Cinema on a similar note
The cast and crew of upcoming Punjabi film Young Malang came calling to Chandigarh, packing in some big names and promising quite a lot
Ashima Batish


Watch out: The team of Young Malang 

The timeline of the Punjabi film industry can be divided into two, pre and post Jatt & Juliet era. While hardly a film released each month, before Jatt & Juliet, grossed 35 crores at the box office, post it, there is at least one seeing the light of the day every week. So much so that Punjabi film industry is on a film-announcing, making and releasing spree. And who has the time to pause, ponder and observe the dipping collection graph when actors from Bollywood are flocking in too. This week, it's Young Malang's turn, a rom-com revolving around the lives of six youngsters. The cast boasts of Anjana Sukhani, of Salaam-E-Ishq fame, among Yuvraj Hans, Bali Riar, Anita Kailey, Chacha Ronki Ram and Vinay Pal Buttar. Cast of the film shares more.

Joining the bandwagon

The latest import from Bollywood, Anjana Sukhani is enjoying the attention she is getting in the Punjabi film industry. Not that she hasn't done regional cinema before, Kannada and Telegu being already there in her resume, she feels that Punjabi cinema will further boost her career prospects. "Punjabi cinema promises you a larger fan base, which extends beyond India to Canada and UK, where there is NRI Punjabi audience," says Anjana, who plays the lead opposite Yuvraj Hans. It's the fan base again that compensates for lesser money that actors are paid here. "Actors down south are paid five times more than what we get here because even the budgets of the films are accordingly high. Besides films here, I am also looking at the local brands that I can get to endorse," she admits.

Anjana has almost finalised two more Punjabi films and candidly accepts that she was never hands-full in mainstream cinema. But for actresses, when was it easy in Bollywood! Cut throat competition and the known fact that 'actresses can never be good friends' have left many an actresses a few film wonders. "Plus the short shelf life of actresses. It's wise to work outside the industry than be out of work," says the actor who came prettily wrapped in a Louis Vuitton stole. Not to miss the LV bag. "I am a stickler for labels, my latest indulgence is a Dior bag that I purchased for Rs 1.80 lakh. No wonder, I readily switched to regional cinema." On the same note, just like Bollywood, actresses aren't competitively paid in Pollywood as well. "But we do make up for that with brand endorsements. There we are any day ahead of male actors." Point to be noted.

Room for improvement

In a conscious effort to better the production value of the film, Rahul Sidhu, the producer flew in technicians from Bollywood. The budgets of the films have of course gone up but that doesn't necessarily translate into technical improvement. "Alok Dey has done the sound production for the film, who also has to his credit, Lootera. It's time we also invested in technical aspects of the film." He isn't bothered about the dismal collection of the recent Punjabi films at the box-office because those, he says, were films that blindly followed the trend of making comedies.

A slice of the past

He has seen three generations of actors contributing to Punjabi film industry. Now, Chacha Ronki Ram says, is the golden period of the industry, when films are giving huge returns. "I was a part of the industry when films didn't even manage a release and actors worked only because they loved their art," says the popular comedian, who in Young Malang also has stuck to comedy in the role of a professor."

Being herself

She plays herself in the film, an NRI primarily. "Becoming an actor was my childhood dream and I am happy that destiny had the same plans for me," says Anita Kailey.

ashima@tribunemail.com

Music keeps him going
Dj Suketu comes to Chandigarh once again to treat people to his music and talks about his association with Salman Khan
 
Amarjot Kaur
Console calling:Dj Suketu
Console calling:Dj Suketu

To marry music and technology and engineer a sound that appeals to the sensibilities of the masses may seem to be a Herculean task, but for Dj Suketu, it is intriguing and he fancies to continue with it. On his second visit to the city in the last six months, Suketu professes his love for the city folks as he talks about his future projects and more…

You performed live remixes on the sets of Jhalak Dikhla Ja. How was the experience?

