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Complete entertainer
Success precedes him not just in one realm but in three…yet when choreographer, actor and director Prabhu Deva walks in a press conference in Chandigarh he carries no airs. Rather success sits lightly on him, as light as his body weight. Equally light-hearted (not flippant though) is his conversation.
So no homilies follow, no grandiose statements are made not even in connection with his latest directorial venture Ramaiya Vastavaiya whose promotions brought him to the City Beautiful. In fact, the trained dancer whose body moves with lightening speed lets words flow only in short, crisp and precise sentences. No wonder he doesn't take himself or his talent seriously. Rather simply he states, "I am here to entertain people." That he has audiences on his side needs no reiteration. Two of his directorial signatures in Bollywood (Rowdy Rathore and Wanted) have made it to the Rs 100-crore club. Will Ramaiya Vastavaiya too? Well, he is not bogged down by monetary considerations…. That is for the producer to worry. But yes he does hope and wish audiences would appreciate his film. In the season of love stories, he too is offering romance. High on emotions what makes his love story, starring newcomer Girish Kumar and Shruti Hassan, different is, "It is set in a rural milieu and focuses on the cultural values of India". Interestingly, when the producer Kumar Taurani approached him with the subject of Telugu blockbuster Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana whose rights he had bought, he didn't know the original too was directed by Prabhu Deva. Three remakes in a row… (Rowdy Rathore and Wanted too were remakes) can he take a bow as the remake king? Not quite, his next film Rambo Rajkumar isn't one, nor is the Ajay Devgn starrer. Both, of course, are action flicks. With Ramaiya Vastavaiya…he might have taken a romantic detour, action is where he might have delivered, however, it's the genre of horror that fascinates him and he watches all such films with gleeful delight. One day he would make a horror film for sure and says tongue-in-cheek that he would cast a ghost in it. But right now all producers want from him is action, action and more action. Candid enough to share that in the film industry it's the producer who calls the shots, he says, modestly, "As a director I only direct and don't decide the subject or the cast." Yet when Kumar Taurani came to him to launch his son Girish Kumar, Prabhu didn't simply sign on the dotted line. Rather he told him point blank, "I will do an audition and only if he qualifies will I direct him." Sure enough Girish passed the litmus test. But beyond that Prabhu would not wax eloquent about his actor, only quip, "It's for the audience to judge him and my film." As for the fraternity of critics not judging his films favourably he says, "My loyalties lie with the producer who finances the film." Still would he care (and dare) to make a film for critical acclaim alone? He laughs, "Guess, I will have to develop a brain for that." Well, well, only a man who has his hand on the pulse of the audience and his producers laughing all the way to the bank can afford to joke like this. Yet another mirthful statement is about his mandatory cameo presence in his films. He reasons, "I ask producers to get an actor. They tell me to fill the gap. I think they want to save money." Or perhaps they know actor dancer or director Prabhu Deva sells! nonika@tribunemail.com
Language no bar
Choreography is Prabhu Deva's first love. So why the urge to become the captain of the ship and the director of ten films in various languages quips, "A director's chair is not easy but full of responsibilities. I love tensions so I chose this path." Incidentally not knowing Hindi fully, "it's there in my heart but doesn't come to my lips" and making films in Bollywood hasn't been an impediment. He reasons, "Cinema has a language of its own. I can make a film in Chinese too." Making films in Bollywood, he believes, does not require a different approach or mindset. Rather he asserts, "Each film has to be handled differently. By the way his all-time favourite film may not be from Bollywood, but his favourite actor sure is. No prizes for guessing — it's Big B, who according to Prabhu is the best when it comes to romance or action.
Confident take
Fair and slim, the debutant hero of Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Girish Kumar doesn't appear nervous at all. Be it when quizzed on his co-star Shruti Hassan with whom he thinks he makes a "cute pair" or the fact that the film seems to have too many songs, his repartees belie the fact that he is a newcomer. The songs in the film, he asserts, are not interjections but flow with the storyline. On Shruti, who "comes from an amazing lineage being the daughter of Kamal Hassan" he says that she never made him feel uncomfortable. He is all praise for his director Prabhu Deva too, "He is very clear and focused about what he wants."
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The right frequency
"There is really no such thing as the voiceless. There are only the deliberately silenced or the preferably unheard."
