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Double role
Almost twelve years ago, when the 'galan gorian wich toye' singer Harbhajan Mann featured in the Punjabi film Jee Aayan Nu the audience went berserk and the man with a saccharine voice was the talk of the town. A singer-actor was a new phenomenon then. Likewise, when celebrated singer Gurdas Maan came in full-fledged Punjabi movies, people flocked the theatres to see how a singer could act. It was gradually that the surprise factor started to decline.
The list of singer-actors started increasing, so much so that we didn't have an independent singer left! Most recently, the singer who took us back to our college days with the song Yaar Anmulle, Sharry Mann turned towards acting. Have the audiences accepted the dual roles of these singer-actors? In the meantime, Punjabi singers tell us what lured them to cinema.
More the merrier
Harbhajan Mann, Gurdas Maan, Gippy Grewal, Diljit Dosanjh, Amrinder Gill, Roshan Prince, Sharry Mann, Geeta Zaildar, Lakhwinder Wadali, Vinaypal Buttar, Jasbir Jassi, Sarabjit Cheema, Sippy Gill, Jazzy B, Babu Mann, Geeta Zaildar, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Aflaaz, Karan Jasbir, Money Aujla, Preet Harpal...the list of singers-turned-actors is indeed long. Dinesh, director, Speed Records, has an objective take on the situation. "Punjabi singers already had a fan-following, which they expected for their films as well. Not only this, the singers have proved that they are successful actors; ideally film-makers would want take advantage of their popularity."
The right time
What made singers move to acting can be attributed to the 'right time and right place' phenomenon or is there something more? Punjabi singer Preet Harpal is till date known for his song Maapey Kehndey Judge Banna while at the same time as an actor he has done three Punjabi movies. "Producers and directors prefer singers as actors because they are crowd-pullers. They find it safe rather than casting any newcomer. If you look back, singers like Gurdas Maan and Mohammad Siddiqui, whether in small or big roles, have proved that singers can actually make good actors," says Preet, who will be seen in upcoming Punjabi film Don't Worry Yaara. His reason for entering films is as simple as this: "I got a good script, so I decided to go ahead. I saw it as a learning experience."
A fine balance
There are some who do not want to leave what they are good at — singing, although they are not averse to acting if the script is good. Says Punjabi singer Roshan Prince, "My first love is still singing; I wouldn't give up singing for acting, both will happen simultaneously. Acting will happen as good roles and scripts keep rolling in," says Roshan, who is shooting for his next venture Kirpaan, which is being directed by Amrik Gill.
Fan mail
Diljit Dosanjh is one ideal example of a popular singer striking gold in Punjabi movies. It was a friendly gesture that brought him to movies and now there is no turning back. Shares Diljit, "I had never thought about acting. It happened by chance; now I can see that it has paid off well." Diljit's song Proper Patola is already a chartbuster, just like his movie Jatt & Juliet 2. "I don't want to disappoint my fans who have been listening to me since 2002; I am a singer first and always worried about my albums. I agree that Punjabi films have given me better exposure, but these are the same fans that liked me as a singer first," he adds.
Act wise
As for singer Jasbir Jassi, who acted in Punjabi film Khushiyan, "The industry has never kept singers and actors apart, it is only now that the trend of singers turning to acting has increased. This is not a good thing." Jassi did not plunge into acting for the heck of it. "I have already done theatre; recently I took a year's training in acting." Director Amit Prasher of Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 fame places everything on the credibility of the person: "If a person is a good actor, whether or not he or she is a singer, there is no reason to stay away from films. For my film, Honey Singh and Amrinder Gill were the best choices."
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Out of the box
The Lunchbox (Dabba) has created much buzz long before its release. Pretty actress Nimrat Kaur officially debuts with the film. We catch up with her.
