Lighting up Jugni
Jasmine Singh

Lyrics and rendition are no slaves to anyone. And when it comes to the ever-popular song Jugni, there are umpteen versions as well as creators behind them…

Arif Lohar
Arif Lohar

Everybody has heard it; the young, the old, Punjabis and the non-Punjabis. It has played in just about every car, every party and the link shared on every social networking site. The Jugni that Pakistani Sufi singer sang at the Pakistani Coke Studio was a chartbuster, with everyone humming alah waliyan di jugni ji. And then one fine day, a newspaper report carried a report on how the rest of the Punjabi singers and poets are miffed because Arif Lohar happened to mention in one of the interviews that the song was written and popularised by his late father Alam Lohar! The statement raked a controversy.

If you happen to go down, pulling some old stories about Jugni, it is thought to be a flame or a torch that was carried around in undivided India by two local singers Bishna and Manda on Queen Victoria's Golden Jubliee celebrations. Another belief is that it's an ornament worn around the neck.

If you search Youtube, you will find more than 200 versions of Jugni sung differently be different singers.

Rabbi Sheirgill gives the benefit of doubt to Arif Lohar. "Jugni is a folk song, which can be rewritten by many singers and sung differently. What Arif Lohar probably meant is that he sang and popularised Jugni sang by his father, which is true in his right. He is laying claim over the lyrics and artistic investment," says Rabbi citing an example or two. "Punjabi music has always laid emphasis on the ornaments like gaani or chala, which have been used to express different things by different singers. Rabbi has also written and sung his version of Jugni.

History revisited

An interesting account explains this origin of Jugni. In 1889, India went through the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Queen of England's rule. It was called jubilee celebration and was a grassroots thing. There was a flame that travelled. It was put in a big gold utensil and taken to all districts. It was called jugni from the jgn root, which stood for light and shine. The travelling jubilee light was accompanied by police and army bands; parading officials, zaildars and the local elite. Jubilee was widely pronounced as Jubli, which may have got its final shape as Jugni when the singers started their routine.

Albeit the younger generation knows Jugni from the Bollywood movie Cocktail, there are umpteen versions of it. Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi has sung Jugni written by Madan Gopal. The singer definitely feels no one in particular can lay claim on Jugni. He also sides with the Jubilee version of Jugni. "I am thinking of writing another Jugni, which will be based on the present situation. Singers have written Jugni like they have felt about it."

Another line of thought is that jugni is the jg root in Hindi, which stands for shining, burning and waking. The word for the 'living' planet is jag (prjug) but there is also the jug meaning 'age' or era.

Singer-actor Sharry Mann hasn't sung or written his version of Jugni because he feels one needs a stature to sing it. "Jugni like chala is a folk song; it has been popularised by the people and for the people. Singers have sung Mirza differently; similarly no one can lay a claim over Jugni. There can be different versions of it, written and sung differently," says the singer who likes the Jugni sung by Gurmeet Bawa and Arif Lohar.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Funny side up
Ashima Batish

Anchor, VJ, comedian Cyrus Broacha is capable of tickling the funny bone of even a mummy. In Chandigarh, he leaves everyone in splits…

Enter Cyrus Broacha with a list of precise instructions — feel free to take any number of calls, take a leak whenever you get a call of nature, roam around if you want to in-between the conversation — in fact, the popular comedian goes a step ahead to make men feel at ease, "If Sachin Tendulkar can scratch in front of the whole country, why can't you do it here with an audience of twenty."

This one of course he didn't mean literally, but Cyrus being Cyrus brings along his trademark sense of humour to Chandigarh to promote Godrej Security Solutions on Tuesday. Besides cracking jokes, he gives us insight into his life and how he rates the humour quotient of an otherwise serious nation.

