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Spinning a tune
Harbhajan Singh steps out of the cricket ground and into the mustard fields! Before anyone's imagination runs into an overdrive, he dispels any theories, clarifies all the doubts and establishes where he belongs. "Right now, I'm only playing cricket and that is what you'll see me doing for the next couple of years. In between the cricketing career, if some meaningful opportunities come up, I'll definitely take time out for them," he shares during the launch of his first single, Meri Maa, in Chandigarh on Thursday.
While he may not be new to the thirty second commercials, this was an onscreen debut in more ways than one. "When I heard the song, I started crying. The lyricists came to me asking that they wanted to picturise this beautiful song on me." It's a single dedicated to the supreme sacrifice that motherhood is. There is a celebration of love that a mother bestows, a mention of her dedication and a constant reminder of her blessings. He adds, "I could relate to the each and every word of the song. Every stanza and the song is very close to my heart and I'm sure everybody will be able to relate to the lyrics." As for the singing, it happened because the first choice for the song, Gurdaas Maan, couldn't give his dates. "I stepped in and sang the song myself. I'm not much of a singer and just did whatever I was asked to do by the co-singer Lakhwinder Lucky. I repeated the lyrics and chorus like a child repeats a mathematical table behind the teacher." The only song in the album also features Harbhajan's own mother and was shot over a span of two days, while the training stretched to three to four days. "It's a gift to not just my mother but rather all the mothers. Mothers are all alike; they could be anywhere in the world." Now that he has been familiarised with the recording studio and what goes behind, perhaps, we would hear more of him in the future. He laughs, "Yes, I sing a lot. In fact, I was singing today itself in the bathroom." On a serious note, until and unless something meaningful comes up, he is not even open to stints. "I have offers to even become an actor but I have to play and am really not looking forward to making any switch." He adds, "I don't plan to the minutest detail and believe in letting the future take its own course." Joining him is a close friend and singer Satinder Sartaj himself; someone who stands for music that takes a departure from the mainstream and commercial culture, which invades the music industry of Punjab. He opines, "If you produce quality music, surviving is not an issue. It might be against the tide but there are people who appreciate meaningful lyrics." He has just finished a Europe tour and is already due for a world tour. "After I return, we'll work on something." manpriya@tribunemail.com
On Uttarakhand
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Animated attitude
Kids chuckled, their mums remained mesmerised, as the anchor of Disney show's Art Attack Gaurav Juyal took centrestage at the auditorium at Chitkara International School, Chandigarh.
If there was a scramble for autographs, there were shy smiles for pictures. If you thought it's only your child who is crazy for Art Attack, well there are loads more! Gaurav, who hails from Dehradun, is an NID pass-out and the famous host got the show by fluke! "A friend of mine mentioned it, I went to check it out and next I was on a flight to Argentina to shoot the show." While art came easy, having never faced the camera before was a hitch. Gaurav learnt it by and by though. With two seasons having done so well, Gaurav has already shot the third one. "Shootings happen at a stretch," he divulges. While his mother was all support for this rather unconventional career in the beginning, his dad was sceptical to begin with but earning a pay cheque that early in life, made all the difference. "One cannot do much without parents' support. It's the most significant for a child in accomplishing the dreams." Being with kids and exploring new ways to learning is what interests Gaurav, as does animation. "Art and science are the two sides of the same coin, just that sometimes there is more of science or that of art," he says. When not doing the show or the workshops, he loves to creatively challenge himself in more mediums. "The day I think I know enough, I will stop growing," says Gaurav. Coming to animation, Gaurav makes some for himself only and if you haven't seen them it is because he doesn't think he is that good yet. One thing is for sure though, he loves it. "In animation you are the god, you make something that doesn't exist." Comparing the animation scene in Bollywood and Hollywood, he says, "It's restricted to children here, while we accept all their animations for they are so convincing." Technologically we are advancing, "There was nothing wrong in Ra.One technically, but the story has to touch the audience's soul as well." What he is interested in is decoding why Doraemon and Chhota Bheem are so popular with kids. "There is so much amiss if you see technically, but they are such a huge hit with kids," he wonders. Gaurav does want to make an animation for kids but on his own terms. Films are commercially driven and usually a melange of the artistes', producer's and director's vision but if I am lucky, which I have been so far, I would rather do it my way." Curriculum development is what he has tried and wants to do more. If you can't explain in a simple manner means you haven't learnt properly, he believes, but is also aware that it is a long-drawn process. "Nevertheless, it is essential," says Gaurav. His workshops are fun, loads of work he has done with the Max Mueller Bhavan. "To make animation on popular fairy tales like Puss in the Boots and Cinderella with a group of kids is amazing. In each new generation, children are smarter than the previous ones and today's kids love to decode and make animations." Back to his popularity, "I did not realise till I was literally mobbed by kids and enthusiastic parents on occasions more than one, but I love children, they are the purest ones and would love to do more about them." mona@tribunemail.com
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Of brush & bucks
Comparisons between the old and new, past and present are bound to be drawn when Krishen Khanna, a renowned veteran artist, is asked to review the art scenario. And with art galleries dotting various cities of the country, academies promising exposure to artists and an event like Indian Art Summit upholding the cause of art, one would expect a positive appraisal from the stalwart. Ironically, it is anything but that!
