Flying high
Milkha Singh has been an inspiration for many. Now, his life’s story hits the screen to inspire more
Mona

  Farhan Akhtar (L) and Milkha Singh
Farhan Akhtar (L) and Milkha Singh

It's rarely that a city has a living hero whose story graduates on to the screen. Chandigarh has always been proud of our Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh, who shines like a rare diamond. His story hits the marquee this Friday; our hero as humble and as proud of a life well-lived gets talking to us.

How does it feel at the moment?

I am happy. Our youth has immense potential and I wanted to inspire them to reach enormous heights. My story is reaching them as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and I hope to see them fetch laurels for the country while I am still alive.

Film promotions and honour at London, how is it going?

I am humbled by the love and honour people have bestowed upon me. Seems like all the hardwork and struggle has paid off.
A still from the movie bhaag milkha bhaag
A still from the movie bhaag milkha bhaag 

What made you give your story to director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra for Rs 1; what role did you play in scripting and in movie-making?

There were three or four filmmakers who approached me for the story promising me insane amount of money, but it was Jeev Milkha Singh's decision to give it to Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Mehra is a good director and his Rang De Basanti was a class film. We had a desire to reach out to the youth and once we decided on him, we trusted him totally.

They say the proceeds from the film will go to the needy athletes, whose call was it?

It was my call. Part of the profit percentage will come to Milkha Singh Charitable Trust that's involved in looking after the needy sportspersons, their dependents and others who need help at PGI and Sector 16 Hospital in the city; my wife plays an active role in that.

Do you think the movie will make people who you interact with on a daily basis see you in a new light?

I don't think so. My story has reached those around me and even far. They are as much aware of my struggle as my success. Even today, wherever I go not only in India, but America, Australia or England, people stop to acknowledge me and talk to me. In times when one does not know one's neighbours, it feels fantastic to have all this love and adulation.

Very few people have movies made on them in their lifetime, how do you feel about it?

You are absolutely right. Films Gandhi and Bhagat Singh came after they became martyrs for the country; it is my good fortune to be bestowed with this rare honour.

Is there a romantic angle in the film?

Sportspersons do get adulation from girls. When your love is sitting in the stadium, you definitely want to win the race. But there are ways to deal with this attention. One must know the limit. A woman can motivate you to reach new heights and she can turn you to nothing as well. It's okay to have women for friends, talk to them and say bye bye!

Did you ever think your life was the stuff films are made of? Does the film focus on your struggle or success?

Both; my life has not been ordinary. From what happened at Partition to leading a life without parents, food, clothes or footwear, turning a vagabond to finding a mission in life; it is a touching story. The mission to break the Olympic record and to reach there!

Do you think Bhaag Milkha Bhaag can make a real difference to the sports scenario in India?

I am very positive about it. It's important to tap the potential our youth has to offer. If we can reach them, connect to them and inspire them, we can bring such a positive change. The film promises this and more.

mona@tribunemail.com

In the comic lanes
Gear up for another laughter riot with upcoming Punjabi movie Fer Mamla Gadbad Gadbad
Manpriya Singh

  (Front L-R) Bhanu Sri Mehta, Roshan Prince, Japji Khaira with other co-stars
(Front L-R) Bhanu Sri Mehta, Roshan Prince, Japji Khaira with other co-stars 

The trick about comedy is that if it's not taken seriously by the makers, the results can be tragic. Comedy, literally, is a serious business! It's not easy making the audience laugh, hoot and clap or whistle.

"While watching our film, nobody will get up to be excused even for a minute and if one moves out for a minute, he'll have to ask someone to catch up with the story," singer-turned-actor Roshan Prince assures a couple of things about his upcoming Punjabi movie Fer Mamla Gadbad Gadbad. Before the script, it's the title that calls for a slight clarification first. "The name is because in the movie you'll actually see a lot of things going haywire. There are a lot of parallel stories to track and situations to follow up on."

