The heat is on...
Punjabi flick Best Of Luck not only brings in some known faces like Jazzy B and Simran Mundi but also some controversy along with it
Jasmine Singh

Controversy…we thought the word did not exist as far as to the Punjabi film industry was concerned. But as the star cast of the film Best Of Luck, Jazzy B, Gippy Grewal and Simran Mundi take their seat on the podium, they get to feel the heat of the controversy. The film marks the debut of singer Jazzy B and Miss India Universe 2008 winner Simran Mundi. The cast tries their best to paddle through the turbulent scene and you bet they do a pretty good job of it. Decked up in his own maharaja style, Jazzy B is confident about his debut role.

Take off

We saw a glimpse of him in Jatt & Juliet 2, and now he plays a gangster in the movie Best Of Luck. Singers are never far away from acting? He smiles (we try to catch the gold mine in his teeth!), "I have been getting offers for almost 7-8 years now, and I wasn't it any rush. Slow and steady is my mantra." He is one singer whose songs hit the music scene like a hurricane. "I am a singer first, it is my first love and I can never be away from it," adds Jazzy.

Acting in videos and acting in a film is never the same thing. "Even while acting in a video, I have to follow a director. Acting in a film, nevertheless, is a different game altogether. It is fun, the cuts and retakes can get taxing but in the end everything is worth it."

We drop the word controversy in the conversation. "We have made a good film and of course we would want it to work," adds the singer actor without getting into the details. Even when the entire team steers away from any unsettling question, the talks of the film getting lesser number of shows looms large!

Hopes up

Amidst the hushed rumours, Gippy Grewal, singer-actor, sounds optimistic. "It was great fun working with Jazzy B, we share both on-screen and off-screen rapport, which shows in the film," says Gippy. He has high hopes from Best Of Luck. "It is doing pretty well in Punjab, and we want the audience to go and see the film. It is a complete entertainer."

Bollywood walk
Simran Mundi adds a touch of glamour to the scene. For a while everyone forgets about everything else. "This is the right movie for me as I wanted to do something in Punjabi." Like singers, models are also never to far from Bollywood. "Modelling can get a bit monotonous after a while, which I realised pretty late. Now, I am enjoying every bit of the Punjabi movie," says Simran open to Punjabi films with substantial roles.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

A sensitive attempt
Inder Singh's debut film Women a Curse? depicts the ugly face of the traditional Indian society
Mona

A rape victim treated like an outcast for no fault of hers, another who underwent as many as 12 abortions trying to bear a male child - these are just two out of many women who bear the unjust behaviour meted out to them by society.

Bringing such stories to the fore is what director Inder Singh is aiming to do with his debut film Women A Curse? The story moves from Mumbai to Haryana, his native state, and raises lots of issues right from drug de-addiction to saving the environment.

"You might have come across stories of atrocities on women in our state. Being a witness to society's apathy towards women is what I want to question and sensitise people about," says Inder. A farmer, he is fulfilling the dream of his family, of making a movie addressing social concerns.

In the film Sandip Bedi, a theatre actor from Amritsar, plays the lead with Dakshita, an English honours student from MCM College, Chandigarh. "I could so well relate to the role that I said yes instantly to the project," says Dakshita, who plays Rohini in the film, a girl who is all for social change.

A small budget film, shooting commences from September and plans are on for a Diwali release. Produced by Kiran Singh, the film aims to present the real picture to the international audience too.

"The film raises lots of questions and emphasises on the need to take the first step in safeguarding one's interests," says Inder hoping to get a good response for his debut film.

Mind your behaviour

Father to two beautiful girls, Inder Singh feels strongly about women not who are not given their due in society. "When I see all that happens around, I am pained that people behave worse than beasts with women even in their own families," says Inder. Domestic violence is so prevalent and yet the onus falls on the women. Not only they find no support even from relatives, she is shunned again for no fault of hers. "To change things for better, we all have to first accept and then act on it," says Inder whose film Women A Curse? will be in Hindi with Haryanvi accent for that's the state where the story is set.

Dakshita & Sandip Bedi

mona@tribunemail.com

star track
When ramp meets dance floor...

(L-R) A model walks the ramp, Sonam Kapoor is the showstopper and Rohit Bal shakes a leg at the grand finale
(L-R) A model walks the ramp, Sonam Kapoor is the showstopper and Rohit Bal shakes a leg at the grand finale

Rohit Bal's impromptu gig on the ramp with his showstopper Sonam Kapoor, on Bollywood classic Aa Jaane Jaa, added to the high-octane show the designer presented on the day four of India Bridal Fashion Week.

Bal took to the stage from the front during the end of the show and started dancing towards Sonam, who was standing at the back, inviting her to join along.

They later made their way to the front in typical Bollywood latkas and jhatkas, making everyone cheer and whistle for them.

Bal's choice of sensuous Bollywood numbers were the highpoint of his show as the audience hummed along while watching his Indian-Elizabethan inspired collection.

"During the last song, when I looked back and saw Sonam dancing, that was the moment for me. She was dancing like Helen ji. Since the collection was purely Indian, I selected some of my favourite Indian songs.

