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Small is big!
There is a reason behind everything we do, largely of course, until you are a qualified swashbuckler! Talking about reasons, television actors too have their whims and fancies, which have brought them into the industry and are a reason enough for them to be here, as long as they can see it. Dressed up in a semi-desi attire; jeans, shirt, vasket and a look-alike of gamcha thrown around his neck, the doe-eyed TV actor Gaurav S Bajaj somewhere reminds us of Imran Khan from Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola.
“The only similarity is that I also play a Haryanavi character, nothing more than that,” he says. While his co-star Sukirti Kandpal takes times to doll up (tell us something new), Gaurav fills the space with his stories; Pretty interesting ones though. The lead pair of Life Ok’s Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai...Ajab Sa Risk Hai is in Chandigarh to talk about their new show, which has an interesting twist to it. Gaurav picks up the thread from here…his character on the show? “I play a Haryanvi boy Rajveer helping Simran, who is in love with him, adjust and get a clean-chit from his parents,” says Gaurav, whose attire says he is still in the character. We bet he has worked a lot on the accent given the fact that speaking chaste Haryanavi is not everyone’s cup of tea! Gaurav who credits his parents for encouraging him to take up acting has the answer already rolled up in his sleeve. He pulls it out neatly. “Unlike films, TV actors don’t get much time to work on their character. However, when I was told about my role and Haryanvi accent that I would be talking in, I read up a bit on the language. I observed an old gentleman who came to audition for a role in the same show; he was talking in Haryanvi and I picked it from there. Of course, then I worked on my diction; I would speak out the dialogues aloud when I was alone.” This indeed is a lot of work Gaurav! TV smells of competition even more than films. For an actor who works 17-18 hours in a day, dealing with it can be tough. He smiles; it is a been- there-doing-that situation for Gaurav! “Yes, there is competition and what one might call monotony, but then if you have to work here, you might as well come prepared for it,” he says. It is in-between the conversation that a pretty looking girl in dense curly hair walks in. She is wearing a white dress — a perfect shade for summer. Sukirti Kandpal plays Simran in Life OK’s show. Horribly late, the actress makes up for it with her charm and smile (this is all it takes). Sukirti is a known face on television and it is funny as well as startling to know her extreme fascination for curly locks. In fact, she does roles that go with the hair! Did you hear? “While I auditioned for the show, I liked the story completely but no compromises with my hair. If I straighten my hair I will look desi,” she says. Some dedication we see here. Sukirti gets many offers for films but she wants to do television. “TV has a bigger fan following; if I find anything good I would take it up.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Designer touch
With infinite opportunities in the world of fashion, fashion houses and institutes are leaving no stone unturned to add the best of talent to the industry. With this aim, the International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) is all set to hold its 6th annual fashion show — Lakshya 2013 — on Friday.
Kaushik Ghosh, the show director, during an interaction at the The Altius Hotel, Industrial Area, Phase II, Chandigarh, says, “We have come up with a very unique concept that has five international models including Margarita and Anaatasia; five Indian models, including Bobby Layal, and three male models.” Mentioning about the 60-feet ramp, which has been especially designed for the show, he says “The blending of music and lighting is very important; I have made sure that it gels perfectly. Being in Chandigarh, I have made use of more Sufi and Punjabi music.” Ginny Chawla, Owner, The Altuis, says, “It’s the best time to add a fashion show to the week of celebrations for our anniversary.” Talking about the show, Kawaljeet Singh, Director, IIFT, Mohali says, “The dresses that we have designed are for all occasions. In the fifteen rounds, ninety dresses will be displayed based on a variety of themes. Interestingly, the non-wearable line is made out of paper and polythene.” G S Sidhu, Director, Ambreen Infratech, one of the sponsors, has a word to share, “Nothing better than helping young talent get a reputed platform.” Coming to the students, some of them echo, “We have focused on styles that are wearable and more acceptable to people.” Each student will be displaying seven dresses on an average. While a few students have participated in the fashion show last year, some are very new. One thing that is not lacking though is loads of enthusiasm! (On Friday, at The Altius from 7 pm onwards)
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Vikram Nagpal calls himself a passionate coffee drinker. He can talk anything and everything that revolves around coffee. The man sitting next to him, Ankit Ahuja has been a regular at coffee joints, even though he doesn't vehemently call himself a dedicated fan. His interest along with Vikram's love for the beverage comes alive at the newly opened The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, India's first franchise at Elante Mall. Vikram Nagpal, the c-franchise owner CBTL, and Ankit Ahuja, co owner CBTL, can talk for hours, over a cuppa. India's first franchise outlet definitely is more than just coffee. Adds Vikram, "CBTL is about original tea and coffee flavours, which is why I decided to open a franchise." CBTL at Elante Mall throws open an array of choices and in case you have been stuck to cappuccino or latte for years, it's time you tried out options like sunrise orange (ice blended), pure vanilla, pure hazelnut, iced double chocolate latte, espresso macchiato, infused cappuccino and white chocolate dream latte. "The coffee at CBTL is exquisite as it takes 48 hours to take the extracts. They use 100 per cent Arabica beans," shares Vikram. Once you decided on your coffee, scroll through the menu for some delectable delights as well. Quality pasta, which is made fresh, English pancakes, lasagna, salads, American breakfast are a few things that will go well with your coffee. Well, if you are a tea drinker, this might interest you. CBTL gives you a choice in tea—flavoured black tea, vanilla ceytlon, tropical passion, green teas like jasmine dragon phoenix pearl and black tea are a few interesting options. If talking over a cup of coffee isn't your idea of fun, you can grab a book or even post updates on your Facebook. Adds Ankit, "We offer free wi-fi here, so while you have ordered for coffee, there are many things you can do rather than just waiting," smiles Ankit, who zeroes in on a must have Cia Bizza, "It is a pizza made with three layers of cheese."Try some.
