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The voice lives on...
The voice behind eternal hits Pyaar hua ikraar hua hai, Ay mere pyare watan, Ay mere bichhade chaman; Zindagi kaisi hai paheli, Aye meri zohra jabeen is no more. As Manna Dey, one glorious name that topped the playback singing scene in Indian cinema, breathed his last on early Thursday morning, his admirers couldn't miss him more. Here's catching up with some in Chandigarh. True legend
Manna Dey's contribution to Indian playback singing is tremendous. He was the only male singer of the era who popularised classical music. When in my childhood we heard him in Kabuliwala — Aye mere pyare watan, aye mere bichhade chaman — we cried so much. He's been my favourite singer; I have sung him a lot too. The memory that stands out is when he came to sing in Chandigarh way back during the 60s. My friend and I had no ticket, no pass. We climbed from the back-stairs onto the Tagore stage and requested him. Not only did Manna Dey arrange for two chairs in the wings for us, he also blessed us in the end. Such a star and so unassuming! Dolly and I would want him to take another avatar, resurrect the music scene today and fill the void of meaningful lyrics as well as melody. — Kamal Tewari, singer, actor, composer
No replacement
We have lost a genius in Manna Dey. Not only was he a great musician, but also a remarkable man. I met him on several occasions and each time I was bowled over by his simplicity, deep knowledge and love for music. He lived his age, but what I feel sad about is that there is no one to replace him yet. He will live on through his songs for all times to come. — Pt Yashpal, classical singer
The best
Manna Dey is one singer who gave the best of popular yet classical songs in films. Be it Laga chunri main daag, Pucho na kaise maine rain bitayi or Ek chatur naar karke singar, his has been a remarkable contribution to the Indian music scene. I heard him live and met him personally. He shared that although he had made a place for himself on the international scene, yet he could not reach the status that Rafi enjoyed! His fans like me would hold him dear in memory forever. — BD Sharma, Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society
Touching hearts
Manna Dey's songs are all so touching; be it Kasme waade pyar wafa or Yaari hai iman mera pyar meri zindagi from Zanjeer that proved to be Amitabh Bachchan's career-building film. Be it funny or serious, if its classical base song, it was always by Manna Dey. I have a YouTube channel on which I share rare songs and Manna Dey's Tu ki samjhenga tainu ki dasiye from film Ek Mutthi Assman (1973) figures prominently there. — Rajiv Bhalla, financial controller
Very versatile
Manna Dey was so versatile that right from romantic to patriotic or religious, he could sing all kinds of songs. Ever since school, when I started to know music, he's been my constant company. Not only has he sung for every mood, each one can identify his times with him. With Manna Dey passing away, a part of memory of my formative years has gone into the archives. It's sad but artistes never die. His songs will continue to live. — Man Mohan Singh, entrepreneur
Immortal music
He's been a legend who's not only my favourite but also my young son Vinayak's too and many others. Today a singer has lots of support but if there's one who could sing just on his own, it was Manna Dey. His voice, resonance; no one can put his talent in words. My favourite song is Jhanak jhanak tori baje payaliya. In fact, I enjoyed most of his raga based songs. His music is immortal, and will continue to inspire generations.
— Vinita Gupta, singer mona@tribunemail.com
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Oz Oomph!
She couldn't believe her ears when Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh complimented her. "He said I look like a mermaid," Erin Victoria Holland, Miss World Australia 2013, runs her hands through her blonde hair. "I have heard this compliment once or twice before, but coming from SRK was really special," she smiles.
The brand ambassador for AECC (Australian Education & Career Consultants), this Australian beauty was promoting the Chandigarh branch on her first visit. Petite and pretty, Erin looked a million bucks in the tangy orange outfit. But what she couldn't handle really well unlike the outfit was her Hindi. "I promise next time I will come armed with better Hindi," she assures everyone around, who were pestering her to say at least something in Hindi. Well, with the title in tow, Erin, who has recently been crowned Miss World Oceanic at the Miss World finale, she now looks forward to a number of things. Food, of course, is first on the priority list. "I think I have lost weight. So, now I am going to eat anything and everything. I have a terrible sweet tooth," she laughs moving on to the other things that she wishes to do. Friends of course keep flooding her with suggestions. Erin runs her hand again through her long tresses and places a jacket on her knees to cover the short dress. "My friends have texted me and called me to say that I should see everything in India, especially the Taj Mahal. I like Indian culture; it is so diverse." A trained jazz and ballet dancer, Erin like all other beauties has her eyes on Bollywood. Pretty much expected. "I have seen a couple of Hindi films, and I realised the Indian actors and actresses dance, sing and act as well; that's awesome." This comes straight from the heart. "Before meeting SRK, I was told he was even bigger than Tom Cruise; imagine how excited I was." You could see 'Bollywood calling' written all over her. In the next few weeks, Erin will be travelling to promote various centres of AECC. "I will soon come back with better Hindi." And Maybe a Hindi film in hand
too! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Screen of his own
If variety be the essence of life, the name would certainly be Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Ever since his talent was truly discovered in year 2012, the gifted actor has not only been going from strength to strength but also essaying roles each dramatically different from the other. In fact, the actor who ceaselessly continues to surprise his viewers and critics with each new performance believes his biggest challenge is precisely to ensure that he doesn't repeat himself.
How to find a new role and new character in an industry that thrives on stereotypes is easier said than done. Luckily for him, much is changing in Bollywood and not only are there enough directors willing to take chances but also many ready to give him enough room to experiment. While movies like Ketan Mehta's much-awaited Mountain Man provide him a wide canvas, Anwar Ka Ajab Kissa in which he plays a detective exposed him to novel ways of making cinema. Buddhadeb Dasgupta's film part of the London Film Festival had no prewritten dialogues. Just like it often happens in theatre...? He nods but is quick to add that theatre and cinema are two different disciplines. Working with the very best of cinema he shares has been a huge learning experience. From the maker of Mountain Man Ketan Mehta, he learnt the art of improvisation. Getting into the skin of real life person Dashrath Manjhi, the man who carved a road out of a mountain, Nawaz considers his toughest assignment so far. He muses "Imagine playing the part of a man consumed with love for his wife and who ages from 20 year old to 75 in the film." Indeed, some of Manjhi's indefatigable passion he can relate to. But Nawazuddin confesses that he is certainly not as devoted a husband as Darshan Manjhi was. However, he quips; "Now I am learning to be." In a way he does live with his characters. For getting the limp in Talaash right he did a lot of homework and closely observed a man with similar affliction. Interestingly, while critics might go ga-ga over his performances and give him full marks, each time he analyses his roles he can sense many holes in his portrayals. He says, "I always feel I could have done better." And it's this desire to outdo himself that keeps the man whose films have become a regular at international festivals going. If he debuted at Cannes last year, this year again three of his films namely Monsoon Shootout, Bombay Talkies and The Lunchbox were screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Great honour...he is not dismissive about his films making it to the prestigious international platforms. Indian cinema may not have found its niche at the international level but with increasing presence at the festival circuit he is sure that a positive beginning has been made. Equally upbeat about being part of small-budget films, he couldn't care less about the 100-crore club. Remuneration is the last thing on his mind. He says, "I did not join films to become a millionaire." To discover the actor within him? For sure...and en route that path, with or without critical appreciation, he understands creativity knows no limits.
The leading man
"No second leads for me." Right from the day Nawazuddin Siddiqui made his mark in a lead role in Gangs of Wasseypur 2, he has been reiterating that he will not play second fiddle anymore. More recently post The Lunchbox in which his cameo was suitably noticed and appreciated, he once more takes the stance that he will play only lead roles. Why the intransigent stand? He shoots off, "The length of the role matters. I have done enough small parts. The Lunchbox too I had signed before GOW; now onwards only central characters for me."
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Bachelor’s day out
Never mind the influx of reality shows, there's no discouraging the aspirants. Eliminations notwithstanding, there's hardly anything to regret about. Apart from a close shot at fame, there is a lot to look back at-an experience, an adventure, an exploit. "I think one of the biggest advantages of being on the show was that I overcame my fear of heights. They made me bungee jump twice because for the first time, the cameras didn't roll," Rohit Sachdeva, 26, just back from a stint at The Bachelorette India, is glad for the entire grind of having been at the show, including the auditions.
