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Loads of spice
How much time will it take one to taste the entire French cuisine, to experience the exotic Italian cuisine, to have all the oriental dishes or bite into continental food? Even if you add the cuisines of the world and pit them against the Indian cuisines, the latter will take more time to be tasted, enjoyed and celebrated. "Even a lifetime is less to try Indian food. It is diverse and rich," says Tara Deshpande, actress-turned-author, who was in Chandigarh to talk about her book, A Sense of Spice.
You first book came fourteen years back, what took you so long to come up with the second one? I got married just after my first book was released. The second book happened by chance. I always loved to cook and when I referred to my grandmother's and mother's recipes, which were almost impossible to read after so many years, I realised that I will have to jot them down again. In the process, I tumbled upon the idea - why not write a book that not just has recipes, but also stories behind them — how my mother and grandmother actually cooked! The book has recipes of Konkan dishes. In between, I also wrote an Internet book, which was the first online book written by an Indian. What else kept you busy all this while? Film offers kept pouring for a long time even after I got married. But with my husband settled in US, I soon got tired of traveling and decided to call it a day in the industry. While acting and veejaying I had left behind in India, with me I took my love for cooking. I started a catering company, an obvious choice of profession, which provided food at events. How is Indian cuisine perceived around the world? In Japan, after Sushi, Indian food is the favourite among locals. Also, internationally, people love the tandoori food, which is a segment of Punjabi cuisine and not Mughal cuisine as it is believed. Off late, a derivative of Indian cuisine has become very popular, which is the simpler way of making the complex Indian dishes. But no matter what techniques people use, Indian food will never be easy to cook. With so many multi-cuisines and international specialty cuisine restaurants opening in India, how do you see the future of different cuisines of India? The strength of Indian cuisine is in the fact that majority of Indians still cook and dine at home. They might eat out two days a week but they have to have home-cooked food. In Western countries, even in South-Asian Nations, eating out has become a culture. But for us ghar ka khana is sacrosanct, we come back to it, which means that nothing can threaten the popularity of Indian food and its cuisines. Cooking has always been very gender-specific in India; do you see the trend of only women entering the kitchen changing? It is changing but for worse. Men have always stayed away from the kitchen because they worked and earned a livelihood for the family. Now women also earn bread for the family and they aren't wrong when they question why they should cook! The only solution is that cooking should be a collective effort and not a moral duty of women only. What do you plan to do next? I have started working on my next book, which will be work a fiction. ashima@tribunemail.com
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A heart’s calling
While most women who intend to take up acting put marriage at the bottom of their priority list, Khushboo Grewal started her television and film career only after she got married. She credits her accomplishments to her husband and in-laws, who she says have been very supportive.
"I started my career with a music reality show, Channel V Popstars, and was one of the top 15 contestants. Although I continued doing small assignments, I was focused on completing my MBA. I would have taken up a desk job had it not been for my husband and in-laws," says Khushboo, who was last seen on television in Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali. "Considering that society does not take very kindly to a shift from the traditional, initially, my in-laws received a lot of criticism for letting me pursue a career in television and films. But now that I have etched a place for myself in the industry, my family is only too proud of me and those who had some of the meanest things to say are lip-locked." This Chandigarh girl has also acted in several Punjabi films, including Carry on Jatta, Munde UK De and Bhaji in Problem. She is now all set to do another Punjabi film, Yaari Non Stop. "I was pleasantly amused with the role that was given to me, so I took up the film." Khushboo, who has been a television presenter for several shows, including a music show on B4U and Justtvpunjaabi, has also acted in a few serials, including Rang Badalti Odhani, Ishaan on Disney and Chajje Chajje Ka Pyar. "For me, it's not the medium, but the content that matters. I do not mind whether I am doing films or television or even stage for that matter as long as it has substance," says Khushboo while adding, "I do not look at television as a stepping stone towards doing films; in fact, all this while I have juggled with both the mediums and created a balance." Apart from acting, Khushboo is also into singing and has lately sung the entry track of the Bollywood film Boss. "I have also sung an item song for another Bollywood film, the details of which I cannot share. I am also working on my independent single, which I will be releasing this year in December, most probably," she says.
amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Jewel in the crown
Gold-laden Bappi Lahiri might take an offence to what Shah Rukh Khan recently said about the connection or 'absence of one' between men and jewellery. Recently, at the launch of a jewellery lounge in Mumbai he said, "I don't wear jewellery as I don't feel that men should. I am sorry but everyone has their own taste."