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Muscle power
The lat muscles are used to maintain the spine's position through the golf swing and also affect the flexion of the shoulder. Tight lat muscles can lead to the loss of spinal posture when the arms are raised in the backswing and reduce the shoulder turn in both the backswing and the follow through.
The LAT test is a great way to evaluate the flexibility of the lat muscles. Stand against a wall and slide your body down against the wall so that the knees are just short of 90 degrees to the wall. This is like a half sitting position. Now, place a golf club between the lower back and the wall and press the club against the wall with your lower back so that the entire back is flush against the wall. There should be no gap (picture 1). Extend your arms in front of you with the elbows straight and the thumbs pointing upwards. Now lift the arms upwards ensuring that you do not bend from the elbows. See how far you can move the arms upwards. The PGA tour players would be able to touch the wall which would be measured as 180 degrees (picture 2). You could be anywhere between 120 degrees to 180 degrees. Failure or lack of the ability to the lift the arms could be because of inhibited lat muscles or lack of tight lat muscles could lead to extension or straightening of the back during the swing, a reverse spine angle, a short backswing, bending of the left elbow in the backswing (for right handed golfers). It could also lead to a 'S' posture and a flat shoulder turn. To improve the lat flexibility get onto a prayer position on a mat kneeling down and then moving the body back on to the heels (picture 3). Keeping one arm on the ground, lift the other as high as you can. Repeat the exercise with the other arm. This will improve the flexibility of the lat muscles.
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Wall to wall
No matter where all you go, nothing matches the cozy, welcoming ambience of a home. To make the home all the more welcoming, rather than spending on the exteriors, new ‘3-D’ wall-papers are in trend these days, especially among Ludhiana folks, which afford a perception of depth. Available in a variety of designs, textures and colours, these are the perfect accompaniments for the wall.
According to an interior design Vaneet, wall-papers can be used to cover all the walls of the house or restricted to one wall depending on the design and architecture of the house. “Once pasted and looked after, these may last for more than five years,” he says. “The 3-D designs give a perception of depth, whether it is stone-work, floral designs or anything else,” he adds. “The stone-wall design looks so real from a distance and the perception looks perfect,” shares Vinod, a resident. Neeru, another resident adds “Wall-papers are better, as one has to change the design and paint after a few years, so these can be added according to the latest trends in the market.” “Wall-papers also provide a certain ‘character’ to the wall. Apart from looking nice, these save money; you get wonderful ambience and texture at a much lesser cost,” says Rohit. “Plus you have the flexibility to easily change the wall-paper, whenever you want,” he adds. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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Of dreams & desires
Divya Dutta Yes, I love to be on the sets. The hustle bustle, the energy, the enthusiasm, the pace and yes the people around. I have realised whatever my state of mind is when I reach the sets and see the light boy shouting while putting the lights, the assistants rushing to the vanity to give the scene, the designers in a hurry to check the fitting, the make-up man saying, 'ma'am please get ready'. All that buzz, I feel good. It infuses life in me, that life buzzing with action literally. So many people from different backgrounds and different places come together to make a film. The man pushing the cameraman's trolley too, without whose correct timing, the shot doesn't get an okay from the director; this accumulated energy on the sets gives me a high. It is amazing to be a part of the process of making a movie. The feeling of being safe and looked after by the film unit is great. Why then do they call it the most insecure profession? As the day goes by, and the pack up is announced, I start seeing people individually and not as a unit, each with his own individual life to look after. Yes, I see a few upcoming actors come to meet the assistant directors, 'sir, koi kaam ho to bataana!' And yes those junior actors, who now act as props in the background. From a distance I see the producer flattering a star, 'sir for the next film, I will need your dates next year please'. All live a tough life, all trying to secure their insecure tomorrow when I see them individually. They are lonely somewhere, tired, exhausted. In spite of this, hopeful somewhere, at their own level, they all manage themselves for an unpredictable tomorrow, which they all think will fulfill their desires. They all return the next day with the same zest, same energy, forgetting their own tribulations and immersing into the passionate world of film making! This is why they call it the dream world. It also is the big bad world, comprising of broken dreams. I am so proud of all those bravehearts who love to live this life of dreams and of moments woven together! (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
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Project report
The Fashion Marketing and Management (FMM) students of Northern India Institute of Fashion (NIIFT) Mohali presented their final diploma projects at NIIFT, Mohali campus. The jury evaluating these projects comprised eminent personalities from leading organisations, including Nidhi Gill, manager, Fab India, Chandigarh, and Gaurav Kumar, GM, marketing merchandising, Winsome Knitwear.
