Piping hot!
Manpriya Singh

The City Crawl, a reality show where VJ’s hunt for the hottest and quirkiest girl, boasts of many a celebrity. In Chandigarh, the action is unplugged…


Starry eyes: (L-R) The winners of the Chandigarh audition Chandrika Mehta, Megha and Ishita Sood

If beauty is all about the eyes of the beholder then, perhaps, sexy lies in the perception of mind! IICE in association with Channel V rolls out The City Crawl, a reality show that puts together a bandwagon of celebrities, in their search for the hottest and the quirkiest girl of India. The entourage comprising the heavyweights — DJ Sumit, Suryaveer Hooja from the band Ehsaas; DJ Sumit and DJ Quicksilver came crawling to Chandigarh to hunt for the right girls.

Says DJ Sumit, “The word hot does not mean vulgar; it’s a word used in common parlance very often today. But we are here to redefine the concept of hot.”

Meanwhile, the nationwide road journey puts together a bandwagon of celebrities hunting for the hot and the quirky. Joining them were also Gaggun Bedi, DJ Akanksha Popli, herself a reality show winner; VJ Suparna, VJ Chameli, VJ Yo Niranjan and VJ YLA.

Chips in Suryaveer, “The other day we were auditioning and put forth a question to a girl, ‘sarcasm is a language’. Her reply ensured that she made it.”

Before they set out to share the criteria, there is no mistaking the reality show with anything else. Says DJ Khushi, “It is not a model hunt; it is not a beauty contest. We’ll judge the girl on the basis of her attitude, personality, intelligence, style and body language.” Personally speaking, after having collaborated on hits like Chham Challo by Akon, Chikni Chameli, Desi Boys, among others, he’s looking forward to the title track of Boss, starring Akshay Kumar.

Coming back to the show, the twelve-city hunt moves to Tier-II cities and Chandigarh evoked an interest unparalleled! They echo, “We had as many as 155 girls auditioning in the city and we are very happy with the response.” DJ Sumit recalls his earlier stints in the city, “I opened for the World Series Hockey in the city, have been for SJOBA…but opening at the Commonwealth Games in front of an audience comprising 75,000 people was the high point of my career.” Catch him in his upcoming album Kudiye Tu Fukri Aai soon. He laughs, “It’s an out-and-out Punjabi album comprising six songs. It’s a power dose of Bollywood and Punjabi music.”

Just when the suffix first reality show on Channel V raises a doubt and many eyebrows, there’s a justification. “It’s the first-ever reality show with a convoy of prominent celebrities, VJ’s and artists hunting for the hottest and quirkiest girl on a road trip across the nation,” shares the executive representing Channel V.

Cutting back to the jury, Suryaveer is looking forward to the reworked classic Ae Zindagi from the movie Sadma in his upcoming film Prague. The song has been shot on the band Ehsaas in the film.

As for now, he’s more than happy taking time out and hopping across cities hunting for the hot and the quirky girl. He shares, “This is also the right platform for them. If a girl wants to be an engineer later on, we’ll help her realise her dreams.” That takes care of the reality part, we guess!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Three cheers
Fashion Vodka from Poland arrives in City Beautiful with a bang…
Mona


(L-R) Rahul Kashyap and Arun Aditya Singla PHOTO: Pradeep Tewari

Chandigarh is increasingly becoming the favourite destination of international brands and the latest one to make a foray is none other Fashion Vodka Party Collection.

Introduced by Michel Adam Lisowski, founder of FTV as fashionable drink, in five years of its launch Fashion Vodka has registered its presence in more than 100 countries. It hits Chandigarh through the formal launch on Friday with a party at Taj, Chandigarh, a joint venture between Kristal Spirits and F Beverages Limited, an affiliated company of Fashion TV.

Creations by Chandigarh-based designer Gunjan Nagpal in theme with the spirit; international models, DJ Anastasia and the first F party in India are all coming together! Says Arun Aditya Singla, CEO, Kristal Spirits, “All key players are eying India for its increasing purchasing power. Working out the logistics, Fashion Vodka has set up a plant near Chandigarh where they manufacture the spirit while matching up to international standards. Chandigarh being a fashionable city, it seemed just the right place to launch it.”