— Arundhati Roy It is just about time that we as the citizens of a democratic nation voice our thoughts through the community radio stations, which serve as a platform for change that we want to see. Here’s checking out with three of them in Chandigarh. First & foremost Vivek, Nai Generation Ka Naya Radio—90.4 FM Period: 4 am to 11.30 pm All and about: "In 2003, Vivek High School started exploring several possibilities of starting up a community radio station and the endeavours were successful in 2007," says PK Singh, the principal. The station was officially launched on November 4, 2007, which is also the school's Founder's Day. Community concerns: Ashish Tandon, the station head, says, "The aim of starting this community radio was to highlight the social issues concerning the suburban population that was reclusive and deprived of essential facilities. We wanted their voices to be heard." Programmes aboard: Vivek offers an assortment of programmes, including spiritual shows, health shows and interview-based shows, but the most exclusive kitty in its bag is the BBC Hour. The content of BBC Hour is broadcast straight from BBC London. "We have a tie-up with the BBC London; they allow their partners to download their shows, which can then be aired anywhere," explains Ashish. The BBC Hour is aired at 9 am and is repeated at 8pm. Social sphere Jyotirgamaya, Padho Aur Padhao—91.2 FM Period: 8 am to 10 pm All and about: For the department of School of Communication Studies (SCS), Panjab University, the journey spanned four years. "We came up with the idea of starting a community radio in 2007 and finally launched our community radio on February 13, 2011," says Archana Singh, chairperson (SCS) while adding, "a year after we launched our community radio station, UNESCO declared February 13 as the World Radio Day." Community concerns: "Since community radio implies that it is a radio of the people, by the people and for the people, we wanted to set up a common portal that engages the community in the process of sharing information and learning. My definition of community here encompasses everyone within the radius of ten kilometres from Panjab University and that remains the focus of our radio content," explains Archana. Programmes aboard: Shows like Shiksha ke Anek Aayam, Hamara Samaj, Health Factor, Hameri Beti and Ek Kahani, Jyotirgamaya aim to spread information regarding social welfare. Flight of freedom Desh Bhagat, Aap Ki Aawaz—107.8 FM Period: 24 hours All and about: Over nine months ago, Zora Singh launched the Desh Bhagat Community Radio Station, which is located in Sector 8, Chandigarh. "The major concern of the radio is to spread education to uplift the society. My father was actively engaged in the freedom movement of our nation with Subhash Chandra Bose; thus the name, Desh Bhagat, which is flagged in the memory of my father," says Zora Singh, chairperson of Desh Bhagat Group. Community concerns: "Our community encompasses the youth, women, senior citizens, media, environmentalists and practically everyone who is a part of the society. Through our shows, we have campaigned against various social problems, including drunken driving. The basic idea, however, is to give maximum information while keeping the masses entertained and involved with the radio," shares Singh. Programmes aboard: In the short span of nine months, Desh Bhagat has galloped ahead after getting the licence for the copyrights of commercial music. Besides, the FM also provides a platform for young talent. "We broadcast fifteen shows related to different aspects of life, including health, spirituality, entertainment et al," says Singh. "We have an exclusive show that is dedicated to the soldiers and another one of its kind Aao School Chalein is targeted at the concerns of the students," he adds. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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High in the sky
The colourful bits flying in the air, the tug of the wind, the sprint to catch the one falling down — kite-flying was sheer fun just sometime back. We might have gotten busy in the cellphones, the Twitter or liking random people's status updates, but not Devinder Pal Sehgal. He has been flying kites like he did way back during his childhood. Even more, he now makes kites.
An assistant director with the Forensic Science Laboratories, Punjab, Devinder does not let work rule his life but takes out time to indulge in something he loves - kites. If you will find kites with social messages in his collection, you will also find some smaller and miniature kites. He is even the record-holder in passing six miniature kites through a needle hole! Now who thought there is so much do to with kites? There is more - he recently attended international Kite flying Festival in China, and has been to South Korea and Slovenia before for similar festivals. He is proud that his kites will soon be displayed at a kite museum in South Korea. "I believe one should always have a hobby to keep you happy," says Devinder. And many of us experienced that happiness by flying kites as kids! "I was crazy about kites in my childhood, and started making them for college competitions at the Panjab University. When I received one first prize after another, I thought I must do something about it." And, he surely has been! While most of his kites are regular and yet different (for they have social awareness motifs), his kite collection has some palm size and other miniatures, smallest being 1.64X1.50mm. Of course, the smaller ones are for display than actual flying! Devinder is all for kite-flying, "It keeps us healthy and happy," he avers. Getting fresh air, time away from the screen, bit of exercise, especially for the eyes (as they constantly move up and down, sideways as one flies) are some of the benefits he lists. He enjoys support from his wife Milpreet and son Kanwalpreet in keeping alive his passion three decades down the line. Devinder arranges for kite flying whenever possible like during the Chandigarh carnivals and Rose Festivals; he even gives kites free to kids if they promise a cracker-free Diwali around that time. "We can do so much with a rather humble sport like kite-flying. In China, every year so many countries come together to celebrate kite-flying." No wonder you see messages and visuals of universal brotherhood, saving wild-life, valuing water and campaign against female foeticide on kites! mona@tribunemail.com
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Doc Talk
So many of us fall prey to this belief that someone who's thin is fit! Some of the things people say about physical activity aren't true. Just because someone is thin or of normal weight doesn't mean he or she can run long distance or open a heavy door. Being fit means to have strong and healthy heart, lungs, muscles, bones and joints. Regular physical activity and balanced eating can help to stay healthy and prevent disease.
