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Road less travelled
Roadies mastermind Raghu Ram loves to push creative territories. And guess what, you will soon see him as Sardar Mahender Singh Gill as he debuts with Punjabi movie Love Yoou Soniye.
What made you act in a Punjabi film? "I never had a choice," says a straight-faced Raghu, in Chandigarh along with the cast of Love Yoou Soniye. "When Karanvir asked me to do this role, I was up. A Punjabi film is way better than Telugu for I am worse in that!" Having grown up in Delhi with sardars around, it's from real life that Raghu has taken inspiration for his act. "I associate three characteristics with Sikhs — innocence, warmth and being large-hearted. All these are larger than life qualities that I have tried to bring alive on screen." The guy who comes across rather too confident and brash on screen is anxious about his acceptance as a sardar. "I hope I come across as convincing on screen. If not, well, I will use my being South-Indian card," says this multifaceted guy who belongs to coastal Andhra Pradesh, Machilipatnam, though born and brought up in Delhi. Playing lead actor Karanvir's elder brother in the film, Raghu sought help from director Sahil Kohli or Teejay to get the accent right. What he enjoyed most was that his wife thought he made a handsome Sikh, "On the shoots I would keep clicking myself and send pictures to my wife," says Raghu, who had a testing time tying turbans for long hours at the shoots. Quiz him on super success of MTV Roadies and he says, "There are various reasons. It's largely MTV's work culture and faith in the show. There has to be unity of vision. Right from the concept, shoot and editing, we have the liberty to follow our vision. And then we focus on being fresh and relevant with each new season." When the other reality shows like KBC and Indian Idol have taken a break, Roadies is into its tenth season. Raghu is immensely proud of the show, "Somehow I feel that Punjab has really accepted me. I have got immense love from the region, which is why I always hold an audition here." Question him on his use of 'abusive' words on the show, he puts down his cards, "I would not defend them. That's being uncivilized. But then at the same time, I would say that in college you talk to your friends a certain way; so why do you hold me guilty?" Been a successful television-producer-turned-actor Raghu has his own set of fears, "Animals, height, water, speed, crows and sometimes women (sometimes)." With a book that he's written on his Roadies journey, he is all set to explore more: "I am doing too many things at the same time and not being a woman, I just can't multi-task." One thing he really wants to do is music. "I am interested in Indian folk." He sings a Shiv Kumar Batalvi creation, leaving all those present really impressed. mona@tribunemail.com
Playing lead
The lead pair of Love Yoou Soniye, real-life couple Karanvir Bohra and Teejay Sidhu, was all mushy as they released the motion poster of their first Punjabi film at Chandigarh on Monday. From playing a sadist in Saubhagyavati Bhava, this is an image-changer for Karanvir who enjoyed a successful innings on Jhalak Dikhla Ja too. "Onscreen character is the not true measure of one's real personality. My friends often sympathised with me, Tujhe to bahut maar padti hogi and I shock them with, Vo maar khata hai," Teejay jumps to defend her doting hubby. She does shock those present by lifting Karanvir a la their poster mode. "Karanvir is the best actor I have come across in life and I am not saying that because I am his wife. Raghu has been stupendous on screen," she goes on. As many as fourteen different people debut in Punjabi industry with Love Yoou Soniye. "Right from our director Sahil Kohli to cameraman and lyricist Kumaar, we have experts in different fields who knock on the Punjabi film world with this movie," says Karanvir. The movie, which has been shot and completed in nine months, will release in Mumbai and Delhi along with Punjab. "It's an urban love story that will connect with youngsters anywhere in country. It comes with a sweet message too," he adds. And does Karanvir want to return the compliment that his wife has paid? "The film is for her!" says the lead actor, producer, story, screenplay and dialogue writer of Love Yoou Soniye, which releases on October 24.
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More than a platter!
While most of the restaurants bank upon their authentic taste, votaries of home-cooked food always cite nutritional qualities as prime. Will there ever be an end to this debate between quality and nutrition? "One can only find an answer if one watches Kitchen Khiladi, a new show on Sony TV," says Sanjeev Kapoor, television's favourite Masterchef. We dig in more.