I was really stressed while performing on the sets of Jhalak... because we only had over 12 hours of rehearsal and that too just a day before the final performance. Moreover, usually, when one falters with the beats while playing for the crowd, there is not much peril. However, in Jhalak, I had to play the rehearsed set and had I made a single mistake, the dance of the contestants would have suffered, thus the stress.

What is the scope of improvisation when it comes to DJing?

Most of the people mistake remix artists for djs. I know that Djing industry is going through its low phase, but I am certain that things will be better. Also, I think that the djs must come up with their own mixes.

What are you currently working on?

I just got done with mixing the official theme track of Being Human, a brand by Salman Khan and it is a complete EDM with English vocals. We have given a very international sound to the song and it will be available on Youtube very soon. 

Medical LINE (S)
Mona

Prevention is better than cure is an age-old saying, but we seldom do what we should do! Ravi Mantha, who spent a major part of his career being an investment banker in the US and England, moved over to social impact investing. Low-income housing and skill-development interest him now. He is based in Singapore with a major chunk of his work in India. Ravi is equally interested in health and has been researching in the field.

In Chandigarh on Saturday for Meet The Author programme organised by The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and Chandigarh Literary Society, he talks about his book All About Bacteria.

"Diabetes is one horrible progressive disease that makes you spend on pills first and then dialysis. Pharmaceutical companies earn billions from this hundred per cent preventive disease," Ravi initiates us into his area of concern. Since there is no business model for preventive disease, Ravi opted to write and create awareness. "People value health when it's gone. Many of the diseases that can easily be prevented catch us because we are not pro-active," he says.

Ravi believes that medicines lag behind research by ten to fifteen years if not more. His tryst with pharmaceutical companies exposed him to unhealthy practices. "Through my book I want to bridge the huge knowledge gap," he says.

To begin with, he throws some facts. In your belly button there are as many as 1,200 species of bacteria, which is more than the species of birds found in India. Human body is ninety per cent bacteria. There are as many as ninety trillion bacteria living in one's body. "We are a walking and living eco-system," says Ravi adding "the variety of bacteria helps us heal our body, curing depression and fighting obesity." So much so that he calls microbiology the third leg, if medicine and old systems like Ayurveda are the other two.

Ravi is happy at the response All About Bacteria, which has been published by Harper Collins, has received. "Not only common people, doctors too are reading my book for they want to be updated in the field." He is already on with his next book, which is based on nutrition.

Ravi Mantha loves to research and write on health. Here are his tips on healthy living:

  • Go out, spend time in nature; mud has mood-regulating bacteria.
  • Avoid use of antibiotics, they are harmful; make sure you actually need them before you pop them.
  • Be pro-active about health; keep your fat in check.
  • Avoid sugar and not just sweet sugar, but also that one consumes in the form of rice, chapatis and potatoes.
  • Don't maintain an overtly sterile environment at home; that makes you prone to allergies.

mona@tribunemail.com

Clutch onto it!
Amarjot Kaur

For those of you who fancy the whimsical flavours of fashion seasoned with an abundant amount of quirkiness, Judith Leiber makes for an obvious choice. If you can possibly recollect the Judith Leiber cupcake minaudiere that was featured in the Sex and the City series, and were wishing to make it a part of your collection, well, here's your chance.

The Aadaah Couture, house of Indian designer couture collections, unveiled a collection of Judith Leiber's bags and clutches on Friday. Varsha Ahuja, the brand manager of Judith Leiber, elaborates quite vividly on the signature style of the brand, thereby highlighting its worth that smells of dollars as it reminds you of sweet luxury and all that it encompasses.

"The Judith Leiber's collection was launched in India with the special Ganesha clutch and we have some designs that are inspired by the Indian culture and traditions, including the maharaja elephant and the camel," shares Varsha as she adds, "The range starts from Rs 1. 20 lakh and goes up to Rs 4 lakh." While we try to hold our jaws from dropping as we take a quick look at some of the famous celebrities flaunting the brands, an instant thought strikes us-how will the Chandigarh market take to this uber luxe brand? We find a reply in Ankit Gupta's reasons for opting for the brand, "Our store abodes the designer collection by Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Valaya, Rohit Bal, Suneet Verma, Sabyasachi, Manish Arora, Barun Bahl and Mandira Wirk, which are like jewels in clothes range. Judith Leiber is like a jewel in the bags range and it makes for the best wedding trousseau. Also, we have customers who invest in a lehnga that is worth Rs 8 lakh, so I am certain that we will find a clientele for this brand too because it is full of bling and it goes effortlessly with the Indian bridal attire," he says.

