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Telly-ing a tale
Bring it on, as much, we will savour; lick to the last drop, take multiple servings….if gossip was delivered as tangible food, the demand and supply ratio would always have been skewed in favour of the former! Precisely the reason why season after season Koffee with Karan tastes better. It's a pleasant change from the regular, bland shows with 'smile-little-sob-more-conspire-all-the-time' characters running them. On the whole, this year the menu of Indian Television industry offered variety; while some shows delivered, some clattered like empty vessels. Here is what all made news, even if it wasn't worthy of making any!
Shining through
We got a much needed- break from the stand-up comedy 'done-to-death-buried-fossiled-but-recycled' shows. The relief was brought by Comedy Nights with Kapil and his team of dadi, bua; wife with a 'dreaded' pout, Palak and Gutthi. The show, however, made news for the wrong reason when Sunil Grover, aka Gutthi, the much-loved character of the show, decided to make an exit for greener pastures. Whosoever said money can't buy everything was so naive!
A lot of hype was built around 24 and thankfully nothing went wrong. The show unfurled a new chapter in the history of Indian television, where more adaptations of shows from the West are expected. Anil Kapoor, our very own version of Jack Bauer, did justice to his role and so did Mandira Bedi and Anita Raj, who made a worthy comeback after a long time.
The high point of the television industry this year has to be Salman Khan on Koffee With Karan. There couldn't have been a better start to the show, with Salman Khan saying with a straight face that he is still a virgin! Although the actor didn't provide any fodder for gossip, he did give some interesting answers to the host's queries. In the second episode, Kareena Kapoor obliged with her wish to dance at Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's wedding.
Family ways
Like the same old stories of the family dramas, we hold the same old grudges against the considerably regressive content. Sanskaar started as a story of an NRI trying to settle in the US, but it ended up in India with a familiar plot involving family politics. Sarwatichandra had the name of its producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali tagged to it and that's about it. It didn't have any characteristics of a Bhansali production. Actors overacted and over-reacted in any given situation. A dragged storyline made it worse and worse was Bhansali pulling out his name. Bani-Ishq Da Kalma was about the new concept of a girl betrayed by her NRI husband, and was given the old treatment of conspiring in-laws as well as a friend who is equally unhappy. The story goes on for most of the other shows, which refuse to end — be it Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai or Bade Acchhe Lagte Hain. When nothing works, generation leaps offer some relief!
bigg controversy
It's a show that provides ample gossip and stirs controversies every season. This time, so many contestants did the honour and as always love blossomed. From Tanisha and Armaan's 'what-looked-liked-a-kiss to Gauhar and Kushal's blooming love story, the Bigg Boss house is giving enough news material. How we wish Armaan shouted less and Tanisha listened lesser, Kushal behaved himself and Guahar didn't behave like matron! If love happened by chance on Bigg Boss, it was planned in The Bachelorette India - Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika. How perfectly naïve Mallika acted, it was difficult to believe that the same actress has managed to walk the red carpet at Cannes without any major label backing her or even minus a plum role in a Hollwyood or Bollywood film! But don't we know that love is blind, by the way, we are talking about the Vijay Singh, the poor-rich winner of the reality show.
Mythologically speaking
The promotions were minimal, but once the show Buddha started in September first week, the content did all the talking. And the audience listened, was glued to the television screens on Sundays to watch the show! People love the characters, the storyline and how the plot is developing.
Saturated by family and reality shows, depiction of the life of Buddha was a welcome change. And the show Mahabharat, which we thought will give it competition, was just about VFX effects and costumes.
None of the actors are as impressive as the original version of the show — certainly not the conniving Shakuni and the ideal caretaker of the kingdom, Bheesham. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Foodie funda
It doesn't really matter what happened in the first three months of the year gone by and frankly nor does anyone remember. April and Elante Mall pulled all the stops elsewhere. So much so that all roads in Chandigarh led to industrial area and it became a place to bump into good friends, old flames and former classmates even more than Facebook; apart from the fact that it re-awakened the shopoholic in all of us, the place brought along many places to take a culinary trip. Pirates of The Grill, Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill, Chili's, Brooklyn Central, Kylin Experience, Mocha, Haagen Dazs, Plum, The Beer Café, Chocholik, Red Mango…one after the other they kept coming, so much so that it felt like a maximum city. As for the local names, Nik Baker's, Sindhi's, Girl in the Café, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Monica's Kitchen and Kaffe; Yo China!, Backpackers Café had their own piece of the pie too. That's not it. Coming up is Mrs Kaurs and many more.
