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Take & retake
Raj meets Simran again! Only this pair speaks in Punjabi. Din Dehadey Lai Jaange (DDLJ) is ostensibly a tribute to Yash Raj's iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge!
In Chandigarh, the cast and crew of the movie talk about this romantic comedy that's slated for release later this year. Among all, it is Ranjeet, the bad man of Bollywood, who commands most attention and keeps us regaled with the constant comparison between the past and the present. Bad guy comes clean With 200 plus movies to his credit, Ranjeet played the lecherous villain to perfection. So much so that when he would enter a party, people would say, 'Take care of your woman, Ranjeet is here'. "I could not get married for people thought it was better to let the daughter be unmarried that marry her off to Ranjeet," he laughs. But his onscreen persona has nothing in common with the man in real life. "It was just a job for me," he admits. "Gone are the days when I would touch a heroine's pallu and she would scream for help. With no sari or duppatta, fashion stylists and current heroines have rendered me jobless," he evokes laughter in the full hall. Reigning the screen as the bad man, Ranjeet stopped signing films in 90s. He turned to production and made Karnama. "People thought Ranjeet's film with Vinod Khanna and Kimi Katkar would be vulgar but mine was a film where emotions reigned supreme." Ranjeet has continued to act and make films, but on his own terms. He would rather not be a part of the film that he cannot see with his family or staff. But he is not against today's generation. "Youngsters are way too talented and giving their best in the circumstances that surround them." In this Din Dehadey Lai Jaange, Ranjeet plays the heroine's father. "I was born in Jalandhar, I am a Punjabi," says Ranjeet, happy with the strides the industry is making. Punjabi by choice While people can't have enough of Ranjeet, the veteran actor guides them gently to the young lead pair of the film, Gurmeet Choudhary and Sapna Thakur. The TV star Gurrmeet is Punjab bound in a big way. Apart from this DDLJ, he is also doing another Punjabi film Yaar Mera Rabb Warga. What made him opt for Punjabi films? "I played a Punjabi in Geet Hui Sabse Paraayi and for the last three years I have been getting offers for Punjabi movies. I took the chance finally." He plays 'Raj' in the film. "Punjabi films are not only doing good business but have a huge fan following as well," says Gurmeet, who wants to stay loyal to small screen that made him a household name. "Whatever I have today is courtesy TV. Television has emerged as a very powerful medium and people know me in different parts of the world because of television," says the actor who was part of Ramayan and Punar Vivah too. Comparing the telly and film word, Gurmeet finds the first exhaustive. "Everything works at a maddening pace. We speak dialogues just fresh from the writer's pen. In a day's time the episode is shot, edited, music done and by the time I finish work and reach home, it's being aired." And, we couldn't help asking, on how does he manage that physique in the hectic work schedules? "Strict diet control and religious gym regimen.I don't compromise on my exercise," says the winner of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5, open to
reality shows and movies and soaps alike! Strong appeal Din Dehadey Lai Jaange is Sapna Thakur's third Punjabi film and the chirpy girl is happy to play Simran. "This Simarn is independent, strong willed and ends up meeting Raj. Pyaar, takrar and family drama, this DDLJ is different and good," says Sapna! mona@tribunemail.com
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Work out the positives
You love your work profile, it pays decent, you love the perks; but if you still have to make an effort to drag yourself to work probably you are working in a toxic workplace! The good part is that you are not alone!
