Small screen, big aim
Iqbal Khan and Shraadha Arya, lead stars of the show Tumhari Paakhi, promise a different fare on television. In Chandigarh, they open their hearts out…
Ashima Batish

From khushi ke aanso to dukh ke aanso to bas aise hi rona aa gaya…the amount of tears that Indian television actresses shed might boost the sales of glycerine producing companies, so when a television actress claims that she hasn't cried in any episode of the show, which is into the third month of its shooting, it's hard to believe! The star cast of the show, Tumhari Paakhi, which hit the TV screens this month, Iqbal Khan and Shraadha Arya, give us a few more examples of how their show, which is based on the novel, Navvidhan by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, is different from the rest. The difference, however, is not very stark.

Shraadha plays Paakhi, who has had a child marriage with Iqbal, who plays Anshuman, and is eagerly awaiting his return for eighteen years. "She isn't the typical girl, who's crying for her husband to come back. She is very confident and yet innocent," Shraadha says while explaining her character. Last seen in Main Laxmi Tere Aangan Ki, Shraadha says that the show might have child marriage as a part of the storyline, but it is definitely not regressive. "Paakhi isn't the poor girl with no future. She works as a guide in Udaipur and is very independent."

Shraadha agrees that women characters on television have been stereotyped, who indulge in kitchen politics, wear unreal clothes and make-up; are made to worship male characters. "It all depends on demand and supply of content. This is what people want to watch in small cities of India."

Male point

Iqbal Khan is quite a popular face on the Indian television, even if he is not omnipresent on the small screen. The actor likes to take it easy and even through this show he has made a comeback after a hiatus of two years. "Even a bad show manages to be on air for a year at least, which means that I have to work for twelve hours a day for a year. Thus I take a break post every show," Iqbal says. In the meanwhile, he enjoys time with his daughter, who is now two years old. He has got offers for a few reality shows as well.

Iqbal's character in Tumhari Paakhi is that of a business tycoon, one who is very image-conscious. "So much so that he even bothers about the label of socks that people might see if they peep out of the shoes. Marrying a girl from a small town is a big deal for him." He feels that working in the television industry isn't easy, given the long working hours, "But when did money and fame come easy?"

As for channels' constant struggle to boost the TRPs and doing away with shows that fail to fetch numbers, he says that actors can only give their best on the screen. "For the rest of the facts responsible for the success or failure of a show, they can't do much." The show has been shot in different locations of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and even Himachal Pradesh.

Iqbal also shares the opinion that the storylines of most of the shows are similar. "TV channels conduct surveys and research as to what content would be welcomed by the Indian audience. The content hasn't changed at all in the last fifteen years and for that to happen, we also need a renaissance in our society," he says. But then even 24 has found an audience and this is because everything sells in India, literally.

ashima@tribunemail.com 

Coming of age
Young age comes with a gift of passion and enthusiasm. Sindhuja Rajamaran and Raghav Sood have made the most of it at a very young age... 
Amarjot Kaur

Sindhuja Rajamaran

Talent has nothing to do with age. Neither does achievement! Teenagers Sindhuja Rajamaran and Raghav Sood surely underline the fact that age is not a parameter for success. In Chandigarh to interact with the engineering students at the Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology, they have loads to share.

Sindhuja Rajamaran is a 17-year-old chief executive officer of 17 and holds the Guinness World Record for becoming the youngest CEO in India; she owned a Chennai-based animation company called Seppan at the age of 14. Her father, Rajamaran, an avid animator and cartoonist, taught her animation when she was ten. Today there are five people in her company, all men in their early 20s. She has made it clear that she is not like a typical boss. "It is more of a team and I'm just a facilitator, only giving the right direction to the company so that it scales new heights. Now it is her dream to become a successful entrepreneur and provide employment to the youth of the country. "The education system has several flaws as it does not make youngsters ready for employment. There is a big gap between educated youth and unemployment in the country, which needs to be bridged," she says. When asked how it feels like snatching the title of youngest CEO from another South Indian prodigy Suhas Gopinath, she says, "I had a chance of meeting him at a function in Madurai and he was very happy; he also advised me how to run my company."

Raghav Sood

By the time she was through, Sindhuja Rajamaran had indeed shaped several young minds in the audience as most of them said they too would like to employ rather than get employed!

Class apart

Raghav Sood, 16, Founder/CEO of Appaholics LLC, studies in grade 11 in Sri Ram School, New Delhi. He is the world's youngest author and has written a book on Android titled, Pro Android Augmented Reality, in July 2012. Augmented Reality is a topic that really excites Raghav and writing a book on using it in Android apps not only came as a natural upshot of this passion, but also as a challenge, given that not many books are available on the topic. The book is part of a professional series on Android. He has published several Android Apps and two BlackBerry apps.

"My company is registered in the US and we publish apps for mobiles. We just get money in the sale of apps and the book that I have written," he says. About education, he says, "I am juggling between studies and work. I have opted for science because maths and physics help me in designing games while psychology helps me in developing artificial intelligence." However, Raghav does not quite feel that a degree is an important aspect of his job. "I juggle time pretty efficiently because when I am in school, I study and when I am at home, I keep busy with programming. In fact, I only sleep for three hours on an average since I keep busy with my projects," he says.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

the ‘in’ side
Get playful
Unleash your creativity to decorate your kid’s room
Sukhmani

Your children's room is one of the best places to get creative because there is no limit to your inspiration. One can choose from various themes like sports, jungle, fairy tales etc. If you have young kids then it's worth infusing playfulness into their living spaces now, when they are still young. Involve the kids while deciding the themes and colours. Give them the freedom to show their creativity. Letting them run wild in the bedroom with marker pens is not the ideal way to do so but there are ways to channel their creativity. Sit down with your child and set the theme you wish to work on. If you don't want to have a theme, you can add a few interesting things to make the room look more lively. Here's how:

* Create a focal point with the bed. Give your child a bed he would love to lie in every night. It can be in the shape of a car, a doll house inspired one or a castle or a ship. If you wish to keep it simple, give the bed a fancy headboard. If you have more than one child using the room, bunk beds and loft beds would be a good choice as they use vertical space and leave enough area to play and move around. Bunk beds that are built-in to the wall, in one line, are a great idea to accommodate multiple kids in a room. The lighting can be customised for each space. Small reading lights and co- coordinating beddings look great and the kids can personalize their respective bed nooks.

* If you have high ceilings, a loft in your child's room is an ideal way to keep the bedroom neat and orderly while creating plenty of room for play below it. By using a loft bed, you open up a ton of space which is perfect for a study desk, a book nook or just a play area.

* Infuse colour in the room by painting the furniture with their favourite colour. Use the same colour in the bedding, window treatments and rugs.

* Freestanding or built-in modular wood shelving units are playful and practical. They're great for providing access to toys while teaching kids to keep their room organised. Chests and cupboards in the shape of towers or grandfather clocks add that punch of visual delight that is needed in a kids room.

* Add wall art. Paint a tree with branches where wall shelves can be added. Put up a pin-up board or if your child is good at drawing, let him or her paint something they like. Add wall stickers or glow stars and watch the room take on a magical appearance that will delight the kids.

The possibilities are endless so get designing and create an oasis for your child today.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior designer)

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Learn to say no
Simmi Waraich

I am in my second year of engineering. I am an average student and finding it difficult to concentrate. As I live in a hostel, I am often unable to say no to others and we end up wasting time. I also feel very uncertain about my future as I will have to do MBA or M Tech before I get a job.

A Ahuja, Chandigarh

Worry is a normal part of life and to some extent useful too but when it consumes a better part of your day it can be a hindrance. If most of your day is spent worrying then it ends up being non-productive. Try to have a plan for a month in advance. When you get thoughts of what you will do two years from now try to tell yourself "first things first. One step at a time."

Also it is a very important part of ones personality development to say no to friends and family at times. Practice your assertiveness skills by practicing them. A useful technique is to be like a "broken record". Repeat the same phrase to avoid giving in. Like "I'm sorry but I ll come out with you tomorrow if I'm free. Thanks." People around you may be average students too but it's how they plan and manage their time that helps. Get counselling.

My son was using cough syrup with Codeine for two years. He is trying to leave it and taking Imodium capsules. How much should he take? We admitted him in a rehab but he left after four days.

