Love’s crazy 
Friendship, love and ambition rule this urban love story with a rustic flavour titled 
Crazy Stupid Ishq, channel V’s  latest show…
Mona

Harsh Rajput and Aneri Vajani
Two’s COmpany: Harsh Rajput and Aneri Vajani

Two boys, two girls out to chase their dreams and then love happens…this is channel V’s upcoming show Crazy Stupid Ishq! On Friday, Harsh Rajput and Aneri Vajani, two of the leads, came calling to Chandigarh to talk about their show.

Actor speak

Harsh Rajput plays Ishann, a cute, charming boy out to reach his dreams via shortcuts. It’s money that matters to him the most; love, well, has no place in his life to begin with. It is the second time that Harsh plays a character named Ishaan; he was Ishaan in soap Hitler Didi too.

He lands in Crazy Stupid Ishq after many commercials, some telefilms and a few serials, including Prithvi Raj Chauhan. He is enthused to play Ishaan for he is a charming guy and no one can be upset from him for long. The character is grey and Harsh enjoys playing it. “Ishaan is what Harsh is not. Ishaan worships money, not Harsh and while Ishaan is no believer in love, I totally am,” says the twenty-five-year old. “As an actor the challenge is to enact a role in different shades and I love it. I also enjoy the young, vibrant team at channel V. It feels at home!”

Telly tale

Aneri Vajani plays Shnaaya, a diva just back from the US, daughter of a superstar who aims to be a rockstar. Love does not figure in her ‘to- do’ list but things change over time. Aneri who has acted in the soap Kali, is only too happy that she no more needs to be wrapped up in sari and tons of make-up as well as jewellery like her earlier outing as an actor. She was all set to be an interior designer, when by chance she moved towards the entertainment industry. “I am cool with telly; if movies come along good, even if not, I am happy,” says the girl.

Talking love

Pallavi Shukla, creative supervisor with V, is happy with the response to Crazy Stupid Ishq. “V made a move from being a music channel to General Entertainment Channel that aims to target the young. “We aspire to be the voice of the young,” says Pallavi.

Love is a bestseller everywhere, she maintains, the USP of this show, however, is that four youngsters search for their identity. “You choose a different path, you land up at different places.”

(It goes on air from May 27)

A stitch in time
Bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawalla has a long list of fans, including B-Town celebs. We get up, close and personal with him…
Mona

Dr Muffazal Lakdawalla
WEIGHTY ISSUES: Dr Muffazal Lakdawalla

For Dr Muffazal Lakdawalla it was the case of being at the right place at the right time. When others saw no future for Bariatric Surgery, he took it up and is today a successful name in the field.

The who’s who of India’s political and glamour world rely on Dr Muffazal, popularly known as Dr Muffi, for weight loss, and it’s just not for better looks; reasons vary from being diabetic, hypertensive and suffering from sleep apnea. The surgery helps in knocking off about 80 per cent of the excess weight.

He enjoys a celebrity status and has treated the likes of Venkaiah Naidu, Nitin Gadkari and Salman Khan’s mother Salma! “I can’t disclose the other names, for most still like to keep it confidential,” says Dr Muffi, Director and Chief Bariatric Surgeon, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon. He opens up over a cup of ice tea at JW Marriott in Chandigarh on Friday.

His connection with Punjab runs deep. “I guess I have done the first 100 bariatric surgeries in Punjab,” says the doctor. Why go for a surgery for weight loss, why not exercise and eat healthy is the question he encounters everywhere. He shares the answer, “Sometimes that is the best option,” says Dr Muffi.

What he specialises is in Single Incision (Scarless) Laparoscopic Surgery. “It is very popular in Asia for the scarring is barely visible. You can happily flaunt a bikini in the year to follow and nobody would ever come to know if there was ever a surgery.”

Often it’s the yoga gurus who get the credit for Dr Mufi’s wonders because weight loss surgery is till a stigma in our society. Although we would like to differ, the truth is that there is a social prejudice against the obese. How much chance a 100-kg girl has to get married, we all know…so this doctor is extremely popular with women and often has pictures sent by his patients, who would refuse to get clicked earlier.