The artist takes you on a journey back in time, when he and his equally famous contemporaries like MF Husain, FN Souza, SH Raza and the likes met often just to talk art. "The major difference now is that except for the artists, everybody has a role to play--art curators, gallery owners, so self-professed art promoters. From the aesthetics of art, the focus is only on the commercial aspect of it. And I detest that," says the artist, who is in Chandigarh to inaugurate an exhibition organised by Haryana Institute of Fine Arts at the Punjab Kala Bhawan-16. A proof of interaction between the artists of the yore is the letters exchanged between Raza and Krishen Khanna which is now out in the form of a book. While artists, he says, have taken the center-stage, art has suffered. "Because a certain artist is big, his work will sell for a million bucks. Nobody will bother to ascertain the aesthetic value of the work. Artist is no better than a trading commodity." While ruing the fact that artists have fallen into the economic trap, he emphasises on the primary duty of artists-to create art. A diversion, he says, has lead to the acute commercialization of it. If an artist's dedication is indispensable for the creation of true art, (which he categorically says doesn't mean pretty pictures), it's the family support that makes it all possible. Khanna for a change talks about his family, his wife who worked as a school teacher, when he was still new to the art circuit. "My work didn't sell overnight and money wasn't a concern also." Had that been the case he wouldn't have left his flourishing banking career in London and come back to India just to paint. As for the Indian Art Summit that is often quoted as the Mecca of art lovers in India, he says that the whole affair has, 'only a peripheral influence on art'. He didn't even mark his present last year, even as one of his works was put up for sale. "Let the merchants of art do their work, I will still focus on what I love-- art in its pure and unadulterated form." In-between, he often talks about his artist friends who are now no more. "For them, art was divine, wish it was the same for art followers even today." The task indeed looks very difficult!
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The right image
In this world everything sells, most of all, an image. So how do you make that perfect first impression? Well, you can have your own personal image consultant to address that!
Suman Agarwal, director, Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI), passed three hurdles - objection, ridicule and acceptance- before she could do what she had set her heart to. In five years since its inception, ICBI that started in Mumbai has now branches in 14 different cities. Today be a singer, or corporate or a writer, people go for image consultants and ICBI has a 10- month-training programme that assists you in becoming one. Starting this venture did not come easy for Suman. "I did research for more than a year before taking the plunge. I came across Judith Rasband's name and she being the best in this field, I started under her." Judith's pull took Suman to Salt Lake City, USA, and then she followed it up with masters in the same field in the UK. If personality development courses did the rounds few years back, image consultancy is the new 'in' thing. "Image is basically the perception of you in other's minds. And, an image consultant helps you better that right from working on your body, clothing, grooming, language and etiquettes." With loads of queries pouring from Chandigarh for image consultants, Suman has brought her expertise to the city. "There is so much scope for image consultants in this region. People go abroad and not only do they need to polish their soft skills but also adapt to a different culture," says Suman who is aiming at Ludhiana next. And what does it take to do well in this arena? Presentable looks, ability to communicate and the passion to make people look and feel good." mona@tribunemail.com
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star track
Priyanka Chopra: She is a perfectionist and a neatness freak. She likes everything to be perfect around her and if it is not according to her wishes, then all hell will break loose. But her staff still loves her so we doubt that she would be unreasonably demanding. Preity Zinta: She loves dry bathrooms and is a cleanliness freak. She freaks out on seeing wet bathrooms and even wipes bathrooms dry after she uses them. She loves to keep her house neat and clean. Sunny
Leone: The oomphy starlet has a foot fetish, if we may say that. She loves her feet clean and dry so she washed her feet every hour and even takes a break between shots. But in Mumbai, our feet do get dirty. Wonder how she is dealing with the rains! Kareena Kapoor
Khan: She is addicted to fitness and yoga and likes changing her body type according to her films' requirements. She does yoga at east twice a day. She only has one particular brand of coffee. She knows she is beautiful and sexy and she loves flaunting what she's got. She isn't shy or demure at all.
