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Within range
Star cast of Viyah 70km, Harish Verma and Aarti Chabria talk about their place in the Punjabi film industry and what more they aim for
He lets his words flow, shooting them directly from his heart, without caring two hoots about whether they are politically correct or not. Actor Harish Verma does not come from the popular singer-actor brigade, nonetheless he has managed to etch a place for himself in the Punjabi film industry. He owes every bit of his success to the late Gursharan Singh, who taught him the nuances of acting. Improvisation is something he can do at the drop of the hat, of course that adds something to the scene. Harish Verma along with Aarti Chabria hit Chandigrah for the promotion of their soon to be released film Viyah 70Km. While the Bollywood actress Aarti Chabria makers her debut in Punjabi films with Viyah 70 Km, Harish treats every movie as debut. Harish Verma — Jack of all trades
Even in the multi-starrer films like Yaar Anmulle and Burrah, Harish Verma through his strong and different characters manages to shift the radar on him.
Role call
I play an interesting character in Viyah 70 km, a boy who is not convinced about marriage and how finally his grandfather and rest of the family members vow to get him married in the diameter of 70kms. I ensure I give something new to the audience. There is a conscious effort to not to be repetitive.
Born to be an actor
I don't think I could be anything but be an actor, this is what I can do and this is something I dreamt of. All I knew was that I wanted to act but I had no clue how to do that. A friend of mine asked if I would want to do theatre, and so it started.
More than Jatt
Of course, Punjabi film industry is definitely getting repetitive with storyline and titles. As I said before, I feel the industry has managed to regain its footing after a lot of effort and we need to save it. We can't fool the audiences who have accepted us; it is our duty to give something new with each film.
Work with sincerity
I don't have any qualms about singers becoming actors, even doctors, advocates; engineers can act, only if they work sincerely. I did not have any godfather when I came to the industry, and today I have made a place for myself just because of my work. I would really want that our industry gives all new actors and actresses a chance to prove themselves.
Inspired by…
Right from the great actor Varinder to Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, all of them have a hold on their work, besides that they all are well-aware of what is happening around. An actor should have a sound general knowledge and by that I mean they should know what more could be done in their field.
In the pipeline
My movie with Neeru Bajwa RSVP (Rondey Saarey Vyah Pichon) will be releasing in October.
Take one
Aarti Chabria agreed to do a Punjabi film for pure sentimental reasons. "My grandfather worked in Phagwara long time back, and I would often visit Punjab, so when the producer Vivek Ohri narrated the script, I was all for it," says Aarti who has been watching Punjabi films a lot. Other than the emotional reason, Aarti always likes to do something different and new whether it is doing a Kannad or a Tamil film or winning the reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi. "I am not fluent in Punjabi; I can understand chaste Punjabi though. For the movie, I had to learn the language nicely." Aarti adores Harish Verma's work and she wants to stay in the industry for long. "I always wanted to play a Punjabi kudi, which I am doing in Viyah 70 km. Now, I wish the audiences like me," she smiles. Viyah 70 Km is directed by Mushtaq Pasha, who has also directed the Punjabi film Main Tu Asi Tusi and Balaji tele serials like Kasauti Zindagi Ki. “I have been staying in Mumbai for the last 15 years and I did my MA from Department of Indian Theatre, Chandigarh. Punjabi cinema has grown in leaps and bounds,” he says.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Life in the fast lane
Gopal Krishna & Yash Srivastava have assembled a racing car that will be tested at Buddh International Circuit
To understand auto racing, you definitely need to get into one of those fast machines going at 172 miles per hour, turning turtle in the second lap. The noise, the vibrations can just rip of your head. Two automotive engineers, Gopal Krishna and Yash Srivastava from Faizabad and Allahabad respectively, haven't slipped into any one of the tiny fast wonders but they can feel the intensity as they design car model close to the Formula One cars. They put this amazing machine at Autofiesta organised by Chitkara University Chandigarh. The two entrepreneurs showcased their first race car TINSI-I, powered by a V8 engine. The dimensions of the car are equivalent to Formula-1 car. Both Gopal and Yash did there B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. "We went on to do Masters in Automotive Engineering from University of Leeds, UK. After returning to India we formed a company called TINSI Race Cars. This is an organisation committed to design and development of racing cars in India," share the two. Of course, their parents believed in them. The two however also thank the people who made this dream come true. "Vivek Singh from Rajput Auto Corp supported us in fabricating the complicated components required for TINSI-I, Altair India, AautoSync and SPS Garcha, regional director, Federation of Motorsports club of India for guiding us throughout," add the two. Their TINSI-I will be tested by renowned rallyist Gaurav Gill at Buddh International circuit.