He adds, "But the audience will be able to catch up with the story and keep pace with the script." Slapstick, situational or stand-up, in an era when romantic comedies come a dime-a-dozen, the source of laughter is just as important. "Nobody's going to be standing there and sharing jokes with the audience. There is a storyline, the story moves forward with each scene and the comedy lies in the situations that the story creates." The protagonist wants to become a hero and leaves no route unexplored and no stone unturned to achieve limelight and stardom. "He wants to become a hero and tries to take shortcuts and in the process meets these two girls," shares the singer who many would remember hearing in the song Luk Te Mardi Si.

While singing, any day, is his first love, "But as of now, I'm trying to prove that I can act too. Then let the audience decide in what roles they'd like to see me." With a budget of three crores, the movie has been shot at various places in the interiors of Punjab. "We shot at Delhi, Amritsar, Pathankot, Phagwara…." Other than Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, coming up is yet another ambitious project titled Kirpan-the sword of honour. "It's on Sikhism and patriotism. That's nothing like the movies we see in the Punjabi film industry today."

Rural touch

Joining him is Japji Khaira, the girl we last recall seeing in the very successful Singg is Kingg. She shares, "In that movie, I play an NRI character; a girl who knows her mind and speaks it where as in this film, I play a completely innocent village belle. The difference between the characters was stark." In the movie, she's ready to swirl in all the traditional outfits. "I play a girl called Geet; she's a typical Punjaban who wears the phulkaris, juttis and prandis. She wants to be a heroine." She adds, "I had to put on weight for this character as she is supposed to be a chubby girl. I'm happy with the fact that you'll see a revival of all the traditional fashion and handicrafts with this movie."

In the pipeline are Talli 007 and Bhajji In Problem.

Regional flavour

Having done three films Down South, it was time she dabbled in the next big regional industry. For actress Bhanu Sri Mehta, it was time to step into the mustard fields. "This is my first Punjabi film and I play a doctor. My character's name is Roop. The film brings forth other elements like emotions and romance equally well."

Fun time

Anyone who's clued in with the last couple of movies will instantly recognise actor Karamjit Anmol, the guy who plays the brother, the goon, the neighbour…the only common thread that binds all his roles is the strong element of humour. "In this movie, I play a dhabawala and I sing too. Apart from the comedy, there's an emotional tinge to my character as well."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Go-getter
AIIMS and ambitions
Amarjot Kaur

He can solve the Rubik Cube in less than 1 minute and enjoys playing computer games too. He likes watching cricket and movies and he tunes into music during his ideal hours… He is the AIIMS topper, Arnav Aggarwal, who hails from Chandigarh and at the age of 18, he has everything going for him.

Academically, Arnav’s performance has been smooth and gradual. In 2011, he cleared his tenth grade with 10 CGPA and scored 95.4 per cent in Class XII (medical stream). Now, this city lad has packed all his bags and he is ready to cross the threshold of AIIMS with new goals and ambitions. We catch up with Arnav as he engages in a candid conversation while filling us up on his dreams, aspirations and aims.

“My ultimate goal is to become a good doctor so that I could be of service to humanity. I intend to develop core competency in medicines and some super specialisation in subjects like cardiology,” he says while adding, “I also want to try my hand at research in order to find solutions to different medical problems.”

Motivational factor

Arnav personifies humility as he underlines the progression of thought that propelled his interest in medical studies. “Right from the beginning, my motto was to give my best to the field that I choose. I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field because it is the noblest profession, which aims to alleviate human sufferings. Furthermore, my uncle Dr NK Aggarwal, who is a leading dentist in the city, worked very hard to serve people and he has been one of the great motivating factors for me too,” shares Arnav.

Feathers in the cap

That getting the first rank in AIIMS entrance exam is Arnav’s greatest accomplishment, he has several other achievements in his kitty. He stood third in Tricity by the virtue of scoring 95.4 per cent in 10+2 (medical). He attended 10-day long National Biology Olympiad at Homi Bhabha Science Centre at Mumbai in June this year.

“I was among 37 candidates from all over country, who cleared two-levels of exams to attend the camp. I stood first in CMC, Ludhiana (All India Entrance exam, 2013) too,” he says. Also, Arnav stood second in CBSE All-India medical entrance (NEET-UG-2013) and stood eighteenth rank (all over India) in Manipal Medical Entrance 2013.

