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Pair pressure!
Just U & Me sounds like a misnomer for a film that sees ten names sharing the screen space and finally, the credit rolls. Accordingly, outside the venue we see an entourage of actors trooping in bits and parts, after concluding the last day of the shoot. “In the movie, you’ll see everybody in pairs, they may not necessarily be a couple but it’s two people paired opposite each other,” shares the director Mandeep Singh, about the decision to put together Himani Shivpuri and Jaswinder Bhalla, Chandrachur Singh and Deepshikha, Shahbaz Khan and Isha Grover, Gitaz Bindrakhiya and Priyal Gor and Sanjay Mishra and Manoj Pahwa!
Laugh it out For the Punjabi movie buffs, Jaswinder Bhalla makes us laugh more than Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler put together; just like in hit movie Carry on Jatta that gave us advocate Dhillon, a character that the audience couldn’t have enough of! “One of the reasons I like doing what I do is that there is a creative input. I enjoy writing my own dialogues and come up with a catch line that has repetitive value.” Perhaps, it’s because of the creative stints and comic endeavours that run back to Chankatta series — the famous yearly cassettes known for their satire on society and the politics of that time. “There was a time we used to sell four to five lakh cassettes. I came up with as many as 27 albums and then discontinued because of the rampant piracy.” Just as much as he’s found in the credit rolls of every Punjabi movie, he’s equally missing from the cast appearances. “I’m a professor at Panjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana. That’s why there is lesser time for promotions. I have availed of all the leaves; shooting is where all my Saturdays and Sundays go. The only thing that’s left is to avail the unearned leave.” Maintaining a serious face in the class and making the crowds laugh in the cinema halls; must be tough shuttling different roles. “I used to participate in youth festivals and received the Shaheed E Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Award.” Offers from Bollywood are pouring in, but as of now, “he’d rather not leave his comfort zone and strain his tight schedule.” Coming up are, Jatt In Mood, Jatt Airways, Esi Pendu Ni Dillan De Made, RSVP (Ron Saare Vyah Pichon). As for his students, “they feel very happy and proud.” Understandably!
For those who’ve been watching the Hindi film and television scenario closely, putting Himani Shivpuri in a Punjabi movie sounds like a challenge to the imagination. “I play Jasmeet Kaur, a very strict woman, whose husband is scared of her but goes and has harmless fun behind her back,” she shares about the character she plays and dispels any further misgivings about the language bar. “We are actors and not confined to any language as long as the role is good. Moreover, if you are a North Indian, you’ll know Punjabi easily. It’s not a foreign language.” She adds, “One of the reasons I agreed to do this movie was the shooting was to happen in Dehradun-Mussoorie, my home town.” Coming up is Abhinav Kashyap’s Besharam, in which she plays the heroine’s mother and again a Punjabi woman. “Then there’s Jo Bhi Karva Lo, in which I play a blind woman who refuses to believe she’s blind.”
Playing a Punjabi He has his long hibernation to explain as well his role in a Punjabi film. Shahbaz Khan, of Chandrakanta fame, plays a turbaned character in the film. “I play a sardar in the film; the boy’s father who’s strict but also soft. I think I’ll make for a handsome sardar.” We guess so too. Coming up is a candy floss film with Shri Ram Raghavan.
Effortless ease He’s officially the ‘Office’ guy. A strong theatre background finds its way into the varied characters he plays and effortlessly. Nevertheless, there’s a lot he desires. “Look at the kind of roles that Paresh Rawal and Om Puri play. It’s amazing.” He adds, “In this film, I play Banta of the Santa Banta duo. He’s a small-time goon, who’s just got out of the jail.” Coming up are Punjabi movies Heer and Hero, Dedh Ishqiya and Waar Chod Na Yaar, a satire on Indo-Pak relations. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Jo jeeta wahi Sikander
Even when they continue to play around the sweet romance, interspersed with ‘now’ gallons of laughter, the Punjabi film industry still has a handful of reasons to keep smiling and busy. Bollywood actors turning their attention and inclination towards this regional cinema is definitely a reason enough to talk about it.
