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Heroic sagas
There is nothing like cinematic obeisance to spread the message. At times, biopics do what summer projects and assembly speeches can't. When Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra decided to roll the camera, the nation ran with Milkha Singh. Aamir Khan ensured we all know about Mangal Pandey. Mary Kom wouldn't be the same, the day Priyanka Chopra steps in her shoes at the box-office. It's the right time; somebody paid an audio-visual obeisance to history's other heroes. Some stories still remain untold.
Action zone
— Subhash Chandra Bose
Woman power
— Rani Lakshmi Bai
Dramatic note
He was cheated by his friend and accepted death like a real hero, soldier of the country. Smriti Bali, student, says, "The story of his life is as dramatic as a Bollywood script's imagination. He was a force to reckon with and I want the world to know his story." — Tantya Tope
Inspiring figure
If not for anything else, then for the fact that the Kakori Rail Dacoity deserves a fair share of screenplay, Chandra Shekhar Azad needs to have his life scripted onscreen. He was also famous for the assassination of the assistant superintendent of police John Poyantz Saunders in 1928. The extremist and the revolutionary did not feel that violence was unacceptable in the struggle. "Just everything about his life is an inspiration personified. Right from the Kakori Rail Dacoity to Amritsar massacre to assassination of Saunders," shares Baljeet Tiwana, student, Panjab University. As a revolutionary, he adopted the last name 'Azad' and also pledged that the police will never capture him
alive. — Chandra Shekhar Azad manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Jai ho!
Anurag Kashyap and his gang flaunted a gamcha around their neck at one of the film festivals. At the London Olympics 2012, a lesser-known woman Mary Kom made everybody jump with joy as she proudly donned the bronze medal she had won in boxing. Today, we have a biopic being made on her. Recently, every single Indian citizen went down on the knees and prayed for the Uttarakhand flood victims. The undying spirit of oneness, the faith, the strong value system-is a reminder of how proud we are to be an Indian. With a hitch here and there, we have made it so far and so good.
Celebrities from different professions share their 'proud to be an Indian' moments!
Worthy tale
— Dr Darshan Singh Aasht, writer, Patiala
Cultural hub
— Gurcharan Singh Channi, chairman, Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi
Looking ahead
Despite the not so happy state of our economy, as a nation we are still progressing with each passing day, which is commendable. We don't lose hope easily; we work towards progress, no matter what the situation is. — Sunny Ghaiee, director of sales & marketing, JW Marriott, Chandigarh
The youth of the country is giving India various proud moments to boast about. I am elated to see the youngsters, the kids of the country going to as far as North Pole for expeditions. Each time, I hear some Indian has climbed Mount Everest or walked a glacier; I get this proud feeling. — Harkirat Singh,
managing director, Woodland
Films like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and The Lunch Box are getting international recognition, which is a proud moment for Indian cinema and every Indian. Another moment when I feel proud is when I see the foreigners appreciating our culture, making documentaries on it and writing about it. — Surveen Chawala, actress I have travelled extensively throughout the world, but there is nothing like India. The sense of equality, the feeling that we are one; the way the entire nation stands up together for a cause is simply amazing. — VS Dhaiya, secretary marketing board, Haryana
Getting sporty
Being a sportsman, every medal is the proud moment of my life. Look at how we enjoy cricket and cheer up a bullock cart race at Paindu Khed Mella. Whenever we go for sports camps, I am amazed by how under one roof sportsman from five-six different castes and backgrounds live as well as practice together. — Akhil Kumar, boxing champion
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I want to break free…
Every Independence Day, year after year, there are a number of debate-glitches our society must get rid of, issues we need freedom from, concerns that should be addressed-August 15 provides food for thought, encourages introspection and makes us realise that free we might be, but not in entirety. Different problems bother different segments of the society and while it seems all hunky-dory in the glamour industry, it has its own share of issues. Representatives of film, fashion and television world share what they demand freedom from. Telly tale
We need freedom from tormenting, long working hours: At times, we work under the dictatorship of production houses and channels. We are made to sign contracts that bind us to be on the sets for a minimum of fourteen hours daily, which usually are extended by another three hours. — Archana Puran Singh We need freedom from the typical saree-clad, heavy duty make-up look of women on television: The women of India don't dress up like this, not even in small cities. We need a fresh look for them and not hide them behind layers of make-up or heavy jewellery. — Ragini Khanna We need freedom from saas-bahu-cry-sob-connive-conspire sagas: I think we underestimate the audience of television by giving them the same run-of-the-mill family dramas. It's time for change. — Mandira Bedi Fashion circle