Prakash, Ludhiana.

Imodium alone may not help much. Usually tab Arkamine (Clonidine) is used along with it too. These medicines need monitoring by a doctor at least once as blood pressure has to be checked before giving Clonidine. In some people Clonidine can cause a fall in BP. BP has to be equal to or above 100/60 mg a day. So do consult a doctor. You can tell the doctor you don't want admission but would like to try treatment at home first. Admission is not necessary. Imodium two cap thrice a day can be used but if there is constipation the next dose is not given as it can cause Ileus or Obstruction too. Medicines like these are to be supervised by a doctor. Don't self medicate. See after leaving the drug a person has a chronic withdrawal lasting 3-4 months so he needs monitoring by a psychiatrist wherein his urine may be tested for opiates or he may be counselled regarding coping with craving and/or given medication like Naltrexone to decrease chances of relapse. Usually a person is monitored for 1 year after leaving drugs.

(Waraich is a psychiatrist)

CELEB POINT
Pages from life
Divya Dutta

Yeah it unfolds! Chapter by chapter! This book of life! Sometimes the new pages interest us, sometimes we get confused. And for reference, we turn the pages back again and revisit.

Everyone's book has got a different title. But yes, they are all mixed emotions! One chapter would make you smile and the other would make you cry. Sometimes we hold on to a chapter for days, refusing to turn the page...glued on to just that one. But we do have to, to finish the book and turn the next page. Ultimately what matters is that it should be a book well read, a life well lived according to its contents...flow with the pages and read them as the writer up there intends you to read it, fully enjoying the laughter in it. Tears he's put in there.

But we sometimes get so attached to this particular chapter, that we refuse to let it go. We feel the book is all about that chapter! Weak we, vulnerable we, angry we, thinking why the book didn't end with that chapter, it was a super ending. I felt so happy. Reading it, absorbing it. But we forget, it's not written by me. The book of my life, it's written by someone up there. He knows better, that it's not the best climax for my book, he still has plans of introducing new characters, new twists and turns, new laughters, new tears and new bonds. He might just surprise me with another favourite chapter I might cling to. He knows how to have the best climax for my book, it might make me impatient, it might make me restless with, come on, what's next, but I have to patiently enjoy absorbing every line.

When the book you read is by the one and only best author, the divine, you have to let go, you have to trust that the chapter of life you are going through might not be the best one. So, hold on, read on...remember he's the master of the game, who knows which way to take your script, to involve you, glue you and give you the climax you will be happy about!

I am just turning another page...I held on to this one for long, fully trusting my favourite author, enjoying each line he's written, with a juice in my hand and some chips to munch on. Happy reading.

(Dutta is a Bollywood actress)

Jewel in the crown
Shah Rukh Khan may not have a taste for jewellery, but there are many stars who like to don ear-studs, neckpieces and lockets. We catch up with some…
Ashima Batish

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

Experimental mode
Fashion designer Arjun Saluja, known for making androgynous designs, says it is time we moved beyond categorising fashion for men and women, and also jewellery for that matter. "Men are experimental these days. They wear jewellery not for the love of the metal or stones but to make a style statement. More than often, they get it right!"

A heady mix

Chilis Bar and Grill held a Margarita mixology and tasting session to unravel the secrets of the world famous Mexican cocktail, Margarita, which came into being in 1938. Chili's in- house mixologist Vishal Kumar has made some of the most enticing Margaritas for connoisseurs. It was shared by experts at the event that Margarita is essentially a Tequila—a Mexican alcoholic beverage which comes in silver and gold colours, based cocktail. 

The other ingredients that go into a Margarita are Cointreau liqueur and any other alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Vishal displays the making of Chili's flagship Presidente Margarita. First, Tequila is poured in after which Chili's special sweet and sour is mixed followed by a premium brandy and then orange flavoured Cointreau liqueur flows in. —TNS

STAR TRACK
Supriya makes her presence felt! 

Actress Supriya Pathak has left many spell-bound with her magnificent acting in Goliyon ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. She has delivered a standout performance as Deepika Padukone's mother and impressed many film critics with her terrific and intimidating screen presence. She talks about her role and more.