The easiest references supporting the fact that jewllery isn't gender-specific can be drawn from 10th and 20th century when kings, to prove their authority, wore more jewellery than queens. Karan Kundra, a TV star, says earlier jewellery reflected the status of men, but now it's a mere accessory. That's not really the case when you consider Bhavneet Bakshi, a model from Chandigarh now based in Mumbai, who made it to the top seven in the Mr. India contest. Besides an ear-stud, he also loves to wear bracelets by Armani and Gucci. "In Western countries, almost every youngster at least flaunts an ear-stud. And it's not limited to those who follow the hippie culture. It is pure fashion and I don't mind following fashion," says Bhavneet. For Karan, only watches make for accessories. "Or if a role demands it, I am open to wearing ear-studs." He might be among the very few actors who don't sport a tattoo. To promote their products meant for men, jewellery brands are coming up with innovative marketing strategies; for example the Platinum Love Bands advertisement, starring Amit Sadh and Aditi Rao Hydari. DJ Vishal has been wearing earrings since the time he finished school. Further inspiration was DJs who he admired for their style, "Bally Saggo and Dr. Zeus even have their nose pierced. Salman Khan looks so stylish when he wears the big golden earrings and his signature turquoise bracelet," says Vishal. Style is very subjective; if to SRK wearing jewellery isn't a men's thing, to some the golden streaks that he is sporting these days might fall in that category. As television actor Karanvir Bohra, who swears by jewellery, says, "Each to his own. I love to wear earrings, bracelets as well as lockets and I don't think I look any less macho in them." Men went metrosexual long time back, when they started visiting salons for beauty treatments. "And there is nothing bad in looking groomed. If I look stylish in jewellery I will wear it, no matter who endorses or opposes it." All said and done, it's difficult to ascertain if jewellery makes men look any more handsome, except for in one particular case of Milind Soman. The former model is best at his 'mantastic' magnetism as he advertises a deodorant in a neckpiece and that's about it. Anyhow, he doesn't really need any
jewellery! ashima@tribunemail.com
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A gifted hand
On the face of it, two months seem a lot of time. And when it is just about readying a capsule collection of 22 pieces, setting deadlines don't feature on the priority list. Ask Gaurav Jai Gupta and his opinion differs, "Each minute of every day is important".
What he is creating for the Hong Kong Fashion Week to be held in January is not a mere machine-woven and stitched translation of his designs. From the time he ventured into the Indian fashion industry and gave birth to his label, Akaaro, post his mastery in textile designing from London, he has remained true to his prime cause - working with handlooms. And that certainly demands time! He will fork out a slice of autumn winter collection for 2014, dominated by signature season's fabrics, silk and wool. "There will be long jackets, coats, stoles and straight-fit trousers," Gaurav informs, who this time chose South-East-Asia over a trade show in London, where he has been a regular for four years. "Change of venue is due to the recession-hit Europe. Moreover, South-East Asia, comprising Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong are profitable markets from the business point of view. It's actually a recession-proof market, where people are eager to follow fashion and don't mind spending on luxuries," he says. Besides his international project, what is keeping him busy is making a full-fledged collection for men. "I have always focused more on women-wear; this is the first time that I am coming up with an entire collection for men." It suggests that he has in the offing jackets, textured kurtas, shirts and everything to do with dressing up in winter. The handwoven aspect remains integral here as well. "That is our strength." If the first-generation of fashion designers took Indian embroideries to the international markets, the second and the next generation takes pride in highlighting the traditional weaving techniques. "There are designers who have pledged to work only with handlooms. Take Aneeth Arora and Rahul Mishra, and industry's veteran Rajesh Pratap for that matter." ashima@tribunemail.com
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Fighting spirit
Anil Panchal is on a mission. And that is to get Mayurbhanj Chhau an international recognition. Trained in this ancient martial art form, Anil incorporated its moves with that of contemporary dance forms and evolved a style that largely is born out of his experiences as a dancer.
Just Dots that he brought to Chandigarh as part of Contemporary Dance Festival is born out of these experience and that of life in general, love being one of them… "Love in itself is such a combination of feelings - happiness, sadness, despair, anxiety, frustration, jealousy — and bringing them on stage is Just Dots. Anil does solo and group ensemble performances. Accompanying him is Rashmi Gautam. Both are from Delhi and they have collaborated on couple of pieces and continue to work on more productions. Hope is one, and Kais aur Laila is their next major venture. "Mostly, I have devised productions around personal experiences. It's the first time that we have taken a story that of Kais aur Laila (Kais was the name before he was called Majnu)," says Anil. There are Sufi elements in terms of dress, style, while the story remains the same. "Contemporary dance is still pretty vague in India, there is hardly grammar ruling," says Anil who admits that not all viewers are able to connect with it. "While our dance finds favour with critics, some 30 per cent in the audience are able to relate to our style." Anil has worked with renowned choreographers like Navtej Johar, Justin McCarthy and Bharati Shivaji. He has taken his productions and workshops to different corners of India and abroad. "I want to take Kais and Laila to all major national and international festivals next," says Anil who wishes that audience ask about the moves and he's able to talk and take our traditional Chauu global!
