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Words of wisdom
Bureaucrat and author Navtej Sarna has a gift of words. This time around, it is an English translation of Punjabi stories based on Partition…
It couldn't have been an easy switch after
shuttling the landscapes of Geneva, Shimla, Paris, Delhi and Bombay in Winter
Evenings to getting down to recounting the harrowing experience of 1947.
With his latest offering, Navtej Sarna decides to revisit the horrors of
Partition. In Chandigarh, for an interaction on his translation work, he comes
with his earlier works that shift effortlessly from fiction to translation.
Books that span as wide a spectrum of genres as the places he's served as an
Indian diplomat; Moscow, Warsaw, Thimpu, Geneva, Tehran and Washington.
The focus shifts to the one lying on top of the
table: Savage Harvest: Stories of Partition; translation from Punjabi to
English of his father Mohinder Singh Sarna’s work. "Most of my father's
works are based on Partition, but these are the thirty stories written by him
that are specifically based on Partition." Even though the selection was
already done by him before he passed away, the challenge of reproducing the
essence of the original remained. He shares, "Most of these works have been
written in very literary Punjabi with a strong influence of words then used in
Rawalpindi." It was a challenge to recreate the accounts from a language
that might still not be in use even in Pakistan. Even though the difference in
language was the difficult part, "I tried to be as true as possible to the
works." He adds, "There is only so much of liberty as you can take,
they are someone else's works." The fact that he had grown up with the
stories ensured that it was, "not only my desire to translate these works
but also duty." Some of the stories: "I'd done earlier but it took me
close to a year." The collection eternalises the moments of survival and
victory of humans spirit during the sea of violence in North India. "There
is particularly this last story Defender of Humanity, which is very close to me.
In all the stories, the hero or heroine is the humanity." He adds,
"Despite the barbarism, there were some people that kept humanity
alive." Partition — a subject that despite cinematic portrayals is yet
to receive its due. "Unfortunately, not enough has been written on the
subject in terms of fiction," he rues. Up next
It is time to graduate
the conversation to some of his past works and future plans. Cinematic
adaptations bring us back to his work on Maharaja Duleep Singh. He shares,
"The Exile is ready-made work for a film. Shyam Benegal had written
to me saying the same but I'm yet to explore that option. Even though it is
completely meant for the cinema it has to be a big film; it has to be a period
film." Coming up is a book on the Indian connection to Jerusalem.
"Indian travellers have been visiting Jerusalem since the time Baba Farid
went there…a lot of Sufis used to go to this place." Four years as an
Indian ambassador to Israel ensured that there was no dearth of research on the
subject. "It is history told as a personal narrative, in which I've managed
to steer clear of current politics." He's all set to take us again to
Jerusalem. manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Together, they make melody
Music has its own language, feel Hari and Sukhmani who have made global audiences rock to Punjabi folk music fused with
electronica...
Theirs is a meeting of minds. Four years back a common friend got Hari Singh and Sukhmani Malik together. Young, restless, not sure of what next...what bound them was their passion for music. Within two weeks of their coming together, they were on with their first gig. She a vocalist, he a producer — they rocked together! What followed was applause; work, making more music and travel around the world. Being on Coke Studio, The Dewarists and a BBC Radio Show, this duo from Chandigarh has made waves on the music scene. Back to their hometown, they are set to make music bigger and better for the city folks on Saturday evening at The Pewter
Room-26.
