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Worth a joke?
Any award function would be insipid without anchors indulging in some
leg-pulling of the celebrities. But how far is too far?
If you can't take a dig at anyone directly, then wait to be invited as a host for an award function! This is your moment to get even with anyone you ever wanted to. A crazy suggestion; well this is exactly what most anchors (mostly film or TV celebrities), hosting various award shows, do. Award functions in Bollywood are one grand mud-slinging affair with the anchors crossing the line of decency, one time too many. Salman Khan while hosting Mukesh Ambani's bash in Sachin Tendulkar's honour took a dig at Shah Rukh Khan saying: "Sachin ka record todna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai. Aur yeh Don nahi main bol raha hu." Not to forget the numerous occasions when anchor-actor Manish Paul or even actors like Shahid Kapoor or Sajid Khan have made fun of people from the industry — attacking them with their punches and one-liners. We wonder how 'far' is fair, is it okay for an anchor to cross the line under the garb of impromptu or extempore anchoring? Is making fun part of smart anchoring or just a gimmick that only produces unnecessary controversies? Actor and famous anchor Vir Das holds an alternative view. "Most of the people in Bollywood know how to take jokes in their stride. I think it is not a part of the script; it is an anchor's job." For Vir, this is one way through which an anchor holds the attention of audiences. Shahid Kapoor walking around the award function with a bottle looking for a sperm donor (taking a cue from Vicky Donor) or Shah Rukh Khan pulling the leg of all new poster boys of Bollywood or recently Kapil Sharma who leaves no one…are they funny? Manish Paul who made his Bollywood debut with Mickey Virus is by far considered as the best anchor the industry has. He takes a dig at film stars and they just happen to take everything lightly, in their stride. "This is because I know how to get there with my jokes and how to come out of them, without hanging for too long. Also while I make fun of others, I also make fun of myself and the third thing is that I don't forget that the person sitting in that chair has earned the right for it. I don't hit anyone below the belt and if I do, I do it simultaneously with myself as well." Manish has mimicked Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan on stage and only seen a laughing response from them. "An anchor is supposed to hold the audience; an award function would be boring if we were to just take names and give away awards; a little bit of leg-pulling without going overboard is mandatory for a function." In making everyone laugh, do anchors generally tend to forget who they are making fun of and how much is too much? Actor, comedian and anchor Gurpreet Ghuggi calls it a negative practice. "Anchors who are not well prepared to handle the show take the help of below of the belt digs.You should also have the consent of the person you are making fun of." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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On a global scale
Lebanese singer-songwriter Abaji’s music is unique. So are his views...
Abaji grew up in a special sonic melting pot of Greek and Turkish that his family spoke at home, the Arabic he used in public and the French he used at school. He fled to Paris when conflict erupted in Lebanon in the mid-1970s. His passion for instruments-he has knowledge of more than 250 of them-stems from his deep desire to take the sounds he began to hear as a young man and turn them into uniquely vibrant, personal music. He calls it the Global Blues. Life's lessons
"I started playing guitar when I was only ten-years-old and I took it up from my mother, I believe. There were seven sisters and everyone played a different instrument. Perhaps that kindled my interest in instruments," says Abaji, who gathered formal training in music from Paris. He credits most of his knowledge to the women in his life, right from his mother and maternal aunts to his Brazilian percussion teacher, Nicia D'avila, who he fondly refers to as the 'Mistress of Percussion'. "I have learnt a lot from women and that's precisely because they have a different sensibility. They are selfless givers and forgivers. Men are dummies!" he quips. "I have never really had one guru in particular. I believe that teaching limits your knowledge and to truly learn, one has to unlearn. Also, if you are acquiring knowledge on any instrument from a guru, they don't let you take to any other instrument; so I let myself be guided only by two gurus-my left ear and my right ear," he smiles. Abaji has recorded five CDs so far and he ties up with his publisher, who allocates his music to television and films. Soul full
Typical of an artist, Abaji seeks inspiration from almost everything and makes avid references to not just the people he has met or listened to, but also the places he has travelled. "Blues is essentially a feeling and when translated in the language of music, it has different orientation. In Europe, they say that I play the Oriental blues, which essentially refers to Japanese music, but I genuinely cater to Eastern blues, the influence of which comes from my origin — that is Lebanese, Syrian, Armenian, and Greek," he informs. Improvisation remains the essence of Abaji's music creations and he seeks inspiration from both Indian and Western musicians, including Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Zakir Hussain, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Shiv Kumar, Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Ravi Shankar. "My journey as a musician has been a happy one since it has been a struggle and that's the beauty of it. I believe that every creation must have a soul and in these fifteen years of performing professionally, this has been the only saving grace." amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Kiss and tell
