A gay story?
Post the Supreme Court ruling, we check out whether Bollywood has done justice to gays or just reduced them to mere caricatures…
Jasmine Singh


Bombay Talkies, the film dedicated to 100 years of cinema, was a much appreciated project by four filmmakers. This is where director Karan Johar, who loves opulence, cut out his story in a modern-day set up highlighting a gay relationship.

Something which is certainly not new with the Hindi cinema! Just when a section around is settling with the gay relations, the Supreme Court of India drops in a ruling making gay sex illegal. Almost immediately we fall back on a medium that helped to break the shackles around this not-so-easily acceptable word. It is almost immediately that we rewind, taking a note of the films that have treated homosexuality as just another thing existing in society. Did they do justice or stereotyped the topic that has the tendency to hurt sentiments or at least rub them the wrong way?

In fact at a time when none was talking about sexual rights, actress Rohini Hattangadi played a lesbian lover in Vijay Tendulkar's Marathi film Mitrachi Goshta (1981). And who doesn't know about handbook of sex Kamasutra that found place in Mira Nair's adaptation! Director Vivek Agnihotri gives a two-way take on this subject finding way into the films. "There are directors like Onir who have taken a realistic take on heterosexuality, and then there are films like Dostaana or Student Of The Year that have taken a comic look at it. The films in the second category have, however, made it possible for the entire family to sit together and watch them without someone reaching out for the remote to change it."

Hindi cinema definitely tried its bit in making the audience understand this phenomenon. Director, actor and producer Pooja Bhatt takes a candid stand on this. "Only a few movies like My Brother Nikhil have got the audiences to empathise with homosexuality, making gays look like any other person. However, largely, the Hindi cinema is guilty of reducing gays to mere caricatures. Even if you say Bollywood has gone one step ahead by making movies on this topic, we have also gone five steps back."

For reference, films like Girlfriend, Dostaana, Dunno Y… Na Jaane Kyon, Page 3, Kal Ho Na Ho, Rules Pyar Ka Superhit Formula and Student Of The Year have only reinforced the same stereotype. The gay characters only evoke humour. These films have been a major let-down for mainstream cinema indeed.

On the other hand, film like Sanjoy Nag's Memories of March (2010) depicted a story of reconciliation starring Rituparno Ghosh. Falling in the line, director Onir is one of the countable directors who have thrown light on the other aspects of gays through his films. His I AM won the National Award for Best Hindi Film and Best Lyrics.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Dance with me
Making Salman Khan dance to your tunes is no easy task. Master Mudassar has done it many times and will continue to do so in the future as well…
Manpriya Singh

He is a Salman find. But not a Salman fan. "I was a Salman fan but not a die-hard Salman fan." The delicate balance explains how Master Mudassar was not intimidated by the star and rather creative with him! Perhaps, that puts in place the crazy yet popular 'collar and belt steps' we so associate Salman Khan with. "When it comes to choreographing for films, it's different. We keep the personality of the star in mind…I played Salman's songs, saw his clips, noticed his style and then evolved steps for him," he shares of his experience of having worked on films such as Ready, Dabangg, Bodyguard in particular and Bol Bachchan, Boss in general.

In Chandigarh, for Zee TV's Dance It Out initiative as a part of Dance India Dance Season 4, the choreographer draws a comparison with the reality show he's currently judging. "For films, it has to be a step that people like and can imitate. Whereas in a reality show, there's no star; we have to keep the styles versatile."

The journey started with being a part of a dance group and gradually films happened. It was only when Salman happened that things changed like never before. "Salman propagated normal steps; he brought them back…they are for the mass audience." So much so that, "right now, it's very easy to make Salman dance."

The only other B-town actor that finds a mention is Hrithik Roshan. "I think he is one of the best dancers in Bollywood."

Clear choice

Never mind the fair complexion, lean looks and the art of dancing…acting is a big no. "If somebody asked you to become a doctor right now, would you become? All I know is how to dance. Whatever flirting or acting or antics I indulge in on the stage is the real me. If somebody asked me to act, I just wouldn't be able to move."