"It's a great feeling to be back here. We don't want to lose touch with our city, so keep looking for options to be here," Sukhmani opens up the conversation. The duo is based in Delhi now. She is a trained classical singer from Rampur Gharana, he a fine electronica exponent and together they have swayed the crowds around the globe. "It's one thing to perform in front of Indians settled abroad, but when Kiwis love you in New Zealand and black dudes dance to your tunes in Detroit, you know you have arrived" shares Sukhmani. How does it work between the two? "Consciously or unconsciously we bank on each other's strengths," says Hari. "With two individuals, clash is bound to happen and it is the same with us," he adds. Did they dream of making it so big so early? "No. What probably clicked was that our thrust is on making music we love. And that reverberates with our listeners," they chorus. "I made a pretty unconventional classical vocalist; they have a set image that I never fitted in. People would often say — Yeh kya gayegi? but nonetheless if anyone has been through the rigours of classical art, it's theirs forever," says Sukhmani. Hari's nose-stud is too conspicuous to be missed (matches Sukhmani's), "I got it in San Francisco. One has to bring something from that lively city," he shoots. Attending music festivals, collaborating with artistes from other genres, getting their singles available on i-Tunes and making it big (did we hear Kayne West) figures on their 'to-do' list. "And, evolve as musicians," they add. While Sukhmani loves exploring world music Spanish, French; Balkan tops her list these days, "Fusion is what I am keen on." Her partner, Hari, loves to delve deep into poetry — that of Bulleh Shah, Kabir and Farid. Together they want to explore new areas in folk, trying to give something fresh to their fans. As we part, Sukhmani hums Madhaniya…her mesmerising voice, pull of the folk leave all those present spellbound! mona@tribunemail.com
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Spreading the word
While Bollywood goes the distance as far as film promotions are concerned, the Punjabi film industry is steadily catching up with innovative ways of promoting films...
Filmy funda
Navaniat Singh, who has directed as many as six films, including Rangeele and Singh v/s Kaur, says, “Since we are a region-based film industry, there are very few avenues available to promote the film. Unlike Bollywood, which invests as much as Rs 18-19 crores to promote films on the electronic media, we do not have that sort of money yet. Also, there are only two major Punjabi channels here. So in this case, we are only left with the option of digital promotion via film websites and other social networking sites, as also ground promotions in colleges and universities.” He adds, “However, for Rangeele and Singh V/S Kaur, we tied up with many brands, including CCD, Kapsons and multiplexes. CCD had also launched a Rangele smoothie during that time, which was named after our film.” “I really think we should host a hunt for the leading lady for a film in order to promote it even before the shooting of the film begins. Plus it will give us a chance to see some new faces in the Punjabi film industry,” he smiles. Big show
“Apart from digital and ground promotions, we are also planning to go to Comedy Nights with Kapil, but we are still in talks regarding that. We have come up with special promotional recordings, which will feature the actors and singers in the film, including Sunidhi Chauhan and Master Saleem, and these recordings will be aired on several reality shows and on YouTube.” Angad claims that he will also be coming up with a series of contests to look for talent, which he will promote along with his film. Ideas rule
Karanveer Bohra, who is producing a film Love you Soniye under the banner of his production company, Firebird Entertainment, says, “We are coming up with a film that will feature Raghu Ram for the first time in Punjabi cinema. Rishi Rich and Juggy D will give their music to a Punjabi film for the first time. For its promotion, we have lined-up a strategy that begins with a motion poster being introduced in the Punjabi film industry for the very first time.” amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Natural nurture
The vegetables and fruits that we eat on a daily basis may not be that healthy after all. So, is it time to turn to organic food?
It was only with time that she gathered knowledge about our eatables being polluted beyond recognition due to the excessive use of pesticides and preservatives. Like many others, she graduated to organic food; found the taste back as also the reassurance of health. Going organic has spilled over from Western world to India and according to a recent report, Chandigarh figures amongst the top five cities in the country where people spend considerable amounts on organic food. Iqbal Singh Dhillon, a practicing naturopath, banks on his kitchen garden for his supply of veggies. You will find pudina, tulsi, mirch, aloe vera, bhindi, ghia and tori in his garden right now and he is preparing beds for winter seasonal vegetables. The result is an active life post-retirement and also better health. “I don’t buy any vegetables and fruits from the market. I make-do with what I grow in my garden and sprouts are something that I heavily bank upon. They require no cooking, no frying and are sumptuous too.” Well, organic food is now available although it costs more. Says Ritu, “Organic lentils are 50 to 60 per cent costlier, but they cook in half the time and are tastier. What’s best is that you can be sure that you are eating what you see and not adulterated stuff that looks the same but tastes weird.” If individuals are moving towards healthy food, there are companies catering to the expanding market and doing their bit for the society as well. Sresta Natural Bioproducts, which sells organic stuff under 24 Mantra brand, have a range to offer right from flour, brown rice, pulses to spices. The company established by Rajshekhar Reddy ties up with small-time farmers in growing pesticide-free products and retails. Little more than a business venture, Reddy funded the company after losing the battle of trying to save his father from cancer — pesticides being one of the causes. The company has grown in the last ten years. The CEO N Balasubramanian says, “We have got a great response from the northern part of the country to our products.” He agrees that the products are expensive by 50 to 60 per cent, “But if you count practically, it only increases the kitchen budget by Rs 1,500 to 1,800 monthly, which is less than one outing at a PVR for one family.” Diet therapist Renupreet Kaur favours organic food too. “Organic foods are produced using environment and animal friendly farming methods. You can be safe that hydrogenated fats and controversial additives like aspartame, tartrazine and MSG (mono sodium glutamate) are banned under organic standards. Organic farming reduces pollution and greenhouse gases released from food production by restricting the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which ensures that they are natural.”
