|
|
|
|
|
Selling point
Those who haven’t seen or heard him speak his heart out would probably get startled when Prahlad Kakkar talks about the new condom range — Red Riding Hood — that he has launched in three different sizes! If this makes you uneasy, find a spot to fix your gaze and if it doesn’t since you know this is ‘normal’ for Prahlad Kakkar, move along with him as he talks about anything and everything you want to know.
“So, we are not talking about sex and violence here,” he looks around if there are any takers for it. Sans his trademark hat and cigar literally embedded in his lips, the long-haired ad guru can spice up any conversation. “I love to cook, in fact one-third of my office is a kitchen and all our conferences take place in the kitchen. The first thing we talk about is what are we eating and then we get down to working,” says Prahlad, in Chandigarh for a seminar organised by SME Forum. Now you know where the ‘spice’ in the conversation comes from! There is one more source, which is more of a fact. Prahlad stopped working at the age of 28! This would startle anyone who has taken up their first job at this age. This is how he explains, breezing through the details; making them sound like a universal truth. “I had 3-4 hobbies - making films, scuba-diving, horse-riding and cooking. If you look at it all these hobbies were expensive, which meant I needed someone to pay for them. So, I turned them into a profession. While others paid for it, I enjoyed my hobbies,” Prahlad laughs. He adds, “You know I smoke cigars, which is again an expensive thing, so I made my own brand and marketed it. Off late, I made wine in a bath tub in Goa and we all drank it in the office at lunch. None of us died, now I know I can market this as well.” Jokes apart, this man can sell anything, twice, and that too for double the price each time! He just needs to find a USP for it. “USP is the word,” he flashes a deep smile. “Consumers these days have fierce loyalty for brands. They cannot differentiate the taste of Pepsi from Thumbs up, but they are solely loyal to the brand,” Prahlad says. The advertisement world is where he is unbeatable. “All toothpastes are the same; the companies realise it is the mothers who are decision-maker at home, so all the tooth-paste ads now revolve around mothers.” He leaves it here for you to grasp and do some thinking while he drifts on to something we have been hearing for a long time - The return of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan! He crosses his fingers and lifts it high enough to show it to everyone around. “I have approached her; Aishwarya is too busy with the kid. However, she also realises that if she has to make a comeback it has to be now. She is thinking about it since it is about striking a balance at work and with the kid. I am keeping my fingers, feet, ears and eyes crossed,” adds Prahlad, who lists his own favourite as the Airtel har ek friend zaruri hota hai and the Happydent advertisement. “I think they were catchy and different.” Pretty much like his style, wouldn’t he want to market it then? “Who would buy my style and if I did, those who would buy will be called copycats,” he laughs. One thing he can’t sell, can he?
jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
On a lyrical note
In the creative streams, being born with a silver spoon is a liability. A ready platform comes at the cost of enormous pressures and each performance is likely to get coloured with great expectations. Playback singer, actor, director, music director—out of all the forewords, the one that best introduces him is being the son of the legendary singer. After all, no matter how good or worthy, you can’t better Kishore Kumar!
“Accidentally, I started singing on the streets of Kolkata and gained confidence. My father saw my programme and decided to take me to Mumbai with him. My biggest award has been when, as a child, I was once singing my father’s song and SD Burman decided to bestow me with a garland,” Amit Kumar, focuses on the blessing and the platform that his late father introduced him to. In Chandigarh, for a musical show titled Three Legends, a brainwave of Jagan Bains, the conversations steer more towards Kishore Kumar’s former performances than his own future projects. Old memories
Even though stripped of their old world charm, Kishore Kumar’s songs continue to mesmerise music-lovers. Only the gramophones have given way to I-pods and melody to remixes. “RD Burman had back then commented on remixes. He had expressed the need to repackage old music and keep it in circulation. That’s called being ahead of times.” As for the culture of remix pervading the industry, he adds, “It is good sound-wise, but sometimes the synthetic feel goes overboard. The digitalisation is fine, but the essence of melody and song should be retained.” Personal note
His own career graph, if left uncompared, charts a couple of awards, including The Filmfare, some memorable hits, including the song Bade Achche Lagte Hain, apart from several other Bollywood hits. “I call it my bread and butter song; I’ve heard that it’s a household hit. There are always requests pouring in.” No performance is an impromptu exercise and before each rendition, there is a practice. “I rehearse most of the times and keep options open for about eighteen to twenty songs.” He adds, “I still compose on a harmonium and listen to old songs. I wonder how they can compose on the keyboard.” Perhaps, that partly explains, as he laughs it out, “absurd music is ruling the roost. More than the audience the makers are to be blamed. Our mediums of listening to music have come down to ring tones.” Up next
“My brother and I shall be starting an online music company Kumar Brothers. We have already recorded ten songs and you are also most welcome to come and share your music.” He adds, “All my fans and followers who are willing to listen to good, melodious and lilting music are welcome.” There’s an emphasis yet again on, “melody, harmony and lyrical value.” Then there’s a show, which has already been a hit in America. “It’s titled Do Kishore and we are commemorating our father’s memory.” The India tour begins from February and will cover five cities. Coming up is also a song that is a satire on the government. He laughs, “It’s an accusing song on the government titled P se PM Tak. It should be out around elections.” That brings us back to comic songs rendered by his father. (At Bhargava Auditorium, PGI, on December 8, 2013, from 5.30 pm
onwards) manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
It means business
The concluding day of Tourism Fest 2013 had some happy artistes, chefs and Chandigarh folks!