We need freedom from plagiarism: Each design that we take days to make is casually replicated by cloth merchants as well as boutiques in no time and sold at a huge profit. In fact even when the replicas are sold, designer's labels are referred to attract customers. — Gaurav Gupta We need freedom from celebrity show stoppers: There is a lot of pressure to employ popular Bollywood faces to walk the ramp for designers. There are a few who can afford to pay them, but for the rest it becomes a challenge to hire one and pay money when already the production charges are humongous. — Anupama Dayal We need freedom from unprofessional behaviour in the industry: The industry should focus more on the design part and generating business than glamour or how to be visible on page 3. The focus should be on expanding the industry, taking it overseas rather than on which celebrities are wearing whose creations on the red carpet. Rakesh Agarwal, designer Big screen
We need freedom from the Censor Board: Cinema has bigger responsibility than just to entertain people. It's the strongest medium to educate the masses and because a few people in the censor board feel that certain matter is not apt for viewing, the whole idea of making experimental cinema is defeated. Onir, director We need freedom from the outdated Copyright and Cinematographic laws of India: The 55-year-old laws of India should be amended. These should safeguard the rights of film-makers and scriptwriters who work with original matter.
— Raj Kumar Gupta, director ashima@tribunemail.com
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Independent thought
Three days ago, he conceived the idea of writing a song dedicated to the freedom struggle of India. "I realised that lyrics should be such that address the youth of India. Youngsters must value their freedom, which freedom fighters won for us after much struggle."He didn't take much time to pen down the song as the idea was clear in his mind. By the next day, I even had the music of the rap ready. Interestingly, he hasn't used any instruments for the rap. "I have only done mouth percussions." Happy with the fact that the song releases on the Independence Day, Badshah says that he couldn't have asked for more. "My song might make people realise the importance of this day." Badshah has earlier sung the superhit Punjabi number, Saturday. In the future also, he wants to focus on his music and rap; he claims he has no intentions to join the Punjabi film Industry. "I am happy in my own zone. Music is my first love and priority."He feels Honey Singh is the best rapper in the country. "But I don't aim to compete with him. I would rather rap about social issues and create awareness through my music." At the same time, he says he will continue making club songs. 'As long as it is about music, I am happy contributing my bit."
ashima@tribunemail.com
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tune in
We may have endlessly eulogised the history, culture, customs and legacy of our Incredible India, but when it comes to the patriotic play list, there is nothing much to write home about. Or rather, there's nothing much to sing aloud. Keeping our revered National Anthem and National Song a league apart, there are the long forgotten Bollywood tracks comparing Mother India with a new bride and the country farms with a gold mine. The only half a dozen good compositions, the ones that youth could relate to, come from solo artiste AR Rahman. Everybody say Jai Ho! The Hall of Fame
The task of compiling an album comprising the evergreen tracks on the country turned out to be more of a daunting search operation rather than just a click and download exercise. Then there are a couple of classics that need to stay untouched. Classics that command respect! Read Saare Jahaan Se Acha Hindustan Hamaara and Lata Mangeshkar's Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo. Lata's iconic song moved our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to tears. The youngsters didn't really jump with joy till AR Rahman came up with Vande Mataram in 1997. The title track from his studio album broke a couple of records and suddenly the school Independence Day functions became fun and patriotism quite cool. He's further reinvented the segment, time and again, with many more power-packed tracks like the title song from the film Rang De Basanti, the much loved and most aired patriotic song in the recent times. The Bollywood time and again has done the dance drama routine for just about every occasion right from the Holi to monsoons. The songs celebrating the nation come far and few between. Among a few other memorable ones, there's Bharat Humko Jaan Se Bhi Pyaara Hai from the 92 film Roja. At the time, it was path breaking and so was I Love My India from Pardes in the late nineties, bringing in the English chorus to an Indian song. In 2008 Rabbi Shergill came up with Jinhe Naaz Hai. Among some other recent ones, there's Aisa Desh Hai Mera from Veer Zaara. That was eight years ago. The artistes haven't really explored the potential save for a very few. Perhaps, our most recent home grown International singer Priyanka Chopra can come up with a song on India! Youngster's take
Every query invited silence or some time to arrive at the right response. There might be no dearth of the songs but the one that never fails to appeal your heart. Shares Gurbaani Mehta, political science student, Panjab University, "I quite liked the title track of Rang De Basanti. In the recent times, that's one song that's struck a chord with the audience. It's peppy and has lyrics that appeal." Just the kind of tracks we need more of.
