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Back to vocal chords!
So, now we have a good number of singer-actor focusing on releasing their music albums and singles. Has this got anything to do with the movie business going down or do they have another story? The fact is that many singer-actors, including Amrinder Gill and Roshan Prince, have released their albums in the last few months.
Scoring points
For a long time now, since the singers moved to films, we haven't heard of a full-fledged album release! Singer-actor Amrinder Gill, however, is one of the few actors who would give films a miss for his album. "I had done many films last year, almost three-four; then I decided to give dedicated time to my album Judaa 2, which will be releasing soon." Amrinder again doesn't think the 'doing well' or 'not doing well' of movies has anything to do with actors releasing albums. On the contrary, he adds, "All actors are getting films, but yes, I guess it is always safe to do the balancing act; you never know when things go haywire in the Punjabi film industry," he laughs out loud.
Safe & sound
On a similar note, Balli Riar's two singles will be hitting the music scene soon. Just Friends and Saun Tere are the tracks he has been working on. "Punjabi films never had and will never have anything to do with the release of albums. A singer will always give preference to music." Jassi Gill is yet another singer who gives serious importance to his albums. "Live shows are important to any singer-actor; this means he has to have some of his songs to sing. How would that be possible if he doesn't make music?" The singer-actor fraternity clearly denies the fact that the lacklustre performance of Punjabi films has anything to do with their releasing music albums, but for a music director it is otherwise. Gaurav Trehan, director Catrack Entertainment talks about economic viability. "Now because actor singers can afford to release albums, they are doing that. A singer needs songs to sing on shows and if it comes from movies, it is good; if it comes from albums, even better." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Music mania
On a serious note, music is all the South London based house producer has wanted to be in ever since. "I always had a love for music, it came out with my first album in 1988. At the time, the club scene was just breaking in. I felt I could do that and I did." He adds, "I've fixed cars and a lot things else too but I figured I wanted to drink, party and play the music." It's a profession dictated solely by passion and he's already over two decades into the industry and counting. Among the big time successes include having produced Grammy nominated Daniel Beddingfield's Gotta Get Through This, apart from Kung Fu and Gunman. As for the countless remixes, he opines, "I agree that a lot of people consider that a lazy approach to music production but that's my job. I get paid to do that…A good remix aims at bringing out more of a beat. Something that gets everybody onto the dance floor." When not playing for the crowds, he's listening to anything. "That could be reggae, disco, Stevie Wonder and Prince. I just like everything." However that does not translate onto all music being good music. "There is certainly bad music…But it's very subjective and a matter of personal taste. You can't point out that this bad music because to somebody it might be really good." The only artiste to have found a mention is Priyanka Chopra. "I did a remix for her." Bollywood is a relatively uncharted territory. However Bhangra, elicits a reaction, a quick response, courtesy UK. "That's a lot of beat and drums. The energy is blinding." That's music taking you places, literally. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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On the right track
"Although people are celebrating the festivals that came to this land later, but they are forgetting their roots and not aware about the history of the land," says the singer. They don't know when the younger Sahibzadas were martyred, he says. The video features Japtej Singh, who played child Milkha in the movie Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. In the video, the child who gets curious about the historic and gruesome episode of history after passing through Sirhind and how he learns about the martyrdom and history. The message in the video is that parents here need to make their children aware about their roots and history," says Mann.
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Here comes the princess…
Mona
Rupa Khurana was a contestant at the Indian Princess 2013 and got the title of Miss Perfect 10. For the current season, she is on the other side of the table happy judging the auditions. In Chandigarh, on Sunday, Rupa considers judging a show a huge responsibility. "I know first hand about the efforts a contestant puts and it lies on judges' shoulders to recognise the true talent." Runners' up in MTV SplitsVilla Season 5, Rupa is in love with reality shows, "I love the format. Reality shows test you in different situations and give you a chance to be yourself," says Rupa who is open to more. Lessons she has learnt being on the show, "Take your own decisions. Don't be influenced by anyone and never trust," says the actor who is eyeing Bollywood next. Sameksha too joined Rupa in judging the event. With a score of Punjabi, Telugu and Tamil films to her credit and some TV soaps, Sameksha had almost called it quits when she got Kirpaan and Fateh. "My only grudge with Punjabi films was that they don't experiment. However, both my current films up for release, gave me a chance to move beyond Punjabi comedies where comedians garner the limelight," says Sameksha who is playing a police officer in Kirpaan and a sweet college-goer who knows martial arts in Fateh. About judging Indian Princess 2014, says Sameksha, "It's an excellent platform for girls to kick start their career." Seconds Prashant Bhardwaj, director, Creativatorss Event & Production, "Indian princess is a distinctive beauty pageant which is a route to international runways." Also, judging the show was Bobby Lyal, winner of the third season of Indian Princess. mona@tribunemail.com
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Lip art!