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Inject some fun into your life!
Renee Singh Oh my God, ''I'm so bored with life''. Now this is a statement I get to hear very often from many of my clients, even my friends. They seem to be in pretty wonderful jobs, life on the surface seems to be rather exciting for them and yet they feel unhappy and stressed. Even you begin to wonder at the validity of the statement. Many times I try to suggest them some of the easier stress relievers. But whenever I try to recommend yoga or meditation, the very next statement is ''I've tied yoga and meditation but I find stress less boring''. Now what do you say to that? It only brings a smile to my face while my mind is busy racing for alternatives. Type A Personality people experience greater than average levels of stress as they are usually more time conscious, more competitive and impatient. Their main complaints are
So recommending very typical stress relievers is not very feasible as their minds are already tuned on to a different pace and different attitudes. These people are known for creating stress in relationships, their jobs and many other areas in life. They are constantly seeking highs and are less stimulated by less exciting stress relieving techniques like yoga and meditation. The slow pace on its own is stressful to them. They need fun stress relievers and these of course are easier to practice on a regular basis. Stress relieving games
Playing games whether you are with a group of adults or with kids is one of the greatest forms of fun and stress relief. Bond with books
These provide just the right kind of distraction and escape from stress. You can always have a good laugh with a book of jokes or do some lighthearted reading to unwind from your naturally created stressful state. Laughter therapy
This is perhaps one of the greatest stress relievers. A good laugh releases endorphins and many other healthy hormones that take your mind off stress. It gives you a positive state of mind. You also bond with those you share a good laugh with. Music works
It's a great stress reliever. Even hospitals now are using music as one of the ways of promoting better health. It provides distraction from many negative things and gives inspiration to the mind. Music can speed you up or calm you down. You can listen to music while doing your daily chores — exercising, getting ready for work or even while taking a walk. Go arty
Sometimes just doodling or even serious sketching can be fun. It can help you to express your emotion and also to discover your inner self. It helps to create something you can enjoy once it is completed. Green care
Reconnecting with nature can be a great enhancer in mood elevation. Beautify your space and your surroundings and environment and enjoy other stress relieving benefits. Sporty streak
For people who have the adrenaline rush stronger in them; biking, karate, swimming are far more rejuvenating than a quiet peaceful activity. Exercise is a fun way to release stress as endorphin's get released into the system. Going to a gym is also a social activity one can enjoy. It is a good way of releasing frustration. Mini vacations
Most people spend long hours in planning long and strenuous holidays. Just allow yourself to be spontaneous. Give yourself the mental freedom to take a quick decision for a short holiday. Just that short stint on the weekend can have you refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. Learn to be in the flow and enjoy a hectic yet stress free life. Listen to your inner self it always guides you right. (Singh is a Chandigarh based
psychotherapist)
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Creative circle
The five-day exhibition Kaleidoscope at Punjab Kala Bhawan brings together the work of
17 artists
Also, Mohan Dhiman, whose the digital paintings elaborate intensely on the women emancipation and empowerment, waxes eloquent about the idea behind taking up the subject. Meanwhile, photographs by Ankush Bagga explore the nature. The photographs by Ashok Kaushal are based on a very interesting concept—the money plant series. The exhibition also has some magnificent works by Bibekanand Kapri, Charanjeet Singh Kamal Sohal, Mandeep Singh Manu, Rozy Varinder Kaur and Sanjeev Kumar. On till September 10.
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Stars live it up in South Africa
Bollywood and television stars have been to Durban for the first ever South African Indian Films and Television Awards 2013. Here is what they did during their time off especially because the city has many marine attractions.
Ranveer Singh: He wanted to go on a feeding the sharks trip. The actor, who is with his family, took off for Cape Town for a short holiday after the award ceremony.
Madhuri Dixit: She was on a nostalgia trip having shot Prem Granth in Durban many decades ago. She has no time for sight-seeing as she has to rush back for the shooting of the Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa finale.
Priyanka Chopra: She got nostalgic as she visited the country after so many years. She even took to Twitter to write about it: 'Shot so many wonderful films here in SA... Andaaz, Aitraaz and many more...goin down memory lane.'
Dia Mirza: She was also in producer and traveller mode as well as exploring collaborations with South African artistes, which the event hopes to promote.