When the dimpled actress Gul Panag along with the actor Kartar Cheema shares her enthusiasm for the cinema, which according to her is capable of doing much more, you can’t help but want to know what entices in Punjabi cinema? In Chandigarh to promote their upcoming flick Sikander, Gul along with Kartar had lots to show. Bold & beautiful Gul plays a strong-willed character in Sikander. She, however, finds herself a wee different in real life. “My character is more idealistic,” she says without padding her words. Having given critically acclaimed performances in films like Dor and Manorama Six Feet Under, coming to Punjabi cinema wasn’t a decision, “For me language is secondary; I liked the script and the storyline so I came in. Besides, it is a pleasure to work with a fine director like Jatinder Muhar.” Being a Punjabi, language definitely wasn’t a constraint. “As I said, language is not a barrier; had the film been in any other language I would have still done it for the story. Sikander, as a film, has everything — emotions, a bit of romance and a bit of comedy.” This is where the buck stops for Punjabi cinema —comedy. Time we moved out from the genre? Gul seconds it, “Punjabi cinema is capable of doing much more.” With actresses not really finding their space in Punjabi cinema, Gul waits for her verdict. “Whether audiences accept me only the movie will tell,” she smiles, exposing her dimples. Do we see more of her in Punjabi cinema? “If I get good scripts, why not?” Mean machine Kartar Cheema is keenly awaiting the release of the movie Sikander, as he feels that the audience in Punjab will get to see a different kind of cinema. “There is no doubt that Punjabi movies are doing a great job, at the same time we need scripts and stories that should be different from the lot. Sikander is one such movie,” adds the actor who has tied a turban in the film. “Every youngster who has had anything to do with university life can relate to our characters,” shares Kartar, who is confident that there is a place for everyone in Punjabi cinema. “With new directors, script-writers and talented youngsters dedicating themselves to acting, regional cinema has all the reasons to smile.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Brothers in music
For twins Eash and Eashan Goyal, western classical music is their forte; while Eash plays the piano, Eashan plays the guitar.
The twins have been featured in the Limca Book of Records 2013 and the India Book of Records 2013 for their achievements. Adding one more feather to their cap, they have recently been acknowledged as the Youngest Asian Twin Brothers to perform western classical music by the Asia Book of Records. They showcased their skill at the Record Breakers Festival 2013 at Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra Auditorium, Noida, in February this year followed by a concert at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. They tuned into music at the age of five, when most of the children are struggling to get their words right and now they have reached the level when music is acting as emotional, social and spiritual therapy for them. So, how do they handle the pressure of studies and music? According to the twins, music acts as a catalyst in the academics and personal development of an individual and helps in building thinking skill. Looking at their excellent result in the Board examination for class X, it all seems to be working out! "Music is a perfect stress buster," says Meeta Goyal, mother, "I guess my love for western classical triggered the interest in the twins at an early age." Besides playing the melodious tunes on the piano and running fingers on the strings of the guitar, these twins also sing with equal proficiency. They derive inspiration from great composers as Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Oscar Hammerstein, Johnny Mercer, Christopher Norton and Evanescence to name a few. What's next? Says Meeta, "They hope to do engineering as their career. Also, they intend to do a diploma in their respective instruments. If they choose music as their profession, we will support them."
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In an artist’s mould
He has travelled across the country with the motive to inspire and innovate. His beliefs seek an inspiration in his passion to teach a skill that he has mastered and perhaps it's the joy of giving that keeps him going steady, yet strong. Mural guru Bharat Rawal, who has conducted over 80 workshops across India, brings his craft to Chandigarh as he intends to initiate a free 10-day-long mural learning workshop at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan, Sector 15 from June 12.
