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Of emotion & drama
It’s a stark departure from the cinema that he started out with. When your credentials cite Karan Johar’s production house, the subjects are likely to alternate between tear-jerkers and romanticized-escapist dramas. However, director Nikhil Advani picks on only one common thread around which he likes to weave all his cinematic creations.
“Emotion excites me. It is the challenge to be able to bring out the true emotions in a character that drives me. That could come in any form, a family drama or a high-octane action thriller,” shares the director over the phone, while busy meeting the various deadlines for his upcoming film D-day. He adds, “I write anything I direct and it is an exciting genre. Moreover, even a crime thriller is an emotional drama at the end of the day.” The film borders around four people with varied backgrounds who are brought together by circumstances and a common mission; one which is to be executed on a foreign soil. The alphabet D immediately lends itself to speculations and queries about the script and the inspiration from which it came about. “It’s on the most wanted terrorist in India and everyone’s definition of the most wanted terrorist is different. For some it could be Dawood Ibrahim while for others it could be someone else.” Considering there are so many, the battle for a unanimous name could be tough. While there must be someone in his mind when attempting the subject, he jokes, “I think in this country, politicians are the most wanted at the moment.” There was a lot that needed to be put in place backstage right from the research on the subject to deciding on the locations. “Right from reading books to meeting journalists to following Google, we did a lot of research on the lifestyle of the terrorists before readying the script.” He adds, “The climax of the film has been shot in Rann Of Kutch, which was quite difficult given the weather conditions and the sequence of the shoot.” While there may have been films attempted on intelligence agencies and terrorists before, “They were all superficial…here if a character gets injured, you feel the pain. It’s as real and gritty as it gets.” Apart from the cast comprising Arjun Rampal and Irrfan Khan, a part of the credit goes to celebrity action director Tom Struthers. “We’ve roped in the best action director. He’s the guy behind Inception and Dark Knight.” Having directed the likes of Kal Ho Na Ho, Patiala House and Salaam-e-Ishq and an animation film Delhi Safari, he’s already come a full circle with subjects. “I think I’d like to do another animation film. Besides that, there’s another thriller and a romantic film in the pipeline.” What deserves a special mention is his special appearance, a fact that he shifted sides with the camera for a brief period while in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai; a short scene where he appears while hosting the Neelam Show sequence. Any acting plans? “Not at all; I did that role because the actor did not turn up that day,” he rests it at that. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Natural talent
He is living his father’s dream! Pursuing bachelors, Manjot Singh, seen in movies Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Fukrey and Student of the Year, is all set to play his first intense role in The Zero Line.In the movie based on Indo-Pak relationships, directed by Gagan Puri, Manjot plays Amar; the movie is about how he befriends a boy across the border and their strong bond. Act one
I took up acting because may father could not! He so wanted to be an actor but circumstances kept him away from trying. With his full support I ventured into the field and am quite enjoying it. So far I haven’t taken any training; never even acted in a school play and often get to hear - ‘You are natural, keep it this way’, but I guess I would need some workshops to polish this craft! Border line
I was lucky to get a break in Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, some more comic roles followed. In The Zero Line I play an intense role for the first time. In the film, based on the novel Black Night: The Journey to Wagah Border, written by Gagan Puri, our director has an amazing story line. Character calling
Amar, the character I play, loves history. He always tops in history but fails in other subjects. In real life on the contrary, I always struggled with history. Amar values friendship and his friendship with a boy from Pakistan from across the border, takes the story forward.
mona@tribunemail.com
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Beauty is skin-deep!
Saloni is a twenty-six-year-old who, like the rest of her clan, considers beauty the very basis of life. On her night shelf rests an international range of products promising overnight results and yet her search for an ever-glowing skin only gets only bigger with time!
