Latke jhatke, Punjabi way
Item numbers have rocked in Bollywood. So how can our very own Pollywood be far behind?
Jasmine Singh

Hazel Keech Everything is moving seemingly fine in the Punjabi movie Jatts In Golmaal, when suddenly a lady starts gyrating in and around a dim lamp post. The song picks tempo and you see Veena Malik shaking a leg to Shaboo dey chaubaarey! For a split second, you want to turn around to someone sitting next to you in the theatre — what is she doing in a Punjabi movie? Is this an item number? By the time one gets an answer, Veena Malik has already done her bit!

You are still exploring the arrival of item numbers in Punjabi films when Sharry Mann and Rana Ranbir are drooling over a pretty girl singing — 21 hazaar ni main le key udhaar. Yes, this is another item song in the recently released Punjabi film Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya. So here it is, Punjabi films are going the Bollywood way with almost every second movie offering an item number. Whether or not you see its relevance (most of the times they are irrelevant), a sizzling item song will suddenly explode in the middle of the film. Is this the new trend? Does a Punjabi film look incomplete without it? Industry insiders spill the beans!

The story so far

who is set for an item number in Heer & Hero
who is set for an item number in Heer & Hero

Jatts in Golmaal, Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya and upcoming films Young Malang, Heer & Hero offer an item number picturised on either Bollywood’s lesser-known artistes or a girl from Pakistan. Hazel Keech, the actress who was seen in Bodyguard, will be dancing to a Punjabi track in the upcoming film Heer & Hero. “Language is not a barrier; I have done Tamil films. I believe Punjabi films are getting bigger so I am looking forward to see how the audiences react to it,” she adds. The director of the film Sagar Sharma of Burrahh fame doesn’t believe in creating a special space for an item number. “The item numbers in both my films Burrahh and Heer & Hero are based on a situation. The number takes the film forward other than of course entertaining the audience.”

This is indeed a recent trend, which is making the filmmakers hunt for girls who can fit the bill. Pakistani model Mathira will be doing a sizzling number in upcoming film Young Malang. “I love the track and we haven’t crossed the line with it,” she quips. Whatever crossing the line means to her!

Creative liberty

Any debate on films meets the two words — creative liberty. Director and script-writer Dheeraj Rattan shares that if a song enhances the commercial viability of a film then there is no harm in putting it in the film. “In Bollywood, item songs actually give the movie a lot of mileage like Chikni Chameli. In Punjabi cinema too, something like this is being worked upon. As a director, I am not sure whether I would use an item song in my film or not, but if it is doing some good then why not.”

Geeta Zaildar in Burrahh and an item song from Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya
Geeta Zaildar in Burrahh and an item song from Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya

Cultural values

Punjabi films have always emphasised on the cultural and traditional values of Punjab and Punjabiyat. Ace filmmaker Manmohan Singh known for making clean films is totally against the idea of item songs. “They have no place in Punjabi films in the first place. People who can’t make good films are using these cheap tools,” adds the director, voicing strong criticism against it.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Foreign hand, our screen
Indian remakes of popular American reality shows are dime a dozen. What remains to be emulated is some of the American serials that have clicked with Indian viewers...
Manpriya Singh

Heather Tom accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series The Bold and the Beautiful during the 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Heather Tom accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series The Bold and the Beautiful during the 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards.

We really don’t know who it started with, but the channels and the makers hit the nail with our own format of UK game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Our Indian version of American Idol followed. Soon, there was no looking back. Isn’t Indian television now adept at remakes and adaptations? Moving on, there’s the much significant Bigg Boss, close on the heels of Big Brother.

Just as the 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards get done, honouring the best in daytime television programming, it puts the spotlight on American television and consequently on the Indian remakes. “I’m an avid follower of Grey’s Anatomy and even Revenge. I’d love to watch if there’s an Indian production on the lines of these two serials, provided the production quality remains the same,” shares Mrigya Samyal, MBA, Mass Communication, Amity School of Communication.