"I am an artist, a sculptor and a self-taught architect and the reason why I am here in Chandigarh is because I think it's the architectural marvel of India. Also, I learnt that many amateur artists take hobby classes and I aim at teaching both artists and untrained people to make murals because these days anything and everything is being made in the name of murals," says Bharat, a Pune-based mural artist. Bharat stresses that his 10-day-long course would equip his students not only with the basics of mural making, but will also provide them with the technique. "The course will enable the learners to master the art of making murals and the knowledge of various techniques with the help of practice. The course consists three levels, the basic, advance and specialisation," he shares. As he continues to explain the contents used for this art as a medium, he details, "There are three kinds of clays, including matti clay, terracotta clay and rasin clay. I make use of the rasin clay because it is unbreakable and it will last you for over a century. The murals, which are made on plywood, will serve as a very interesting decorative art piece and the students will only have to pay for the material, which would cost them a maximum of Rs 2,000." Bharat intends to exhibit the works of his students on the last day. "If I am able to book a gallery, I would love to exhibit the works of my students in the city itself," he says while revealing his future plans. "I will be taking my passion forward to conduct workshops in London and California," he signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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CELEB POINT Divya Dutta
Jiah or Nafisa Khan, her real name, the 26- year-old pretty actress made her debut with Nishabd. The twitter and Facebook are full of messages of shock and disbelief. "Too young", "very pretty", everyone is going to comment and move on with their life. Did someone think, what went on inside that young girl to take such a drastic step? The industry can be harsh. They all are nice to you, promise you things, but not many words are really meant! Those constant efforts to try and make it, to believe, to hope, can be a tiring journey. And a lonely one! Because there's just you, your dreams, your efforts, your failures, your disappointments! It's you who has to get up yourself and try again. Or choose to lie down, forever. People will just look. They will not give a helping hand. Because they themselves are holding on to someone else! But yes, they will all have time to spare to say, "Sad ya!" And that's it! I met Jiah at a friend's party. A lovely and charming young girl! Yes, very glamorous. She didn't talk much till I broke the ice. And I found out how comfortable she was to talk, to share! In this industry or anywhere, when someone asks a mandatory 'how are you', and when you say, 'I am fine', you know you don't mean it! There's so much not fine within you, so much you want to vent out, but who will have the time and the patience to hear you? To hold your hand! Sometimes it's all that you need. Really. She couldn't take the harshness of life. There's a sadness in me, it's a loss. We couldn't be of any help to her in her lifetime except a 'hi, how are you'. When she needed a little more. Well a lot more, actually. RIP dear girl! (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
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Leg work
There comes a point in life when you just know that you have to change direction. And it's a tough decision, getting out of the comfort zone and reaching out to your goal. But when your efforts finally pay off, it's surely worth all the hard work. For Baba Honey aka Hanish Kaushik, an upcoming artiste on the Indian rap scene, the journey has been nothing less than rollercoaster ride, but each expedition has been a learning experience. In Chandigarh to launch his new album Brown Legs, Hanish talks about his life. There was a time he was sipping his evening coffee on the pacific coast while enjoying his life being a marine engineer (that's right he was in the Merchant Navy). "I wanted to be a singer since I was young and I guess my frequent visits to Mumbai triggered it further. So, I finally decided to follow my dreams."
Hanish belongs to Himachal Pradesh, sings Punjabi and Hindi rap songs and loves Bollywood. And he has never had formal training in music either! Hanish has been a part of the music industry for the past six years. Debuting with Bombshell Billo in 2011 and Balle Punjabi in 2012, Brown Legs now would be his debut with Universal Music. About the title, it's named after the first track on the album Brown Legs (Hanish's favourite from the album). Comprising of eight catchy, upbeat songs, the Punjabi-pop album has a brilliant contemporary vibe to it. "I have written and composed the music for a few songs. The album has its own unique style of composition, based on pop music and catchy techno beats. The video of the title song has also been broadcast widely." While asked about his apparent and not so coincidental similarity to Honey Singh and his hit single Brown Rang, Hanish says, "Honey Singh surely is the talk of the town. However, our music is poles apart; he is into hardcore Punjabi music while my focus is Punjabi pop and Bollywood style." He adds, "You will know when you listen to my song." Talking about his future plan, Hanish says, "I have sung the title song Sab Chalta Hai in the Bollywood movie IM 24 and I will be singing three songs in Ashay Kumar's next flick." Way to go!