In fact, India is the second country after Poland to make this Vodka; the recipe comes directly from Poland. “This premium Vodka is priced at just Rs 525, offering a chance to vodka lovers to upgrade to a premium segment,” says Rahul Kashyap, CEO Kristal Spirits.

The brand, touted to be the signature of young and fashionable, is growing in India and plans to capture twenty per cent of the market.

“After Chandigarh, we launch in Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata in the coming month. In three months, we will register a pan-India presence. With global giant Fashion TV backing the brand, we are all set to introduce the culture of F parties in India! “ says Rahul. F Beverages plans to launch its range of energy drinks and champagne next.

Bacchus lovers rejoice!

mona@tribunemail.com

Punjabi scope
Miles off target

If only you could get a statutory warning with every movie ticket at the counter, you can at least prepare yourself for the big challenge ahead! Indeed, watching some films can be a real tough job. The first challenge is — find the story in the film. Viyah 70 km directed by Mushtaq Pasha successfully creates this hurdle, including many more like — join the different scenes together to form a complete picture, guess why the director picked a certain misfit actor.


Film: Viyah 70 km  

Director: Mushtaq Pasha

Cast: Harish Verma, Geeta Zaildar, Jaswinder Bhalla, Binnu Dhillon, Ranjeet, Aarti Chabria

Rating: *

Viyah 70 km gets all the credit for putting up barricades and puzzles you wouldn’t be able to solve. Viyah 70 km is a movie that of course has a storyline, which is successfully hidden…god knows where! Maybe it is still in the director’s mind, maybe he thought of re-working on it after the release.

Director Mushtaq Pasha could not lift the story at all; neither did Jaswinder’s comedy (which by the way needs a facelift), the presence of Bollywood’s bad man Ranjeet or a singer like Geeta Zaildar. Not even debutant Aarti Chabria’s ‘blink and kind of missing role’ and finally not even a fine actor like Harish Verma. A special appearance by Yuvraj Hans brings respite for a nano second!

The film has some of the ‘best’ repetitive dialogues, which are stretched beyond uneasy limits. In fact, Jaswinder Bhalla’s and Binnu Dhillon’s ‘little’ comedy is also stretched like a chewing gum. It not only looses elasticity by this over-stretching, but also the taste.

Viyah 70 km comes with a nice idea, but a bad execution. In fact, the film tries to transport you to a make-believe world that is totally unbelievable! The movie has some new names like singer Geeta Zaildar who has done a ‘just about okay job’. Ranjeet as the dadaji of the family is not at all convincing. However, we want to give Ranjeet’s make-up artist bonus points for doing a good job on him.

It is actor Harish Verma who has actually done a better job than the lot. Bollywood actress Aarti Chabria went missing after her introduction in the first half. In the second half, you pray that whatever little you saw of her in the first half was better! Binnu Dhillon has the capacity, but the director forgot to use that.

Are you waiting for the songs in Viyah 70 km? They came and went without being noticed. Can someone from the film tell us what sense does the song Prito Patiala Wali make? And what good does it do to the flick? So please don’t even come within the diameter of Viyah 70 km…keep safe distance.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

A man in no hurry

Aftab Shivdasani is the only single guy in the male cast of Grand Masti as Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi are married. The movie took him out of his comfort zone. He talks about the movie and his personal life.

Love life

I have never denied Nin's (girlfriend Nin Dusanj) existence in my life as she fills a truly special space in my life. I am very happy and contented. I guess there is a time and space for everything and I guess now is my time. I have never discussed my personal life in print and now too, I've said only what I need to say. I'm not the kind of person who likes to share personal details with everyone. I usually reserve that space for the two people concerned.

Uncomfortable zone

When I heard the narration of Grand Masti, I was like "Whoaa...are you serious?" I thought it was pushing the envelope too far, and that a lot of people would be shocked by the contents of the film. However, it was our repeated narrations with Indra Kumarji that made us more relaxed. Vivek (Vivek Oberoi), Riteish (Riteish Deshmukh) and I have gone out of our comfort zones for this film. All of us had our nervous moments during the shoot. However, I am glad that our efforts have paid off, and the film is finally ready.

Comedy once more

All my films have been important for my career, as each film writes a small part of my destiny. My latest film is a great opportunity for me to re-visit a genre that I enjoy doing—comedy. This film is crucial for me right now. I hope it is a hit as I need a hit right now.