All the songs were such that people could relate to them. I feel it's really important to create an ambience which people can relate to," Bal said.

The designer chose a white-golden mulmul lehenga for Sonam, whose look was inspired by a typical Mughal bride.

There was only one song from Bombay which was contemporary. "I always wanted Sonam Kapoor to act in films, which had this kind of music. But it was enough for me to walk, listen and be a part of it in some creative way," Sonam said.

Bal's grand set up of the ramp was another eye-catching feature as it was decorated with his trademark lotus, which were lit when the show began.

His collection titled The Mulmul Masquerade, had a lot of intricate gold Kasab Kashmiri embroidery on handmade fabrics like chanderi, voils, mulmul and velvet. — PTI
Regal touch: Sonam Kapoor

Keeping tabs on the newcomers!
We take a look at some of the happening new faces that were launched this year and the previous year. Here’s taking stock of who’s doing what these days

Siddharth Malhotra Debut of the year
Siddharth Malhotra

He is going places post Student of The Year. He has Hasee Toh Phasi with Parineeti Chopra, which is produced by Karan Johar. He also has The Villain opposite Shraddha Kapoor. The dude has not been linked with anybody.

Going places: Siddharth Malhotra

Well connected
Varun DhawanVarun Dhawan

He will be next seen in a movie directed by his father and brother and he is also doing another movie with Dharma Productions. He has been linked with Parineeti Chopra, Taapsee Pannu and Alia Bhatt.

Work space: Varun Dhawan

Way to go
Alia BhattAlia Bhatt

The adorable hottie from SOTY has an enviable list of films in her kitty. She has nearly completed 2 States with Arjun Kapoor and Highway with Randeep Hooda (directed by Imtiaz Ali). She has endorsements like Garnier and Maybelline. She has been linked with Varun Dhawan and Arjun Kapoor

Making strides: Alia Bhatt

On a promising note
AyushmannAyushmann Khurrana

He is doing a film with YRF opposite Sonam Kapoor, which he has completed shooting for. He will also cut a music video for his own single.

Sing song: Ayushmann

The shining star
SushantSushant Singh Rajput

He has been the luckiest so far. After a crackling debut in Kai Po Che, he has bagged several impressive movies. He will be seen in YRF's Shuddh Desi Romance, in which he replaced Shahid Kapoor.

Giant leap: Sushant

Slow and steadyHerry Tangri

Herry Tangri debuted in Love Sex Aur Dhokha and was later seen in Mausam and Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurrana. He also had a decent role as Farhan's friend in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and this role has bagged him two more films. Way to go! He is a good-looking and a talented actor.

Career graph: Herry Tangri

Caught on the camera

New photos have emerged of Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor at a beach in Spain.Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor Katrina is wearing a bikini (after crying about not wearing a bikini on screen). They look good together and also relaxed in each other's company. They did not expect these pictures to come out but now it should end all speculation about their relationship.

Meanwhile, Katrina Kaif has been signed on as the female lead in Farah Khan's Happy New Year, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Her dates are available because she is not shooting for Bang Bang. She will shoot for forty days beginning September and has been fortunate enough to land the coveted role.

Open book:
Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor

Rhea Chakraborty In a feisty avatar

Rhea Chakraborty, who debuted in Mere Dad Ki Maruti, will be seen in Rohit Sippy's production about a feisty girl from a broken home. She plays a girl who connects people's lives through her internet cables. The film is directed by a newcomer and also stars Ali Fazal and Anupam Kher, among others.

Getting better: Rhea Chakraborty

Priyanka Chopra Priyanka shakes it right!

Priyanka Chopra has been practicing hard for the Mary Kom biopic and her wrist got injured while boxing. She is currently in Los Angeles, where she recently launched a milkshake named after her.

Wrist fight: Priyanka Chopra

chatter box
Imam gets mean

Imam Siddique of Bigg Boss fame is back with MTV's show, Time Out. In the name of cleansing all the bad karma, the first episode saw Imam playing a trick on his worst enemy from a reality show, Niketan Madhok. Niketan is furious and hell bent on taking a revenge for this one. Niketan challenges Imam on Youtube to survive 48 hours with four people who are clones of Imam - they have the same traits as him; irritating and self obsessed. Imam consults his entourage as the world will be a witness to this challenge. Imam accepts the challenge and promises Niketan that he will not only survive but make sure that those four people run for their sanity within 24 hours. After shifting the team to some other office space, Imam gets ready for the challenge. Will Imam emerge victorious and be able to throw out these unwanted guests out of his house? Tune-in to see how the guests give Imam a taste of his own medicine only on Time Out with Imam this Sunday, July 28, 7pm only on MTV.