An 'egomaniac' who is 24X7 on his or her achievements, 'chronic downer' who sure drains you of your positivity within five minutes of stepping into the workplace, 'the underminer' who throws up a compliment the moment you walk in and a nasty backhand in the same breath…well, we can say again you are not alone! Just that others are also sailing in the same 'negative' boat is hardly a consolation especially when you have to bear the narcissist, emotional- drainer, self-righteous judger or big mouth for long hours. Since these 'toxic' types are almost ubiquitous, the smart tribe has found ways and means of handling them; here is some help for you. Saloni Sharma is way mature than her years; little more than a year in the professional world has taught her a thing or two. Communication fails at her workplace too, but she now knows how to handle that. "In moments of crisis, I divert my attention. Read something positive, channelise my energy to do something positive and only when I am feeling in control of myself do I sit over a cup of coffee with the person (or people) concerned and sort out things," says Saloni. 'To respond and not to react' is the first principle of keeping sane in an atmosphere charged with negativity. But those like Usha Vats figure out ways to keep positive. She works in a government set-up, work timings and responsibilities are pretty much clear yet she cannot deny the invisible clouds of negativity that pervades the workplace. "The first thing that I learnt while working is not to be part of gossip. Office friendships depend on power dynamics and when who will turn against whom you never know," says Usha who steers clear of office tittle-tattle. "I am not part of the 'it' club nor someone much-sought after at work but I am happy in my space," says Usha who uses the breaks to do something constructive than go for idle chat. Atul Sharma is a banker and given his gregarious nature, he just can't take Usha's route. He has his own plan. "I have realised that the more you engage your co-workers the better the bonhomie," says Atul who along with his teams works on more than just financial targets. So there are sports on weekends, social outings and late nights that lets the group work out the equations between them. "It's not like I don't get ticked off by my seniors and workmates without any provocation, but then I have this automatic tape running in my mind—'maybe he or she has had a bad day, let me not ruin it further. Let me give my best." Well, each of us have to devise our own ways; when people come together there is bound to be friction...but to get bitter or better is totally your call! There will be all kinds of people everywhere. Senior counsellor Punita Singh tells how to deal with some
tough types. The narcissists: Entertain them if you have time, keep excuses ready when you don't want to. The chronic downer: They are the lot who are looking for support. Show your concern and lead them on to professional help. The critic: Give them the look that says it all. Stay away from commenting on their affairs, if need be ask them in a polite manner to follow suit. The rival: There will be good competitors and bad, don't get in the latter's rat race. Don't budge from the standards you have set for yourself. The
underminer: Pay back in the same coin. If you can't be spontaneous or witty, a confident smile will do too. |
Wild encounters
Wildlife trails often lend themselves to amateur photography. No wonder, almost each expedition is followed by an enthusiastic display of the adventures undertaken. Each frame is a celebration of the close brush with nature and its myriad creations.
"You set out each morning and have no idea what you are going to see," shares Mitul Dikhsit, educationist, as he takes you through the 160 frames that depict his three days of adventure in the East-African Kenya. In The Masai Mara, a photographic journey, he tries to bring alive the vastness of the landscape, the thrill of the wild and the unseen adventures it holds for the human eye. Starting from the community The Masai Mara, that lends itself to several trivia. "It's a very strong community. So much so that even animals are scared of them. They also think that all the cattle in the world are their property." He adds, "One male can have seven wives and they drink cow's milk mixed with cow's blood. But the cow's blood is derived in a way that doesn't kill the cows." A typical sunrise in Savanna comprises sun shining against the vast barren landscape with only one tree in sight. "One gets to see a tree only after 50 to 60 km. They say that these trees also do not like any other tree around." In between enough glimpses into the tribal life, there's a section on The Big Five. Every frame evokes a slight fear and some awe. Apart from the obvious king of the jungle, the lion, there are African elephants, cape buffalo and rhinoceros. "Cheetahs do not come in the big five." He adds, "All these pictures have been selected out of the four thousand photographs I clicked over three days and spread in nine game rides." Moving on, there are cheetah brothers looking ardently at each other, cubs playing, a safari in progress, colourful birds fit to be any bird watchers paradise. The section titled The Scavengers depicts the natures own scavengers in progress. While The Hunt shows the big cat in a series of pictures that depict the strategy of the hunt to the actual hunt. There's a zebra that's been prayed on, a couple of hyenas eating onto the ribcage of the zebra. "Whatever is left of the kill, they consume." He adds, "It's a matter of chance as to what you get to click." manpriya@tribunemail.com On till July 25 at Punjab Kala Bhawan-16, Chandigarh
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Visual appeal
Chandigarh has quite a history when it comes to art and art lovers. Quite a few art galleries have opened and shut in the past five years. Of those which have stood the test of time, only few are active and the rest are dormant. One invariable complaint of gallery owners has been that there are hardly any walk-ins. So, when Anuja Lath Gupta conceived the idea of giving physical space to her virtual art gallery, Indian artcollectors.com, she opted for The Art Lounge against an art gallery, "Wherein we will invite people who are interested in art and show them works by different artists," informs Anuja.
When Anuja says, "different", she means works by some 400 artists will be put on display in rotation. Even if one artwork is contributed by an artist, what the lounge has in the offing can be well-imagined. At one point of time, 50 works will be put on display. The invites will be sent out every weekend and guests will be treated over wine and cheese. "We aim to tap our network. People who are fond of art will buy it, rest they can suggest people who they know would be interested in taking home an art piece." Curated by Neepa Sharma, the works exhibited here are by the likes of Prashant Nayak, Shambuddha Das Gupta, PJ Stalin, Prakash Karmakar and Rajeshwar Nyallapalli. And her work involves much more than just picking up the right pieces for display. Alongside each painting, a catalogue has been pasted, which has a list of other popular art works by the artist in question. Neepa says, "Once a person likes an artist's work, he can seek an appointment with us. We will then show him an ensemble of works by the artist on the projector." The idea behind coming up with a space is also to bring home the art. "We have exposed Indian artists and art globally through our website but we realised that locally that hasn't been the case," says Anuja while adding that this space will help her take art to people in the city efficiently and effectively. And hope people welcome the same.
