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An activist actor
“I am no Box Office star." Yet at the Kasuali Literary Festival Rahul Bose attracts more then media glances. But then who doesn't know this fine actor of films like English August, Split Wide Open and Mrs Iyer. More recently seen in films such as Vishwaroopam and Midnight's Children he confesses that he has indeed become choosy and gone slow on signing films.
He quips, "I want to do films like a Japanese Wife or a Midnight's Children that I can reflect back upon and feel proud of." Following the dictates of his heart rather than mind, however, this thinking man's actor is not just another actor hankering after glamour, fame and money. Every inch an activist, he has taken up issues and causes. He quips, "It's not a question of finding the courage… it's quite simply about one's belief." One cause that is closest to his heart of course is of communal harmony for "if we continue to politicise religion we will never have a sense of well being." He recalls how when Mumbai burned in early nineties, he remained a shameless spectator. But post Gujarat riots he not only took a stance but has since been working actively on the front. On actors who remain politically correct and don't commit themselves, he says, "I have nothing against them, if they believe by entertaining society they are
doing their jobs, it's absolutely fine.'' But he always goes an extra mile. Post tsunami he has made 23 trips to Andaman and Nicobar islands. Dubbing himself a 'feeler' and not a thinker "for first you feel and then think", right now he is busy writing a film. About the subject and the genre, he is tightlipped. All he would reveal is that he will be directing the film that will hit the screens in 2014. In case you are wondering if he has written most of it in Kasuali, he says, "I don't need the quiet of Kasauli to pen it down. I can write it amidst shor sharaba" With Kasuali which he calls his emotional home his connect is not just the Lit Fest which he says is as alluring as the first time over. One quarter Punjabi (his mother is half Punjabi), he has inherited the house in Kasuali down his mother's line. Till date he has not played a Punjabi on screen but wouldn't mind doing so. Though he understands Punjabi and speaks a little bit, language he feels is never a handicap or a barrier for an actor. Soon you will see him in the sequel to Kamal Haasan's Viswaroopam and an English film Under Construction made in Bangladesh. But more importantly he will be seen airing his views on a host of subjects and devoting his energies to his NGO, The Foundation, dedicated to the removal of discrimination from all walks of life. As for once an actor always an actor…. Well the actor who was hailed by 'Time' magazine as 'the superstar of Indian art house cinema isn't going to bid adieu to the acting world. Only he won't bow down to the dictates of the commerce of cinema. After all an actor of substance deserves only roles of substance. Meanwhile, look out for his own directorial cut that he promises will be highly entertaining but not commercial.
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Genetic inheritance
Pakistani singer Arif Lohar, who has more than one million hits on YouTube for his rendering of folk song Jugni, says the song is made for his family
Jugni and Arif Lohar... The two are so enjoined that it's hard to know whether Arif has touched the dizzying heights of success due to this folk song or the soulful singer has made Jugni a household number. Indeed, Arif's Jugni is like no others. The singer from across the border has no hesitation in admitting that the way he renders Jugni is unparalleled. He nods, "See some songs are just made for a particular singer just as Kishore Kumar's songs would sound odd on someone else's lips.... Similarly, I think Jugni is just made for our family." Down the memory lane, he shares how it was his father Alam Lohar who made Jugni immensely popular and now it runs in his family. Even his six-year-old son Ali Lohar sings it with aplomb. Interestingly though Arif was barely 10-year-old when he lost his father, he has vivid memories of the man who was also his first guru. Though he did go on to learn the finer nuances of classical music from other Ustaads, he observes emphatically, "Folk singers are born and not made." No wonder he was hailed as a child prodigy and went on to become the child star of HMV. Today at forty plus while his Jugni has garnered over one million hits on