Meanwhile, he is interrupted by Varsha, who hits the bulls eye as she says, "Also, after 20 years of marriage, you may not be able to fit into your wedding outfit, but this bag is forever!" We could not agree less, as we stood staring at the bag with a scorpion symbol.

"It's sequence studded with Austrian crystals and handcrafted in America, while the designing is done in Italy," informs Varsha, as we still try to tame our wild heart, which beats a million times per second, falling more in love with the designs!

amarjot@tribunemail.com

For beautiful skin

Dr Naiya Bansal (R) at a camp to raise awarenes about full body laser hair reduction
Dr Naiya Bansal (R) at a camp to raise awarenes about full body laser hair reduction 

Laser Hair Reduction (LHR) has been in practice from many years now and a number of different laser technologies have been in use to achieve it, but not all of them provide satisfactory results. The reason: lack of the right laser wavelength. To counter this problem, ARV Aesthetics clinic-40 Chandigarh has introduced a full body laser hair reduction technology, which provides the required wavelength.

According to Dr Naiya Bansal, consultant dermatologist, ARV Aesthetics, "For permanent reduction of coarse facial/body hair, a particular laser wavelength is needed and only this will provide the maximum clinical benefit." Experts state that most of the other technologies are suited for fine and light coloured hair. Dr Bansal says, "We have three day beautiful skin camp from 14-16 September that will give free consultation for every skin and beauty related issue."

Vishal Kumar, MD, ARV Aesthetics says, "Full body hair reduction is a procedure being opted by many these days. Not just women, even men are coming for the same." Adds Kumar, "They claim that in contrast to the standard technology, this procedure saves 75 per cent of the time and it is completely painless. There are other benefits too: It helps to get rid of the body odour which gets aggravated due to thick body hair. In contrast to the conventional methods like waxing, threading etc; the gap between any two successive sessions is much longer and finally permanent hair reduction is achieved. This means that this system is more economical eventually and comfortable as well. Also, the number of sittings required is the minimum with this technology. Only 6-8 sessions are needed to achieve about 90 per cent hair reduction in comparison to many other lasers which require up-to 12-15 sessions. — TNS

Wear about
Picture perfect
Ashima Batish

Saree saga: Kareena Kapoor

It's flattering for a designer when his creation from the ramp finds a space in the wardrobe of a celebrity known for her style sensibilities. The compliments even get better when the celebrity in question is Kareena Kapoor. This time, the Manish Malhotra's loyalist for a change stepped into a creation by Sougat Paul and looked stunning for a magazine's cover launch. No wonder, she even has a book, The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva, dedicated to her impeccable styling. Here the style dissection begins.

Hair to stay

Her hair tied in a bun might pass-off for a simple hair-do but that is what draws ones attention to her radiant face and her saree.

Dress material

Kareena picked up the Sougat Paukl's saree from his latest collection, Decoding Zellige, inspired from zellige, a terracotta tile formation found in Moroccan architecture. The forms are thus found on her halter blouse and towards the hemline of the saree. The saree boasts of minimal print and maximum colour. The colour blocked saree in mustard and blue are in sharp contrast to the white blouse. What counts here is also the way Kareena carried the saree, confident as ever.

Make up

She knows how to strike a balance with colours. Since her saree is all about colours, her make-up is nude. Only her kohl-rich eyes stand out and her lips in a lighter shade of pink add up to the complete look.

Accessory point

There is no statement piece or a single accessory that stands out. She has let her saree grab all the attention. Black earrings and a diamond ring works well for her.