FMM programme holds a diploma project presentation of the fourth semester students. The students work in conjunction with the known names of the industry for a period of three months and find out areas of concern thereby giving suggestions, implementing and helping the units to resolve the problems being faced by the factory or management.
Three months research work is scrutinized and monitored by the industry and faculty. Evaluation after every month results in giving refined work which provides practical solutions to industrial problems and also help in enhancing productivity. The students made 16 presentations which focused on different areas like enhancing production, developing processes to meet deadlines, reducing the high labour cost, reducing delay due to unskilled labour. —TNS
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A traditional wedding for Dia
Bollywood actress Dia Mirza might be missing from the big screen for a long time but time and again she hit the headlines for her appearance at fashion shows, product launch etc. Now, the beautiful damsel is making news for her impending marriage. Yes, it is true that Dia Mirza is going to get hitched to her longtime boyfriend businessman Sahil Sangha. Dia and Sahil are going strong in their relationship and decided to take their relationship to the next level. In various occasions, Diya is spotted with Sahil. The duo has decided to exchange wedding vows early next year. About her wedding plans, she says, "Yes, I'm getting married to Sahil early next year. That's what we have decided as of now, unless we get too busy with our films." Mirza stated it will be a traditional wedding, "I will get married early next year. It will be a close knit traditional wedding. The boy is from Delhi, I'm from Hyderabad, but we live in Mumbai, so I don't know where the wedding will take place. But it'll be traditional." Dia will continue acting after marriage, she avers, "Of course. I think that the audience in India has evolved. The way we perceive women at large—whether in the media, entertainment or corporate industry, has changed. There was a time when an air hostess could not continue with work after marriage or a multinational bank would not be keen on hiring a married woman, fearing lack of commitment. That has changed." Speaking about Sahil's good quality, she quips, "I like Sahil's honesty. He's a very honest person, and that's one thing I also dislike about him sometimes because, there are times when you don't want to hear certain things. Like if I ask, 'Have I put on weight?' he says 'Yes'. To this, I'll be like 'No, don't tell me that. Just say I'm perfect'," She added. Speaking about her relationship with Sahil, she says, "Once you're in a secure and committed relationship, you know that marriage is inevitable. What's important is for me to give Sahil the time and space he requires to take his decision. I know that whenever he decides for us to get married, will be the right time," Dia who is 31 and looks young, says, "I do a lot of yoga.”
Tragedy works
Tragic movies are doing well at the box office. Take the case of Aashiqui 2 which has grossed nearly Rs 65 crore and is breaking all records. The hero dies in the movie. Even Rockstar had a tragic story and it did well at the BO along with Ishaqzaade which was released last year.
Ranbir bounces back
Ranbir Kapoor went through a quick but important surgery last week to remove a cyst from his chest. He is also nursing a back injury. He put the surgery behind him and is back promoting Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani all over the place with Deepika Padukone.
Aamir speaks Bhojpuri
Believe it or not but Aamir Khan has no Hindi dialogues in Rajkumar Hirani's PeeKay and he speaks only in Bhojpuri which explains his funny clothes. His character is a Bhojpuri. This is interesting and Aamir can pull off anything!
Prithviraj’s plan
Bollywood bonanza
I love the unpredictability in my career in Bollywood. It is a challenge to start from the scratch and I am up for it. I have no baggage of stardom as yet. I just want to act and not get into production though I have a successful production and distribution unit in Kerala.
