Singh Saab in city
Actor Sunny Deol is all set to rock with what he knows the best, to play a Sardar…
Ashima batish

At times in the beginning of an interview with a celebrity, one can anticipate where it might head towards. If it will be all about questions-and-their-monosyllable-answers, questions-and-well-thought-answers or a rare chance, where in an interview paves way for discussion. On the sunny Sunday in Chandigarh, Sunny Deol creates that rare chance and talks about everything under the sun, from the much-hyped film he recently watched, his upcoming project, Singh Saab The Great, his son raring to make a debut in Bollywood, the industry's graduation from 100 to 200 club….as we say, everything under the sun.

Once again action-packed

The dhai kilo ka haath will be seen doing what it does best. This time it's a peeple tree that replaces the hand pump (in Gadar, Ek Prem Katha) to beat the daylights out of his enemies . Sunny puts light on the story, "It's about a collector who fights the wrong in the system. It's also about how his honesty affects the life of his family." Sunny has teamed up with Anil Sharma once again; a director he feels hasn't been given his due in the industry, "His cinema has a range to it. The films from Gadar to Hero to Apne were different from each other. Unlike other directors who play safe with the subject that's sure to find an audience, his films at least promise a storyline." Now this is what matters to him, script of the film. And he can't stop himself from talking about an over-hyped film that released this Friday. "You create larger-than-life sets, make it all very colourful, have the best cinematography, but can't make-up for the missing storyline." This isn't the only concern, the ending of the film matters and it has to be happy. "By the end of three hours, I want to feel happy, not heavy."

Heart of the matter

Till sometime back, doing aggressive publicity wasn't his cup of tea. But then other actors were going overboard with promotions and Sunny couldn't stick to his original plan of keeping it simple. "Media is on people's cellphone. You have to create the buzz. I knew that the sequel of Yamla Pagla Deewana won't work but I also knew that promotions would do the trick." He isn't in favour of critics forewarning people about a film, which he says should be left to the audience to decide. His other film that will release later this year is I Love New Year with Kangana Ranaut, who is almost half his age. "I am an actor and it doesn't matter to me who is cast opposite me." He admits that men get more space in Bollywood, which he says is also because most of the actresses are happy doing item numbers. "I did approach a few with an off-beat storyline but realised that they wanted to stick to commercial cinema." And then will happen Mohalla Assi, a film with an unusual subject for which he hasn't charged any fee. Entry to the elite clubs don't matter to him but that a film makes enough profit does, "We know how 100 crores club becomes 200. It is all about the lead actor and the buzz you create around the film."

His own territory

While his father Dharmendra will be soon seen in a Punjabi film, he has no plans to do that as of now, he says, "That is what I have been doing all these years, I have played a sardar six times in my acting career, done films that had more Punjabi and less Hindi." His yet another project is titled, Fateh Singh, which will be directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi. Sunny plans to direct a film sometime soon and that might be for the debut of his son. "But there is no pressure on him; he can pursue his career as his likes. The day I will get a script worthy of it, I will launch him." As for an immediate wish on his wishlist that he hopes to be fulfilled, it is Singh Saab… to set the box office rolling.

ashima@tribunemail.com

On a serious note
Jasmine Singh

A few months back, the name Binnu Dhillon was 'omnipresent' in every Punjabi film. No comedy film would actually hit the screen without this actor. Then one fine day, quiet distressed seeing the present day scenario in Punjabi films, Binnu decided to pull back and take it easy; a conscious decision that the actor took for the betterment of his craft. "And for the cinema," he laughs.

Binnu Dhillon, who has worked in quite a few Punjabi films, is not very happy with the overkill of comedy in Punjabi cinema. Even when he is back in Daddy Cool Munde Fool 2 after a small break Binnu Dhillon lists out reasons for slowing down his speed.

"I realised people had started talking about how I was everywhere, and I am always open to healthy criticism," says the actor from Dhuri, Patiala, who rose to fame with the blockbuster Carry On Jatta. Binnu adds, "I objectively viewed my work, I saw myself doing so much of comedy. Finally, I decided to go slow; I can't be doing every film that comes my way. I have to be selective."

Binnu Dhillon, who completed his MA in Theatre from Panjabi University, Patiala, did a lot of serious roles before he rolled on to comedy. "I have played a villain in Punjabi films, thereafter a comic villain and finally turned to comedy.

"The 'comic' thing clicked with the directors and the audiences, but the result was everyone wanted the same thing," says Binnu, who is an avid sportsman.

Much is said about the over-kill of comedy, as for Binnu, the actor feels you cannot blame a single person. "It is demand and supply. We did something, the audiences liked it and now we are serving the same dish every now and then. The change has to trickle down from all sides; different scripts, directors willing to take risk, producers willing to walk an extra mile and look beyond the set notions," adds Binnu, who has now decided to weigh his roles before he dives into one.

As easy as it sounds, being choosy at this point in the Punjabi film industry could be pretty risky. But the actor, who once in a while drops into Panjabi University campus to play volley ball with the students, is ready for it. "Making people laugh was never an easy task. If you are accepted as a comic actor the challenge is that you have to be different in every film. I was making all the effort, nevertheless I still saw something similar," he can't help being honest. "You can't better perfection," he laughs.

There could be something he can master though, "Oh yes my health. I generally get up every day with the pledge that today I will change the anatomy of my body," he maintains a straight face while sharing this, "but nothing much happens except for one or two muscles getting a fine tune. One day I will change my health for good," he says. Much like his work, much like his comedy that he has decided to change for good!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Voice to reckon with
Singer Rabbi Shergill is different. And he has no qualms in accepting the fact… 
Jasmine Singh

It would take the best of the 'peeler' to scrape the finest. As for singer Rabbi Shergill, any ordinary gadget cannot dig into him. Even the finest, mostly intricately carved questions cannot hit him. In short, in strict official language, you cannot expect sufficient dope from Rabbi Shergill!

There is always something lurking behind his answer…until you take all the pain to find out 'what', you wouldn't ever know. So, you gather what you see.

And what you see is a man who feels he has nothing to contribute to judging the reality shows, a man who doesn't call himself a singer, the one who doesn't see any renaissance in Punjabiyat!

Rabbi Shergill performs at Underdoggs Sports Bar and grill at Elante Mall. He likes performing in Chandigarh. "It is fun to be here, I promote my new song Tun Milen…a win-win situation here," says Rabbi Shergill. We didn't expect an ecstatic and overwhelming response!

Rabbi is not working on any Bollywood project as of now, "Presently I am not working on any such project," he says, hardly investing in words.

He clears the air, "There is nothing wrong with you or me, the world is changing." So much lurking behind this, only if you care to dig in!

Freewheeling, finding best topics that can catapult his interest, we hit upon technology seeping into music. Hi-end gadgets spread in the studio, does it give music any space to breathe. "This is an 'each to his own' question. If you want a track to be technically sound, you will make it and if no, you wouldn't," adds Rabbi.

How about judging a music reality show then? "How could I contribute in this, they are all trying to create a factory of playback singers."

We wonder if this straight talk ruffles anyone around. "I don't think I have the bad manners or I have crossed any line. I am thankful that my opinion matters in some aspects and I share it," Rabbi says.

Time to dig in again…Akharaa or ticketed shows; maybe this one query sets the ball rolling in speed. "I am a Delhi boy; honestly I haven't seen many akharaas. Punjabiyat has not evolved; it has only been replaced. There is always a feeling of nostalgia. I feel the Punjabi experience needs to come out in full force."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Up for the cause
Ashima Batish

Through all the seventy poems in her book, Neeljal Ki Sonmachliyan, Punita Bawa has aimed to highlight the cause of women in our society. She wants them to know their rights, raise their voice in case they are deprived of them but at the same time Punita has made sure that her poetry doesn't instigate women. "For that will make matters worse. Women are the binding force in a family. They can put pressure on men to do their duty but must do their own as well. And fighting is certainly not a solution," says Punita, who is a lecturer by profession.

This is her second poetry book after Boonde Jinhe Seep Na Mile and a short story collection, Aakanshaon Ke Dharatal Se, which were again based on issues that women face. "Problems like female foeticide and dowry deaths exist in our society. We do talk about them from time to time but there are other problems as well, which are never addressed." She has talked about issues that women face at home. For example, one of her poem is based on the life of a domestic help. "I have talked about women from every strata of society," she adds.

She has kept her language simple to increase the readership. "The perception is that poetry is for academicians. I want my work should enjoy more readership for which simple language was important." She has named her book so because she feels like the gold fish in the sea, women do make their presence felt in their homes.

Deepika to romance Salman

Deepika Padukone has already worked twice with Shah Rukh Khan. Now she is all set to share screen space with Salman Khan in Sooraj Barjatya's upcoming movie, Bade Bhaiyya.

For quite some time, Barjatya has been looking for a leading lady against their most popular character Prem. It seems their hunt is over with Deepika Padukone. The shooting of the film will begin from 2014.

Deepika Padukone would perfectly fit the bill as she looks equally rocking in western as well as traditional outfits. Since it is a Sooraj Barjatya film, Deepika needs to look like a pure Indian girl with bangles, bindi, salwar or saree.

Actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz and Parineeti Chopra were considered for the role but finally Deepika was signed for the film. If everything goes on the right track then very soon we will get to see Deepika and Salman together on-screen.

Interestingly, before Deepika debuted opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Farah Khan's Om Shanti Om, Salman Khan recommended her for a film but back then she was not interested to join films. The superstar recommended her name to Sooraj Barjatya. "He offered me my first film when I was too young and I was not ready to be in front of the camera. I will always be grateful to him. Just the fact that he offered me a film was a great thing. It is taking a long time for us to come together on screen, so I think there is something special waiting for us," Deepika said.

Katrina Kaif unplugged 

Katrina Kaif is rarely candid with the media. She talks about her leaked bikini pictures at the song launch of Dhoom Machale.

For the record

I expected the media to ask me questions about the bikini pictures here. First thing I want to correct is that I was not upset with the media in general. When I saw these particular images, I reacted honestly and immediately.

Too personal

I just felt it was a private moment so I reacted out of that context. You react in the moment and then you move on and then you learn from it. I have been in the industry for ten years now so every incident is an experience.

Laugh it out

In all these years I have been to Spain many times with my sisters and we had been visiting various beaches there. That was an off guard moment and it would have been nice if it'd been kept private. I don't know who clicked the pictures so I cannot be upset with anyone. Next time something like this is going to happen, please let me know so that I wear a matching a bikini. 

Doing justice to technology 

Actor-filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, who is riding high on the success of Krrish 3, says that he will make a 3D film only when he is convinced. He doesn't want to do a sloppy job with the technology and call it a 3D film. Well said. 

Tide of change

Actor Aamir Khan says that he isn't going to promote Dhoom 3. He believes that it will help build curiosity around the movie rather than spoil it for fans. We agree. 

Of the right influence

John Abraham, who is a self-confessed fitness enthusiast, says sportspersons across the world are his role models as far as fitness is concerned. He finds cricketers and footballers super fit people. He is currently shooting for Welcome Back. 

Dhanush gets nostalgic!

Actor-singer Dhanush, who took the nation by storm with his famous song Why This Kolaveri Di in 2011, got nostalgic as the song completed two years recently. "It's kolaveri day !! Thank you guys for making kolaveri what it is today. Still feels like a dream :)" he tweeted.

The song became viral on social networking sites for its quirky lyrics.

Following the league

Actress Soha Ali Khan, who is mostly seen playing girl-next-door, is all set to don a bikini for the first time in her forthcoming film Mr Joe B Carvalho. Her mom Sharmila and sister-in-law Kareena have also worn bikinis for their films. She plays a police officer and will be seen in different avatars.

All set to experiment

Actor Sonakshi Sinha, who is mostly seen playing desi girl on screen, wants to play Rekha's character in Khoon Bhari Maang. She says she is fascinated by the role. The actress says that she is ready to experiment with roles if she believes in them. 

Taapsee speaks fluent Punjabi

Director-producer Shoojit Sircar, who has roped in Chashme Baddoor fame actress Taapsee Pannu for his upcoming film Running Shaadi.com, is all praise for her acting skills. She is playing a Punjabi girl in the film and speaks fluent Punjabi. Sircar is impressed by her fluent Punjabi. The film is a romantic comedy based on this website that helps people elope and get married.

Girl uninterrupted! 

High heels seem to have taken a toll on Neha Dhupia's feet but the Bollywood actress walked the ramp despite her injury. The 33-year-old actress turned showstopper for designer Rocky S at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour and looked every bit regal in a shimmery black leather gown.

"We actresses have not much time to rest. We are always on the run. I have an injured foot and am wearing a bandage. My doctor has strictly told me not to wear heels. But still I am wearing five-inch heels for this show. I hope he is not watching," Neha said after the show. Rocky's collection titled Rocky Star saw the renaissance of the colour black. The highly opulent red carpet collection was inspired by the medieval age. — PTI 

TRENDSETTER
Glam quotient

The younger generation today is well-aware of the latest trends but is not swept away by them unconditionally, for they know how to pick and choose. A student of commerce, Avantika Khurana likes to go in for classy fashion.

Your sense of style?

Whenever I see anybody stylish, their choice of accessories, especially shoes and bags, grab my attention. I follow the latest in style.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

A watch from Aldo and a Burberry bag in their classic checks.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Both will do for me. I should look good, that's all.

Who is your style icon?

Ashley Pisdale.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

It has to be Sonakshi Sinha.

Which look would you prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous?

Glamorous.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Baggy clothes.

Your take on accessories

I like to keep accessories to a minimum, but whatever they are they should be classy.

If given the choice, you would like to be dressed by which designer?

Tom Ford.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

When my way of dressing is noticed, it really adds to my confidence levels.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Eastern influence
Poonam Bindra

A cultural bonanza in North-Eastern handicrafts is brought to Ludhiana, courtesy the Handloom Development Corporation under the Ministry of Development for North Eastern Region. Exquisite handicraft items from Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are on display at the Ludhiana Club.

The items on display show that the rich tapestry of North-Eastern India has interwoven in its fabric, the traditions of many people of different ethnic origin, and even the drenched forests of this entire North-Eastern region with tropical flora and fauna have set climatic and geographical factors contributed in large measure to their ways of life, their occupations and their craft activity. Cane and bamboo being abundant in these forests have become a means for livelihood.

In this crafts bazaar many items in handicrafts of contemporary use are also introduced by the craftsmen and the benefits derived from the sale of their products through this bazaar help the artisans to earn their bread and butter. The exhibits show that the basketry and cane works from Assam and Tripura have been perfected to a fine art as can be seen in the exquisite specimens of cane work particularly of woven items. It seems that almost all the women of North East India can weave. They usually weave to meet their cloths required for their own family members. We learn that every girl is traditionally trained at her own home to learn to weave with her imagination, skill and dexterity and expresses herself through such weavings. Assam muga silk saree, mulberry silk saree, endi (eri) chaddar, Naga shawls, gamocha, laishingphee and many more items of attraction are there for the discerning Ludhiana ladies.

On till November 20

it’s rocking
Peppy number

You can love him. You can hate him. But you can't ignore him. Yo Yo Honey Singh is back with a bang and he brings along with himself his brand new single, Blue eyes. Blue eyes has been written and sung by Honey Singh, while that of chorus being provided by long-term collaborator, Lil Gollu. The song's video has been directed by Gifty and its dance sequences are choreographed by Atul and Karan. Within 5 days of its release, the song has registered over 3.5 Million views on youtube.

Style file

I love the song, especially the lyrics and the rap. Honey Singh has his own style of making a song and it is as much original as interesting it is. Also, the music of the song is very nice! — Sangam Mishra, student

Audience connect

I think Honey Singh is only getting better with each track that he sings, there is no doubt that he connects with his audience. The song, Blue eyes is one of my favourite songs of his, particularly because of the rap that he has sung in this. — Bidisha Mandal, Student

Party track

I like the song. It's very peppy and it makes you want to get up and dance. It's a complete party track and I love dancing to it. Yo Yo Honey Singh! You did it again! — Deepika Kaur, Student

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

Up for the cause
Ashima Batish

Through all the seventy poems in her book, Neeljal Ki Sonmachliyan, Punita Bawa has aimed to highlight the cause of women in our society. She wants them to know their rights, raise their voice in case they are deprived of them but at the same time Punita has made sure that her poetry doesn't instigate women. "For that will make matters worse. Women are the binding force in a family. They can put pressure on men to do their duty but must do their own as well. And fighting is certainly not a solution," says Punita, who is a lecturer by profession.

This is her second poetry book after Boonde Jinhe Seep Na Mile and a short story collection, Aakanshaon Ke Dharatal Se, which were again based on issues that women face. "Problems like female foeticide and dowry deaths exist in our society. We do talk about them from time to time but there are other problems as well, which are never addressed." She has talked about issues that women face at home. For example, one of her poem is based on the life of a domestic help. "I have talked about women from every strata of society," she adds.

She has kept her language simple to increase the readership. "The perception is that poetry is for academicians. I want my work should enjoy more readership for which simple language was important." She has named her book so because she feels like the gold fish in the sea, women do make their presence felt in their homes. 

stress buster
Key to a happy you…
Renee Singh

''I am so bored, what should I do,'' this is a constant lament from a client of mine, "there seems to be no excitement in life, I'm not even looking forward to anything in particular, do you think I'm depressed…'' It's not only him there's a whole lot of us going through this experience, nothing in life seems to excite them any more, it is like ''I've been there done that and now what'' situation. Whether it is boredom, depression or is it really a time for finding a new direction.

Personal time

Daydreaming helps you to explore your likes and choices. Whenever we sit with ourselves we have this inner voice that talks to us. When it starts saying, "Is this all there is to life,'' it is time to create a new life map.

A lot of times we have been very happy with our work for many years and then suddenly a sense of uneasiness and restlessness creeps in. You begin to feel, ''This is not what I want.'' Listen to this inner voice, heed it and understand that it's time you guided yourself to a newer way of life.

As Robert Frost the great poet said, "Two roads diverged in the wood and I took the one less travelled.'' You have to muster up the courage to do it in order to leave the stress behind you.

Self growth

It is when we allow to make our lives stagnant that boredom begins to set in. We have to allow ourselves the luxury of personal growth in order to keep stress away. Self motivation is extremely essential in this case. You are required to create a life that excites you. You need to stretch yourself the extra yard to just think. The time invested in this thinking process will help you create a focus which is positive and possible for your life. Direct your thoughts in a concrete direction. There are a few exercises one can do to focus your career planning.

Make a list of all that you would like to do in your lifetime. This list could run into several hundred activities or just a few highly personal chosen ones.

This could include:

* Walking frequently

* Writing books

* Travelling around the world

* Building a farmhouse

Frankly anything that excites you or has been on your mind for years but you have never indulged yourself in it. Even a simple desire like creating new recipes could be the source of joy that you are looking for.

Nothing in life is worthwhile if you don't get to do your favourite activities at least weekly. Although daily would be so more than what makes you happy. This is what would keep you rejuvenated, away from depressive thoughts and stress.

Think of a time when you felt more positively about your life. Go back to it, look into it deeply and see what the difference is now. Try and gain insight into what is causing dissatisfaction. Change the issues causing unhappiness. Many of us don't really spend any time with ourselves. We really need to do this. People tend to avoid spending time with themselves and spend every moment filled with activity. This is running away from oneself. Spend time alone doing nothing.

Action exercises

Stress is not allowed to creep into your life if you are nurturing your mind, body and soul with adequate self care. Add one of the activities you love to your daily schedule. Doing this action will create happiness and help in your growth. Personal growth and motivation are essential for our mental and emotional health and most specially required at all times.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychologist)

Master Chef
Tangy treat 
Ranjan Dibya

Orange belongs to the family of citrus fruits. Delicious and juicy, oranges contain an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The fruit is low in calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, which is very effective in persons with excess body weights. It also works as an antioxidant and is even good for skin. The tangy taste and the beautiful colour make it a 'must use' ingredient for classy desserts.

ORANGE VANILLA MAHALABIA
Ingredients

Vanilla

* ½ cup of milk

* ½ cup of whipped cream

* 1 tsp of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water

* 2 tsp of sugar

* 1 tsp of vanilla extract

* ½ tsp of rose water

Orange

* 11/2 cup fresh orange juice

* 2 tsp of sugar (or more, to taste)

* 1 tsp of cornstarch diluted in 2tbsp of water

Method

Pour the milk and cream into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil. As soon as you see steam coming out, add the sugar and keep stirring. Add the cornstarch and water mixture and keep stirring for one minute or so. When the mixture thickens, add the vanilla extract and rose water. Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes and let it cool . Store in the fridge. Place the orange juice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium-high heat and bring to a boil. When the juice starts steaming, add the sugar, stir well, add the cornstarch mixture. Continue stirring while it bubbles up and add the flavourings. When the mixture thickens, using a large tablespoon, place a few tablespoons of the orange pudding onto the surface of the milk pudding, dividing it equally between all four cups. Cool at room temperature and then in the fridge. Serve when cold. Garnish with candied orange slices. (Dibya is a culinary expert) — As told to Poonam Bindra

chatter box
Jay and Rithvik to anchor Zee Rishtey Awards

After hosting various shows and events together, Zee TV's two most popular actors and anchors, Jay Bhanushali and Rithvik Dhanjani have been roped in to host Zee TV's 21st edition of Zee Rishtey Awards this year. Known for their impromptu fun-banter and the ability to pull off every show with aplomb, the two are a complete entertainment package. Both perfectly complement each other with Jay's years of experience in the industry and Ritwik's amazing comic timing. The audiences are in for a superb laugh-a-thon with both coming together to host the Award ceremony this year.

With Zee TV completing 21 glorious years in the industry, it was time to commemorate the unique bond that Zee shares with its viewers in a special way. Zee TV's popular actors, including Rithvik Dhanjani and Asha Negi, Arhaan Behl and Mansi Shrivastav, Ankit Gera and Roopal Tyagi, Manav Gohil and Ulka Gupta, who traveled to many cities to meet the viewers personally. The actors met their fans in Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow and Ahmedabad to announce Zee Rishtey Awards 2013 and thank viewers for all their love and support.

Apart from this, an interesting canter activity was also lined up by the channel, whereby initiatives were undertaken in 40 cities within a span of 10 days to announce the ZRA nominations and make vote appeals to the viewers for their favourite jodi's, actors, actresses, shows etc... The activity was conducted in regions including Mumbai, rest of Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The votes will be collected either through physical forms and online and the results will be declared on-air on Sunday, 1st December at 8pm on Zee TV. In order to make this activity more exciting and engaging, interesting contests were held across cities with the viewers whereby they had an opportunity to give them a chance to earn Zee TV gift hampers. Few select and lucky winners will also be invited to Mumbai to watch their favourite Zee TV stars LIVE at the on-ground of Zee Rishtey Awards.

Right moves
Nach Baliye 6 is serious business and every contestant wants to give their best, including Ridhi and Raqesh Vashisth. Apparently, they weren't happy with their choreographer. Now they have got Nishant Bhat, who has done Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa earlier and India's Got Talent's choreographer Diwakar. 

Nearing the end
With the reality TV game show Kaun Banega Crorepati ending this month, host Amitabh Bachchan got a bit emotional. He posted on twitter that, "Another day at KBC, the last for this season... but hope it fills again by the (next) year (and) fun becomes at KBC... without the inputs from the extended family, nothing would have moved. Thank you." He shot for the last episode this season.

A different role
Gutthi aka Sunil Grover will now be seen in Zee Rishtey Awards 2013. He recently quit the hit show Comedy Nights With Kapil and will anchor a segment on Zee TV's annual Television Awards Ceremony, which will take place in Mumbai on November 16.

Car power
National Geographic Channel launches the third season of their super successful auto series, with brand ambassador John Abraham. Nat Geo's Supercars is a series, based on the world's most gorgeous and lust-worthy machines that are aesthetically stunning, and boast of sheer engineering genius. For the first time ever, 'Supercars' will also feature special episodes from Speedmakers - a series that takes a look at what happens off the track and roads, with people who build, innovate and accomplish feats in engineering. Supercars Season-3 begins on November 18, Monday to Friday at 10 pm, on National Geographic.

Discovering a better place for herself

Suchita Trivedi, who gained popularity in the show Ba Bahoo Aur Baby, where she essayed the role of Meenaxi, is now acting with Deven Bhojani in the show, Bh se Bhaade. She talks about the shows she would like to do and her new serial.

Tell us about your rapport with Deven Bhojani…

Deven and I have been friends for over fifteen years now and we have done many shows together, including Ba Bahoo Aur Baby and Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka. We have also done theatre together and perhaps that is the reason why we have a huge comfort level. I have learnt so much from him. The awards I won for the role of Meenaxi in BBAB are 40 percent due to him as he was the creative director of the show too. He is a perfectionist and has always pushed me to do better. His zest to work rubs off you and its a great experience working with him.

Now that you Sarita Joshi is also a part of the show, how do you feel about it?

She was one of the reasons that I took up the show as I was missing her as a friend. When the makers of the show told me that she was on board too, I didn't bother to ask many details.

Tell us something about the show, Bh se Bhaade?

The story and the narration of the show is quite new and though I am not doing anything that's any different from my previous shows, I am glad to be noticed. My character is quite quirky and it is a challenging role because I have to subtlety act it out. Right now, the kind of saas-bahu shows that there are, I am better off doing this show.

What kinds of shows would you like to be part of?

the show, 24, is a show that I enjoy to the core and I would give an arm and a leg to be a part of it. Also, Balika Vadhu and Maryada are the shows that caught my interest. I have met many television producers, whose work I admire and talked to them, but I guess they will cast me when they find a suitable role.

What do you do when you are not acting?

I love to design places as I have a good eye for props and can decorate houses. I don't mean interior decoration, but sourcing old furniture and recycling them. — HRM

Kangana’s lessons for Bharti

Bharti has always been the flirtatious girl, who always tries her luck on all the male celebrities visiting the show. But in the upcoming episode of Sony Entertainment Television's longest running comedy show Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali, Bharti gets some lessons to woo them from the one and only stunning heroine, Kangana Ranaut.

Once Bharti's act is over, she requested Kangana to teach her how to dance and walk so that guys go gaga for her. Kangana obliges and starts teaching her the dance on Jhulmi re Jhulmi, the popular song from her forthcoming film Rajjo. She also shows Bharti the walk from the movie Fashion. She walks on the song 'Jalwa' leaving everyone spellbound. Bharti then tries to do the same but ends up making everyone on the set roll over their seats and laugh. If not the glamorous fashion star, Bharti surely is the comedy star.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 18...

You've got great instincts about family matters. A relative who has been acting strangely needs professional help. Mars, provides courage, energy, determination and enthusiasm. Health may attract some chronic disorders. You can expect financial gains this year by earning a lot of money from various sources. If you are a businessperson, you should create lot of new contacts, as this would help you in enhancing your business later. Clubbing and attending social events may help you in finding new contacts. Romantic life would be very easygoing.

Positive colours: Red and fire brick.

Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday

Favourable numbers: 3,6 and 9

Gems recommended: Red coral and yellow sapphire

Charity on birthday: Donate saffron leaves or saffron clothes to saints.

You share your birthday with Zubeen Garg, [November18, 1972, Jorhat] who is a singer and composer from Assam. He has made waves in Bollywood and Assamese music scene and plays dhols, dotora, mandolin, keyboard and various percussion instruments. He was named after the great composer Zubin Mehta and used their Gautra as his surname.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: "Two of Cups" suggests that romance will be on your mind. You might have to cancel a proposed trip to avoid friction tonight. A minor incident can have dramatic effects.

Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duties on time.

Lucky colour: Pink

Magic number: 57

TAURUS: Taxation matters will be adjourned. Check the behaviour of your spouse secretly. Forget that your desires never seem to be fulfilled. Health needs attention. Be positive.

Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results.

Lucky colour: Golden

Magic number: 65

GEMINI: Social activities accelerate. Co-workers are helpful. Professionals: your clientele increases. Pursuing your romance into the realms of commitment makes for joyous celebrations.

Tarot message: You need to take things slowly.

Lucky colour: Red

Magic number: 30

CANCER: "The King" brings joyous news. Share your interests with your family members. Legal matters come to the fore. You need a break from hectic schedule.

Tarot message: Try to get rid of negative feelings through love.

Lucky colour: Crimson

Magic number: 33

LEO: Check your e-mails and appointments before setting out this morning and you won't miss out on anything important. Give your friends a call or leave them a message. 

Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far.

Lucky colour: White

Magic number: 61

VIRGO: You need to be alert and responsive. Evening time is good for purchasing ornaments. Read a good book at bedtime. Group efforts and projects will inspire you and introduce you to interesting friends. 

Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtain a clearance.

Lucky colour: Mauve

Magic number: 44

LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. You may find that a journey undertaken now is subject to delays. Avoid social gatherings in the evening. Students: enjoy in the campus. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts.

Lucky colour: Saffron

Magic number: 29

SCORPIO: Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach an agreement with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered and only too willing to criticise you.

Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success.

Lucky colour: Green

Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning. Factory owners: you will not be able to get co-operation from labour. Home and family affairs will be enjoyable.

Tarot message: Leave the past in the past.

Lucky colour: Yellow

Magic number: 52

CAPRICORN: Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. A new romance can bring changes in your life, as you both find the compulsion to be together.

Tarot message: Handle others carefully and don't antagonize anyone.

Lucky colour: Purple

Magic number: 36

AQUARIUS: Business matters will not proceed as smoothly as you may have hoped. An attempt to improve your health will be successful. Tension builds and tempers can fray.

Tarot message: Don't give up your rights or freedom without considering a second chance.

Lucky colour: Orange

Magic number: 40

PISCES: It would be wise to keep work and domestic matters distinctly separate. Useful day for tackling household repairs. Retrenchment or loss of a job can release you from the bonds of commitment. 

Tarot message: You are on the right track, so don't allow others to interfere.

Lucky colour: Peach

Magic number: 26





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