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SAIFTA success
The night had been awaited with great expectations by entertainment circles of India and South Africa. A cross-cultural award ceremony coupled with various knowledge sharing and talent initiatives was a novel idea, and SAIFTA (South Africa India Film and Television Awards) 2013's debut did not disappoint, only exceeded expectations with its energy, glamour and substance.
On a recent evening, the red carpet set the tone for things to come, with Bollywood heartthrobs Ranveer Singh and Sidharth Malhotra walking down looking dapper in their suits, while the sizzling Amy Fernandes strutted down in her beautiful gown. Sadha Naidoo, Board Chairperson, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Neliswe Dlamini, Project Manager DEDT were seen interacting with Mukesh Bhatt and Waheeda Rehman and Abhay
Deol. Telly star from Indian shores Manish Paul who makes his film debut soon walked in with his co-star Elli Avram. Mona Singh, Apurva and Shilpa Agnihotri, Ravi Dubey, Sargun Mehta and more joined their contemporaries. It was this rubbing of shoulders and the exchange of ideas that gave SAIFTA its successful vibe right away. The motley crew of over 150 film and TV personalities from India, 30 top South African film/TV personalities and the 7,000-strong live audience at Durban took their seats and perhaps never moved till the end of the ceremony. The exhilarating performances were kick started by Sidharth Malhotra who set the stage on fire with his moves. Designer Alpa Reena's couture was featured at the special fashion show. SAIFTA also witnessed the outstanding energy of Priyanka Chopra. Madhuri Dixit charmed a new continent over with her scintillating dance moves. Not to forget, holding the evening together in his inimitable wit was film maker Karan Johar, accompanied by beautiful Dia Mirza, the gorgeous Tatum Keshwar and the charming
Simba. While Ranbir Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui made it to the first SAIFTA's awards list for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively, it was the competitive Film of the Year category that drew many cheers from the diverse audience, before Barfi walked away with the award. John Abraham won the Youth Icon of the year: South Africa. Special Madiba Award was given to Nelson Mandela which was received by his grand daughter Ndileka Mandela. And it was intriguing for many to glimpse into the South African television industry as 7De Laan was cheered to win the TV Show of the Year, followed by TV Actor of the Year Honours which went to Robert Whitehead. Envisioned as a signature event that would forge a new relationship between the Kwa-Zulu Natal province and India, the SAIFTA's brought in all the right energies in their debut edition. The presence of dignitaries such as Leleti Khumalo, Welcome Msomi, Saira Essa, Haroun Hansrot, Caroine Smart, Sorisha and Vivian Naidoo among many others only meant that this platform for cross-cultural exchange is poised for a vibrant future.
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In the festive spirit
Ganesh Chathurthi is celebrated with great pomp and show and our TV stars are also in the celebration mood. Some of them share their memories and plans for the festival
In the name of God
Merry go round
Sneha Wagh (Known as Ratan in Veera)
Fond memories of the past
Family time
Disha Parmar (Known as Pankhuri in Pyaar Ka Dard...)
Hand in hand
Aashka Goradia as Maharani Dheer Bai Bhatiyani
Woman of steel
Work wise: Hunar Hali
Change of track
Payal Rohatgi will appear in an episode of Hum Ne Li Hai... Shapath on Life Ok. Payal, who has been earlier seen in non-fiction shows like Bigg Boss Season 2, Survivor India, Zor Ka Jhatka and Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan Nawaazi Ki, is now keen on grabbing fiction soaps. Payal will be seen essaying the role of a super villain in one of the forthcoming episodes.
Rise and shine
Cause & effect: Naseeruddin Shah
Big names for the big day
Hrithik Roshan will visit the sets of Jhalak...for the grand finale of the dance reality show. Shaan, Lauren, Drashti along with Karan Wahi, Gurmeet Choudhary and Rashmi Desai will lit the stage with their performance. Hope Hrithik too will shake a leg.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Your card promises inner strength, maturity and communication skills. A general feeling of dissatisfaction lingers throughout the day. Your health is good. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power.
Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 62 TAURUS: The card "Magician" reveals your imagination can run wild. Flea markets and colorful shops will attract you and satisfy your urge to window-shop and browse. Tarot message: Learn from the past experience and dont make a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 42 GEMINI: Your card manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Make a list of tasks, complete work or study assignments that are due. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 46 CANCER: Engaging conversation with neighbours create a confusing atmosphere in the area. You can have quite a romantic adventure if you can take out time to get to know your mate all over again. Tarot message: Take care of any dealings with strangers. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26 LEO: Changes at your home are apparent and you should be willing to bend if you don't want to find yourself alone. Do not enter into any speculation. Tarot message: Take things one at a time instead of multi-pronged attacks. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 47 VIRGO: Your card instigates you to be active and clever. The biggest plans require attention to the tiniest details to turn them into reality. In fact, the higher you aim, the more precision is needed. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 61
LIBRA: Friends could get on your nerves today. Mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Plan a special romantic evening with your partner. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange, which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 30 SCORPIO: Your card reveals you gain balance, perspective and clarity in relationships. A frequent change of mood is likely. Further studies will help fine-tune your capabilities to perfection. Tarot message: Let issues settle down before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: Indulge yourself in personal pleasures like eating, sleeping or counting your net worth. Guard against becoming independent and free. Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of problematic situations. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 39 CAPRICORN: You could be in a restless and irritable mood and loved ones may bear the brunt of your temper. Romance could lead to some light-hearted and happy moments. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 35 AQUARIUS: Even the longest journey starts with the first steps. Make initial moves to get the ball rolling in the right direction. A lot of activity at work may lead to additional job responsibilities. Tarot message: Try a new off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 54 PISCES: Set aside part of the weekly budget for whatever you need. A new approach to an old problem can be the ultimate solution. Networking is more your style than team playing. Tarot message: Be positive and happy. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 43
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Shake it up
So does he intend to foray into Punjabi cinema like other contemporary Punjabi musicians? “I did appear in two very popular Hollywood films and though I have been approached by big Punjabi production houses, I do not find any exclusivity in Punjabi cinema. I would not mind venturing onto mainstream cinema.” As the plot of the conversation thickens, the intensity of Jassi’s expression of his self juxtaposes with that of his contemporaries and he speaks volumes about the current scenario of Punjabi music industry. “I wonder what kind of fallacy we cherish as we talk about the bad lyrics that come along only to define the current social scenario. If Honey Singh, who is like a younger brother to me talks about women sitting and drinking at the clubs and bars, well that is the reality of modern Punjab and we are all a witness to it,” he says. A sudden derangement of thought brings him back to his up and coming single, and he shares, “I think people relate with my music because it a concoction of traditional with the new. This single too is heavily interspersed with electronica and the lyrics are taken from traditional Punjabi folk, Lakk Hille Majajan jandi
da.” amarjot@tribunemail.com
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 9...
You will have charismatic personality. Keep your attitude positive. Focus on your health a little extra. Financial benefits will get better now. Invest in real estate and stock market. Financial matters will have to be handled judiciously. Act tactfully if in a job or business. Avoid conflict with your beloved or spouse. Plan a long holiday with your spouse to make your relationship stronger. If unmarried, select your partner carefully and seek astro advice. Number Nine is a teacher, tolerant, somewhat impractical, and has sympathetic vibration. Ruled by Mars, you may be Jack of all trades, humanitarian, sympathetic, helpful, emotional, active, determined. If you don't have meaningful long-term goals to work towards now, create some; take help from your mentor. You may try too hard to please or impress your spouse. Positive
colours: Golden, Red, White, Yellow and Cream Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday Favourable Numbers: 3,6,9 Gems recommended: Red coral and yellow sapphire Charity on birthday: You should donate milk, rice, kheer to needy.
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Journey ahead
Starlet Evelyn Sharma, who signed five films last year, has gone ahead and bagged one more! The hottie from Nautanki Saala and the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
(YJHD) will now be seen in the 'king of comedy' David Dhawan's forthcoming film Main Tera Hero, produced by Ekta
Kapoor.
Pitted opposite Varun Dhawan, Evelyn will share screen space with Nargis Fakhri (of Rockstar fame), and Ileana D'Cruz (of
Barfi! fame). "David Sir approached me because he loved my role in YJHD. I feel privileged to be his first choice for the character," says a super-thrilled
Evelyn. Come to think of it, Varun Dhawan now has three of superstar Ranbir Kapoor's hottest girls for himself.
That's no less than a coup of sorts. With his movie maverick father David Dhawan at the helm of affairs; combined with Ekta Kapoor's business and marketing acumen, is a sure-shot blockbuster proposition. Come 2014, and we sure have a lot to look forward to!
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Kajol opens up
Same values
I have become much calmer...he has brought lot of stability in my life... we are different people but we believe in same things. I am the stricter parent between the two of us because I am at home more often. Lasting relationship
It is necessary to love someone but it is also necessary to respect. I respect him greatly and that is one of the reasons why our relationship has lasted till now. Time and work
You need to work on every relationship including marriage every day. You can't work or do things on occasions only like anniversary or Diwali etc. You need to invest time and effort in every relation.