Anti-ageing industry is burgeoning today and the scene in India matches the global rage. Anti-ageing products make a staple of any national or international brand. Experts opine that the traditional Indian market for fairness products has diversified to anti-ageing and is expanding further. If looking young is on your agenda, going natural is what experts from the region vouch for! Beauty and diet consultant Betty Nangia has a regular stream of young visitors who are scared of looking mature. “The stress of life has taken a toll on our body as well as the mind and people are aware of this fact.” Betty vouches for natural for it goes a long way! Her Gorgeous Beauty Range aimed at keeping the skin young comes with cleanser, lemon mint toner, sandal lavender gel, orange/carrot cream and evening ubtan. “It’s important to keep the mind relaxed for it reflects on your face. Ample water, a diet rich in anti-oxidants, deep-breathing, exercise and right skincare will sure result in a healthy skin,” she says. Not only is there a range of beauty products available off the shelf in the market, there is a bigger range of beauty treatments. “Men as well as women are increasingly looking for anti-ageing treatments to offset the arrival of fine lines and other signs,” says Poonam Bhatia, beauty expert at Tress Lounge. Rather than chemical treatments that give instant results they recommend natural ingredient-based wraps and peel off treatments that give the face a lift and reduce the fine lines over a period of time. Post treatment care is what they highly recommend at Tress Lounge and the package starts at Rs 3,500. Age Smart treatments from Cleopatra have got a huge following as well. “We believe in nurturing the skin both from the inside and outside,” says Richa Agarwal, director, Cleopatra. While natural preparations give the skin a healthy glow, Richa stresses on the need to eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Their Age Smart treatment that starts at Rs 2,500 addresses the problems of open pores, pigmentation and lines. If DIY is what you are aiming at, Blossom Kochhar talks highly in favour of the humble eggs and aloe vera. Try egg white mask or aloe vera pulp to keep the skin moisturised and lines at bay!
Fruity flavour
Fruits are great for the body and the skin. n Eat a banana early in the morning. That will not lead to weight gain; apply the inside peel, it keeps the blemishes away. n Papaya is rich in anti-ageing properties. Have a big bowl of papaya before breakfast; apply it on your skin, wash after 15 to 20 minutes. n Enjoy eating a ripe watermelon; crush its pulp and peel with lemon rind and multani mitti, apply on your face, it’s an excellent cleansing mask.
— Betty Nangia
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All things Italian
Thirty Italian delicacies, as much as you want on your table…Gusto D'Italia celebrates the taste in an opulent way! On at Spaghetti Kitchen-22, the menu boasts of eight veg starters as well as non- veg, choice of pastas, pizzas and four finger licking desserts and all at fixed price.
"Our star dishes, pizza and pasta, pull the customers," says Bill Marchetti, master chef, Spaghetti Kitchen, adding, "but in a la carte people desist from trying out lesser known but equally scrumptious delicacies." So here he is with 30 preparations to tickle your taste buds. All you need to say is veg or non veg and there comes a constant stream of preparations, yes, little slower than 'all you can fill buffet', but then you need time to savour the flavours. For starters we loved mixed grain tabouleh with quinoa and yoghurt dip, a healthy beginning; Greek salad with fettas, fresh and crunchy; and cottage cheese marinated in Moroccan spices, a certain change from regular tikkas! While bites of lip-smacking starters fill you up, we have little zest to try the main course. Yet, thumbs up to all-vegetarian pizza and penne vodka pasta. For non-vegetarians pizza with prawns, zucchini and jalapeno and spaghetti polo con pesto are mouth watering options. For dessert, they serve four in one plate-- tiramisu, chocolate brownie, carnival rice fritters with honey glaze (our chef's favourite) and choice of gelato. Tiramisu with a distinctive taste of rum wins hands down here! What's more--all comes at fixed price. Lunch is Rs 450 plus taxes (veg) and Rs 495 plus taxes (non veg), dinner at Rs 500 plus taxes (veg) and Rs 545 plus taxes (veg). Mediterranean cuisines are healthy, which is why they are gaining popularity in India, shares the chef, who is half German and half Italian, who has spent 12 long years in India and in love with Indian food and Indian women. Talk of mutual
love! mona@tribunemail.com
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Step up
Dance aerobics means passion for lifestyle, fitness and health for the team 'Raag'. Now their passion has turned into a dream, the dream to be in Limca Book of World Records.
The three members of the Raag team, Manish Rana, and Maliya Anam and Anupama Singh Lather had earlier applied for Fastest Aerobics in Limca Book of World Records earlier this week. Now again, two members in this team have again applied for the category of fastest aerobics on stepper for Limca Book of World Records. The duo gave electrifying performance in fastest dance aerobics on stepper at Exotica Gym, sector 16, Panchkula. Across the globe aerobics is performed at the range of 140-160 BPMs but Manish and his team do it on 200 BPM range, which means that their feet move for more than three times per second! They usually run their classes at Burn Gym & Spa, Panchkula (Haryana). The team has participated in many Aerobics competitions. Talking about the initiative, the team leader Manish Rana said, "Dance Aerobics is one of the best workouts to tone the entire body and burn maximum calories. To get our names in the fastest aerobics category all of us practice for three hours daily. My team members are very supportive and all of us share an amazing chemistry". Echoing the same feelings Maliya Anam said, "Our aim is not only to win the title but we also want to spread a message that when you dance you bring forth lot of positive energy and positive emotions. It not only charges you but instill loads of confidence".