Joining him are the current contestants, Dheeraj and Swarali, from the reality show, "who are as excited to be a part of the show as his team."

What we see on reality television, at times, blurs the lines between a dance performance and a gymnast exercise. "We try to show different forms and disciples of dancing. There have been times when performances have been purely about dance steps. It all depends."

Sure choice

Films it is and forever. "I want to be a film choreographer all my life. I don't want to become an actor or anything else. Till the time I'm judging a reality show, I'll give my best to it. After that it'll again be films." A couple of them already are at the initial stages. "There are a few films with Salman Khan and then also Akshay Kumar." Each time there's an endeavour to better the previous one. So much so that even the definition of best choreography is, "My next song would define best choreography." He adds, "Every song has limitations and each time I try to overcome them. I would really like to do a song that is unbelievably high on energy…maybe 4,000 dancers…or something like that." Till that happens, for him the Step-Up series, ABCD and Style (a South-Indian film) remain the benchmark.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Young & yearning
Post Fukrey, Manjot Singh's life has changed for good. His deep wish now is to play an insane character on screen…
Manpriya Singh

It's an industry where an image formed in seconds takes ages to shed. Accordingly, he still remains etched as the young Lucky in the quirky comedy Oye Lucky Lucky Oye.
Manjot’s father
Manjot’s father

Didn't some of the word power rub onto him? Manjot Singh literally got lucky enough post the film. Fukrey followed and life has never been the same again. "Life has changed completely after Fukrey. Getting awarded was a very proud feeling and with this role, I evolved as an actor. I proved I could do a serious role as well."

Nevertheless, it'll be a while before serious cinema follows. Meanwhile, he takes the challenges that comedy throws and looks forward to his upcoming What The Fish. A film that is, "a quirky comedy and a roller-coaster ride at the same time. He adds, "In the movie Dimple Kapadia plays the aunt and she leaves the keys of her house to her niece." What probably ensues is chaos and comedy. "I play a character called Pammi who runs an aquarium shop in the film. It's a very happy-go-lucky character. My real father plays my father in the film." He adds, "I signed this film before Fukrey."

Student of The Year, Pure Punjabi and Udaan, all find a place of pride in his resume. "I never thought I'd come in this line but luckily I got selected at the auditions for Dibakar Banerjee's Oye Lucky Lucky Oye," shares the 21-year-old from Delhi. "I am currently pursuing graduation and planning to shift to Mumbai in 2014."

The Zero Line has already made the right introduction at the film festivals. "I have an intense role in the film. I am a kid who reads a lot about Bhagat Singh. This guy flunks in every subject in his class except History."

Then there's the upcoming Ikka Top, a film he can't reveal much about right now. What he can instead divulge is his plans for future. "Right now, I'm only interested in going with the flow." He laughs, "I also know that girls just call me 'sweet' right now. But I want to be considered 'hot'. When that happens, I would perhaps only play main characters." Like the one, he has always wanted to essay. "That of a paagal. I want to play any role of an insane person. It would be challenging and I could contribute to it in a different way," he signs off.

manpriya@tribunemail.com 

TRENDSETTER
Wear your attitude

Fashion and trends go hand in hand and the youth brigade goes for it with full gusto. They might look casual but we can make out that it is a studied trendy look. A student of fashion designing, Gurcharan Singh also travels the same route.


Gurcharan Singh
Gurcharan Singh. Photo: Himanshu Mahajan 

Your sense of style…

A 'look' strikes me as stylish when it carries the right attitude and suitability to the person concerned.

Latest addition in your treasure of clothing or accessories?

A pair of baggy trousers.

Brand crazy or street pick up?

Both will do if the suitability factor is there.

Who is your style icon?

Hrithik Roshan.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

Vidya Balan any day.

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

Sporty it should be.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension?

Too much of formal dressing does not go well with me.

Your take on accessories?

I like wearing bracelets and chains.

Given a choice which designer would you like to be dressed by?

Manish Malhotra surely!

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

Well hmm…! There are many such factors but I think the best reason to feel confident is when the compliment comes from my girlfriend.