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GET PHYSICAL Vishal Thukral Exercising during winter is as important as it is during summer. During the winter, laziness leads people to postpone workouts. In order to keep motivated, proper planning of the workout schedule is very important. Rather, staying indoors all winter isn't beneficial for the health and can expose you more to illnesses. At the same time, during the winter season one tends to eat more to keep warm. Therefore, the need to burn more calories to keep the body weight under control becomes all the more necessary. Plan the workout schedule in such a way that it keeps you feeling motivated. Following are a few tips for a workout in the winter season: Warm-up & stretches As the cold temperature makes the muscles tighter, they become more prone to injury. Therefore, proper warm-up is essential before starting any exercise. Warming up prepares the body for exercise, both physically as well as mentally. Any stretching is best performed once the muscles are warm, as stretching muscles when they are cold may lead to tears. Upper body stretches: To start with, make large controlled circular moments with arms to help warm the muscles of the upper body. Tricep stretch: Right arm over head with elbow pointing towards the ceiling. Pull down elbow with opposite arm and lean arm towards the opposite side. Repeat 2-3 times on each side. Bicep stretch: Reach arms behind the back and interlock the fingers. Slightly raise the arms and pull them away from trunk. Repeat 2-3 times. Lower body stretches: Warm-up to include five minutes of low intensity physical activity such as walking or jogging at the spot to be followed by minimum five minutes of lower body stretches. Standing hamstring stretch: Bring the left leg in front and bend the right knee. Lean forward, placing the hands on the bent leg. Keep the back straight and hold. Repeat with both legs 2-3 times. Lunge: Take a big step forward with the right leg as if standing with one foot in front of the other. Bend right knee so that it is at a 90-degree angle with the floor and left knee should be almost touching the floor. Cardiovascular exercises For a good cardiovascular workout, it is generally recommended that one should exercise three to five times a week for 30-40 minutes, not including warming up at the start and cooling down at the end. The main thing is to ensure that the heart and lungs are worked hard enough without any risk of injury. To check whether a workout is happening at the correct intensity, you should be out of breath but still capable of speaking. Indoor cycling: Indoor cycling is great for the winter. Riding an exercise bike at home or gym for 30-40 minutes with some interval training would be a great idea. Running, jogging or even taking brisk walks for 30-40 minutes can be enough to improve fitness level when the weather is nice. Diet tip Pomegranates juice is rich in antioxidants - just a cup daily might help to improve blood flow to the heart. (Thukral is a Chandigarh-based fitness expert)
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the
‘in’ side Sukhmani
Container: I mostly use terracotta pots for my live miniatures as they come in beautiful shapes and sizes, they are deep enough and are easily available. The artificial ones can be made in just about anything that you fancy. Preparation: In the case of a live garden proper care has to be taken about the drainage and the soil must be mixed with sand, manure and coco peat. Plants: I use dwarf variety of plants, succulents and ground covers in abundance to make the landscape look more natural. In case someone is interested, a bonsai plant can also be used. One must specify before ordering if they wish to keep the garden indoors or outdoors so as to select the plants accordingly. Accessorise: I usually pick up a lot of things from around the house or you can use stuff from your kids doll house and get decorating. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
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Visual delight
Preethi Athreya started as a classical dancer, Bharatnatyam being her forte. Along the way, she changed track. It was her effort to bridge the gap between her on-stage persona and real self, her style emerged which has been received well.
"All our emotions are written in our body. All the impressions, experiences and history, we carry all around with us. Exploring that is what my dance is about," says Preethi who brought to Chandigarh Fragment of Sweet Sorrow. She talks of this piece's creation, "Classical dance has a language to express sorrow. When I saw it first, I fell in love with how beautifully it was portrayed. I couldn't feel the pain but just admire how magnificently it was done. I wanted my audience to feel the pain with me." So, she borrowed the expression of loss and longing spread across different cultures and dance styles, and Sweet Sorrow was born. Light Doesn't Have Arms to Carry Us is another production where she uses her body to create a visual that of the sound of a piano. Preethi's contemporary dance journey has been influenced by Chennai-based contemporary dancers Chandralekha and Padmini Chettur; painter Paris Viswanathan; sculptor Valsan Kolleri and theatre director and artiste Pravin Kannanur. "In visual art, lots of contemporary works have been done, but in performing arts, we have to do a bit of catching up," says Preethi. She considers herself lucky that she has met with positive feedback for her style. "I have a big following in my hometown Chennai. Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai have been very receptive too." Her style is not for the masses. "I have found this unique oneness with my audience and been able to transfer the emotion through my act." With artistes like her, she has formed Basement 21. "We strive towards more productions and make a context for this kind of work." mona@tribunemail.com
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Passionate word(s)
Listening to stories by the elders, Jagir Singh Dhesa got initiated into Punjabi literature right in his childhood. If his parents' dream of seeing him as a teacher put him on the right path, his teachers encouraged him to go beyond that and achieve more. Teaching Punjabi today, he has written as many as 18 books on varied topics right from religion to criticism.
The Head of Department of Punjabi at Patel Memorial National College, Rajpura, Dhesa loves to teach, write and organise seminars on issues pertinent to the language. "It's true that Punjabi readers and writers are getting scarce day by day," says Dhesa. "If we do not consciously try to save our language, Punjabi will suffer the same fate as some other language that died there own death." He is for three-pronged approach to propagate Punjabi. "If the younger generation, parents and teachers come together, the language will not only survive but thrive, but we have to make efforts right from the primary education level." Dhesa writes on different subjects and a lot on criticism. His body of works includes Gurudwra Karmsar Raara Sahib, Sant Isher Singh Ji Lambian Sahib Wale (a biography) Baaz Da Geet (translation) Te Jad Rukh Bolde Han (collection of essays); and Sahitak Drishtikon, Balwant Gargi Naat Wich Dukhant, Punjabi Vartak Vivechan (criticism). "I write a lot of books to help students in their research work. Je Tu Akal Latif is my most significant work. It's my effort of more than two decades." Currently, Dhesa is writing Adhunik Punjabi Naatak Samwad ate Samikhya. Dhesa believes in dialogue and is happy initiating the same with his students. "I organise loads of competitions and seminars to keep students involved," says Dhesa, who mentions his wife's contribution in his professional life as 'special'. "I am totally dedicated to my language and been able to do that as my wife supports my passion."
mona@tribunemail.com
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Doc
Talk Proper cleansing with a medically prescribed shampoo having a correct PH will help prevent a heap of abnormal skin cells on your scalp Dr Vikas Sharma
The most common cause of the flaky scalp is a skin disorder called seborrheic dermatitis. This condition presents as irritated oily waxy patches over the scalp that result in white to yellowish brown flakes. In severe cases, similar patches can extend to involve areas in and around the ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose. Scalp psoriasis is another common cause of a flaky scalp. Depending upon the severity of the condition, it can appear as well demarcated red patches associated with thick silvery scales resulting due to the over-production of skin cells, which fail to terminally differentiate or mature. This condition is sometimes accompanied by itching and bleeding. It can appear as few discrete patches or it may cover the entire scalp. People with scalp psoriasis also may have psoriasis patches on other areas of the body such as the elbows and knees. Apart from the medical disorders, not shampooing often enough can lead to product or oil build-up that can create flakes of dandruff. At the same time, too much frequent combing and shampooing can also irritate the scalp and result in inflammation creating a scaly red scalp. Similarly, allergic reactions to ingredients in haircare products can lead to an itchy, inflamed, and flaking scalp. This can be induced by contact dermatitis to hair dyes, various hair styling gels and other hair cosmetics with fragrances. For many people, the presence of flakes may coincide with the seasons. As the seasons change, so should your haircare routine. Optimise your haircare routine and usage of hair products to minimise weather-related scalp afflictions. Proper cleansing with a medically prescribed shampoo having a correct pH will help to prevent a heap of abnormal skin cells on your scalp. Decrease and optimise the number of styling products you use, as styling gel and hair cosmetics with fragrances, including hair spray can cause an inflamed flaky scalp. Use medicated shampoos in a proper way, always read the labelled composition - list of active ingredients. Shampoos containing salicylic acid are capable of breaking down scalp build-up and split flakes into small pieces, making it easier to wash them away. Antibacterial and antifungal shampoos containing zinc pyrithione can reduce the abnormal growth of micro-flora on your scalp that may be causing the scaliness and flaky scalp. One needs to be cautious of the fact that even the medicated shampoos need to used in an optimum manner otherwise they can have their adverse effects. Using a daily dandruff shampoo can be harsh and requires a good follow-up conditioner. The advantage of a follow up conditioner is that it can leave a coating on the hair, thus replacing the natural oils rinsed away by shampoo, to restore the normal pH of the scalp, smoothen the hair cuticle and seal the split ends. The most vital aspect is never to ignore a red flaky scalp as it may be a sign of a skin disorder that may require a proper prescription treatment. (Dr Vikas is a Chandigarh-based skin specialist)
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Master
Chef Kandla Nijhowne I know this sounds contradictory but yes, there is such a thing as the oven frying technique! Here, we get a crunchy, crisp surface on our food without dunking it in hot oil. Needless to say, we cut down on our calorie intake with a meal like this one! My favourite is an oven-fried chicken but vegetarians please don't despair. You can oven fry potatoes, mushrooms and paneer. Many recipes use mayonnaise to marinate the chicken. I find that its gloopy character doesn't allow the surface to get crisp. The healthier option is good old dahi. Do remember to call this oven-fried chicken.
Ingredients
Method
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punjabi scope Jasmine Singh Okay, it is something like this. You like a dress on a mannequin, you buy it immediately, slip it on and then you find out that the dress doesn't look all that nice. It only looked good on the mannequin. What next? Can't help it, you have already bought it! Apply the same emotions to the Punjabi film Bhaji In Problem. It looked great from outside, but at a closer look, you will realise you have seen that before. Oh yes! We call it déjà vu. Directed by Smeep Kang, the man who gave us Carry On Jatta, the film stars Gippy Grewal, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Ragini Khanna, Khushboo Grewal, BN Sharma, Karamjit Anmol, Rana Jung Bahadur, Avtar Gill and Akshay Kumar in a special appearance.
Bhaji In Problem as we said before will keep reminding you of something similar you have seen before. Loads of Carry On Jatta and bits from Bollywood film No Entry. Smeep is undoubtedly recreating Carry On Jatta in another sequence, with more or less same and different stars. Smeep has also written the story and screenplay for Bhaji in Problem. Looks like the director is still basking under the success of his initial venture, Carry On Jatta. All said and done, Bhaji In Problem at least has a story, excuse us for the repetition, a story similar to Carry On Jatta, especially the mayhem and the climax of both the movies are pretty similar. Smeep has done a fairly okay job, given the fact that he has successfully done it before. We give a point for the dialogues, written by Gupreet Ghuggi and Naresh Kathoria, which are pretty hilarious and bang on. Bhaji In problem has Gippy Grewal and Gurpreet Ghuggi in the lead. The two actors have definitely done their share of good comedy. Ghuggi deserves a pat on the back for the good comedy. We did laugh, after so many movies. Gippy has justified his character, he is decent with comedy but now he needs to shift gears. Another actor who deserves a pat is BN Sharma, the comedian actor is a blast throughout the film, giving us one punch after the other. Alright, his dialogues and acting carry the Carry On Jatta effect, but you don't mind an extra laugh. The Bollywood damsel Ragini Khanna, who makes her debut with Bhaji In Problem, is hardly seen around except for a song and few odd scenes. In fact, it is Kushboo Grewal and Misha Bajwa playing the two wives of Gurpreet Ghuggi who are seen and heard much. The movie has a slow pace in the first half; it is after the break that it starts running. As for the music, considering that Bhaji In Problem has Gippy Grewal on board, it couldn't tip tap the toes. The much talked about Akshay Kumar experience is a much hyped stunt. A song and 2-3 odd dialogues, Akshay who plays his duplicate Bakshay Kumar doesn't add much to it. In case we forgot, did someone say cricketer Harbhajan Singh Bhajji was another actor in the film? Really, when and how? We saw him only in the beginning, just once. A too special actor maybe! Whatever marks the film gets is for making us laugh, something that the comedy films in the last few months could not.
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first-day-first show
Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela
Directed and produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela is a romantic-drama film that stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The film is said to be an adaptation of Shakespeare's epic love story Romeo and Juliet, set in violent times. Creative genius This film does live up to the standard of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his creative genius. I loved the film just for its sheer capacity to accommodate an Indian rendition of Romeo and Juliet. It's a must watch. Ankita Sharma, student Great experience I love the film for the pure cinematic experience that it gives you, considering the extravagant sets and backdrop that the film offers you. Also, the storyline is very compelling and interesting. Prakesh Mishra, BPO employee Too heavy I like the film, only that it is way too heavy for the Indian audience. Ram Leela is a slyly fun movie, and one that is best appreciated on big screens. Vantika Singh, student
Rajjo Rajjo is a romantic musical produced by Four Pillars Entertainment and directed by Sahitya Akademi Award winning writer Vishwas Patil. It stars Kangana Ranaut and Paras Arora in the lead roles and its supporting cast includes Prakash Raj, Mahesh Manjrekar and Jaya Prada. No substance I did not quite like the film since it lacks substance and it does not really have much to offer critically either. Though Kangana has acted really well in the film, but wouldn't we credit her previous roles of that of a tormented forlorn girl in almost all her previous films! Jigyasa Verma, student Meaningless dialogues I didn't like the story of the film and the way that it was presented. Also, the film features absurd situations and comes up with inane dialogues where women are compared to sim cards and construction sites! Bindi Shah, student — As told to Amarjot Kaur
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star track
Anirudh Singh and Deepika Lal are a husband and a wife designer duo who proudly produce all their work in Mumbai. Their collaboration has come from a passion for creating different worlds and lifelong designs. The two have designed costumes for films like Munnabhai M.B.B.S., Main Aisa Hi Hoon, Teri Meri Kahaani, Ajab Gazabb Love etc. We catch up with the couple to talk about their latest film Krrish 3 and more… Krrish 3 We consider ourselves fortunate to have got this opportunity to design for Krrish 3 as we don't often get to design for characters like that. We want to thank Rakesh Roshan ji and the team for having considered us to design for Vivek Oberoi. Kaal—the villain We got inspirations for the character from the script and the vision that Rakesh ji had in mind. We met him and shared a few thoughts then a lot of designing happened. He was very clear about the character he wanted to create. He was very clear that we were making India's first super villain. We wanted to create a villain which was larger than life. It was the motivation for us. He wanted the villain to be iconic like Mogambo or Gabbar Singh. Creative differences We do have differences. But the good part is that it results in our job getting better. It's the best part. We both encourage our individual opinions. Our arguments are always about how we can make the job better. We sort out creative differences and work together to find the best solution. Singh Sahab the Great The experience of working for the film was great. When we met director Anil Sharma ji, he was like you guys are doing a futuristic and sci-fi film like Krrish 3 but my world is very different and how will you create that? The film is actually based in Gorakhpur, UP. We told him that you give us the challenge and we will do our best. As a designer, we love the fact that we can create different worlds. There was a film we did called Teri Meri Kahaani. In that film we created three different worlds and eras. We created Punjab in 1910, Bombay in 1960 and London in 2012. Creating worlds We did a lot of research for Singh Sahab the Great. We went to the UP heartlands to see how people dress up there. We even shopped from there. We did not shop in Mumbai because we wanted to create that feel. We wanted to maintain the authenticity of the characters. It is very important for designers that they create the right world because if the world goes wrong, the characters go wrong too. Good feedback Whoever has seen Singh Sahab the Great has told us that it's looking the way it should look. The feedback has been very positive. Except Sunny Deol, we designed the costumes for the rest of the cast. We have been very particular about the accessories and fabrics for each character.
Heart-warming moment
With Amitabh Bachchan alongside offering his blessings and support and having tremendous appreciation for Shekhar Suman's directorial debut Heartless, it was an incredibly emotional moment for everyone present at the trailer launch of the film. Amitabh Bachchan spent some quality time with Shekhar and his family and shared timeless moments while sharing a very heartfelt positive feedback of the film. With producer Alka Suman giving Amitabh Bachchan a very colourful welcome, Bachchan mentioned that he is happy to watch the trailer. "Shekhar made this film about his son (Aayush, who passed away at the young age of 11 due to a heart ailment). It is difficult as you are reminded about the tragedy. I liked the look and hope people like the film. Looking at the trailer, it doesn't seem like Shekhar's directorial debut," he said at the launch. Shekhar and Alka Suman with his son Adhyayan Suman played the perfect hosts for the evening. Ariana Ayam, the leading lady opposite Adyayan, looked gorgeous at her first public appearance. The Heartless team marked their presence during the trailer launch, with every member of the film taking pride in sharing their unforgettable experiences. "Direction is the final destination of every actor whether it is Clint Eastwood, Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Tom Cruise or Aamir Khan," says Shekhar Suman as he gears up for the biggest challenge of his life, his directorial debut Heartless. The film is a romantic thriller that deals with the extremely emotional subject of anaesthesia awareness. It also stars Deepti Naval, Om Puri and Madan Jain. Shekhar adds, "It's my biggest honour to direct three of the finest actors in the industry, Om Puri, Deepti Naval and Madan Jain. I've introduced a new girl Ariana, who has in her the makings of a great actress and I'm sure she will go a long way." Heartless releases
on February 7.
Karisma’s new love
Karisma Kapoor's marriage with industrialist Sanjay Kapur has hit the rocks. However, she had always maintained a dignity about it. Now if the latest buzz is to be believed then Karisma has found love again. She is allegedly seeing a 35-year-old CEO of a Mumbai-based health firm. They met at a party.
Anurag, Kalki take time off!
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and his actress wife Kalki Koechlin have announced that they are separating after more than two-year-old married life. The couple, whose marriage was said to be in trouble, issued a joint statement recently asking for privacy but vehemently denying that they were divorcing.
The statement reads, "Me and Kalki are separating. We are taking time off from each other to figure things out; we aren't divorcing. We request the media to please respect our privacy and give us our space and not speculate. Thank you, Kalki and Anurag." The 29-year-old Kalki, who is an Indian of French descent and Kashyap met and fell in love while working on Dev D in 2009 and later got married in 2011. Kalki played Chandramukhi in Kashyap's modern take on Sarat Chandra's classic Devdas. Earlier, Kashyap was married to Aarti Bajaj from whom he has a daughter.
Time for siyappa
Neeraj Pandey of Special 26 fame turns a producer for the first time with Total Siyappa. The name Aman ki Asha was communicating a very different
feel while the film is a fun film.
The makers even tested the title with focus groups and got mixed reviews for the title. They did not even get the crux of the film right. Hence, they decided to take a collective call on changing the name. The film will now be called Total Siyappa which means total chaos. Total Siyappa suits the plot of the movie accurately and also gives the idea of the storyline. Neeraj confirms, "Yes, we had earlier called the film Aman ki Asha as the boy's name is Aman and girl's name is Asha. But the film is more than that. So we have now changed it to a Punjabi title, Total Siyappa." Set in London, it is a hilarious take when a Pakistan Punjabi boy goes to meet the girl's Indian Punjabi family and the siyappa that follows. After the fame he had received with his movie Shool, director E Niwas will returns to celluloid post a long gap. The film will
star Ali Zafar and Yami Gautam.
First look of the fish
The first look poster of upcoming film What The Fish! is out. The cartoon sketched poster is quite in sync with the mood the film. Coming across as a funny and delightful comic poster, it features a caricature of Dimple Kapadia. The film is all set to release on December 13.
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chatter box While shooting a scene where he has to slap Anas Khan aka Omung in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Mohammed Nazim accidentally ended up hitting his co-star Bhavini Purohit's nose. She plays Radha in the show. He was apologetic to her. The shooting was stopped for two hours as they put ice on her swollen nose.
Aashka in the jury
Aashka Goradia aka Dheer Bai Bhatiyani in Sony Entertainment Television's Bharat Ka Veer Putra-Maharana Pratap will soon be a part of the art of the Indian jury judging entries to the New York-held International Emmy Awards worldwide. She's going for a second year in a row and is excited about it.
Real touch to a reel wedding
Nakuul Mehta aka Aditya, who is the chocolate boy of television, will soon be seen tying the knot with his on-screen wife Pankhuri in full Sooraj Barjatiya style lavish wedding in his show Pyaar Ka Dard Hain. The talented actor who is excited for his on-screen wedding will be seen wearing the same safaa and head gear that he had worn for his real wedding with his wife Jankee. The actor, who had to unfortunately back out from Nach Bailye-6 because of his wife's knee injury, is very happy that the production house could incorporate this in the wedding. The costume designer even made him wear a similar sherwani that he wore for his real wedding. This is not all, Nakuul called the same person from Rajasthan who had tied it on his real wedding. When contacted Nakuul he said, "The kalangi on the safaa and the sword will carry during the on-screen wedding is a family heirloom, which is about 140-year-old and has been passed on from his great-grandfather. It has been a great wedding shoot till now. We are all looking forward to audience reaction."
Catch Aditya and Pankhuri's larger than life Bollywood style wedding in Pyaar ka Dard Hain from Monday to Friday at 10 pm only on Star Plus!
Negative turn
Rushad Rana, who has played many roles on television returns to the tube with a negative role in Sony's Kehta Hai Dil… Jee Le Zara. Away from TV for a while, Rushad talks about his setback with films and his personal life.
You are yet again playing a negative role in this show. I play the role of DV's brother Anway who is not a bad guy but a cut-throat businessman. He will go to any lengths to get his way. I have just shot for a few days so the graph of the character is still to be decided. Usually women play vamps on TV. Is there scope for men to be bad? Yes surely. Men can be bad on TV and every plot needs a villain who takes the story forward. For men usually they need to be out of the kitchen and family setup to be effective. You can't have a man plotting over in a kitchen. You did a movie in between too. Yes I did. I had to stay away from TV for a while though not out of choice. I was told to stay away as I was part of a film wherein I played the lead. It also starred Anupam Kher, Tina Desai and others. As the producers were new, they didn't have money to promote it. So it was setback to my career as the decision to do it backfired. Your personal life too saw some upheavals. Yes I was married and got divorced recently. I am dealing with things and looking forward in life. What has been your claim to fame? I have done quite some work on TV. People still remember me from Hip Hip Hurray. I also did films like Veer Zaara, TV shows like Rang Badlati Odhani, Sangini, and episodics in Crime Patrol, Savdhaan India and more.
Dayaben’s new look
Dayaben of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has transformed herself. She will turn into a help woman to catch an imposter. She will be seen in Western wear and short hair with streaks in her hair. Dayaben will try to catch the person who scammed them.
Hurting step
The chocolate boy Rithvik with his desi girl Asha came out in public about their relationship after news broke out on the duo taking up Nach Baliye-6.