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Looking back in time
"When the issues of the past are not resolved, they keep coming back as fears," says Dr Newton Kondaveti, who was in Chandigarh with his wife, Lakshmi, to conduct a two-day long workshop on past life regression at hotel Shivalik View. Though most of us dismiss the idea of past life when it comes to dealing with our present, Newton stresses on its significant connection with body, mind and soul. "That your body, mind and soul are interlinked, psychosomatic illness can create an imbalance among the three, due to which you may feel emotional blocks and fear," begins Newton, who hails from Hyderabad.
"As a youngster I always wanted to know the purpose of my life and though I was acquainted with the mystic laws of reincarnation and spirituality, theoretically, through several Holy Scriptures, including Bhagavad Gita, I wanted to experience it practically. For this I started meditating, during which I would have several visions, which stimulated strong intuition," he says while adding, "However, I wanted a logical reasoning for it all. Consider the déjà vu and morbid fear of something, which have no practical reasoning at all, even the fact that some people connect with us effortlessly, as we have known them for ages. This is all connected with the past." Newton believes that all the fears and emotional blocks can be sorted if they are revisited and reasoned. For this, he acts as a facilitator and through passive hypnosis brings his subjects to travel through time and figure out the cause of their problems. "I am from a science background and therefore, I like to validate everything through experiments and reasoning. There have been times when people, during the sessions have spoken languages that they do not know of and languages, as we all know, cannot be imagined." He adds that there have been times when people, in their sub-conscious state of minds have narrated the events while giving us the dates when that particular event transpired," he says. He cites an example of a man who suffered from constant guilt and could not figure out the reason behind. He adds, “During a session with him, we found out that he was a pilot and due to some unavoidable circumstances, he had to crash the plane in a building. It was that guilt, which tormented him.”
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Go-getter
"I am an inquisitive person and I love to experiment," says Sowmya Singh, who is presently pursuing a bachelor's degree at the Chandigarh College of Architecture. As she shoulders the concerns of the Chandigarh Association of Students of Architecture (CASA) as the president of the association, she feels that she has as much responsibility as power, but what keeps her going is the ability to consider the practical aspects of projects before undertaking them.