YouTube among his admirers are superstars like Shah Rukh Khan. And the singer who is being heard by millions across the world loves to tune into Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar and Noorejehan. He says, "Voices like these are nature's gift to mankind. These come once in a while and no training institute can create them." Passion, he believes, is the driving force of artistes. It not only makes him a cut above the rest but also gives him infectious energy to perform uninhibited on the stage. Undeniably, if his voice is unique... so is his andaaz-e-bayan. Attired in traditional yet stylishly designed clothes, his constant companion on the stage is a chimta. He quips, "Chimta is an instrument of the darveshs, the one piece of iron that knocks on the hearts of the people." Reaching out to people in the age of social networking sites when the world is only a click away, he agrees is easy. YouTube, which has sent his popularity graph soaring, he says may seem like a double-edged sword but is actually a blessing. He says, "Firstly with no investment, it provides you a world platform and secondly even though you don't get paid for your songs on YouTube, it opens the world to you." Performing on the world stage in countries like North Korea, China and the US, he believes music has no language. Of course, with humjubaan India, he shares a special relationship. The rousing response in India he agrees is overwhelming. Never mind the tumultuous ties between the two countries, artistes, he says, continue to spread the message of love. So love would be the leitmotif of his new song to be shot in Canada and recorded in the US. Rest he is not divulging but is a surprise. Keeping folk traditions alive and reinventing the same, he admits isn't easy. So while he digs into the treasure-trove of traditional lyrics, at the same time, he seeks inspiration from Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Iqbal and new poets like S M Sadiq. Blending the past and the present effortlessly, the folk singer has even rendered rock style Jugni. What makes Jugni eternally popular and evergreen? He muses, "Precisely, for there is a Jugni in every heart." And singing it in his robust melodious voice, he finds a permanent place in people's hearts. Bollywood connection
Arif Lohar isn't only a prolific singer with over 3,000 songs and 140 albums to his credit but also an actor of nearly 46 films. While in Lollywood, he acts as well as sings, Bollwood has only seen his singing avatar. His Jugni figured in Cocktail and he has rendered the title song for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and has also sung for Naseeruddin Shah starrer Zinda Bhaagh. Indeed, he wouldn't mind acting in Hindi films too as and when an opportunity presents itself. nonika@tribun email.com
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It’s time to indulge
First things first, rush to the nearest ATM, extract as much cash as you can. The more the merrier. Now, hop in your dashing SUV or MUV (that's all we saw), drive a little, dodging every other vehicle on the road, bring it to a halt outside Whispering Willows, Zirakpur, lastly touch your purse to feel the cash, slide your sun glasses (the Louis Vuitton, Gucci anything) to your head, roll on a smile and head to the one stop-shop destination called Vanity Fair. The yearly affair at Whispering Willows is back with just about any and every thing that a woman fancies. You name it and they have it, clothes, oh yes, all shapes, all colours, all designs, all fabrics, all cuts and sizes. Anarkali's dominates. Peach, tangy orange, black, maroon, dazzling with embellishments will catch your fancy and the fancy of your wallet too! This time, a new addition at the stalls might just freeze you for a moment, waist coats, and Nehru jackets for women in bright colours sit pretty on the kurtas. You can either buy a waist jacket alone for Rs 1500-2000 or the entire dress, which includes a kurta and a jacket for Rs 3000. Sonal Manik from Pankchukla has some interesting embroidered tops and evening gowns along with accessories that you might want to check out.
Evening dresses are something you can find in plenty, not to mention they all
look the same. Fancy embellished footwear? Slip your feet into one of those
beautiful, shiny pairs for Rs 1500-1800. Further ahead you can stop to admire
the hand-made embroidered bags coming all the way from Mumbai for Rs 1500
onwards. These can actually go with your traditional and formal attire as well!