As told to Poonam Bindra

Fun with Kapil
Comedy guy Kapil Sharma gets the taste of his own medicine, as his fans pull his leg during an interactive session
Mona

Kapil Sharma is popular and so is his show Comedy Nights with Kapil. The show is on his fans' mind and on his too, so much so that, says Kapil, "Even when I say bye to my Mummy ji, I end up saying "Dekhte rahiye Comedy Nights with Kapil…"

Kapil interacts with his fans for Airtel Talk 2 Me with Kapil on Thursday afternoon. While he cracks jokes on them, some Smart Alecs pull his legs too…

"So kaisa lag raha hai mere se baat karke," asked this doctor from South with Kapil merrily falling for it.

While some crazy female fans can't stop blowing kisses on the phone, others add somewhat coyly, "We love you Kapil." And, there are questions, "Why don't we see Guthi anymore?" Kapil gives a candid reply, "Lots of people want to know this. He's got an offer from another channel and he wanted to go. I tried to convince him that it is a good platform but he was insistent. I am happy that all characters on the show have won people's appreciation. As an artiste I wish him luck."

Another concerned viewer wants to know if all the earnings of the show go in funding sharab for Dadi…Kapil is quick to rectify, "No no. He's not Dadi in real, actually he is Dada and vaishno. But trust me I have also started to treat him like Dadi for that's how he is always dressed up."

Kapil's fans calls from Kolkata, Guwahati, Chitrakut, Sri Ganganagar, Nagpur, Jammu, Shimla and a pind near Malerkotla. Kapil addresses men as brothers and pulls jokes on them too. "You call people on show and then insult them. Don't they feel bad," a fan asks. "Not insult, we crack jokes. We have months' long waiting for the show. And, they know what I am going to do. They have fun too."

While many wish all the very best for the show, others implore to bring Guthi back. One caller, Vishal from Lucknow, wants to know how Kapil feels about AAP's feat. "I am glad people in India still have faith left. They have trusted the new party and I am happy at the change."

There are callers, and requests for songs, Kapil is only too happy to oblige. A woman from Bangalore shares that her granny who doesn't know a word of Hindi loves Guthi and Palak and laughs throughout the show. There is this call from a woman from Arunachal Pradesh whose name one couldn't hear (Kapil settles down for 'Aruna' from Arunachal), who says, "We like you. We love you…and, your show."

So keep watching…Comedy Nights with Kapil… "Do watch the show from 10 to 11 am and then sleep on time too," implores Kapil.

mona@tribunemail.com

For the love of music
For California-based musician Ishmeet Narula, making Punjabi music is like home-coming
Ashima Batish
Ishmeet Narula
Root cause: Ishmeet Narula

In times when including a rap in the track has become an unsaid rule, debutant Ishmeet Narula prefers to be a puritan. Professionally trained under Ustad Abdul Aziz Khan in Delhi, Ishmeet is now settled in California.

Making Punjabi music, she says, is like coming back to the roots. "I am a full time musician. While I have heard people say that music is their passion but for livelihood abroad, they take to other jobs. But I realised that doing anything besides music would adulterate my passion." Similarly, she thought that rap would mean compromising with the purity of Punjabi music. "Rap didn't fit in anywhere. Also each song that was picked, was well-thought of. Songs in the album haven't been picked for the heck of adding tracks.

Titled, Sakeeriyaan, a synonym for relationships, the album celebrates the bond between a couple. "All tracks are romantic and soulful. There is nothing run of the mill." Singing legend Rahat Fateh Ali Khan too has lent his voice for the title track. The producers of the album, Speed Records approached him to sing his part in the song. "He happily obliged after listening to the song," Ishmeet adds.

A follower of singers like Surinder Kaur, Reshma, Jogmohan, Sudesh Kumari, she hopes to come up with the same quality of music. Also Ishmeet adds, "The album has been done in collaboration by Punjabis residing in different parts of the world. I am settled in California, the lyricists, Bunti Bains and Ranbir Singh are from UK, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is from Pakistan." She says that she has been approached by a few Bollywood music directors and there are a few things in the pipeline, "But it is a tad too early to announce anything." She has already sung a single which will first see a release in UK and then come to India. "I hope to grow as a singer with every song I do." All the best!