Dr Muffi also comes across tough cases such as this 13-year-old from Agra who weighed 135 kg. Dr Muffi refused to begin with. “The boy already had hypertension. No amount of therapy or procedures worked and he only gained in the year to come. When there seemed no option, I did treat him when he was 14,” shares the doctor.

That was the youngest person he treated, the oldest being 78. And, he does way more than weight loss surgeries; cancer surgery of the pancreas through a laparoscope is another thing he specializes in. Success makes him want to give back to society and for this his set-up holds awareness seminars among the young on the value of right eating and exercising.

He addresses another popular concern about weight loss surgeries — the oft reported loss of calcium, vitamins and iron. “Well, these deficiencies are common, in fact, even if you had them before the surgery the follow-up nutritional sessions take care of that.”

While bariatric surgery is a very skilled procedure, Dr Muffi has his moments of fun. “Patients show up with post surgery ‘complication’ like ‘earlier that I was heavy people would look at me, now nobody notices’ to ‘I used to have four dosas earlier, I can’t do that anymore!’”

mona@tribunemail.com

Classical approach
Kuchipudi danseuse Shallu Jindal, ready to launch the Jindal Centre for Performing Arts, believes good remuneration is a must to promote classical arts…
Jasmine Singh

Shallu Jindal
IN STEP: Shallu Jindal

Arthur Ashe was one of the best tennis players from the US, winning titles and a strong fan base; he had everything one could ask for, but the tennis player believed in giving back to society what he got, as he said, ‘from what we get, we can make a living, whatever we give, however, makes a life’. Soft spoken, pronouncing every word with a delicate touch, Shallu Jindal, the kuchipudi danseuse, believes in a similar philosophy.

She is grateful to god for everything he has bestowed on her and her family, and she now wants to distribute this love and care; give back to society through her contribution to not only promoting but also preserving the rich classical heritage of the country. Shallu plans to promote kuchipudi dance form in the northern region. She talks about The Jindal Centre for Performing Arts, a project close to her heart, and getting the present generation to like the classical art forms.

Noble aim

Shallu Jindal, who was recently given the International Women’s Day award under category of ‘Dance’ (IWD award) by ICUNR (Indian Council for UN Relations), says dance brightens her soul. “This is my passion and meditation. I have been doing kuchipudi for the last twelve years and now I want to share this beautiful art form with those want to learn it,” says Shallu, moving to her dream project, The Jindal Centre for Performing Arts.

“The centre will be operational in Delhi from next year. The aim behind the project is to not only promote kuchipudi but other dance forms as well,” she says. The centre will have various other disciplines as well. “Hindustani vocal, instrumental disciplines, Bollywood dance, Jazz, Latin American, there is a lot of amalgamation and fusion happening in dance forms. In addition, we will have scholarships for underprivileged kids who want to learn classical dance. The students will get training in this and thereafter they can go out and make something good for themselves,” adds Shallu.

The old & the new

With the younger generation seemingly not keen on classical arts, she completely believes in bridging the gap. “I have performed kuchipudi on English poems. I want to promote our heritage both nationally and internationally.” Shallu who is also currently working on a book for children and will help them understand India through English alphabets, feels every creative art requires dedication and honesty. “We can generate interest in the children so that they understand and like the art form.”

Support structure

Shallu was drawn to the dance from her early days and was initiated into Kuchipudi by her Gurus, Padma Bhushans Raja-Radha and Kaushalya Reddy, whom she encountered through a chance meeting, probably conspired by ‘providence’ itself, at the lotus-laden feet of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati.

She doesn’t deny the fact the fact that the government should be more encouraging towards the art forms. “Many don’t see much money in this; they don’t take it up as a profession and keep it to only a passion,” she adds. More dance festivals and a good remuneration can go a long way in promoting the classical art forms, believes Shallu.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Nothing negative about him
Actor Romeo, after essaying a role in Dabangg, is all set for an innings in Pollywood with Yaar Mera Rab Varga. We find out more...
Amarjot Kaur

All those who have seen the film Dabangg would probably recollect his screen presence while he battled it out with Salman Khan in the first scene, where he essayed the role of a bank robber. If you skipped his name in the movie credits, well, the actor Romeo is now on his way to making it big in the Punjabi film industry as he spills the beans about his new venture and the ones that are in the pipeline. “I made my debut in the Bollywood film Kisan, which was released under the banner of Sohail Khan Production and then I chose to essay a negative role in Dabangg,” begins Romeo as he traces the events that lead him towards his acting career.