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Words of wisdom
For a writer, fiction translates into freedom to put thoughts, ideas and concepts into words. On the other hand, non-fiction doesn't give one that leverage. Facts have to be in place, figures must up the cause and visual support is required to substantiate the subject in question. Dr Naresh is someone who has identified the requirements of both forms of literature and has so far contributed a staggering figure of 75 books. Be it poetry, novels, short stories, research books, he has it all to his credit.
And for his thorough understanding of literature and his contribution in this field, he has been bestowed with Sakhr-e-Haryana, the highest state literary award. "It's an honour to win this award. My contribution to literature has been acknowledged and that inspired me to continue writing more." He has extensively researched on Sufism, wherein he has explained its ideology, vis-à-vis Islamic teachings and the Vedas. He has also written about the history of Sufi shrines in Punjab and Haryana, a subject that hasn't found space in books before. "I had to visit tehsil offices to find old records of these shrines, but most of the times, it used to be the local people who gave me information." While he finds writing research books challenging, it is penning poetry he enjoys. "Poetry helps me unwind". He hasn't limited his writings to one language but has contributed in Punjabi and Urdu also, besides Hindi and English. Dr Naresh has served as the chairman of Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi for three years and retired as a professor from Panjab University.
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Master
Chef Kandla Nijhowne Mushrooms are my favourite veggie delight! They lend themselves to being baked, fried, curried and grilled with little effort and plenty of resulting flavour! Mushrooms don't need much heat, just a quick stir and they are softened enough while still retaining their firm texture and "bite". In the North we make a dry 'subzi' of mushrooms or a curried mushroom matar with gravy. In Kerala, a "thoran" of mushroom is exceedingly popular. It imparts Southern flavours to the dish and takes it to a different level! The medley uses freshly grated coconut. I don't promise the same taste but you can use desiccated coconut as a substitute.
Mushroom thoran
Ingredients
Method Note: Heeng can be used in this recipe, prior to adding the onions. I don't use it because I find that it cloaks the delicate mushroom flavour. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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Drink to this
Rasna, the leader in the concentrated drinks category and largest manufacturers of instant powder in the world, stormed into the ready-to-drink beverage segment with the launch of a refreshing new offering Rasna Ju-C to its strong powder concentrate portfolio.
Ju-C is designed to facilitate the rapid expansion of Rasna's presence into venues where healthier, quick serve options have become an essential component of the menu offering, such as K-12 schools, college campuses and university campus and convenience stores. Ju-C will be available across the city in four tempting flavours (mango, apple, orange and mixed). — TNS
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Make it formal
Earlier fashion was only restricted to folks who had ample time for it. But in today's trendy world even the professionals are not lagging behind in this race. A dental surgeon Dr Simran Pal Singh Bindra enjoys being stylish. Your sense of style? I find the formal style of dressing as stylish and what ever makes a person look better goes well for me. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories My Rolex watch. Brand crazy or street pick-up? I am totally a brand person. Who would be your style icon? Tom Cruise. Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity? I don't like Vidya Balan's way of dressing. Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous? Glamorous will do for me. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension? Chunky jewellery and earrings for boys. Your take on accessories A good watch is a sure bet. What gives you a high on the confidence level? A lively and good company makes my day. — As told to Poonam Bindra |
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star track Emraan Hashmi learnt animation while in college and he would never go under the knife. Read on to find some more quirky stuff about him Indulgences galore I splurge on cars, watches and gadgets. I am obsessed with them. I would have spent more money on cars if the roads in the city were better. To drive a sports car, you need a free stretch of road - I really feel bad for those who have such cars and have to tackle the Mumbai traffic. Once upon a time I used to be superstitious. In fact, I had this Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I used to believe that number eight is unlucky for me and would even avoid anything that would add up to 8-like 17, 26 and so on. I would religiously visit astrologers and wear different stones to bring in good luck. But all this was around four years back. College days When in college, I would hardly attend classes. In fact, we would go to other colleges and hang out there. Every six months my friends and I would hit the roads and go to Goa. We weren't rich kids and our trips were on shoestring budgets. But, we hardly cut down on the fun. We would take a friend's car when his parents were not in town and drive all the way to Goa. As we couldn't afford a hotel stay, we would party till late and crash on the beach at night. It would be two-three days of absolute bliss. Now I have a house there, but I hardly get the time to visit the place. Ladies' man I was not popular with girls at all (breaks into a laughter)! Unlike my on-screen image now, I was very shy in college. But, I must admit, I had my moments! I have chased girls and done stupid things. I would stand under the balcony of this girl's house at night and sing ridiculous songs -and all in an inebriated state. I persuaded my wife in a similar manner too and thankfully it worked. The life before I did B. Com but realised that it was not my cup of tea. I was always fascinated by animation and after I completed my course I wanted to go abroad and pursue it. I used to sketch a lot and was rather serious about it. But all this was until I joined films. Close brush: Emraan Hashmi
A decade and counting
Neha Dhupia has completed a decade in Bollywood and she is still single. She says she is happy to be single and enjoys working out, going for drives, going for runs and doing movies. She has many endorsements that keep her busy. She feels she must be scaring guys away. She has been linked to two men in the past.