From Khaana Khazana to having your own food channel Food Food and then this show, how has the journey been so far? It has all been like a dream. The idea of starting a food channel came along in 2004 and it was launched in 2011. One chef whose recipes you can swear by? My father, who was a banker and an excellent cook. Nigella Lawson or
Rachel Allen… None; it would be Amrita Raichand, who hosts Mummy Ka Magic on Food Food. Cookery books are… A big source of royalty for me! While men take to cooking as a profession, women retire to their kitchen shelves… what to you have to say about it? Women are smarter because culinary business in hotels call for a chef to work like a donkey. I think women should start charging for the food they make at home! Your favourite chef… Rene Redzepi at Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, and he is a lovely person too. One cooking ingredient you can swear by in any cuisine… A smile! Anything made without it is insipid. Healthiest dish… Lots of vegetables cooked at home in Indian style is a very healthy option. People who think that fat is not important don't know nutrition. Your favourite dish… I eat everything; but gol gappas and Punjabi kadi are a favourite. Do you cook at home… Only on weekends! (Catch Sanjeev Kapoor on Kitchen Khiladi every Monday to Friday at 8 pm only on Sony TV) amarjot@tribunemail.com
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High on life
It requires superhuman effort to navigate a bike or a car at the speed of 60 kilometers per hour in minus 10 degree Celsius. The terrain makes it no simple plus the stress to beat the competitors! When was rallying an amusement though? It is undertaken to defy limits, test potential and break records, which on the contrary tempt rallyist Mohit Verma, Jagmeet Gill, Harpreet Bawa and their like to enroll themselves for the 15th Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalayas rally year after year.
This time too, eleven rallyists from Chandigarh are all set to take up the challenge of the rally that begins from Shimla and finishes at Leh. They share some stories. Looking back Last year Mohit Verma suffered a fracture mid-way, Harpreet Bawa's car broke-down and he waited for hours before help arrived. "It's all part and parcel of the game; we never lose heart. We head for the rally with the mindset that any untoward situation can arise," says Harpreet, who is participating for the continuous thirteenth time. He started his journey with Raid De Himalayas Extreme 4x4 Category. "It's the only sports event of India listed in the Federation International Automobile, the organisation that ranks rallies worldwide," he adds. For Mohit it's the fourth time and undeniably motor-bike rallying is the most difficult, where unlike four-wheeler rallying one does not even have the company of a navigator. "Last year, I drove in minus 20 degree Celsius but there was no looking back." Jagmeet Gill, who competes in the Raid Adventure Category, has his story to share, "For six days, I am in a world of my own; competing with my previous records and that gives me a high." There is no denying the fact that physical fitness is important, but Jagmeet maintains that it's the willpower that helps one complete the race. Their preparation begins a month before the event, but going on the rally is a different deal all together. Laughs Harpreet, "You can't compare the terrain of Chandigarh with that of Himalayas; ours is like on-the-job training." Up ahead A lot has changed post the introduction of Formula One car racing in India. While rallying and circuit racing are very different from each other, the latter has helped the cause. "Though people often confuse us with Formula One car racers at least that has brought recognition," shares Jagmeet, who is sponsored by Maruti Suzuki. Sponsors increasingly volunteer now to support the cause of rallyists. Also there is a rise in the number of rally events in India. Adds Harpreet, "More events mean more rallyists." A common factor is that they all are businessmen. "No job would give us the liberty to pursue our passion. It's not like other sports, in which sportspersons have secured jobs with the government," he adds. Technical back-up There is GPS, Tripy, Terra-trip; devices that serve the role of a helper on the tough terrain. These devices, rallyists feel, have encouraged many a youngster to jump on to the bandwagon. "A navigator can go wrong but a Tripy can't. It is technology that comes to the aid when everything else falters," shares Mohit Verma. (The rally kicks-off on October 4) ashima@tribunemail.com
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The importance of the putter face
Jesse Grewal
There are two possibilities for ‘holing’ a putt or hitting a straight shot in golf–one is to make a perfect stroke or swing and the other is to make a perfect compensation. In the former the putter or club face must be perfectly square at impact and the path perfectly straight. The effect of the path is less in putting than in an iron shot. During the putting stroke an error of a non-square putter face has a 90 per cent effect on a ball not starting on line. As the speed of the putter head is considerably slower than that of the club head during the full swing, the ball stays on the putter face longer and is therefore the position of the putter face at impact influences the direction more than in the full swing. Golfers tend to compensate while putting by either taking more or less line or by doing two opposites during the stroke. If we take a group of golfers and ask them to read a line on a green they would come up with different opinions on the line. This is because each of them would read the line to their own stroke’s which is how they compensate by taking different lines depending on their tendencies. In the other case the path of the stroke and the face would be doing the opposite. This means that if the path is in to out the face should be a little shut at impact to hole the putt and if the path is out to in the face would have to be little open. Errors of the putter face at impact are either caused by an incorrect aim or by an incorrect path. The sub-conscious mind compensates very quickly to both of these mistakes. If a golfer aims incorrectly – has a putter face slightly open or to the right of the target (for a right handed golfer) they would either shut the face during the forward swing or bring the putter on an out to in path to make the ball start left of the target to compensate for the open face. Unfortunately creating compensations or using two opposites does not create a repeatable stroke and can lead to both misses. A one degree open face would require a path to be 4-5 degrees out to in to lead to a straight putt as the effect of the face is more than that of the path. As a first step to improve your putting learn to aim the putter correctly.
(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008 and 2012. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)
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Shake up a storm!
Kandla Nijhowne
The 12th of September celebrated as National Chocolate Milkshake Day. After reading an article about it, I've been dreaming luscious, smooth and creamy chocolate milkshake! I’m sure all such food holidays are just made up, having little historical significance. They are just an excuse to throw together our favourite ingredients and revel in good grub, better still when shared with friends and family! Milkshakes are a versatile term, and options countless. Even within the realm of chocolate, there are so many variations to achieve! So don't always head for the cafe round the corner to order that frothy, Nutella encircled pilsner glass. Make you own at Destination-Kitchen-Counter!
Note: Try an adult version by adding Baileys Irish crème, Bourbon or a crème De to the milkshake before blending. Mmmmmm.....heaven in a glass! (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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TRENDSETTER
An entrepreneur Gurpartap Mann loves to take care of his physique and dress well. This guy, who loves spending hours at gym, shares his take on everything fashionable.
Your sense of style… Those who naturally blend in with the occasion and those who can carry formals with ease are fashionable according to me. I believe in being trendy and setting my own fashion statement. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories… My silver Rado watch, shoes from Ted Baker and t-shirts from Hackett. Brand crazy or street pick-up? Brands are a sure bet but streets dole out good stuff sometimes. To be trendy you need to have a combination of both. Who would be your style icon? Tom Cruise has no parallel. I like to keep it classy. Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity? No one in particular. Guess everybody has his/her own style, I am nobody to judge. Which look would you prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous? It’s all about the glamour. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension… Spiked hair and unwarranted use of hair gels. I wonder why people spend time on that. Your
take on accessories? Shades top my list, besides a classy watch and a belt. An occasional bracelet does the trick for me. What gives you a high on the confidence level? When I am properly dressed up and not only look in place but feel so too. I need to be at peace with myelf, both outer and inner, to feel confident. — As told to Mona
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No pain, no weight gain
Frustrated by those stubborn areas of fat that just won’t go away? You need to stop worrying now as Nidsun Weight & Loss Spa brings a revolutionary laser treatment for permanently removing stubborn excess fatty tissue from areas of the body that are resistant to dieting and exercise.
Laser lipolysis offers a way to achieve inch loss and body contouring with no pain, no needles and no down time. The treatment emits low levels of laser energy, which creates a chemical signal in the fat cells, breaking down the stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol and releasing them though channels in the cell membranes. The fatty acids and glycerol are then transported around the body to the tissues that will use them during metabolism to create energy. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sunny Bawa and Nidhi Mohan Kamal, directors of Nidsun Weight Loss & Spa, said that laser lipolysis was a great option for people who wanted to improve the focal areas of unwanted fat or overlying skin laxity and who were looking for minimally invasive treatments with less downtime. It was a totally painless treatment and offers many undeniable advantages over traditional liposuction, they opined. The revolutionary and innovative laser lipolysis treatment is clinically proven backed with latest technology and machinery. It is a safe and painless option with no contact laser, so the patrons need not go through a painful conduct. Results can be seen immediately after the treatment. Moreover, it gives wonderful results with a planned diet and exercise. Each session of these ground-breaking treatments costs Rs 3,250. So it’s time to remove that excessive unwanted fat. —TNS
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In memory of Victor
Aarti Dahiya misses her labrador, Victor, who died fighting a snake Amarjot Kaur
Only a couple of days ago, Aarti Dahiya’s humble abode was trespassed by an venomous intruder and the peril that it brought along was life threatening. A sudden bark and a brawl broke out, a war between the wild, a fight for loyalty. As soon as Aarti could figure out what happened, her beloved pet, Victor, a black labrador lay breathing his last. She went for the lights and saw a dead snake in the lawn and her other pet, Brutus, a pug, panting and heaving, but shocked nevertheless. “What really happened was that a snake crept into the house and I think Victor detected its presence, and fought it. In the process, he was bitten by the snake due to which he died. Also, he protected Brutus, who is only three. Yours faithfully “We got Victor in a dog show over 10 years ago and it stayed with us for over 8 years. Also, he took such good care of Brutus, who we got home about three years ago. If I compare the two, I would say that Victor was absolutely doting and loyal whereas, Brutus is a mean little thing. He only chases food. So, if you have some food for him, you are on your way to becoming best friends with him,” laughs Aarti, who is a homemaker. Love me, love my dog “You had to meet Victor, for the kind of sweet little thing that he was. He has left a void that can never be filled by anything else. I still remember that even when I would scold the kids, he would often show his resentment by barking at me and that would make my kids bust intolaughter,” shares Aarti as she recollects some of the fond memories that she shared with Victor. “We are planning to buy a new labrador now. Brutus is too goofy and trust me, it’s all the more fun look at him now as he walks across the rooms sniffing for the next thing he can treat his tastebuds to!” she signs off.
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Stunning stones
India’s leading online jewellery store BlueStone that caters to stylish men and women in search for exquisite gold and diamond jewellery has launched Cocktail Nights– an unrivalled selection of solitaires designed exclusively to celebrate the joyous mood of this festival season in Punjab.
Cocktail Nights solitaire rings have been crafted with diamonds and coloured stones set in yellow gold and white gold to cast a lasting impression. The over three dozen exotic assortments are accentuated by coloured stones like ruby, emerald, citrine, iolite, rhodolite, garnet, blue topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tanzanite, and pink tourmaline. The solitaires have been interestingly named after cocktails such as martini, mojito, sake, malibu, daiquiri, grappa, bellini, colada and margarita. —TNS
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Deepika to shine in South
Deepika is the reigning queen of Bollywood. She gave two back-to-back blockbuster movies Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Chennai Express. Now the actress has received recognition in even South cinema. For a two day shoot of Kochadaiiyaan, the actress has received a whooping payment sum of Rs 3 crores. With Tamil movie Kochadaiiyaan, Deepika debuts in Tamil cinema. This is no regular movie. Kochadaiiyaan is a Tamil period movie directed by daughter of Rajinikanth, Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin. The movie will feature Rajinikanth in three different roles. Deepika will be playing the female lead. The film is shot in motion capture in a 3D format. The music of the movie is given by the talented composer and singer AR Rahman. The movie will release in a number of Indian and foreign languages. The film has finished its shooting and the post production works are being carried out in different countries like China, London, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. While the name of the leading lady was decided, a number of names from Bollywood came up. Initially, names of actresses like Vidya Balan, Asin and Katrina Kaif were doing the rounds. The name of South actress Anushka Shetty was also in the news. But it was Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone who bagged the fat deal. A source said, "Director Soundarya Rajinikanth Ashwin shot the scenes with Dippy in record two days. The technology enables each expression and motion to be recreated on screen after capturing every gesture of the actor." Though Deepika has a vast role in the movie, with the help of latest technologies, shooting of her part was completed in just two days. ‘Deepika is known to be a thorough professional. Soundarya convinced her for acting in this movie. Soundarya said, "Initially Deepika was a bit apprehensive about how the technology would work. But she soon gave her complete commitment to the project. We completed her portions in 48 hours." The teaser of Kochadaiiyaan received overwhelming response from online viewers. The teaser received over Rs 4 lakhs views in a day. It is the first motion capture technology film of India. The movie is made at a budget of over Rs 100 crores. Kochadaiiyaan's co-producer Dr Murli Manohar said, "We are aiming at a December 12 release for the film, finally. It's been a long struggle. But we wanted Rajiniji's fans to get the most perfect film after a 3-year wait. I think we've achieved what we set out to do."