Exercise is not just to lose weight but to remain fit and healthy. A lot of people exercise to lose weight but they also benefit by becoming fitter. Regular exercise is essential to everyone because of its many and varied benefits to the body. Build endurance and strength: Working out regularly can help build strength and endurance. It simply means that regular exercise will help to walk or run for longer periods and can make one feel less fatigued from basic physical tasks. It also helps to have more endurance for social activities such as sports, dancing and even just walking trips around the mall. Feel less fatigued: The fact is that working out can help everyone, including thin people. People who work out regularly are able to sleep better and feel more alert during the day. They'll also have more energy with which to get through their daily tasks. Lower risk of depression: Regular exercise is one of the most important tools in fighting mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. At the same time, working out gives the opportunity to feel more relaxed and burst the stress from the day to day life. Attain better health: Being skinny has always been associated with looking good. But with increasing global focus on health and fitness, a slew of research has shown that being of normal weight is not a valid indicator of health. A person's fitness is measured by exercise capacity and is based on his capability. By looking at a person's physique, you won't be able to tell whether he is fit or not. Fitness depends on how long a person can engage in physical movement and the intensity of the exercise. A person may be thin, but if his fitness level is low, it will have a great impact on cardiovascular health. Boost immune system: Regular exercise helps to boost the immune system. There's a good chance that moderate exercise just four to five times a week can drastically reduce the number of colds one gets every year. Besides keeping in good shape it also helps to become healthier over a period of time as exercise can boost immune system and aids to stay away from harmful diseases and even something as simple as cold. (Thukral is a Chandigarh-based aerobic fitness trainer)
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Blue is the new black!
Sukhmani
Last year black dominated the interior decorating scene as a popular choice of colour; especially in modern décor. But this year a dark, deep blue seems to be replacing it. I'm talking about a blue that doesn't have green or red in it. It is almost black and is warmer than lighter blues and has more life and depth than black. It is mysterious, moody, classic, timeless, calming, and refreshing. It can have a glossy finish or be totally matt. Deep blue is seen as elegant and regal. Blue is one of the primary colours. In Feng Shui blue represents water and is known to be calming and promotes peace. It's an ideal colour to use in bedrooms and bathrooms. It is useful for children's bedrooms as they can simply alter the colour of the accents and accessories as they get older and change the way blue looks. True blue The most common use for blue is in a monochromatic colour scheme, where blues of different shades, tints or tones are combined. This creates a wonderfully tranquil space, sedative and heavenly, ideal for bathrooms or adults bedrooms. Some may find blue to be a very cold colour but I'd rather think of it as a cool colour to work with. Make sure a proper designer helps you use this colour in your space or you may end up with a room that looks oppressive. Dramatic hue
Fringe benefits Of course, there are other ways to introduce the darkest of blues into your home without paint. Upholster a sofa or a chair in rich, navy velvet. Dress your bed, windows or floors in a graphic navy pattern. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
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Find your own pace
Renee singh
Some people respond well to pressure, often their best work comes when they know there is no time to waste. They enjoy this feeling as it helps them to feel more in control. This sense of time urgency can also turn into an obsessive habit. People who have this kind of a temperament need to avoid the risk of getting into the high stress zone . They need to find ways by which they can stagger their deadlines if necessary by planning interim targets along the way in order to avoid panic situations. Good time management It reduces pressure, indecisiveness and confusion. It helps you to improve the quality of your life. You must learn to plan your time effectively and this in turn gives you more freedom to do all the things you really want to do in life. Many a time we are trying to cram in too much activity in too short a time space, this in turn gives us too much pressure. We are constantly rushing. Being here and there, many times running late and then feeling that we have no leisure time at all. We need to rectify this so in order to do this: Analyse your schedule Review how you spent your past month. Did you give yourself time for recreation, family pursuits, relationships and relaxation along with work? If you realise you have not done any of this please allocate yourself sufficient and adequate time this month. Organise everything
Find something extra Wake up a little earlier than your usual time and first thing spend time doing your favourite activity. Enjoy being free We all have a habit of thinking that we should complete our ''must do'' tasks first and then enjoy our free time. We think we will feel motivated to do the extra and boring mundane tasks if we are looking forward to some leisure tasks. But sometimes by the time we have completed our dutiful activities there is actually no time left for our leisure activities. Be with yourself Work on a small chunk of your time as ''me time''. It could be just half an hour in the day devoted to just yourself exclusively. Spend time doing what you feel like. Examine it closely As a starting point it is very important examine how you have divided your day. Check if you are contributing enough time to your allocated goal, wasting a lot of time, procrastinating, playing too many roles? Well, drop the less important activities. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
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Planning to teach a lesson
A few interesting tracks will soon open up in Sahara One's Jai Jai Jai Bajrangbali. As seen so far, Hanuman is studying in Suryalok. Soon, he will complete his studies and get back home. Now, the audience will see Hanuman meeting his mother, Anjana after a long time. On the other hand, Lord Indra will get too egoistic about his powers. Thus, to teach him a lesson, Hanuman will come up with a plan. Teenager Rishabh Sharma, who reprises the role of Hanuman, has already begun shooting for the sequence.