Just around every corner, you will find a lot of stalls on home décor, 3D
paintings, lampshades, wall hangings (both traditional like a hand painted small
bucket which shines when you light a diya in it and modern like the LED Buddha
painting starting Rs 500- 2000). Inspired Living by Harsh Bhatia puts together
some contemporary home décor with a decent price tag. Another one by Puja
Bahuguna from Jia Creations has miniature paintings and other stuff that can
deck up your walls. Furniture, garden furniture and accessories, interior
design, home linen, imported kitchen accessories, glassware, luxurious bath
accessories and customised furniture that is next to impossible to miss. Fir-
Rang Katha is yet another stall put up by a mother daughter duo. Hand painted
terra cota pots, indoor lamps, fashion accessories which have the USP of
involving an element of textile/ fabric along with jewelry which is all hand
done in Chandigarh is what you can look for. And as you remove your hand from
your forehead that has been warding off the sharp sun, you would see a pretty
lady who can make predictions, she reads the tarot. She might be able to tell
you a thing or two about shopping! |
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Because family comes first
Cyrus Sahukar is back on television with a brand new show, Sab Khelo Sab Jeeto. The host, who has also done some movies, talks about his new project and other ventures that he is working on. What prompted you to choose this show? After a very long time, I witnessed a family get together on a television show. The families, which come for our show, play together and it is a wonderful sight to watch them play. Also, since these days, we all are too busy and stressed to spare quality time for family, this game has an old world charm as everybody gets together and plays, but no one loses. It is clean, simple, and pure family show and that is the reason why I opted to host it. Would you say that hosting this show is easier than the ones you have done before? Yes and it is only because of the energy on the set, which is utterly overwhelming. We all share our food and talk for hours while shooting, so it is a sort of a picnic with the families that come to the show. People go home, some having won and others having had a good time. You seem to have cut down on work. So are you dabbling with different projects all at once? For ten years, I was on television doing many shows, including Piddu and Semi Girebaal; perhaps that is the reason people expected more. Also, I hosted India's Got Talent and was working in different films. Presently, I am making digital content with Rhea Kapoor. It's a crazy comedy and will be telecast soon. I also have several events to host too. Which films are you working on currently? I will play the role of a host in an international film, Million Dollar Arm, which stars Jon Hamm. Also, I am planning to do a film that talks about God and it has four segments that have been shot by different directors. I am in Mira Nair's segment with Tanuja and Ram Kapoor. Which other hobbies keep you entertained when you are free? I love watching documentaries and going kayaking.
Manish Paul spreads laughter virus
It was time to spread some 'Laughter Virus' on the sets of Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali as Manish Paul made a special appearance on the show to promote his up and coming film Mickey Virus. Manish Paul, who previously has been a part of Comedy Circus, will be seen on the show as a special guest. Manish is blessed with an amazing comic timing and he had a wonderful time being on the other side as he witnessed hilarious acts. He was greeted by Krishna and Bharti's comical nautanki. He played along and transformed it into a rib-tickling act. Mickey Virus sure did spread the Laughter virus on the show. Catch Manish Paul on Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali this Sunday at 10 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.
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Winter care
Dr Vikas Sharma
(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh- based skin specialist)
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TRENDSETTER
Your sense of style? For me style denotes a well-groomed look, especially the hairstyle one supports. Brand crazy or street pick-up? I personally stick to brands only and maybe street pick-ups for gym wear. Who is your style icon? Hritik Roshan. Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity? Hmmmm! Can't seem to pinpoint anybody. Everybody has their own style. Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous? Sporty for me. The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories? My shades from Oklay and shoes from Aldo. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension? Jeans, pants and shirts in loud colours don't gel with me. Your take on accessories? Only a wrist band from Being Human, besides the customary wallet and belt. What
gives you a high on the confidence level? Whenever I enter a room and feel that I am
being noticed I feel super confident. As told to Poonam Bindra
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Astro turf
ARIES: You are likely to get a promotion or recognition today. Employment affairs are satisfactory. Your interest in overseas affairs is likely to stimulate. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition will push you to do your best.
Lucky colour: Baize Magic number: 52 TAURUS: Friction in the workplace can frazzle your nerves. Words said in the heat of the moment may not be the true expressions of real feelings. Maintain balance and remember that 'Silence is golden'. Tarot message: Stay calm. Lucky colour: Lotus pink Magic number: 25 GEMINI: You will witness the feeling of love and strong impulse. It will be an easy day so don't make an attempt to force the pace. Deal with routine job. Do not neglect a family matter. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 40 CANCER: An illness could mean having to take the day off work. Putting energy into your domestic life can give you the lift you need now. Some of you can be
worried about finance. Tarot message: Don't take any chances. Lucky colour: Blonde Magic number: 61 LEO: Sacrifices can put you in a far better place. Bring a breath of fresh air into your life by shopping for interesting artwork.