“While I was acting in Kisan, Jeetu, who is now producing the film, Yaar Mera Rab Varga, acknowledged my potential as an actor and offered me a role in the film. Since I am a Punjabi, I was more than happy to take up this film, which highlights the value of friendship. I am playing the role of the godfather of a drug nexus in Punjab,” he says. Since the beginning of his career, Romeo has always taken up negative roles because according to him it gives him more avenues to explore while he experiments with the character. “When you play a negative role, you can infuse more shades of black and grey to your character. A negative role requires more effort in terms of improvising and as an actor I love to experiment with my roles as well as the character that I play,” he says.

Romeo is also charged up about another of his up and coming films, “I am also working on another project, which is a Punjabi film called Jee Karda. While Yaar Mera Rab Varga will release in July, Jee Karda will be releasing in August and it has a very different storyline. In Jee Karda, my character has many layers as I play the role of a nice guy in the beginning, but circumstances and situations make him turn into a negative character.”

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Punjabi Scope
Full of golmaal!
Jasmine Singh

Film: Jatts in Golmaal
Star cast: Arya Babbar, Sameksha Singh, Binnu Dhillon, Gurpreet Ghuggi, B N Sharma, Jaswinder Bhalla, Karamjit Anmol, Sardar Sohi, Harpreet Johal and Veena Malik

Director: Kshitij Chaudhary

Rating: ***

Jatt… the word breeds familiarity. It is the word that brings the audiences to the theatre. It is the same word that is either being used as a prefix and suffix in various titles. Sadly, though this isn’t the word that decides the fate of the film. Jatts in Golmaal starring Aarya Babbar, Sameksha Singh, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Jaswinder Bhalla, Binnu Dhillon, BN Sharma has the jatts going round and round (as per the story).

Directed by Kshitij Chaudhary, the movie offers some punches which are heard after a long time. The credit for this goes to Naresh Kathooria, the man behind the story, screenplay and dialogues. The dialogues and situations can take you to the recent past, somewhere to Carry On Jatta days, however, it soon pulls you back. The story of Jatts in Golmaal is nothing different. Nevertheless, it manages to evoke great laughter.

As far as direction goes, Kshitij has tried to extract maximum from the actors, who are, of course, seasoned in their respective fields. JIG has Aarya in the lead role, Sunny, who failed in eighth standard and now wishes to go abroad. Now, does this sound different? The only difference that has come is in Aarya Babbar’s acting. From Virsa, Yaar Anmulle, he has definitely grown as an actor. We could have talked about the leading lady of the film Samiskha Singh had we seen her a wee bit more. The rest of the cast, which includes Binnu Dhillon, BN Sharma, Jaswinder Bhalla, Karamjit Anmol are at their comic best. Binnu Dhillon, known to bring about a difference in his character, brings something new to Titto Don as well. Gurpreet Ghuggi as Jugnu has again done what he is best at, comedy.

If a movie is all about individual performances, then all seems well. Because Jatts in Golmaal lacks a storyline and it takes on its own path beyond the control of the director. And while it does so, an item number picturised on Veena Malik appears from nowhere. The music of the film is not catchy enough. Save for the actors, the punches, the bang on dialogues, and a seemingly fine direction, Jatts in Golmaal could have had some more maal to do with.

Aarya Babbar & Veena Malik >>

first-day-first show
Action & reaction

Fast & Furious 6
Written by Chris Morgan and directed by Justin Lin, Fast and Furious is the sixth instalment of the Fast and the Furious film series. The film stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Michelle Rodriguez, Sung Kang, Chris Bridges, Luke Evans, Gina Carano and John Ortiz. Fast & Furious 6 follows a professional criminal gang led by Dominic Toretto (Diesel) who have retired following their successful heist in Fast Five (2011), but remain fugitives. US Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) offers to clear the group's criminal records and allow them to return home in exchange for helping him to take down a skilled mercenary organisation led by Owen Shaw (Evans) and his second-in-command, Dominic's presumed-dead lover Letty Ortiz (Rodriguez).