What is your take on the film? I play a loveless housewife who lives life in an old lane. She cooks and has her share of fairly simple dreams. I was pleasantly surprised to see the film, as it has turned out to be beautiful. With Karan, the best in the industry, liking it and being on board promoting it I know it's even a greater journey that
lies ahead. How did acting happen to you? It was a conscious choice. I have been involved with stage during school and college. Performing arts have been a huge part of my academic life and it was just a matter of time. I moved from Delhi, started with videos and did loads of advertisements. I wanted to go deeper into the craft, so did theatre with some of the most
interesting people in the field. It's been an enriching journey. How do you perceive theatre and films? Acting on stage or in front of the camera is like swimming in an ocean or the pool. I would say the stage is an ocean while in films you work in a controlled environment just like a pool. On the stage, even if I played the same character fifty times, with each place and its audience, the energy is different. The basics remain the same; you have to have your heart in the right place. We appreciate some actors more than others because they are more honest about their craft. Early in your career you have been to Cannes twice, how does it make you feel? The chosen one! It's so wonderful and I know it's my late father's blessing. I never sit down and planned consciously, but all this unfolded by and by. To be at Cannes in the competition for two consecutive years in the 100th year of Indian cinema is something that I will always cherish till the end of my life. What are your upcoming films? I am not in a rush; right now I am enjoying the euphoria around The Lunchbox. We are going to the Toronto Film Festival next. I am taking it easy, enjoying the promotions. What is your message to our readers? I belong to you all. I am a pakki sardarni having spent five years in YPS Patiala. Do watch our film. It's a simple, warm film about two people who could be in any part of the world. Hope you relate to
them. mona@tribunemail.com
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Go-getter
Motivational factor
"I believe that everything is possible and this thought is enough to give me a lot of motivation. "Just some time before I joined my training, there was an earthquake in Sikkim due to which, the entire communication channel was affected. It was then that I decided to climb the Mount Everest because this expedition would be the ultimate test of one's physical and mental endurance. Besides, I love challenging myself," he says. Feathers in the cap
Ravindra cleared IIT JEE in the first attempt and he is the first IAS Officer to have climbed the Mount Everest. "After spending the initial years of my career in the Merchant Navy, just after completing three years degree course from TS Chanakya, I though that it would be a better idea to appear for IAS rather than taking a four year long training from IIT," he says. "After the seven members expedition sponsored by the govt of Sikkim, where I was one of the members, got postponed, I was a bit apprehensive about losing a chance to climb Everest this year. For over a year, I was trekking in west and north district of Sikkim and did the basic and advance mountaineering courses from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute Darjeeling, where I secured Grade "A" in both courses," he says. Also, Ravindra has always been interested in adventure sports, including Bungee jumping, flying fox, para sailing, scuba diving, horse riding and river rafting. He also holds a black belt in karate, which he achieved during his college days. "I have been a good swimmer and have won many prizes in underwater swimming and back stroke and breast stroke style of swimming during my college days," he adds. Journey to Mt Everest is part of Ravindra's journey to quench his unmated quest of taking a long journey from "the deepest sea to the highest mountain". He is also the first seafarer of India and the first civilian from Bihar to achieve this distinction. Flipside of being an achiever
"The biggest drawback of accomplishing so much is that people have a lot of expectations from you. Also, there is a pressure from the government sometimes and then the people ask you for favours all the time," he says while adding, "The biggest task here is to shoulder the responsibility of enforcing law. Being a bureaucrat, one has to be diplomatic." Words of wisdom
"Everything exists twice, first in the mind then in material," says Ravindra while adding, "Human body has unlimited potential, you need to explore and exploit it."
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Wear about
Hair to stay
Besides Anushka Sharma and Bipasha Basu, she is another Bollywood face to get a bang hair cut and it is suiting her as much as the curls did. This hairstyle is complementing her overall casual look. Dress material
The white cropped tee finishing just above the belly button and paired with blue denims makes the classic combination of white and blue look sporty and chic. Make-up fact
Her style is effortless and there is no over-the-top make-up. Just the right amount of gloss adds to her charm. Accessory point
The pair of black golden spiked peep-toe stilettos is from the house of Christian Louboutin, the designer she dined with while he was in India. And this is certainly not for the first time that the actor wore his red-soled footwear. As for other accessories, there is just one ring and a locket suitably adding a bit of colour to the white
tee. Thumbs up: Priyanka Chopra
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CELEB POINT
And now the hunger for better roles has increased, but I still have the same nervous energy that I had in my first film! Yes, I get nervous in the right doze, to perform. My hands go numb and my heart beats fast. And when I give it my best, my heart beats faster, with the sheer excitement of having done it! It's the adrenaline rush for me, to live up to my own expectations. Trust me they are high, there's a desire to surprise myself and that's why my next film after BMB, I've taken up a different role. The trip is, 'oh can I do this?' and the journey follows! The journey has started! Rigorous workouts for this role to look glamorous. One hour of cycling every day. It tires me but the deadlines set for me inspire me. The changes I'm seeing inspire me, the sheer excitement of fitting into a different genre inspires me! And what inspires me most is your reaction to my work! It's like preparing a new dessert for you every time and that excitement when you ask, 'kaisi bani?' It's the same when I present myself in a different role to you. Being nominated every year reiterates that you are liking my recipes till now. I am going to continue inventing new recipes. I am going to keep getting nervous to work hard enough. I am going to keep depending on you…to continue your faith in me. There is nothing more exciting than admiration, yes it's much more precious than adulation. But thanks for pampering me with
both! (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
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Regional aroma
Amritsar Express has landed at Elante Mall, Chandigarh, loaded with specialties like Amritsari kulcha, fish, pithiwali puri and more.