Politically incorrect

Toilet humour, presumably a favourite with Cyrus, might test the temperament of some people but the anchor-cum-comedian-cum VJ asserts that it's cleaner than politicians' humour. Host of a popular TV show that's a satire on the politics and systems in India, he is glad that the younger generation of politicians doesn't take jokes seriously. "National-level parties of India are better that way; it's the leaders of regional parties who don't take our jokes sportingly. Don't you know of the case in which a politician booked a cartoonist under the Defamation Act," says Cyrus.

He hopes against hope that people in India will take to humour as it is supposed to be taken. "There has been a remarkable improvement in the last ten years. Take Grand Masti for example; it has expletives and adult content as any American comedy film, yet it was accepted by the Indian audience." Several shows and two books later, he is now planning to write another one in which he will create a fictional country and political leaders. And it won't be difficult to spot similarities between his characters and politicians, "I hope I will be able to release it before the general elections next year."

Home take

Since Cyrus Broacha was here on Karwa Chauth, he shares that although he does not fast for the long life of his wife, he religiously follows her diktats. "People ask me who has an upper hand." Can you guess the answer? "There is just one hand - of my wife," he says.

On screen

His Bakra series, in which he played pranks on commoners, made him a household name and later a weekly show on national television added to his popularity; Cyrus feels his journey on screen has been pretty fulfilling. He will now be seen in a show on the lines of Comedy Nights with Kapil, but that will take digs at his ever-favourite subject — politicians. "Another difference will be that it will be made at 20 per cent the cost of Kapil's show," he laughs. There is nothing happening on the film front as such but with a book and two TV shows, he doesn't ever regret. "My show has won several awards but that might be also for the reason that Rajdeep Sardesai lobbies for me." Should we take him seriously here?

Community centre

Looking back in time, he recalls his college days at St Xaviers, Delhi, where he was an active member of the Parsi Sikh confederation. He quips, "We minorities found solace in each other's company." He highlights a few similarities between the two communities. "We are loud by nature, we love to eat and more importantly drink; even the size of a Patiala peg is equal to that of a Parsi peg." While he thinks Sikhs are flourishing, he has a serious concern for his community, "We might go extinct before the tigers or one-horn rhinos."

ashima@tribuenmail.com

No rat race for Raveena

Raveena Tandon has bagged the role of a jazz singer in Bombay Velvet. She talks about the changing movies in Bollywood, how she got this role, fitness and more.

Going retro

I was in touch with Anurag (Kashyap) for a long time regarding the film. In fact, I have worked with him earlier in Shool. He had written the story of the film. I have great regard for his sensibilities as a scriptwriter and filmmaker. I tease him as 'the genius' all the time. However, I got a real kick about this film when I heard the songs. They are simply mind-blowing. In a sense this is my first period film. I love films of the retro era. However, though this film is set in a bygone era, it does not exactly have the black and white flavour.

Masala films

I don't think that the charm of masala films is fading away. In fact, we are seeing too many of them lately, ever since the success of Dabangg. Recently, when I saw the song Agal Bagal Hai from a recent Shahid Kapoor-Ileana D'Cruz starrer, it reminded me so much of the songs I did with Chi Chi (Govinda). Masala films will always find an audience. The comeback myth—it is funny to read headlines like 'Raveena is making a comeback'. I never took a long break ever in my career. I was doing endorsements, judging reality shows, etc. In fact, I even did a film or two. However, every time I come in a film, the media calls it a comeback. It is surprising because I have been facing the camera often.

Avoiding work

At times, I feel exhausted with the amount of work I am doing currently. Though I can take on two more films, I am consciously avoiding too much work. I want to devote sufficient time to my children, and don't want to compromise on that. I am happy with the number of films and the pace of work.

Fitness freak

Exercising daily is a must for me. I workout daily in the gym for 45 minutes or one hour. As far as looking pretty is concerned, I feel that if you are happy and content, it reflects on your face. I try and avoid stress.

Good space

After working in the industry for so many years, I am no longer in the competitive mode. I would be kidding myself if I felt that I was a part of the rat race. As an actor, I want to take on roles that I haven't done before. I want to feel motivated about the kind of films or roles that I take on.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: An unexpected guest can gate-crash on your hospitality. A romantic mood can colour even the toughest situation in rosy hues. Your abilities will put you in the good books of your supervisor.

Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays.

Lucky colour: Coffee brown.

Magic number: 41

TAURUS: You draw the Ace of Pentacles, so you will begin the day full of energy and confidence. People are drawn to you; but do not trust them. New ventures that are launched have a better chance of being a success. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and compromise. Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 33

GEMINI: This is a great day to get your ideas down on paper and start planning your next project. Do not let people intrude into your space if you need solitude. It is a good day for dealing with accounts.

Tarot message: Do not go in too many directions at the same time.

Lucky colour: Lemon.

Magic number: 39

CANCER: Romance and creativity are highlighted. This is also the perfect time for initiating a new personal project. Family matters can keep you busy in the evening.

Tarot message: Listen to your voice of wisdom.

Lucky colour: Baby pink.

Magic number: 27

LEO: The "Queen of Swords" suggests that the spotlight is on fashion, appearance and charm. Romance and passion are on the cards. Do not allow feelings of frustration overtake you.

Tarot message: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. Lucky colour: Coral.

Magic number: 60

VIRGO: Your card "Five of Swords" reveals physical activity and pleasure. Do not start this day by being extravagant. You must cut down on spending. Loved ones will not be very helpful. Tarot message: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings.

Lucky colour: Indigo.

Magic number: 42

LIBRA: It is the time to begin new projects and contracts. Make important calls, write up a proposal and do anything that requires a starting point. Travel will prove futile. Focus on religious discourses. Tarot message: Fitness routine and healthy diet is important. Lucky colour: Lime green. Magic number: 54

SCORPIO: Business dealings can fall due to lack of details and information. Confusion over priorities can also cause havoc at the workplace. It is not a good day for financial matters.

Tarot message: Perseverance is the key to success.

Lucky colour: Sky blue.

Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: A career switch can mean having to move out of state or overseas and upsetting the applecart at home. You can spend quite a lot of time on planning. Business matters are fairly well under control. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 55

CAPRICORN: Stick to the beaten track today and look after yourself. At the end of the day you will be proud of what you have achieved and can be rewarded with a bonus. This is the time to go for medical check-up. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires.

Lucky colour: Rust.

Magic number: 38

AQUARIUS: A special person in your life will be hard to communicate with. Students: light reading will keep you busy today. A health problem can be satisfactorily treated.

Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 40

PISCES: Your card "The Devils" boosts your enthusiasm and self-confidence. Take this time to expand your social circle, develop new talents; learn new hobbies or plan a vacation.

Tarot message: Versatility will bail you out of a situation.

Lucky colour: Golden.

Magic number: 28

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 23...

The Lunar Kartik month begins today. Mercury has given you an intelligent brain, premonition traits and oratory skills. An unexpected encounter is likely. Do not go on the first impression. Try to understand what is hidden deep down under the external veil. Visits to pilgrimage centres and tourist places are on cards. You will enjoy a sound health. Old investments will be reinvested in shares, gold or real estate for multiplying wealth. Logic will be your strength, but it could also be a barrier to love.

Positive colours: Olive Green, Turquoise, Sea-green.

Select days: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.

Favourable numbers: 3, 5, 6.

Gems recommended: Jasper, Tourmaline.

Charity on birthday: Donate green sweets, cardamom and vegetables at a religious place.

Perizaad Zorabian You share your birthday with Perizaad Zorabian (October 23, 1973), who has acted in N. Chandra's Breaking News, a romantic comedy Kabhi Up Kabhi Down with Sanjay Suri and Highway 203 with Kay Kay Menon. Her future does not seem flourishing as per stars.