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Every artist, in a transient fit of creative passion elaborates a lucid frame of his reality. The five-day long exhibition, Kaleidoscope, at the Punjab Kala Bhawan that is organised by SSAF (Saksham Sparsh Art Foundation), unfurls the intense layers of creative manifolds of 17 artists as it validates the title of the exhibition, Kaleidoscope, the creative patterns of change. The Sobha Singh Art Gallery, ornamented with paintings, sculptures and installations spoke volumes about the expressions of the artists, including the intricate vastu pattern paintings by Gurdeep Dhiman, titled Moksha, painting for the East and spiritual tree of Moksha and the rural beauty of Punjab and its women by Jarnail Singh. “I have studied Vastu and these paintings have been made in accordance with its principals. I have used vastu signs that will propel the flow of positive energy if the paintings are put on a specific corner,” says Gurdeep.
While a painting by Jodh Singh, titled the Buoyant Punjab, depicts its lost culture and traditions, Parvesh Kumar’s sculptures weave a nostalgic mosaic that gives us a peek into Punjab’s past. As he points towards the installation that has a Charpai, “I have a strong affinity with the sparrows, and it is evident in all the three sculptors that I have made.” 
Siddharth Malhotra: He was keen to walk down a wooden bridge jutting into the sea and strike a Titanic-like pose. He did not say with whom! He got a sneak peek of the exotic beaches and landscape from his hotel window and
that, he says, evoked romantic feelings in his heart.
I love Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The environment is really amazing, divine and peaceful with lights everywhere. During Ganesha festival my few close friends and family get Ganpati at their house, so I make it a point to visit them and take Ganpati Bappa's blessings. I believe in Siddhivinayak and try to visit the temple whenever I get time from my shootings. I love to eat Modak. This time, I might be busy shooting.
Though I don't get time to visit Ganpati Bappa all the eleven days, but during the time of Visarjan, I make sure I visit my uncle's house at least once. When I was kid, my dad used to take us to different pandals and now I really miss those days. It was fun.
In my childhood, we used to bring Ganpati at my place. It was really an amazing time then. I use to help my mom in making sweets and cleaning the house. Now that I have started working and at the same time I am studying also, I don't get time. But I really miss those days as it was fun. No special plans for this Ganesh Chaturthi, I will celebrate it with my family.
We don't get Ganpati at home but I visit my friends place. I make sure I visit Siddhivinayak temple to offer my prayers and take Lord's blessings. Also, I visit my aunt with my family who keeps Ganesha at her place and thus it becomes like a family affair for us. On the last day of the festival my friends and I go to watch the Ganpati pandals all over, gorge on the amazing food and watch visarjan of the idols.
Ganpati is really a special festival for me. It's the time when we visit our
Hunar Hali, who was shooting for her show on Life Ok in Bhopal, hurt herself when she ran barefoot on some broken pieces of glass. She didn't realise and soon was bleeding. Though she was in pain, she continued to shoot as it was an important scene. Also the cast and crew only had a spare day to shoot for it.
Veteran film actor Naseeruddin Shah will be seen on TV once again. He will introduce stories in the new TV series, Nazar Ya Nazariya that will feature real life stories of visually challenged achievers of our country. The 13-part series will air on
Doordarshan.
Dressed in a light faded denim shirt and a
signature NRI turban, the pleats of which were arranged in impeccably accurate folds, Jassi Sidhu’s persona articulated its charm in a warm “hello
ji” that was uttered in a typical British accent. “This one’s going to be very different from what I did earlier,” he says, without wasting a single minute as he waxed eloquently about his brand new single,
Hipshaker. “I started my music career in 1996 with a Punjabi band called B21, but then I wanted to go solo after a while. For any Punjabi artist, performing in Punjab is like what performing in USA would be to a western artist, so in 2000, I came up with a solo album in India that featured Jawani wala
Zor. Post that I was featured in the film Bend it like Bekham,” says Jassi, who also appeared in the film Speedy
Singhs, where he sang a rendition of his song, Veerji veyon chalega.
You celebrate your B'day with Akshay Kumar (September 9, 1967, Amritsar). He went to Bangkok to study Martial arts and worked as a chef there. He got success with the Khiladi series. Till 2015, Akshay will not look back owing to his Venus period and number 9 will keep him at the top always.
Kajol hardly talks to the media about her private life but in a rare moment, she talks about husband Ajay Devgn's influence and importance in her life.