He recalls, "I made it to the show through normal auditions. There was a self-introduction, followed by an interaction." Before anybody knows it, he's aboard the team of suitable contenders for Mallika Sherawat. The name that invites an overflow of questions; some curious, others quite obvious! He clarifies, "I respect her individuality. She is such a strong person, she transformed her life and destiny; making it to Los Angeles from a place like Rohtak requires some strength of character. There are a couple of things very inspiring about her." He adds, "Moreover, she has never been linked with anybody so far and is her own person. She has made it without a godfather." However, this wasn't the first brush with the lady. "I once interviewed her over the phone," shares the RJ, who heads a radio station in Ambala. Silver screen is hardly ever reflective of reality, for when the script takes over the facts take a backseat. "She is very different from her onscreen persona. She's warm and real. I think that's because she's seen both sides of life." Having said that he draws a strong line at inspiration; for some things are just meant to be admired rather than acquired. The thought of having won never crossed his mind. He laughs, "Had I won, I would have just stolen some limelight. I don't think I would have clicked with her for a lifetime. First of all, there's a huge age gap between us. Secondly, after having spent two days with her on the show I knew I wanted to be friends with her." Even though the chance to go on an individual date never came, "I played 'dandiya' with her for ten to fifteen minutes. We exchanged smiles; there was a huge set and with cameras rolling, it was surreal." Like with all good things, that must come to an end, this one too did although prematurely. "I got eliminated because I spoke very little on the show. Unlike other guys, I can't talk in a flowery language. Also having been from a boys' school, I'm a little shy with girls around." While they did not exchange numbers and are not in touch after the show that does not put things to an end. "I'll chase her down but only after the show." Well, where there's a will! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Future Shock
Are you promoting your business online? With more households gaining access to Internet, it has become a vast marketplace where you can find a buyer or seller of convenience. They can be from any part of the world, offering exactly what you want, at the price you want. If you want to expand your business without drastically spending on marketing expenses, viola! Set up a marketing budget online and the world is your playfield.
Internet has evolved into an exciting space where you can market your business using easy and cost effective means. There are many things one can do to promote a business online. To start with, it's almost mandatory today for every company to have a website. It helps people to look for you online and find out more about you. B2B or B2C client are not interested in door-to-door retail shopping any more. Instead, they want to search most information online and then go ahead and buy it from the place they find most suitable. It's important to have a website detailing all your offerings. Have you seen the blue advertisements that show every time you search something on Google? That is a quick and easy way of advertising your business and millions of companies worldwide are using it to their benefit. Adwords is a big advantage in promoting a business online. It has become popular as a way to showcase businesses depending on the market you want to explore and the clientele you want to cater to. It works on a pay-per-click model. You only have to pay for the clicks that were made on your ad. At the same time, it allows you to target keywords of your choice. Such as Buy Canon Cameras in Chandigarh. This will get you buyers who are looking for camera sellers in Chandigarh. Or narrow it further down, Buy Canon Cameras at Sector 35 Chandigarh. Yes! Email marketing is the other popular method of targeting a good audience. Sure, some businesses have got it wrong by pounding their clients with an incessant inflow of mails. But the right balance of warm and effective emails is sure to have a positive effect on your sales. An interesting thing in online marketing is the use of social media. Many small and big businesses have taken well to it. I've seen many stay-at-home moms make use of this medium of business promotion effectively. A few interesting updates a day and your business will get regular likes. It's a fun and engaging way to spread the word out! Find the best way for you and market your business in a low budget and fun manner.
(Anand is a technology expert)
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Master Chef
My belief is that, 'Cooked by caterers invariably means cloaked in calories!' Wedding feasts bring us a vast spread of cuisines guaranteed to make you spread beyond the limits of your outfits. It's so easy to be tempted into sampling all the delectable dishes on the menu. But a good policy is to lighten up on consequent days with meals that are light yet nutritious.
A hearty soup makes great friends with a salad and a crusty loaf of bread. Fresh ripe tomatoes bursting with goodness make a lovely soup when teamed with coriander. This recipe has an Indian touch,
which gives it extra zing with heeng! Tomato cilantro soup
Note: For a richer taste, replace some of the oil with butter, or add lashings of cream to the finished soup. Grated cheese or fried cubes of bread (croutons) also make a superb accompaniment. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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Healthy option
To ensure that today's kids are fit and healthy, and ready to take on tomorrow's challenges, Medinn Belle brings Endura KidKilos—a unique health supplement with balanced nutrition formula to give children the right dose of carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals so that the child gets healthier, looks healthier.
A leading health supplement company with units in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh and a pan India retail presence, Medinn Belle has been into health supplements for more than a decade. Their flagship brand Endura Mass is India's leading weight gain supplement. And now, backed by the same expertise and experience, the company has launched Endura KidKilos, especially formulated for 3-10 years-old children. Endura KidKilos has been developed with the same international standards of quality. About 2-3 spoonfuls of Endura KidKilos in the daily glass of milk help the child to gain optimum weight and stay fit, healthy and active, round-the-clock. To ensure that children love the taste and flavour, it comes in two mouth-watering flavour - chocolate and strawberry. It has been conveniently priced at just Rs 290 for a 250g pack and Rs 525 for a 500gm pack.