Chef Gissur Gudmundsson, president, World Association of Chefs Societies, flew down especially for the day for the prize distribution ceremony.
Having decided to be a chef at age of eight, Chef Gissur, who hails from Iceland, hopes to ensure people in profession are acknowledged and taken care of by all governments.
On his second visit to India, Chef Gissur couldn't help but praise elaborate Indian cuisine, "Food in India not only offers a bigger variety but also has a much older history. The list of ingredients is enormous too." He admits that they are increasingly taking inspiration from Indian cuisines, his country revels in seafood and lamb. Chandigarh folks enjoyed sampling the food prepared by the chefs, performances and indulged in Himachali food offered at the stall. International artistes had a gala time too. Yohanes Nyoman and Suku Utomo, who brought their Piking and Bajidor Kahod dances to Chandigarh loved the city but had trouble figuring out why is it so dusty. Piking dance that's with saucers represents Yohanes region. "Back home waiters carry the whole menu on their arms, some 30 dishes and lay the table. Guest is free to choose and eat, and only gets charged on what he eats. The dance is with just two saucers though," says the artiste who is hoping to see the Taj Mahal before he flies back home. While there was enough B to B traffic, locals hoped that the second time around the stalls from India and abroad would bring the traditional ware too for
sale! mona@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Bundles of joy
Manpriya Singh
When things are meant to be, all it takes is a question to possess them. "We went to our friends place in Doon School and saw a lovely English Mastiff. It was only a matter of expressing our desire and they offered him to us as they found it difficult to take care of him," shares Rumeena Singh. That is the story behind six-year-old Hannibal. Late acquisition, nevertheless, entitled them to joys of first ownership. She laughs, "I gave him the name Hannibal. His earlier name was King, which I didn't really like." She adds, "English mastiffs can be unpredictable but he is the gentlest dog ever." Love is all that the dogs need. She adds, "From day one, he's behaved as if he has never been away from us." There's a trivia worth sharing on the breed too. "Hannibal was considered one of the greatest military commanders. Some of the research also throws that he was a Punic Carthagean, which was a kingdom that existed before Christ. She adds, "We've tried to find one like him but neither the judges at the dog show nor anybody else has ever seen a thing like this." It's very rare that sheer pleasure and pride come from the same source. Love me, love my dog
Moving on, there's also the-two-year old Basset Hound, interestingly called Oink. The spontaneous name comes inspired from a pizza menu. She laughs, "He is our son's puppy but he comes and just jumps up to sit in my lap wherever he is. He does this as if it is his right." That's not where their bundle of joys ends. Neo, named after his breed Neapolitan, guards the house and completes the family. "Neo is genetically predisposed to being a guard dog. No one can enter our house if he is outside. Yet he is the most playful and lovable dog with family." She adds, "He has learnt to run in circles around the dining table whenever we try to catch him for a bath and we very often have to give up despite offering him all kinds of inducements." When in a reverse mood, puppies can as hard to tackle as a tantrum throwing child. Together the three bagsful are worth all the efforts. Yours faithfully
Whatever the stories behind how they came into the house, there are a couple of things all pet owners stand in unanimity over. "All three of them come and sit wherever I am. Just give them love and they are yours. They take away your worries and stress at the end of the day." That sums it all up.
manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Wait and watch
Parvesh Rana
Ankit, Chandigarh This sounds like a serious problem. But are you sure you have been giving your best at work? Also, hope you haven't misbehaved with him giving him a reason to detest you. Watch for a few more days and try to speak to him, I am sure this will help. I am a 16-year-old girl. I am very fond of my music teacher. I think I am in love with him. I don't like when he gives similar attention to other students. What do I do? Sahiba, Panchkula This is something we all go through during our teenage years. Don't take it seriously, we call it crush and it fades away with time. I suggest concentrate on your music rather than your teacher. (Rana is a Bollywood actor and television anchor)
|
||
|
Silly statements from shining stars
Kareena Kapoor Khan
I don't watch Hindi films and neither does Saif! Our take: Considering the response to Gori Tere Pyar Mein and Bullett Raja, both of you should watch good Hindi films.
Alia Bhatt My motto in life is to sleep. Our take: Dear Alia, you are a youthful icon, how can you make such an air-headed statement? Don't you want to work and become Heroine No. 1?
Mallika Sherawat Happy Birthday, Narendra Modi-ji, Happy Birthday Narendra Modi-ji! Our take: Just another cheap publicity tactic from the attention-seeker. Is there anyone to stop from making a fool of herself?
Richa Chadda No one has ever stalked me, I have not done anything for anyone to ever stalk me! Our take: People don't stalk other people because they have 'done something' worth stalking! For a change, she was humble and not talking about her gazillion offers or looking like Salma Hayek.
Katrina Kaif I know in my heart, what I have, or haven't achieved. It's not like I sit on a cloud and say, 'It doesn't matter'. Our take: Dear Katrina, sitting on a cloud...what does that mean? But for you, sitting on a cloud will be better than sitting on a beach! We know you can be spaced out.
|
||
|
Tanishaa in demand
Actress Tanishaa Mukerji seems to be not only the most talked about contestant of this season of Bigg Boss but also the most in demand contestant as well. We hear that the actress has been flooded with calls for events and appearances.
Our source informs us, "Her managers have been flooded with calls already for December 31. People don't care whether she wins the trophy or not as she seems to be the most talked about contestant of this season. Calls have been coming from not only Mumbai and closer areas but she's also in demand for appearances in the international market." "Big Boss ends on December 29 which means that Tanishaa will barely have a day to breathe after which she will be back to work. And it's not only the events but the makers of her play and her Marathi film are also eagerly waiting for Tanishaa to come out so that they too can take their projects further. Looks like the actress who already had her hands full with her play and Marathi film will get even busier once she is out of the house with so many events lined up!" adds the source. Well, it is ultimately up to Tanishaa if she wants to perform for some New Year bash or spend time with her loved ones.
|
||
|
Baby bliss for Imran and Avantika
The 2013 may not have been a great year professionally for actor Imran Khan. But personally he has much to look forward to. Imran's wife Avantika is three months pregnant and is expected to deliver the couple's first baby in June, next year.
It is believed that Avantika's pregnancy was discovered when they checked in to get her tested for dengue. Imran's uncle Aamir Khan too has been informed about this good news and reports suggest that Aamir's wife Kiran has asked the couple not to shop much as she would pass on her son Azaad's stuff to Imran and Avantika. Meanwhile, Imran was quoted saying that he and Avantika would soon be taking a vacation. Here is wishing the to-be-parents a lot of love and health. Let's hope the little bundle of joy proves to be lucky for Imran.
|
||
|
Shekhar Suman returns to Comedy Circus
Actor Shekhar Suman's got nostalgic as he returned to the sets of Comedy Circus to promote his directorial debut Heartless along with the lead pair Adhyayan Suman and Ariana Ayam.