Fine dine In the first half of the year, Chingaree at Pride KC Hotel & Spa added to the existing options for Indian food lovers in Chandigarh. The fine dining restaurant came replete with an Indian menu and a band of ghazal singers to give some respite from the usual eateries as well as fast food joints. Moving on Whistling Duck was well received despite the varied reviews and completely polarised opinions. Yet another multi-cuisine restaurant added to the places that give you an option of warm interiors or barbecued exteriors. Lemongrass, the newly opened Asian fine dining restaurant ensured its presence was felt, if not solely through the food then the food festivals. Pack it
In between several take-away counters, eating joints need be spelled too. They may not have arrived with a bang but kept the foodies in the city amused enough. Quiznos at Hotel Aroma, Pizza More-22, Ten Towns-26, Punjaab-22, need be mentioned in the same breath. Eat right In the last quarter of the year, we had Hotel Pelican opening doors for its multi-cuisine restaurant Gourmet Nine. The place offers cuisines ranging from Indian, South coastal to pan-Asian, including the ubiquitous Chinese and Thai. Around the same time, last year's The Great Kebab Factory gave way to The Red Kitchen; yet another multi-cuisine restaurant that promises to dish out right from Indian to Continental to Oriental. Alpha Q, a night club that offers, the first of its kind limousine service, just sprung on the scene. The very recently opened F-Bar at Wave Cinemas sounds promising enough till time proves otherwise. Then a whispering birdie informed Holiday Inn, sometime ago.
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Women & their world
Every step towards awareness is welcome. While some measures of protest provoke you to revolt, others make you reflect. When art takes over, each canvas champions a cause, all the while making a difference in its own silent way. The Women Cell-A Place of Solace in Solitude, an exhibition by self-taught photographer Peaush Panesar comes intact with the message of women empowerment. "There was this quotation on women empowerment that actually got me started with the theme of the exhibition. Today, we talk about rights and gender equality but even then nobody wants to talk about the dark side," he shares, while moving across each of the ten canvases exhibited at Gourmet Nine.
"It's a series of 31 photographs taken keeping the theme in mind. Over the last one year I have been travelling to different places to capture the same. These pictures have been taken in right from Dagshai, Manali, Shimla to Jaisalmer," shares the 27-year-old business management graduate. The monochromatic frames or at the maximum muted colours in some of the frames are keeping in sync with the dark theme. While one or two frames give the illusion of studio pictures, other clicks appear impromptu enough to look real. "Gang rapes, female foeticide, sexual assaults…there are crimes certainly taking place against women. To cure the state of affairs, some times realisation is more important to dissuade criminals from committing the crime than punitive measures." It's an attempt to get behind the emotions they go through, the situations they face. The pictures show a woman holding a mask against her head, yet another trying to break free from the shackles of a chain, one with a lamp, another one atop a tree; yet another walking about with just an anklet, titled Cold Love, yet another peeping out a window, a couple of women in the balcony titled Waiting For a Miracle. "We've tried taking the visitors through certain conditions women are in and they go through. Then it's also about making something that makes sense." An endeavour he plans to continue with even in future. "I want to direct a film on women empowerment." Good going! (On till 27th December 2013, at Gourmet Nine, Hotel Pelican)
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tune in From classics to new-age, there are umpteen New Year songs that catapult you into a festive mood… Manpriya Singh
Auld Lang Syne is like looking at the half empty part of the glass; with due respect to the Scottish folk traditions, a song that reminds you of the missed opportunities and the year gone by is no way to mark a beginning. After all, revelry, fun, madness and hope need to come before a solemn start. Here's what you could play instead when the clock strikes midnight and the confetti falls down. Hall of fame Starting from the classics, Bing Crosby's 1943 single Let's Start the New Year Right literally makes for a perfect start. Abba's Happy New Year has not only the right set of lyrics for the evening, but also catchy music. Moving on, What are You Doing About New Year's Eve by The Orioles has been quite a popular song for the occasion. Nat King Cole's Happy New Year speaks just of some of the things when he pours his feelings out in the song. It makes for a perfect track for a quiet evening. Those who'd rather groove to some jumpy numbers, there's Eagle's Funky New Year to fall back upon. Those who loved the band already love the song. New Year's Day by U2 is a refreshing take on the occasion.