"I am interested in travel, photography, digital art and reading. I am the kind of person who wants to earn a comfortable income while spreading comfort around," she shares. Sowmya is the first female president in her college. Motivational factor
"Since childhood, I have been taught not to settle for mediocrity. I try to do every task in the best possible way and then I ask myself- can anyone in the world do this better? Also, I'm hungry for novelty. The desire to visit new places and meeting new people drives me," says Sowmya. "I want to see all that the world has to offer so that I have a great collection of stories to recount when I am an old woman," she quips. Feathers in the cap
All through her college years, Sowmya has picked up small and big projects that helped her to understand the importance of teamwork and work on deadlines. "We have spent days and nights in our studios assisting our seniors and learning not only to lead but also to follow. We have learned that excellence cannot be achieved in the first trial," she states. Sowmya's team stood second in the Back to Basics competition in the annual meet of the National Association of Students of Architecture, in the year 2012 held at Ahmedabad. "We stood second in the country and gained a lot of experience. Soon after, we left for our 6-month internship. After applying in as many as 3000 firms across the world, I was short-listed by 12 of them. I chose to intern with an architecture firm in Belgium," says Sowmya while adding, "The reason why I chose to go to Belgium was because they offered me a good stipend, excellent training opportunity and an opportunity to live in Europe. I rented an apartment in the fairytale town of Bruges, which in Europe, is also known as the Venice of the North. I was mighty impressed with its unique buildings interspersed with canals. Also, I travelled across 14 countries and 40 cities in Europe using my own stipend." "My most recent endeavour was working on the Chandigarh Walkbox or the Glue Maps with
Scott Slessor, who was the then consulate general of the Embassy of Canada," she shares. Flipside of being an achiever Luckily, Sowmya has not experienced the flipside of being an achiever. "I have a great group of friends, who support me and so do my parents and sister. They have always motivated and encouraged me in all my projects. However, the biggest problem I face is that the more hats I put on, the heavier my head gets, as I keep getting busier by the day. But that is not really a flipside, I think it's a part of the job that has to be done," she says. Words of wisdom
"As of now, I am a work in progress. What defines me are my parents, mentors, friends and relatives. It is my good fortune that I have got the right opportunities and have been able to put my best foot forward. I am still gaining experience and 'wisdom' is far away as of now," she says in all humility.
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Freedom that inspires
Art manifests in many folds of creativity. Even when it comes to patriotism, the canvas serves as a documentation of the country's state of affairs during times of struggle. As for examples, there is the Gandhi series of Atul Dodiya and Hemen Mazumdar's portraits of Jawahar Lal Nehru. During the Bharat Choro Aandolan, the pandals for Mahatma Gandhi's speech were designed by artists Nandlal Bose and Asit Kumar Haldar.
"It is said that the sculptor who created the Sun Temple destroyed the front part of the facade on the day of its inauguration because it was going in the hands of the enemy. It is a clear representation of an artist's protest," says Anjali Aggarwal, professor, Government Arts College, Sector 10, who will soon be exhibiting her patriotic artwork at Neenu Vij's exhibition-August 15, beyond just a date. The exhibition will take place on August 21 at hotel Aquamarine. "Inked on the art deco woods, my recent painting, elaborates vividly on architectural marvels of India that are related to the freedom struggle. I made this painting as a memoir of places that I visited in India as a present for a dear friend of mine, who stays abroad," she shares. Mahesh
Prajapati, another artist from Chandigarh, says that painting subjects of national importance on the canvas have always been a part of the artists' upbringing. "As an artist, my definition of patriotism implies one's conscious effort to adhere to the laws," he says. Mahesh won a national award for his painting The Soldier After A War, which shows a soldier in two different postures guarding the border of India. "In my painting, 'I Am The Warrior', I have shown that not only the soldier but the common man also becomes fighter at times and can contribute to the social cause. It portrays images from historical and mythological memories; the lion being the symbol of power and courage," he shares. As for his favourite painting on patriotism, it is Picasso's
Guernica. Professor at the Government College of Art and an artist himself, Ravinder Sharma says, "Artists and poets have always galvanised the common masses. Artists of Bengal School painted Bharat Mata many times and even copied the Indian frescos to strengthen the patriotic sentiments as well as revive the Indian spirit, which was endangered by the involvement of the Company School of Painting," he says. "In one of my paintings, Janani-Janambhoomi, I have shown Bhai Ghaniya, a soldier of Shri Guru Gobind Singh, offering water to the wounded enemy. Here patriotism is personified in the character of Bhai Ghaniya, who truly embodies the values of Sikhism," he says. In another one of his paintings, Anand Swaroop, one from the series of his Shiva paintings, has patriotism interspersed with religion. The three lines on the Shivling have been drawn with the tricolours. Bheem Malhotra, a Chandigarh-based artist avers that an artist's demonstration of patriotism is a metaphor for either national events or his beliefs, "In one of my paintings, which I painted during the Kargil War, I have shown the snow-clad peaks of Kargil and the Indian flag going towards the hill. It is a metaphor for victory and success," he says.