Production plans

No, none at the moment, but yes I'd like to produce films again in the future. I had a wonderful time producing Aao Wish Karein in 2009. As of now, I just want to act.

Career graph

Whatever happened to my career was a consequence of my past decisions. To be honest, I look at each incident in my life as a lesson and don't regret anything that I have consciously done. I knew that I would be responsible for the consequences. I welcome anyone's perception on my career and status but eventually I know that I have to carve out my own destiny with my actions. I just want to work now. As far as acting is concerned, I wanted to do one film at a time. I am still in no hurry.

A date to remember

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who was the guest of honour at a charity reception for an initiative for diabetes, met British Prime Minister David Cameron at his official residence. The event was hosted by his wife Samantha Cameron to mark the sixth anniversary of the Leicester-based charity Silver Star.

"Samantha Cameron, wife of PM UK, hosted evening at 10 Downing Street .. and PM David Cameron also present. A rare privilege for me !! Prime Minister David Cameron, gave exclusive time to us, in one of the many historic rooms of the Residence, 10 Downing Street," the 70-year-old actor tweeted. But this wasn't the first time when he visited Downing Street which has been home to the British PMs. "Had been to 10 Downing Strt., many years ago when John Major, then PM hosted a dinner, for some of us Asian Community," he added.

Bachchan was there to announce plans for Mobile Diabetes units for UK, Goa and Mumbai. "I am International Patron for Silver Star Charity for Diabetes detection, where I have worked for years! Units in UK, Goa, Mumbai. Initiated by Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP, unit mobile van in Mumbai named after me ..AMITABH. Another to be launched named after my father," he posted.

The 70-year-old actor was awarded Global Diversity Award at the British Parliament. "And just back from the British houses of Parliament, presented by Speaker in his House by the Global Diversity Award... historic !! Speakers House over 1000 years old, unimaginable structure and interiors... what an honour!” he wrote.

GET PHYSICAL
Yoga or gymming— make a wise choice
Anil Juneja

"Healthy, wealthy and wise" —How truly these three adjectives can summarise one's wish list! Interestingly, health precedes the chronology! Certainly, health is the real wealth and in order to be healthy, one has to spend some time, money and mind as well. Using mind refers to being mindful about making a right choice about the kind of fitness regime one is adopting.

Fitness systems are broadly of two kinds-- the ancient system of yoga and modern system of gym. Many people either just practice one of the two systems while some others make a balanced combination of both. There is nothing like the supremacy of one over the other being discussed here but the essential difference between the two so that your decision making becomes satisfying and mindful. Read out to analyze what suits your requirements and then make a choice accordingly.

Well, there is marked difference between the effects of yogic asanas and pranayama on the body and mind as compared to cardio, weight and aerobic training in the gym. The interesting part is yoga works on all the physical fitness components like strength, stamina, flexibility and stability along with mental and spiritual benefits and have an edge over other fitness regimes as practiced in the gym. But if some fine differences were to be drawn between the two then there are some stark differences.

In yoga, the parasympathetic nervous system dominates while in gym the sympathetic system dominates. There are relatively controlled body movements in yoga as compared to the rapid and forceful movements in the gym, thereby there are low risks of injury in yoga while there are high risks of injury in gymming.

Also, yoga increases the muscle tone whereas gym increases the muscle tension and that is the reason the gym practitioners have stiff body while yoga practitioners have supple and flexible body. The breathing rate is controlled while one practices yoga. On the other hand one experiences the taxing of breath in gymming routines.

Having listed categorically the basic differences, let’s try to establish some similarity along as well. For example, take cardiovascular exercises, vis a vis the sun salutations in yoga. Both the cardio and sun salutations are used to warm up and increase the body temperature if done for 10 to 15 minutes but if they are done individually for 45 minutes then they help in burning calories. Whereas the cardio in gym just burn the calories, the practice of 45 minutes of sun salutations, besides calorie burning, stretches the entire body muscles, strengthens different muscles and joints and also detoxifies the body.

And, if you compare, weight training with yoga asanas, although weight training leads to muscles toning but eventually it causes muscles stiffness whereas asana not just tones the muscles but makes them more flexible and supple.