Play on

Bhaji Gursharan Singh Memorial Trust is paying tribute to the eminent theatre person by holding Dastane Gursharan Singh. The play directed by Kewal Dhaliwal picks up dramas by the playwright written in different time periods and brings them together on stage. The trust wants to keep up the beginning made by late Gursharan Singh. . Rang Manch Amritsar is holding the play at Tagore Theatre on Monday at 7pm. — TNS

Stress buster
Planning is the key
Renee Singh

Somehow telling people what I do for a living is always a way of getting an amused smile. ''Oh you are a stress management consultant; I could do with some help in that area.'' I used to feel that it is a clichéd response until when I delved deeper into conversation with people and realised they meant it. People have a habit of resisting stress management on a subconscious level. They do not want to accept that they are stressed.

Importance of planning

Many people have a habit of just going along life's circumstances. They experience and react automatically. Bad habits are ways of dealing with stress in unhealthy ways:

Too much caffeine

Caffeine is like a drug and consuming too much of it can give a full blown caffeine addiction. Some people have disturbed sleep and need a caffeine jolt to jump start the day.

Chain smoking

Cigarettes feel like a good stress reliever. Quitting smoking is as difficult as leaving a strong drug. They literally burn a hole in the pocket.

Drinking in excess

Alcohol is known for creating more stress in the long run. Just one or two glasses are all right.

Compulsive spending

This is a great way of fulfilling oneself; you seem to fill a void inside yourself. But constantly spending money to feel good can cause financial stress.

Stress relief game plan

We must learn to keep away from self sabotage. Our first step in this area would be to understand ourselves and our stressors better. Everything in life is good in moderation, extremes of behaviour in any direction is unacceptable. While making our personal game plan we should follow our own rules to suit our own nature. Our goal should be to keep ourselves happy and fulfilled. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

star track
B-town’s men in suits

 


Sidharth Malhotra       Ranveer Singh              Imran Khan                  Arjun Kapoor  

 Contrary to the big stars - Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan who are more casually dressed at events, the younger generation seems to swear by their suits. The young guns of Bollywood have been sporting the formal attire at events these days. The trend is usually followed in Hollywood

 

One for the press

Ranveer Singh was seen wearing suits at all press gatherings of his last film Lootera. His moustache goes well with his suited-booted look. He looks distinguished.

                                                               Well co-ordinated: Ranveer Singh




Fashionable foot forward

Imran Khan, who is one of the most stylish actors among the younger lot, swears by his suits. He has often even gone on record saying that dressing up in formals is the easiest.




Easy going: Imran Khan



Acting smart

Arjun Kapoor has been spotted wearing suits at most of his outings. He is tall, has lost weight and has the personality to pull suits off. He even wore suits through most of Aurangzeb and did his action scenes wearing suave suits.


                                                             Picture perfect: Arjun Kapoor



The dress code

Shahid Kapoor usually wears casuals but he sure is a treat to the eyes when he dresses up in suits. He looks adorable and slightly mature.

Tailor-made: Shahid Kapoor



Boy next door

Sidharth Malhotra has also often been spotted in his formal avatar. He has the charm of a boy next door and yet when he is dressed in a suit, his personality and good looks shine through.

Formally yours: Sidharth Malhotra

Anil’s television detour 


Different cut: Anil Kapoor 

Anil Kapoor left for Patna last week to promote the fiction series, 24. Anil Kapoor, has taken a different route to TV. The actor will be playing a very important character in a fiction series titled 24. Anil Kapoor, who has been a superstar on the silver screen, enters a different space with the television series.




An average affair

This week's releases, be it Grand Masti, John Day or Horror Story, have received negative to mixed reviews. Hence, all are avoidable. The winner continues to be Shuddh Desi Romance. 

So who’s the King Khan?

Class apart: Aamir Khan 

Aamir Khan is confident that his upcoming movie, Dhoom 3 will break Shahrukh Khan's Chennai Express record and he is also planning a game changer for Shah Rukh Khan. Whereas Salman Khan says that his next film will beat Ranbir Kapoor's all films, Shah Rukh Khan's records and even Aamir's upcoming Dhoom 3. Apparently, SRK's new box-office record has started a new war among the King Khans in Bollywood. Well, let's just hope that they give us quality and meaningful films as well. 