Dr Vikas Sharma Lips are an aesthetic centerpiece of the lower face. It becomes all the more difficult to maintain the young look of lips and surrounding skin after 35 years of age for both males and females. Our lips and basically everything else on our face lengthen as well as sag as we age. The lips tend to lose their fullness and become thin. Radial furrows or smoker's lines in the surrounding skin and lip wrinkles lead to an overall dull, aged look. It is difficult to find a lip cosmetic or a camouflage that will give one the full plump lips that one craves for. So, one has to undergo medical procedures to fulfill the desire. What are the options to get fuller lips?
Precaution and post care instructions
As with any facial injectable procedure, it is important to discontinue the intake of oral flax seeds, vitamin E, fish oil, Aspirin and oral anti-coagulants at least a week before the procedure. If you are having the enhancement done for any important social event, it is advisable to have the augmentation done a week in advance. Adverse effects:
(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)
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Spicy interlude
Item songs have become a genre in itself, a genre Bollywood is hooked to Manpriya Singh
Whoever said we only ape the West? They certainly missed out on the most applauded musical performance in Indian cinema. Never mind the fact that sudden outbreak of song and dance has very little to do with the script or the characters. Yes, item numbers are a necessary evil. As for the lyrics, the less said the better. Take a body part, dissect it and choreograph it. Better still, speak of an explicit affair, an escapade. Anything that lends itself to titillation and publicity. As for the story, well that's the stuff you put between the intervals and weave around the song.
Hall of fame
When heroines were only interested in playing Miss Goody Two Shoes, Helen, the original item queen of Indian cinema, played the role of a vamp to perfection. She was the quintessential bad girl who all the guys would lust for. Her song Yeh Mera Dil from the original Don, started the trend, even long before we coined the term item songs. Cut to two decades back, in 1995, Sonali Bendre successfully played the item girl in the classic song Humma Humma. Dressed in a white, she pulled the act well, in the otherwise serious film Bombay. Not that the stint with item songs stopped but nothing really matched up till Chaiyya Chaiyya in Dil Se came along. We don't know what the song scored the most for, but it had everything going for it. Right from Shah Rukh Khan to Malaika Arora Khan to the choreography atop a moving train. In between Sushmita Sen's Mehboob Mere from the film Fiza deserves a mention. Then came Aishwarya Rai starrer Kajra Re from the film Bunty or Babli. The family affair, literally became the 'national step'. What catapulted the genre to an altogether different level was Beedi Jalai Le from the film Omkara. Bipasha Basu enjoyed her prime position of a seductress but finally had to give it to Munni and Sheila, a couple of years later. It didn't really kick-start till Munni Badnaam Hui. The item song from the film Dabangg, picturised on Malaika Arora Khan redefined item numbers. The Munni might have been defamed but the song touched heights of popularity. Sheila Ki Jawaani falls pretty much in the same league and needs be listed in the same breath. As long as the list of the songs that fall in this genre is the list of the forgettable item acts. The ones that neither made sense nor any melody. Nevertheless, a couple of memorable acts include Chikni Chameli, pictured on Katrina Kaif from the film Agneepath, then Anarkali Disco Chali from Housefull 2, pictured on Malaika Arora Khan. More or less, same three to four B-town girls rule the item list. Then there's Kareena Kapoor doing a Fevicol Se in Dabangg 2. There's yet another that needs to be mentioned for Priyanka Chopra's sake. Babli Badmaash Hui from Shootout at Wadala happens to be her first item song. That could be yet another beginning. Youngsters take
It doesn't really matter whether the audience likes it or not. A lot many love to hate item songs. Opines Kritika Jha, Functional English student, Government College for Girls, "There are very few that sound good. As long as they have good beats and catchy lyrics, not indecent but catchy lyrics, they are fine. Recently they have been trying to sell offensive language coupled with bad melody, that's when it gets too much." Her favourite ones remain the ones picturised on Malaika Arora Khan. "I like Anarkali Disco Chali more than even Munni Badnaam Hui." The genre has often lent itself to discussion on the item queen. Unless there's a certain class appeal in the mass act, how does it matter? Kareena or Katrina, Malaika or Priyanka, the difference doesn't make a difference. Opines Mallika Dayal, student, Department of Laws, "Chaiyya Chaiya was my favourite long time ago and the last item song I liked was Munni Badnaam Hui. After that, they crossed the lines of decency." Any takers? manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Art of the matter
Ramakanth Thumrugoti had presented his solo exhibition of paintings titled To live again — at an inaugural preview at Alliance Franchise, New Delhi. The current series — To live again — is the final edition of the four-series shows that began in Japan with Of Human Bondage (2007), The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (2011) and Choices we made (2012). The current series of 40 paintings follow contemporary, multi-layered, abstract and semi-abstract with minimal craft. His exhibits are in oil-on-canvass, acrylics and mixed media. The subject of this series is mainly focussed on human conflicts. City's well known art connoisseurs Seema and Asish Gujral hosted the show. A number art enthusiasts, artists, and critics attended the preview.