— TNS
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Alia & her wishes
Alia Bhatt is effervescent and charming but she has an ambitious plan to make it big in Bollywood. She talks about her plans for her career, wishes and rumours.
Career plans I know what I want. Though I am very young, I don't want to be typecast, because I am not just a baby doll. I am okay with that image but I want to fit into any role. While visualising my career, I have not left any room for failure and if it does come my way, it will be difficult for me to deal with it. I see myself as a successful actor only. Fall-back option There has never been a plan B for me. People ask me, "What will you do if your acting career does not work out?" I tell them, "That's impossible." (Pauses) And if the push comes to shove and eventually nobody wants to see me in films, then I will run away to London or somewhere. Dating rumours I continue to hang out with all of them and I don't hide my friendships. I would be totally open if I am dating an actor. Recently I read somewhere that I have dumped Arjun. I am very fond of Arjun and Varun both but I am not dating either. Home goals It is my biggest wish to own a place of my own. I want to own a place in London because I just love the city. I also want my own place in Mumbai. I have started saving for the same. I love my independent streak. Being a Bhatt It's both an advantage and a disadvantage. I learn a lot from my father but the disadvantage is, being Mahesh Bhatt's daughter people expect me to be as intelligent as him and living up to his image is a difficult task.
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Deepika finds Priyanka beautiful!
While there are reports of Priyanka Chopra having a cat-fight with her Krrish 3 co-star Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone has no issues with her.
The Ram Leela actress turned to Twitter to shower praises on Chopra's item song in the film and tweeted: "you look beautiful... thank you for doing Ram Chahe
Leela."
Priyanka was quick to reply and wrote: "I'm glad I could babe.. Can't wait to see the film." Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film also stars Ranveer Singh and will release on November 15.
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Tamanna endorses a sari brand
After starring in Sajid Khan's Himmatwala, actress Tamanna Bhatia is apparently in the mood to cash in on her desi image. She has been appointed as the brand ambassador for sari brand Joh Rivaaj.
The actress recently did a photo shoot for the brand. "It's nice to be associated with a brand like Joh Rivaaz. Shooting for the brand was a pleasure," Tamanna said in a statement. The 24-year-old is the perfect face for the brand, said Vinod Kothari, owner of Joh Rivaaj. "We were looking for someone who is young and a popular face for the brand. Tamanna fitted the brand profile perfectly, so we chose her as the brand ambassador," Kothari said. As far as movies are concerned, Tamanna will be next seen in It's Entertainment and Humshakals. Both the film will release next year.
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Catching up with Tisca
Actress Tisca Chopra was recently spotted at the ongoing Mumbai Film Festival where her Punjabi film Qissa was screened. The 39-year-old actress plays the long-suffering wife of Umber Singh (Irrfan Khan) in the film. In a quick chat, she talks about the film and more.
From Taare Zameen Par
to Qissa The journey has been pretty much amazing and I've constantly been working. I am going to another film festival soon where Qissa is going to be played. The film also won NETPAC Award for the best Asian film, so it's all very exciting. It's always nice to meet people who watch films. Working with Anup Singh He is a great craftsman. He understands his nature of work and is humble. It was a great experience working with him. I've learnt a lot from him. It is something that I will remember and cherish all my life. Acting in Anil Kapoor's 24 He is the reason why I am a part of the show. He told me that the role will suit me. I am really glad that the show is doing well and being liked. It's been an enjoyable experience being a part of it.
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Mickey Virus
Producer: DAR motion pictures, Trilogic Digital Media, Awesome Films Pvt Ltd. Director: Saurabh Varma Mickey Virus stars renowned TV anchor and Manish Paul and Bigg Boss 7 contestant Eli Avram. The movie revolves around hackers and hacking. Manish Chaudhary, Varun Vadola and Puja Gupta are other star attractions of this movie, which opens this week all over. Mickey Virus is first-of-its kind feature film, which is based on computer hacking and virus.
Ishq Actually
Producer: Sunny Sharma Director: Anish Khanna Rajeev Khandelwal starrer romantic drama Ishq Actually releases this Friday. The movie also stars Raayo S. Bakshirta, Neha Ahuja, Ann Mitchai, Siddharth Van and Neha Gehlot. Produced by Sunny Sharma and directed by Anis Khanna, 'Ishq Actually' defines the actual definition of love to the younger generation.
— Dharam Pal
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On a self- discovery
Thrill, excitement, an adrenaline rush and an extreme life, these are just a few things that the youth of today wish to experience. They say fear is nothing more than an obstacle that stands in the way of success. Endorsing this thought, MTV brings a brand new genre-bending show that takes a look at the life of Rannvijay Singh that none of us have seen before - Woodland presents MTV Rann VJ Run powered by Samsung Galaxy S4. Starting October 27 on Sunday at 6pm, the show captures Rannvijay's journey of a life time. A 10 part series, MTV Rann VJ Run follows Rannvijay as he embarks on an epic journey to discover new places, new sports, new cultures, new people and a new way of life. Each destination across the globe will see Rannvijay challenge himself into doing things that he always wanted to do but never imagined he could. An established, VJ, actor and a youth icon from an army background with a dare-devil attitude, Rannvijay epitomises the adventurous streak seen in the youth today. He dares to step out of his comfort zone into a world full of challenges and adventure as he tries out several extreme sports, gets mentored by ten of the world's greatest Red Bull extreme athletes, parties hard and lives the life only a few can dream of. Rannvijay Singh said, "I am extremely delighted to be part of a project.”
Success story
Ayushmann Khurrana's new single O Heeriye has crossed 1 million views on YouTube. The remix will also be out soon. Khurrana has become the brand ambassador for Blaupunkt and Xolo Mobiles.
Brand new approach
Everything about Dhoom 3 will be in a never-before avatar from the theatrical trailer launch to music launch to everything else. Dhoom 3 has Aamir Khan playing a never-before-seen negative avatar.
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: You can put yourself in line for a promotion or salary increase. The accent is on pleasure and entertainment. Strong feelings can overwhelm you and distort your sense of perspective. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action.
Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63.
TAURUS: Make effort to attain and maintain harmony. Communication on the job can assume greater importance. But you do need to be careful that you do not get caught up in red tape. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health.
Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 59. GEMINI: New people who you meet will be rather exciting. Remember resolutions about diet and nutrition. Health problem could slow you down. Take it easy this morning and bask in the luxury of a late start. Tarot message: Make compromises. Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 36. CANCER: Love life is sparkling. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. Get into your hobbies or a favourite sport. A friend might try to talk you into doing something that you would rather not do. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others.
Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 50. LEO: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Household affairs continue smoothly. Don't click on one of those flashing winner signs on the Internet that slows your computer down. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in loss.
Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 35. VIRGO: Not a good day for shopping. There can be a small get together at home. A promotion to a management position might trigger self-doubt. A level of anxiety could interfere with your sense of well-being. Go outside for a walk.
Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33.
LIBRA: Sportsmen: sincerity is the key to -success. Club and group activities occupy you. Health glows. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Focus on hobbies. Make sure you join a reputable organization. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 25. SCORPIO: Working women: take complete rest today. Students: bury your nose in books. Be logical in your thoughts. Housewives: financially you are feeling secure. A change of plan can throw you into turmoil. Tarot message: Learn from the past experience.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 25. SAGITTARIUS: Push routine to one side. You might fall madly in love during travel or attendance at a conference. Drive carefully. Partnership issues are likely to surface. Face the facts, talk to your partner with love and honesty.
Tarot message: Be determined. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 31. CAPRICORN: Auspicious day for purchasing ornaments. Hasty actions can lead to problems. Try to pause if agitated. This will allow your mind the chance to catch up with your emotions and stay on the track and be sensible.
Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42. AQUARIUS: There will be good opportunities to show off your artistic flare.
Loved ones will do what they can to help you solve family financial problems.
Savour the romantic glow of the morning. Tarot message: Finish pending tasks. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 52. PISCES: The card "Six of Wands" emphasizes on fun and frolic. Your effort will not go unnoticed by superiors. Love letter and other heartening communications are promised. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40
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THE YEAR AHEAD
If your birthday is October 25...
The number 7 makes you independent, intelligent, quick, confident and sociable by nature. Be alert; losses and gain will also be spontaneous. Crucial decisions regarding investment should be put off. Romantic and home life will remain good. A person close to you will make an attractive offer, which you can fulfill. A phone call will bring back memories of the past. You will go through a nostalgic phase and will think of an old flame that filled a long period in your life.
Positive colors: White, sky blue, cream and yellow
Select days: Monday & Sunday Favourable numbers: 1,2,7 Gems recommended: Pearl, Opal, Yellow
Sapphire Charity on Birthday: Donate white uniform to the needy school children.
Navneet Nishan (October 25, 1965) is best known for her role as Tara in the soap opera. She has acted in a number of Punjabi movies as well as Hindi. Navneet has more scope in writing and directing as per her stars.
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