Master Chef
Purrrrfect puddings!
Kandla Nijhowne

Bread pudding is one of the easiest and most satisfying comfort foods that can be It's quick to assemble and the ingredients are invariably within the home ground. I love leftover pudding the next morning, pretending it's my breakfast! Why not? It has eggs, milk, bread and sugar. Isn't that what a good breakfast comprises of? Oh well, agreed there's more sugar here than necessary, but never mind that. My favourite version of the classic bread pudding even has apples, so there! Isn't that good for you too? This spiced avatar also has a hint of rum and raisins to give it extra zing.

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp raisins
  • 3 tbsp rum (optional)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3½ tbsp butter
  • ¾ tsp cinnamon powder
  • a pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla essence
  • 10-12 slices of bread 9brown or white)
  • 1 large apple

Method

  • Soak the raisins in the rum for 30 minutes. You can skip the rum and use water too.
  • Trim the bread slices and cut each slice into six sections.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C. Melt the butter slightly.
  • Beat the eggs, add milk and sugar along with the melted butter, salt, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon.
  • Peel, core and cut the apple into thin slices.
  • In a wide bowl, combine the egg mixture with the bread, apple, rum and raisins.
  • Tip the mixture into a greased ovenproof dish, pushing downwards to encourage the bread to soak up the liquid.
  • Arrange the apple bits and raisins so that they are evenly spread over the surface.
  • Let the bowl stand for 15 minutes, then bake until top is golden and centre is set.
  • This should take about an hour.
  • Serve in bowls, accompanied by ice cream, custard or runny cream.

(Nijhowne is a culinary expert)

Celebrating phulkari

After Manish Malhotra pulled phulkari on the ramp, gave it a twist, used it in his collection, the mention of the traditional weave of Punjab paints an ever more colourful picture.

But what's presented in NIIFT, as a part of institute's celebration of craft of Punjab, is rather a sepia portrayal of the same.

There are phulkaris, but not done by the students.

Though the traditional mats (daris), jutties, and parandis are woven by students, the presentation isn't propelling enough to make you pick and check. — TNS



star track
Gunday in Dubai

The Gunday trailer will have its premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival at Medinat Theatre for fans and press members this weekend. Gunday stars Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and releases on February 14.

Gift with gratitude

Shahid Kapoor gifted producer Viki Rajani a luxury Rolex watch for the success of R...Rajkumar. Shahid was spotted in his car with his driver and other staff members heading back home to his apartment in Versova.

Dhoom macha le…

Abhishek Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Vijay Krishna Acharya, Katrina Kaif and Uday Chopra at the press conference of Dhoom: 3.

Everyone loves Vidyut

Vidyut Jamwal has quite a fan following because of his good looks and unmatched actions. He is being considered for many action roles because of his impressive work in Bullett Raja. Nobody can do what he does.

Silly answer

Katrina Kaif hardly has a sense of humour or wit. At the press conference for Dhoom: 3, she said she is not getting married for 20-30 years and that Ranbir Kapoor is her ‘dear friend’. Why doesn't she just admit to being in a relationship with the coveted star if she can't even give witty answers?

Winter break for Saif, Kareena

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan love travelling and Kareena makes sure that she would travel to her favourite destination every year and she made hubby Saif promise to take her to Gstaad in Switzerland during every winter for the rest of their life.

A friend of the couple said, "Kareena loves the place. And she has made Saif promise that he would take her there every single year for the rest of their lives. It is all really very romantic. They stay in the same place every year, visit the same love-nests and play all their favourite sports. Kareena doesn't like any change in this annual routine."

This would be Saif's second holiday in a month. Just now he returned from Romanian holiday with his male friends. Kareena stayed back as she was involved in decorating their hew abode. The couple is planning to shift to their new residence before Saif's birthday in August.

"Kareena skipped the Romanian vacation because she's busy supervising the interior designing of their new home," the friend added.

Apparently, Saifeena's new house has separate rooms for Saif's two children Sara and Ibrahim whenever they visit. The couple is planning for to leave for the winter break on December 24.