No December is complete without a list of resolutions and no January is complete without a list of broken promises. Want to turn over a new leaf? There's Carla Thomas and Otis Redding calling out in New Year's Resolution. There's also the New Year's by Snoop Dogg. Among the hardcore party anthems, there's Black Eyes Peas Let's Get It Started that could fit well too. Those who believe it's the end of an era, there's 1999 by Prince. The list could be tad incomplete without bringing in Brand New Day by Sting and A Long December by Counting Crowns. There might be running out of number of years but not the songs! Sir Cliff Richard also deserves a special mention for the track The Millenium Prayer. Composed against the background tune of Auld Lang Syne, it could also make for a perfect alternative. Then of course there's the good old Auld Lang Syne. Plug on. Young take New Year's music has almost always been given a neat slip by the commercial chartbusters. Shares Ruhani Arora, B. Tech student, ICAI, "I've never thought about any particular New Year list and that's mostly because any party you go to, they have commercial music playing in the background." She adds, "Auld Lang Syne also perhaps has been heard because it's played the most during school farewells and music lessons." New Year's Day by U2 stands a close second chance, not because of the song but because of the band. Opines Sheena Behl, mass communication student, "I quite like Celine Dion's Another Year Has Gone By." The lyrics could be easily mistaken for an anniversary with a couple recalling yet another year of togetherness and love. "Nevertheless, it puts you in the mood for some romance and another year." Exactly what we need at the beginning of each year!
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CELEB POINT Divya Dutta 
When I first saw her, I had made up my mind she was the loveliest looking woman on earth — my mother, a most beautiful woman. When I was sent away to Delhi as a child, I missed her the most. After I lost my dad, began my actual journey with this awesome woman. At seven, I put my foot down that I had to go back to Punjab to be with my mom. In the village where she was posted, there wasn't much company for us. The world inside the four walls of our house was our fun zone. I've seen her tackling the toughest of situations like a firebrand leader. Life brought me to Mumbai, but it was incomplete without here secure arms. I was facing the real world for the first time. I wrote letters to her and keep her letters by my bedside; they worked like a lullaby for. I then realised why in Punjab mom used to keep writing stories and poetry. I realised it was an outlet in her lonely world, which she never showed us. She braved through it all. She always said, "Life hai. Accept what it gives you; the universe has its plans for you." Now, there is a role reversal; I am the mother now, I hold her hand when we walk together, scold her, pamper her and adore my little angel. Two of her books have been published and she still is a practicing doctor. She's the favourite of all my friends, who especially come to meet her and address her by her name — Nalini. We play, we sing, we walk hand-in-hand; Nalini, my guru, my mom, my little angel! (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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star track With two albums scheduled to release, Rihanna is all set to rule the music charts in the coming year... R&B superstar Rihanna is planning to release two albums in 2014 and is hoping for big hits. The Stay hit maker has put out a new record every year since 2009 and although this year she hasn't released another she is hoping to have hits in the future, reported a publication. "The plan is to put two records out. Rihanna wants big hits on both the albums," a source said. The Barbadian beauty's last album Unapologetic hit shelves in November 2012 and she's since been busy on her Diamonds World Tour, which kicked off in March this year, in support of her seventh studio album. Rihanna has had a successful year and was recently named the new face of Balmain where she will front the Spring/Summer 2014 collection advertising campaign for the French fashion label and is expected to feature in magazines from January. The label's creative director, Olivier Rousteing, previously said, "In front of the camera, she makes you feel like she is the only girl in the world. When the woman that inspires you wears your creations, your vision feels complete." — PTI
I don’t make wish lists: Taylor Swift
Country singer Taylor Swift insists she lives her life step by step and does not try to shape her career by making wish lists.
The 24-year-old star feels there is a sense of achievement in living life in an unplanned way, reported a website. "One thing I've tried to never do is make wish lists. I try to have a very stepping stone mentality about this whole thing, where as soon as you make one step you visualise the next step, not five steps ahead," said Swift. Swift recently recorded the track Sweeter Than Fiction for the British comedy One Chance based on the life of Britain's Got Talent winner Paul Potts. She said she enjoys writing songs for films because it allows her to take a break from her personal thoughts and concentrate on someone else's life. "My experience with songwriting is usually so confessional, it's so drawn from my own life and my own stories. There's something so unique about that and I get a special buzz from that. But it's also kind of cool to focus on somebody else's storylines," she said. — PTI
Clash of the titans
Reportedly, SRK starrer Raees will release on Eid. The same day Salman-starrer yet untitled film, directed by Kabeer Khan, is scheduled to release. However, producer Ritesh Sidhwani says there will be no fight. "No Eid Fight in 2015. Raees's filming begins in July & will release in 2015. And if some other film has announced EID release before us we will respect that & not fight.
As it's our dear media who wants us to fight and the good will among our fraternity stands strong,"
he tweeted. Festival fever: Salman Khan
All said and done, it’s a hit
Dhoom 3 has collected more than Rs 100 crore during first weekend, breaking all the previous records. Overseas also the business is very good and people are watching the film despite mixed reactions.
Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have left for New York to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve. Katrina and Ranbir love New York and have been going there for a couple of years. Katrina will visit her family in London in January.
A special screening
Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Imtiaz Ali, Anushka Sharma and others attended the special screening, of The Wolf of Wall Street, arranged by Anurag Kashyap in suburban
Mumbai.
Shahid Afridi wants an explanation
Ali Zafar and Yaami Gautam's forthcoming film Total Siyapaa, that is a love story involving an Indian girl and a Pakistani boy, has some hilarious moments in the film. A glimpse of that has also been featured in the trailer.
Also Pakistani cricketer, Shahid Afridi's name has been used in the film. The cricketer recently saw the trailer of the film and after learning this, is very keen to know as to in what context have the makers used his name. Afridi has also written to Reliance Entertainment expressing his wish to know in what context his name has been used in the film. The makers are quite confident of this being taken in absolute jest. The film is an interesting romance between a Pakistani boy and an Indian girl. Audiences have given positive feedback on the trailer and are awaiting the release of the film. Ali Zafar says, "The banter shown in the trailer is just a part of the conversation between the lead actors and it surely doesn't end there. There is a lot more in the film than just that. I am sure people are going to have a lot of fun watching Total Siyapaa. Regarding Shahid Afridi, the statement was made in jest and I am sure he will take it well."
A hand at filmmaking
Film critic Karan Anshuman is turning a film-maker and making a comedy titled Bangistan. The film will star Riteish Deshmukh and Pulkit Samrat. They play young guns, with lofty ideologies and ordinary talents, who follow the lives of blundering terrorists.
Best left untouched
The makers of Sholay 3D have decided not to touch Helen's iconic item song Mehbooba Mehbooba and will instead do a mash-up of four songs. Salim-Javed did not want the item song to be remixed.
Old wine, new bottle
Singer Leona Lewis' festive album, Christmas, with Love, was inspired by the soulful records she used to listen to as a child.
The One More Sleep singer says she wanted to have a heavy old school influence on the songs on Christmas, with Love as she grew up listening to soulful, R&B records, reported a website. "The inspiration for this is very much Motown. When I was first going to record the Christmas album, immediately that's what came to my mind because those are the kinds of Christmas records that I listened to. We wanted to go Motown and we did ... we went there. It was really fun," Lewis said. While the festive-themed album is sure to provide the perfect Christmas soundtrack,
Bride takes over
Sonam Kapoor plays the leading role in Arbaaz Khan's Dolly Ki Doli and the character of her prospective grooms will be
played by Pulkit Samrat and Rajkumar Yadav. The film is directed by newcomer Abhishek
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chatter box Ashita Dhawan, who plays Saavri in Rajan Shahi's Aur Pyar Ho Gaya, is a good actress but somehow she has never got an award. Recently she went to Saas Bahu and Sazish TV show's party where Rajan Shahi got an award at the event. While Ashita was making her way into the party, she saw the award in Rajan's hand and said she hopes to win one soon as well.
Ashita says, "I couldn't believe a producer can be so generous. I cherished Rajan Shahi's gesture and had tears in my eyes. It requires a big heart to share your achievement with someone. Rajan Shahi is an institution. He is the greatest producer I have ever worked with. I have a gut feeling Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya will be a big hit. I don't know why I have never got an award although I get appreciated for my performances. May be, it's a matter of luck."
Welcome Aditi
Bollywood actress Aditi Govitrikar will now be seen in the thriller show Arjun on Star Plus. She will be a part of an episode and will play the role of an actress who gets depressed and ends her life.
Alternate theory
While buzz is that Uttaran on Colors will soon end, there is going to be a twist in the story which will spice up the coming episodes. Yuvraj Veer Singh Bundela will return to the show. But actor Saurabh Raj Jain will not be able to play the role, as he plays Krishna in Mahabharat on Star Plus. The makers will cast a new face. Entry of Yuvraj will sure infuse much needed drama on the show.
The best of all
Sanaya Irani is a huge Bigg Boss fan and she doesn't shy away from expressing her opinion. She loves the way Gauahar Khan has behaved on the show but feels Tanisha Mukerji could have done better. She feels Kushal Tandon was at fault many times.
The calendar girls
Every year bahus of television shed their on-screen looks to pose for a Telly Calendar which captures their modern and fashionable avtaars. This year 12 popular TV actresses- Divyanka Tripathi, Pooja Gor, Krystle D'Souza, Asha Negi, Rati Pandey, Sara Khan, Rucha Hasabnis, Sukirti Kandpal, Ada Khan, Barkha Bisht, Tina Dutta and Sana Khan have posed for the camera in glamorous looks.