Flipside of being an achiever

With this new-found fame and media attention, I have not found any flipside of being an achiever. I have not felt any animosity from peers; rather, my friends are happy about my achievements and are celebrating my success. Great expectations from teachers and parents have helped me to achieve greater heights and they will continue to motivate me in future too.

Words of wisdom

Remain focused. Maintain a proper schedule and do not study under pressure. Use stress busters and keep away from social networking sites. Believe in destiny.

Doc TalK
Dreadful dandruff
Dr Vikas Sharma

Dandruff is a disease that has been around for centuries despite several treatment options. Almost every day new players are entering the market with various anti-dandruff products, perhaps due to an increase in the incidence of dandruff all over the world. At the end, the dandruff sufferer is puzzled by the array of antidandruff products with varied claims entering the market day by day.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is often defined as increased scaling of the scalp, representing the more active end of physiological desquamation. Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost 70 per cent of the population irrespective of any gender and ethnicity. For people with dandruff, skin cells may mature and be shed in 2–7 days, as opposed to around a month in people without dandruff. The result is that dead skin cells are shed in large, oily clumps, which appear as white or grayish patches on the scalp, skin and clothes. The scaly scalp then tends to look unhygienic and untidy. It could make the sufferer feel self-conscious and embarrassed. Itching due to dandruff also causes great embarrassment to the sufferer in public.

yDandruff causes more social and psychological problems than medical ones. The condition affects the self-esteem and confidence of the sufferer. The personal care industry conveniently offers its range of products targeting the psychological aspects of dandruff through carefully planned advertisements and various products for dandruff.

yAs far as sex incidence of dandruff is concerned, male population is found to be more susceptible than the female population

yDandruff can be chronic (long-term) or the result of certain triggers. People with dandruff may also experience irritation and redness on the scalp. 

yExcessive flaking can also be caused by an underlying illness or condition, such as psoriasis, a fungal infection, seborrheic dermatitis, or autoimmune disorders, so it’s of paramount importance to not ignore flaking or scaling over scalp as dandruff and get a dermatological check-up to rule out other serious conditions which require an early and specific treatment. 

How to treat

Treating dandruff requires a rational approach and understanding, and should be tailored to each patient. Fortunately, dandruff can be controlled. In mild cases, the person need only find a suitable shampoo which contains a gentle cleanser. When the dandruff is severe, a medicated shampoo will be required.

Some individuals with severe dandruff may have social or self-esteem problems. Therefore, treatment may be important for both physiological and psychological reasons. 

Suitable shampoos

  • Shampoos use a combination of ingredients to control dandruff.
  • The pathogenesis of dandruff involves hyperproliferation of skin cells, resulting in deregulation of skin cell cycle. The immature skin cells clump together, manifesting as large flakes of skin.
  • So we need agents in shampoos which can control the division of skin cells, regulate cell cycle and remove the clumps of immature skin cells.
  • Look out for keratolytic agents in shampoos such as salicylic acid and sulphur which loosen the attachments between the skin cells and allow them to get swiped off.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)                                               

Master Chef 
Crispy treat
Ranjan Dibya

Methi makai tikki
Tikkis have been a perennial favourite in this monsoon season. Mostly made with potatoes, the combination of corn and fenugreek makes them crisp and aromatic in taste

Method

Boil makai in salted water. Once it is cooked, strain it and crush it in a mixer. Keep the contents aside.

In a different pan, blanch, drain and squeeze the water from the fenugreek leaves.

Mix the leaves with the previously prepared mixture. Add seasoning, chopped ginger, cashew nut powder, bread crumbs. Mix it thoroughly. Take small portions of the mixture to make into even ball shape and lightly tap on either side to make into a tikki. Heat the ghee in a pan and shallow fry the tikkis. 

Serve the tikkis hot with chutneys. * Garnish with onion rings.