In festive spirit

Shraddha Kapoor is half-Maharashtrian. She has taken time off from her schedule to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with her family members and she has been doing this for years now. She just loves the festival.

Catching them young


Making the most: Shah Rukh Khan



Kajol and her husband Ajay Devgn try their best to protect their children from the harsh limelight and arc lights of Bollywood. This is to ensure that the kids enjoy a privileged yet normal childhood. She is quite strict with them. 




Happy times are here!

Shah Rukh Khan is totally enjoying shooting Happy New Year with his cast-mates in Dubai. His cast members are Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, and Vivaan Shah. They talk about football and lots more and are a happy team. He wrote on Twitter: 'Wot a lovely set of co actors. Hassle free, happy & extremely competitive! This is going to be a H N Year!'

chatter box
Shock proof

New avatar: Shikha Singh

After essaying the role of a dacoit in Na Aana Iss Des Laado, Shikha Singh, will now be seen as Shikhandi, the warrior princess, in the mythological show, Mahabharat that will be telecast on Star Plus. "It will be a challenging role for her and she will have a shocking look in the show," says a source.





Battle of the sexes


What's cooking: A still from MasterChef Australia 

Star World’s most popular culinary show on television, MasterChef Australia is back with Season 5 and for the first time in the history of MasterChef, they will have top 22 finalists in none other than the culinary capital of Australia-Melbourne! This season of MasterChef will witness the return of restaurateur and Chef, Gary Mehigan, Chef George Calombaris and food critic Matt Preston, the best-known hosts and judges of the top known television cooking series in the world. MasterChef's veteran trio is joined by a host of cooking luminaries, with guests, including Antonio Carluccio, Stephanie Alexander, Curtis Stone, Shannon Bennett, Maggie Beer and Guillaume Brahimi, pushing the contestants to elevate their game beyond imagination. This time, it's all about theme-based weeks in the MasterChef kitchen. The contestants will go to the boot camp in Barbosa and will get a chance to discover their inner child in 'kids' week'.

The show has Indian contestants, Rishi Desai and Neha Sen among some of the best amateur cooks who mix it up in a high-pressure test of know-how and nerve to win this crucial culinary battle. Catch MasterChef Australia with the Boys v/s Girls theme Monday to Friday at 9pm only on Star World.

A nod or a no 

All that jazz: Mouni Roy and Mohit Raina



They may not admit to their relationship in public, but Mohit Raina aka Mahadev and Mouni Roy, who played the role of Sati, will finally be seen together in Nach Baliye 6. The makers of the show wanted interesting couples, which is why they approached the two. The couple, however, is yet to respond.




“I am not making a comeback on TV”: Sonarika


Career wise: Sonarika Bhadoria

Sonarika Bhadoria, who was last seen essaying the role of Goddess Parvati in the show, Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, is one of the most popular faces in the television industry and her fans just can't wait to see her back on the small screen. However, this gorgeous lady seems to have a different plan in mind. She talks about it and more…

When are you planning to make a comeback on the small screen?

Well, it will be heart breaking for all my fans, but the truth is that I am not planning to make a comeback on the small screen at all. I have been getting many offers from several channels, but my focus is only on movies now. Television gets exhausting after sometime and shooting continuously for more than 12 hours with no holiday takes a toll on one's health. Also, one's left with no social life or mental peace and I really salute the television actors, who have been in the industry for more than three to four years now and have been shooting continuously.

Do you watch the show, Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev?

Frankly speaking, I never watch my own shows, even when I was a part of it. However, I do fancy watching international television series and movies.

Do you miss shooting?

More than shooting, I miss acting. But as I said, it was a much needed break. I wanted to chill and spend some quality time with my family and I am enjoying it.

What is your take on reality shows?

I don't mind being a part of dance reality shows, including Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Nach Baliye, but to be in the latter I need a Baliye. And talking about shows like Bigg Boss and Welcome, I am not a person who will like to make my private life public. I am a very private person and would not like to show the world how I cook, brush my teeth etc.