On a spooky trip
She played a vampire in Balaji's Pyaar Kii Yeh Ek Kahaani and now Kishwer Merchantt will don the similar role once again. Kishwer will play a vampire in Life OK's fantasy series, The Adventures of Hatim. She will be seen fighting Hatim (Rajbeer Singh) in the show that launches on December 28.
Matter of fact
There were reports that popular anchor and actor Manish Paul has signed comedian Sunil Grover's new comedy show. But he clarified that he isn't doing it at all. Apparently Manish was approached but he has his film commitments so he didn't take it up.
Raise a toast
Iss Pyaar ko Kya Naam Doon…and Saraswatichandra have a reason to celebrate New Year well in advance, as they have good TVT numbers.
Sphere origins had organized a success party for the star cast of the show Iss Pyaar ko Kya Naam Doon…. last week as their TVT numbers increased. Saraswatichandra which celebrated its 200th episode last week, has more than one reason to party. Their TVT numbers has shown a faboulous growth from the date it was taken over (27th August, 2013) i.e. 4466 to 6000 last week.
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Astro turf
ARIES: 'The Prince of Pentacles' infuses financial stability. You will find appreciation and applause for your culinary talents. Delays can be expected today. A happy surprise awaits you. Love stars twinkle. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Cherry red.
Magic number: 43.
TAURUS: You will get emotional in personal relationships. You are likely to find an ideal partner. Be bold to speak out what is in your mind. A guest is expected in the evening. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters.
Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47. GEMINI: Plan some fun and relaxation with friends and loved ones and leave stress city behind. Today, you will be quite amazed to find yourself taking on a more ambitious role. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise.
Magic number: 44. CANCER: "Ace of Swords" pulls you in opposite directions when making a decision. A yearning for overseas travel and adventure could encourage a career of your choice. Be focused. A celebration is on the cards. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Fiery red.
Magic number: 28. LEO: Some very interesting and unusual people come into your sphere of business to give you a few different ideas on how to go about financial matters. Tonight rest and pamper yourself. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds.
Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33. VIRGO: You are good at getting people to express their opinions and keeping your own hidden. You're not undecided, just trying to understand what others around you are thinking. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Magic number: 36.
LIBRA: "The Lovers" facilitate you to be open and inspired by new ideas. A surprise phone call could put you back in touch with a friend you have not seen for a long time. Youngsters should be capable of entertaining themselves. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54. SCORPIO: "The Priestess" infuses promise and commitment in relationships. Bring up the sensitive issues which will encourage some open and revealing discussing. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37. SAGITTARIUS: "The prince of Wands" comes riding with a promise of power and energy. Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios can make for an interesting day. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56. CAPRICORN: "The Fool' infuses you with courage. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge. If a family member is not co-operative; refrain from arguing or trying to persuade. You find ways to express your creativity and emotions. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25 AQUARIUS: "Ten of pentacles" bode extremely well for relationships and romance. Today you will be able to enjoy interacting with people. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you to enhance your reputation. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28 PISCES: The karmic "Wheel of fortune" turns in your favour. Do not put up with a headache or a neck-pain, visit a doctor before it gets too late. Get a good night sleep and cancel the late night party. Tarot message: Capitalize on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green.
Magic number: 32
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 26...
Things will be positive on the work front. You should avoid animosity with people close to you. Aggression with superiors at work could back fire. Try not to rush into things too quickly. Your birth on the day 26 suggests that you are very fortunate financially, because this date is very good for business interest and a solid business sense. Being a number 8 you are strong, self reliant, aggressive, intelligent, clever and tasteful. On the other side, you can be materialistic, dogmatic, unscrupulous and lethargic. Just be careful with sports activities as you are accident prone with. Positive colours: Hot pink , midnight blue Select days: Saturday, Thursday. Favourable numbers: 2,4,8 Gems recommended: Blue sapphire. Charity on birthday: You may donate religious books at any school or religious place.
Jared Joseph Leto (December 26, 1971) is an American actor, director, producer, occasional model and musician. He formed a rock band in 1998 in Los Angeles, California, along with his older brother Shannon Leto.
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Rumour has it that Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan will clash at the box-office on the Eid of 2015.
Lewis, 28, has revealed she recorded the album under less than festive conditions over the summer. "We recorded in summertime. It was so weird because I recorded it in Brighton and I thought, 'OK, Brighton, it's summer but you don't really get a summer in Brighton.' It's usually really grim, but it was the sunniest summer Brighton has ever seen! It was a bit bizarre recording at that point," she added. — PTI
But to her surprise, Rajan gave his award to Ashita and told her that you take it and I would take it back when you get an original award. 