Young canvas
The students of Government College of Art, including Hanit Soni, Kashmir Singh, Dharampal Singh and Gurpreet Singh, have erected a cut-out painting work of Gandhiji's famous Dandi Yatra at the Elante Mall. "We have used 3D form for the base; figures are 2D on ply and are painted in a 3D art technique," says Hanit Soni, a final-year student of applied art at the Government College of Art, Sector 10.
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It’s happening
There will also be a slide show Observation, Expression and Structure by Patwardhan on his art on August 19 and another slide lecture Sentiment of Love in Pahari Painting by Sharma on August 20 at 5 pm.
— TNS
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Alia Bhatt’s in a happy space
Diamonds in the sky
I like jewellery because it does a lot more for a woman than just sparkle her up. The piece of jewellery I wear on most occasions is a pair of earrings in a floral design. It is very pretty yet contemporary. On Karan Johar
Karan Johar is my mentor and I am so lucky and blessed to have him guide me on so early in my career. I can rely on him for anything and everything. I am excited about working with him again. I have total faith in him and I love that he has faith and belief in me. Fitness regime
Fitness is very important. I work out twice a day. I do cardio in the morning for flat 60 minutes and follow with weight training in the evening. As of now, I am on a particular regime as I am trying to get into a particular shape. Hence, my workouts are quite frequent. I eat in moderation but I do not deprive my body. I consume everything in controlled portions. Fashion forward
In real life, I am not like Shanaya, my character in Student Of The Year. I am a pretty normal girl who doesn’t dress to the hilt everyday. I believe in the mantra, less is more. When it comes to fashion, Sonam Kapoor has a superb sense of fashion. The way she carries herself is truly amazing. Family support
I am just 20 and enjoying my work to the hilt. My family is my pillar of support. They keep me grounded and focused in life. I do take advice from my parents whenever I need it. At the same time, I would like to learn from my own mistakes. There’s no bigger high than making it big on your own.
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One for the country
Having won millions of hearts on popular dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Ja, Aarti Chabria is now on cloud nine as she has been invited for the Independence Day celebrations in New York, USA.
Aarti has been invited as the “Grand Marshall” for the event and she feels this is a huge honour. It gives her immense pleasure to host the Indian tricolour on
August 15th. USA has a huge Indian population and having been a winner on Jhalak Dikhla Ja, Aarti has a huge fan following there as well. A delighted Aarti says, “As actors we do a lot of events. Right from endorsements to fashion shows to what not. Some are done for professional reasons and some are to tap PR opportunities. But this one’s straight from the heart and it’s rare that you get a chance like this. The best part is it’s my dad’s birthday on August 15 and my entire family will be with me in the US to experience this proud moment.” She adds, “I will take this opportunity to represent the cause and turmoil of those thousands of people in Uttarakhand and will create awareness for the same,” she adds. Apart from acting, she recently completed a course in direction from New York, USA. The actor recently wrapped up the shoot for her first Punjabi film Viyah
70 km.
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In a faraway land
She recently took time off to treat and pamper herself. The actress, with a few close friends, took a trip to Belgium, Amsterdam and Paris. Shraddha Kapoor, who loves to travel and explore new places, planned a 10 day trip with her friends post the massive success of Aashiqui 2. Being a hard core music lover, the actress also attended the dream music concert, Tomorrowland. Shraddha, who entered the 100 crore club with this film, bonded well with her photographer-friend Rohan Shrestha and the young director, Ayan Mukherjee. Her life has taken a 360-degree turn post the humongous success of Aashiqui 2. Her spokesperson confirms, “Yes, the actress recently took a 10 day leave after a very long time to celebrate her success.”
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Meet the parent!