Ayushmann Khurrana: He is the usual cleanliness and neatness freak and washes his feet and hands several times a day. Along with that, he also carries a dental kit wherever he goes and brushes his teeth three-four times a day. The toothpaste companies should make him their brand ambassador because he has a nice smile too!
Bollywood loves Ship Of Theseus!
Bollywood stars, who attended the screening of Anand Gandhi's Ship Of Theseus hosted by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao in Mumbai, are all praise for the film. Here's what they said:
Shekhar Kapur: 'Ship Of Theseus by Anand Gandhi. A work of astounding artistic genius. Watch it. Kudos 2 Kiron Rao for going all out 2 support 1 of d most important films 2 come out of India this decade Ship Of Theseus. See it.' Anurag Kashyap: 'Ship of Theseus is not just very good film, it's engaging, inspiring, and packs the power to change your life. Do yourself a favour. Watch it. Ship Of Theseus is the most powerful and at the same time most humbling cinema going experience to have come out of this country. All our discussions, discourses all these years about life/cinema feels like nothing but just "big talk" when you see Ship Of Theseus.' Ayushmann Khurrana: 'Kudos to Anand Gandhi for giving us a rare film with a spiritual connect. Thx to Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao for patronising it.' Kunal Kohli: 'Just saw Ship of Thesus. Really nice. Thought provoking. Lovely dialogues. Must see.' Kunal Kapoor: 'Ship of theseus is such a brilliant film. That rare film that stays with u and makes u think long after it's over. Do yourselves a favour, watch it!!!' The film explores human values through its three characters - an experimental photographer, an ailing monk and a stock broker. Produced by Soham Shah, Ship Of Theseus, releases this Friday.
Flying start
Farhan Akhtar's film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has become the talk of the nation. Much before the release, the promos of the film had created so much hype that the audience could not wait for the release of the film.
Even the buzz in the film industry was big. So much so that, the superstars of South, Rajnikanth and Chiranjeevi after watching the trailer of the film had reached out to Farhan Akhtar to express their wish to watch the film. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which is a biopic on the Flying Sikh Milkha Singh, the legendary athlete, comes across as a huge inspiration for people and is a must watch. Farhan is very pleased with the kind of response the film is getting and how the word of mouth has traveled even beyond B-town to the south as well. The spokesperson of the film said, "Yes, Rajnikanth and Chiranjeevi both have reached out to us and expressed their wish to watch the film. We are overwhelmed with
the fabulous response the film is getting."
Kitchen queen
Chitrangda Singh likes to cook from time to time as she finds it therapeutic. She loves Oriental food, especially Thai curries and Japanese miso soup. She can cook pastas, salads, soups, and dips. Cooking relaxes her. Her other hobbies are charcoal painting and traveling to different parts of the world.
Sallu’s special appearance
From some time, rumours were doing the rounds in film circles that Salman Khan would be appearing in Rajkumar Santoshi's directorial venture Phata Poster Nikla Hero. But now it is confirmed that Salman is indeed roped in to play a cameo in the Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz starrer. It is said that ever since Santoshi worked with Salman Khan in his uproarious hit Andaz Apna Apna (released in 1994), the two have shared a special bond. May be that is the reason why Santoshi had Salman do a special appearance in his 2009 Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif starrer Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. The buzz is that Salman has indeed put up a guest appearance and has not done a full-fledged role. Salman, however, will not be seen in a promotional video or an item song. He's not doing any song and dance routine.
