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Yo!
The beginning was as cool as cucumber, but the rapper singer couldn't keep the sun from getting to his skin. He comes out with a visible tan, but the fact that it will soon go away comes as a big reassurance for the singer. Honey has gone through some of the toughest months of his life, and after getting too close to fame he can now talk about the price he paid. Sans his trademark lose-fitted hanging jeans and accessories, Honey Singh is in a white kurta pajama, an avatar he isn't seen in ever! Humble, elated and relaxed, Honey Singh along with close friend Money Aujla and others who have supported him throughout the ordeal, is all ready for a quick Q&A session. Unlike other times when it is next to impossible to get this singer on line, Honey Singh is all yours today!
Finally it's over
We go through great times and troubled times, but it is the latter that leaves us with more lessons. Hear it from the singer, "I went through hell for the last six months. I was stressed; I was all out of sorts," says Honey with a smile that says — what a relief! He had to face the courts, as the High Court had asked the Punjab Government to act against him. "I had sleepless nights all this while. It was this time that made me think that every bit of struggle was worth it," shares Honey, who is ready to share his pent-up feelings. "I didn't have any singing background. Against the wishes of my parents, I got into making music. After ten years of struggle I reached somewhere, and then I see some people pulling me down. I tell myself that if this is what singers have to go through I would never let my kid enter this field." Honey was paying the price for being famous and you bet it wasn't an easy thing. All this, however, did not affect his creativity. "You wouldn't believe I made sixty songs in these six difficult months. Look out for those tracks," he says. "I have sung songs for Sunny Deol and Akshay Kumar's upcoming films. Apart from this, there is a big surprise coming up which I will disclose soon." You can virtually imagine blood being pumped back into his system. "Tough times don't last tough people do," he laughs. So, what kept him going through all this? "The faith that my parents, my friends, millions of my fans and Bollywood had on me; I got a lot of support from the entire industry, stars like Akshay Kumar, AR Rahman told me to keep doing the good work and not get bogged down by anything," adds Honey. It's back to work now for him now. Loads of music and films? "Yes, I have been getting many offers after Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22, but I will take time to go in for something good. Till then I'll give you some rocking music."
Honey hai to Money hai
They are the inseparable friends, brothers, colleagues; whatever you wish to call them. Honey Singh and Money Aujla virtually wake-up to find each other there. Punjabi singer-actor Money Aujla from Chandigarh is Honey's close confidante. He has seen Honey go through the highs and lows. Money, who started out as a choreographer when we was nine, has shared the stage with renowned singers like Malkit Singh, Sardool Sikander Richa Sharma, Rageshwari, Mohammad Sadiq, Harbhajan Mann and money more. His band Mafia Mundeer shares the stage with Honey Singh for all musical tours. "I am with Honey bhaji for the last four years. He is like a brother, father and best friend to me," shares the singer who shot to fame with the song Siftaan. The song got two lakh hits within a week of its release. "I am a trained vocal singer, I had an opportunity to watch and learn from many singers. Honey Singh is like forest fire, his enthusiasm and energy is unbeatable," adds Money Aujla, who is by far the youngest singer to have done maximum international stage shows. "There is only one page left on my passport," he laughs. Money has recently shot for a Punjabi song, London, along with international singer and rapper from UK Nesdi Jones. "Honey Singh is the music director and he as well as Nesdi have also acted in this song." Money will soon be seen as a solo hero in Mannat Sidhu Production's untitled Punjabi film. More than anything else, it is the return of the normal phase that Money is elated about.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Character calling
His journey to stardom didn't begin with love triangles, college dramas or continued through urban stories or uber-chic characters. Actor Irrfan Khan couldn't be farther from the image of a clichéd Bollywood hero. When a National Award, a Padma Shri and a couple of Filmfare Awards form a part of your introduction, who regrets not having followed the norms?