On personal front, are you dating or single?

I am single, but flooded with many marriage proposals. (Smiles)

Mother of all acts


Gauri Tonk


Gauri Tonk of Kaahin Kissii Roz fame, who was also seen in many reality shows, including Maa Exchange and Nach Baliye 2 will now be seen playing the role of a mother to Viraf Pheroz Patel's character Mrityunjay (lead) in the new show, Ek Boond Ishq.






Ticket to Bollywood


Filmy way: Barkha Bisht and Indraneil




Barkha Bisht Sengupta and her husband, Indraneil Sengupta of Kahaani fame, will now be seen in a film together. They will star as a couple in a detective film, Samrat & Co. The film also features Rajeev Khandelwal and the duo is excited to be working together in a substantial role.








The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 16...

Developing strong determination and courage will help you progress. Work front would turn out to be favourable without any hitches. There may be some setbacks in personal relationship. Devote quality time to your loved ones and adopt a compassionate approach for maintaining cordial bonding with people who matter to you. Medical expenditures are likely for your close kith and kin. Spend time gardening or redecorate a room. Do something that brings your focus back to the domestic realm.

Positive Colours: Sea green, maroon, dog rose

Select Days: Monday and Tuesday

Favourable Numbers: 2,7 and 9

Gems Recommended: Pearl, Moon stone and White zircon

Charity on Birthday: You may donate stationery, white clothes, white edible items to the needy, religious place or a Goshala.

You share your birthday with Sukhwinder Singh [September 16, 1968, Amritsar] who sang the musical marvel, Chaiyya Chaiyya, in the film Dil Se. The sum of the year 2014 which is 7, will prove to be a milestone for his career and he can expect more awards, rewards and honours.







Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Stay true to your ideals and don't sell yourself short for money or glamour. Think before you speak in a public meeting. Today is a good day for speculation. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before starting new. Lucky colour: Olive Magic number: 58

TAURUS: Do not take much responsibility and enjoy working through your chores one by one. A health issue could be worrying you. Do not be rash or impulsive today. Tarot message: Trust your intuition today. Lucky colour: Pale green Magic number: 46

GEMINI: It is going to be a tough day, so, be alert, awareand dynamic. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical effort. Control your anger and don't say something you may regret later. Tarot message: Stay possitive. Lucky colour: Ivory Magic number: 36

CANCER: You will have difficulty getting along with associates. Think twice before taking a decision. Money matters work in your favour. Business-cum-pleasure trips are on the cards. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Lavender Magic number: 55

LEO: The outcome of lawsuit might be postponed. Do not hesitate to shop around for a better deal. The employed will be given special assignment with handsome incentives. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be wiling to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 32

VIRGO: Double-check the appointment time. If you are travelling, it may take you a little longer to get to your destination. At workplace, co-operation will result in more success. Tarot message: Do not spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 45

LIBRA: Make sure you have your purse or wallet before leaving home. A friend may need your support. Romance may lead to some rather disturbing circumstances. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 25

SCORPIO: Business deals will not be finalized right away. If you don't feel you can trust a friend with your money, tell him the truth. Speculation is not favoured. Take care of an intense relationship. Tarot message: Stay positive. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 30

SAGITTARIUS: Those around you could lose you with their abstract, whimsical or vague ideas about important issues. Today there are good opportunities to increase your earnings. A good day for romance. Tarot message: Stay focused. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 63

CAPRICORN: Strange undercurrents at home can give rise to drama. "The Night Princess" infuses a fairly active morning for children. Contractors: you will gain new contracts. Tarot message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 27

AQUARIUS: A neighbour has some gossip to divulge to you. Health will give no worry. Property matters are highlighted. Today is a good day for romance, so stay open to meeting new people. Tarot message: Polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Sandy brown Magic number: 57

PISCES: You could wake up with a headache. Do not fear bad luck. This is fortune day for married couples. Working women: take proper care of your child's health. Tarot message: Don't let opposition faze you. Lucky colour: Lime green Magic number: 31





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |