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A date with glamour
Designer bonding As Falguni takes the initiative to answer questions, Shane gives his inputs wherever he deems fit. And when Shane takes charge, Falguni backs up his theories with some facts. Not that they had the liberty of time before taking up questions, but you don’t see them interrupt each other. They agree on most of the subjects and that they say is the outcome of working together for thirteen years. Shane corrects, “Twenty-six years. Please count the nights also; we have slogged all the twenty-four hours to reach here.” In the initial phase of their career they might have, but now it seems like a smooth sail. How else will you describe it when Shane and Falguni Peacock enjoy applause at the International fashion weeks and when the likes of Fergie, Cheryl Chloe, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are on the list of high profile clients! It’s because of their packed international schedules that you don’t see them often at the prestigious prêt fashion weeks in India. “It is also for the reason that we have a huge client base abroad, as compared to India where people still abide by fashion rules. People in the West understand our experiments with designs,” Shane adds. While prêt is reserved for international markets, couture is meant for India. Thus we saw them recently at the Indian Bridal fashion Week, where they presented their collection Garden of Eden. Coming to what they will present on the ramp in Chandigarh, “It will be a heady mix of floral, sci-fi and colourful with an edge of punk and rock designs.” Feathers too will be a part of the designs, as they have integrally been since the time they started. “Feathers have become our signature statement, but it is pleasing and amusing at the same time when women demand a few on sarees as well,” Falguni shares. Next on their agenda is an e-commerce site that they say is indispensable to any business strategy. It helps make global clients, as also gives a sense of freedom to the buyers. Says Falguni, “There was a study conducted in the US, which proved that a huge percentage of women do online shopping during their lunch hours.” Shane chips in with some humour, “Plus you are able to shop when husbands are not around and even at night.” The couple is also planning to open a head office in New York. “We are artists at the end of the day, mere money doesn’t satisfy us. Creating art is equally important.” At their Blenders Pride outing, the couple aims to bring on ramp a balance of both, “Clothes that make fashion and clothes that are a substitute of art,” share the couple, who once again agree. And Shane’s at it again, “Can I afford not to agree? All husbands do that.” On a serious note, he adds, “Working with your partner keeps you grounded.” At least it has kept them, no wonder they are tangentially growing on the fashion front!
Sensibly sensuous She revisits the vintage era, takes a time leap to present and en route pays a tribute to the most playful Indian silhouette, the saree. It’s a signature Neeta Lulla exercise of going about her collection. In Chandigarh to showcase her collections, she incorporates her gratitude as well as greetings and remarks over the repeat performance after one year. “Chandigarh is my lucky mascot. This is the first venue I’m beginning with.” This time, her collection as she likes to put it, is, “coquettish, enticing and enigmatic.” The outfits in the collection have drawn their inspiration from the saree but retained their playfulness from the yesteryears. In the fun, flirty and sensuous collection, the fashionistas of the 20s and 30s take centrestage. “I have essentially done garments in cocktail-wear. The philosophy of the collection is inspired from the saree drape. You’ll see gowns and muted vintage palette…there is also a lot of use of tassels. Tassels give an element of fun.” Picture pastel shades, vintage hues, nudes, indigo blue, oyster pink and the like combines with uneven cuts, cylinder shaped outlines and draping. With Indian crafts etched firmly on her mind, she doesn’t have to go far looking for a muse or even inspiration. “All my collections this time have taken from the vintage. I am also working on Kalamkari. Then in a collection I have contemporised Kanjeevaram.” She adds, “I find Indian silhouettes beautiful to work with.” She may have just finished showcasing at the Rajasthan Fashion Week or currently touring the country for a private sponsor, but there’s been a conspicuous absence from some of major fashion events held in the Capital, New Delhi. “That’s because for the past few months I have been caught up with my own fashion school. I’m also involved in a project where I’m doing a bridal bed linen collection. Then I’m also doing an entire photo realistic motion capture film, whose graphics have been done in Chennai, China and Los Angeles. It’s a very different format.” It’s just a few hours before the show commences and Neha Dhupia is sealed to play the showstopper; showstoppers, the celebrities that have the fashion industry divided into two parallel schools of thought. “A showstopper only adds to the collection, if chosen the right way. Neha totally has the body type for my garments and her personality seems in tandem with my collection. Having a celebrity endorse things becomes an aspiration for people.” Someone wants to know about the upcoming bridal trends, wherein, “This year, you’ll see a lot of brides in neons.” While yet another quips on her style statement, which is, “all about power dressing; in the evenings I champion the saree.” Signature Neeta
Lulla.
Beard story
We have often wondered about his not-almost-there-blue beard. Shane shares the secret, “I lost a bet to my sister, who asked me to shave off my head. Since that wasn’t feasible I coloured my beard in lieu of that.” Now, it has become his style statement and goes well with the designer label, Peacock. And sure, it suits him.
ashima@tribunemail.com & manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Honest take
He is suave and the moment he starts speaking in fluent Punjabi, you know that this is the man cut out for Punjabi cinema. All that he awaited was a good script. Now, he will soon be seen as Himmat Singh on the screen early next year.
Arjan Bajwa, who has been brand ambassador for Blenders Pride Punjab International Fashion Week, is back on the ramp after having played Himmat Singh. His black belt in taekwondo helped him essay the role of an action hero better. “It was only after I shot for the movie in Punjab that I realised I was missing the culture here badly,” he says. “I am not game for run-of-the-mill stories though,” he says. Having done Telugu movies, he feels regional cinema digs out the best from the culture. “I think it is always the quality rather than the quantity that matters,” he says. Arjan feels there is a lot that is yet to be achieved in Punjabi movies. “Why should we be making re-makes? We have a rich folklore and culture. The music here is fabulous. Stories of sporting heroes of Punjab need to be told. That never-say-die spirit and positive aggression of Punjabis has to be shown on screen apart from comedy,” he says. “The story of Milkha Singh has garnered so much adulation on screen, so why can’t these stories be made in Punjabi?” he questions. He has more to say, “Why doesn’t someone make a film on Dhyan Chand, who too was a Punjabi?” There are so many stories in hockey and ‘heavy’ games like shot-put, wrestling et al. “There are so many stories to be told on screen yet. Now that the production quality is matching Hollywood films, good content has to be created,” he opines Up next for him is Sudhir Mishra’s directorial venture Mehru Nissan, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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Sharing notes
Let's not talk about anything other than the sounds that touch every heart, the rhythm that can make you fly like a feather. Let's talk about music. The unit of Punjabi film Heer & Hero releases the film's music with actor Aarya Babbar, Yograj, Gurpreet Ghuggi, singer Labh Janjua, Preet Bhullar, music director Gurmeet Singh and director Sagar Sharma sharing their notes.
Heer & Hero releases on October 18 and stars Aarya Babbar and Minisha Lamba in the lead role. As for the music of the film, it throws in some interesting singers together, Sonu Nigam, Labh Janjua, Master Saleem, Kamaal Khan and Miss Pooja. "The scenario of Punjabi films has changed a lot and this has also affected the film music scene for good," shares the Gurmeet Singh. Gurmeet has also given music for Yaar Anmulle, Young Malang, Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya and Vyah 70 km. Despite the volley of work, which he tries to keep different, the music director also feels that the film directors should concentrate more on the film. "A good film is like a package, strong script plays an equally important role." The title track of the film is the catch point of the film's music. Heer & Hero has almost three title tracks. "One is sung my Lember Hussainpuri, Geeta Zaildar and the third one is sung by me," shares Gurmeet listing the two romantic tracks in the film. Shweta Pandit and Kamaal Khan have sung one of the romantic songs, and the second one is
sung by Sonu Nigam. If you are waiting for some more spice, an item number, picturised on Hazel Keech of Bodyguard fame, is also in the offing!
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All the right strings
He is the Hindustani classical music instrumentalist who brought the gramophone home. As a master of classical music, he does not indulge in artistic snobbery or sneer over other genres or rue the overnight products of reality shows.