Amritsar enjoys the grand status when it comes to food, and to bring out the same flavour in Chandigarh, Ritesh Puri, who has been into steel business, has ventured into this territory with Bhavya Foods.
"I am a great foodie. And nowhere in Tricity one gets food as amazing as one finds in Amritsar," says Ritesh. Having spent good time in Amritsar, Ritesh has put together a menu that culls the best flavours from that city. So three types of fish, many options of kulchas, chicken and mutton delicacies and traditional desserts find place in Amritsar Express at the Food Court of Elante. On the very opening day, one could see people lining up for the Punjabi delicacies. And, why not…the sumptuous food is priced very competitively. The desi ghee thali is priced at Rs 125 and non-veg at Rs 199 plus taxes. Gila kulcha, Amritsari dal, aloo lounges, special Amritsari kukkar, fish Amritsari, mutton champs and lassi are just few items from their menu. "We bring the raw material from Amritsar and prepare the food fresh to lend that authentic taste," says Ritesh. If traditional sweets you have been yearning for, here you can dig into halwa, matke wali kulfi, jalebi with rabri and ras malai. A meal for two will cost around Rs 200. "We will introduce a new dish every so often," says Ritesh, who has plans to take this joint pan India.
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Ice cream on the go
Ever had an ice cream craving but not the time to sit and savour one at leisure? How would you like to have ice cream on the go? Häagen-Dazs believes that your busy lifestyle should never keep you from indulging yourself. Ergo, the brand that has taken the luxury desert experience to a whole new level, is all set to pamper you with its "on the go" service in Chandigarh. Häagen-Dazs has announced its "takeaway menu" in its outlet in Courtyard Cafes, Ground Floor, Elante Mall in Chandigarh.
The "on the go" spread includes your favorite dessert creations such as 'waffle crème'-freshly baked waffle served with scoops of dulce de leche and pralines & cream; 'crepe crème'-sweet and succulent crepe served with two scoops of dulce de leche; and 'lone rangers' - served in three different styles where each is an adventure on its own. Häagen-Dazs, which is popular for its distinct ice-cream flavours, which are exclusively hand-crafted in France such as Belgian chocolate, vanilla, dulce de leche, strawberry, has also introduced 'le scoop celeste - a scoop of your favorite ice-creamflavour served in a crisp waffle basket just for Rs. 150 (plus taxes). And that's not all. You can also take away signature drinks like berry breeze, tropical passion, rich hot chocolate with ice-cream, Häagen-Dazs shake and a range of freshly brewed coffee and tea to give you the best on the go experience. All this comes in a travel friendly packaging that ensures taste but avoids spilling.
— TNS
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Deepika is the new box-office queen
She debuted with Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om and since then there is no looking back for the leggy actress, Deepika
Padukone. In the beginning of her career, she was criticised for naive acting but she took those criticisms in a positive way and polished her skills. Today, she is at the peak of her career and is ruling the box-office.
She is the only actress in Bollywood who has scored Rs 500 crores in a single year. She has surpassed her contenders Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor. Deepika is the current box-office queen. The year 2013 has been extremely lucky for her. She had three hits in her kitty, Race 2, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and now Chennai Express. All these three movies struck gold at the box-office and crossed Rs 100 crore mark But Chennai Express has turned to be a game changer. The film has broken many records and is still going strong. Her competitor Katrina is just behind her with Rs 319.63 crore in 2012 (Ek Tha Tiger and Jab Tak Hai Jaan) and Kareena Kapoor is at third position. Her two movies collected Rs 263.15 crore in 2011(Bodyguard and Ra.One). Deepika's success story doesn't end here. She has another important film lined up for release this year and it is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated film, Ram Leela opposite Ranveer Singh. The film is very much in the news and is expected to set a new record. Moreover, her hands are full in 2014 as well. She has bagged Farah Khan's Happy New Year opposite Shah Rukh Khan and talks are going on for few more meaty projects.
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Dream sequence
Be it Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor or Parineeti Chopra, the new kids on the block are indeed proving themselves to be a fun-loving and funky yet the intelligent lot.
Joining the bandwagon this week is Mandana Karimi, the dazzling new face in Vikram Bhatt's forthcoming film Bhaag Johnny.