Proud legacy
My father Sukumaran did 504 films and he was an English professor with degrees in mathematics and political science. I do not think there has been another actor who was also an accomplished academician. I feel very proud of my surname in the credit roll. I got my first film because of my surname then my achievements followed.
Family time
Except for my wife Supriya, everybody in my family has a filmy connection. When we meet we make it a point not to discuss films and talk about something else. We meet like a regular family...we laugh, discuss life, entertain each other and such.
Viaan turns one
Kiran’s take on life
Kiran Rao is Aamir Khan's wife but she has her own identity. She talks about her brand of movies, being a wife, mother and a presenter.
Enjoying motherhood Motherhood changes you much before the baby comes. Azad has made me a patient person. Motherhood has enriched and fulfilled me. I can no longer work day and night but it helps that Aamir is in the same profession. He is very understanding and supportive. I still look at films in the same way. I have always been opinionated and have a personal filter for everything, so that is the same. Balancing act I conduct all my meetings with producers, directors, and distributors at my Bandra residence in the afternoon after Azad goes to sleep. So far it has been fine. By the time I get busier with work, Azad would have grown up. Becoming a presenter It all began when I saw The Ship of Theseus at the Russian Cultural Centre and I waited to meet the director, Anand Gandhi. I was completely bowled over by the film which is about a blind photographer. I shook his hand for nearly five minutes. I did not know blind people could take pictures. He asked me for help regarding its distribution. I convinced Zarine Mehta and Ronnie Screwvala to see the film and they loved it and now we are distributing it together. We have a platform for niche films now because the audience wants diverse films. Reaching out It helps that I am well-read and well-connected and that Aamir Khan is my husband. More people like me should come forward. The time has come to create opportunities for fresh and newer talent and innovative films. Opportunities have to be created, they do not come out of the blue. Women power I know that usually it is said that women directors can appease critics but not the box office but look at Farah Khan and Reema Kagti. Even many male filmmakers cannot manage both, so I do not think it has anything to do with the gender. A good film is a good film whether it is made by a man or a woman. Women filmmakers are not rigid but we think differently than men and that may or may not translate on screen. There are few women directors and the majority is men so there is more comparison and analysis between women.
Aishwarya dazzles at Cannes
On day 7th of the Cannes Film Festival, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan walked the Cannes red carpet in teal blue Gucci gown with a pop of pink lips. Aishwarya scored high in her ultra glam look. Her one shoulder satin gown with pink lip-licks impressed one and all at the premiere of the film Behind the Candelabra. She kept her smile simple and make-up minimal. Her hair was neatly tied at the top.
She looked perfect in Elie Saab and Sabyasachi's creation on the day 3rd and 4th. She also wore Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla's designed anarkali. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who is a brand ambassador of cosmetic brand L'Oreal Paris has walked the red carpet for AMFAR several times in the past. This is her 12th year in Cannes and the actress is quite thrilled about the achievement. Thumbs up from us!
French sojourn
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Rubina eager for new innings
After playing the role of Choti Bahu, Rubina Dilaik is back on the tube with a new role. She will be seen in Punar Vivaah 2. She talks about the new role.
What is your new role like? My character Divya comes from a small town and supports her family. She is interested in drama and theatre since childhood. She explores her acting career, but then leaves for Mumbai for a better future. She also leaves her love Raj behind and then ten years later returns to her hometown. Will your look mainly be in salwar kamez? Yes; but modern style. I am glad after the sari look in Choti Bahu, I will be seen in a different look. At times we might even try more glamorous outfits. Were you anxious at all while taking up the role? No. When I heard the script I knew I had to do it. Divya is totally opposite of Radhika, which is what I was looking for. Unlike a season, casting new actors, getting a new story, while keeping the rest of the setup the same, might start a new trend. What’s your take? Perhaps; this concept is not like seasons wherein the actors and storyline remain almost the same, having just moved forward in time. We have a new cast and a new story. Let’s see how it goes. Is this the first time that you will be doing a show without your boyfriend Avinash? Yes. It is a huge coincidence that both of us got new shows almost at the same time. He too has a good project in hand. We both hope we will be able to work together in the future.
Comeback couple
We had earlier heard that Abbas and Preeti shared a good off-screen chemistry too. No wonder, the pair brought so many colours and emotions to television screens. It’s sure to bring cheer to the viewers who were avid fans of Lapataganj! — HRM
Birthday blues
Brother-sister reunion
It was destiny that brought Sumeet and Nikita together after thirteen year. Sumeet came on STAR Plus’ India’s Dancing Superstar show to fulfil his dreams, but little did he know that he would actually unite with his real sister. The two were separated a few years back when they lost their mother. Sumeet’s father who is a bus cleaner left her in the care of his maternal grandmother in Mumbai as a memory of his lost wife. Nikita who happened to watch the show recognized Sumeet and then contacted him.