Goodbye Sujoy, hello Kundan
Producer Jayantilal Gada of Pen has ousted Sujoy Ghosh from the sequel after he made unreasonable demands. He has brought on Kundan Shah to direct the sequel which is actually an entirely different story from that of Sujoy's film. Sujoy is cool with it because he feels he is irreplaceable.
Friendly visit
Dinner date
Bips under cover
Bipasha Basu is usually seen in short dresses in Mumbai. But she is all covered up from head to toe and in mittens as she shoots for Creature in Ooty because it is freezing cold there. She is also eating more over there to protect herself against the cold. |
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Imran’s fan club
While actress Surbhi Jyoti was on top of the world as she danced with Imran Khan in last week's Punarvivaah, Connected and 'Qubool Hai Mahasangam, her co-star Srishty Rode certainly wasn't as cheerful! The actress was sulking on the day of the shoot when she realised that she would be dancing solo while Surbhi danced with Bollywood cutie Imran Khan. "Why don't I get to dance with Imran?" Shrishty was overheard asking a member of the production team. "I love Imran!" said Shrishty with a smile when asked how she felt about Imran. "Who can resist his boyish good looks and oodles of charm? He is one of the most talented young actors in Bollywood and it is an absolute pleasure to have him on the sets. You usually hear from people that he is a very reserved actor who doesn't mix with a lot of people, but the Imran that we saw on the sets was very friendly and sat around with us between shots conversing with everyone. Initially, I was in awe of him but once you talk to him, you get over being awestruck. He is the warmest, most friendly person you could meet! Look at me, I can't seem to stop gushing about him" she said with a giggle.
The comical streak
Gaurav Gera is back, but in a comic role this time. He's posing as a woman in Mrs Pammi Pyarelal. We catch up with him.
Why did you take on this role? I love challenges and when I heard this one, I knew I had to do it. Playing a woman is tough but I am enjoying it. Were you skeptical about playing this character? Initially when the show wasn't launched, we were promoting Pammi only and didn't tell people that he's a guy who is forced to dress up as a woman to get a house. People felt it was about sexuality, but I had to keep quiet till the show was on air. Now, it's on so people know. I am glad the response is good. How confident are you of sustaining the look and newness? That will be up to the channel and production house. We will work hard on the concept and take the show forward. Are you are still friends with Mona Singh? Yes from the Jassi gang she's the only one I am in touch with. We stay close to each other and she even called me after watching the episode. She's my critic and well-wisher. With so many comedy shows around, do you wish to have a comedy show of your own? Yes, why not. I love the show Little Britain, which airs in the UK. I would love to do something like that. I love Sacha Baron Cohen too.
Pillar of support
Mahi Bahushali recently came on STAR Plus' India's Dancing Superstar to support and perform with the talented dancer from Indore Akshay Pal. While Mahi was very excited to be back on the dance floor, her flawless performance with Akshay got a standing ovation.
When the two talented dancers were having a discussion with other members on the set, the actress confessed that Akshay Pal was like a son to her. This is not all, when Akshay injured himself during the performance, Mahi ensured that till the time Akshay didn't get proper treatment he didn't come on the floor. The actress also confessed, "I have been following the show and Akshay is one of my favourite contestants. He has the same passion as Jay and I feel he is like my son." To wish him luck for the competition, Mahi gifted Akshay the same star pendent that Jay wore on Nach Baliye-5 Finale. Well, with so many wishes and prayers with Akshay only time will say if the dancer from Indore will make it to the title of India's Dancing Superstar. Catch Mahi along with other Nach Baliye contestants on India's Dancing Superstar at 9 pm on July 20 only on Star Plus.
Sea of trouble!
Actress Aishwarya Sakhuja, who is currently anchoring India's Dancing Superstars, was recently in Maldives for a short vacation. The actress called the place 'heaven on earth' as she enjoyed being surrounded by water and the beaches. Unfortunately, Aishwariya hurt her foot during one of the water sports.