So we see the cardinal differences and similarities in the two health system, one is ancient and time tested and one is modern. A wise practitioner will look in to the pros and cons of both before making his choice.

(Juneja is a Chandigarh-based yoga expert)

Chatter box
All spiced-up

NEWSMAKER: Pratyusha Bannerjee
NEWSMAKER: Pratyusha Bannerjee

Pratyusha Bannerjee seems to be hell-bent on becoming the controversial queen. After her sensational pictures with Sara Khan and posing in a bikini with her, she lodged a harassment complaint against her boyfriend, Makrand Malhotra. Now rumours are that the girl who played the dutiful Anandi in Balika Vadhu and is headed for the Bigg Boss house is dating a new guy. Reports are that she’s been seen with a businessman named Kunal.

A travel in time

While audiences were entertained by the romantic banter between on screen’s most loved couple Ram and Priya, Bade Acche Lagte Hai is all set to introduce a 7-year-leap. Priya realizes her daughter’s mistake will be taken aback by Varun’s suicide and meets with an accident.

Priya is the only one to know the truth about Pihu. Ram who has always been bogged down with work, takes up the role of being the father as well as the mother to his teenaged daughters. From taking care of their needs to playing his teenaged daughters best friend, Ram manages his house as well as his never-ending meetings.

Oops! Wrong number

After reports of Sunny Leone being part of Life OK's The Bachelorette India, Mere Khayalo ki Mallika, starring Mallika Sherawat, now comes the news that it is the other Sunny who might be a part of the show. Punjab Da Puttar, Sunny Deol was approached to inspire men on the show. But people thought it was Leone.

First-day-first show
Two shades of grey

John Day

Directed by Ahishor Solomon, John Day features Naseeruddin Shah, Randeep Hooda, Shernaz Patel, Sharat Saxena, Vipin Sharma, Elena Kazan, Makarand Deshpande, Bharat Dabholkar, Anant Mahadevan in the lead roles. The plot of the film elucidates on the mysterious death of a young girl, which unfolds a web of secrets and a conspiracy. The father of the girl, John Day, is a simple, honest and god fearing man. Gautam, a nihilistic cop, the key player behind the tragic incident gets embroiled and sucked into the deep abyss that turns lethal. The thin line that separates the saint and the beast now stands blurred... broken... forever.

Off-beat theme

Well, if you are hoping for a typical Bollywood masala movie while buying the tickets for John Day, do yourself a favour and purchase a DVD of the nineties’ romantic films instead. This one is a respite from the usual and I anyway like dark cinema and this one borders along the shades of grey. I like the film.

Varun Gupta, student

Relativity issue

I like the film, but just like its characters, the film too has many layers, so it is not the kind of cinema that can be understood and digested by all. I think the movie was so-so and the reason for my lukewarm response is rooted in the fact that this is not the kind of film that a common man will be able to relate to.

Snigdha Sharma, student

Saving grace

The plot of the film is not very gripping, but Naseeruddin Shah and Randeep Hooda save the day. The intensity of Naseeruddin’s acting is perhaps the only reason why I stayed glued to my chair and Randeep keeps in tandem with Naseer.

Sagrika Sachdeva, student

On a different pitch

Mandira Bedi has established herself as a yummy mummy and an actress to reckon with. She talks about her television show 24, her acting mantras and her family.

Superb team

Anil sir (Anil Kapoor) is a livewire. He brings a different kind of energy onto the sets. People younger than him cannot match up to his energy level. He is a great motivator, and I feel privileged to be a part of a project that has the likes of him and Shabanaji (Shabana Azmi). They encourage you to bring out your best as a performer. It is interesting that I wasn't being considered for this particular role initially.

Old and new

I thoroughly enjoyed being a cricket anchor on TV. I feel great when I see female sports anchors on almost every sports channel. It feels nice to know that I was the first to take the plunge. The last show I did was Kyunki…, which was nine years ago. I came to TV with a show like Shanti, which had a great content. I could not see myself as a part of the shows being made lately. I find them very regressive and uninspiring. So, when I got this chance, I grabbed it with both hands. People had stopped looking at me as an actor. I hope to change that with this show.