Reel & real

My reel character in Ram-Leela and real-life character are poles apart. I don't think I am like that at all in my real life. I am more of a friend than a mother with my daughter.

Cast away

I was first approached for this character by Shruti who was the casting director for the movie. At that time my character was not entirely clear to me. I then met Sanjay sir and he asked me if I would like to have a script reading to which I said yes. Once I read the script, I was so happy with the role that I immediately said yes.

Working with SLB

Sanjay loved my character Dhankoraba as well. He is one filmmaker who gives you creative freedom to work on your character. Therefore actors get the opportunity to do full justice to their role. He is also a very warm person and one can relate to his vision and ideas very easily.

Being a friend

My mother gave birth to me when she was 40. So we had a major age difference because of which she was stricter and was more of the 'You listen to me' kinds and I had to listen because I didn't have a choice then. So there was always this mother-daughter tussle between us in a way. So when I had a daughter I wanted to make sure there was no tussle between us because of a mother-daughter relation. So I am more like a friend to her today. 

Anil’s new fan base

Actor Anil Kapoor has developed a new fan base all together. He is now being addressed as agent Jay Singh Rathod by his newly developed fan following.

The veteran actor is being loved by children who have been glued to his TV show 24. His role in the show comes out to be so realistic, that children have started addressing him as agent Jay Singh Rathod which is his character's name.

The actor who plays an agent from the anti- terrorist unit in the show is continuing to perform his best and has received immense appreciation for his performance.

Anil has been working round the clock to make sure that the episodes of the show are shot in time as unlike films, TV has a complete different nature of working.

The show has made the audience curious with each of its episodes.

Jolie good choice

Oscar-winner AR Rahman represented India at Governors Awards 2013 in Los Angeles, California on November 16. He felt Angelina Jolie was right choice for the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

"Knowing what commitment it takes to do something outside of your comfort zone, I felt Angelina really deserved the love she got from the Academy... For the good work she has done across the war torn areas of our world..." he posted in a note on Facebook.

"After two depressing months in the hospital, looking after my mom ... And watch her healing slowly by the good wishes and prayers of loved ones, tonight in LA was therapeutic. Watching deserving people from the Hollywood industry getting huge honors..." he added.

He also met music-composer Mychael Danna and his Indian wife Aparna. "Met Mychael Danna and his lovely Indian wife on the way out - though we have worked together in Water, this is the first time we met. Also met Pharrell Williams and Diane Warren... It's back to my studio now...' he added further.

Stars like Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin and Italian costume designer Piero Tosi were also awarded the Oscar statuettes at this year's ceremony.

Evelyn on the beach

Actress Evelyn Sharma is all set to return with a sizzling beach song. However, she will hit the silver screen in a scorching hot two-piece bikini for the first time ever on superstar Yo Yo Honey Singh's song Paani Paani for her next movie Yaariyan; the directorial debut of T-Series' head honcho Bhushan Kumar's wife Divya Khosla Kumar.

"I love to dance. In movies, on stage and to stay fit! Dance is a great workout too. It keeps your body toned and stamina high." says Sharma.

To the question if she felt uncomfortable in a two-piece, she adds, "What's better to wear on the beach than a swimming costume. The song is full of fun, sun and yaariyan. I really enjoyed the shoot with Divya ji! She knew exactly how to make us feel comfortable and get our energy going with every take."

Hole story

We hear that actress Sonam Kapoor who is currently shooting for her film Khoobsurat in Bikanar has had her earlobe and cartilage pierced, especially for the film. She plays a physiotherapist and wants to look her part in the film.

chatter box
House exit

After spending over nine weeks inside the Bigg Boss house, Pratyusha Banerjee exits the reality show. The youngest contestant on the show, Pratyusha, was often criticised for her adolescent behaviour. The moment she set foot inside the Bigg Boss house, she found a close friend in Kamya who soon become her best friend and sole support.

The duo was like peas in a pod and would always stand up for each other. Apart from Kamya, Pratyusha also found friends in Armaan, who fondly called her chutki but his closeness to Tanishaa drew her away from him. The actor, who became famous as Anandi from Balika Vadhu, talks about her exit and more.