"I listen to everything. Bollywood, remixes, Western; I am well-aware of today's musical scenario…fortunately, things have changed. Now youngsters at least know the names of likes of Zakir Hussain and Pandit Ravi Shankar. Earlier they only knew about Madonna and Michael Jackson," in city on SPICMACAY Chandigarh Chapter's invitation, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, the creater of Mohan Veena, plucks all the right strings and chooses to look at the positive things. As for reality shows, he shares, "You can't deny the fact that they bring forth talent. Most of them don't fade into oblivion rather they earn quite well through live shows. However, it becomes a problem when parents become more ambitious than the children participating in them." Each concert is an impromptu rendition bringing forth his inner feelings. "What I play depends on the time and also the mood; how are you feeling once you enter the auditorium. Then there's the audience to consider. SPICMACAY audience is different. The idea is to show them a glimpse of Indian classical music." It's his pursuit of passion that drives things, for, "Music is just a way of expressing your inner feelings. It transforms you into a better human being." The outstanding achievements in the field are only a part of the package. A Limca Book Of Records, a Padma Shri, a Grammy…what next? There is little else that a musician can crave for! "I don't dream of anything; whatever comes my way, I accept it. I don't crave for anything. " Post the award-winning album A Meeting By the River with Ry Cooder, there are several more shaping along. "I have a fusion album Groove Caravan with jazz pianist and also an album with Glenn Charles that has been released in Canada." Then there's also collaboration with George Brooks, a saxophone player. "I am also judging a reality show on classical music for DD." With almost two shows a day, "at times programmes take care of the
riyaaz."
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Let’s celebrate
A step into one of Chandigarh's oldest and most important entertainment and shopping destinations—Piccadily Square, gives one a feel of festivity as the whole mall was decorated with white and red coloured balloons symbolising peace and celebration. The environment is so charged up that people from all walks of life came in droves to participate in the Mall's first anniversary celebration, after it made a makeover from a single screen cinema hall to a reverberating multiplex.
The glamourous attraction for all was none other than acclaimed Bollywood actress—Mahie Gill. The high point came when Mahie and Aditya Nath Sharma, MD, Piccadily Square, cut the cake to symbolise completion of a successful one year of 'Piccadily Square'. Later Mahie and the Mall's top management participated in a media meet. According to Aditya Nath Sharma, MD, Piccadily Square, Chandigarh, "Our Mall has completed a year in 'City Beautiful' and we are proud to have risen to the occasion, by upping the hospitality bar that much more, and endeavoring to provide impeccable service and entertainment to visitors. The mall is a huge draw with enthusiasts as it's centrally located and is also one of Chandigarh's oldest landmarks." The Anniversary celebrations also includes the screening of the movie "Chhota Bheem" for underprivileged kids. Says Mahie, "For me Piccadily Theatre had always been an important part of growing up in Chandigarh. " — TNS
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Romantic take
Director Imtiaz Ali, who has been behind films like Socha Naa Tha, Jab We Met and Love Aaj Kal, says he should not be categorised as 'romantic' filmmaker because every movie comes with a love story. "Every film has some element of romance in it even if it's an off-beat movie, action thriller or a women centric story," said Imtiaz. The 42-year-old director is all set to release his upcoming road romance Highway, starring Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt, this December. Imtiaz is famous for redefining the genre in Bollywood by giving relatable characters to audiences but he does not like being pigeonholed into a particular image. "It varies from director to director how he adds the romantic element in his films but romance is everywhere. It is not necessary to categorise films into particularly 'romantic flicks'," said the director, who was in the Capital for a mobile launch. Highway is very close to Imtiaz's heart as he wanted it to be his first film. "Like, I have evolved as a director since Socha Naa Tha, the story of highway has also evolved from what I thought of initially," he said. Highway is set in six different states. — PTI
Ranveer hospitalised for dengue
Ranveer Singh, who is known for his infectious energy, has been laid low by a bout of dengue and has been admitted to a Mumbai hospital for treatment. Sources say that Ranveer contracted the fever in Durgapur where he was shooting for
Gunday. Despite not feeling well, the actor continued shooting as he didn’t want his producers and other crew members to suffer any loss or inconvenience. On completing his leg of the shoot, Ranveer rushed back to Mumbai and got himself admitted where it was diagnosed after tests that Ranveer has been infected with the deadly dengue fever. Doctors treating the actor were surprised that he continued to shoot despite suffering from high fever. For the moment, the actor is under the constant care of the hospital authorities though no details were available on his discharge or the time he will take to recuperate and bounce back. May be a visit from Deepika could work some magic, we think. Here’s wishing the star a healthy and speedy recovery.