— TNS
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green thumb
In the plant kingdom, there are thousands of species of plants. The
horticulturists have selected the ones that are ornamental and suitable to their
region. Even within species there is tremendous choice due to variation in
colour, texture and types. There are plants that are selected due to foliage
beauty whereas others find favour due to their floral beauty. But there are
those types that have both the plus points that is floral beauty and attractive
foliage. Begonia offers a wide range of such plants.
Before we discuss about
begonias, let us talk about some of the plants that are known for their foliage.
Dracaena is one such plant. Therange is quite wide. The colour of foliage ranges
from yellow to pink and almost red. Glaring example of these are song of India
and Mahatama. Whereas the former has variegated foliage, green with yellow
margin the latter has the beauty of its deep pink foliage. Even in green, the
dracaena has its own beauty. Some even consider it auspicious and keep it
indoors. You can see 'lucky bamboo' in many a home. Yes, the so called Lucky
Bamboo is nothing but a dracaena. It has nothing to do with bamboo or grass
family. Coleus is another one such species of plants that has its foliage
value. There are different sized and coloured leaves found in this kind. The
leaves may also be frilled but the flowers are insignificant. Begonia on the
other hand is known for its foliage beauty and when it comes into flowering, it
adds to the charm. The blooms may appear in singles or in bunches. The range in
begonia is so wide that one could decorate the whole garden with various kinds
of this species only. The colour range is also amazing. The begonias are used to
be kept is group of plants to neutralize the all green effect. Begonias are
sensitive plants that have superficial hair like roots. It is therefore very
important to take care of watering issues. Whereas it needs continous moisture
uptake any stagnation could spell a doom for this species. For this the soil
medium plays a very important role. It has to be very porous but at the same
time it has a good retention of water. Drying of surface may cause wilt and
drying. For this make the growing medium light but humus. For this use leaf
mould, manure, vermin-compost and shreds of moss grass besides sand and soil.
Propagation in begonias is easy and can be done by way of cuttings. (The
author is the Chandigarh based horticulturist)
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the ‘in’ side
Communication has never been easier and many of us are welcoming the option of working from home. A dedicated room with a door for privacy would be ideal. However, for those of us with limited space, finding an appropriate zone can be an issue. With careful planning, space can be manipulated to suit everyone's needs.
Now that you have decided where you want that home office; the next step is how you want it. Of course, shelves, storage and a desk are fundamental to any study or office. Flexible units and shelving which can adapt and grow within a space are best. (Soni is a Chandigarh-based
interior decorator)
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TRENDSETTER
Your sense of style? Being comfortable in whatever I wear. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories? Light, bright dresses, best bet for summers. Brand crazy or street pick-up? I love brands, but if I find anything I like on the street, I don't mind picking it up. Who would be your style icon? Manish Malhotra, anyday. Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity? Vidya Balan Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous? I go with my mood for the day. Right now I would choose glamorous. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension… People blindly following fashion instead of what really suits them. Given a choice, which designer would you like to be dressed by? Manish
Malhotra — As told to Tanya Malhotra
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Catching up with Deepika
Thrilled to the core
I am thrilled with the success of my films. In fact, more so because YJHD was one great experience. We were shooting a love story but it felt like we were making an adventure film. I believe I have come into my own after the movie because my journey in life is similar to that of my character, Naina Talwar. I am Naina Talwar. Also, the credit for the film's success should go to my director Ayan (Mukherjee). On Ayan Mukerji
Mentally, Ayan Mukerji is a fossil. Having said that, I must add he's extremely intelligent, intuitive, competitive and studious. But most importantly, he is minutely sensitive to human emotions and he portrays them beautifully on screen. That's what has worked for the movie. The line-up
Well, I do have an interesting year but I didn't plan this amazing line-up. It has all just happened. The best part about it is that I've had the chance to play completely different characters. I have nothing to do with the fact that these films are releasing within three-four months of one another. I am just lucky. Just another life
This is my chance to tell everyone that my life is as hectic and as difficult as anyone else's life. I won't call my job a job because I love what I do. I am passionate about what I do. But at the end of the day, it's still hard work. If working as a chartered accountant is hard work, so is this. It's not as glamorous as it looks. It's just that the work I do brings me fame and recognition and gives me a star status. All that makes me seem larger than life. I can be quite an insecure person but my insecurities are all about me. Just friends
Ranbir and I have become a lot closer now. I've known him for quite a while. We have a past but we consciously make sure it doesn't hamper our present. At this point, I share a great comfort level with Ranbir. We are the greatest friends ever and we can count on each other without any hang-ups!