A helping hand for mothers
The much-loved Mummy Ka Magic show is back on air with Season 5 on FOODFOOD, food and lifestyle channel. Based on the concept of helping mothers create healthy and mouth-watering dishes for fussy kids of all ages, this season, the show airs every Friday at 1:30 pm. The show is being hosted by the charismatic Amrita Raichand, who also teaches the styling of food that would appeal to the kids.
Wonderful travel memoirs
The fun, drama and masti in the spicy Bollywood masala movie Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (YJHD) has a new address — FOX Traveller. Catch up with the witty Ranbir, funny Aditya, spontaneous Kalki and vivacious Deepika on Journeys with Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani — making of the movie on May 27, 2013 at 10 pm with a repeat telecast over the week. From late march last year, the FOX Traveller team toured with the crew of YJHD to document Ranbir’s tryst with the camera — since he is playing Bunny, a FOX Traveller videographer in this film.
The making of the movie is no less a pot-boiler with all the fun, confessions, star secrets and humorous moments between the cast and crew of Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.
Cricket buddies
Recently, Ranbir Kapoor came on Star Plus’ show Pyaar ka Dard Hain for the promotion of his upcoming movie Yeh Jawani hai Deewani. The actor was extremely friendly with Aditya aka Nakuul Mehta. It seems both the talented actors have played a lot of cricket when they were in college.
The actors, who met through college friends, had a great time catching up on their college days and the hours they spent while playing cricket. This is not all; Nakuul acted as a good host and took care of Ranbir, making him feel comfortable during the shoot. “We had a great time catching up. It had been long since we met. It’s always great to catch up with old friends,” said Nakuul. Ranbir will be seen playing Aditya’s friend Bunny on the show and will help him in giving Pankhuri a surprise on her first birthday after their marriage. Catch Ranbir Kapoor promoting Yeh Jawani hai Deewani on Pyaar ka Dard Hain on May 27 at 10 pm only on Star Plus.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Avoid getting involved with demanding social issues. It will be the minor pinpricks that provoke you. Workers in the factories will cause a number of delays. Home life will cause some interference. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky
colour: Red. TAURUS: Your card ‘Four of Wands’ promises an excellent day. Do not feel guilty about taking time out to look after your well-being - both mental and physical. Preventing health problems is better than treating them. GEMINI: Charm, diplomacy, respect and cooperation are far better attributes to employ while dealing with people if you want positive results. Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should be contained. Tarot message: Do what is right. Lucky
colour: Pink. CANCER: Be prepared for multiple invitations to social events and gatherings. Your family will be hosting a big get-together to renew the spirit of the clan. Turn your attention to jobs that gives you an opportunity to make the best of you. Tarot message: Listen to youngsters’ advice. Lucky colour: Royal-blue. Magic number: 36 LEO: Catching up with work at home will help. Now is the time to distinguish clearly between wants and needs. Your desires seem to have no end, but your bank account will dry up before your wants. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Cream. VIRGO: A healthy competitive instinct can be harnessed for greater accomplishment. Stick to what you know and do your best. There will be trouble brewing in the family that can benefit from a sensible voice of reason. Tarot message: A quick mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 64
LIBRA: Make the best of what must be done quickly and effectively. A chance encounter
with an ex-flame will revive old memories. Do not lose your temper. A hectic evening is likely for teenagers. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will-power. Lucky colour: Saffron. SCORPIO: You should give a serious thought to your business. Decisions that need to be made, especially involving your career, should not be put off. You have the clear-headedness and courage to bite the bullet. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Grey. SAGITTARIUS: A major domestic purchase can be made with confidence, but will not be available until next week. Be patient, even though you want it immediately. Students: you can be successful in your written tests. CAPRICORN: Put knowledge into practice or learn how to do something better. Working women: be careful while dealing with clients. Children will enjoy the company of their parents.
Tarot message: Plan your life better and avoid delays. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 29 AQUARIUS: Your card is “Fortune” so this can be a good day on the financial front. Try your luck at speculative possibilities. Women between the age group of 40-45 - take care of your health. Tarot message: Use careful judgment while handling issues involving property. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 61 PISCES: Schedule a group meeting today. Selling big goals will seem unrealistic. If you shoot for what you really want, it just might happen. Businessmen: think twice before signing a new deal. Tarot message: Work could pose minor difficulties, but don’t worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels.Magic number: 55
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