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Hope for The Lunchbox
The Good Road’s selection as India’s official entry to the Oscars was a tough call with other entries being The Lunchbox and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Interestingly, all the three films were backed by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC). Apart from The Good Road, NFDC co-produced The Lunchbox and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. However, Anurag Kashyap who has co-produced criticised the choice. He even deleted his Twitter account after that. But that is not all. The Lunchbox is getting a good response at the box-office. Filmmaker Karan Johar who is presenting the film tweeted: “Super Steady Box office...widespread acclaim and love....sleeper success of the year with a wide awake new age audience...#LUNCHBOX it is!!!” Filmmaker Ronnie Screwvala thinks it will stay in theatres for weeks. “The Lunch Box has warmed the hearts of all who made it-we had a great opening weekend and sure will stay in theatres for weeks,” he wrote on Twitter. But the real good news is that the film can still be sent to the Oscars as a direct entry by its producers and it may even have a chance at many other international awards.
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Objection, your honour!
The hugely hailed trailer of Hansal Mehta’s hard-hitting, controversial film Shahid that has been released online, have been missing from national television. The Central Board of Certification (CBFC) felt that some dialogues in the trailer was ‘sensitive’ and unsuitable for public viewing. The trailer can be aired only after certain changes, recommended by the board are incorporated.
Meanwhile, the trailer can run online, as Internet content doesn’t come under censorship. The dialogue in question in the promo of Shahid has this dialogue, “Apne aap ko jihadiyon ka Gandhi samajhta hain?.” According to the Censor Board the mention of Gandhi in this particular context may hurt sentiments. Hence they decided to hold back the promo till that portion is tweaked. Keeping CBFC’s suggestion in mind, the word Gandhi has now been replaced with Masiha. Hansal Mehta, director of Shahid, said, “Yes the information is correct. We have been told to make changes in the dialogue and it has been changed for the TV promo. We totally understand the censor board’s point of view. The trailer of Shahid was released last week and has impressed many. Aamir Khan who was the first to post the trailer on his official Facebook page wrote: “Hey guys check out this trailer. I saw the promo and really liked. It’s of a film called Shahid and it’s directed by Hansal Mehta. Raj Kumar seems to be doing some good work. Love. a” Starring Raj Kumar, the hugely admired Kai Po Che! star, Shahid is based on the true story of slain human rights activist and lawyer Shahid Azmi, who was killed in 2010 by unidentified assailants in his office. From attempting to become a terrorist, to being wrongly imprisoned under a draconian anti-terrorism law, to becoming a champion of human rights, Shahid traces the inspiring personal journey of a boy who became an unlikely messiah for human rights. A classic underdog story, Shahid has been called truly inspirational by those who have seen the film at several world film festivals. Produced by UTV Spotboy, Sunil Bohra and Anurag Kashyap, Shahid is set to release on October 18.
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Stars’ comfort clothing
Siddharth loves his jackets and blue shoes. The young actor is often spotted with a pullover, seems like the Delhi lad has a collection of them. He also swears by his blue shoes which Sidharth finds both comfortable and trendy.
Another actor who loves his shoes is Farhan Akhtar. He has been spotted wearing his yellow shoes umpteenth number of times. Farhan says his shoes are very comfortable and hence difficult to part with. And now he has moved on to a pair of neon green coloured shoes.It takes courage to carry neon green!
Imran Khan always wears colourful and printed socks. Irrespective of whatever he is wearing–formal or casual, the actor ensures his socks are colourful and in contrast.
Ranveer Singh seems to be fond of hats. He, in fact, has a fantastic collection
Salman Khan
Salman Khan is known to wear his firoza bracelet for years together. It is an accessory he adorns at all times.