mona@tribunemail.com
Get organic
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Smart choice
Nishtha Shukla Anand
With the dawn of some connected Smart TVs, we can put Murphy's Law to rest. It's now just so easy to catch shows that you might have missed online. No, you don't have to watch bits and pieces on Youtube. There are some superb places online where you can get access to great shows and films. More so, you can connect your PC or laptop to a Smart TV. There are some amazing TVs out there that have made the joy of online viewing on TV an absolute delight. It's easy to connect to these TVs using wi-fi or only a USB wire. At the same time, India now has a host of website offering content online for easy viewing. It's the perfect scenario to be in. Some of the hottest TV channels that have gone online with their shows include Star TV with the Star Player. You can watch all of the latest episodes and even hunt for the older ones. It's practically like watching live TV because the shows come complete with their own set of ads. However, the videos are set against a black background that strains you to get a good view-whether you are watching this on a TV or PC. Sony Liv is the other channel that has gone live on TV. They upload all their shows online the day after telecast. The video quality here is impressive and gives a bright ray of hope to online streaming in India. Although their popularity has not picked up yet, it's not long before we will all get hooked to this easy and engaging medium of entertainment. A number of online channels have created a small but sufficient library of Hindi, English, Telugu and Tamil movies for online viewership. BIGFlix, iStream, ErosNow and BoxTV are some great places to access digitalized TV content. While Smart TVs entered the Indian market couple of years back, we are still shy of using them to our benefit. Stop doing that and watch your favourite shows at your convenience on your Smart TV. (Anand is a technology expert)
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B-town’s young ones go rugged!
There's no doubt that a black leather jacket gives an edge to someone's sex appeal. The new style statement, that young lads of B-town are making, is the tanned leather jacket. Here's a look at some of the Bollywood boys who were recently spotted in a leather jacket.
Bollywood's playboy Ranbir Kapoor also prefers a smart grey leather jacket, while traveling, to keep him warm. Look at the clothes he has layered on!
New favourite Aditya Roy Kapur goes trendy with a polka-dot tee and a smart leather jacket. We are glad he is smiling!
Comfort factor
Cover up: Shahid Kapoor
The classic look
Getting sporty: Imran Khan
What's the big deal?
