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You’ve got mail!
You have to be carrying a different DNA if you are not on a social networking site. It is religiously mandatory to have your account online, and if you don't, you probably don't exist! Having said this, we move towards the numerous utilities of being on a social networking site. Of course, you know all of them, and so do all and sundry in the Punjabi film industry. In fact, most of them after shutting down their personal accounts have now shifted to official fan pages, which are being used to not only contact their fans but also extensively for promotions as well as business ventures.
Close look
Personal touch
Surveen has shut down her message box since she doesn't want to offend her fans. "I don't get time to respond to messages, so I thought its better to close that down." Other than connecting with fans, it is a major ground for promotions of movies.
Sincere effort
Being courteous
New term
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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On a different route
The Reluctant Fundamentalist would even rationalise his success, which by the way, as many believe is not new found. For he may have captured the attention of pan India audiences only recently after the success of films like English Vinglish but limelight is something he grew up with. Back in time in Assam when he was all of sixteen, fans sought his autographs when he would put up his standup comedy acts. Comedy… and him, the actor who scorches the screen with his blazing presence? And he smiles, "You will see my funny bone in Democracy Ki Jai Ho directed by my senior Ranjeet Kapoor at NSD." So what is it with NSDians … is Bollywood a natural progression for the gifted ones? He says,"No, I guess the good ones still prefer to be in theatre." He too did theatre for a long time much before the premier acting institute beckoned him. Actually he came to NSD at the age 27 and calls his stint there a rebirth during which all that he had learnt previously may not have turned upside down but certainly NSD expanded his horizons in an unimaginable way. Indeed, he owes a lot to his alma mater where he teaches as well. In fact, teaching is one profession that he holds in high esteem and airs his disgust over the exaggerated manner in which we have glamourised cricketers and actors. He fails to understand what the fuss is all about when acting is no-more-no-less vital a profession as say medicine. So all that his acting career in films has done to him is made him busier, with less time for his family, which by the way, is his ultimate reality check and brings him down to mother earth. Being a late bloomer in Bollywood also means that he doesn't take his stardom that has taken him to international waters seriously. So has mainstream Hindi cinema lapped him up after his international forays? He says, "To be honest Bollywood doesn't give a damn."But he has enjoyed his stint in films like Agent Vinod in which he played a stellar negative character. Small or big, the length of the role doesn't matter to him as long as it has enough shades to it.... but yes, in near future he will be playing lead parts in several films. Like the British film Feast of Varanasi, Blemished Light, Bengali and Assamese films and the one he is rather proud of and wants viewers to look out for is Sunrise that deals with the hard-hitting issue of child trafficking. The actor, who has worked with several women directors like Gauri Shinde and Mira Nair thinks they are far more sensitive, more tolerant, more generous and have a perspective, which men have ignored for thousands of years. And it has been a humbling and learning experience for him to act in their films. All for women-centric cinema, he thinks that men are designed simpler biologically as women alone have the power to give birth. But he is more than willing to be reborn and is actually seeking rebirth with each role and each new chapter of his life in which the only constant has been quest for new vistas.
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A writer’s world
The emotions that each of us has experienced at a close level. She's had her fair share too. Apart from the emotions, there is a lot more to deal with. She shares, "I learn to love and let go. Initially it would be upsetting but any news lasts only two days. Rag and yellow journalism is what I don't subscribe to." Biographies and Bollywood have lately been the toast of cinema. "It will come into a biography very soon. But I can't talk about it at the moment." Coming up is a book that explores the relationship between a celebrity and paid media. "It's titled Headlines and it will divulge a lot, especially the uncomfortable truths behind paid journalism and celebrities." More to come
In the award winning Difficult Daughters, she sets out the story of Virmati set against the backdrop of partition. Her latest offering Custody, explores the finer nuances of a divorce. A Married Woman brings forth the story of Astha, a free spirit caged in a traditional society. For Manju Kapur, "It all begins with the theme. Everything else, the plot, the characters, the ideas come later." Including the Commonwealth Writer's Prize. She shares, "I think while I write. It takes hours spent sitting in front of the computer and developing characters." Which is why, "She's always working on something." While there's so much to write about, very little to divulge. She laughs, "I've been working on this book for quite some time now and it's given me so much of trouble and pain that I'll only talk about it once it's out at the end of the year." Even six books, however acclaimed are not sufficient to touch every subject intended to be captured. "My next two are already planned but they are secrets," she shares, having just finished with her session at the Lit Fest, the second in a row in the city. "It's a good thing that we have a lot of literature festivals. Anything that spreads awareness on literature is a good thing. Each of them has their own flavour and bring out the regional writers." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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A mirror to culture
Literary works of Mohan Bhandari are once again being celebrated, this time, in the form of a documentary Mona
Life and literary journey of eminent Punjabi writer Mohan Bhandari finds way in Insani Jajbedayan Da Chitera, a documentary film by Bhiminder Singh. The film was screened at Punjab Kala Bhawan on Sunday. "Documenting life and works of eminent Punjabi writers for our coming generations is what Punjabi University, Patiala aims at," shares Bhiminder Singh who not only took up Mohan Bhandari for he is a Sahitya Akademi award winner but also for the exemplary life he has led. "Coming from such tough circumstances and making a mark as a writer makes Bhandari a huge inspiration for youth today. His ability to put such significant thoughts in short sentences is his remarkable quality," shares Bhiminder Singh. The movie was received very well by the audience.
He points out the cause, "Today man is leading a dual life. On one side we are out in space, on the other we are still caught in traditional, ritualistic society that we were brought up in. Striking a balance of both is a challenge in itself, writing about it is even more difficult," says Kazak. What he misses in today's literature is lack of craftsmanship. "Fiction today is becoming more like reporting minus the craftsmanship it deserves," says Kazak who is busy writing short stories as well as few books on Punjabi culture including dress, food and more. mona@tribunemail.com
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Way out!
"Our USP is that we have liaison with the international hotels, so we provide packages at great prices," shares Sanjay Singh. What is the concept of recession-proof destinations, where does this term come from? The term recession-proof destinations has been emerged after industry analysis. Due to economic slowdown, travel industry came up with this term to negate the fact that recession had any kind of adverse effect on travel industry. And this term came in to being as a consolation tag for travel enthusiasts, who tend to become choosy during the recession period. What are the most preferred wedding destinations as per your travel site? Thailand, Sri Lanka, Goa, Kerala, Malaysia are some popular wedding destinations, which enjoy good season throughout the year. Has the slowdown affected travel in any way? The travel industry has not been affected by the economic slowdown. People might have shifted their plans to a much reasonable destination but the plans have not been canceled. Is there inclination towards international travel or this is primarily about destination weddings? Indians have always been inclined towards international travel. Calling these destinations specifically as wedding destinations would not be correct, as in terms of international travel places like Thailand, Srilanka, Malaysia have witnessed a number of mixed tourists. However, Indian weddings have a posh existence and these places are reasonable enough for lavish weddings.
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Look who’s back?
Stay positive Trust me it's all about feeling good and not blaming yourself for something that you don't have. It's basically feeling positive all the time. A lot of that in me has come from my sporting background that I had. I was a national-level swimmer. I started swimming when I was 10 and continued right until was 23 at the professional level. Sports make you aware of yourself, how to deal with people around you and how to stay positive. Brand bargain Old Spice is an inspirational image that has influenced men all over the world for decades. It feels great to be associated with such a brand. One of the foremost messages that we want to send out is the importance of smelling good. A man needs to smell good if they want to be accepted in the polite company of females. I believe that smell plays a very important role in our life. You associate a certain fragrance with a certain person. Old Spice shows you how a man should smell like. Not surprised I was not surprised at the response I received. The way the campaign is designed globally, it relied on its surprising and unpredictable elements. It is also confrontational to some level. Some people may say what crap is this, while others will sit back and say 'wow.' It is different from other usual advertisements. This one actually sells the product in-your-face, slyly. No planning I don't plan these things. I wait to see what each day brings whether its films or modeling or anything else. I like to do new stuff all the time. I have a production house and we produce a lot of non-fiction stuff for television like Band Baajaa Bride, Kingfisher calendar for NDTV and a few cookery shows. Creative satisfaction I am more comfortable behind the camera. People don't believe me but trust me it's the truth. Being behind the camera gives me a lot more creative satisfaction and much more time to sit, think, create and ideate. I don't like going in front of the camera and doing what others are telling you to do.
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A step in the right direction
Nawazuddin Siddique will be seen in a powerful role in Salman Khan starrer Kick, directed by Sajid Nadiadwala. Nawazuddin’s character is being kept under wraps. This will be his first out and out mainstream film.
Guy on the move
Siddharth Malhotra started his career with Dharma Productions and is now working with Balaji on The Villain and has completed Hasee Toh Phasee with Phantom. He feels lucky for the breaks he has got.
In touch with reality
Saif Ali Khan said that he does not expect Bullett Raja to make Rs 100 crore because it is not that type of film. He would love the film to make that much of money but his expectations are realistic. Though he is happy at how film is shaping.
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Madhuri in a new avatar
The flaming combination of red and yellow colours in the background adds to the curiosity about her role in the film. Madhuri, who has often played a demure girl-next-door in Bollywood films, takes on the role of a woman who leads a group of women vigilantes to fight against injustice in the Bundelkhand region. It is said to be a very powerful character. Dixit has also performed some daredevil action scenes in the film. Produced by Anubhav Sinha and directed by Soumik Sen, the film will release on March 7, 2014. The film also stars Juhi Chawla, Mahie Gill and Tannishtha Chatterjee in pivotal roles.
An expensive affair
Leela Bhansali, Shabina Khan, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh went out to a five-star hotel in South Mumbai and had a five-course meal including drinks. The bill came to a whopping Rs 2 lakh and Ranveer was more than happy to foot it.
One for my country
Shilpa Shetty has always believed in holistic fitness. During one of her travels abroad, she came across a bio-energy stimulation machine that speeds up healing of wounds and revitalises the body. She wants to bring this invention to India.
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Some smoke, some fire
There was a minor fire at Shah Rukh Khan's abode Mannat in Bandra due to a short circuit in one of the exhaust fans. The fire department took care of it and no one was injured.
Vidyut Jamwal saves a life!
The actor of Commando and Force, Vidyut Jamwal agreed to do a friendly appearance in Tigmanshu Dhulia's next film, Bullett Raja for some hard core action scenes. Tigmanshu Dhulia was very keen to have Vidyut on board to play the special role in the film and after seeing the action scenes, the only action hero of this generation quickly agreed to play the part. While Vidyut was performing the action scene on the sets, the actor left the entire cast and crew stunned by jumping in to save a stunt man from falling off a cliff. As the stuntman lost his balance, everyone around on the sets freezed, while Vidyut jumped in immediately, without any harness to save the man from falling off, who could have been badly injured. Vidyut is the only actor of this generation to do hard core action stunts by himself. The actor is a martial art expert in real life and also choreographs action stunts. His name is almost synonymous to action.
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Reel to real
Sunita Kapoor identifies with the onscreen wife of Anil Kapoor in 24. Anil Kapoor, in the serial is always shown giving work more priority. Mrs Kapoor feels that her husband is exactly like that in real life as well. If need be, the dedicated and professional actor has been shooting even on anniversaries and birthdays. Without a doubt, these days are special for the actor but if there is anything urgent that comes up, the actor makes sure he is working as per his commitments.
The actor has garnered immense appreciation for his performance in the series 24.
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On the lighter side
A dream come true
Producer, Manish R Goswami, whose show Kaisa Hai Ishq Hai Ajab Sa Risk Hai is telecast on Life Ok, is a cricket buff and recently he fulfilled actor Rohit Roy's dream of owning a bat of cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Producer Manish R Goswami says, "I know Rohit Roy since 1995 and he is an ardent fan of cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. He wanted to own the bat with which Sunil Gavaskar played cricket and I requested Sunil Gavaskar, who is a dear friend, post which I called up Rohit Roy. He has worked with me in Sarkar, Kitty party etc and we share a good rapport. He was extremely happy."
It's holiday time
Rati Pandey is chilling after her show Hitler Didi ended. She took a good two month break, stayed with her family in Patna and seems to be in no hurry to take up work again. Rati claims that she can't keep working 24x7 and would rather wait for a good opportunity.
End of the road
Pavitra Rishta might end in two months. Though the show was one of the biggest on Zee, it's TRPs have been dipping of late. Even the generation leap couldn't improve the ratings. The show will end after completing four years.
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Candid confessions
Tell us something about the show and your role in it… The show is called Khauff Begins… Ringa Ringa Roses and in the show, I play the role of an intern, who is a part of Sameer Soni's paranormal research team. She is a spoilt rich girl and I am having a great time, as I have never been part of a supernatural show before. Do you believe in ghosts and the supernatural? Yes, I do and am petrified at the idea of it but I have had no personal experience with anything of this sort. I can't even watch a horror film. Either I keep it on mute, or I keep shutting my eyes every now and then while watching a horror flick. How is Samir Soni as a co-actor? He is an experienced actor and one gets to learn a lot from him. I have been a part of the episodic horror shows earlier, but this will be my first full-fledged one. Samir is helpful on the sets and interacts with all of us, and though he is a senior, he never makes us feel so. You did a few episodic shows before this. Was it that you didn't want to remain out of sight and out of mind? Not really. I did a show called The Serial and Savdhan India among others. They were interesting and different from the regular daily soaps. I took them up as I had time for one or two episodes and it is fun to work and gain experience in different setups. You started your acting career with Balaji, but you haven't been seen in their shows for a while now. Why? There is no particular reason as such. I have been busy with my shows and I am sure if they have anything suitable for me, they will call. I have good relations with Balaji. — HRM
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Now, it's Jaya Bachchan's turn
Veteran actress Jaya Bachchan will soon make her television debut. And now the buzz is that her show will be called Vasundhara. It was earlier reported that she will co-produce the show with Endemol India.