Love, marriage and big money!
Sachiin Joshi has splurged Rs 66 crore on a duplex flat in Palais Royale in Worli, South Mumbai. It is located on the 50th and 51st floor of the one-of-a-kind building in the country. Sachiin wanted to gift his wife Urvashi the best house to live in. The amenities of the building are at par with a 7-star hotel.
Kangana Ranaut, Kabir Bedi walk the ramp for JJ Valaya
A nervous Kangana Ranaut and flamboyant Kabir Bedi were the showstoppers for ace designer JJ Valaya on the opening day of the India Bridal Fashion Week here.
Valaya's collection, The Maharaja Of Madrid brought alive the old world charm of India and Spain. The stage was done in white decor and models dressed like royals depicted a grand welcome of a Maharaja and his daughter from their adventures in Spain. Kangana, 26, wore an orange-golden lehenga teamed with a blue velvet choli and golden headgear as she sashayed down the ramp in the character of the Maharaja's daughter. "It has been a while that I have walked the ramp. I am always nervous and excited to get back on stage because it is something I don't get to do often. I felt like a princess while walking the ramp, I was wondering how princess' must have felt wearing such heavy outfits," Kangana said. Bedi, who played the Maharaja on the ramp, was confident in his stride and seemed to enjoy the attention of the audience as they hooted for the actor as he made his
entry. — PTI
Item drama continues
Here is the first look of Shahid Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri's item song, in which she has done belly dancing and matched steps with Shahid. This is for Phata Poster Nikhla Hero. She is a good dancer and looks
sensational!
First look: A still from the song
At the box-office…
D-Day has got glowing reviews but its collections are not up to the mark. It has collected Rs 10 crore while Ramaiyya Vastavaiyya collected Rs 12 crore, despite bad reviews. D-Day is picking up due to good word of mouth publicity so the second week's collections should be good. Ship of Theseus got wonderful reviews but did not sparkle at the ticket window.
Priyanka’s steps in the boxing ring
Priyanka Chopra has begun shooting for her Mary Kom biopic after preparing for months. She also met Mary Kom herself. She has many prosthetics on and she actually resembles Mary Kom quite a bit now. The shooting began at Film City in Goregaon in suburban Mumbai.
Amanda did start the fire…
Troubled actress Amanda Bynes has been put on 72 hours of involuntary psychiatric hold after starting a small fire outside a house.
Fire department was called after Bynes, 27, sparked the fire in the driveway area of a house, whose members are not connected to her. Bynes has gained notoriety for her erratic behaviour. — PTI
Something brewing
It seems that Yaami Gautam is dating Ram Charan's cousin Sirish with whom she did her first film down South. They are spending more and more time with each other, while attending events together in Hyderabad. They even attended the IPL matches together and were also spotted at a coffee shop. |
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chatter box With the next season of India’s most loved reality show- Bigg Boss starting soon on Colors, there is a lot that the audiences can expect. Delivering high-octane drama and entertainment year after year, the show is known for its out-of-the-box concepts and teaser campaign promos with Salman, that grab the attention of the young and old. In each season, the actor was seen adding charm to the show with his wit and humour. However, this season, he will be seen in a new light with a diabolical twist. Bigg Boss this season only gets bigger, better and bolder with Salman taking the avatar of Angel and Devil. With Bigg Boss promising to show the viewers both heaven and hell this season, the promos of the show give a glimpse of the same. In the promos, Salman will be seen in the garb of an angel on one hand and devil on the other.
Good going Aasiya
Aasiya Kazi has slowly and steadily climbed the popularity charts and done many shows in her six year career. As she readies to enter Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, we talk to her about her journey and new role.