"I'm not even looking at that kind of an image. In fact, I'm trying to create my own path and do stories that touch human hearts and matter," he reflects on his journey so far, during an interaction for his upcoming film, D-Day. Once again, a role that sounds in sync with the performance-oriented roles that he's played. He differs, "I haven't played a role like this so far. My character is that of an intelligence officer. He's in the secret services; he's a Pakistani, who lives in Pakistan but doesn't reveal his identity. He gives information to the Indian government and is a spy." We may have had ample scripts and precedence to do with the life of a spy but, "this area I wasn't familiar with. My research involved meeting certain people who've met spies and reading about them." He adds, "But I didn't watch movies while preparing for my role; one of the reasons being that our spies are not filmy spies." Wish list
He didn't have to beat around the foreign bushes to have finally landed roles in Hollywood films. If there's anything that still remains on the wish-list then it is, "a film that has something to do with music. It could be a musical or anything. Then I'd really like to find a story that can entertain kids." There's also a mention of, "one action and one comedy film," but the first thing that crossed his mind was a musical. "I like classical Indian; I listen to hardcore rock, I like all the songs by Jim Morrison." He also likes instrumental music of different countries and by different artists, but there's a strong aversion to rap. Could we blame it on the vulgar lyrics or plain disapproval of the genre? "I don't like rap. It sounds noisy to me. I still like Eminem but don't enjoy rap music. The moment it starts playing, it starts sounding like noise to me. I also don't like trance music much." Hit machine
While spanning through the wide canvas he's painted with his performances, there must be some element, any role he's played or any movie he's done, that must be very close to his heart? It is an obvious start with Paan Singh Tomar and continues with, "Haasil, Lunch Box, Maqbool, my character in Life In A Metro…" Guess that was a tough question! As for the upcoming projects, "he'll let us know as and when they happen. Right now, I'm busy with the promotions." On a broader spectrum, so what lies next in his life, considering the critical acclaim and recognition that is behind him? "I need to mesmerise you again and again with my performances." Once again, a promise to perform!
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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A perfect script
Things are not moving smoothly for the two superstars of Bollywood; Sanjay Dutt is already serving a sentence and Salman Khan might also have to follow suit. Apart from the fans and industry that is supporting the two whole-heartedly, script-writer and director Muazzam Beg has come up with an interesting story in their favour. The co-writer of Rockstar and director of Sadda Adda, Beg is filming a movie Munnabhai Sallubhai, which is based on the two heroes. In Chandigrah to audition for the two main lead characters, Beg discloses his story.
"This movie is about two die-hard fans of Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt who garner support in the form 25,000 fans, who will send a mercy plea to the court against the verdict. This will be my climax scene and I will get 25,000 real fans for this," shares Beg who is on the look-out for two young boys with a good physique. Beg along with his team will be holding auditions in eight different cities. "I could have made the movie with famous actors, but I wanted to work with new faces so that they can bring in the element of 'real' in their work." Dabbling between writing scripts and calling the shots as a director, Beg feels that script-writers don't have much role to play in Bollywood. "After Salim Javed, I don't think any script-writer has got his due. With Hindi films taking rights to reproduce English and South-Indian hit films what is the work left for the scriptwriter!" This is also the biggest challenge, as Beg sees it, "I also had to face this, movie-makers would ask me to put some English scene here and there. But I write what I feel naturally; I don't lift stuff."
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Image makeover
Sunny Leone is ravishing. The Indo-Canadian actress rose to fame in India as a contestant in Bigg Boss season 5. She, then, went on to sign films like Jism 2, Shootout At Wadala and Ragini MMS. We catch up with her to talk about Bollywood career and more…
Bollywood has been very accepting. I know there are people out there that don't like me but there are more people who like me, so it doesn't bother me. I am lucky that when I entered Bollywood I was coming with a fan-following already. And the Big Boss Season 5 show helped everyone else get to know me as a person. Moving to India from Hollywood was one of the easiest moves I have ever made. Effortless… really. Emotional quotient
Honestly speaking, I loved working for Ragini MMS. It is a performance-based movie and there is a huge range of emotions and of course, horror. I don't mind the idea of not looking pretty in every shot. To me this is my way of getting out of who I am and becoming someone completely different. I'll be able to talk in more detail once the movie comes out. Punjabi connection
I grew up in a typical Punjabi home and watched Hindi movies during my childhood. I understand Hindi and Punjabi and the Indian film industry is like every entertainment industry across the world. It all functions the same way except for the language. I have moved my whole world here and love this industry of Bollywood. Comfort zone
I feel very comfortable living here. It's been the easiest move for my husband (Daniel Weber) and me. We are very much settled and know the ins and outs of Mumbai. I think the day I felt totally comfortable was when I started giving my driver directions. Family support
My husband is my biggest supporter. He runs two other businesses and has his own musical band and yet still finds the time to be my husband and manage my career. He's is a Superman. My brother is very supportive and has been by my side from the beginning of my career. He's a head chef in America and I hope one day he can move here so I see him more. My parents have passed away and I know they are looking down at me and smiling. If my mom and dad knew I met Madhuri Dixit the other day, I know they would have been so excited. My father always told me over and over again, do what you want to do in life but make sure you are the best at what you do and work hard. My father left India for Canada with $200 in his pocket and worked his way up and I always admired his hard
work.