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star track
"It is not easy to shoot intimate scenes. Actors have to trust my vision. And I had to make sure I didn't The sequel also has Huma Qureshi as another lead actress and there is also an intimate scene between Huma and Arshad Warsi. Dedh Ishqiya will be totally different from the original in which Madhuri Dixit will portray the strong role of Begum Para. love scene: Naseeruddin Shah & Madhuri Dixit
Family portrayal
Shahid Kapoor and Pankaj Kapur are likely to star in a film together for the first time. The film will be directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, if all goes as planned.
Shahid and Pankaj have worked together on Mausam which Pankaj directed but they have never shared screen space before. Shahid is already working with Rajkumar Santoshi on Phata Poster Nikla Hero and this film will be Santoshi's revival of his long-cherished dream of making a film on Asghar Wajahat’s play Jis Lahore Nahin Dekhya Woh Jamiya Nahin. Initially, Sanjay Dutt was going to play the lead role when this film was planned five years ago. Shahid is currently shooting Prabhudeva's Rambo Rajkumar and Santoshi plans to start shooting for the Andaz Apna Apna sequel later this year.
Dress rehearsal
Vidya Balan has expressed a desire to play Umrao Jaan. Maybe that is why she was dressed the way she was in heavy Indian outfits at the Cannes Film Festival, as a dress rehearsal. Fashion wise, she failed at the festival even though Sabyasachi designed and styled her look.
Aamir Khan has moved into a temporary residence in Lower Parel in South Mumbai as his apartment in Bandra is under renovation finally. He loves his building as his mother Zeenat also stays there and he still drops in at her place.
Mohit has arrived
Post the success of Aashiqui 2, life has become a bed of roses for Mohit Suri. Ekta Kapoor has given him a new office in suburban Mumbai and it is huge. He is directing a film for her. Bhushan Kumar of T-Series is so happy with the hit music that he has given him a luxury car.
Vidya Balan plays a crazy and hot Punjabi woman in Ghanchakkar and she learnt Punjabi by learning the gaalies first and getting the loud accent right. Her character is extremely loud and unique. She looks like she has pulled it off. Meanwhile, Emraan refuses to talk about their kissing scene as Siddharth Roy Kapur is the head of UTV and Vidya's husband.
Shraddha Kapoor has one crazy fan, who has got her phone number. He messages her every time he sees Aashiqui 2 and calls her by her screen name Aarohi. She is flattered by the attention but has been advised against replying to him by her friends and family as he could be dangerous.
Of cold vibes & catfights
Both actors got their fair share of credit for their fabulous performances in Fashion. But, PC claimed that she was the film’s main lead. The statement did not go down too well with Kangna. She had a problem with the posters of the movie, the ones that did not feature her. She felt vindicated when she won the National Award along with Priyanka. Kangna Ranaut
Kareena was a few films old by the time she did Ajnabee which was Bipasha Basu's first film. Bipasha made fun of Kareena's clothes, they fought over the fashion designer of the movie and Kareena called Bips a kaali billi. Kareena also made fun of John Abraham and it did not go down well with Bipasha as she was dating him at the time.