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Actor Ranveer Singh, who was recently on the sets of Uttaran to promote his up and coming film, Lootera, along with co-star Sonakshi Singh, complimented Tina Dutta on her looks.
"Ranveer is so good. He gave me the biggest compliment ever. He told me that I was one of the prettiest lady he has ever met and that he really likes me. He also said that his nani was a huge fan of Uttaran and watches it regularly," said Tina. Ranveer and Sonakshi shot for a sequence where they will help Akash and Meethi resolve their differences. Ranveer, in his character of Varun, and Sonakshi, will convince Meethi that Akash loves her and will bring them face to
face. Words worth: Tina & Ranveer We've all seen Kavita Kaushik's bindaas attitude on SAB TV's most popular show, FIR. She gained immense popularity for her role, Inspector Chandramukhi Chautala and thoroughly entertained viewers with her perfect comic timing and drama. Now she's back on FIR; and is bringing many special elements in her much-admired Chandramukhi style! The show will not only feature the usual Chandramukhi Chautala that you have been seeing for eight long years, this time, she will enthral the audience with some thrilling action-packed performances and mind-blowing stunts. Speaking of her comeback, Kavita said, "It feels great to be back on FIR. I feel like I have come back to my friends. In fact, everyone around me is so excited and kicked about the show. My entry into the show has also been planned really well, with action sequences and stunts. I'm really happy to be back and I'm certain that the viewers are going to thoroughly enjoy watching the show as I continue to entertain them in a dhamakedaar andaaz!" With Kavita back on the show, one thing is for sure, the viewers are in for a series of gripping sequences! To catch Chandramukhi Chautala in action, tune into FIR from Monday to Friday at 10:30 pm only on SAB TV! Mrunal Jain aka Vishnu of Uttaran is getting married to his fiancé, Sweety Jain on July13. He talks about the wedding preparations and more. When and where is the wedding taking place? The wedding will take place on July 13 in Mumbai as we both are marwadi jains from Mumbai. The wedding will roll according to the rituals of our family customs and traditions. There will be a sangeet function and a reception too. Is this an arranged marriage? Yes. My parents were on a bride-hunt for me since quiet some time and they finally settled for Sweety. Also, both Sweety and I clicked when we met. I have no problems with an arranged marriage. How will you manage the dates with your ongoing show? Well, I will shoot in advance of course and the story track is distributed among other plots, so I won't be needed in every frame. Its quiet manageable, you see. Who all from the TV industry will be a part of the marriage? I have invited friends from all my shows, including Bandini, Uttaran and others. There are many who have confirmed, so it will be a full house. Your name Mrunal is a common Marathi name. How did you get it? Yes, I get that a lot. My grandfather kept the name. Everyone spells it as Mrinal but I correct them every time they do that. Shama Sikander, of Balveer fame has been practicing yoga, kickboxing, and spinning these days because she felt that she had put on weight post a holiday. So, she is now working towards keeping her body fit. She keeps changing her diet and workout routines to stay fit.
Healthy regime: Shama Sikander Hiten Tejwani will be playing a special cameo in a Bollywood movie, Its Entertainment, which is directed by Sajid-Farhaad and produced by Ramesh Taurani. Hiten's a seasoned actor and has been in the television industry for over a decade now. Hiten was present during the Mahurat shot, which was shot in the same studio, where he shoots for Pavitra
Rishta.
Filmy way: Hiten Tejwani Star-kissed!
Gautam Rode of Saraswatichandra was surprised to meet a fan in Delhi. The lady, who was accompanied by her daughters, kept hugging and kissing him, while her daughters got embarrassed by their mom's act. We are sure Gautam didn't mind the love showered on him-right Gautam? Alia Bhatt had a good time partying at Arjun Kapoor's bash till the wee hours of the morning. She woke up late so she had to postpone the art event, which she was scheduled to attend, to four pm and made it in time for her evening appointment.
Party animal Alia Bhatt Himesh Reshammiya is a singer, a composer, an actor, a story writer and a producer. He is too busy to be on social networking sites and has no inclination to do so either. He has clarified that any social networking account in his name is fake.
Anti-social: Himesh Reshammiya Sixteen may sink without a trace but its makers are going all out to promote it. The makers have hired teenage girls to stand in multiplexes with a tablet and ask the cine goers to watch at least one promo of the film. We have seen the promos and they don't look very appealing.
Coming soon: Poster of the film Nargis Fakhri has declared in an interview that she is single and not in love with Uday Chopra and that he simply teases her. She has said that she is here to do her best, make money and take off to another country because she has the soul of a wanderer. She does not have the time to be
in a relationship.