Bringing on their con game
The cast of up and coming movie, Bajaatey Raho, recently made an appearence on the sets of CID for a special episode, titled Con Job, which has actors of the film, including Vinay Pathak, Tusshar Kapoor and Vishaka Singh. In the episode, the actors will be seen enjoying a fun chase sequence with the CID team.
A source said that Tusshar and Vinay will be playing the role of con artists, who sell the replicas of some rare artifacts to a multi-national company. When the deal is about to take place in an exclusive art exhibition, the CID team gets a tip off on this con job. In a twist, the MNC owner will befriend the conmen to reach the main person behind the crime. However, in another twist, the MNC boss will be found dead. The CID team will take over the case to find that there is a graver crime happening around this con story. How the CID team gets to get hold of these con men and get to the real culprits will be an interesting watch. Also, with the two witty men, Vinay and Tusshar, on the episode, some funny bones are bound to be tickled. This particular episode will be telecast on July 26.
Once bitten twice shy
Now, the buzz is that the producer of the show, Balaji, has convinced her to stay back on the show. She will now be seen after a generation leap in the show and the makers will adjust her dates with her other show Mrs. Pammi
Pyarelal.
Healthy mind in a healthy body
Actor and dancer Punit J. Pathak, who is currently seen in the season 6 of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, shares the secret of his happy and healthy life…
How do you unwind? I need a shower or a massage because my idea of unwinding is to take my mind off from work. I also go out with my friends and family for dinner. How do you stay healthy? By watching what I eat and by exercising every day. I eat healthy and think healthy. Do you go to a gym? Yes, I do go to a gym. But with Jhalak going on right now, I've not been able to continue my gym. However, I am always dancing and dancing is a great way to workout. It gives you a great mind and body workout. It also helps you to de-stress. Is there anything you avoid eating? I avoid oily food. However, because I love sweets I do overindulge sometimes, but I avoid doing that. How do you get yourself back on work? I am a workaholic, so I never have to worry about getting back on the track. I can't laze around much. I get bored of holidays after two or three days. I need to keep working. When
are you the happiest? I am at my happiest when I am creating something. What are your top tips for leading a happy life? Firstly, nice things happen to nice people. Secondly, never expect anything from anyone and thirdly, be optimistic. Things are not that easy always, but to stay positive in tough times will make you stronger. Which are your favorite local restaurants? I like Barbeque Nation, Red Box, and Global Fusion. What is the best advice you have received to far? Live and let live. One fitness advice that you would like to give to others… Eat healthy, think healthy, stay healthy and you will have a healthy life. Avoid junk food as its bad for your body and you don't have to exercise in the gym everyday, instead you can should be physically active, for which you can walk, jog or play some sport. Lastly, always think positive.
New innings
After Kya Hua Tera Vaada, Delnaaz Irani will soon be seen in a new fiction show that will be telecast on Sony. She will join Sangeeta Ghosh in the show called Jeele Zara, which is produced by Rose Audio Visuals and portrays a love story between a mature woman and a young boy. Apparently, she will play a Parsi character, which will reflect her real life too.