(Ranjan Dibya is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)

Ingredients

1 cup makai (American sweet corn)

1 bunch chopped methi leaves

½ tsp shahi jeera

1 tsp chopped ginger

1 tsp chopped green chilly

½ tsp roasted cumin powder

½ tsp chat masala

1 tbsp cashew nut powder

1 tbsp fresh bread crumbs

1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)nSalt to taste

TRENDSETTER
Branded with style

Fashion and style are a subject matter to ones individuality. But for Aditya Pratap Duggal, fashion and styling is ones state of mind. After pursuing his secondary education from St. Johns High School, this 18-years-old is all set to shift gears and enter his college life. This Chandigarh lad fancies style and fitness and believes that the two go hand in hand to make one look good.

Describe your sense of style…

I prefer dressing up in casual wear. Blue denims and well-fitted tees do the trick for me. Also, I love to add a touch of edginess that tenders much difference in my regular style. For formals, I like wearing check shirts and smart trousers.

Latest addition in the wardrobe…

I just bought a Brooks Brothers shirt, Aston Martin tees from Hackett, Damier Graphite belt from Louis Vuitton and ALDO shoes.

Brand freak or street smart?

Brand freak for sure.

Choose one-- sporty, glamorous or chic

Sporty

Your style icon …

I like the way Zac Efron and Ryan Gosling dress. I also admire Arjun Kapoor and Ranvir Kapoor.

Who’s the worst dressed celebrity around and why?

I think Mika Singh is the worst dressed celebrity for obvious reasons.

One fashion trend you do not understand…

I don't like guys mixing casuals and formals together. Many people wear sport shoes with formals and that looks obnoxious.

Your take on accessories…

I think accessories are an important part of dressing up. I am always careful while choosing them and feel that these are the toppings on the cake. When it comes to accessories a smart belt, wallet, watch, and sunglasses are must for me.

One thing that boosts your confidence and why?

A well toned body.

Your would love to be dressed up by….

Marc Jacobs, Giorgio Armani.

(As told to Amarjot Kaur)

green thumb 
Colour of monsoon
Satish Narula

Monsoon is the wonderful time for a gardener. The plants put forth new growth. You can see different hues of green at the terminal of almost each branch and in contrast with the deep green of matured leaves. The trees look fresh and colourful. But at the end of the day, it is all green. Due to the growing season, there is green all around. However, there are a few plants that add colour to otherwise a dull garden.

It is not that there are no trees that bear flowers in this season. Plumeria is one such tree that is in full flowering. But then we are talking about colour. The flowers in plumeria are creamish or white with rare specimen of red or pink. The colourful jacaranda, amaltas, gulmohur etc are over with their share of blooms.

One of the major names in plants, which is the saving grace, is lagerstroemia. Do not get confused; I am talking about both, the shrub and the tree. The lagerstroemia tree spreads to about 12 to 15 feet with almost similar height. The flowering is terminal and at the time of flowering, the whole of the tree canopy is full with flowering. The flowers appear in bunches. These are available in three colours-- white, pink and mauve, each surpassing in beauty to other. The tree should be planted at 15 feet from each other when a continuous chain is desired.

The younger and miniature version of this tree is lagerstroemia shrub. The leaves are also small in size. The flowers are not bold but appear in such large number that the shrub is all flowers at the time of bearing. The advantage with the shrub is that it can be pruned near the ground level during winter months to control its growth. The plant to plant distance in case of this shrub could be any that is suitable for the site as it can be contained with pruning.

When it comes to any constraint in horticulture, there is bougainvillea to fill the slot. Call it a shrub or climber, it puts forth a mass display of blooms of almost all colours barring green. It can be trained to climb any heights or maintained as a shrub at limited places as it takes pruning very well. It can also be grown successfully in pots even under water-stress conditions. The plant is very easy to propagate by cuttings. 

(Narula is a Chandigarh-based horticulturist)

Star track
Aditya uncut

Sports streak: Aditya Roy Kapur

Aditya Roy Kapur has had a great year so far with Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani becoming blockbusters and his work being appreciated in both. He talks about growing up, plans of becoming a cricketer, fears of losing his hair and more.

Game for cricket

I would like to believe that I would have made a good cricketer. But, I was very weak in studies. So from class VII onwards all my time and energy was exhausted running from one tuition class to another. I wanted to become a cricketer primarily because the idea of playing in front of 40, 000 odd people gave me an adrenaline rush. I did get a chance to play in CCL (Celebrity Cricket League) last year but the performance was hardly the one I can boast of (laughs).