The popular couple recently had an accident while performing on the celebrity dance reality show Nach Baliye. This accident happened while performing their act where Asha had to take a long jump (known as Leap of Faith) towards Rithvik during their performance. While everything went well, Asha couldn't match up with the timing and she landed on Rithvik, hurting her chin and his eyebrow. This did not deter their spirit and the couple continued with their performance without a break. Sajid who had noticed Rithvik wipe the blood off her face during the act was left impressed on how the couple carried it off without an iota of pain visible on their face. Not only did Khan applauded on what Rithvik did, he also mentioned that his love for Asha was very evident with what he did and also was sure that this couple will make it to the finals. When contacted Rithvik, he said, "It was a miss- fortunate accident and I completely take the blame for this. Asha was already unwell with sore eyes and could barely keep her eyes open and see the space while performing. But she chose to perform for us and my heart was melting at that moment when I saw blood on her face. At the end, it was really touching to see the judges appreciate our performance." Catch Rithvik and Asha in Nach Baliye-6 every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm only on Star Plus!
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Astro turf
ARIES: Your spouse can complain of back-ache. You can gain money from some unexpected quarters. It is time to slow down and recharge your physical and spiritual batteries TAURUS: Matters concerning the government will be taken up. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Be diligent about sticking to your diet or exercise routine today. GEMINI: A neighbour can gossip, but lend an ear and hear something interesting that might turn out to be invaluable information. You are destined for better things than you can imagine. CANCER: A restless night's sleep can result in irritability. A love affair can meander into strange places, which can put you at a distance from your partner. Anxiety will be at an all-time high. LEO: You must not do anything to damage your reputation. It will be difficult to avoid conflict between home life and employment affairs. It will be best to deal with minor issues that do not arouse conflict. VIRGO: Romance is your forte this morning. Everybody will love you and small problems will disappear. Love on the home front will renew your hopes and wishes. Keep your mind on the business at hand.
LIBRA: Confidence and good feelings are in abundance. Trust your own instincts. Don't listen to other people as they can have hidden agendas. Plans for a business merger will be successful. SCORPIO: New contracts are likely to prove most valuable. Communicating with people at a distance should be extremely helpful. Relationships with partners can be problematic. SAGITTARIUS: The day starts on a jarring note. You will not be able to keep to schedule. Do not rush jobs that require careful handling. It will be best to do one thing at a time. Avoid a social gathering. CAPRICORN: Do not project yourself too far into the future. You will have to be stricter with loved ones. Have faith in your own intellectual ability and make choices based on your needs. AQUARIUS: Today you will get money from an unexpected source. Important business matters can be handled carefully. Be more realistic. Lovers are in a cheerful mood. PISCES: A house or office move is unlikely. In public meetings you will feel forceful or aggressive; control your temper. If you are one of those people who can't say no, you are about to learn. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 16...
The planets shine on your personal life. It's time to consider significant changes in every aspect of your life. You know you are capable of great accomplishments, but lack of self-assurance bridles your energy. The year is good for health. Hardwork and dedication will take you to great heights. A compromising attitude is just what it takes to make it a meaningful year. Care is required in communication. Neptune makes you realistic, optimistic, reliable, creative and a simple person. Business trips will keep you busy Health issues of a family member or a dear one can cause some worry. Positive colours: White, Blue, Gray. Select days: Monday and Sunday. Favourable numbers: 1, 2, 7. Charity on birthday: Donate tea leaves.
You share your birthday with Aditya Roy Kapur (November 16, 1985, Mumbai), who gained popularity with his role in the 2010 film Action Replay. Kapoor played a Pakistani musician in London Dreams (2009). He was seen with Aishwarya Rai in Guzaarish.
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Experimental mode
A miniature garden is a term widely used for any small size garden, natural or artificial. Dish gardens, terrariums, bonsai, tray gardening, windowsill gardening, tea-cup gardening are all considered miniature gardening. Many people living in apartments miss having a garden and thus the trend of miniature gardens is fast catching on. Just like life-sized landscapes, the possibilities for miniature gardens are endless. They can be indoor or outdoor, in-ground or in a pot, small or large and filled with everything you can dream of.
According to me, a miniature garden should have a perfect blend of plants, hard surfaces, patios and accessories, all in proportion to each other. The scale is the main key here and that's what I specialise in. Being a landscape designer, I scale down every element that I use otherwise in my projects and include it in my miniature gardens. My gardens create a living garden scene and this is what sets them apart from the other types.
An itchy, scaly scalp can be a major source of embarrassment and can affect one's self-esteem and lifestyle routine. No one likes to have scales shedding from the scalp all over the shoulders or extending beyond the hairline, thus making it visible in the front over the forehead, on the sides, around the ears and in the back over the neck. Scaling, over the scalp is just not the commonly known dandruff, in fact one should get flaky scalp properly diagnosed.
1 kg joints of chicken
Gems recommended: Pearl, Jasper.