Hitting the roof

Considering the first five instalments of the series, this one has taken the action and adventure to the next level and it is inevitably interesting and pulse pounding. I loved the movie. It’s a must watch. Though all the characters in the film are amazing, I loved Shaw’s character the most.

Ridhima Arora, student

Better than the best

The film features some of the most amazing action sequences and the humour that tickles your ribs till they hurt. I am a fan of the Fast And Furious series and this one is fascinating. Moreover, Vin Diesel makes one go weak in the knees with his acting and stunts. This is the best that the movie series have offered so far.

Karthik Aggarwal, student

Ten thumbs up

If ‘full power’ was the word that could express the magnitude of my liking for this film then I would possibly scream it out loud from the roof tops. I totally love the film and the characters, including the storyline. The action scenes are the best that anyone has ever seen before.

Siddharth Sharma, student

Hum Hai Raahi Car Ke 

Directed and produced by Jyotin Goel, the film, Hum Hai Rahi Car Ke is a series of comic misadventures and thrilling actions. With Sanjay Dutt, Anupam Kher, Juhi Chawla and Chunky Pandey in the lead roles, the film is the story of two best friends, who on one New Year's night, decide to travel from Mumbai to Pune. But a trip that should only take a couple of hours lasts all night due to the wacky events, which keep them on the road. In the end, they realise they love each other, but all the way, the plain lunacy makes a routine journey into an unforgettable barrel of laughter.

Well begun is undone

Frankly, the movie could have qualified for a good comic saga infused with much adventure and thrill, but it completely goes haywire after the good start. I was enjoying the movie in the beginning, only to be confused and a little disappointed when it got over. It is not that interesting a watch.

Sunaina Vashisht, student

Disappointing plot

Though the actors tried to pull off the film rather swiftly, but the plot of the film fails to hold the interest of the audience. I did not like the film much. They could have done better with the storyline.

Tushar Bhardwaj, Student

As told to Amarjot Kaur

Essence of an artist

Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi is going to screen a film on eminent artist S H Raza, The Very Essence, directed by Laurent Bregeat on May 26. The Akademi has started a new programme to show films on art and artists, twice a month.

The film is produced by Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Art) New Delhi, based on the idea by Ashok Vajpeyi, Raissa Padamsee and others. Shot in India and France, the film looks at various stages of Raza's artistic journey beginning from his village to Indore to Mumbai to France and back to India. Raza talks about his mentors, the artists whom he looked up to, his day in Paris and his philosophy apart from the creative aspects of his work. The duration of the film is about 50 minutes. — TNS

At 11.30 am at the Auditorium of Government Museum and Art Gallery-10

star track
Spreading light…

Deepika Padukone has a certain confidence. She knows what she is talking about and she knows where her life is headed. She is on a hit spree, with Race 2 being a blockbuster, Cocktail working mainly because of her, and some big releases in the pipeline starting with Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. She talks about Ranbir Kapoor, her social responsibilities, maturity, family and more.

Romancing Ranbir

We were dating during Bachna Ae Haseeno and we were both new, so the film did not do justice to us as a couple and it just came and went. We really got to know each other as actors during YJHD and Ranbir is so supportive and spontaneous. We are comfortable with each other and have an understanding because we have been in a relationship before. He allows me to take more time for a shot and I really do not know when and where he prepares for his shots.

Friends forever

We became friends and actors in 2007 and we are very thick friends today. I take a lot of pride in his success and I love seeing the way his career graph has soared. We are there for each other and we are closer than we have ever been! I know people do not get this but it works for us.

Constructive criticism

Criticism can tell you your shortcomings and how to grow from them. But it does not tell you how to overcome them. That we have to figure out for ourselves. Criticism can vary from person to person, so I have decided to work hard and not let negativity affect me. I always give a hundred per cent to my films and work.

On the spotlight

I still cannot handle the limelight. I am learning everyday. I am much wiser now. Earlier, I used to get a 10 on 10 reacting to rumours but now my reaction is down to 2. All this stuff is temporary because the film's release and success is what matters in the end.

Social responsibility

It is my responsibility to contribute towards the funding of the electricity in Ambegaon in Maharashtra. The idea is to educate children and spread light in our country. My family names are all about light: Ujjwala, Prakash, Anisha, and Deepika. My parents watch my films and my mom is the most objective. I always choose my films on my own.

No wedding bells for Sallu
Salim Khan denies Salman's marriage rumour

Salman Khan's father and ace scriptwriter Salim Khan finally put the rumour of Salman Khan's marriage to rest. He dismissed the rumour of Salman Khan's impending wedding to Romanian TV actress Iulia Vantur. He said, "Kuch nahin, there is nothing to it! Absolutely nothing!"

When asked about the presence of Iulia Vantur in Salman's life he added, "He meets thousands of people because of his work and travel. The girl you are talking about is a friend! It's nothing that serious."

Ever since Salman Khan was spotted with Iulia Vantur at a suburban five star where the Romanian beauty was putting up, rumour started to do the rounds that Salman is considering marriage and he is quite serious about this girl. It is also claimed that the hunk knew the girl for the last two years and they have been in constant touch. During her short stay in India, Sallu gave her company after his film shoot.

A source quoted as saying, "Bhai is extremely serious about his new girlfriend and she has been in his life for around two years but no one had got any wind of it. He is now being open about his relationship with her and people who are close to him are aware of her existence in his life. In fact, everyone is suggesting to Salman to get married to her, however, he is being mum about his plans."

Salman Khan in the past dated actresses like Sangeeta Bijlani, Somy Ali, Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif but unfortunately none of his relationship led to marriage. Salman in an interview said that he is to be blamed for his failed relationships while his father Salim Khan said in an interview that all the girls, Salman had relationship in the past, ditched him for their career. Well, we hope he finds his life partner soon!

<< Single status Salman Khan

Amit’s idea of love

Amit Sadh made his debut in Kai Po Che which was all about friendship. The audience took notice of him and the movie was a big hit! He talks about his own friends, friendship, and romance.

Faithfully yours

I will love my girl so much and I would love to gift the world to her. I do not feel that girls are materialistic if they like gifts as gifts are expressions of love. I would love giving my girl all my heart, time and love. I have been with some wonderful women and had great times with them.

Friendly nature

I am very close to my friends and my life would be incomplete without them. I have different groups of friends. I am honest and blunt and cannot fake being nice. Yet, I treat people with respect and care. Sometimes my family does not approve of my friends but that is fine. We just have a habit in India to judge other people but we must let them be because everybody has their own journey and are learning.

Romantic gestures

It has been a while since I was romantic. Being romantic for me is being genuine, loving, being there for the person, and being faithful. Being chivalrous is important too. It is important to hold the door open for a lady and listen to her while on a date instead of yapping. Women like chivalrous men a lot.

Dad’s the way

Shruti Hassan Shruti Haasan plays a commercial sex worker in D-Day and had to sport a scar on her face and look a bit ugly. She waited for her father Kamal Haasan's last word on the subject because of his expertise in make-up and prosthetics.

Babu in Bollywood

After Ram Charan Teja, Prithviraj and Dhanush, another southern star is set to make Bollywood debut. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu is all set to venture into Bollywood with Go Goa Gone director duo Krishna DK-Raj Nidumoru's upcoming film. Mahesh Babu, who was recently seen in a Cola ad, will start shooting for the movie early next year.

"Post Go Goa Gone, Raj and DK are set to start another film, a rom-com this time, featuring Saif Ali Khan and Ileana D'Cruz in lead roles. Once they wrap that up, they will start on Mahesh's film. All three of them have already had discussions about it. In essence, everything is in place right now," says an industry insider.

"We are doing a film with Mahesh Babu. We were in talks with him since six months. It is an action-comedy film. It is not a remake of any south film, it is an original subject," says Raj. The makers are now in search of the leading lady opposite Mahesh. They have not yet decided whether they will cast a new face or established star opposite Mahesh Babu.

This untitled film will be made in two languages—Hindi and Telugu. The film is likely to be an action movie of international standard. "In all likelihood, it will be made in two languages, Hindi and Telugu," says an insider. Right now, Mahesh is finishing his Telugu projects, Seetamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and Baadshah. "By the time he wraps up his Telugu films, Raj and DK will also finish their movie with Saif. Other details like the leading lady are yet to be finalised. —HRM

Tears of awe

Mahesh & Pooja Bhatt  Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt saw BA Pass during the week and they were so stunned by the movie and subject that they cried after watching the film and posed with the cast and crew members to capture the memories. How wonderful!

all praise: Mahesh & Pooja Bhatt 

Sailing away

Siddharth Roy Kapur & Kiran Rao Kiran Rao, Siddharth Roy Kapur and Anand Gandhi were present at the launch of The Ship of Theseus at a suburban multiplex on Wednesday. The film has won various accolades at film festivals around the world. Kiran and UTV are presenting it so that it finds a market and audience because they were bowled over by the film.


Siddharth Roy Kapur & Kiran Rao

Picture perfect

Sonam Kapoor & yushmann Khurrana Sonam Kapoor is getting along with Ayushmann Khurrana. They posed for a goofy picture during the shooting of Nupur Asthana's romantic comedy and posted the picture on Twitter. They look cute together and we are looking forward to the film.






Sonam Kapoor & yushmann Khurrana

chatter box
Look who is here

The cast of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. After many celebrities appearing on Sab TV's Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, now veteran actor Dharmendra will be seen on the show. Producer Asit Modi revealed that the senior actor told him that he loved their show and would like to visit them.



Star-studded: The cast of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

On board

Zarina Wahab, who has a vast experience on the big screen, will soon be back to television with yet another meaty role. After her stint with Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli years back, the actress will now be seen entering Colors' popular show, Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon.

As per the ongoing track, RK (Vivian Dsena) and Madhu (Drashti Dhami) are on the verge of getting remarried. However, there is some major drama in store for the viewers at the end of the wedding, wherein a big revelation related to Sultan (Avinesh Rekhi) will come to the fore. And if sources are to be believed, Sultan will now be the crux of the story, and will start to control the lives of RK and Madhu.

The buzz doing rounds is that Zarina Wahab has been roped in to play the mother of Sultan, and she will have a very powerful part to play.

When contacted, Zarina Wahab confirmed this piece of news saying, "Yes, I have signed the contract papers. However, I am going abroad for a short trip and will be back on 1 June . And only after that will I be able to start my shoot for Madhubala. I have no details regarding my role though." Zarina's entry is slated to happen in a big way post the IPL.

Back with a bang

It's a treat for the fans of Ravi Dubey and Aishwarya Sakhuja as the popular duo will be seen together on Star Plus' India's Dancing Superstar. Ravi Dubey will be making a debut as a host on the show.

The actor is happy and excited to be back on television in a different avatar. When contacted Ravi Dubey said, "My fans wanted to see me and Aishwarya together and thanks to India's Dancing Superstar we are coming back. I am extremely excited to host the show and wanted to become an anchor from a long time." Watch Aishwarya Sakhuja and Ravi Dubey host India's Dancing Superstar from June 1 every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm.

Reel life mom

Barkha Bisht will return to television with Parvarrish. She will play the role of Pinky, replacing Rupali Ganguly in the process. She is excited about being back on the telly tube.

Why did you choose Parvarrish?

I love the concept of the show and my role in it. As I am a mother myself in real life, it would be fun.

Wouldn't playing mother to a 18- year- old affect your career?

Not at all, actresses play older roles all the time. And the girl who is playing the role isn't 18 but 15. The roles are made to make believe and as an actor it's my job.

You did some Bengali films in between?

Yes I did three of them. And one of them, The Villian will release soon. I really enjoyed working in these movies. And now I am also looking forward to my role in Ram Leela.

But why not focus on films?

I love TV and it's my comfort zone. I have been here and done some good work. Sure, films are wonderful and I have enjoyed myself.

Pen drive

Sriti Jha aka Ganga of Balika Vadhu loves to read literature and recently she is inspired by Ganga's character and her struggle.

But what most people don't know is that she wrote a poem on Ganga which was appreciated by production unit and was used in the serial. 

Wedding bells

Arjun Bijlani of Dil Mill Gaye fame got married to his girlfriend Neha Swami. He had a grand sangeet celebration, wedding followed by a grand reception at a five star hotel. Many friends were present.

The Apprentice comes to Asia

After four seasons of The Amazing Race Asia, AXN returns yet again with another made-in-Asia-for-Asia Original Production in May 2013—The Apprentice Asia. Filmed in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the Asian adaptation of the US reality series is based on the format created by reality TV guru Mark Burnett (The Voice, Survivor) and produced locally by Fremantlemedia Asia, a leading global entertainment company.

The face of the show is aviation tycoon and Forbes Asia's 2010 Asia Businessman of the Year, Tony Fernandes, most well-known for turning around ailing airline AirAsia and breaking even within a year of taking over. Twelve candidates from around Asia will vie for the honour of becoming Asia's very first Apprentice, with the winner walking away with the opportunity to work for Tony in one of his enterprises. Representing India in the show are two extremely talented people-Samuel Rufus Nallaraj from Hyderabad and Ningku Lachungpa from Sikkim.

Throughout the season, the 12 candidates will be tested on their skills in the areas of selling, negotiation, creativity, management, branding and leadership. At the start, the candidates are split into two teams based on gender. Watch out for the first episode which makes especially good TV - as the candidates are given the challenging task of selling fish! This was a remarkably humbling experience for these high fliers given that most of them had not stepped foot in a wet market. Tony's advisors, Mark and Kathleen, are on the ground to observe each team complete their task, and their opinions will play a key part in who Tony decides to fire at the end of the day.

What makes the inaugural season of The Apprentice Asia so riveting is the drama that ensues from the onset. As can be expected when a group of extroverted, ambitious characters get together, strong wills clash, alliances are forged, and nerves are frayed during each boardroom session where one of them will go home, empty-handed. It's the survival of the fittest, and self preservation rules the day. The Apprentice Asia premieres on May 24 every Friday at 9 pm. 

Astro turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: You will be under some stress this morning. Do not attempt to get new plans going. You and your coworkers are on different wavelengths. Give yourself some space to breathe. Tarot message: You need to stabilize your financial situation. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60.

TAURUS: Argument with your spouse is possible in the afternoon. You will have to watch your temper. Give a little more attention to the creative and spiritual side of your life. Go over your business accounts. Tarot message: Do not be over-optimistic. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 30

GEMINI: Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunities that come your way. Do not argue with elders. You will get what you expect. Your mood will fluctuate. Love life will be hectic. Tarot message: Do not spend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36

CANCER: Keep your spirits up putting forward a cheerful face. Creativity shines. You are likely to attract happy and positive people with whom you can have fun. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being impulsive. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55

LEO: The card Tow of Cups promises many opportunities on financial fronts. If working on a commission basis you will be able to increase your earnings. Overall day ends at a good not. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 32

VIRGO: Tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. It will be best to keep new ideas to yourself. Talk to your partner and children, about the plans for the day. Tarot message: Be patient for best results. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40

LIBRA: A secret meeting with influential people will go off particularly well and you can hope for good times ahead. Today your boss will promise for a salary increase in the near future. Tarot message: You need to be creative. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52

SCORPIO: The Queen of Cups opens the door for a new job offer. Do not become over-enthusiastic. Avoid making partnership deals. Work out your next moves logically and rationally. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 58

SAGITTARIUS: A fine day for starting something new. A deal will be very lucrative. Take advice from elders but keep your real plans under your hat. Try to keep your business plans secret. Tarot message: Prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 42

CAPRICORN: Your card Ten of pentacles reveals that you plans are likely to be approved. An emotional mood will interfere with your judgments and decisions, so be acreful. Tarot message: Take care of your health. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Magic number: 26

AQUARIUS: You have drawn 'The lovers' so new attractions for you are likely to be serious. Do not try to make money the easy way. The second half day favours social work. Tarot message: This is good time to grab new opportunities. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 62

PISCES: Venus lady of love will bring happy emotions. Do not take hasty decisions as they will prove harmful. Mutually held funds must not be disturbed without your consent. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 44





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