Tell us about your role. I play a young girl from Mumbai. It’s a different character, something that I haven’t played before. When I heard the character, I fell in love with it. People will love it when they watch it Why did you choose this show? The show is popular and I have heard a lot about it. My look is different so I can’t wait to begin shooting. Did Hitler Didi give a boost to your career? All characters I have played have been important be it Bandini or Maati Ki Banoo or Hitler Didi. I have played such varied roles in six years of my career that I have grown as an actor. Bandini was your claim to fame... is it tough to get lead roles? My goal isn’t to do lead roles only. And yes it is tough to get something better everytime. I would rather do a challenging role more than anything else. People still remember Saudamini from Maati Ki Bano. When I was doing Bandini I didn’t think I would get good roles but by God’s grace and my hard work I have got roles that matter. Who are your friends in the industry? I am friendly with all my co-stars from different shows.
Change of track
Writer-director-producer Gul Khan of Qubool Hai is thrilled that people love the show. She says that the Zoya-Asad love story won’t remain the main plot anymore but the tiff between the two brothers will soon be the highlight. Tanveer’s secret will be exposed too.
A still from Qubool Hai
Tough choice
In Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Gopi finally finds her mother. But would this affect Koki-Gopi relationship? Would Gopi realize Koki’s sacrifice. Gopi is stuck between the two mothers as Madhu Ben and Koki’s love for her has put her in the dilemma of whom to choose. Would Gopi be able to balance both Koki and Gopi?
in action: Devoleena Bhattacharjee
It’s party time for Manish
Manish Raisinghani aka Siddhant of Sasural Simar Ka celebrated his birthday recently with a cake cutting ceremony with his friends. He cut over a dozen cakes and couldn’t keep thanking people. As a gift, he got a new phone and even handmade cards from his fans. Manish Raisinghani
Guests of honour
The cast of the soon to release film Bajatey Raho landed on the set of Indian Idol Junior on Sunday. Actors Tusshar Kapoor and Ravi Kissen along with singer Anmol Malik visited Indian Idol to promote their upcoming film. Anmol sang the song Nagin Nagin from the film. Tusshar and Ravi Kissen danced to the track before settling down as guest judges for the day. Bajetey Raho cast also includes Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Vishakha Singh and Dolly Ahluwalia. The film is set to release on July 26. |
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Astro turf
ARIES: Keep your mind on the job throughout the day. Be sure to get to the bank before it closes. Romance should take a backseat. Be tactful in your criticism.
Tarot message: Health of an elderly member at home will need
looking after. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 32
TAURUS: Old acquaintances are likely to pop-up. No need to make any important move today. In the office more efforts may be expected from you without the possibility of higher income. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself and prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 28 GEMINI: A call or a visit from a relative you have not seen for ages brings an opportunity to remember the past and catch up on more recent family happenings. Entrepreneurs must try for the loan. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 30 CANCER: This is a fantastic time to contact people and to keep abreast of their news. Push hard for good results that you know you are capable of achieving.
Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors that could lead you in a more lucrative direction. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 31 LEO: The card “King of Wands” reveals best moments to relax and socialize with friends and loved ones. This is a good day for household repairs. You should be lucky in your choice of entertainment. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place.
Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 64 VIRGO: You will instinctively know when to talk and when to put your head down and work. Defer making fresh investments. Financial transaction comes to the fore after 1.00 p.m. Tarot message: You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments.
Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 42
LIBRA: Catching up on jobs you have been putting off for a while seems a wise idea. You must go for meditation and yoga. You will shine in surroundings that are unfamiliar to you. Romance is unexciting. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes.
Lucky colour: Beige Magic number: 59 SCORPIO: Do not miss the opportunity to complete unfinished business that seems to be weighing on your mind and spirit. New partnership can be formed. Try not to nag people about minor issues. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 60 SAGITTARIUS: Use your status of communication boldly with a creative expression. Patronage from powerful individuals can validate your efforts. Do not take any risk with your savings.
Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results. Lucky colour: Deep red.
Magic number: 40 CAPRICORN: Be positive in your approach. You will be able to cope with jobs that require team efforts. Women: Keep your stakes low while playing cards. Be wary of a situation where you might make a mistake in haste. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 57 AQUARIUS: Where you go and whatever you do, the focus of everyone’s attention is likely to be firmly on you. Old patients: An improvement is indicated in health. Focus on personal affairs.
Tarot message: Wait a while. Everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Forest green.
Magic number: 52 PISCES: Do not get involved in any land deal. A secret love affair will bring you some added pleasure. Make your boss aware of all the hard work that you have been putting in. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 63
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