Mandana, who will feature as a lead alongside Kunal Khemu and Zoa Morani in the movie, is the new cover girl for Stuff magazine's latest issue, where she has revealed some interesting things. It turns out that one of the most expensive gadgets the girl owns is a water-proof camera. "I'm yet to test it underwater. Maybe, after I buy myself an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini," she grins. Ooh la la! We'll sure wait for that one! Ask her about the simplest gadget she loves and she says, "I'd give that position to my trendy-looking mini hair dryer. I'm a girl who likes to travel light and this one fits neatly into my little traveling bag." More on the techno side, Mandana reveals she has a fascination for a big futuristic television set for her living room. "It should be a Full HD web-connected TV, preferably with stereoscopic 3D," she quips, saying she's already saving up for something like that. Atta girl!
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Name dropping!
Shahid Kapoor has recommended Anushka Sharma's name for Vishal Bharadwaj's next film which is based on Shakespeare's tragic drama, Hamlet.
Shahid has worked with Anushka in Badmaash Company and felt that Anushka would be the right choice for the film.
A friend of the actor says, "Shahid and Anushka are good friends and their last outing was Badmaash Company."
He has recommended Anushka's name for the role of Ophelia. Shahid and Anushka are close friends and they hit it off instantly during the shooting of Badmaash Company. Anushka has worked with Vishal in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola which drastically failed at the box-office.
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Gauhar in Bigg Boss?
House arrest: Gauhar Khan She has acted in two big projects under Yash Raj banner — Rocket Singh and Isahqzaade — and has also won accolades for her scintillating dance moves on item numbers like Parda and Chokra Jawan Re. Known for her sensuous photo-shoots and ramp walks in several acclaimed fashion shows; Gauhar won't be new to reality shows. Keeping in mind the Hell vs Heaven concept of this year's Bigg Boss, we wonder what is in store for this stunning beauty!
— HRM
The beauty of evolving relations
As India evolves, so do Indian families and the dynamics associated with them. Keeping this as the focal point, soon Sahara One will be airing content that will capture evolving relationships between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, who are the veritable lynch pins of the Indian family. The interaction between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has changed
considerably. The forthcoming show on Sahara One, Aakhir bahu bhi toh beti hee hai, will weave all this into a story that will not just have entertainment value, but also start a lively debate. Viewers can look forward to a dynamic story line, characters and situations that they can relate to.
The top four in the show Indian Idol Junior showcased their singing prowess during the gala episode, which had legendary singer Pyarelal as the special judge. All the contestants mesmerised the judges with their brilliant performances; Anjana not only received a standing ovation but also moved judge Shreya Ghoshal to tears.
All ears: Shreya Ghoshal Anjana sang the song Ek pyaar ka nagma hain. Pyarelalji was in complete awe of her singing and stood up to clap for her. So touched was Shreya Ghoshal with her performance that she couldn't control her tears. She congratulated Anjana for her outstanding performance and said that if she continues singing the way she does, no one could stop her from clinching the title.
When Priyanka Chopra visited Kapil Sharma on the sets of his show Comedy Nights with Kapil, little did he know that she wouldn't need a script for the show. While many stars like to refer and go through a script for the show, PC wowed Kapil by being impromptu and added a special flavour to the show.
Heart to Heart: Priyanka Chopra on Comedy Nights with Kapil She has played the bahu in many shows, but now buzz is that Sakshi Tanwar has signed a role that of a commercial sex worker in a new film. It will be directed by Ankush Bhatt
and the makers are looking for a lead actress. They might cast Konkona Sen Sharma. Well it will be a big break and a role unlike her earlier ones, which might have been the reason for Sakshi to pick it
up. Up next: Sakshi Tanwar Shilpa Shinde, who has been away from television for some time now, will replace Kamya Panjabi in a major role. Kamiya was signed on to play the role of Don Daya Maayi in Life Ok's Do Dil Ek Jaan, but as things got delayed she walked out opting for Bigg Boss instead. Shilpa's entry is expected to happen in the second week of September. Show time: Shilpa Shinde Rishi’s generous gesture
Rishi Kapoor was so pleased with the food that Jaaved Jaaferi had served at a get-together that he personally met the chef and gave him Rs 5000 as a token of appreciation. The chef was bowled over by this generous gesture. The joke is on Shahid
Shahid Kapoor keeps sipping some energy drink all day long and that made his director Rajkumar Santoshi curious. So Shahid gave him a glass and the director fell very sick. This got Shahid worried. Then he came to know it was just a prank the director played on him! Sonam Kapoor was at a protest rally in suburban Mumbai over the weekend which was against the gang rape that happened last week. She got absolutely livid when one of the guys in the group inappropriately touched one of the girls. She gave him a peace of her
mind.