School days

My mother Salome Roy Kapur was in charge of conducting the Annual Day celebrations in my school GD Somani in South Mumbai. People must have thought that she was being partial towards me. Annual day was a huge celebration and there were lot of roles and things to do. I used to be just another boy who was given something to do. To tell you the truth, the practice sessions gave me a chance to bunk classes. And I often ended up bunking rehearsals as well and playing cricket with friends.

Women and marriage

I believe in the institution of marriage. I want to get married and start a family with the person who is right for me. I get attracted to a woman's honesty and her eyes. If I were to talk about physical attributes, I really wouldn't know where to begin.

Hair-raising thoughts

That is a scary thought! Well, I would shave off my hair if I started losing it. If the bald look suits me, I would leave it at that. Else, there is enough technology available. I have no qualms in going for hair weaving or transplant.

Food fantasy

I am a big foodie and my father makes very good apple pie which I polish off in no time. I eat whatever I like and then I work out at the gym for at least an hour daily and I keep changing my routine. I think my interest in playing sports revved up my metabolism.

Rocking after party

All high: Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone are not known to be the best of friends because Anushka was ‘his’ girlfriend and Deepika is ‘his’ girlfriend, though neither party has ever confirmed the news. To everyone's shock and awe, they danced the night away together at SRK's party during the IIFA Awards in Macau

In the past, Anushka praised Deepika's performance in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. At the party, they hugged each other warmly. Then they started giggling and gossiping in one corner. They both were slightly high and then set the dance floor on fire when the music started playing. Others at the party were cheering and whistling for them. Shahid Kapoor turned DJ for the night and had the crowd dancing to his tunes. The guest list included Sridevi, Boney Kapoor, Prabhudeva, Abhishek Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra, Vidya Balan, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Sonu Sood, Anurag Basu, Anupam Kher and others. Shah Rukh is still nursing a shoulder injury but he danced with almost every guest at the event.

Sridevi pulled Prabhudeva to the dance floor. Another highlight of the party was that Hollywood star Jean Claude Van Damme. He was shooting nearby dropped by to meet and greet Shah Rukh Khan but his visit did not steal the thunder from Anushka and Deepika's dance moves. The party went on till the wee hours of the morning.

Iranian outing

Treat time: Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal fell in love with an Iranian cafe in Ahmedabad when he was there for shooting D-Day and he revisited the place with the team of the movie when they went there for the promotions. He loves having brun maska with chai and his presence drew a great crowd to the premises of the restaurant.



Stepping out


Family man: Ayushmann Khurrana with Tahira Kashyap




Ayushmann Khurrana is no longer guarded about his personal life. He has spoken about his son and has even stepped out with his wife Tahira Kashyap at awards shows and the red carpet now. Sweet!








Stay slim, stay healthy

Weight watch: Sonam Kapoor




Sonam Kapoor used to be fat and she is slim and slender now. She says that she indulges herself once in a while but maintains her weight through exercise and a healthy diet. She is not the type who will stay thin no matter what she eats. And she does not like people who scrutinise a woman's body instead of focusing on maintaining good health.






Adding sizzle to the screen


Hot item: Ajay Devgn and Natasa Stankovic

This filmmaker believes the songs contribute to certain sensibilities and add to the story. Prakash Jha is known to bring hard-hitting subjects to the forefront through his films. Yet most of them feature at least one much-talked about number which is used widely during promotion. For his upcoming film, Satyagraha, the filmmaker has introduced yet another, actor model Natasa Stankovic, who will be seen in a thumri-electronic fusion number called Aiyo ji hamri atariya mein.

Prakash Jha is well aware that every film needs commercial element to appeal to the audience. After Manyata Dutt was seen in an item song called Alhad mast jawani in Gangaajal (2003), Prakash Jha later introduced television actor Barkha Bisht in Ishq barse hai boondan boondan in Raajneeti (2010). He says, “Such numbers help the story. Maanyata’s song helped in establishing the psyche of debased people. In Satyagraha, the item song creates the ambience of affluence and the bonhomie of corrupt people.”

