|
|
|
|
|
Making sense of madness
It's hard, if not impossible, to associate prim and proper Abhinav Kashyap nay Abhinav Singh Kashyap who speaks Queen's English with Ps and Qs in place with the madcap characters of his films. However, the director of hugely successful Dabangg, ready with his second outing Besharam that seems no less crazy
(read entertaining), admits to being a lot madder than his demeanour would reveal. As he puts it, "I guess the characters of my films are a better reflection of me." In fact, he doesn't take himself seriously and feels as a nation we do and hence are easily offended, ready to file a PIL at the drop of a hat. And that is the reason why he picks on himself, as also bits of his previous film. Why the name Chulbul (remember the endearing Chulbul Pandey of Dabangg) surfaces again. This time over in Besharam Rishi Kapoor is called Chulbul Chautala. He explains, "I am not trying to prove a point. It's just that people loved the name and seemed to want more of it and I decided to play along with audiences." You bet rather than critical appreciation, audiences matter more to the maker of the Rs 100 crore Dabangg. He quips, "Critics judge films based on their mood swings. Their PMS often takes better of their critical judgements." Of course, his elder brother Anurag Kashyap of Gangs of Wasseypur fame has critics eating out of his hand. The cinematic sensibilities of the two brothers might be as different as chalk and cheese, Anurag, he shares is his best and worst critic. No he doesn't disown the comment "now people will know Anurag as my brother", seriously Abhinav did find his own niche with Dabangg. So does the baggage of success hang heavy on his shoulders? Sure, he can feel the weight of expectations but it does not bog him down. Moreover, as he shoots off, "I like the pressure. What will one achieve if there are no yardsticks to measure up to?" As for the rather long hiatus between the two films, he admits candidly, "It took me one and a half year to make the film and one and a half to settle controversies." But never mind the three year gap, nobody seems to have forgotten the box-office collections of Dabangg. No wonder, makers are not ready to clash with Besharam when it is supposed to open on October 2. Smiles Abhinav, "I am not here on a power trip but yes it feels good that people are giving me so much respect." But, that won't stop him from being irreverent. As Besharam spoofs on other unforgettable films, he insists, "It might have some nostalgic value but I do not care to eulogise anyone." But to entertain.... without any qualms and with no holds barred. As proof, sample the trailer of Besharam and quirky one-liners like, ""Lagda hai teri ragon mein khoon nahi, rabdi daud rahi hai rabdi..."
Kapoor coup
Besharam, whose genesis came from a simple thought, "Sab se bada rog kya kahenge log" (what will people think is the biggest curse and hence obstacle) might be about the crazy capers of an unscrupulous and shameless ruffian Babli but Abhinav insists that the film certainly has a message. Quite simply it is, "There is no right way of doing a wrong thing." Undeniably, Ranbir Kapoor was his first choice for the lead role but the real coup he admits was getting Rishi, Neetu and Ranbir to act in his movie. Handling all the three Kapoors, however, wasn't a hands-full experience. On the contrary it was "hands-free' ride wherein the family took care of themselves.
Chandigarh chakkar
Abhinav Singh Kashyap chose City Beautiful to kickstart his unusual promotion tour for its where the story is based and where major portions of the film were shot. While the title track was released here seven different cities will witness the release of seven different songs composed by Lalit Pandit. As for making Ranbir sing for Pyar ki ghanti, Abinav clears the air that Ranbir has not sung, only rendered dialogues, in a sing song manner.