Bikini babe: Aditi Rao Hydari
Plucking the right strings
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Astro turf
ARIES: Family life will be charged with tension today. Financially the first half of the day is rather expensive. Writers will find their work in print. Keep cool and maintain a low profile. A health crisis might strike. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 49
TAURUS: Your love life is passing through a rough phase. A tricky day for businessmen. The married people will buy a piece of jewellery for their spouse. A feel good humour and cosmic wisdom will weave into your affairs. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42 GEMINI: Your card The Universe favours progress in your profession and business. Be wary of a situation where it would be easy to make a mistake in haste. A useful day for tackling household repairs. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 25 CANCER: You card The Moon reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat him or her to a generous gift and an intimate dinner. Fortune can smile on you. expected sources. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 38 LEO: An unexpected bonus will appear in your paycheck. Buy the right outfit for your exercise programme. Dress to make a great impression on your employers. Enjoy being noticed and acknowledged. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29 VIRGO: Go for fresh strategies to iron out old problems. Household tasks can be done in record time. Don't speculate. No problem should arise in romance. Models, admirers will stick to you like bees, but be careful. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60
LIBRA: You will be popular with both the sexes today. Boring routine jobs can be made bearable through teamwork. A level of stress may be building, especially if financial issues are weighing on your mind. Tarot message: Focus on better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59 SCORPIO: Many of you will try to be on time, frantically trying to complete all the tasks before the day is over. Make extra efforts to conclude pending projects. Secrecy of plans will help you at place of work. Property deals favour till 2 pm. Tarot message: Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54 SAGITTARIUS: Your card "The Nine of Cups" reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Arguments can arise with your spouse or partner over money. Love life is exciting. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 65 CAPRICORN: A burst of domestic enthusiasm can sweep you into cleaning and decorating your home. Married people will enjoy an evening outing. Do not carry heavy cash. If possible get a dose of fresh air. A better day for travel. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63 AQUARIUS: Differences of opinion within the family will reach a boiling point. A stub-born response on your part won't help. It is important to have fun. Do not compromise on financial issues. Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas don't waste money. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27 PISCES: If you are not okay about a relationship, finance or career issues, take positive action rather than stewing about it. The employed will have to work overtime. An important meeting may have to be shelved. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks. Lucky colour: Camelish. Magic number: 40
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It’s a boy!
Rupali Ganguly
Celebration time
One of the most sought after couple of the television industry, Jay Bhanushali and Mahi Vij will be seen giving a power packed performance in Zee TV's Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori se on September 9th episode. Leaving all her riches behind, Shivani (Mansi Srivastav) is soon to enter Raghu's (Arhaan Behl) simple and down-to-earth household post her marriage and to ensure that her welcome is a grand one, Jay Bhanushali and Mahi Vij will be seen performing on a special number from the movie Shuddh Desi Romance. From dress rehearsals to getting the steps right, both Jay and Mahi were seen in a playful mood while doing the sequence. "The song we performed on was so upbeat and full of energy that it didn't feel like we were shooting. The two of us had a blast being a part of the show. Hope the audiences will love it equally," said Mahi. To witness all the fun, tune in to Do Dil Bandhe Ek dori Se at 8. 30 pm Only on Zee TV.
Soulful sojourn
We have all read about Buddha. Yet, so much remains to be explored about this powerful, magnetic leader who woke upto the 'Ultimate Truth' under the Bodhi Tree. For instance, did you know that it was Prince Siddharth who pioneered elephant warfare in his time? What were the influences that shaped his thinking as a youth? We know the leader and his school of thought, but little do we know about the beautiful person within. Presenting Siddhartha's illustrious journey of being born in the lap of luxury as a prince to his growing years to denouncing his throne and living the life of an ascetic to attaining 'The Awakening' is Zee TV's next historical magnum opus Buddha produced by Spice Studios. Starting September 8, Sunday mornings will never be the same again as Buddha will air at 11 am on Zee TV. Told in 52 gripping episodes, this series will be an entertaining action drama that showcases the unexplored life of Buddha as Siddharth. The show has an international appeal with its grand scale opulent sets at the Film City spread over a sprawling 5 acre plot, an impressive cast with renowned names like Kabir Bedi, Samir Dharmadhikari, Nigaar Khan, state-of-the-art 3D graphics used to recreate the look and feel of a bygone era, well-researched costumes bought out of Jodhpur and Jaipur and customised jewellery sourced from Patna that bring alive the majestic lifestyles of the royal family of Kapilavastu. Amongst the cast, veteran actor Kabir Bedi will be seen making a comeback after a long hiatus. Kabir has an important role to play in this epic drama. "I am playing a sage who foresees the coming of the Buddha." says Kabir. Very few people know that the actor has a karmic connection with Buddhism. His mother has spent 15 years as a Buddhist nun in Tibet. Kabir himself has lived a life of a monk for a year in Burma. He feels a deep connection with the role. Samir Dharmadhikari, most remembered for his portrayal of King Gagadhar Rao, the husband of Jhansi Ki Rani, will play the righteous King Suddhodana, father of Prince Siddhartha.