Ali Zafar plays a lover boy again

Ali Zafar's forthcoming film titled Total Siyapaa has created a stir already. The trailer which was recently released has created a strong buzz around.

However, we have already seen actor and singer Ali Zafar in a lover boy avatar in his previous films. Moreover, audiences have also appreciated the actor's performance in Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Chashme Baddoor. Now yet again, Ali will be entertaining us with his lover boy character in Total Siyapaa.

Ali will be seen romancing Yami Gautam for the first time. The film is a pure rom-com which brings together an interesting star cast—Ali Zafar, Yami Gautam, Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher.

Total Siyapaa is set in London and has a hilarious take on how a Pakistani Punjabi boy goes to meet the girl's Indian Punjabi family and the chaos that follows. This film also marks Neeraj Pandey, producer and E. Niwas, director who are coming together for the very first time.

A bad day for Shampa

Choreographer Shampa Gopikrishna, who was paired with Sushant Singh Rajput in Jhalak Season 4 and shot to fame after winning Jhalak season 5, was assisting Vaibhavi Merchant for the song Malang from Dhoom 3.

It's a rhythmic dance number with lots of aerobics as a form of dance style. On the sets, after pack up Shampa was trying new steps for the next day's shoot on the trampoline when she suddenly lost her balance and injured her hand. The crew rushed to her rescue and provided her with timely first aid help.

"It's very unfortunate that I injured myself while co-choreographing Malan, as I was really thrilled on being a part of such a huge project with such a great banner like YRF. What touched me the most was that the team was so alert and concerned and I really hope I would be working with them in the near future. Vaibhavi m'am was reassuring me throughout and spent the entire day in the hospital with me. Even Aamir sir messaged me asking me about my health and shared his physiotherapist's contact. That sweet gesture made by him really mattered," said Shampa.

After co-choreographing for Ram Leela, Shampa was looking forward to Dhoom 3. Shampa has had a speedy recovery and is back in action.

Lyrical journey

Amitabh Bhattacharya is known for wild and wacky lyrics like Badtameez Dil and Character Dheela but at the same time, he has written soulful lyrics for movies like Lootera and Udaan. He has worked with YRF, Dharma Productions, Anurag Kashyap, and many more directors. Here is the story of his journey.

Dreams and destiny

I came to Mumbai 14 years ago to pursue my dream of becoming a singer. At that time, I did not know that I could write lyrics as well. I always believed in destiny but my belief has become stronger after my success. Some people know what they want to do in life and their life follows a certain path. In my case, I stumbled upon what I was destined to do in an unexpected manner.

Right choice

For a couple of years, I did feel disappointed about not being able to realise my actual dream—that of becoming a singer. I would wonder whether I have done the right thing by becoming a full time lyricist. Slowly, I decided I would go with the flow and explore my avenues for singing along the way. It's not like I don't get to sing at all. Recently, I had a nice time working with Vishal Shekhar on Chennai Express. I have realised that my work as a lyricist now allows me more opportunities to realise my singing ambitions. Looking back, I feel that if I was stuck on being a singer only, I probably would not get the kind of chances I am getting now in my life.

Modern Hindi

Writing lyrics is a cathartic experience for me. It releases my emotions that I wanted to express through my singing. Hindi, the way it's spoken all over India, is what holds my interest. In Ainvayi Ainvayi, there's a line Chai mein dooba biscuit ho gaya, a lot of people asked me why chai mein dooba biscuit. Well, it's something that all of India can relate to it as all of us dip our biscuits in tea. Likewise in Pungi Baja Ke, you hear the term, band bajana everywhere; pungi was the slight deviation. Modern Hindi spoken across India is my biggest catalogue for words.

Family support

My mother adores me blindly. She used to gush over me even when I won a school competition. My dad has started taking a critical interest in my work. He did crack a few jokes when he heard Dreamum Wakeupum. It's all in good fun though (smiles).