|
|
Back with a bang
Humble as ever, candid as you thought, the new tide in the Punjabi film ocean doesn't perturb the star who actually started it all! Surrounded by his team of artists Sardar Sohi, producer and lyricist, Babbu Singh Mann and the debutant actress Mehnaaz, Harbhajan Mann looks every bit confident. He is ready to pick the thread from where he left. "This, I believe is the right time to make an entry," shares Harbhajan, who carries the credit of ushering Punjabi cinema in the modern and commercial era. "When we started, we just had single screens, now the new producers, actors and directors have the facility of multiplexes," he adds. If you are looking for any sign of skepticism, Harbhajan Mann doesn't twitch a bit. "There are so many comedies happening almost each day; I bet people want to see different kind of cinema and probably they want to see me as well," he smiles, exposing his dimples. Somethings you are just born with! Like his candidness. "Bollywood has scope for all kinds of movies. A Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is appreciated as much as Chennai Express. I am in favour of the same in the Punjabi film industry; comedy is a good thing, it should be made. At the same time, we have space for different kind of films," says Harbhajan. He is well-versed with the 'On NRI based' films tag that he earned. "I realised I also needed to change. Haani is a film where you wouldn't see Harbhajan Mann; I am Ranjeet in the film and this is what the audience will see," he says. His co-stars call him the Shah Rukh Khan of Punjabi film industry, but if you happen to take a closer look, Harbhajan Mann has launched all the famous Punjabi film actresses right from Neeru Bajwa, Japji Khera to Tulip Joshi. This undoubtedly makes him the Salman Khan of this industry. "I am glad they are all doing well," he keeps it limited. Hanni, releasing on September 6, has been directed by Amitoj Mann and produced by Babbu Singh Mann and Harbhajan Mann. The music of the film has been released by Saga with Jaidev Kumar as the music director. "I wouldn't make any tall claims, I will leave it to the people; one thing is for sure this film will give a new direction to Punjabi cinema," he adds. The film is going to set new trends in marketing and publicity, "Something that we started long time back, we will do it again with a difference." jasmine@tribunemail.com
Starry eyes
Mahreen Kaleka was dancing at her cousin's wedding, which Harbhajan Mann was also attending. "Next I know is that I am doing a track for Harbhajan ji's album. Later, I auditioned for the role, which was approved by the director as well," shares Mehreen, who was preparing for civil services when the movie came through. "I always wanted to work with him. I am glad that I got this opportunity," she beams.
|
|
The healing touch
Prashant Tewatia, the yoga instructor, debunks a couple of myths to begin with. "Yoga is not controlling or suppressing in any way. It helps you explore every part of you and not restrict anything." He adds, "People feel it's religious because of certain symbols and sounds attached to it, but that's not it. You won't become a Hindu if you do yoga. You can be of any community and region, and still practice yoga. It's a way of life." In Chandigarh for a three-day workshop at The Engine Room, the graduate from Dublin Business School chose an alternative career over the obvious one. "I joined a job in Gurgaon in 2009 and could spend only two months there. It looks fancy from outside but it's not for me." He adds, "I knew yoga from school time. I studied at a Vedic school in Faridabad and then father as well as grandfather knew it too." It all started with a couple of casual classes in Europe and has been on for five years now. "I came back to India three years back and have been travelling since, while conducting workshops." The stop-over in the city comes after having been around Goa, Kerala, Manali and Rishikesh. "People in India do yoga once they have an injury. Youngsters aren't generally interested while in countries abroad, people are really interested." Among the many mentored cases, the one he easily recalls is the case of 16-year-old girl with a slip disc. "Her parents were really worried because she was reaching marriageable age. We did yoga together for three months and the last I know, she completely recovered. But you have to be persistent." Foreign guest
Joining him is Elsa Filipa, from Portugal, who discovered the ancient Indian art form six years back and hasn't left it since. "To me the best thing about yoga is that I can be at peace with myself." Pretty much the picture she paints with many European countries. "Normal people in Europe like yoga because they want some peace; they don't do it because of some injury." She adds, "This is my second time in India. I have been here for a year now — travelling and conducting workshops." Post the India tour, some more yoga and Portugal awaits! (The workshop is on from 23 August 23 to 25) manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
|
One-on-one with Nargis Fakhri
Memorable trips Most of my trips so far have been almost perfect. Once I went to meet some friends in Greece. It was supposed to be a week-long affair. But I kept discovering such beautiful places that the holiday stretched to four months! Getting away from Mumbai I'd love to settle in the countryside of New Zealand. It's a stunning place. I would like to own a farm and settle down with a cowboy! On first paycheck It was around 5 dollars or so. I was living in Manhattan at that point and was only 15 years old. I wanted to make some quick money. There was an old lady in the neighbourhood, who asked me to dust up her house. I volunteered, made money and bought burgers with it! Life post 9/11 There was disbelief which became anger and eventually settled with sadness. There was this sudden lack of trust on people of non-American origin. The modeling days I miss the freedom and privacy. Working in the Hindi film industry is quite stressful. You are constantly working. It is hectic and unscheduled. So if I have to plan a holiday, it is at the risk of some abrupt shoot coming in. Roots and wings I have never visited Pakistan and I don't think that it is on my itinerary for now. Although I do feel I should go closer to my roots. Coming to India is the nearest that I can be.
|
|
|
Farhan Akhtar is flooded with offers!
Post the release of the film, the actor has also been getting a lot of requests from sports institutions for support and for special appearances in smaller towns. Farhan, who has a very tight schedule, had to hire another special team to write polite mails to all the sports institutions and other people as the actor likes to be very prompt in his reverts. Farhan is elated and pleased with the impact of the film. He entered the 100 crore club with his solo star performance in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The film garnered immense appreciation and love from audiences and critics. His next film is Pyaar Ke Side Effects with Vidya Balan. He has not signed any other film as yet though he has a few assignments as
a producer.
|
|
|
Jennifer Aniston has flying phobia
Former Friends star Jennifer Aniston has revealed she has a phobia of flying and is petrified whenever she boards a plane.
The 44-year-old actress gets anxious whenever she boards a plane and even downing alcoholic beverages before a flight doesn't ease her phobia.
"Flying. You can't get a big enough drink and it doesn't help. I've actually gotten much better," she said. Aniston also said she is her friends' go-to girl for bringing people together and compared herself to an alchemist. "I'm really good at brining people together. I'm like an alchemist with people. I love introducing people to people I know. I'm lucky because I get to meet great people along the way," Aniston said.—PTI
|
|
|
The clash of the sisters
The Chopra sisters - Priyanka and Parineeti - are set to clash at box office with the release of their respective films Zanjeer and Shuddh Desi Romance on September 6. "She is my sister, my family. It is very cheap when people try to create controversy and use that to write a little more about it. It is Chopra weekend and people must enjoy it," Priyanka told reporters at an event recently. After making her international singing debut, Priyanka has lent her voice to Disney's animated film Planes. She has dubbed for an Indian plane, called Ishani, in the movie, which is a spin-off of Cars and Cars 2. "Every little girl wants to be a Disney princess, from sleeping beauty to Cinderella. Even I wanted to be a Disney fairy. This is the closest I could come to being a Disney princess, Ishani," Priyanka said. "When I saw the film, it was like initially weird that a plane is talking in my voice. I am very animated, I open my eyes and talk. It is creatively different, it is novel. It is an exciting venture for me, not too many people have done it," she said. Priyanka feels there are a few similarities between her and Ishani - she is confident, races with big bad boys and she is tough. The actress says she believes in working wherever work calls her. "I am an entertainer, performer, I go where I get work. It is not a crossover for me. I don't believe in this word. I am happy in this Indian film industry, love Hindi films, it is like an expansion to me," she said. "Every person wants to grow; I want to work wherever I can. I am handling two careers, it is an exciting time," she said, adding that she would be happy to lend her voice to a Hindi film, provided the offer is interesting. — PTI
|
|
|
High voltage drama
Sony Entertainment Television's epic saga Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap is all geared up to enthrall its audience with high voltage drama in its Maha Episode. The show, which has been grabbing eyeballs with some extraordinary performances, is going to witness some nail-biting twists in the storyline. In the upcoming episode, Basar Khan (Siraj Mustafa) who has been sent by Shams Khan and Shamsher Khan is going to leave no stone unturned to try and kill Maharana Pratap (Faizal Khan). The Maha episode will witness Basar Khan's continuous efforts to kill Maharana Pratap, which backfire on him and in a twist of events Pratap will end up saving Basar Khan's life. To save himself from being answerable, Basar Khan puts the entire blame on Ahmed for plotting to kill Pratap. Before the truth gets revealed, Basar takes advantage and kills Ahmed. As the story unfolds, Guruji (Anuj Nayyar), who is unconvinced of Ahmed being the culprit, will lay a trap to capture Pratap's killer. Will Guruji succeed in his attempts to apprehend Pratap's Killer? Will Basar Khan kill Maharana Pratap? To find out catch the maha episode of Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap on Friday 10:00 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.
|
|
|
Sonarika’s fashion line
What does fashion mean to you? For me, fashion is not about following trends. I like to wear clothes that am comfortable in and what looks good on me. I don't dress up to impress others, but only myself and I like to buy my own clothes. Do you wear accessories? Other than sunglasses I don't like to wear accessories. And in case I have to go for parties or events, I wear a stud earring; that's it. Do you follow any brands? Who doesn't like brands? But sometimes you actually find clothes from local stores that look awesome on you. Once I found this really cool top for just Rs 30 while on a road trip to Lonavla. Coming back to the question, I like Zara, Mango, Aldo, Guess and Forever New. What was your most expensive buy? Out of my first cheque of Rs 3 lakh that I got for my previous show, I spent Rs 2.5 lakh on a Gucci snake print bag at one go. When I came back home, my mom literally disowned me (laughs). I was young then and felt like opting only for brands. But I have become sensible now. Clothes you are comfortable in? It should be shorts and
a t-shirt. What are the must-haves in your wallet? I can't do without lip balm. I also keep a hand-sanitizer, hand-cream, kajal, chewing gum and miniature perfumes in my wallet. — HRM
|
|
|
Stunt gone wrong
Looks like there is an evil eye on Salman, but the dancer being passionate and extremely dedicated to work managed to pull off the show. And after two days of injury, Salman is back on the set as he believes: "The show must go on".
|
|
|
Astro Turf
ARIES: You can achieve quite a lot once you get going. Never trust a stranger. Socially, you can have some problems with a loved one, but it will not be too serious. In close relationships, do not let friends and family get in the way.
Tarot message: Be creative. TAURUS: Work will progress smoothly. You will be in the mood to socialise and meet new people while widening your social circle. Your hectic schedule will leave you feeling tired; make it a priority to rest and relax. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. GEMINI: Be extra-careful if you are signing any papers as there can be more to the situation than meets the eye. Socialising will keep you busy. There can be new career opportunities due to your past efforts. Tarot message: Do not try to end all deadlocks at one go. CANCER: Health and physical energy is good, but you need to take frequent breaks. Travel plans for business or pleasure are possible. Monetary gains are indicated. Work will be hectic. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. LEO: If there are important meetings today, you need to be focused and prepared as seniors as well as business associates will take note of your ability to handle last minute changes. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duty on time. VIRGO: You will be unable to make up your mind about an important decision; spend some time mulling over your options and don't hesitate to discuss things with close associates as this will help you gain a better perspective. Tarot message: Avoid confrontation. LIBRA: You feel exhausted and decide to take time off from your hectic schedule. Spending time with loved ones will be a priority. Issues about money matters will be on your mind. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. SCORPIO: You can be in a tense and restless mood about certain matters concerning your career or personal life. Don't give in to uncertainties as this is a just a temporary phase. Tarot message: Do not delegate your tasks to anyone. SAGITTARIUS: Try to tune into today's influences, which will restore you to amiable humour. Focus on health, diet and exercise. Business can be carried out successfully. Drive carefully.
Defer a trip. Tarot message: Act for your own self. CAPRICORN: Avoid a Scorpio person who will drag you down with cautious advice. You will learn from practical experience. There is a blossoming of consciousness and the fragrance is all around you. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before starting fresh. AQUARIUS: Just knuckle down to doing what is good for you. You deserve a break. There is a good deal of success coming your way very soon, so all you have to do is to keep up your hope. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays that come your way. PISCES: Your anger will tend to be either switched on or switched off today. Just proceed slowly and cautiously; double-check everything. Don't let feelings of inadequacy hold you back. Tarot message: Avoid gossip sessions. |
|
|
New Release
Shoojit Sircar's keenly awaited film Madras Café, co-produced by JA Entertainment and Rising Sun Films, starring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri in the lead roles, releases today. The film is an espionage drama in the backdrop of the Sri Lankan Civil Wars of the early 1990s. Shoojit Sircar, the director, has shot this political thriller in the jungles of Athrapalli, 60 km from Thissur in Kerala. John Abraham will be seen playing a RAW intelligence agent and Nargis will be playing a war journalist. — Dharampal
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Amidst the new faces of the Punjabi film industry, amidst the repetitive comedy storylines and amidst the 'we-are-going-to-change-cinema', alone stands the 'mann' of the moment. He has been missing from the silver screen for quite some time now, but before somebody would write him off, singer-actor Harbhajan Mann strikes back with his Punjabi film Haani.
He seems suspending in the air while comfortably perched atop someone else's pair of feet! A couple of even more difficult acrobats follow, till he steps down, straightens up, mentions Baba Ramdev and yoga in the same breath, lest he be mistaken for a gymnast, all the while ironically sipping cola!
Trust Nargis Fakhri to speak her mind and say quite witty things. She is so unaffected by Bollywood. The beauty will be seen in Madras Cafe this week. She talks about her travel tales, the flip side of Bollywood and much more.
Farhan Akhtar is the only one in the film industry who has entered the 100 crore club as a director, as a producer with Don 2 and now as a solo actor in Bhaag Milkha
Bhaag. Farhan Akhtar's current staff has hands full with film and brand requests that the actor has been receiving.
Actress Priyanka Chopra says she is not bothered about the release of her film Zanjeer coinciding with Shuddh Desi Romance starring her cousin Parineeti.
Sonarika Bhadoria, who was last seen as Parvati in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, likes fashion but doesn't follow any trends. We catch up with her.
Choreographer-turned-actor Salman Yusuff Khan, who is paired with Drashti Dhami in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 6, was injured while rehearsing for the show as his stunt went terribly wrong. The organsiers had to take him to the doctor immediately. Salman was advised by the doctors to wear a plaster for three weeks, which means he won't be able to perform for his next show.
Film: Madras Cafe