Chatter box

Show goes on

Buzz is that Karan Singh Grover aka Asad Khan of Qubool Hai might be quitting the show, but he has clarified that these rumours are baseless. He's enjoying being on the show and feels the story is moving at a good pace. The rumours came up during reports that he might be part of the dance reality show Nach Baliye 6 with his wife Jennifer Winget.

On screen: Karan Singh Grover

Sonakshi is social

A pretty woman always finds herself a stable place and this holds true for the beautiful Sonakshi Sinha, who has become a crucial part of the Star Parivaar. Recently at the Star Diwali - Thori si muskan, dher sara pyar shoot, Sonakshi was present promoting her upcoming movie Bullet Raja and was seen interacting with other members, including Deepika Singh (Sandhya), Karan Tacker and Aniruddh Dave.


Catching up: Sonakshi Sinha on the sets of Star Diwali — Thodi si muskan, dher sara pyaar

"I am glad I have a holiday on Diwali this year, so I am spending it with Star Parivaar and my family. I have been part of Star Diwali since last year and it is an amazing feeling to be back again this year with greater enthusiasm and amazing performances," says the actress. Sonakshi stole the show dressed in a very pretty Anarkali that added to the brightness of the festival of lights. Celebrate the festive season with Star Diwali - Thodi si muskan, dher sara pyaar, on October 26 and 27 from 7:00 pm onwards only on Star Plus.

Together we can

Spring in step: Anup Soni and Juhi BabbarJust as tennis player Sania Mirza and her cricketer husband Shoaib Malik were part of celebrity dance reality show Nach Baliye 6 last year, this season Anup Soni and his wife Juhi Babbar have been brought on board. However, as Anup is doing two shows, Balika Vadhu and Crime Patrol, he will not be able to stay longer than one episode on the reality show.

Spring in step: Anup Soni and Juhi Babbar

Going strong

strong will: Eijaz KhanEijaz Khan has been unwell since last week due to food poisoning. But as he was needed on the shoot of his serial Punar Vivah-Ek Nayi Umeed, he had no option but to shoot. He continues to rest on the sets as and when he can.

Strong will: Eijaz Khan

The big twist

Trick time: Avika GorAfter 700 episodes of Colors' Sasural Simar Ka, the producer is giving the audiences a big twist. Roli (Avika Gor) will trick Shaurya (Rohit Khurana) and try to woo him. She will pretend to be a super-rich girl Meghana Singhania (Shikha Singh), who will woo him and then ditch him as he did with Roli's sister-in-law Jhanvi (Falak Naaz).

trick time: Avika Gor

Eva’s back


Return journey: Eva Grover

Ekta Kapoor will bring Eva Grover back in her Sony show Bade Achche Lagte Hain. She played Ram Kapoor's dead mother Niharika Kapoor and though it isn't clear yet as to how she will be back, Eva is excited to be part of the show again.

Welcome Pinky!

She will steal a million hearts, will groove to some feet-tapping music, she's going to take the audience by storm; her expressions will say it all. The television industry gets ready to welcome the sizzling Bharti ‘Pinky’ Singh this Diwali.

STAR Diwali—thodi si muskan, dher sara pyar is all set to give their viewers a visual treat this season. While the festival of lights will brighten up TV screens with grand performances, Bharti 'Pinky' Singh is the new-found item girl who will dance her way into the hearts of many. — HRM

House of experience

One of the most dignified contestants, Shilpa Agnihotri made her way out of Bigg Boss Season Seven recently. Unlike other contestants, she entered the show in the company of her husband, Apurva Agnihotri, but soon found herself separated from him by the barriers of Jannat and Jahannum. We catch up for more.

How was your experience in the house?

I had not expected that I would be ousted from the Bigg Boss house so soon. I consider myself to be fortunate to have been able to share this experience with my husband and will miss him terribly. But at the end of the day it's a game and I wish Apurva wins the show. I have made some great friends inside the house, especially Andy and Sangram. I will surely miss all the madness that we engaged in.

Is there anyone you don't want to see again?

There is no such person. There are insecurities and circumstances in the house, which make people behave differently.

Were you surprised at yourself for crying in the house?

I didn't know I would react that way. It was a surprised that Apurva and I would be separated initially. I had taken up the show only because Apurva would be with me.

What did you learn about yourself in the house?

I knew certain things about myself like I love to cook, feed, take care of people and keep thing in control until I can.

Who do you think will win?

It’s tough to say right now.

CELEB POINT
Life’s good
Divya Dutta

As a student of cinema, I've loved attending film festivals, especially the MAMI Festival in Mumbai. What a wide range of national and international cinema! Films that might not find commercial release but are superior in their craft! My fondest memories are making the registration pass, get it hanging around my neck, and on various days either with my mom or friends, stand in queues to watch the selected films of the day...the most popular film of the day obviously had the longest queue.

But nobody seemed to mind. All from the same fraternity! Some newcomers, some students, some filmmakers and actors! But all cinema lovers. No one minded sitting on the floor too if it was a houseful show. Watching a film like that has its own charm and 3-4 films a day to watch, what fun! Ma packed paranthas and aloo sometimes and in-between movies we relished those. Fun beautiful days!

This year I got a call from the Mumbai festival authorities to be a member of the jury. Something very prestigious, alongside the likes of Konkana Sen, Deepa Mehta, Nandita Das and many international filmmakers. One of whom is my favourite Asghar Farhadi who made the widely acclaimed, The Separation!

I got to meet and chat with him during the opening ceremony. Three different juries for different categories...and began the lovely process of film-viewing! Some exclusive screenings only for the jury but what I got most excited about was watching with the audience.

To see the same queues, enthusiastic crowd holding lists of films to watch and bags with water bottles and snacks. Poori tayyari for the day. But this time as a jury member my seats were reserved and obviously no standing in the line. In the break time I saw a senior actress in the lobby with her khaane ka dabba opened! I instantly thought of ma and went to say hi to her. She offered me halwa. Obviously I didn't refuse. What an amazing experience. Watch some of the best films all day, bump into you friends and enjoy and learn cinema.

After watching five films yesterday, I rushed to the society awards and felicitated Sidharth Roy Kapur for excellence in business of cinema. Suddenly someone came and hugged me tight. My dear friend Sonu Nigam. He and Mr Bachchan got felicitated too. In all these buzzing life, meeting people from my own fraternity, watching films, attending events, being the cynosure of all eyes…and yet not tired. Because I love each moment of it. Yes I love my job. Life is good!

(Dutta is a Bollywood actress)

This Mickey is infectious
Jasmine Singh

You wait with a subdued smile. A little bit on guard too. He has a knack of hitting you with one-liners that will leave you wondering--where did this come from? While everyone around are in splits, you will still be concocting an answer to Manish Paul's punch! His humour is like an infectious virus, it infects everyone!

"I am always hazar jawaab," says the actor in yellow boots and irrationally spiked hair. Promoting his upcoming movie Mickey Virus, actor Manish Paul can put up a straight face and talk with 'I mean business' look!

"In real life too, I am more or less like this. I don't rehearse before talking to people. I am always ready with an answer, something that comes naturally," he shares without a smile.

He is not a stand-up comedian, only an anchor who is geared up for every situation. At the moment the situation is called film Mickey Virus.

"I wasn't skeptical about the movie, in fact I did it because I liked the script and my character a lot. Yes, I am slightly nervous, but then I am sure that I have worked very hard for it."

The promo of Mickey Virus shows a battery of leading actors talking about his character and the film in a funny way. The mention brings a smile on his face. Remember, it is a usual 'human smile'! "I come from a non- filmi background and stars like Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar supporting me is a big thing," shares the actor who doesn't cram his lines when hosting. Everything is extempore. And this is his art. But when left to him, Manish is not thinking about jokes. "I think about many things and that too pretty seriously, things about my career, my films and much more." The actor is doing a sequel to Tere Bin Laden next, but for the moment he wants everyone to willingly accept the virus!