Working with friends

When Amit (composer Amit Trivedi) and I started out, there was no understanding between us that we would only work together. Both of us got opportunities to work with other people right after our first film together and moved on. Over the years, I have seen Amit mature as a composer and person. Earlier, he was like this overgrown kid who was always high on excitement and jumping around (laughs). Nowadays, I see him looking stressed, which wasn't the case earlier.

chatter box
Sharing a date

Actor Hrishikesh Pandey, who is currently being seen as CID officer Sachin, celebrated his birthday on December 11. Incidentally, Pandey shares his birthday with the living legend of this country Dilip Kumar. He says, "Yes I am aware that I share my birthday with the great Dilip Saab! What I can say about him! I guess being born on the same date I am simply thankful to the almighty."

Baby bliss

Tarun Khanna, who would be seen in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Mahabharat in the role of Balram, is going to be a daddy soon. His wife Smriti Khanna is expecting and the due date is in February, 2014. He says, "It's the greatest feeling to be a father to a child." Tarun Khanna has already gifted his wife many books on motherhood and parenthood.

What’s cooking?

Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor have been linked to each other for quite some time now. But the alleged lovers have always maintained a 'good friend' stand just like Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. While there are various rumours about their so-called relationship, filmmaker Karan Johar has gone a step ahead and brought the duo together on his chat show Koffee with Karan. Although there have been many stars who shot for the show's fourth season and made many controversial statements, Shraddha and Aditya are the only alleged couple who would be appearing on the show, thus grabbing a lot of eyeballs!

Comeback time

Actress Samaira Rao, who was last seen as Mansi in Love Marriage Ya Arranged Marriage, is back from her holidays and is looking forward to work. Samaira, who is still adjusting to the hotter climate of Mumbai, after enjoying her vacation in the chilly weather of London, is currently in talks with various production houses for her next role on TV. Buzz is that Samaira has already bagged the lead role in Rashmi Sharma's upcoming show on Zee TV.

Historical act

Paridhi Sharma, who is currently seen as Jodha in the show Jodha Akbar, recently spoke to us about the nuances of playing a historical character and how the comparisons with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have only encouraged her.

How do you feel about comparisons with Aishwarya?
Paridhi Sharma
all praise: Paridhi Sharma

Ever since I started playing Jodha, I have been getting a lot of compliments. I'm really happy and feel blessed that people are appreciating me. I knew that people would compare me to Aishwarya (who played Jodhaa in the movie Jodhaa Akbar). From the beginning of my career, I am being compared to an iconic personality like Aishwarya, which is good for me.

What's the best compliment you've got so far?

Some people have told me, 'You look better than Aishwarya'. People have even compared me to Madhubala. It feels great that my hardwork has paid off.

How has been the experience of shooting a historical show?

The sets of the show are in Karjat, near Mumbai, so we have to stay there. Apart from that I have to wear this heavy jewellery and attire, which is quite a task. You have to learn so much. I trained in martial arts, sword fighting and horse-riding. It's quite different from what daily soap actors do. But at the end of the day, the show is giving you so much.

Did you have to struggle?

Since childhood, I've had a passion for arts — painting and dance. After completing my MBA from Pune, I realised that marketing was not my cup of tea. So, I proceeded to Mumbai and started my days of struggle. I am thankful my hardwork has paid off.

Is your family supportive?

My parents were quite supportive when I decided to enter television. Even my husband is quite supportive.

What kind of show would you like to do?

I have had formal training in Kathak. If given a chance, I would love to do a dance reality show.

New Releases

What The Fish

Producer: KR Harish, Kumud Shah. Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Director: Gurmmeet Singh

What The Fish, with cartoonist Mario Miranda's style of art with a bit of veteran journalist Khushwant Singh's topics thrown in, is a situational comedy that revolves around a house and the madness that ensues when Dimple Kapadia goes for a vacation leaving her home and her gold fish in the care of her niece.

Manjit Singh and Manu Rishi also play key roles.

Jackpot
A still from Jackpot
A still from Jackpot

Producer: Raina Sachin Joshi

Director: Kaizad Gustad

Director Kaizad Gustad's Jackpot finally releases today. It is a fast-paced thriller starring Naseeruddin Shah, Sunny Leone and Sachin Joshi. Shot in Goa, Mumbai and Thailand, the movie has generated a lot of curiosity among the viewers due to its subject.