Family support

I have been working since the past 19 years. However, life has changed after my son Vir has come into my life. I really understand how hard it is for a working parent to devote equal time to work and kids. I try to work for five days in a week as much as possible. On days when I am home, I am with him 24x7. My husband Raj is a hands-on dad. We make sure that if I am travelling, he's home with the kid and vice versa. He is my biggest pillar of support and source of encouragement.

Grand Masti

Presented by Bharat Shah and directed by Indra Kumar, Grand Masti is an adult comedy film. It is produced by Ashok Thakeria. The film is a sequel to the 2004 hit, Masti, and features Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani and Riteish Deshmukh reprising their roles from the original, along with Bruna Abdullah, Karishma Tanna, Sonalee Kulkarni, Kainaat Arora, Maryam Zakaria and Manjari Fadnis among others.

Silly plot

It’s a stupid film and a sheer waste of money. I have no idea what these people are doing in the film, because they are neither acting, nor entertaining. It’s not worth a watch.

Tamanna Wahi, student

Not worth it

I stepped out of the film after 45 minutes. Do I need to say anything else to detail my views on the film (laughs)?

Tejinder Singh, businessperson

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Enjoy a quiet morning and get into any artistic projects you have around your home. Let your imagination run free. Luck will be with you. Cash crisis resolves after 3 p.m.

Tarot message: Work can pose some difficulties.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 33

TAURUS: Today you will find people generally hard to pin down. Do not bury disturbing emotions, rather work through them. Conflicting energies in the cosmos make this a good day.

Tarot message: Balance your energy before taking important decisions. Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 51

GEMINI: Your card “the Sword” suggests that enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job. Be happy with the things you have.

Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of shrewd colleagues.

Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 34

CANCER: Concentrate on your career and the business at hand. Be flexible in your thinking. Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple, albeit unexpected solution.

Tarot message: Accomplish long-term tasks.

Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastles.

Magic number: 39

LEO: Today attention revolves around your home, property and family. Money rolls-in after lunch. Friends’ company stimulates you. Your determination and thoroughness will ensure success.

Tarot message: Be happy with the fruits of your hardwork.

Lucky colour: Black.

Magic number: 27

VIRGO: Hobbies will give you much satisfaction. Real estate matters can suffer. Confidence and self-esteem are on the rise. Business negotiations will give you a chance to shine.

Tarot message: It is the thought that counts and not the price tag.

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 45

LIBRA: It is a good day for romance. Avoid gossiping because it can spoil your chances of success. Do not try to rush other people. Be realistic before applying for more credit.

Tarot message: Be active to catch financial opportunities.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 47

SCORPIO: Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding on your loved ones. A frank discussion can clear the air.

Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: Give more attention to your health. Focus on exercise and meditation. Do not take on chores that will test you physically. Appointments and meetings can fill up your day.

Tarot message: Be firm in extracting a commitment.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Magic number: 29.

CAPRICORN: Emotions have to be controlled. Partners will not agree with your plans. No need to put your hard-earned money at stake. A positive outlook in life and general good feelings are marked.

Tarot message: Take care of your work portfolios.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 42

AQUARIUS: It is a relaxed day for senior citizens. Patience and hardwork pays. Focus on leadership and inspiration. You can make new acquaintances and enjoy visiting new places.

Tarot message: Put your cares to one side.

Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 61

PISCES: Home renovations will need more money than you had planned for. Speak to your partner about using joint finances to cover an extra loan. Tarot message: Involve yourself more in a new project to make it success.

Lucky colour: Burgundy.

Magic number: 58

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 14...

In 2014, there will be delightful moments at your work front. Students will excel in their respective fields. Health will be fine. Do not neglect your social life. You may have to take a major decision such as going abroad for study, job or business. You have excellent memory and charismatic characteristics. Take care of the health of your parents. Positive colours: Turquoise, Sea-green, Blue. Select days: Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Favourable numbers: 5, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Emerald, Yellow Sapphire and Ruby. Charity on birthday: Donate black pulses, oil, sweet edible items, steel utensils at a school or a religious place.

Ayushmann Khurrana You share your birthday with Ayushmann Khurrana (September 14, 1984, Chandigarh), who is a Bollywood actor. In 2012, Khurrana made his Bollywood debut in Vicky Donor, which touched on the topic of sperm donation. For the film, he also sang a song Pani Da Rang, which was composed by him. The year 2015 will bring a lot of success for him.





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