Spooky treat
The first look of Ragini MMS 2, starring Sunny Leone, is out. The first teaser, which is a 90-second video, was also released on Friday the 13th, four months before the film's release on January 17.
The teaser, which has been certified A by the CBFC, will also be available for online viewing. Directed by Bhushan Patel, the film has been projected as the first mainstream horror (...and sex) film to come out of India. Producer Ekta Kapoor says, "The teaser of Ragini MMS2 is only a preamble to the big sexy horror fest!" What more can we expect from Sunny after Ragini MMS? "More horror and sex!" replies Ekta.
Kavita goes to B-town
Kavita Kaushik of FIR fame, a major hit on TV for her portrayal as a Haryanvi police officer, is debuting in a film, Lollypop Since 1947. The movie is a political, comedy story of a lower middle class couple, played by Deepak Dobriyal and Kavita Kaushik who are living in Delhi and how their life gets affected when Deepak decides to venture into politics as he wants to change the way the system functions. In the film, Kavita's character runs a mini restaurant. The mini restaurant scenes and some exterior shots will be captured in Gurgaon.
Manju Amit Bansal, producer of the film says, "I chose Kavita just because of her bindaas attitude and the shoot will take place at a various locations in Gurgaon. We plan to shoot in a farmhouse and also on the street of Gurgaon.
Not a cakewalk
For Kangna, Revolver Rani toughest role so far
From a gangster's girlfriend to a schizophrenic to a spunky small town girl—actress Kangna Ranaut has portrayed a variety of characters on the screen in the past seven years, but she says her role in Revolver Rani is her toughest so far. "My role in Revolver Rani is very difficult to portray. I think Revolver Rani is my toughest role so far," Kangna says. "It's a very unusual film, in which my looks are very different. I have to look unattractive in the film and for the first time I have to take care that I do not look beautiful," added the actress who apparently took training to use the revolver to make her role believable. Reportedly, Tabu was approached for the role before Kangna. Directed by Sai Kabir, the film is being co-produced by Tigmanshu Dhulia and Rahul Mittra. The actress, who was seen in "Shootout at Wadala", is happy with the kind of films she is doing. She said: "It's going to be an exciting year for me. I am doing some different roles in each film. I am extremely happy with the kind of scripts I am getting these days." Her next will be Krrish 3. —
IANS
Reel essence of India
Eye Candy Films to produce acclaimed director Majid Majidi's next film in India!
Internationally acclaimed and Oscar nominated director—Majid Majidi, known for his human stories like Children of Heaven, Baran, Song of Sparrows etc. is directing an International film in English that will be shot in India. Produced by Eye Candy Films and titled Floating Gardens, the film highlights the enduring nature of human relationships and is set in North India. Says Majidi, "I have always wanted to shoot in India as I have always felt that both Iran and India have the same cultural sensibilities. The shooting of my current film Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is complete and I am currently in Munich working on the postproduction. After I finish this I look forward to visiting India, and start the pre-production and casting for my next film. It is a dramatic film based on human values and I am looking forward to working with the team at Eye Candy Films." Shareen Mantri Kedia, Producer Eye Candy Films, adds, “It is indeed an honour that Majidi has decided to make his next feature film in India and we at Eye Candy Films are proud to be associated as the producers of the film. He is a universally loved director known for his simplistic narrative and inspiring dramas. His movies and the characters in them have always connected on a universal level. Floating Gardens is a powerful dramatic film and we are confident that he will capture the essence of North India with his own unique vision and feel for emotional values in a very beautiful manner'. Kishor Arora, Producer Eye Candy Films adds, "The movie will feature a complete Indian cast and a mix of Indian and foreign crew. With movies like Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi paving the way for India specific themes and films, we think this is the right time for an Indian production house to produce an International film out of India.'
Dream house
Hollywood star couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are reportedly renting a luxury mansion in Australia for 23,270 pounds-a-week.
The duo, who already have a multi-million pound home in Malibu and on the French Riviera, have reportedly splashed out on a plush pad in the posh suburb of Bellevue in Sydney as they want to spend the rest of the year with their six children. The lavish property is complete with 12 bedrooms, a private tennis court, a swimming pool for a quick dip to cool down, a gym, and a cinema room to unwind after a hard day at work. —
PTI
Saqib goes Hawaa Hawaai
Filmmaker Amol Gupte, who is working with Saqib Saleem in his next film Hawaa Hawaai, is impressed with the actor's performance.
"Frankly, I was not prepared for it, but I am proud to have Saqib on board. Whatever little we have shot has left me impressed," Gupte said in a statement. Saqib plays the prominent character of a skating coach in the film and is getting himself trained for the role. The actor feels honoured to work with Gupte and says: "Amole and I spent a lot of time together before the shoot so that I could become familiar with his style of filmmaking." Saqib, who made his Bollywood debut in 2011 with film Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, has also played lead role in Mere Dad Ki Maruti, made by Y-Films, an arm of Yash Raj Films. He also worked with filmmaker Karan Johar in Bombay Talkies. When asked about his career graph so far, he said: "I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with path-breaking directors so early in my career. Hawaa Hawaai will release in April. — IANS
Drew all praise for mom-in-law
Actress Drew Barrymore says her mother-in-law Coco Kopelman is the perfect example of a person who knows how to balance multiple chores. Drew is married to art consultant Will Kopelman, and has 11-month-old daughter Olive with him.
"She's the best. My mother-in-law is actually my muse, just on how to be a person and a wife and a mother," Drew said. Drew and Will were married in June last year.
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Back after a break
After playing Tulsi for a bit in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Gautami Kapoor took a long break from television. Now back on the small screen after a hiatus, she plays mom to Ulka Gupta. Gautami talks about her life, her new show and her husband Ram Kapoor. What is your character in the new show? Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi is a simple story without much melodrama. My character Shruti is a regular housewife who after her husband’s death has to be a mother and father to her kids; she even takes up a job. The show focuses on Shruti’s relationship with Ami and her other kids. There are no vamps as we have kept it real. We hope to bring some change. How much of your real-life experience will we see in the show? Quite a lot; maybe that’s why I closely relate to the character. I have two kids and we show problems between mother and daughter. I know I faced many adolescent issues with my mom while growing up, as does every teenager I think. You were all set to replace Ankita Lokhande in Pavitra Rishta- what happened? There was a lot of speculation about it. I had met Ekta but it wasn’t essentially for the replacement. It was the channel’s decision to get Ankita back. It was more hype than anything else. What kept you away for so long? I wasn’t getting any worthy roles, good enough for me to leave kids at home. And then most shoots were at distant places, so logistic issues were a problem. Is Ram too very busy? Right now he’s enjoying his stardom. Being from the industry, we can relate and support each other. He’s a great father and a husband.
Into the world of dinosaurs
ZeeQ, India’s first edutainment channel, has launched two animated series Dinosaur Train and Zou in India. The channel has acquired the Indian rights for these series, which cater to the pre-schooler audience.
The series features a curious young Tyrannosaurus Rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs. The show is set in a whimsical prehistoric world teeming with dinosaurs as well as other animal life and connected by a train line known as the Dinosaur Train. This steam-engine train is customised for dinosaurs of all kinds: windows accommodate the long-necked sauropods, there’s plenty of headroom in the Observation Car for the larger theropods, and the Aquacar is an aquarium for sea-going passengers. The train itself is run by Troodons (who get to run it because they’re very smart, as they often explain, and have nimble toe claws to punch the tickets). The Dinosaur Train circles the whole world—it even crosses the oceans and inland seas, with stops to visit undersea prehistoric animals. It also has the ability to visit the entire Mesozoic Era, the ‘Age of Dinosaurs,’ passing through magical Time Tunnels to meet the dinosaurs in the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous time periods.
This time it’s bigg & better
A celebrity couple, a daily soap queen, a video-jockey and a British-Indian actress were among the celebrities who entered the Bigg Boss house on Sunday and it seems that in their battle to survive for over three months they would serve a lot of drama.