getting personal: Bipasha Basu (L) and Kareena Kapoor Khan
Both the beauties endorse the same cosmetics
brand bargain: Sonam Kapoor & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Katrina Kaif and Sonakshi Sinha Sonakshi found herself in an awkward situation after proclaiming that she had replaced Kat in some brand endorsements soon after Dabangg was released. According to the gossip, they did not see eye-to-eye after that. Sonakshi did try to mend fences by SMSing Katrina to clarify her stand, but the latter never responded. |
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chatter box
Adorable kids, compassionate judges, talented performers- this show seems to has it all. Indian Idol Junior started on June 1 on Sony TV with music directors Vishal-Shekhar and singer Shreya Ghoshal as the judges. It's fun, engaging and of course, very entertaining. Connected HumTum A different reality show, Zee's Connected HumTum will start on June 3 and will showcase the lives of six women. They are all from different strata. The show will focus on what women Bharat Ka Veer Putra — Maharana Pratap Yet another historical show, but on a new personality. Bharat Ka Veer Putra—Maharana Pratap is elaborate, detailed and grand. Young Faisal Khan seems to do a good job, at least in the first Post the IPL, the TV channels are back with vigour with as many as half-a-dozen new shows. While some are in the pipeline, others have been launched. We take a look at them. Jhalak Dikhla Jaa season 6 The grand premier Jhalak Dikhla Jaa season 6 had everything from Ranbir Kapoor to the Deols as celebrity guests to brilliant acts by choreographers and contestants. Even dances by the judges Remo, Karan Johar and Madhuri Dixit. Good start- lets see what’s in store. DID Super Moms Moms dancing and showing off their talent makes for good entertainment and DID Super Moms is just that. With Marzi and Farah Khan as judges, the fun and humour quotient too is on an all-time high. The women participants are cool, talented and some are funny too. Do Dil Ek Jaan This show on Life Ok is about star-crossed lovers from different religions who have to face opposition from society, parents and every other section. The story of a Hindu boy and a Muslim girl has been shot in Mumbai and Kashmir with Farqooue Shaikh as the girl's father. KBC 7 Seventh season of Kaun Banega Crorepati will soon be back on the TV screens. The show that is synonymous with Amitabh Bachchan has always done well. This time too, Sony channel must be expecting the same magic.
Wonderful spectacle
While all the members of Star Plus will be seen enjoying the magical evening, the effect and the concept will be something to look forward to. The set will be a visual spectacle as there will be 300 computers that will be used to design the set backdrop of Star Parivaar Awards. While this will create a visual spectacle on digital front, for the first time ace chorographer Shiamak Davar has been roped in to choreograph all the acts of the show.
Surprise visitors
Day dreams!
Musical notes
Tisca Chopra, who hasn't been seen on television for a long time, has been signed to play Anil Kapoor's wife in the desi remake of the hit Hollywood show 24. Rumours are that Divya Dutta was offered the role earlier but she had date issues.
Silver screen: Tisca Chopra
Time for a farewell
Hiten Tejwani's show Kya Huva Tera Vaada, in which he played the character of Jatin opposite Mona Singh, has gone off air. Hiten had always been a busy man while shooting for Kya Huva Tera Vaada, but after the show going off air, Hiten says "The last day of the shoot was an emotional moment for everyone on the sets."
It's been long since viewers have got a glimpse of the beautiful Kanchi Kaul. Her marriage to the handsome hunk Shabir Ahluwalia made headlines after which Kanchi took a break to enjoy her married life. However, she is making a comeback with Star Plus' upcoming show- Meri
Bhabhi. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: Don't be amazed at your good luck today. Take a break from work. Make this an easy day on riding anything that needs concentration and effort.
Go to a theatre if you can. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing.
Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 31
TAURUS: Parents can experience a degree of stress and tension involving children. Making money and having fun are not a good mix now. Stick to earning a living and leave entertainment for later.
Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will-power. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 21 GEMINI: Sweeter moments are in store during the day. Shopping for a gift as a token of affection is a delightful way to spend money.
You will find people generally hard to pin down. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests.
Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 61 CANCER: Fashion accessories enhance your look at a little cost. Spending on health makes sense. Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who
live at a distance. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 55 LEO: Do not get involved in any mutual venture blindly without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Give your creative talent an airing. Hobbies will give you much satisfaction.