Jackpot is set against casino culture and gambling dens in Goa with each character trying to outsmart the other. Naseeruddin Shah plays a flamboyant casino owner and sports long flowing silver hair in the film.

Lucky Kabootar

Producer: Karan Raj Kanwar

Director: Shammi Chhabra

This Shammi Chhabra-directed romantic comedy promises to be one of those romcoms that will stay with the cine-goers for long. The film features known television actor Ejaz Khan (Kavyanjali fame), Kulraj Randhawa, Ravi Kissen Shradha Das, Sanjay Mishra and Madhvi Sharma. Lucky Kabootar is being touted as a full-time entertainer where young music composer Santokh Singh has given melodious music. — Dharam Pal

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 13...

Celebrating your birthday on 13th day of 12th month in 2013 makes you a better manager and organiser. The number 13, unlike others, is not hostile to you so use it everywhere. You will get rid of a prolonged illness. Share your happiness with your parents. Financial problems or legal ones will conclude before September 2014. Sudden romantic encounters are foreseen. Your competitive nature will enable you to win any contest you enter. Don't avoid travelling as it might fetch you, unexpected, profitable results.

Positive colours: Dark-blue, Dark-grey.

Select days: Saturday, Sunday.

Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8.

Gems recommended: White Sapphire, Cat's Eye, Gomed.

Charity on birthday: Donate white sweet edible items to the needy or at a religious place.

You share your birthday with Amy Lynn Hartzler (December 13, 1981), who is best known as Amy Lee. She is an American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist. Along with her contributions to Evanescence, Lee has also participated in numerous other musical projects, including Walt Disney Records.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Little joy is to be had in company, so avoid getting involved with demanding people. It will be the minor pinpricks that provoke you. Workers in the factories will cause a number of delays.
Tarot message: Try to put your terms and conditions in writing.
Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 32

TAURUS: Your card 'Four of Wands' promises an excellent day. Do not feel guilty about taking time out to look after your well-being. Preventing health problem is better than treating them.
Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success.
Lucky colour: Ebony.
Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Charm, diplomacy, respect and cooperation are far better attributes to employ in dealing with people if you want positive results. Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should be controlled.
Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests.
Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 65

CANCER: Be prepared for multiple invitations to social events and gatherings. Turn your attention to jobs that give you an opportunity to make the best use of your intellect.
Tarot message: Don't dismiss the advice of youngsters.
Lucky colour: Royal-blue.
Magic number: 36

LEO: Now is the time to distinguish clearly between wants and needs. Your desires seem to have no end, but your bank account will dry up before your wants.
Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others.
Lucky colour: Cream.
Magic number: 33

VIRGO: A healthy competitive instinct can be harnessed for greater accomplishment. Stick to what you know and you won't go wrong. Do not let too many people know what you are planning.
Tarot message: Versatility will bail you out of a situation.
Lucky colour: Turquoise.
Magic number: 64

LIBRA: An urgent job can drag you back to the workplace. Make the best of it by doing what must be done quickly and effectively. A chance encounter with an ex-flame will revive old memories.
Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will-power.
Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 24

SCORPIO: Funds can be increased with extra effort. You should give a serious thought to your business. Decisions that need to be made, especially involving career should not be put off.
Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.
Lucky colour: Silver-grey.
Magic number: 54

SAGITTARIUS: Major domestic purchases can be made with confidence. Be patient, even though you want it immediately. Students: you will be successful in your written tests.
Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital.
Lucky colour: Sea-green.
Magic number: 60

CAPRICORN: Put knowledge into practice or learn how to do something better. Working women: be careful while dealing with the clients. Children will enjoy the company of their parents.
Tarot message: Plan your life better to avoid delays.
Lucky colour: Peacock-green.
Magic number: 29

AQUARIUS: Your card 'Fortune' predicts a good day on the financial front. Try your luck at a range of speculative possibilities. Women between the age group of 40-45: take care of your health.
Tarot message: Use careful judgment while handling property issues.
Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 61

PISCES: Schedule a group meeting today. It can be both productive and enjoyable. If you go for what you really want, it just might happen. Shareholders will find the day quite beneficial.
Tarot message: Work can pose minor difficulties.
Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels.
Magic number: 55





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