Turning point

Diya Aur Baati Hum a compelling drama of Sandhya's (Deepika Singh) struggle toDeepika Singh become an IPS officer has reached an interesting turning point where she was posed with three challenges. Sandhya is now at a juncture where one mistake can take away her lifelong dream or separate her from her family. In a situation where she has already lost two chances to prove her worth to Bhabho, Sandhya has now a local championship - 'Sabse Bada Champion' to fall back on. With husband Sooraj (Anas Rashid) standing tall and in support, Sandhya decides to participate in the competition, which tests contestant's abilities at various tasks and presence of mind. The new entrant Abhimanyu Singh (Eijaz Khan) as the host of the contest has also added to the drama. To know more don't forget to tune in to Diya Aur Baati Hum Monday to Friday at 9.00 pm only on Star Plus.
Deepika Singh

What an act!A still from Parvarrish

The cast of Bajatey Raho made an appearance on Sony TV's Parvarrish. Tusshar Kapoor and Dolly Ahluwalia made an entry in a funny way. It was a confused situation wherein Pinky and her family assumed that the Bajatey Raho team were the jagrata toli. The misunderstanding soon turned into an entertaining act.
A still from Parvarrish

A spiritual journey

Devon ke Dev... Mahadev, a show that has crossed all realms of success and adoration, now sets upon a new tale - Mahadev Ke Ram. Piyush Sahdev will be seen portraying the role of Lord Ram, along with Mihir Mishra as Lord Dashrath. Kunal Verma will be playing Lakshman and renowned actors like Anushka Singh, Manasi Vyas and Gouri Harneet Kaur will be seen essaying the roles of Sumitra, Kaikai and Kaushalya - wives of Dashrath. The show now showcases the story of the ultimate victory of good over evil through the eyes of Lord Shiva, as he paves the way for Ram to reach his goal.

As the story goes, Vishnu takes a human form in Ram in order to bring balance to the world. As a grown up Ram encounters Mahadev after making a Shivlinga, he is informed that his first task is at hand. With blessings and insight from Mahadev, his mentor, Ram heads towards the jungle for this first battle.

Step up and dance

Star Plus' India's Dancing Superstar has entertained the viewers across the globe with dazzling performances by talented contestants and it has finally come close to the finale. This week the show will bring back the six evicted contestants to give them a second chance. The judges selected five most deserving contestants who could battle it out for the last time to secure their place in the top five for the finale. Suniti Chhayal, Mohit-Ana, D Maniax, Vikas Sawant and Palden-Khyati who had got eliminated during the course of the show will be seen performing for the lastContestants performing at India’s Dancing Superstar time before the judges to make it to the top 5. With only one week away from winning the coveted trophy of India's Dancing Superstar, the contestants have pulled up their socks and are putting their best foot forward. While all eyes of the contestants were on the sizzling IDS trophy only one talented contestant will take it home. To find out who will be the final top five to battle it out on finale day August 3, tune to India's Dancing Superstar, this Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM only on Star Plus.
Contestants performing at India’s Dancing Superstar

A still from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah Fun on the Express lane

Shah Rukh Khan went to visit SAB TV's Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah team. Jethalal and Daya Ben taught him few steps of garba while SRK in turn taught them some of his moves.



A still from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The Prince of Pentacles infuses financial stability. You will receive appreciation and applause for your culinary talents. Delays can be expected today. Love stars twinkle. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Magic number: 43.

TAURUS: Like the "The Knight of Cups" you are emotional in personal relationships and graceful on social occasions. You are likely to find an ideal partner. A guest is expected in the evening. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47

GEMINI: Plan some fun and relaxation with friends and loved ones and leave stress behind. The Magus brings change and travel. Today you will be quite amazed to find yourself taking on an ambitious role. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44.

CANCER: "Ace of Swords" pulls you in an opposite direction when making a decision. A yearning for overseas travel and adventure could encourage a career of your choice. Be focused. A celebration is on the cards. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Magic number: 28

LEO: Some very interesting and unusual people come into your sphere of business. Avoid new debt or excessive spending. Loved ones may not fully understand your daily needs. Tonight rest and pamper your body. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33.

VIRGO: "The Prince of Cups" brings you to face your truths and desires. You are good at getting people to express their opinions and keeping your own hidden. You're not undecided, just trying to understand what others around you are thinking. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Magic number: 36.

LIBRA: The Lovers facilitate you to be open to new ideas. A surprise phone call could put you back in touch with a friend you have not seen for a long time. Youngsters should be capable of entertaining themselves. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54.

SCORPIO: "The Priestess" infuses promise & commitment in personal relationship. Bring up sensitive issues that will encourage some open and revealing discussing. Today a long cherished dream may come true. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37.

SAGITTARIUS: The prince of Wands comes riding with a promise of power & energy. Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios can make for an interesting day. Activities with your mate or partner and your friends are likely to be good humoured and cheerful. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56.

CAPRICORN: "The Fool' infuses you with courage. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge. Make sure you really want to hear secrets or rumours about someone. If a family member is not cooperative; refrain from arguing. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25

AQUARIUS: Ten of pentacles point towards an extremely good relationship. Today you will enjoy interacting with people. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you to enhance your reputation. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28

PISCES: The karmic "Wheel of fortune" turns in your favour. Visit a doctor or other health professional before it gets too late. Get a good sleep and cancel the late night party. Trust your intuition. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 32.





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