Darling daughter
Sameer Soni and Neelam adopted a baby girl Ahana recently. The couple got married in 2011. Their daughter is few months old and Sameer was keen on a girl. As Sameer never had sisters, he wanted to at least have a daughter.
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Come September
Satish Narula September is the time to do the groundwork for your garden
places where the sun is scanty and plan the planting of annuals that are suitable for such spots. Those like salvia, cineraria, nasturtium etc that grow and flower in semi-shade too should be planted. Such spots are perpetual problem areas as once the seasonal flowers are finished the spots become dull. There are shrubs and climbers too matching for shade corners. While making the map, also take into consideration the height and colour scheme. This is done easily as now the variety and quality range is amazing in winter annuals so much so that one could plan a bed as per the height and spread available. The seeds and seedlings of a particular colour are also available to make it possible to adjust matching or contrasting colours in a bed or adjacent beds. The time to plant bulbs is also approaching and the best time to plant gladiolus will be during the second week of October. Planting it before that may cause rotting. This is due to the deadly combination of moisture and high temperature. Once the maps are made, manure and fertilizers should be added to the beds. When these are added about a month in advance they give good effect. At the same time it is important to arrange for good quality, well rotten manure. While buying manure, make sure it is blackish in colour and there are no straw. This attracts white ants. When unripe manure is added, it may even kill the plants. As the demand for such manure exceeds supply, it is important to procure and use it as soon as possible. As the time for pruning roses is approaching fast, it is very important to get good quality secateur. Don't attempt to do the pruning right now as it is too early. Even at the time of doing it, use a secateur with a sharp knife. The rains are still on and any cut may lead to infection. (Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)
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Coffee and cookies
Kandla Nijhowne As always the summer rolled into a thunderous monsoon, giving us pure delight in cooling showers. And sheer disgust in the resulting onslaught of humidity, if I may add! This is the perfect timing for sitting in the verandah with a frothy strong brew of coffee in one hand and a cookie in the other. A book, some music of your choice and human company, definitely of your choice would complete the picture. Shop-bought cookies, no matter how much they tom tom about their fabulous list of healthy ingredients, contains chemicals. They are cloaked under the guise of "enhancers" and nothing beats the taste of a buttery golden brown cookie, straight out of the oven and popped into the mouth. Even better when it comes with the 'home made' tag! Here's my all-time favourite, the ginger-nut cookie, fragrant with cinnamon and ginger powder, guaranteed to please! Ingredients 1 cup butter ¾ cup brown sugar ¾ cup sugar 1 egg 2½ cup maida 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves ½ tsp ground nutmeg 2 tsp ground ginger Method
Note: These cookies will spread a little so place them at least ½ inch apart on the cookie sheet. You can also scatter some sugar grains on the surface before you bake the shaped cookies. (Nijhowne is a Delhi-based culinary expert)
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Young & energetic
The film Young Malang sees the debut of two Punjabi musicians, Balli Riar and Vinaypal Buttar Here comes another Punjabi film and it has all the possible ingredients that it takes to entertain the audience-an NRI Punjabi munda, who is an incorrigible flirt, a village guy with the typical tongue-in-cheek humour and a spoilt city lad. Suiting it up with the colours of their characters in real life Punjabi musicians Balli Riar and Vinaypal Buttar are all set to make a debut in the film, Young Malang, with Yuvraj Hans, Anjana Sukhani and Neetu Singh. Though the film will be released on September 20, the music of the film was officially released on Saturday. The music of the film has been directed by Gurmeet Singh, Gurmoh and Vicky Bhoi, who have given two to three songs each. "The reason behind opting for three music directors was because I wanted a variety of music that had all possible genres, including peppy tracks, item number, sufi tracks and sad songs. All the songs in the movie, however, are situational, even the item number called Lakk ch Current by Pakistani actor Mathaira Khan. The song has been sung by Sonu Kakkar," says Rahulinder Singh, the producer of the film. Meanwhile, Vinaypal Buttar says, "My character in the film is pretty much like how I am in real life and that possibly makes my work in the film easier. I had been receiving a lot of offers, but I was always hesitant about acting. Now, I have two films releasing this month, including Ishq Garrari." Also, Balli Riar, who is also making a debut in the film, says, "Though I received a lot of offers, but I wanted to do a film with a good production banner and perhaps that is the reason why I signed this film. Also, I got to learn a lot from Yuvraj Hans and Anjana Sukhani." The album of the film features nine songs, including Young Malang, that is sung by Mika Singh and Fakiyan that has been sung by Balli Riar and Yuvraj Hans.