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B-town’s leap for a cause
Supporting the LEAP Foundation of Dehradun, which is working actively on giving a livelihood to those who have lost their houses, shops etc to the floods, Sushant has taken it upon himself to lead a campaign appealing to the nation to chip in for the rehabilitation process. Sushant says, "Mountains have moved us and now together let us move the mountains. I have found my mission and there is no stopping now. As a nation, it's time to prove our will to the world, and as people of this country, it's time to show the politicians the real meaning of 'service by the people, of the people, and for the people'." Leading film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi, who is also involved with the LEAP Foundation's initiative says, "As citizens of India, it's our duty to ensure that we do whatever we can for the victims of the Uttarakhand floods. The rehabilitation process is a massive task and we are trying to do our bit by contributing to it." Dehradun-based veteran academician Anurag Sangal; the brain behind the LEAP Foundation, says, "We have initiated a programme to make an impact on the lives of the victims by providing jobs, education, homes etc; all with the support of our friends." We hope others from the Bollywood brigade will follow Sushant's lead and support similar initiatives. To know how to contribute to the LEAP Foundation and support the cause, check their website: http://www.leapqualityeducation.com
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Sonam-Ranbir patch up!
Ever since the two made their debuts in Bollywood with Saawariya, the actors Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor have not been sharing a cordial relation. But at a recent party they seem to bury their differences and were seen chatting like old friends.
Sonam and Ranbir were childhood friends. They debuted in Bollywood together and during the shooting of their first movie, they got close to each other. Though Sonam has never talked openly of her relationship with Ranbir, it was rumoured that the two were in a relationship for a short period. Then things took an ugly turn and they stopped talking to each other. They started hating each other so much that they got vocal against each other. Ranbir tagged Sonam as "not sexy". Sonam took revenge on Karan Johar's show Kofee with Karan. She joined hands with Ranbir's ex Deepika and talked foul about Ranbir. In an interview given in 2011, Sonam had said, "Well, it was Ranbir who started it all by saying 'Sonam is not sexy'. I just shot back and said 'Ranbir is not sexy'. If a man says it, chalta hai. But when a woman says the same thing, nahi chalta hai? That's sexist! Why should I say 'sorry' to him? If Ranbir apologises to me, I shall do it too." Listening to this, Ranbir had said, "She is a bit of a drama queen but I like her." And Sonam quipped, "I am an actress, darling. If I don't do drama, who else will?"
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It’s time for Satya 2
Directed by RGV, the story of the sequel revolves around a young man who is set out to reinvent the laws of Mumbai's mafia dons namely Arun Gawli, Chota Rajan, Dawood Ibrahim. The film stars Puneet, Mahesh Thakur and Anaika Soti in the lead roles.