Don't make important changes at workplace today. Tarot message: Be creative to retain a grip over your business. Lucky colour: Chocolate brown Magic number: 24 VIRGO: Make an early start today and get to work as soon as possible. Not only will you impress the boss, you will feel an immediate sense of achievement. Focus on your ambitions. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Citric blue Magic number: 33
LIBRA: You will easily be bogged down by the daily grind as you are too caught up to go ahead with your ambition. You may have to attend to your friend's problems. Avoid going out tonight. Tarot message: Remember, a penny saved is a penny earned. Lucky colour: Lush green Magic number: 62 SCORPIO: The advice of elders and people with greater experience can make a lot of difference. Your love life will be good. Use your imagination effectively to create the outcome you want. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid inbuilt delays. Lucky colour: Pale yellow Magic number: 59 SAGITTARIUS: Cheer up! Excitement and happiness on the cards. Socializing and attending gala events can be costly. You will have much energy. You need a breath of fresh air and time out today. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Blood red Magic number: 63 CAPRICORN: Someone you meet today may give you a useful business tip. Sort out your accounts. It is best to stay at home and enjoy your leisure time as evening will lack force. Tarot message: Involve yourself
in new project. Lucky colour: Golden yellow Magic number: 57 AQUARIUS:
Your cards evoke fresh possibilities and even the longest journey start with the first steps. Do not allow friends or family to distract you during
study hours. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Cream Magic number: 50 PISCES: Finance and income are in the spotlight. Matters involving spending, saving and borrowing are all worth examining. Looking for a salary hike? Speak to your boss in the afternoon. Tarot message: Pay attention to your health. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 41
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 20...
This is a great year to pamper yourself and do things that you enjoy the most. Avoid being forceful in love affairs. Ruling planet Moon bestows creativity, emotions, honesty, simplicity, generosity and an attractive and pleasing personality. Health will be proper. Elder's health may worry you a little. Try to avoid long journey. In December, someone may compliment you. Avoid making any long-term investments. Be careful while making a promise to your friends. Love could be a delicious when romance sweeps you off your feet. Positive Colours: Cream, Misty Rose, Moon Beam Select days: Sunday and Monday Favourable numbers: 1,2,4 & 7 Gems recommended: Pearl, Moon Stone and Hessonite Charity on birthday: Donate Wheat in Langar. Feed Chana and Gur to the monkeys. |
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Priyanka Chopra unplugged
Priyanka Chopra is extremely fun to talk to and she owns the room! She is down to earth and friendly. She might make you wait for hours for an interview, but makes up with an apology and her bright demeanour. She talks about her bad habits and more. Bad habits
I am a highly unhealthy person. I do not follow any sleeping pattern, I do not eat on time, I hate working out but I am fit. I know what I have gone through to get Mary Kom's muscles and train like her! Somebody should please listen to my sad and gruelling story! I eat unhealthy food, I am not a morning person at all but I can stay up all night. I am restless, emotional, impulsive and impatient. Hrithik Roshan
I have been in the industry for ten years but most of my time has been spent with Hrithik Roshan in the three films we have done. Krrish took around two years to make, so did Agneepath and now Krrish 3 has taken more than three years to make. In the movie, my character Priya has a good and an evil side. And everybody is after her from the mutants played by Vivek and Kangna to the good guys played by Hrithik. The film should have been named, Priya, honestly! Singing career
I am just a beginner as a singer and I am enjoying it. My idea is to not only sing for myself but also do playback for another actress. It would be really cool and it depends on music composers approaching me and whether or not I like the song.
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From Greece to Goa
Esha Gupta is a gorgeous and sexy head turner and yet, she says she is the most boring person at a party. She talks about resembling Angelina Jolie and more. Army background
When my father was still with the Air Force, we went to Siliguri which I remember as a truly beautiful place. I was around four or five and we would take long walks and it is probably the prettiest hill station in
India. Desi Angelina Jolie
There was a bunch of Japanese tourists in Bhutan who wandered on to a set where I was shooting. I was still in my costume and make-up and they started yelling
'Jolie-Jolie', and asked me for autographs. I was flattered but I told them that it was a mere resemblance. Boring person
I'm very low-maintenance and that is a problem. I'm not demanding at all and sometimes I feel that I should be throwing tantrums. But since I don't party or
socialise, and am very low-key, I think that makes me very low-maintenance. Actually, I'm the most boring person at a party. Water baby
I'm a total water-baby. I've seen some pristine beaches, from Greece to
Goa. Also, my uncle has a beautiful house in Rishikesh, overlooking the Ganges. I feel at peace there. Ideal man
I like my man to be witty; he needs a sense of humour and needs to be extremely well-mannered. I think the manners bit comes from my father, who is an extremely graceful person. Also, a turn off is bad
humour, which is offensive, and disrespectful. Also, he should smell really good.