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Dry in peace
If this is your story, then Bonita's Maximo is tailor made for you. Keeping in mind the laundry woes of people living in small urban homes, the leading home utility products company has come up with a new dynamic product to cater to their customer requirements more effectively. At a time the drying stand can accommodate a washing machine full of ready to dry laundry, sparing you the horror of spreading around your wet clothes to dry in multiple rooms and on unlikely objects like chairs. Wheels provide for easy movement of the stand which can be adjusted as per the movement of the sun. It also facilitates both the indoor and outdoor movement according to the customer's convenience. Maximo comes with a fully adjustable shelf height which enables it to use the vertical space in a balcony or a room rather than expand the drying space horizontally. Multiple rods make it a three tier hanging stand with special sideways brackets with hanger slots to hang clothes. Maximo has as many as 24 rods for drying. The dual rods also contribute to greater stability of this all-useful and customer-friendly product. And once the clothes are all dry and ready to be shifted back to the wardrobe, it can be rolled up and folded into a two dimensional structure that can recline against the wall and occupy little space. Maximo which is priced at Rs 3995 boasts of greater strength and durability.
— TNS
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Internet: a boon
When I was a young girl growing up in Himachal Pradesh, we did not have Internet in our village. Nowadays, I see my cousins spending so much time online; they are on Twitter and so on. It feels great when I see them reading SRK's updates (laughs). Also, the fad of reading about the latest films, books or plays online is contributing to the cultural growth of the nation. This trend is more in small-town and is doing a lot of good for the people. Young people know a lot more about world cinema through the Internet, and that has brought about a change in the audience's
mindset.
I am not much into technology. My favourite gadget is my iPod which has a huge collection of Hindi songs. The other gadget I use is my phone but only for making calls or sending SMS. I don't know much about the other applications in them. In fact, my phone is switched off for 10-15 days when I am preparing for my film characters. Our work is highly demanding and technology can be a bit distracting at times. I love reading about history on the Internet. Mostly, I browse the net to know about a historical place, a museum, fort or something of that sort. At times, I like to read about famous painters and their works. I don't watch films online. I prefer reading instead. Indulgence: shopping I like to experiment with my looks. I am not scared of trying out new things. My inspiration is retro Hollywood. I love the style sense of Audrey Hepburn and Gene Kelly. I am a shopaholic and buy a lot of stuff from abroad. Shopping is my biggest indulgence. I have a fetish for shoes; you'll find more than 100 pairs in my closet.
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Pyjama party
Describe your sense of style … I like keeping it comfortable, cute and sometimes sexy too. Style is all about feeling beautiful and fashion is the way to make it look that way. So, if you are stylish, you need not possibly worry about being fashionable. The latest addition in your wardrobe… Printed pyjamas! I dig them. Brand freak or street smart? I am a mixture of both. Choose one--sporty, glamorous or chic Chic. Your style icon… Chitrangna Singh! I think she is really hot and has a good dressing sense too. Who's the worst-dressed celebrity around and why? Has to be Ayesha Takia. She needs to understand that she should wear clothes according to her body type. One fashion trend you don't understand… All trends that are typical of Lady Gaga are beyond my comprehension. Your take on accessories… Accessories are essential to make any outfit stand out, but one must be careful to not overdo it. One thing that boosts your confidence and why? A smile, because it is a source of positivity. You would love to be dressed up by… My sister, who will soon become a fashion designer! — As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Shahid gets backing
Disney UTV has taken yet another bold step to nurture and promote promising young talent from the Indian film industry. This time, India's leading studio has added Hansal Mehta's Shahid to its forthcoming slate.