How was your experience on the show?

My stay inside the Bigg Boss house has been a complete roller-coaster ride. I have seen the good, the bad and even the ugly. But I was lucky to find a dear friend in Kamya, who held my hand and helped me sail through all those trying times.

Who will you miss the most?

I am going to miss her a lot and will be rooting for her to win the show. I will also miss Tanisha, Armaan-ji and Ajaz; the time we have spent together is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Are you disappointed about not winning the show?

Not at all; trust me I survived two months in the house, which is a big deal. It was a great experience; I got to learn a lot of things, cultivated a lot of patience and made good friends.

Why were you eliminated just when you became captain?

Becoming a captain, you just end up being abused by everybody and everyone just hates you. It's good that I became the captain and then I got out too.

What are you planning on doing now?

Nothing really; I have just got out, now I'm going to chill. Let's see now, whatever new comes my way.

— HRM

Close call

The Year Ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 20...

As you are influenced by your ruling planet moon, you will be creative, honest, aspiring, cheerful, courteous and highly decisive.

Mental turmoil and turbulence as work builds up pressure. Monetary gains are likely from various sources. Loved ones might be annoyed if you do not spend time with them. Sincere efforts would lead you to success. Mixed trends are evident on the career front. You can enjoy good health throughout the year. Your social life will be lively. Hooking up with a high-spirited person will help you.

Positive colours: White, Sky-blue, Pink.

Select days: Monday and Sunday.

Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 7, 1.

Gems recommended: Pearl, Opal, Yellow sapphire

Charity on birthday: Feed green vegetables or fodder to cows.

You share your birthday with Tusshar Kapoor (November20, 1976, Mumbai), son of actor Jeetendra and brother of Ekta Kapoor. He made his debut with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai opposite Kareena Kapoor. Shootout at Lokhandwala did well at the box-office. He has also acted in Golmaal Returns. Saturn will give his career a boost in the coming years.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiations with potential contractors, employers, employees and consultants can 
be productive.

Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will-power. 

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 47

TAURUS: Your card is 'the Magician', so you are not likely to be taken unawares by surprise happenings. It is probably a better period for working in familiar surroundings than for travelling.

Tarot message: At work don't hold back anything from your employer.

Lucky colour: Metallic-grey.

Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Spend this day with your sweet-heart. Answer business correspondence and pay outstanding bills. Exciting new contracts emerge from chance encounters. 

Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 35

CANCER: If you have recently taken on a new job or contract, make sure to negotiate all the terms and conditions. A greater workload is likely. Special skills and abilities will not be noticed.

Tarot message: Don't make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. 

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 40

LEO: Today is a test of your knowhow and competence in profession. Your performance is on public view and you will be closely watched. The day favours those who are now treading unfamiliar ground. 

Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. 

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 32

VIRGO: Sudden encounters with extraordinary characters leave a mark on your life. You are unlikely to forget such incidents quickly. Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today.

Tarot message: Adopt a very practical approach.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 25

LIBRA: Your lover will be seeking your attention whether you are in the mood or not. Do your best to comply. Employment affairs will be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning.

Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests.

Lucky colour: Sky-blue.

Magic number: 28

SCORPIO: Cash will be flowing into your account today. This abundance is not due to luck, but all because of your hardwork. Long-term projects and contracts will be paying off handsomely.

Tarot message: Focus on professional changes.

Lucky colour: Deep-red.

Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: The run of good business continues. Relationships move to closer intimacy and deepening. Once you have decided on a certain course of action, stick to your guns.

Tarot message: Push to succeed and your efforts will pay off.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Turn on the charm and the world's your oyster today. Be sure to take full advantage of a good opportunity that comes your way. Singles are in luck and those with partners are back in the saddle. 

Tarot message: By applying yourself you can succeed.

Lucky colour: Peacock-green.

Magic number: 51

AQUARIUS: It is a day for workaholics. Income will dwindle and expenses rise. Do what you can to improve your mind. Enjoyment can be obtained in the company of the person dearest to you. 

Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.

Lucky colour: Forest-green.

Magic number: 65

PISCES: Make efforts to apply for a job you really want. Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people know what you are planning.

Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 61