Salman Khan, who is hosting the show for the fourth consecutive season, threw open the doors of the house and welcomed the guests. Based on the theme of 'hell' and 'heaven', the house has been divided into two parts. It's separated by a mesh and is low on comfort level. It was Tanisha Mukherjee who entered the house first. Guess what? Her mother, yesteryear actress Tanuja, and sister, Bollywood star Kajol were there to introduce her. VJ Andy followed her and as expected he sauntered in his signature style dressed in shorts and blazer. Tanisha and Andy, who took the heaven side of the house, were given the task to allot heaven or hell to other inmates. Dancing to the beats of Jhallah wallah and Duniya mein logon ko actress Gauhar Khan entered the Bigg Boss house and close on her heels was screen actress Ratan Rajput. While Gauhar was sent to heaven, Ratan was allotted hell. Next up was celebrity couple Shilpa and Apoorva Agnihotri. They might be husband and wife in real life, but in the show they were separated as Shilpa was sent to heaven, while Apoorva to hell. Then came Bodyguard fame, British-Indian actress Hazel Keech and TV actress Kamya Punjabi. Both were sent to hell side of the house. Kushal Tondon and Rajat Rawail were the next and while the former was given hell, the latter was lucky to enjoy the heaven. Newcomer Elli Avaram, who is a part of upcoming film Mickey Virus, was the next contestant and she was sent to hell. When Indian wrestler Sangram Singh entered the Bigg Boss house, Tanisha and Andy decided to send him to heaven because of his achievements. Balika Vadhu fame actress Pratyusha Banerjee and actor Armaan Kohli were sent to hell side of the Bigg Boss house. Anita Advani, who claims to be late superstar Rajesh Khanna's live-in partner, was the last contestant and she was allotted heaven.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 17...
As a Virgo born on the 17th day of September, you are very lucky financially. Although you are probably very honest and ethical, this birthday enables you to be shrewd and successful in the world of business and commercial enterprise. Investment in assets should be avoided. Extra cash and possible winnings are foreseen. You can earn profits by investing in gold. Those suffering from some ailment can hope for a swift recovery before November. You can look for an improvement in mental and physical health on the whole. Positive colours: Grey, Off-white. Select days: Saturday, Friday Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8 Gems recommended: Emerald, Ruby Charity on birthday: Donate red fruits, orange and sweet edible items at a religious place, especially a Hanuman Mandir today.
You share your birthday with Sanjay Kapoor (September 17, 1965, Mumbai, brother of actor Anil Kapoor and producer Boney Kapoor. He played a terrorist in the film Qayamat: City Under Threat. Sanjay’s stars do not promise much as an actor, but he can do well in the field of direction.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Don’t be amazed at TAURUS: Parents can experience a degree of stress. Making money and having fun are not a good mix now. Stick to earning a living and leave entertainment for later. GEMINI: Sweet moments are in store during the day. Shopping for a gift as a token of affection is a delightful way to spend money. You will find people generally hard to pin down. CANCER: Fashion accessories enhance your look at little cost. Spending on health makes sense. Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. LEO: Do not get involved in any mutual venture blindly without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Give your creative talent an airing. Hobbies will give you much satisfaction. Tarot message: Share responsibility with others. VIRGO: Anticipate a bit of craziness creeping into your day and surprising you like a cosmic jack-in-the-box. Avoid gossiping because it can spoil your chance
of success. LIBRA: Plans for a romantic rendezvous can be disrupted by a call from work or a need to do overtime. Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Tarot message: You gain by being practical. SCORPIO: If single, you will find attractive company. Pay more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that will tire you physically. Keep your sense of humour alive. SAGITTARIUS: Your card “Three of Cups” suggests that emotions have to be controlled. Compassion and forgiveness are needed for love to keep growing. Partners will not agree with your plans. CAPRICORN: Rise early to greet the day with morning exercise. Walking or running will suit some of you. Yoga or meditation can appeal to others. A domestic hassle is settled amicably. AQUARIUS: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long-term decisions. Money rolls after lunch. Keep moving ahead with the progress you have been making. PISCES: You should be very satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show the world what you have been working on. For now, stay with the task in hand. |
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