One of the most acclaimed and controversial independent movies at film festivals around the world last year, Shahid will soon see a mainstream theatrical release under the Disney UTV umbrella.
"Disney UTV is proud to be at the forefront in promoting a bold new generation of film makers like Hansal Mehta, whose creative choices are strongly influenced by the society and politics of today. We are certain that Hansal's powerful film Shahi' will appeal to all those who believe in the power of great storytelling. We have seen tremendous success over the years producing movies that broke the mould and redefined what was considered "commercial" cinema. These superb films were able to achieve their full potential aided by strong marketing and we intend to keep the same momentum going with Shahid, a real gem of a movie that deserves the right platform to shine through" said Siddharth Roy Kapur, managing director, Studios, Disney UTV.
"Shahid is much more than a film for my team and I. The true story of Shahid Azmi and his inspiring life is essential viewing for our times of strife, discord and mistrust," said Hansal Mehta, director of the film.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 8...
This is going to be one of the luckiest years in your life! You're going to have a busy time of it, but it will be a productive time. At the very least, you'll be occupied with a task, project, or new innovation that will enable you to advance your career aspirations. Keep a packed suitcase ready to go if and when fortune knocks on your door. If married then occasional separation due to service conditions will bring you closer. Long ailments should not be ignored. Rise in your expenses may bother you. Friends will help you realise a cherished dream. There is a chance that you develop romantic feelings for someone you have known for years. Number eight is the manager. strong, successful, and material vibration. Positive colours: Dark blue, grey and violet. Select days: Saturday, Wednesday and Friday. Favourable numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8. Gems recommended: Blue sapphire, diamond and emerald Charity on birthday: Donate medicines, wheat, jaggery or copper utensils to the needy or at any religious place today.
You share your birthday with Asha Bhosle (September 8, 1933, Mumbai), who having started in 1943 has sung as many as 12,000 songs in over 1,000 Bollywood movies . O P Nayyar gave Asha Bhosle a big break in C.I.D. (1956).
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Role on
Sudesh Berry who has done shows like Kashish, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and Dil Se Diya Vachan will now be seen in two television shows. He will do an episode in Arjun and an important role in Mahabharat.
You have returned to TV after a long time. How do you feel? I want to do work that excites me. I am not into the rat race. I don't want to be a superstar. I want to do work that is different and with people I enjoy working with. I have worked with the producer Sidharth Kumar Tewary, so, I have a comfort level with him. What are your shows Arjun and Mahabharat about? I am playing the role of Drupad, Draupadi's father. I liked the roles a lot. We heard you don't like sporting facial hair. Is that true? I don't like it, though I am wearing a moustache. Have you worked in the earlier Mahabharat too? Yes, I played Vichitravirya, Shantanu's third son. It was one day's work and I was on the show for one episode in 1986. Are you planning to launch your son too? Yes, there are plans to launch him. He did a film earlier with Ekta Kapoor called Little Godfather.
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Moonlight dinner
August Moon, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival and Moon Festival, is a popular harvest festival celebrated by the Chinese and Vietnamese people. The festival is held on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar, during a full moon, which is in September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is celebrated in China, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau, Korea, Philippines and Taiwan. August Moon is a time to enjoy the successful reaping of rice and wheat with food offerings made in honor of the moon. It is marked as an occasion for outdoor reunions among friends and relatives and also a symbol of harmony and unity. Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark traditions of this festival. In Chinese culture, a round shape symbolizes completeness and unity.
— TNS Average Cost of a meal for two: Rs 1198 plus taxes.