"I was an only child and it was lonely. Some people love it and thrive on the independence, but I want my kids to have other kids around," she said. The 38-year-old shared her anxiety on parenting and what she has learnt from life. The married actress recount time with husband, Will Kopelman, who she wedded last year and what she has learnt since the birth of their one-year-old daughter. "I have anxieties about how much I'd like to get it right, making sure I provide her with an environment that's safe, nurturing and loving," she said. Barrymore also compared her parenting style to that of her husband, Kopelman's, saying she acts "more like a chicken with its head cut off,” in contrast with her calm husband.
— PTI
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An identity crisis
The 41-year-old actress says that she plans her Hollywood outings with her husband to avoid being tagged as the "wife of" Affleck, whose film won the best picture Oscar this February. "It's a very conscious decision. Sometimes it's a pain because my heels are so high and it would be nice to have his arm. And he's such a great date! But it can be too much," Garner says. I think especially for women, they can really lose their identity and just become 'wife of'," Garner said. Another thing that Garner would avoid doing is starring with her actor-director husband though they first met on the sets of 2003 film Daredevil. "Really, you don't want to see a couple onscreen," argues Garner. People see paparazzi shots of us together all the time. There's no mystery ... People are sick of us."
— PTI
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NEW RELEASE
Film: Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara
Producer: Ekta Kapoor Director: Milan Luthria
The sequel to 2010 blockbuster film, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara will hit the screens on August 15 all over. With the star cast comprising Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and Sonali Bendre, the Milan Luthria directed film is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara has been shot in Muscat (Oman) and some locations in Mumbai. The first part of this film is about power struggle and this one is a love triangle. Rajat Arora who wrote The Dirty Picture is the writer of the film and Pritam has made the music.
— Dharam Pal
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Patriotic fervour
Being independent means getting rid of all violence and harassment against women. As a responsible Indian, I would urge every woman to stand for her rights and fight for injustice.
On Independence Day, we remember our forefathers who sacrificed their lives to ensure the betterment of our lives, which is why we should commemorate their efforts in the best possible way. We should make India a better place to live in.
I remember in school we used to take part in cultural activities, especially dance and drama on Independence Day showcasing the struggle of our freedom fighters. As kids I remember reading about revolutionists who sacrificed their life for this country. This year, through Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, I will be paying tribute through my special act on Vande Mataram.
Independence Day always fills me with pride and love for my country. During school days, I would make it a point to attend the Independence Day parade, while my friends’ considered it as another holiday. It feels great that I am a child of this land and proud of its achievements.
Jay Soni of Sanskaar...Dharohar Apnon Ki
We should all promise to be responsible citizens this Independence Day. We should promise to take a stand against all evils in the society - be it corruption, ill treatment against women, inequality. Just complaining is not going to help. We will be truly independent if we fight for justice and make sure that our voices are heard. Happy Independence Day!
Choosing our dreams and goals is what we believe is true independence. We should all be allowed to choose what we want to do in our lives and not be pressurized by anyone. Freedom of choice is one of the most important things of being independent. Happy Independence Day.
India is one such democracy that promises people freedom to live according to their own will. But irony is that even after 67 years of independence, we still face basic problems such as poverty, pollution and lack of education and to some extent lack of human rights. If we could find some solution to these, we could truly be one of the greatest democracies in the world.
A birthday to remember
Sholay’s 3D version will hit the screens on Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday. Come October 11 and Amitabh Bachchan will have one more reason to celebrate apart from his birthday. Contrary to the initial buzz that the 3D version of 1975 hit Sholay was to release on August 15, sources now say that the film will hit the marquee on Amitabh Bachchan’s birthday. The promo might be out on August 15.
Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan were seen shaking a leg at Shah Rukh Khan's Eid party over the weekend, leading to speculation that all has truly become well between Shah Rukh and Salman Khan. Let's see where this goes.
End part: Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan Katrina Kaif has brought a lot of prosperity to her family and continues to be close to them. Her entire family was in Mumbai to get the costumes ready for her sister Natacha's wedding, which will happen in London. Everybody was running around so she even turned down Eid parties. She will soon fly to London for the
wedding.
Wedding season: Katrina Kaif
Shah Rukh Khan's Eid release has proven very successful. Chennai Express has already crossed the 100 crore mark during its first weekend and that is a record! The only film giving it competition is Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The release was done in a record 4000 screens.
Record-breaking: Shah Rukh Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan is one moody girl. She is doing a film with Emraan Hashmi and has refused to kiss him in the movie, which is co-produced by Ekta Kapoor and Karan Johar. Emraan has hardly kissed in his recent films and they all have flopped. Wonder what will happen to this one.
Work wise: Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kangna Ranaut worked very hard and lost weight and toned herself up to fit into the latex rubber body suit that designer Gavin Miguel made for her role in Krrish 3. She looks super sexy and all the hard work and preparations have paid off!
Working hours: Kangna Ranaut
Deepika Padukone has been finalised as the leading lady for Dostana 2. Deepika has already worked with Karan in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. The film will finally go on the floors soon and it will also have two more boys besides John Abraham and Abhishek
Bachchan.
Part two: Deepika Padukone
CID comes to rescue
Sony Entertainment Television long-running series CID will have a power-packed episode with the lead cast of the upcoming flick Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara. The team of CID will shoot with the lead actors of the movie Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha. A source informs us that in the episode, a press conference of the movie takes place. While everyone is waiting for Sonakshi to join, she gets the shock of her life when she sees a man lying shot dead in her make-up room. CID then starts its investigation and an interesting clue is found.
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Your card, The Devil, suggests that your relationship can be shaken. A temptation to overindulge might not be good for your credit card debt. Financing for the purchase of a home is likely to be approved. Tarot message: Don’t forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56.
TAURUS: Follow a good routine of exercise and diet. Focus on the little things that need to be done and stick to routines. Control your emotions or your relationship might get harmed.
Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky
colour: Peach. Magic number: 27 GEMINI: This is the perfect time to get into household works. You could have accidents simply because you forget to look before you leap. Do be careful about your financial situation. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry.
Lucky colour: Pastels Magic number: 30. CANCER: Flattery, charm and a willingness to be bold will bring success. An evening event could test your nerves. There may be some last-minute changes that will put you on the edge of your seat. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50 LEO: Enjoy your dreams instead. You might meet someone special. This is a great day for socialising once you get going. You could get invited to a lavish event that makes you feel self-conscious. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others.
Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 44 VIRGO: Trust your instincts today. Opportunities to socialise and mix with all and sundry will give you many choices in your path. You have the capability to cope with every situation. Tarot message: Don’t get upset with minor setbacks.
Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 35
LIBRA: Your earning power can get better. Singles will help attract someone new. An intimate connection with that special someone is worth pursuing no matter how difficult. Tarot message: Use your instincts to get into the circle of power. Lucky colour: Deep red.
Magic number: 46 SCORPIO: Avoid getting sidetracked or letting someone else’s bad mood sully your day. Follow your unfinished projects and tasks and enjoy the creative energy that is enhanced. Don’t let an opportunity pass you. Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youngsters. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25 SAGITTARIUS: Stick to your work and avoid new territories because this is not a day for clear thinking or making decisions. A journey can put you in the emotional turmoil. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions.
Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 39 CAPRICORN: An enthusiastic mood is encouraged by your card, The World. Nothing will seem too much and you are sure to help out those around you. Do be careful not to over-commit yourself. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky
colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 48 AQUARIUS: Thoroughness will be your key to success. Studious persons may be preparing for an exam. If neighbours are going away for a while, be willing to keep an eye on their place.
Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Peacock green.
Magic number: 63 PISCES: Conflict between your private and professional life can test your abilities. Strong views on politics or the environment might entice you to get up and speak at
a public forum. Don’t be shy. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs.
Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 28
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Richard Attenborough told us the story of The Gandhi just as half-a-dozen films on Bhagat Singh brought forth the story of influential revolutionary of the freedom movement. Perhaps the only two freedom fighters to have been paid a celluloid tribute!
The man behind the Indian National Army deserves a commercial and a critical success. No wonder, Subhash Chandra Bose was admired by the younger lot of freedom fighters. Shares Randeep Khatra, student, Panjab University, "What fascinates me is the fact that he made his own army to fight for independence. His life history stands for sheer courage and vision. I'd like to know more about him and want the masses to do the same as well." There's an echo. Opines Manika Ahuja, student, MCM College, "What's commendable is the fact that he endeavoured to win freedom from British with the use of force." His attacks on the British during the World War II should make for an interesting backdrop and a war story. Unlike many other heroes, he led an armed struggle against the Britishers. We guess that makes up for any missing action! 
The firebrand queen of the princely state of Jhansi deserves the crown for several reasons. Rani Lakshmi Bai was among the most prominent and leading figures in the 1857 rebellion. Amreen Sekhon, student, would like to catch a flick on Rani Lakshmi Bai for the present times as much as historical reasons. "She was one of the first women figures who displayed exemplary courage during the freedom struggle. Her strength and perseverance was unmatched. In our country where such heinous crimes are committed against women in everyday life, we need a reminder for the society that women are certainly not weak or helpless." 
The hero of the 1857 revolt; what makes Tatya Tope fall in a league of his own was the fact that his name used to strike terror in the heart of the British generals. 
I have read Western literature; it is good but nothing to beat our own literature, fables and stories. I am proud to be born in this country, where the grandparents pass on the folk tales to their grand-kids. This is a country where joint family, which might be fading now, survived for long and still does. Look at the Indian writers; they are taking the mythology and our stories to an international level. When I heard about Amish Tripathi, the writer of the trilogy on Shiva, I felt really happy. 
There are so many things, so many occasions when I feel proud of being an Indian. I can't help marvelling at the fact that so many cultures thrive in our country. We have not only preserved our heritage, but we also relate to it. Consumerism is the approaching enemy, but despite that we are living beautifully. Look at the indigenous people, their costumes, traditional theatre, the crafts; everything is a matter of pride. 
Young guns
Warm feeling
Equal status
The youngsters want freedom from the nagging of parents. They want freedom to make as many phone calls and sit on Facebook for as many hours. But when it comes to important and bigger issues like corruption, education and health facilities, they don't seem much interested. "Youngsters look at the smaller picture, whereas there are concerns that have a larger impact on them," says Badshah, a rapper, who through his track Aazadi-Da Tashan has attempted to shift focus on far significant issues. The track will release on the channel 9X Tashan on August 15.
As part of the Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival 2013, the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi and Chandigarh Administration (Department of Culture) are organising two workshops in contemporary art and Pahari miniature painting. Two of the stalwarts in their respective disciplines — Sudhir Patwardhan in contemporary art and Vijay Sharma in Pahari miniature painting style — will be conducting these special workshops from August 16 to 20 at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10.
Patwardhan will lead the workshop in which nine young artists will be painting under his guidance. Vijay will be painting along with two of his students Hukam Chand from Jaipur and Parikshit Sharma from Chamba. Lovers of art will be treated to creativity unfolding in front of them during the workshops of two different styles taking place simultaneously.
Alia Bhatt seems to have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her career in Bollywood has been a fairytale so far, having debuted with Karan Johar, doing a couple of more films with his banner and a film with the coveted Imtiaz Ali. She talks about movies, fitness, life and family.
The huge success of her last film Aashiqui 2 has just sunk in for the pretty and talented actress, Shraddha Kapoor.
Actress Drew Barrymore, who recently gave birth to a baby girl named Olive, has discussed the possibility of having more children in the future.
Jennifer Garner was the ever supporting wife as Ben Affleck hit the award circuit for Argo but the actress says she avoids attending every Hollywood event with her husband to maintain her separate identity.
Toral Rasputra of Balika Vadhu
Manish Raisinghani of Sasural Simar Ka
Drashti Dhami of Madhubala- Ek Ishq, EkJunoon
Tina Dutta as Meethi of Uttaran
Shefali Sharma and Neha Bagga
Shaan, contestant, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa
The lull after the storm
Time to celebrate
The game changer
Kareena's terms and conditions
Of labour and fruits
To be continued…