Prakash also agrees that songs like these help draw attention to the film. “They do entertain; and entertainment happens to be the most important part of filmmaking. At the same time, when used cleverly, they can also be meaningful.”

Talking about the song he adds, “It is set in a nightclub and dramatically establishes Ajay’s rise as a telecommunication czar, with his wheeling and dealings. Natasa is from Croatia but is attuned to Indian dances. She fits the bill and is electric in her performance.”

Natasa, who has shot for a few advertisements, is excited about the number and says, "In October 2012, I went to Mumbai, where I started to do shows, TV commercials and more. My favourite job was the advertisement for Johnson's Baby collection. After that, I got a song in Bollywood film, and I am very proud. I hope that the song will be a hit, and my work will come to the fore."

Shraddha Kapoor’s next move


Promising venture: Shraddha Kapoor

Shraddha Kapoor will be seen dancing in filmmaker Karan Johar’s upcoming project Ungli. This will be her first item number and a source from the project confirmed the news. The film will be directed by Rensil D’Silva.

"Yes, she is doing an item song for Ungli. We are yet to shoot the song," sources close to the project told. It is reported that the leading actor of the movie, Emraan Hashmi, will also be a part of this special song.

This is not Shraddha’s first project with Karan Johar. She will be seen in Kjo’s next venture, Gori Tere Pyar Mein with Kareena Kapoor and Imran Khan. The movie will be directed by Punit Malhotra of I Hate Luv Storys fame.

After the success of Aashiqui 2, Shraddha has bagged many promising project. She will be seen opposite Student of the Year’s Siddharth Malhotra in Mohit Suri’s next directional venture, The Villian. Apart from Emraan Hashmi, Ungli stars Sanjay Dutt, Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda and Neha Dhupia and the film is slated to release later this year.

Varun finds love

Link up: Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan is a cute boy who has been linked to many upcoming starlets and heroines. After being linked with Alia Bhatt and Taapsee Pannu, he has now been linked to Shraddha Kapoor. They have been friends since childhood but have fallen in love now and were spotted enjoying a dinner date.




chatter box
One for the youth


role call: Sehban Azim

The good-looking and angry young man Dr Yuvraj Oberoi aka Sehban Azim is back. The actor was last seen in Star Plus' hit show Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, but better remembered from Dill Mill Gayye as a doctor. Sehban is now all set to enter Channel V's hit youth show Dil Dosti Dance.

According to a source, the actor will be portraying a very different role from his last two shows in this youth show. Sehban will enter the show essaying the role of Aditya Khurana, a talent manager who will get friendly with Reyaansh's (Kunwar Amar) group with a hidden motive. He said, "I'm really excited about this new role and to be part of a youth show once again."



Signs of a divide

In Meri Bhabhi this week, Anand is the only one who still maintains that Bobby has an ulterior motive for his return, which confuses everyone and signs of a divide in the Shergill family start to build. Bobby announces that he wants to take Shraddha and Dhruv with him to Mumbai. Bobby tells Zor that as much as he wants to take Shraddha and Dhruv to Mumbai, there is still a problem that he needs to tackle first.

Guest appearance


on screen: Pratiek Babbar and Amyra Dastur

Pratiek Babbar and Amyra Dastur make an appearance in Amita ka Amit, where it's celebration time as of now. After the high level of misunderstanding prevailing between Amita and Amit, it's time for some love to blossom. Love is in the air in Amita ka Amit and in this love story a cupid will soon make an appearance.

Pratiek Babbar will be making an appearance with his beautiful co-star Amyra Dastur to promote their upcoming movie Issaq. Pratiek and Amyra, who have played love birds in the Indian adaption of William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, Issaq, will come to spread more love and romance. 

For love’s sake

moving along: A still from Saraswatichandra




This week on Saraswatichandra, on realising his mistake, Saras reaches Ratnangri, but learns of Kumud's marriage. He makes one last desperate attempt to save his love but is attacked at the haveli's gate. Kumud, sensing his presence, gets restless. Before getting unconscious, Saras sees Kumud's maang filled with sindoor.