Tarot message: Share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour:
Metallic-grey. Magic number: 26 VIRGO: Anticipate a bit of craziness creeping into your day and surprising you. Avoid gossip because it can spoil your chances of success. Sportsmen: get more exercise to keep yourself fit. Think long-term. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic.
Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 28
LIBRA: Plans for a romantic rendezvous can be disrupted by a call from work or a need to do overtime. Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Do not be too demanding from loved ones.
Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 64 SCORPIO: If single, you are likely to find your match. Pay more attention to your health.
Do not take on chores that would tax you physically. Keep your sense of humour alive.
Tarot message: Focus on your emotional and spiritual nature. Lucky
colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Your card Three of Cups suggests that emotions have to be controlled. Compassion and forgiveness are needed for love to keep growing. Be ready
for a hearty dinner. Tarot message: At work don't hold back anything from your employer.
Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Exercise in the morning to get your energy flowing. Walking or running will suit some of you. Yoga or meditation will appeal to others. A domestic hassle
is settled amicably. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build success. Lucky
colour: Brown. Magic number: 59 AQUARIUS: Today attention revolves around your home, property and family. Money rolls after lunch. Keep moving ahead with the progress you have been making. Students: expect fun on the campus. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.
Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 33 PISCES: You should be very satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show the world what you have been working on. For now, stay with the task in hand.
Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 27
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Language no bar
Late in the night, I heard the news that Jiah Khan is no more. She committed suicide. Took away her life, with the thought that it's not worth living anymore!
In Ishqiya, Vidya Balan got intimate with Arshad Warsi and now in the sequel Dedh Ishqiya, Madhuri Dixit shot an intimate love-making scene with Naseeruddin Shah. The scene has been shot aesthetically and the director Abhishek Choubey said that the steamy scene is the requirement of the script.
let her and the other actors down," director Abhishek Choubey said in a statement.
A source says, "Santoshi has always wanted to make this film. He had even planned to make a huge set of Lahore city at Hyderabad’s Ramoji Rao studios but the film got stuck for some reason that time. He has now apparently spoken to both Shahid and Pankaj for the film and they are keen on doing it. Pankaj Kapur is immensely talented and easy to work with. Shahid had a good time shooting Phata Poster Nikla Hero which will release later this year. This project is a lavish one and will roll next year.”
Priyanka Chopra and Kangna Ranaut
Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor Khan
brand. Aishwarya is a Cannes veteran and an industry veteran too so she refused to walk the red carpet with the newbie. Sonam was miffed and called Ash "aunty" and "a senior actress." They have not spoken
since.
Indian Idol Junior
want and how they are in their private lives. Abhay Deol makes his TV debut as a host in the show.
few episodes.
Hologram technology, 3-D mapping, multiple screens highlighting different background effects will be the highlight of this year's Star Parivaar Awards. This time the show will be bigger than ever before.
Actor Neil Bhatt recently had some surprise visitors from Orissa. Neil, who was previously seen in shows like Gulaal and 24 Karol Bagh, is currently essaying the role of Lakshman. The actor, who is in Baroda for the show, recalls, "Recently while I was shooting Ramayan I was pleasantly surprised to meet a family that came all the way from Orissa just to catch a glimpse of me performing as Lakshman. They were so thrilled that I can't explain. One of the family members said that he feels satisfied in life now that he has met one the gods he believes in."
When the media present to cover the wedding scene in Madhubala asked Drashti about her plans of getting married in real life, she responded that she does not mind getting married to Salman Khan! Asked whether Salman Khan is coming for the wedding, Drashti could not help blushing. She immediately responded by saying that she is ready to leave RK and marry Salman Khan.
Star Plus' upcoming show Mahabharat is ensuring they have all the big names to reckon with as part of their team. The latest we hear is that the music for this epic will be composed by famous and extremely talented Ismail Darbar. "Yes, we are talking to Ismail ji and he will be composing the title track. He is a great composer and we are thrilled to be able to work with him," says a source associated with the show.