Fact of the matter
Earlier there was buzz that Mohit Sehgal is replacing Vikrant Massey in Zee TV's Qubool Hai. Now the news is that his role is totally different. He plays a new character, who enters Ayaan's home and impresses everyone.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Be vigilant as someone at office might try to harm your reputation. Drive carefully. Socially, there may be quite a few rumours and scandals, so keep an open mind and don't make hasty judgments. Tarot message: Well-wishers will give you a sound advice.
Lucky colour: Turquoise Lucky number: 60
TAURUS: Finances and investments would take up a major chunk of your day today. This is a good time to deal with loans, debts and credits. Businessmen may decide to take care of their portfolios, stocks and shares. Tarot message: Take limited risks.
Lucky colour: Aqua Lucky number: 52 GEMINI: Many of you may receive sound advice from unexpected sources, so pay attention to everything that you hear. Those of you facing a cash crunch may be helped out be a friend. Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home will need looking after.
Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels Lucky number: 46 CANCER: This is quite a surprising and rewarding day. Many of you may receive bonuses or pay hikes, while others may receive appreciation for their hard work. There would be quite a bit of monetary profits today.
Tarot message: Leave thing open ended for best results. Lucky colour: White
Lucky number: 39 LEO: You will be busy, yet happy and will be able to achieve a lot in your personal and professional life. At work, your labour of the past few days will be appreciated and rewarded.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain your grip over your business. Lucky
colour: Sea green Lucky number: 28 VIRGO: A hectic social life would keep you on your toes today and will lead to some new and interesting associations. A special someone may not have enough time for you and may make you feel a bit neglected.
Tarot message: Everything will be sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Cream
Lucky number: 63
LIBRA: Most of you would be craving for something stimulating and entertaining today. At work, too, you would be open to challenging assignments and give you a chance to tap into your immense potential.
Tarot message: You will get help only of you ask for it. Lucky colour: Deep red Lucky number: 41 SCORPIO: Manage personal relationships with diplomacy and thoughtfulness. You will have to think with your heart, especially when it comes to a special relationship.
Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Orange
Lucky number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: Singles would receive good proposals and they should consider them. Stomachache, backache and the like may bother you. Keep a close eye on your diet.
Tarot message: Over-optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Mauve
Lucky number: 30 CAPRICORN: If confused about relationships, seek help. Singles would experience a deepening of a special friendship. Because of the emotional context, this may be a confusing day. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments.
Lucky colour: Peach Lucky number: 64 AQUARIUS: Travelling and communication will be an important part of day. Religion and spirituality will also interest you. Stomachache, backache and the like may bother you.
Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at workplace. Lucky colour: Saffron Lucky number: 50 PISCES: Adventure, fun and entertainment would be on the top of your mind today and you may spend a good deal of time, partying and at get-togethers with friends.
Tarot message: Involve yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Purple Lucky number: 25
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 25...
The date 25 indicates that you are optimistic, freedom loving, Jovial and good humoured, honest, Intellectual and philosophical. The year, 2014 will be a good year. You have been working hard, and finally you have come to the point when your talent will be recognised. A much better position, one with all the responsibility and power that you always wanted, is now within reach and Mars will help you. This is a serene phase and you will meet up with your dear friends, who you have known for a long time. Family tussles may affect your married life. Positive Colours: Floral white, slate blue and dim grey Select days: Monday and Sunday Favourable numbers: 1, 2 and 7 Gems recommended: Pearl and Jasper Charity on birthday: Donate milk or milk products, offer water to Shivling.
You share your birthday with Rupa Ganguly [November 25, 1965, Kolkata], who gained popularity as Draupadi in Mahabharat (1988). She started working in Hindi TV series, with Karam Apnaa Apnaa (2007), Love Story (2007), and more recently in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo (2009). Her personal life does not indicate happiness, but her career will bloom.