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Of dhol and nagada
Gujarati beat
It's a wonderful song and it does keep up with the Gujarati
feel, which adds to the drama and character of the song. Also, I love the
chemistry between Deepika and Ranveer, which comes across beautifully in this
song. Jasjeet Bhullar, student Nice tempo
It's a nice song. I like the tempo
of the song and the beats too. Also, the lyrics are pretty good too. They go
with the festive mood. Supriya Verma, student Festive note
I really like the
song and though it reminds me of Dhol Baaje, there is a certain festive
undertone to it. I like the cinematography and the video is nothing less than
brilliant. It's been ringing in my head for the longest time now. Virath Sehgal,
student — As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Gavras, Kamal Haasan honoured
Mumbai Film Festival has become an integral part of this city's culture. At the festival coveted Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on French auteur Costas Gavras and National Award Winning actor/director Kamal
Haasan.
Costa Gavras was eloquent as he praised the Film Fest, "I'm happy to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mumbai Film Festival. It is wonderful to see Indian cinema has a large local audience watching the films. I wish the Film Festival the best of luck and hope there are people who attend the various events." Kamal Haasan in his soft spoken manner addressed the audience, "There never was a method to my acting. I simply had great teachers, some of whom are present here tonight. I respect them a lot. Festivals have also taught me a lot and I am humbled to have received this
honour. I thank the Mumbai Film Festival for promoting talent such as myself." The other celebrities spotted at the event were Tisca Chopra, Divya
Dutta, Konkona Sen Sharma, Divya Dutta, Ramesh Sippy, Vikramaditya Motwane, Nandita Das and many more.
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Grand success
The success of Grand Masti was celebrated in a grand way by the makers, cast and crew of the film at a suburban hotel in Mumbai. Speaking at the occasion, Vivek Oberoi expressed his joy of the 100 crore rupees success, while thanking the audience for their love and support.
"Thank you so much, first of all I would like to thank the entire audience who have made our Grand Masti such a big super hit and thank you for all the love and support that you all give to us. We love you all thank you so much," he said. Meanwhile, Aftab Shivdasani was also overwhelmed and claimed he never knew the film would become such a big super-hit. "I am really happy. I don't have words to express my feelings but yes I am happy. We never expected this but always hoped that it should be a hit. But it will be so big we never thought," Shivdasani said.
— ANI
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suffering from fever and stomach infection, the 71-year-old shot an episode of his game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. The contents of his blog read- "There is legitimate concern from viewers and friends, strangers and workplace over my health. The immediacy of the social media is a boon most of the time, but at times, not. What to me seemed a slight drawback on my condition sets up an entire army of well wishers, coming in from all quarters of the world to inquire, suggest and advise what I may or should be doing." (sic)
After his memorable role in Masoom and few other films, Jugal Hansraj will now be seen in a television show in an episode of Yeh Hai
Aashiqui. He has been busy directing films in the interim.
Skin happens to be the reflection of how one is affected by changes in our environment. As the summer slowly slips into fall, it is important to gear up for a whole new skin routine.
Karan Saggar, a second year BDS student is out and out for a sophisticated look and we too feel that when elegance is combined with the latest trend, it becomes a 'wow' combination which would turn many a head.
You are celebrate your birthday with Virender Sehwag (October 20, 1978), affectionately known as Viru, is one of the leading batsmen in the Indian cricket team. Mars, as per horoscope, is very powerful and it promises long innings in life.
The latest offering from Bollywood that will tickle your traditional musical
taste-buds is a song called Nagada Sang Dhol starring Deepika Padukone and
Ranveer Singh. The song has been sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Osman Mir and is
composed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which has some Gujarati elements to
it.