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Art of moving on
Twilight star Kristen Stewart has reportedly been dating Boardwalk Empire actor Michael Pitt who she met at Paris Fashion Week. Stewart, 23, recently split from long term boyfriend Robert Pattinson after dating him for more than three years, reported a publication online. "Kristen is not over Rob but she's getting there and Michael is helping her through it. She vowed to throw herself into work and be single this summer. But when she met Michael last week, they hit it off. They both hate the spotlight and are smart bookworm types," a source said. The actress is also said to have begun practicing Buddhism in an effort to get over her split from Pattinson and concentrate on the new 32-year-old man in her life. — PTI
Rihanna goes shopping in swimsuit
R&B singer Rihanna was spotted only in a one-piece bathing suit and a shirt as she went shoe shopping before heading on a yacht ride in Monaco. The sleek black suit was custom made for the Umbrella hit maker by New York City designer Matthew Zink. It had a bedazzled letter R placed at the top of her lower back, reported a publication. The skin-showing outfit accentuated her famous curves and toned body as the 25-year-old singer appeared to be unmoved by the attention she was receiving at a shopping center in Monte Carlo. Rihanna extended her trip after she performed in Monte Carlo a few days ago.
— PTI
An eye for detail
Jaaved Jaaferi enjoyed working with Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor. He says that Ranbir is a great actor and an observer who does not interfere with the making of the film and yet gives his inputs. He also feels Ranbir will become a good director one day because he has an eye for detail too.
Getting personal
Poor Neil Nitin Mukesh is linked with almost all his heroines. Unfortunately, they do not pay any attention to him after the film's release. His new link up is with Richa Chadda, his co-star in a film called Ishqeria, which was shot mostly in Mussoorie. The film has a young cast and they all bonded well and a week's shooting remains to be completed in Mumbai.
Manyata steps in
Ankita’s dream come true
Ankita Lokhande has finally landed her dream Bollywood debut! She is debuting in Farah Khan's Happy New Year as the Maharashtrian bar dancer. She was recommended by Shah Rukh Khan who saw her at the IIFA Awards in Macau and recommended her to Farah Khan.
She has signed on the dotted line.
The final goodbye
(Clockwise from R) Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Danny Denzongpa during the funeral of veteran actor Pran in Mumbai. — PTI
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Astro turf
ARIES: Minor pinpricks will provoke you. Workers in the factories will cause a number of delays. Home life will cause some trouble. Newly married may have problems adjusting at home. TAURUS: Your card, 'Four of Wands' promises an excellent day, and if you are tired, take a break. Focus on meditation and yoga exercises. Group activities should be highly successful. GEMINI: Charm, diplomacy, and cooperation should be employed while dealing with people. Job applications yield good results. You might suffer a sudden loss of confidence. CANCER: Your magnanimity can get the better of you if you host a social gathering at your place. Turn your attention to jobs that give you an opportunity to make the best use of your intellect. LEO: Now is the time to distinguish clearly between your wants and needs. Your desires seem to have no end but watch your bank account. You may hear from a friend, who can drop in for potluck. VIRGO: There may be trouble brewing in the family that may ease because of a sensible voice of reason before matters spiral out of hand. LIBRA: You may have to deal with a crisis, which may require you to stay longer at your workplace. A chance encounter with an ex-lover may revive old memories. SCORPIO: You should give a serious thought to your business. Decisions that are related to your career should not be put off. You have the courage to face the situation. SAGITTARIUS: Be patient, even if you want something immediately. Students: you will be successful in your tests. Love life suffers due to family problems. Be assured of an abundance of fine food and drinks. Health needs attention. CAPRICORN: Working women: be careful while dealing with the clients. Children may enjoy the company of their parents.Be wary of totally blowing a diet or becoming indulging excessively.
Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays. AQUARIUS: Your card, ‘Fortune’ makes this a good day on financial front. Try your luck at a range of speculative possibilities. Women: take care of your health. PISCES: Selling big goals may seem unrealistic. If you shoot for what you really want, you might just get it. Businessmen: think twice before signing a new deal. |
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A trend that I currently love is that of dramatic dark blue walls, typically paired with white furniture. The result is always crisp, dramatic and elegant. White sets off navy blue beautifully. You can add navy blue in smaller does by using it as an accent wall or in furniture and accent pieces. In home decoration, most people seem to shy away from dark colours. The best way to use these is to break it up with a lighter colour. Navy is such a rich, versatile colour though, and when used appropriately it can create a dramatic impact or act as an unexpected accent colour. Pair dark blue with white or red for a crisp, traditional look, or use it with magenta or yellow-green for something unexpected. Navy can be considered a masculine colour, but mixing it with certain shades, such as pink, purple or teal, can bring out its feminine side.