Actress Heather Tom accepting the award reminds us of The Bold and the Beautiful and the countless afternoons many must have spent watching them. While Kristen Alderson puts the spotlight on the drama series General Hospital. Moving on, there’s Full House, Who’s the Boss, The Hogan Family…the list is endless and exhaustive while the phenomenally successful sitcom Friends, remains the ultimate acid test for Indian television. “That’s something nobody will even dare to attempt. A well-made Indian version of Friends would be a delight to watch. The sitcom was completely American, but still it strikes a chord with Indian youngsters more than the typical Indian serials,” says Deep Inder Singh, student, ICAI.

The reality shows have pretty much been-there-done-that, what remains to be emulated is some of the American drama productions that have stayed with Indian generations. While I Dream Of Jeannie and Small Wonder did attract half-hearted attempts, there’s been no comparing the original formats. “I wish someone came up with an adaptation of Two and a Half Men. I love watching that show as it’s a great stress-buster. But unfortunately with Indian television, the adaptations are more like spoofs. If they act, we’ll overact,” laughs Anmol Dhingra, CA student. Melodrama is one of the things that need to be taken care of for sure!

Says Shekhar Jharu, chief campus evangelist, “There is so much of melodrama in Indian programming that it becomes unbelievable to the point that one stops connecting with it.” He, like most young television viewers, wouldn’t mind catching up on reformatted Grey’s Anatomy, provided the screenplay and the script remain similar, if not ditto.

Opines Mrigya, “Indian television channels are really good and a big source of entertainment for a housewife and the ladies of the house, but when it comes to general programming content, there are so many things that are lacking.” She adds, “If only we could come up with something that’s Indian in essence and yet it is something that people can connect to all over the world.”

Till that happens, thanking the satellite rights for broadcasting the likes of How I Met Your Mother, That 70s Show, Everybody Loves Raymond, Seinfeld, The Wonder Years…the list goes on and grows.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Money matters
Punjabi film producers are not only investing money today but associated with their projects in each stage
Jasmine Singh

Amit Prasher There are all kinds of rules for business, all kinds of rules behind investing money. But the three basic things that are never supposed to go out of mind and sight — overwhelming, intimidating and scary. Indeed when it comes to investing, there is no harm in moving around these three words. However, the producers of upcoming Punjabi movie Ishq Brandy have trespassed these with their experience, faith and understanding. To them this is a new terminology for investment.

Produced under the banner of Future Cine Vision Pvt Ltd, it is for the first time in Punjabi cinema that a group of producers have come together to make a multi-starrer film. In Chandigarh along with the director, the producers Randhir Singh Dheera of SRD Group, Dimple Mittal, Baboo Mittal, Mahesh Garg and Amit Mann talk about growing professionalism in Punjabi film industry, the risks involved and how producers have a much more role to play than just giving money. And of course, why everyone wants to make a Punjabi film!

L -R Baboo Mittal, Randhir Singh Dheera & Amit Mann
L -R Baboo Mittal, Randhir Singh Dheera & Amit Mann

It was the growing graph of films that made them come to a consensus on producing films. Shares Randhir Singh Dheera, one of the producers, "I have been a great fan of movies. Observing that the graph of films made in Punjab is on a high, I along with others who share the passion decided to produce a film that would take this growth one step higher." The group's first choice was director Amit Prasher, from day one. Adds Amit Mann who has returned from Mauritius after a month long shoot for the movie.

With just about everyone producing films in Punjab, the members of Future Cine Vision Pvt don't believe their decision of investing movie comes from following the popular trend. As Dimple Mittal, Baboo Mittal, Mahesh Garg share, "Firstly, we are a fan of Punjabi films and secondly we decided this because each one of us wanted to contribute something in its growth."

It is the director Amit Prasher that the producers have full faith in. The director smiles, "I have completed the first half in Mauritius. The movie will bring in a new angle of comedy and romance in Punjabi films." 

the ‘in’ side
Singularly outstanding
Sukhmani

For a monochromatic decor incorporate neutral elements to break the monotony
For a monochromatic decor incorporate neutral elements to break the monotony

A monochrome or tonal décor scheme is one which uses any shade, tint or tone of one colour from the colour wheel. The one colour is often paired with white or another neutral. For example, a monochromatic room in blue might use a single shade of blue paired with white. Yet, it might also include dark blue upholstery fabric, pale blue walls, medium blue draperies, and a patterned area rug that includes both blue and white. The window and door trim as well as the ceiling.

To create a monochromatic or monotone interior design scheme you will first select a colour from the colour wheel, for instance blue. Next, you will select 2 to 3 more colours, which are lighter or darker tones or shades of the original colour.

You should end up with at least a dark, medium and light tone of a single colour.

You may choose to paint an accent wall in the dark tone with the medium shade on the other three walls. The light shade can then be used in furnishings or this interior colour scheme fits into any person's design style. It can be traditional or modern; it just depends on which colours you select and how those colours are applied. Regardless, you will end up with a beautiful new room that you will be proud of.

Here are a few tips to help you make a monochromatic room work:

Keep things to the same palette, but choose variations on a colour. If for example you are fond of green, use various shades of green in the decor. If you are finding the effect too bold, you can neutralize the look.

Play with a lot of different types of texture. It is only through a variety of textures that you are going to create interest and add character to a room.

Use various shades of the same colour Use different materials in your furnishings and you can also add texture by means of textured wallpaper. Add different textured pillows to the space--velvet, satin, silk, linen, cotton and so forth. Other textures to incorporate into your decorating ideas include different materials such as natural stone, wood, glass, various ceramics, and so forth.

Break up the monotony. Too much of a colour can really feel monotonous.

Fortunately, there are ways to break up the monotony of the space without sacrificing a monochromatic interior design scheme. An easy way to break up the monotony is to incorporate natural elements into the space or a neutral colour. Wood furniture, natural stone tile, metal light fixtures and so forth, can all break up the space naturally without compromising the monochromatic colour scheme.

When decorating in a monochromatic colour scheme, certain colours can start to make the room feel dark. Therefore, it's important to incorporate plenty of natural and artificial light into your decorating ideas. You may want to consider adding several small or a large mirror into your space. Mirrors can help add additional natural light into a space when placed across from a window. Besides mirrors, you can consider adding architectural elements.

A monochromatic décor is not easy to master but if done well, they can look very dynamic and sophisticated.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)

indulge
Magic of Mexico
Tanya Malhotra

We have tried everything in the summer vacation, right from different outfits to trying out different looks to traveling to different locations; so why should food be left behind. In fact, enjoying the food that complements the mood is important. And this time, it's all about experimenting. Magic Wok, the Chinese restaurant at Hotel Mountview has added the exquisite and scrumptious delicacies from the Mexican and Thai cuisine to its menu for the Summer Bonanza 2013.

On the menu are the tottilas, fajitas, pineapple fried rice, Thai flat noodles, fried wontons, tropical surprise with a variety of Mexican and Thai curries, including red and green curries with bamboo shoots, holy basil and oyster sauce. The menu offers a combo starting from soup to the main course with an option to choose from various sauces, rice and noodles, and finally the delectable desserts.

Some interesting additions to the menu are the salad shots, and the complementary rolls along with the fresh vegetables for the perfect experience.

"The spices are authentic," says Chef Sandeep Bansal. "These have been brought following the feedback of the customers," says Chef Sanjay Sharma.

The extended menu includes combo meals during the lunch and dinner for a reasonable price of Rs 550 and 650, respectively. The menu already seems to have fascinated a lot of foodies across Chandigarh.

Jaishree Anand from Delhi shares, "It absolutely caters to the needs of the Indian palate. This is our first meal in Chandigarh and we couldn't have asked for anything better."

Vijay Sharma, general manager, Hotel Mountview, says, "The summer bonanza also offers 25 per cent off on the Chinese menu and some very exciting discounts on the bakery room and the coffee shop at the hotel. Also, we will be offering nominal tariffs for the business class rooms."

On till August 31

Mango tapioca

Ingredients

Alphanso mangoes

Sago (sabu dana)

Milk

Whipped cream

Cherries

Sugar

Method

Boil milk and add soaked sago and sugar to it to make custard (texture like kheer). Take a martini glass, arrange cubed mango slices in it. Top it with chilled tapioca. Garnish with whipped cream and a piece of cherry of the top.

Grill & greens
Amarjot Kaur

If you fancy vegetarian cuisine, Chandigarh offers only a limited variety. So, how would you like to savour your vegetarian food with a twist of barbeque? Saffron, a multi-cuisine restaurant, offers the much-needed respite from the regular eateries as it offers pure vegetarian food while allowing you to grill your own dishes.

"In 2001, we launched a barbeque restaurant in Surat. Considering the latest survey that states that more that 65 per cent of people want to turn vegetarians and looking at the Chandigarh market, we decided to come up with a vegetarian restaurant, which serves buffet and a la carte, under one roof," says Amit Goyal, the owner of the restaurant.

"The parent company of this restaurant is Sankalp and we already have as many as 131 restaurants across the country and in Dubai. We are also planning to open in the US and UK very soon," he says.

In the meanwhile, you are served a glass of a mango smoothie and crispy rumali roti, "The crispy rumali roti is our specialty and we are also offering continental dishes, including baked macaroni and veg augratin. While the buffet is priced at Rs 299 (excluding taxes) for adults, it is priced at Rs 199 for the children," he adds.

Though the ambiance of the restaurant seems to be typical of any Indian restaurant, the glass painted dividers and lanterns add much to the aesthetics. Also, most of the food items are priced reasonably starting from Rs 185 to Rs 285. Though there is not much variety in the main course menu, which offers all kinds of 'paneer', the buffet menu is changed everyday. Bon appetite!

Weight watch
Guaranteed to lose
Roopa Pahwa

Losing weight is one thing. Keeping the weight off permanently is another. For many people weight loss is a chronic endeavour. All too often the shedding of pounds is a temporary event followed by a steady regain of lost weight. For successful, long-term weight loss, you must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits. Consider following these strategies for weight-loss success.

Take control: First, you need to assume control over your own health and weight management. You need to be ready to actually change and take charge. Always remember that you are in control of your health. Diets and fitness programmes are there to help you but in the end you need to do that work.

Exercise: It's nothing new, but exercise determines whether you will succeed at long-term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Exercise burns calories. Most people, who lose weight permanently, exercise for 30 minutes to an hour a day. Any amount of exercise is better than none at all.

Weight train: Weight training is not combined with "exercise" category because of the significant weight loss benefits attached to weight lifting and because most people don't really include weight training in their exercise routines. The basic equation is this--the more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you will burn. Muscle is active tissue, fat is not. Thus, muscle "burns" a significant number of calories each day for its own maintenance. While aerobic activity can help burn calories, muscles give your metabolism a significant daily boost even at rest.

Keep a diary: Writing down everything you eat and drink can provide a large amount of self-awareness. Devote some time each day to record what you have eaten and how much, your hunger level prior to eating, and any feelings or emotions present at the time. Study any patterns that emerge from your food diary and identify where you may be able to make more healthy changes.

Know your emotional triggers: All too often overeating is triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, depression and other emotions. Learning to deal with emotions without food is a significant skill that will greatly serve long-term weight control.

Watch your portions: Portion control is very important for weight management. Research shows that most people underestimate their calorie consumption by as much as 25 per cent. Be mindful of the amount of food you consume at a sitting. Learn to pay attention to your hunger level and stop eating when you feel comfortably full and not stuffed.

Eat slowly & mindfully: Did you ever notice that thin people take an awfully long time to eat their food? Eating slowly is one method that can help take off pounds. That's because from the time you begin eating it takes the brain 20 minutes to signal a feelings of fullness. Fast eaters often eat beyond their true level of fullness.

Be wary of fat-free food: Many people, in their quest to limit fats, eat unlimited amounts of fat-free products. But, fat-free foods have calories too. And if you eat more calories than your body uses, you will gain weight.

Get support: A big key in long-term weight control comes from receiving encouragement and support from others. Enlist your family members and friends to help you out.

Slow & steady: Remember that "losing 15 pounds in two weeks" is nothing to celebrate. It is important to realise that the more quickly weight is lost, the more likely the loss is coming from water and muscle, not fat. Strive for a weight loss of no more than 1-2 pounds per week. One pound of weight is equivalent to 3500 calories. By making small changes like eliminating 250 calories a day from food and expending 250 calories a day from exercise, you can lose one pound (of mostly fat) per week.

(Pahwa is a Ludhiana-based fitness expert and consultant)

--As told to Poonam Bindra

Elegant beads

Zaveri & Co's latest line of beautiful pearl jewellery is spectacular and exuberant and is being specially crafted for those who are looking for eminence and uniqueness. Pearls are veritable jewels of the sea, and living symbols of purity and perfection.

The latest collection offers stylish and elegant neckpieces, charming bangles and mesmerising earrings. This assortment exhibits some of the most exotic pieces of jewellery that is a combination of modern design with classic elements, making each piece distinctive yet suitable for all occasions.

Typifying strength, poise and a whole lot of élan, the neckpieces radiates the brilliance of the wearer. These exquisite sets are embedded with pearls and at the centre of the pendant are these beautifully engraved blue French enamel with uncut diamonds and pearls dangling at the base with a matching pair of earrings.

Another gleaming neckpiece comprises five layers studded with white and coloured pearls set in gold which give royal effect to this magnificent piece. — TNS

star track
On screen scribes
The media and actors have a love-hate relationship. Actors and actresses may not like certain scribes being too nosy or plain impolite but they surely like essaying the role of journalists on screen. Here are some of the upcoming scribe characters you will see on screen

Neha Dhupia

Neha plays a crime reporter in Rensil D'silva's Ungli and she is more than happy to be the person asking questions instead of the one answering them.She is quite media savvy and a fashion darling.

Gul Panag

The former Miss India plays a crime journalist in Ab Tak Chhappan 2. She is the only female star in the power-packed, male-dominated cast of the film. She researched on crime reporters to essay her character in the film. From her looks in the trailer, it seems she has nailed the character.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

She plays a hard-as-nail journalist in Satyagraha and she has sought inspiration from the journalists she has interacted with over the years because she has seen that journos go to any length to get an answer. She is inspired by their dedication.

Amrita Rao

She plays an extremely honest journalist in Anil Sharma's film with Sunny Deol. Though she is not a media darling because her life is hardly happening, she interacted with several journalists to get a feel of the character and play it authentically. 

Raveena Tandon

In Sudipto Chattopadhyaya's film that has done the festival rounds and won awards, Raveena plays the role of a journalist-columnist who forms an intense relationship with a young boy. This is also her comeback film but we doubt if it will create a stir.

Nargis Fakhri 

Nargis Fakhri Madras Cafe is Nargis' second film after Rockstar. Her character required her to be full of oomph and that is why she was cast. She is a war journalist and watched documentaries of network journalists' coverage during war time. She also trained in action sequences and stunts in Australia as she will have to do some stunts in the movie.

Besotted by Bebo

new tUne: Yo Yo Honey Singh Yo Yo Honey Singh has a new single out called Bebo. His mass appeal is undeniable. He talks about his love and passion for music and his real personality.

High notes

You can say that Bebo is slightly inspired by Kareena Kapoor. She's got class and grace, and Bebo is her nickname. Talking about Bollywood, I am not choosy about my songs. When I am approached for a song, I try to connect with it and if I do, then I take it up. I would love to sing for AR Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Salim Suleiman. Other than Punjabi, I sing in Hindi as well. Last year, I sang a Gujarati song called Achko Machko. It's my dream to sing in all Indian languages.

Bad boy image

Frankly, I was shocked when I first heard that reports of me doing a song like Balatkari were making the rounds. I stayed calm because I hadn't sung it and had no connection to it. I always believed that all my fans knew me well enough to know that I would not sing something like that. I replied to it legally with several public notices in the newspapers. Things are better as the case is now in court, where I can prove myself right. I respect the Indian judiciary and I know that all those trying to defame me with false allegations have no proof against me. Finally, I know that my fans and God is with me.

The real me

I don't have a larger- than- life personality. I've been able to strike a chord with my music, but I am striving to improve every time. I am connected to my roots. I still remember my early days as a musician with no work or money. At that point, I was depressed. But somewhere down the line, I strongly believed in my music. That's what kept me going. I like to be myself, irrespective of what people perceive me to be. As a person, I am easy-going, fun- loving and someone who wants to live life to the fullest. 

Hero material

Varun Dhawan Varun Dhawan does not have any starry airs. Though his first film Student of The Year was a big hit and he has become very popular with the young crowd, he feels he is too young to be called a star. His next film is titled Main Tera Hero and will be directed by his father David and brother Rohit. He also has s film with Dharma Production.


Grounded guy: Varun Dhawan

Action & reaction

Prabhu Deva debuted as a director in Bollywood with hit film Wanted and its success turned Salman Khan into an action star.

Now after four years, the two are coming together again for another action film. Prabhudeva says, "After Salman's performance in Wanted, people are willing to see him doing action scenes in every film of his. Hence, we are planning to make another action-packed movie. However, the story or script hasn't yet been looked into yet. So, I can't comment more on that."

Post Wanted, Salman has given hits at the box office with a range of hit action dramas like Dabangg, Ready, Bodyguar, Dabangg 2 and Ek Tha Tiger. The film will be produced by Tips Industries Limited.

One happy family

Siddhanth Kapoor says he is extremely close to his sister Shraddha. They share everything under the sun and even take advice from each other on all aspects of their lives.

He has been dating his girlfriend Erika Packard for nine years now and his family has accepted her and adore her. He is also close to his aunts Padmini and Tejaswini Kalhpure. 

Defending bhai

Arpita Khan has come to her famous superstar brother's defence as his name was dragged into the Jiah Khan-Sooraj Panscholi case by Rabiya Khan. She tweeted, "Pple need to get their facts right first.

Let the law take its course, and the truth will prevail. Bhai's name is just being dragged. Let the verdict come out, lets see what the police has to say. I am sure the truth will prevail. It's wrong of us to formulate any opinion. We have known the Pancholi's & Shetty's forever, they wouldn't use Bhai's name for publicity."

Monsoon miseries

The buzz is that Sanjay Leela Bhansali's set for Ram Leela at Film City is being swept away by the torrential rains in Mumbai. However, our sources inform that the director has been continuously shooting. "We are shooting on another set. We did have to stop the shooting for a few days because of the torrential rains as a precautionary measure to ensure none of my actors slips or gets hurt in the rain. But nothing was damaged," says a member of SLB's crew.

Meanwhile, it is heard that Sanjay who is known for a strict schedule is being flexible with Deepika. He recently allowed her to take two days off from the shooting and promote Chennai Express.

We also hear that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have lost a lot of time due to the rain as they had to wait for it to slow down. 

chatter box
Salman’s birthday special

spring in step: Salman on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Birthday is supposed to be the most-awaited day of the year, an occasion to rejoice and celebrate. But this year, Salman had a busy day celebrating his birthday on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa by doing what he is best at —dance! Recalling his childhood birthday memory, Salman says, "You won't believe but I have failed to remember my birthday four times while growing up. And later, next day, on realising this I used to cry a lot. But this year it was something out of the routine. 

Salman was delighted with a cake-cutting ceremony on the set with big hugs from all the three judges — Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar and Remo Dsouza. He is overwhelmed with the birthday wishes that have poured in, "It's the prayers and love of each and every fan of mine that I work this hard for. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank everyone for being there for me. I'm really grateful for all the love and support that I've been receiving so far. All your tweets and mails turned my day into an ideal birthday. Thank you so much!"

Tea connoisseur

Kapil Nirmal Kapil Nirmal, who is currently playing the character of Nihal in Ek Veera Ki Ardas- Veera on Star Plus, is an amazing cook. Especially if it’s raining, then his culinary skills take a leap. However, we believe him to be more of a pakoda and chai chef. Now this hunk from Jaipur can make any type of pakora and five kinds of tea.

He smiles, “I love to cook in the rainy season. To have pakora and steaming hot tea while it’s raining is a beautiful experience. I can make bhajiya with potato, onion, cauliflower, brinjal, tomato, cottage cheese, leafy veggies – anything, but my egg pakoras are mind-blowing. It serves two purposes of taste bhi aur healthy bhi. I am also a tea specialist and can make killer tea with ginger, masala, lemon, elaichee or pure milk.”  With rain pouring in Mumbai these days, Kapil is planning to call his friends home for a chai-pakora party.

Party time

Aanchal Khurana Aanchal Khurana, aka Charu of Zee TV’s Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, had a big bash recently in Delhi. She threw a party for friends to celebrate winning the award of Best Actress (Negative) Awards at the Telly Awards. As she loves Louis Vuitton bags, she cut a cake that was in the shape of printed cake.

New twist

Sonia Singh will soon enter Sahara One's Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga. She will be playing Saumya's (Aamir Ali) first wife. Famous for her vampish roles, Sonia will bring a new twist in this tale with a sexy avatar and scheming ways.

One for the lovers

A still from Jodha Akbar Zee TV is all set to roll out its marketing campaign for Jodha Akbar. In the digital space, Zee TV plans to create a virtual historical monument on Facebook giving online users a chance to immortalise their love by inscribing their and their lover’s name on the monument. The idea is to support the preservation of our monuments by encouraging lovers to write their names on virtual monuments rather than real ones.

The channel will create boards on Pinterest familiarising viewers with the architecture, monuments, artefacts, clothes and jewellery from the Mughal era. Zee TV will organise edutainment excursions for school children where they will watch the shoot of the show and be taken on a guided tour of the Jodha Akbar sets that resemble Jodha and Akbar’s palaces, showcasing replicas of the costumes, jewellery and weapons used in the Mughal era that are currently being used in the show. 

In Delhi, the channel will make the toll booth on the DND flyover toll-free on the day of the launch in remembrance of the fact that emperor Akbar had waived off a pilgrimage tax for all countrymen during his time. —HRM

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Get real with your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiation with potential contractors, employers, employees and consultants can be productive. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will-power. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47

TAURUS: Your card is “the Magician” so you are not likely to be taken unaware by surprise happenings. Pay grocery bills on time. It is probably a better period for working in familiar surroundings than for travelling. Tarot message: At work don’t hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Spend this perfect day with your sweetheart. Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love most. Exciting new contracts emerge from chance encounters. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 35

CANCER: If you have recently taken up a new job or contract make sure to negotiate and organise all the specific terms as well as conditions. A greater work load is likely to be placed upon your shoulders. Tarot message: Don’t make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 40

LEO: Your performance is on public view and those in-charge will be carefully watching every move you make. The day favours those of you who are treading unfamiliar ground. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 32

VIRGO: Sudden encounters with an extraordinary character leave a mark on your life. You are unlikely to forget such incidents quickly. You will find it difficult to reach agreements with loved ones. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 25

LIBRA: Employment affairs will be somewhat unsettled especially in the morning. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable when the time comes to relax as well as unwind. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky-blue. Magic number: 28

SCORPIO: Cash will be flowing into your account today. This abundance is not due to luck but all because of your hardwork. Long-term projects and contracts will be rewarding. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: The run of good business continues. It is a case of making hay while the sun shines. Once you have decided on a certain course of action, stick to your guns. Keep a tight grip on purse strings. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunity that comes your way. Singles are in luck and those with partners are back in the saddle. It is a perfect day for a clean-up around the house. Tarot message: By applying yourself, you can build great success. Lucky colour: Peacock-green. Magic number: 51

AQUARIUS: A good day for workaholics, which is great if you love your job and want to establish a powerful momentum of productivity. Income can dwindle and expenses rise. Do what you can to improve your mind. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 65

PISCES: Make efforts to apply for a job you really want. Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61





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