As an art theoretician Ramakanth Thumrugoti has founded and contributed extensively to the Transcend Art Movement. Transcend Art reflects the artist's muse. The expression along with the artists' narration invites the viewer to understand the intellectual stance of the subject. This helps in better understanding of contemporary art. Each painting is presented with a two-line elucidation in words that direct the viewer's interest to the artist's stand point. — TNS
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Yes Bose!
Nishtha Shukla Anand Going out for a New Year bash is passé. We don't want no driving out late at night, we don't want no spending oodles at a crowded party. Instead, we want to call all our friends home to have a party. This is what youngsters these days are thinking. It keeps the peeps happy as well! You're safe at home and the party can go on till wee hours of the morning. You might have the drinks and snacks all planned. But what's a party without great music? If you are yet to pick up a great sound system for yourself, here are some super suggestions: Bose SoundDock Series III digital music system
If you have a fantastic collection of music, it deserves to be heard right. Get yourself the Bose SoundDock Series III digital music system. This one is meant to be played with the Apple iPod and iPhone models, which are easily connected with a lightning connector. For all other devices, it has an auxiliary input as well. The acoustic design of this system makes music soft yet bouncy. It fills the room with music. You simply have to initiate your play list and let the party roll. SpeakerCraft CS3
Play music from any device or phone using the SpeakerCraft CS3. One of the best systems in the market today, it has a pedestal-style sound bar design. While the sound bar is supreme, it also has a refined look. You can play two-channel music on this system using its built-in Bluetooth. The Bluetooth allows you to connect any phone or tablet to the system. LG BH9430PW
If you are looking for a home theatre system that also doubles up as a music system, the LG BH9430PW is a good choice. This all-in-one home cinema comes with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi so you can connect content from practically any device. This one also has 3D Blu-ray playback for those who enjoy a good movie experience. We will also be able to online streaming such as the BBC iPlayer and Netflix once it comes to India. Samsung HT-F9750W
This beautiful system comes with five speakers that give you sound that's pure symphony. With an unbeatable audio performance and a Blu-ray receiver, this home theatre system works as the perfect home theatre. It can be connected using Bluetooth and
Wi-Fi. Pioneer SP-SB23W
Get great sound for your New Year party with the Pioneer SP-SB23W. This system has considerable sound effect, especially if we talk about the blend of the sub and main cabinet. The wireless subwoofer that comes with this system is particularly impressive. It has outstanding sonics and the sound quality is supreme. (The writer is a Chandigarh-based technology expert)
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The flop shows of the year
As movie budgets increase, so do the losses when they don't do well at the box office. Today, despite collecting Rs 50-60 crore, there are films being tagged with a 'flop' status. Here's looking at big budget films that are among 2013's biggest flops so far
Of bad timing
A shameless act
Watered down version The movie had nothing to hold onto the interest of the audience.
The ripple effect
No grace marks
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The wedding invite has it
Kris Jenner has predicted that daughter Kim Kardashian and her fiance Kanye West's much-anticipated wedding will be big.
Kardashian, 33, and West, 36, got engaged in October, four months after the birth of their first child North West, reported a publication. "We have a pretty big family. I don't think it will be two people in a chapel, if you know what I mean! I don't know if they'll let me jump in. That's two very creative minds getting together and they definitely have their own ideas," he said. Jenner did not reveal the date set for the wedding but said that "hopefully it will be soon". — PTI
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The report card
Dhoom 3 is a review-proof movie and it has got decent reviews too. The movie has been going house-full with 90 to 100% occupancy during weekend and a mind-boggling response internationally. A lot of people claim that the film is doing well just because of Aamir.