Shekhar said, "The film has been an emotional journey for all of us and coming on the sets which has been like home has been a breather where I could laugh out my lungs, enjoyed, sang and danced. Krishna, Sudesh, Bharti, Mantra all were fantastic. It was so good to be back and so much of love from the team, it was overwhelming to see where I laughed and clapped with the audience I am still feeling like an integral part of it." Adhyayan Suman added, "It was wonderful to be there. I feel the entire cast and crew of Comedy Circus were so warm so loving. I have been a huge fan of Krishna, Sudesh, and Bharti I feel inspired looking at the way they perform live on stage. I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of their show." Actress Ariana Ayam quipped, "I am very happy to be part of Comedy Circus, it's one of my favourite comedy shows that I watch with my family back home. It has great performers who can seriously make you laugh!'
|
||
|
Gifting a surprise
DEFT STROKES: Raqesh Vashisth Talking about his painting, Raqesh says, "Everyone on the show has been praising how beautiful and poised Shilpa is; I have been a very silent observer so far of her and have really appreciated how she always motivates Ridhi. Everyone has been expressing their appreciation through words, but I can best express my gratitude through my art. A couple of days ago, I stayed up an entire night in my studio working on the painting. A painting can reflect an individual's inner beauty and I am just happy that she has liked my portrait." Raqesh has been an avid follower of art since his college days and soon his hobby of painting turned into a passion. The actor hopes to pursue painting professionally in the future as well even as he continues to act on screen.
Managing time well
A daily soap actor leads a hard life — whether it is on the set when they have to be there for long working hours or at home when they have to do the household jobs as well. Actress Salina Prakash, who plays the character of Kanu in Rakesh Paswan's Ek Ghar Banaunga, is one such lady who loves multitasking. She says, "I wake up early in the morning and do my household chores, including preparing my lunchbox, Sometimes I buy some vegetables, carry them to the set and when I am waiting for my shot, chop them.
Poetic streak
Actor Hrishikesh Pandey used to be poetic when he first moved to Mumbai. But as he became an established actor, he couldn't pursue his hobby due to lack of time. He says, "I love to read shayari and also love to write. When I came to Mumbai to become an actor there used to be lot of free time and I used to write down my feelings on a piece of paper. Now I hardly get time for all this, but I do take a look at my poems some times."
All set for a comeback
Actress Hunar Hali, who was seen in shows like Karol Bagh, Chhal and Ek Boondh Ishq, is all set to enter popular show Kehta Hai Dil…Jee Le Zara. She will be seen playing a smart and confident girl Ankita, who will be Dhruv's (Ruslaan Mumtaz) childhood friend. It is said that Hunar's character will start liking Dhruv, which will lead to a love triangle.
Warrior princess
Actress Shikha Singh, who is famous as Amba from Na Aana Is Des Meri Laado, is currently seen as Shikandni in Mahabharat. The former Miss Chandigarh believes in speaking through her work. She says, "It's the role of a warrior princess. It's a powerful and rebellious character. It's about a princess who is born when her father wanted a son, so she is living and fighting in the angst."
What’s cooking?
Zee Khana Khazana, a 24-hour food channel, is launching a new show The Urban Cook. The show hosted by Chef Sabyasachi Gorai will make home cooking quick, simple, comforting and delicious with recipes designed for the urban audiences, who have little time to cook in their day-to-day schedules. The show will premiere on 14 December and will air on weekends at 8.30pm, with repeats on Monday to Friday at 10 pm.
Actress Sriti Jha, who is famous as Balika Vadhu's Ganga, was recently in news after she decided to quit the show when the track was focusing on her. She says that she doesn't regret anything. After quitting the show, she went to her hometown Delhi to spend time with her family. Now she is looking at the offers. Well, we hope to see you soon on TV.
On a break: Sriti Jha
Rest in peace
Peace warrior Nelson Mandela has passed away at the age of 95 and several celebrities around the world are mourning his death and posting on social networking sites about the same. Amitabh Bachchan has posted, "Nelson Mandela - a giant of a man; of will, belief and perseverance, passes away. But leaves behind a legacy of fight for right! I had the greatest honor to meet and spend time with him on two occasions! His humility his greatest asset, among countless other!"
Rekha’s character reworked!
Actress Sonam Kapoor is currently shooting a remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Khubsoorat where she plays Rekha's role. However, Sonam says they have only taken the core idea of the original character and reworked it. We wonder what Rekha has to say about
this! Ringside view
Priyanka Chopra says that her training in boxing is so thorough that she can even box in high heels! She loves her newly acquired talent for the Mary Kom
biopic. Seven avatars
Actor Jaaved Jaaferi will be seen in seven different avatars in the movie Joe B Carvalho which also stars Arshad Warsi and Soha Ali Khan. He would take up to five hours a day just to get his look ready. Javed plays Carlos in the film. Azad’s first film
Aamir Khan's son Azad is only two-year-old and he will watch his first movie which will be Dhoom: 3. Aamir is going to have a special screening for his family and friends soon.
|
||
|
ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Sacrifices made today can put you in a far better place for the future. Real estate transactions should not be started today. Sudden travel can disturb certain plans. A long awaited issue finally gets settled. Tarot message: Look after your finances.
Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 60
TAURUS: 'The Moon' reveals that you can stretch your relationship a bit too far. Speak your mind to your beloved to clear any misunderstanding. Property deals get concluded. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance.
Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 42 GEMINI: It is a day to forget worries of work. Talk to superiors and see what they can offer. Romance is likely. Uncooperative family members will throw a spanner in your life. Sportsmen will feel restless. Tarot message: Listen to your inner voice.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 62 CANCER: Today you will be in an enthusiastic frame of mind. Matters connected with the state or government agency will go through smoothly. Loss through speculation is on the cards.
Tarot message: Voice your
inner feelings. Lucky colour: Silver-grey. Magic number: 29 LEO: Try and find time for yourself today. Relax and be a little more tolerant. You will be in a mood to find fault with people who are dear to you; curb this habit.
Tarot message: Follow your
instinct and don't hesitate to act accordingly. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 30 VIRGO: Teamwork is the keynote of the day. Home life will be pleasant. Older people may drum up certain problem. Check your car before you set out for a long journey. Teamwork and happy relationships mark this day.
Tarot message: Draw on inner energies. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 64
LIBRA: Life is not always a bed of roses. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land deal. Emotions have to be controlled.
No pain no gain. Tarot message: Confrontation needs to be managed with care. Lucky
colour: Royal-blue. Magic number: 59 SCORPIO: Let a project take its time. You will be happy in the company of friends. It is a good time to strengthen ties with partners. Handle property matters carefully.
Tarot message: Don't play
tricks on yourself. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 41 SAGITTARIUS: Relax; there is no work pressure at all. Friends will be easy going and willing to fall in love with your plans. A romantic alliance is likely to blossom by the evening.
Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Burgundy.
Magic number: 46 CAPRICORN: It is the best day to get things done by people in power. You will get an opportunity to become a member of an important club. Family affairs run along smoothly.
Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence. Lucky
colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 25 AQUARIUS: Love relations are bubbling with excitement. Making a spontaneous trip can fill the need for variety. Students will get down to their tasks and creative hobbies. Expect a few visitors at night. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts. Lucky colour: Cream.
Magic number: 27 PISCES:Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should
be controlled and contained. Believe in your own worth. Political bosses: danger
looms large over the head. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky
colour: Yellow. Magic number: 43
|
||
|
THE YEAR AHEAD
If your birthday is December 8...
The stars in 2014 will give you income from multiple sources. A spiritual person showers blessings and brings peace of mind. Bad health of a child or any elder citizen at your place can give you tension. Good news, most likely from a distant place, is expected by March. The first half of 2014 is perfect for you - you will get success. Your travel plans will proceed smoothly and you will conclude tasks on schedule. Financially, your position will be sound and better than you had expected. Positive colours: Red, Golden, Chocolate. Select days: Sunday, Tuesday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 9. Gems recommended: Blue Sapphire, Diamond and Emerald. Charity on birthday: Donate medicines, wheat, jiggery or copper utensils to the needy or at any religious place today.
You share your birthday with the living legend, Dharmendra (December 8, 1935, Sahnewal), one of the biggest Bollywood superstars. He has been bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Hindi cinema. He has appeared in more than 200 Hindi films since the early 1960s. According to his stars, Dharmendra will continue to entertain till he lives.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
I am 27 years old and working in a private bank as an investment banker. Off late, for no apparent reason, my boss has started harassing me. He tries to take a dig at me all the time. I tried to ask him why but he says he doesn't want me in this office.
Multi-talented actor Raqesh Vashisth, who is currently seen on Nach Baliye, has made a beautiful painting of judge and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. We hear that the actor has given Shilpa a surprise by gifting this hand-painted portrait to her. Raqesh has been painting and sculpting for the last few years; in fact he has a studio built at home where he spends time exploring his creative nature.
Time off