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TRENDSETTER
Your sense of style is… Just changing into a bright and spunky top makes a lot of difference. I also believe in comfort. The latest addition in the wardrobe… It's a classic. A little black dress from Zara. Brand freak or street smart? I prefer branded clothes because it provides quality. But once in a while I end up buying clothes off the street too. Choose one— sporty, glamorous or chic I believe in dressing up glamorously. That's something that makes me feel good. Your style icon Would have to be Kareena Kapoor. Her style is real and original. Who's the worst-dressed celebrity around? Tushar Kapoor, because his dressing sense is funny and crazy. I doubt if he has any sense of style. One fashion trend you don't understand… Why do some girls wear short skirts with jeans? That neither looks good nor makes sense. Your take on accessories… I like gold rings and even wear coloured lenses. One thing that boosts your confidence? When I know that I have dressed well and get compliments from friends and family, that really boosts my confidence. You would love to be dressed
up by…. Designer Abdul Haider. His collections stand apart from the clutter that others are making. (As told to Manpriya Singh)
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Lootera Producer: Phantom Films, Balaji Motion Pictures Director: Vikramaditya Motwane The Sonakshi Sinha-Ranveer Singh starrer Lootera is a period film, partly inspired by American author O Henry's short story The Last Leaf. This keenly awaited film has been written and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane of Udaan fame and is the maiden venture of newly floated production house Phantom Films. Set in the 1950's, the period romance, shot in Dalhousie and other locations, has created a lot of interest among the fan. Sonakshi plays the role of a Bengali girl and Ranveer plays an intense lover. Policegiri
Producer: TP Aggarwal, Rahul Aggarwal Director: KS Ravikumar Sanjay Dutt, who is in Yerwada Jail, completed the shooting and dubbing of this film on April 29. This action flick has been directed by KS Ravikumar and is the Hindi remake of Tamil blockbuster Saamy. Sanjay Dutt plays both a good and a bad cop in the film. Prachi Desai plays a software engineer while Prakash Raj is the villain. Himesh Reshammiya has composed the music. The Lone Ranger
Producer: Jerry Bruckhimer Director: Gore Verbinski Johnny Depp plays an American spirit warrior Tonto in the adventure film The Lone Ranger, which is based on an old serial by the same name. It was one of the highest rated TV programmes on the ABC Network during the early 1950's. Armie Hammer, Ruth Wilson, William Fichtner and Tom Wilkinson also star in this
film. — Dharam Pal
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Sargun to go Jai-Veeru way!
Sargun Mehta, who was last seen in Nach Baliye 5 on Star Plus, is a diligent performer and likes to get under the skin of her character. During a special programming show for the annual Star Parivaar Award 2013, Sargun, along with her co-star Karan Vahi, was supposed to be in pursuit of the coveted yet missing Star Parivaar trophy. Sargun being her creative best decided to add an interesting prop to the storyline; she suggested incorporating a scooter with a side car popularised by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmedra in the movie Sholay. The side car not only added an interesting character but created a few hilarious moments for the duo as well. "When Karan and I were given a task to hunt this missing trophy, somehow the image of Jai and Veeru popped in my mind. I suggested using a similar side car for us as it adds the comical touch to the show; I am extremely happy that the production team acknowledged the request promptly," said Sargun. This Saturday, tune in to the special Muh Dekhai episode at 7 pm on Star Plus and on July 13, tune in to the main 11th Star Parivaar Award event at 8 PM on Star Plus.
Ranveer in the hot seat
Helping hand: Ranveer Singh Aamir Ali aka Soumya in Sahara One's Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga had promised his mother that he would never ride a bike due to an incident in his life.
So recently, when he had to shoot a bike sequence for the show, he remembered the promise and asked the producer to make some changes. The makers agreed and turned the bike into a car! Man of word: Aamir Ali Anurag Basu has bought the remake rights of hit Hollywood television show Prison Break. He will co-produce and be the creative director of the serial, which will be aired on a prime channel. Successful filmmaker Basu had started his career with TV show
Tara.
Telly story: Anurag Basu Mallika Sherawat is supposed to be on the Indian version of an international television show in India in which she will find her soulmate but the show has not yet rolled as she is still in America. She has to be in India for the entire duration of the show and the shoot is likely to begin in September now.
Late entry: Mallika Sherawat DJ Aqeel, who owns and runs the popular nightclub Hype in South Mumbai, had shut shop for a while. But now he has found a new investor and plan to give the club an entirely new vibe and look. We are looking forward to it. Pooja Chopra has begun work on the sequel of Commando and she got good reviews for the first one. Vipul Shah wants her to watch all kinds of films like Milk and Help to understand various aspects of good acting. Left to herself, she would watch only rom-coms and chick flicks.
Homework: Pooja Chopra Shahid Kapoor has been busy rehearsing for his song with Prabhudeva in Rambo Rajkumar for two weeks and he got a call to host the upcoming IIFA Awards at Macau with Shah Rukh Khan and he just could not turn that down! Prabhu has allowed him to fly and do mock rehearsals for the upcoming
ceremony.
Busy boy Shahid Kapoor
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Heartaches of the past are forgotten as you get a new lease of life at work. You can expect visitors or a communications from overseas to be positive and helpful.
Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky
colour: White. Lucky number: 35
TAURUS: Close associates can turn to you for help and though this will add to your workload, helping them will increase your goodwill. This is a good time to start a self-improvement project.