Lead on: Sonam Kapoor Neha turns 33
Neha Dhupia turned a year older (33) on August 27. She had a quiet birthday with family and friends. She is currently single and busy with television shows, events, endorsements and a
couple of movies. She walked the ramp as a show stopper recently. Karisma Kapoor was the showstopper for Vikram Phadnis but the over embellished golden gown he made her wear was unanimously panned and only her grace and beauty saved the day. Kareena was there to cheer for her
sister.
Fashion sin: Vikram Phadnis & Karisma Kapoor Zayed Khan celebrated his wife Malaika Khan's birthday on the set of his new movie Desi Magic with producer and co-star Ameesha Patel and Kuunal
Goomer.
Grand celebrations: Zayed Khan and Malaika Khan
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Turn your attention to matters of the budget. Go over the figures and see where you stand. If there are problems, discuss them with partners or close associates.
Tarot message: Do not swing away from your path. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 49
TAURUS: Enjoy a friendly gathering in your neighborhood. Luck is on your side and good things will come your way. Try to resolve legal matters satisfactorily. Be prepared to plod along slowly.
Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 64 GEMINI: Listen to your heart. Are you doing something to please somebody else at the expense of your own needs? If yes; then it might be time for you to reassess your motives.
Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky
colour: Burgundy Magic number: 30 CANCER: Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job as the best way of boosting your reserves. Domestic chores can interfere with your plans. Tarot message: Learn from past experience.
Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 52 LEO: Older people and family commitments can take up your time. Don't try to dodge your responsibilities. Children will need attention, so take them with you.
Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from coming to their own conclusions.
Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 60 VIRGO: A recent training or practice programme should pay off big-time today. Enter a competition that will stretch your abilities and offers a fantastic prize, since you might just win.
Tarot message: Dare to accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Golden.
Magic number: 42
LIBRA: A joint meeting will be held to review the situation and plan a future strategy. Those married will spend an interesting day. Financial gains will accrue through relatives and well-wishers.
Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 55 SCORPIO: Misunderstanding with a close relative will get cleared. Do not spoil your chance by being rash and tactless. A dream can stay with you and give you a cause for introspection.
Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 65 SAGITTARIUS: It will be a slow moving day. Women will pass through a period of depression. Domestic matters proceed well. Financial situation should ease out. Keep yourself cool tonight.
Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. Lucky
colour: Red. Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Work prospects improve. Do not argue with elders as it will not be useful. Do not push the point; let it go and you will find out what it is in due course.
Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before you start a new project.
Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 58 AQUARIUS: You are unlikely to be in the mood to start new jobs. Health can spoil your plans. The opportunity to exercise and benefit from your natural talents is highlighted.
Tarot message: Never fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 29 PISCES: Look forward to a fulfilling day. Let your imagination go wild and enjoy the creative ideas you get. You are likely to be oversensitive to others, but this will help your communication skills.
Tarot message: Try an off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 44
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Ravindra Kumar, 31, walked through life with a bag full of dreams, one of which was to become an IAS Officer. After Plus Two, he cleared the IIT JEE Entrance Exam in the first attempt and joined TS Chanakya to take shipping as a career in order to support his family financially. Today, Ravindra Kumar is serving as the Sub Divisional Officer in Sikkim. Besides, he is also the first IAS officer to have set his foot on the highest point of Earth, Mount Everest. 
The vintage look that Priyanka Chopra sported earlier this month at the premiere of Planes in California re-established her as the most stylish Indian actress. Marcel waves with loose curls, red lipper, metallic belt adding glitter to plain peach jumpsuit, a Christian Louboutin clutch, she got her looks so perfect that she raised the bar for herself. And she didn't disappoint. For her latest appearance to promote the same film in Mumbai, she opted for a look that was in stark contrast to the retro Hollywood look. This time, she kept it casual but that didn't mean she compromised on style even a bit. 
It's been a good year. Three good films—Gippy, Special 26 and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. I just got back from the IIFA awards where I was nominated for Heroine. And now I got the news that I've been nominated for the first ever International South African Awards for Special 26 where the jury comprised the likes of my very favourite Waheedaji. It's an honour, but more so, it's a great feeling that good roles choose you and you are appreciated for your work. It's a great feeling to be nominated every year. To win or not is another matter.
With the seventh season of Bigg Boss all set to hit television screens, the guessing game is on as to who the fourteen contestants will be; the ones who will be locked inside the famous 'house of controversies' for ninety days. While several names have rumour mills abuzz, one among them is that of model-cum-actor Gauhar Khan.
Shreya moved to tears
PC unplugged!
The big screen
Back on telly
Angry Sonam
Golden disaster
Happy birthday Malaika