Bring nature home
Manpriya Singh

It's an attempt at infusing art into your garden. The inspiration comes right from nature and foliage of different shapes and sizes plays the perfect canvas. For those who've had a fill of floating candles and colourful pots, there are plant terrariums. Picture live plants and succulents in glass containers. Doesn't that sound quite common? "Plant terrariums are a wonderful way of bringing nature in urban homes and outdoors into indoors. They are basically live plants in glass bowls. They can be ordinary bowls and the plants require very little maintenance," Geeta, landscape designer of the duo Geeta and Dipti, shares details of her upcoming exhibition.

While the exhibition showcases as many as 300 to 400 pieces together, those looking at adding a personal touch can have things customised. "We'll customise only in case of large orders, otherwise there is plenty to choose from." She adds, "This is for the first time they have been brought to Chandigarh. This is a borrowed landscape concept from abroad. I keep travelling and looking for unique things. I found a woman in Delhi who does this and I had them customised for the exhibition."

If the idea of plants, cacti and succulents sounds way too experimental, there are colourful pots to indulge in some classic home décor. Ornamental plants need not always come in unusual shapes and sizes. There are also regular pots, apart from other garden accessories. "I feel pots make for a different and beautiful gifting option especially in times when there is an overdose of sweets and chocolates," she signs off.

On till October 27 at # 6, Sector 10 Chandigarh

Grand party for Asin

Asin Thotumkal will turn 28 on October 26 and she will celebrate her birthday on October 25 with a grand party at a five-star hotel. She is usually party-shy but for her birthday, she is celebrating big time!

Apart from her former co-stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, John Abraham and Jacqueline Fernandez, the guest list also includes her close friends Sonam Kapoor, Raveena Tandon and Sajid Nadiadwala.

The Malayali actress has done just five films in Bollywood so far and all have proved to be huge hits. Asin has not only made it to the coveted 100-cr Club of Bollywood but is currently placed fourth right after Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

She made her Hindi film debut opposite Aamir Khan in the 2011 blockbuster Ghajini. She has followed it up with hits like Bol Bachchan, Ready, Housefull 2 and Khiadi 786. She is currently shooting her next in Bangkok. She has her endorsements too.

A source close to Asin said, "Asin is totally in the mood to make her presence known and to socialise and what better occasion than her birthday?

Bhajji in B-town

The buzz is that cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who has only done cameos in Bollywood till now, is all set to play a full-fledged role. He has reportedly agreed to star in producer Vinod Bachchan's upcoming film.

And thanks to Geeta Basra who had played a cameo in Vinod's last film Zilla Ghaziabad. Geeta is considered to be close to Bachchan. Apparently, both Bhajji and Basra share a good rapport with him.

Nonetheless, no official announcement has been made as things have just started to materialise. Bachchan is also talking to R Madhavan and Jimmy Shergill to be part of the project. Reportedly, he has also approached actress Nargis Fakhri to play the female lead.

Rumour also has it that Harbhahan will be starring in an upcoming Punjabi film produced by Akshay Kumar and Ashvini Yardi under the banner of Grazing Goat Pictures.

Piracy increases brand value, says Shekhar

Critically-acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur feels that piracy helps in creating stars and brands in the film industry.

"Piracy increases Stars Brand Value. 75 per cent viewing of films is illegal. Cost of tickets 2 high. Yet stars make up this loss thru endorsements/TV," the 67-year-old filmmaker tweeted.

"In the brave new world of social media the idea of Intellectual Property is fast being replaced by value of Brand creation. Some of our top stars see themselves as 'brands' now, much more than artists or actors. Why not? They make more money in Ads n TV shows," he added.

In the mean time, he thanked BJP Leader L K Advani who praised his TV show Pradhan Mantri and wrote: "Thank you, Shri L K Advani for your endorsement of #pradhanmantri and its content. You were witness to these events."





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