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Experimental mode
Gurdeep Kohli of Sanjeevani fame, who used to be a regular face on TV, has not done much work post marriage as she didn't want to repeat herself.
Anil’s on a high
Anil Kapoor is quite excited about his small-screen debut show 24. It will air on October 4 and stars Mandira
Bedi, Tisca Chopra, Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher and others. The senior actor talks about the show, his role and more.
Have the promos been received well? Yes and we are all now awaiting the reactions of the audiences. There is a good vibe about 24 in Bollywood and television circles, which is comforting. We have stuck to the essence of 24, yet added Indian elements to the show and story. Will Jai Singh Rathod be like Jack Bauer? The show 24 and Jack Bauer are synonymous, and Kiefer (Sutherland) made the character iconic. But as our version has desi elements and is made keeping Indian sensibilities in mind. Were you ever nervous making a television debut? Not for this one, but I was a bit anxious when I did the American 24. I was doing TV for the first time. The show 24 is shot like a feature film and we have great production values. We have wrapped up sixteen episodes so far. Are the rumours about your daughter Sonam being a part of the show true? Yes, since we announced the show these rumours have turned up but they aren't true as she isn't in the show. We heard you will be planning the next season soon? Yes, it would depend on the response of this season.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Your cards Two of Cups suggests romance will be much on your mind today. You will have to cancel a proposed trip. A minor incident can have dramatic effects. TAURUS: Spiritual values surface. Taxation matters get adjourned. Maintain a romantic view of daily events and forget that your desires never seem to get fulfilled. GEMINI: Social activities accelerate. Co-workers are helpful. A love relationship is
revitalised. A proposal of marriage or a decision to start a family is high on the list now. CANCER: Your card The King brings joyous news. Share your interests with your family members. It is a good day for purchasing a vehicle. You need a break. LEO: Check your e-mails and appointments before setting out this morning, so you won't miss anything important. Chances are you will get a message mixed up and have to redo something. VIRGO: Routine matters should be updated. You need to be alert and responsive. Evening time is good for purchasing ornaments. Read a good book at bed-time. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. Avoid a social gathering in the evening. Messages you receive will be subtle or contain hidden meanings meant only you. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts. SCORPIO: Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach an agreement with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered. SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled. This is the time of increased communication or travel with a romantic partner, children or social groups. Tarot message: Leave the past and move on. CAPRICORN: Mental work will be stimulating. Be cautious about whom you get involved with. A new romance can bring changes to your living quarters, as you both find the compulsion to be together stronger than reality. AQUARIUS: Business matters will not proceed smoothly. An attempt to improve your health will be successful. Tension builds and tempers can fray. An irritating co-worker can push you to your limits. PISCES: It will be wise to keep work and domestic matters separate. Students: time spent on studying will not go waste. Retrenchment or loss of a job can release you from the bonds of commitment. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 29...
You have an idealistic and generally peace-loving nature. Your birthday on the 29th shows easygoing, sociable and civilized nature. The number 29 reduces to 11, one of the master numbers. This is the birthday of the dreamer rather than the doer. Libra women make use of charm and grace in expression. Positive colours: White, sky-blue, pink, cream Select days: Sunday, Monday Favourable numbers: 2, 7 Gems recommended: Pearl, opal, pink-sapphire
You share your birthday with Samir Soni (September 29, 1968, London), who made his debut in the Hindi serial Samandar. He made his film debut opposite actress Mamta Kulkarni in China Gate (1998). Samir shot to fame with the film Baghban. Soni also worked in the popular television series Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. Samir’s stars predict a good future.
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Siddharth Malhotra
Farhan Akhtar
Imran Khan
Ranveer Singh
of these headgears and has been effortlessly adorning one for his outings. That is quite a quirk as well!
Actor Vishal Malhotra seems to be looking quite different these days. We hear that the actor is sporting a brand new look, which seems to be quite refreshing. The latest buzz has it that the actor has taken on his first negative character, as he will be seen doing an episodic in
Arjun.
Slow & steady