Time zone: Nargis Fakhri Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha at a promotional event, for her upcoming movie
Lootera, in Ahmedabad. Congratulations and celebrations!
Proud parents: Gauri Khan and Shah Rukh Khan Release dates of movies in August have been shuffled to ensure that all the movies get a smooth run
at cinemas and multiplexes. Chennai Express is out on Eid day, Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Again will release on August 15. Meanwhile, Satyagraha has been pushed to August 30 and Bullet Raja will release a couple of weeks
later.
Watch out: Poster of Chennai Express Katrina Kaif was miffed with Ranbir Kapoor, at Arjun Kapoor's party, because he chose to spend time with his male buddies instead of hanging out with her. She wanted to leave early with him but he chose to stick around and she left in an angry mood with Arjun Kapoor seeing her
off.
Couple capers Katrina Kaif with Ranbir Kapoor
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: New business deals are worth considering. Plan a romantic evening with your partner today. This day will
test you mentally and physically. Tarot message: Don't allow others to interfere in your
way. Lucky colour: Lotus pink Lucky number: 27.
TAURUS: Business and work opportunities are aplenty, but take one step at a time to climb up the ladder of success. Make efforts to resolve family issues. A business venture is gainful.
Tarot message: Do not
hurt anybody. Lucky colour: Black Lucky number: 59 GEMINI: Cards indicate that you will have a good interaction with your beloved. Focus on routine work and maintain a low profile. An important project is likely to encounter hurdles.
Tarot message: You should focus on your goals. Lucky colour: Green Lucky number: 26 CANCER: You are on your own, as friends and close relatives refuse to come to your aid. Despite your best efforts and willingness to compromise, domestic life may remain disturbed.
Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky
colour: Blue Lucky number: 48 LEO: Participation in a charitable activity is indicated. The share market yields good profits after the recent uncertain phase. Tune in to your favourite music and unwind with loved ones. Tarot message: Don't let others interfere in your business or personal matters.
Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 45 VIRGO: A happy event celebrated at home is enjoyable and it keeps you on your toes. Short-work related journeys are tiring and they bring mixed results. Stay positive.
Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses; so be confident.
Lucky colour: White Lucky number: 25
LIBRA: Weigh pros and cons of any given situation before taking a decision. A Cancerian person surprises you with a generous gift. Be extra careful while signing any papers. Tarot message: Seek well-researched information before making any moves.
Lucky colour: Red Lucky number: 50 SCORPIO: Past efforts may reap new opportunities. Spending quality time with your partner will be a priority for you. There could be good news regarding a family member.
Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky
colour: Grey Lucky number: 58 SAGITTARIUS: Health and physical energy is good, but you need to take frequent breaks and watch out your diet and fitness routine. Work will be hectic. Don't make financial decisions in haste.
Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results Lucky colour: Magenta
Lucky number: 51 CAPRICORN: Monetary gains due to astute financial planning are indicated. If there are important meetings today, you need to be focused and prepared. Health needs attention.
Tarot message: Don't read too much into situations. Lucky colour: Yellow
Lucky number: 34 AQUARIUS: A trip is on the cards. Your past efforts will show results. You may be unable to make up your mind about an important decision. Don't hesitate to discuss things with close associates.
Tarot message: Feel free to
change your mind. Lucky colour: Forest green Lucky number: 39 PISCES: You will be in a cheerful frame of mind. Going out of your way to help colleagues or loved ones will earn you good will and appreciation. Students need make plans for higher education.
Tarot message: Concentrate on projects with reliable outcome. Lucky
colour: Pink Lucky number: 57
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The Chandigarh girl goes out and shines bright like a star, bringing home some great stories to tell. She is fun, relaxed, living her life to the fullest and has many dreams in her eyes. Strong willed, she can swipe you off your feet with her charming personality, great styling sense and an outgoing attitude. Sadhvi Bajaj is a trendsetter for the aspiring youngsters in the city.
Deepika Padukone has already had a fabulous year with blockbusters Race 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. There are two more to come. She talks about her success, her equation with Ranbir Kapoor and much more.
Pulling his charm
Back with a bang
In ‘sweet’ matrimony
In pursuit of
fitness
Riding
high
The evening batch
For the record
Not so promising
Single and happily so!
Beauty with business
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan have been blessed with a baby boy through surrogacy and he has come a little earlier than expected. The baby is at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai and was delivered by Gauri's sister-in-law Namita Chibber who was discharged last week. The form carries Shah Rukh Khan's personal number. SRK has neither confirmed nor denied and would rather focus on Chennai Express.
The date sheet
All’s not well