Back with the gang 


Child's play: A still from Best of Luck Nikki 

After two successful seasons of hit family series, Disney Channel will premiere the third season of Best of Luck Nikki. As the Singh family prepares to welcome the new member of their family, they will have all more diapers, bottles and baby food to deal with.

The show centres on the everyday trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a busy family of six, which will soon be a family of seven now. This season promises a whirlwind of fun and laughter as the entire family gears up to welcome the newest member even as the baby of the house — Nikki adjusts to not being the baby of the family anymore.

"The first two seasons of the show brought hearty laughs and lots of fun for the entire family and this season, it promises many funny and heart-warming moments as the new member-Baby Singh enters the family," said, Indrajit Ray, executive content director, Disney-UTV.

In the upcoming episodes, the members of the Singh Family all begin preparing for the baby, though not without facing some hiccups, hurdles and surprises along the way. A special baby shower for is planned for Himani, Sunny thinks he will be packed away to a boarding school, the whole family hunts for a name for the baby, Avtaaar along with Rohan & Sunny's help tries to get a new family car and more. And amidst all of this, comes the new baby as the family celebrates Nikki's 3rd birthday!

Reprising their roles are Gurdip Kohli as Himani, Girish Sahedev as Avatar Singh, Sheena Bajaj as Dolly, Akash Nair as Sunny, Murtuza Kutianawala as Rohan and Ananya Kolvankar as baby Nikki. The show is directed by David Polycarp and produced by production house 'The Troublemakers'. — HRM

Deepshikha fights her fear


proud feat: Deepshikha

Deepshikha, who plays the ferocious Bawander Pari on SAB TV's Balveer, had to perform multiple aerial stunts with Balveer (played by Dev Joshi) for an action sequence. Deepshikha suffers from vertigo and is very scared of heights, which made it very difficult for her to do the stunts.

After being harnessed and pulled up to about 20 feet, she started feeling dizzy and had to be pulled down, However, with determination and grit, she managed to finish her stunts.





Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Self-employed and business owners will feel like putting in a few hours to supervise property ventures. It's critical to arrange a balanced lifestyle. Do not speculate. Health needs attention. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 28

TAURUS: Household chores will be handled efficiently. Consider helping a relative with their domestic needs. You will have a more freedom of action at workplace. Tarot message: Focus on your goals and don't let temporary setbacks affect you. Lucky colour: Violet Magic number: 36

GEMINI: Do all in your power to get agreements settled with your co-workers. A close rapport may be developing between you and a colleague. Today is a good day for romance. Tarot message: You will receive a useful advice from a young person. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 62

CANCER: Many of you have been working constantly towards carving an ambitious career path. Teamwork is the key note of the day. Older people may create problems for you. Tarot message: You will get the fruit of your hard work today. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 56 Magic number: 29

LEO: The crowning fulfilment of achieving your goals and gaining recognition may arrive soon. Stay focused on personal vision as you take the last steps to reach a journey's end. Tarot message: Stay focused on your goals. Lucky colour: Bottle green Magic number: 59

VIRGO: Like a game of snakes and ladders, you should learn to retrace your steps. Get on with any job that is at hands. Do not get involved in any land deal. Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks, so be careful. Lucky colour: Rust Magic number: 44 

LIBRA: The Page of Swords reveals a good time to tie all loose ends together and take care of precious details with absolute perfection. You are in for a mixed day. Lunar position highlights your service matters. Tarot message: Avoid situations that can turn nasty. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 49

SCORPIO: Searching for a soul-mate? You will be able to make right connections effortlessly with the added assistance of intuition and trust. A good business opportunity comes your way. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 61

SAGITTARIUS: The doorway to profound knowledge and insight will open through a wise acquaintance. Love blossoms at the workplace. Little will be achieved by a show of force at this stage. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 31

CAPRICORN: This can be a day that starts calmly and uneventfully, lulling you into a false sense of security. Trusting people who have just appeared on the scene is a foolish move. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 27

AQUARIUS: Minding your business is a good choice. Live and let live is a good motto currently. If a task seems over-whelming, break it down into smaller, simple steps. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 38

PISCES: Life seems full of contention at the moment and it is hard to get along with others. The postponement of a certain deal can cause you anxiety. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 40





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