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His fan base increases with every passing day, it becomes next to impossible for singer-actor Roshan Prince to keep a grip on it. His official fan page, which is professionally handled, provides all the information on the actor. "There was a time when I could take care of my Facebook account; accept requests, answer everyone dutifully. With work increasing, this FB account has been transferred to an official fan page," he adds. However, the actor-singer makes it a point that he is genuine with his fans. "I feel the reason I am here is because of the love of my fans and they have a complete right to know about what I am doing, how I am preparing for it." Roshan doesn't encourage 'too' personal pictures. "Instead the first look of my poster, my film, my music; everything finds place there. I take the posts very seriously, I wouldn't mind reworking on something my fans want."
Surveen handles her official fan page herself. She wants to interact with her fans, so that there is an element of 'being in real touch'. "I don't want someone to be putting posts on my behalf; I want to share everything with my fans myself. I want to connect to them on a personal level," says Surveen. "This is a way to know how much they accept me in a particular project and also how I can improve in the future."
He is one director who has religiously responded to all the queries of aspiring youngsters who wanted to enter Pollywood, till his work didn't leave him any time to do the drill. "I have gone and met dialogue-writers, assistant directors who have requested me to give them one more chance," says Amit, who can relate to this since he has himself done the same during his days of struggle. It is recently that he shifted to an official fan page. "I have a team that looks after it; nevertheless, I make sure I monitor it regularly. Every single post or information is checked first and thereafter finds a place on the fan page."
He is the new guy on the acting block with flooding number of fans. Balli Riar, singer-actor handles both his accounts on FB and official fan page himself. "It goes without saying that it is the love and acceptance of people that takes us celebrities to a certain level. I reply to all the personal questions they ask me," puts in Balli. Social networking is a ground where this Ranji Trophy cricket player doesn't want to fool anyone. "If someone is taking interest in my work, why shouldn't I be courteous enough to reply?"
The celebrated director Anurag Singh is the only odd one out who likes to maintain his privacy. "I have a FB account, I check it maybe once or twice a week if I have time." After the super success of his Jatt & Juliet brand, the director is flooded with requests from aspiring actors as well as writers. "I only answer genuine queries. For instance, I met the dialogue writer for my film 1984 on FB itself, other than this it is not used for any other purpose. I definitely don't have an official fan page; the term 'fan' is pretty new to me." 
Pin-up boy of thinking woman or not, as some have tagged him, Adil Hussain is every inch a thinking man. So much so that the intense actor of international projects such as Life of Pi and
The most eternal of relationship, at times, is the most fragile. A little revelation and the sensitive equation goes for a toss, a slight breach can tip the balance rather the bond. There are a lot of things that come to your mind when in conversation with journalist cum author Nandita C Puri. The most of all the biography she penned on her husband Unlikely Hero: The Story of Om Puri. Nevertheless, we focus on the pleasant things. "During the session, I read an excerpt from all three of my stories Nine On Nine, Two Worlds and the biography," she shares, while in Chandigarh for Literati 2013, organised by Chandigarh Literary Society. She adds, "There was yet another session on subjects of love and hate."
The reaction to the biography were muted by the din of the controversies. It's been a while and the right time to focus on the response. She adds, "It's been so controversial. But it's a nice, simple staid old book written in that matter. There is nothing juicy or dramatic about it. In fact, for the all the things that I could not share or divulge have been dealt with in Two Worlds." 
The session on Sunday also had eminent Punjabi writer Kirpal Kazak. "While a common man is only able to see life at the surface level, writers delve deep in it. The deeper one goes, a better writer one becomes," says Kazak. In a session at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh; Kazak voices his concern over good literature becoming scarce day by day.
For those who cannot cope with the rigmarole of their daily routines, travel is the most inspiring word, and for one when they plan to travel they do not care where the economy is going. It is not mandatory to always end up in an exotic place, haven't you heard about the term recession-proof destinations? Well, Sanjay Singh, COO Overall Travel.com, travels through this new expression in the travel industry. Over all travel 
Remember Milind Soman? The man who made women ogle when he emerged shirtless out of a box in Alisha Chinoy's Made in India music video in late 90s. Despite his good looks, he never really made it big in Bollywood. In fact, he almost disappeared from the scene after a few forgettable films. But thanks to his new advertisement, his career has got a new lease of life. In a chat, he talks about his new ad and more.
The first poster of Gulaab Gang is finally out. Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit can be seen in the Kaali avatar of goddess
Durga.
Mahi Vij has been looking slimmer these days. She has lost a lot of weight recently. She says that earlier she couldn't follow the diet and fitness routine due to her work schedule. Now she is glad to religiously stick to it.
Young and talented, Abigail Jain, has made a mark on television with numerous roles, including Kakoon, Kya Dill Mein Hai and Humse Hai Life. Now with a supernatural thriller up her sleeve, she is ready to entertain the audience once again.