And life goes on…
Hrithik Roshan is back in Mumbai from Los Angeles. He announced his separation from Sussanne last week. He did not talk to the paparazzi present at the airport and maintained a poker face. Yes, he looked good.
Bipasha indulges and how!
Bipasha Basu gorged on some Gujarati food recently and polished off a thali at her friend's birthday party. She let go of her strict diet.
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Sonakshi’s gym story
Sonakhi Sinha often exercises by moving to the hula hoop while listening to loud music. The hoop has weights attached to it. But we don't see her waist getting much slimmer.
Fashion comes first
Sonam Kapoor is addicted to fashion! She even trains on her treadmill at 7 kmph while reading a magazine and her mother sits nearby and ensures she goes beyond seven
kmph! Talk about unique ways of working out.
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Single screen, double the fun
Shahid Kapoor has been crowned the new prince of the single screen mass audience as his film R...Rajkumar has worked only in the single screens. He is more than happy with the title. His staff and friends actually went to single screens and captured the reactions of the audience on video.
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Looking for the female lead
Sources claim that Puja was unwell and the shoot schedule was getting to her. So she put in her papers and is serving the notice period. As for Sonarika, due to her apparent and reported tantrums the makers had ousted her. But nothing is confirmed so far, lets see how this one plays out.
Together they shoot!
Manish Raisinghani and Avika Gor, who are co-stars in the show, Sasural Simar Ka, have shot a short film together. In this film, they did everything on their own, including the story, direction, setting up shots, music, acting and editing. No wonder the duo is thrilled with their achievement!
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Not doing so well
The recently launched show, Jo Biwi Se Kare Pyaar, has not fared well apparently, so the rumours are that it will end soon. The show stars Arjun Bijlani and it is a cookery fiction show. It also featured some new entries.
Back with a bang
Farhan Khan of Chanchan fame now will be seen in an episode of Yeh Hai Aashiqui series that will be telecast on Bindass. After he quit his debut show, he was nowhere to be seen, but this episodic will surely put him in the limelight.
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Ending soon
There was a buzz that Bade Achhe Laggte Hain will end next year, but now comes a fresh update that it may end in May. After being on air for over three-year long now, the show has gone from being a top rated to the one that has been stretched too far.
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Candid confessions
Chandni Bhagwanani is sad that her year old show, Amita Ka Amit, is ending. She talks about her experience on the show, clears rumours of dating her co-star and adds that she will finish her studies for sure.
How are you feeling now that the show has ended? I am feeling really bad, but I am happy that I learned a lot and grew as an actor. Also, I have became more responsible and patient. In this show, I got another family who I really miss now. After working for over 17 to 18 hours for a year, now coming back to a regular life and going to college is different. I will have to get into that habit again. I wonder how the year passed as it feels like yesterday that I went on board. The show lasted for almost a year, but it was usually under the scanner for low ratings. Why do you think didn't work? I don't know. I don't want to comment on it. There were many reasons. We had a loyal audience, who loved us, which was more than enough. Did you relate to your character? Yes, before marriage Amita was more like me, but post marriage not so much because Amita changed as per circumstances. Are you dating co-star Nishad Vaidya? No. People say this about most co-stars and link them, but we are good friends. I had no other friend than him on the show so we bonded well. What do you have planned next? My priority right now is to finish my studies. But if I get something I will go for it. However, I will finish my studies for sure.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Keep your mind on the job throughout the day. Be sure to get to the bank before it closes. Romance could be an anticlimax. Be tactful in your criticism. Health needs attention.
Tarot message: Look after the health of elderly member at home. Lucky colour: Peach
Magic number: 32
TAURUS: Don't make any important move today. In the office, more efforts may be expected from you without the possibility of higher income. Keep the lawbreakers at bay.
Tarot message: Prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Orange
Magic number: 28 GEMINI: A call or a visit from a relative, who you have not seen for ages, will bring back the memories of the past. Past differences may cause quarrels today. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finance.
Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 30 CANCER: This is a fantastic time to contact and visit folks and to keep abreast with news and gossip. Complete errands, socialise and catch up on outstanding paper-work and correspondence. Tarot message: Its time to open new doors that lead you in the right direction.
Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 31 LEO: "King of Wands" reveals that its time to relax and socialise with friends and loved ones. This is a good day for household repairs. You should be lucky in your choice of entertainment.
Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Fuchsia
Magic number: 64 VIRGO: Discussions with those who are in close proximity will increase, but you will instinctively know when to talk and when to put your head down and work. Defer making fresh investments. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments.
Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 42
LIBRA: Catching up on jobs you have been putting off for a while seems like a wise idea. Give time to meditation and yoga. You will shine in surroundings that are unfamiliar to you.
Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Baize Magic number: 59 SCORPIO: Do not miss an opportunity to finish all that unfinished business that seems to be weighing on your mind and spirit. You will be amazed how much lighter you will feel when you have shed those concerns. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others.
Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 60 SAGITTARIUS: Use your status of communication boldly with a creative expression. Patronage from powerful individuals can validate your efforts. Share problems with loved ones.
Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results. Lucky colour: Deep red
Magic number: 40 CAPRICORN: Be positive in your approach. You will be better able to cope with jobs that require team efforts. Home entertaining should go off rather well. Women: keep your stakes low while playing cards. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.
Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 57 AQUARIUS: Where you go and what you do and the focus of everyone's attention is likely to be firmly on you. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Tarot message: Wait a while and everything will be sorted out on its own.
Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 52 PISCES: Do not get involved in any land deal. A secret love affair will bring you some added pleasure. Make your boss aware of all the hard work that you have been putting in.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain your grip over your business. Lucky
colour: Pink Magic number: 63
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 23...
It is not a bad day to unwind, and reflect on your life's journey. Don't count too much on the lady luck and being saved at the last minute. Prudence is important. Those born after 1980, must avoid being malicious or arrogant. Put a little romance in your life today, and spend quality time with a special someone. You will be low on energy. Don't overload yourself with additional work. Take some rest and reschedule your appointments. Emotional problems may bog you down early in January. You will be in touch with a government agency to seek some kind of clearance. Positive colours: Dark green and lemon Select days: Sunday and Wednesday Favourable numbers: 1, 5 and 6 Gems recommended: Emerald, Yellow sapphire and Ruby Charity on birthday: You may seek blessings of an eunuch by presenting green clothes or shawl.
You share your birthday with Estella Dawn Warren (December 23, 1978), who is a Canadian actress, former fashion model, and a former synchronized swimmer. She is also known for her roles in the 2001 film, Planet of the Apes, and television shows, including Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Beauty and the Beast (2009 film).
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Not many years ago, every other house in Punjab was churning out one singer every two days! Then one day, they all didn't turn up at the recording studios and decided to face the camera. It was action time! Everything was going well, till the time the action started to slow down and then what happened was pretty much expected - the recording studio was buzzing with life again.
Says Roshan Prince, whose recently released album District Sangrur is receiving great reviews, "I am a product of a singing talent hunt show; music is my first love and I got a break in film because of it, so there is no question of going back to it." Roshan was working on his album for almost a year. "I was giving equal amount of time to films and music without ignoring the latter. And this has nothing to do with the film industry not doing too great," he puts it candidly. 
Despite the fact that not a single Punjabi movie is making profit, films are still being made and singer-actors have time. What would be the reason behind the suddenly acquired seriousness for singers cutting albums and singles? Yuvraj Hans, who will soon be seen in Mr and Mrs 420, will be out with single, Wafaa, soon. "All my friends and fans have been asking me to release my songs, so I decided to do it. I have been very busy with films, in fact, I didn't have time to dub the song," he shares. 
Sometimes spontaneity is all it takes to entertain. A predetermined mindset takes precedence and so does music itself, what rules is the mood, the moment and the crowd. Danny Harrison, the sole original member of the former duo DJ Moto Blanco watches the scene as a bystander. He's soon going to take over. "I'll try and be in a little early and first see the kind of songs they are reacting to…Though there's never a fixed plan. I will do whatever it takes to entertain the crowds. If nothing works, I will take over the microphone and start singing, telling them jokes or even anecdotes," he laughs a few hours before his performance at The Blue Blazer.
"I read a report of a journalist a few years back, wherein he asked the significance of December 24, and 80 per cent of the people in Chandigarh-Mohali replied it was Christmas eve, while only a fraction of the people knew that on this day, younger sons 'Chhote Sahibzade' of Guru Gobind Singh were martyred by entombing them alive," says singer Harbhajan Mann. That report sowed a seed in his mind, and the result is the new video by the singer titled Wall of Sirhind.
Once again the female lead of Life Ok's show, Mahadev, may change. Buzz is that Puja Banerjee, who replaced Sonarika Bhadoria few months ago, has apparently quit the show. Now the makers are looking for a new actor to play the role of Parvati. Rumours are that Sonarika is under consideration.