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Take it easy
Parvesh Rana I am 28 years old and I have recently joined an organisation. I happen to sit next to a colleague who tries to interfere in my work. She is so bothered about my life, which I don't like, what should I do? Prachi, Chandigarh You should tell her that you don't like her being nosy. I think she will get the message and if she doesn't you should go to your boss and complain. I am sure this will send the message to her. You shouldn't get bothered about such people; you will find them everywhere. I am 18 and in love with a girl five years elder to me. I want to marry her, do you think I should say this to her. Himmat, Mohali I am so sure this is not love but infatuation, and I am also sure she likes you like a friend. Boys of your age do develop crushes on elder women. I suggest don't take it seriously, you will soon get over it. (Rana is a Bollywood actor)
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There are three things highly popular in India — movies, cricket and politics. As for the Indian film industry, its estimated market size is of Rs 100 billion and it is expected to touch Rs 150 billion by 2016. This has by and large been the product of the promotional strategy. Off late, promotions have gone a step ahead and explore potential clients by engaging them. For films like Ghanchakkar, kitty parties in several cities of India were organised and for the recent Issaq, paans were distributed in several malls. Now that the Punjabi film industry is soaring high, the industry is finding new ways to get the audience to the theatres.
Producer Angad Singh has come up with some amazing ideas to promoting his debut film Dil sadda luteya gaya featuring Ashmit Patel and Sudesh Lehri. “The film will be releasing on November 8 and this is the first time that Salman Khan will be promoting a Punjabi movie. Navraj Hans, son of Hansraj Hans, has sung the promotional track of my film, which is also the title track that will be premiered across major cities in India. Ashmit and Sudesh will be acting along with Salman Khan in his upcoming film Mental,” he says.
When Ritu Mahajan made a house in Chandigarh years back, she longed for home food. Having grown up in Punjab, used to home-grown veggies, lentils, rice and flour, she found the taste missing from the food in her new city. 
Anything that can go wrong, will. This derivation of Murphy's Law stands true most of the times. You will be neck deep in work on the day that you are expecting Dhoni to complete a century. Or you will have an army of guests at home the day that your favourite character will make an exit from the show.
Layering up with leather
Fit and fabulous
The naughty and flirty Shahid Kapoor finds his black leather jacket comfortable, especially while travelling. He's often spotted wearing them at the airports.
The charming lover-boy Imran Khan also sports a leather jacket, in a photo-shoot, along with aviators. Is he trying to recreate Tom Cruise' Top Gun look?
Aditi Rao Hydari has worn a bikini in Boss and she was very comfortable. She worked out for five months for the scene. She feels people should not make a big deal because every girl must have worn a bikini at some point in time. She has always been comfortable with her body.
Ayushmann Khurrana's new single O Heeriye will launch soon. He wants to get better at playing the guitar. His brother is also a singer and a guitarist. Ayushmann feels that between the two of them, he is the better singer and his brother is the better guitarist.
Rupali Ganguly who married businessman Ashwin Verma this year, gave birth to a baby boy on August 25. Both Rupali and the baby are fine and for now she has named him Krishna. Rupali will have an official baby's naming ceremony on September 9.
Talking about his performance, Jay said, "Zee is like a family to me, and when they asked me to be a part of the dance sequence, I could not say no. Moreover, I and Mahi have always loved doing dance routines and when I asked Mahi if she was up for it, she immediately agreed." 
Discover the new aspects about Prince Siddharth's journey to enlightenment as the historical drama 'Buddha' airs at 11 am every Sunday only on Zee TV.
September is an important month for gardeners. The best time for a garden is February-March when almost every plant is at its best and for that the preparation is made in September. And this is the final call for all the following activities. First of all make a map of your garden and plan every inch of it. Keep into consideration the shade and sunny aspect of your garden. The days are already short in the winter and if there are obstructions, the winter annuals may not do well. It is therefore important to mark those
Oh that cumbersome routine called laundry drying! Every week when you fill up your washing machine up to the brim and then fall short of space to dry the clothes, you inevitably curse the routine while arranging chairs as make shift drying stands and locating hitherto unknown hooks to support the hangers.
Online: not always
Svati Saggi, 23, a dental intern at BRS Dental College, likes to keep it cool when it comes to fashion. She says, "I'm a chilled out person who tries to keep life as simple as it can be. Well, at least I try."
The Oriental Blossom, a Chinese restaurant at Park Plaza Chandigarh, organises August Moon Promotion which will offer authentic Chinese (Schezwan) food, including crispy fried fish with sweet lemon chilli, prawn XO sauce, chilli garlic wonton, stuffed eggplant with hot garlic sauce and delectable desserts.