busy with his married life and new baby now. A sheer waste of a good boy!
Abhishek Bachchan: He was the most awaited star to be launched as he is powerhouse performers Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan's son. His fan following was humongous in the initial years and people found him to be a 'cute, nice guy'. Junior AB gave 17 flops one after the other and yet he was signed by filmmakers. However, now he barely has one release a year. His next is Dhoom 3 but that will become a hit because of Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif. He was also sidelined by Hrithik Roshan in Dhoom 2. His other films are the Shootout and Dostana sequels. Overall, he has been a big disappointment.
Jackky Bhagnani: He looks like a better version of Uday Chopra and works really hard to maintain his physique. His films like Rangrezz and Kal Kissne Dekha and even Ajab Gazab Love have flopped and only FALTU did well. He is a sincere actor but lacks the spark and star presence. Lucky for him, his father Vashu Bhagnani unconditionally funds films for him.
Shashi Sumeet production’s serial Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsurat is now headed towards more drama. Actor Priti Amin is all set to make an entry, as Anisha in the show and is shown as the love interest of Rohit Khurana. 
Celebration time
The bubbly actress Aishwarya Sakhuja, who is known for her cool and carefree attitude, got very emotional while hosting Star Plus’ India’s Dancing Superstar (IDS). Aishwarya, who is deeply attached to the kids on the show, was heart-broken when she had to bid goodbye to some of the contestants. 
The buzz is that Apurva Agnihotri will be seen in Zee TV’s Badalte Rishton Ki Daastan. He has been approached for a cameo to up the quotient of the show. There were other actors in the contention too, but it seems Apurva has bagged the role. However, there has been no official announcement yet.
Role reversal