Tarot message: It is the right time for action. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 48 GEMINI: A residence or office is redecorated to infuse fresh energy. Try and study all aspects of the situation before making any commitments. Accidental benefits are indicated.
Tarot message: Take new challenges in your stride. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 51 CANCER: Be clear and precise in your interactions with colleagues as this will enable you save time as well as get things done faster. Friends or family members will depend on you for emotional support.
Tarot message: Share responsibility with others. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 55 LEO: Prioritise play and personal time. Planetary energies draw your attention to family and home. Share market and speculations should be avoided today.
Tarot message: Extend your circle of friends. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 60 VIRGO: Your life is busy and tiring. It's best to go beyond the ego and ask for help, support and clarity when needed. Your efforts will put you in line for satisfying gains.
Tarot message: Concentrate on projects with reliable outcome. Lucky
colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 30
LIBRA: You must conduct a thorough study before signing any contracts today. Unexpected distractions are likely. Try not to loose your confidence. You are inferior to none. Love and romance in fruitful.
Tarot message: Win the war with honesty. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 27 SCORPIO: It will be a great day for sportspersons. A family gathering at your house will bring bliss to the faces of elders. You will manage business affairs with skill and capability to achieve financial stability.
Tarot message: Listen to advice of youngsters. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 61 SAGITTARIUS: A journey for business or a pilgrimage along with your family is on the cards. Listen to your intuition. Mental flexibility is surely a good idea for you.
Tarot message: Be practical and do not let trivial problems daunt you. Lucky
colour: Maroon. Lucky number: 25 CAPRICORN: You are on the edge of something grand. Even if you are a bit frightened at the magnitude of what's ahead, keep wiggling your toes. Don't rush the beginning; you'll know when to act. Tarot message: You need to cultivate humility.
Lucky colour: Golden-brown. Lucky number: 33 AQUARIUS: Make a firm resolve to let go and roll with the flow. Take a trip and connect with interesting new people. Forget routine chores and duck out if you feel an order coming your way.
Tarot message: Be grateful for the gains coming your way. Lucky colour: Pale-yellow.
Lucky number: 42 PISCES: Try to enjoy yourself without pinning close mates down. The more you give, the more everyone will think you are marvellous. Remember, a healthy attitude will take you far.
Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour:
Silver-grey. Lucky number: 63
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Fame is tough…even though the words are self-explanatory, there is much left to read between the words! Those who have had the chance of diving into the depth of fame know what it is to cope with it. Standing in the middle of a curious crowd, singer Yo Yo Honey Singh has just returned after a tiring and the most difficult dive of his life…in the pool of fame.
While actors like the living legend Amitabh Bachchan have been tweeting and expressing their sadness about the Uttarakhand floods, popular film and television actor Sushant Singh (known for his intense roles in films like The Legend Of Bhagat Singh, Jungle, 16th December etc and currently seen as the anchor of the TV show Savdhan India) has got down to the task of raising funds for the rehabilitation of victims of the natural calamity in the Northern state.
As 1998 made, critically-acclaimed film Satya completed 15 years today, director Ram Gopal Varma released the first look of Satya 2 as a mark of celebration. "Satya 2 is about a man whose thinking starts where all the real life dons like Dawood Ibrahims' and Chota Rajans' thinking end. A man called Satya got into the underworld in 1998 and died. Satya 2 is another man, who comes in 2013 to reinvent the underworld," RGV said.
Every person has a sense of style in his own right. Yet, there are only a few who'd attract the second glances, who have the power to make the camera go zoom on them. It could be tousled hair, it could be the torn jeans. Our this week's face in the crowd Jasvir Kaur, 22, a beautician, likes to play with colours and believes in going over the top.
Ranveer Singh is known for his playful and mischievous disposition. While making an appearance on Emotional Atyachaar when Ranveer saw that the guest was completely heartbroken post narrating her experience, he instantly thought of making the moment lighter for her.
Ranveer went and plonked himself on the lap of the guest; the girl who was in a sombre mood until then broke into a toothy grin! To everyone's surprise, Ranveer continued to sit comfortably on her lap which truly made everyone on the sets break into a smile. Ranveer's leading lady Sonakshi Sinha and show host Pravesh Rana played along and thoroughly enjoyed his antics, but we are sure the guest on the show must be still
smiling.
Living up to a promise
Anurag’s new venture
Mallika’s soulmate has to wait
Much hype
Pooja needs Help
Irresistible offer