Aishwarya revealed, "I loved Maldives and was super-excited because of all the water sports. I was having a good time snorkeling when I got tired after half an hour and decided to head back. I tried to swim but the sea got choppy and it got difficult. There came a time when I got pushed towards the rock area. I kept getting hit by this one particular rock and hence I ended up bruising my leg and even lost a ring that was given to me by my late mother. I am grateful to an English gentleman who ended up saving my life as he held my hand and swam back with me. In the process, he too got injured." Looks like Aishwarya is one brave actress!
A happy ending
Like all good things come to an end, Sony Entertainment Television's Dil Ki Nazar Se…Khoobsurat has also reached its climax. Yes, the cast and crew shot for its last episode on Monday and it will be telecast this Friday (July 19). The show, which was tentatively based on the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, could not garner good TRPs from the very beginning though it had an interesting story to relate. The poor response to the show forced the channel to pull the plug off it. — HRM
Motherhood calling
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New Releases
Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya
Producer: Kumar S. Taurani Director: Prabhu Deva Prabhu Deva's Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya, a romantic musical, has created a lot of interest among the cine-goers due to its star-cast as well as colourful costumes by designers Bimal Shah and Jaya Taurani. The film stars debutant Girish Kumar, son of producer Kumar Taurani. In the movie, the 22-year old Girish Kumar will be seen romancing Shruti Hassan. This one is a remake of Prabhu Deva's directorial debut, Telugu blockbuster Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana. Sachin-Jigar's music is another highlight of the film.
D-Day Producer: Munisha Advani, Arun Rangachari, Madhu Bhojwani, Vivek Rangachari Director: Nikhil Advani D-Day stars Arjun Rampal, Shruti Hassan, Rishi Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Huma Qureshi. The film is high-octane action drama and has stunts that will mesmerise the viewers. Director Nikhil Advani roped-in action director of Dark Knight and X-Men fame Tom Struthers for this film. Arjun Rampal plays a character from the Special Forces; Irrfan Khan plays an undercover agent and Huma Qureshi an explosive expert. Rishi Kapoor’s character is modelled on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
White House Down Producer: Song Corp's Columbia pictures Director: Ronald Emmerich White House Down starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx and Maggi Gyllenhaal is Ronald Emmerich's first foray into the subject of terrorism. The director has teamed up with screen writer James Vanderbit to develop a script that explores the threat of terrorism. Tatum plays a Secret Service agent. — Dharam Pal
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Astro turf
ARIES: The Priestess manifests material and emotional abundance with inner strength, maturity as well as communication skills. This is a good time to compete for a position of power. TAURUS: The card Magician reveals your imagination can run wild now and you want to act out a strange desire. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. GEMINI: Your card The Princess of Cups manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Love ties grow stronger. Give a thought to travel plans. CANCER:The Ace of Wands strengthens and you will feel elated to see roses all the way. You can have quite a romantic adventure if you take time to get to know your mate all over again. LEO: The Knight of Pentacles brings healing and attention to practical as well as earthy matters. You will need some help today. Do not enter into any speculation. VIRGO: The Knight of Swords instigates you to be active and clever. The biggest plans require attention to the tiniest details to turn them into reality. In fact, the higher you aim, the more precision is needed. LIBRA: Your card Five of Pentacles reveals that friends can get on your nerves today. Mixing business with pleasure works well. Be careful about getting into disagreements with seniors. SCORPIO: Your card The Moon suggests balance and clarity in relationships. A frequent change of mood is likely. Further studies will help fine tune your capabilities. SAGITTARIUS: Do not put undue pressure on yourself to take on unwelcome tasks. Be willing to take a break. Indulge yourself in personal pleasures; like eating and sleeping. CAPRICORN: Three Wands representing the Brahma, Vishnu Mahesh Trinity bring success in whatever you do today. You can be in a restless and irritable mood today. AQUARIUS: A real buzz in the air upon waking evokes fresh possibilities. Yet, even the longest journeys start with the first steps. Make initial moves to get the ball rolling in the right direction. PISCES: Your health and well-being are a priority. A new approach to an old problem is required. Networking is more your style than team playing since you want to have your corner to yourself. |
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He must have been a changed person post the flood tragedy that struck
thousands in Uttarakhand. Shares Harbhajan, "What happened was very
unfortunate and nobody would ever want to be in a situation like that.
May it never happen again and nobody may have to go through what the
people went through. God-willing we'll definitely try and seek the
blessings next year." Cheers to the spirit!