The CD cover may look a little bold at the first glace, but the cast of the film
Karle Pyaar Karle justifies it
You can't judge a book by its cover and likewise you can't judge a film by the graphics on its music CD. So what if it has the lead pair attempting a French kiss on one side and the other has them in an intimate pose! Shiv Darshan and Harleen Kaur, who are making their debut with Karle Pyaar Karle, emphasise on the fact that it's a film youth will relate to and that's why bold cover of the CD. In Chandigarh to promote their debut Bollywood outing on Tuesday along with Rumy Khan, who plays the antagonist, they share about their journey so far and how they got lucky. Born lucky
If luck is what one has to have to make it in films, then Shiv has it on his side for sure. Son of the famous producer Sunil Darshan, the film has been scripted keeping his preferences and an ideal launch in the industry in mind. And Shiv accepts the fact candidly, "My father asked me about the kind of film I want to debut with. My criterion was a film that will appeal to youngsters." So romance and action became the natural ingredients. Shiv has performed the stunts himself. The film is about a spirited, much-in-love couple, Kabir and Preet, who throw daredevil challenges at each other. "This practice lands them in a soup. As for performing stunts, I took extensive training and the cover of the CD is not a photo-shopped trick but the still of the daring stunt I performed for the film." Besides a few acting courses in India and training at the New York Film Academy, Shiv worked on his looks as well, which makes it important to mention that he lost 50 kg to fit in the role. "And there is no easy way to lose weight." Even luck doesn't help in this case. A beautiful mind
Winner of a beauty pageant, Hasleen also considers herself fortunate to kick-start her career with a Sunil Darshan film and that she has ample screen time. "I am not a mere accessory in the film, with only the male lead getting to do all the important things. I have an equally important part," Hasleen says, who is an active member of a Delhi-based NGO founded by Kiran bedi. A steep rise
Just two serials old and Rumi Khan got a break in Bollywood, that too with a giant production house. Inspired by the likes of Amjad Khan, Amrish Puri, Pran…he wants to focus on becoming a better actor rather than just grab negative roles. And now that villains are again getting their due in the industry, which in-between saw heroes playing negative characters, he sure has a
chance! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Wedded to class
For years now, starting 1984, they've occupied a familiar corner of the central plaza where everybody went for one and all photography solutions. House of Shri Gurudev cashes in on the confidence that the name generates even though they emerge in a completely refurbished state. It's an exclusive wedding mall taking pride in bespoke services, including their forte- photography.
"We've been into wedding photography ever since. During all these years, when we'd meet our clients, we discovered that they were a harrowed lot, running from place to place for wedding solutions. The idea was to give the premium wedding customer a one-stop solution. A marriage in the family needs to be an experience and not a chore," shares Harpreet Singh, managing partner, Shri Gurudev group. The house also launches a premium brand for photography-Heritage. He adds, "My brother has studied photography from London School of Fashion Photography and has joined us. It goes without saying that they will be customised albums and no wedding album will be repeated. We will also change the boring four-hour wedding videos format that nobody cares to watch again." Apart from the florists, décor, wedding cards and boxes, venue booking, bridal make-up, DJs, mehndi artists, tenting and catering, there's a stress on the rare and unavailable, "We'll also take care of premium services like providing them with grand pianos and pianist, English chariots and vintage cars." He adds, "We've heard of people running all the way to Patiala just to get choora or other traditional materials for functions. Sometimes they don't know where to get the things from. All that will change." The four-floor property houses Adaah Couture, that includes designer labels like Tarun Tahiliani, JJ Vallaya, Rohit Bal, among others. There's Café Coffee Day, 'to take care of the brainstorming sessions and take the stress away from grueling hours spent shopping.' There's also Big Byte that claims to cater to every message that needs to be sent in a box and bring in the guests. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: There will be the issue of a strong and vital relationship that you will have to deal with. Around the end of the day your intuitive and perceptive skills will be especially sharp.
Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 25. TAURUS: With the presence of Saturn in your money sector, you will need to work out plans for investing and saving as much as possible. Your career and business will witness growth and prosperity. Tarot message: Do not criticise or judge others too harshly. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 46. GEMINI: Be patient with people around you. There will be times when you feel unloved and neglected, but it will only be a temporary phase. Both at home and with friends, exercise affection. Tarot message: Avoid situations that can turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 57. CANCER: Be attentive and careful about everything that you do. Let all your talents and skills shine through. Business people can plan to diversify or expand in order to increase profits. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 26. LEO: There will be an increase in confidence and energy, as you go about your work. Most of you will also start planning career moves and get a good response from prospective employers. Tarot message: Do not
lend to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 41. VIRGO: Finances and spending will be your focus today.
There can be some splurging due to the festive air and some of you can be surprised
by a sudden windfall. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 62.
LIBRA: The focus of the day will be on your ability to deal with more than one thing at a time.
It is vital that you plan everything and deal with any hurdles that come your way.
Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Lucky number: 60. SCORPIO: This will be quite an uplifting and inspiring day. You will be able to realise your goals for the future and start working towards them in full earnest. Social and familial bonds will become stronger. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 28. SAGITTARIUS: Take care of your health and exercise caution while driving since you can be prone to mishaps. Some of you will take concrete action to improve your personal life and relationships. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to pass before starting afresh. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Lucky number: 33. CAPRICORN: Now is the time to be prudent with funds.
Domestic affairs will be calm. Socially, you will have to resolve an old problem with a friend or colleague; so be prepared. Tarot message: Be honest
to your desires. Lucky colour: Lotus-pink. Lucky number: 36. AQUARIUS: Your reactions
will be relatively fast today and as a result, you will be able to make the most of situations.
Deal with any pending tasks at work and also delegate work. Tarot message: Take one
step at a time. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 47. PISCES: Although you are driven and focused on your goals, it is important that you avoid being critical of team members.
This can lead to arguments and undue stress. Tarot message: Accept responsibility for
yourself and others. Lucky colour: Grey. Lucky number: 58.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is January 15...
As far as relationships go, this year is good. Beyond March 2014, relationship and marriage matters will be average. If unmarried or eligible for marriage, the second half of 2014 is excellent. Focus on career and other professional activities will be high in the first half of the year. During the second half, your focus will come back to relationships and other aspects of your life. Some discomforts in September are possible. Health expenses can dampen your progress. A new vehicle and home is likely in 2014. Positive colours: White, Sea green, Cream, Light Blue. Select days: Friday, Thursday, Tuesday. Favourable Numbers: 5, 6. Gems recommended: Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli.
You share your birthday with Neil Nitin Mukesh (January 15, 1982, Mumbai) who is the son of singer Nitin Mukesh and the grandson of noted singer, late Mukesh. As a child, he made appearances in Vijay (1988) and Jaise Karni Waise Bharni (1989). Neil made his movie debut with the 2007 crime thriller Johnny
Gaddaar.
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Modern take
Before shooting, Shilpa suggested a few fashion ideas to the production team to get the perfect look of a modern Catholic girl. Shilpa even got some of the outfits from her sister's boutique and was pretty excited to match dresses for the perfect combinations. Shilpa's character Mary has funny mannerisms and a very peculiar Catholic tone. Excited about her new role, Shilpa says, "I am happy to be part of SAB TV once again. My character Mary is similar to that of a modern urban woman of today. With a positive approach towards life and filled with energy, she also knows her traditional values. I have many friends who are Catholics and I have observed them very closely. So it was easy for me to get into the character and get my tone quickly." — HRM
A new phase
Six-year-old adorable boy Amol, to be played by child actor Khushmeet Gill, entered Balika Vadhu as Anandi and Shiv's adopted son. Intelligent and jovial, Khushmeet has been chosen from amongst many others to play the role owing to his delightfully adorable persona. He will portray the role of an adorable six-year-old orphaned boy who, unfortunately, suffers from acute arthritis. Balika Vadhu has always set the trend of advocating social issues and continuing with this endeavour, the show will set another milestone now bringing to light the cause of adoption. Parenthood is the most beautiful phase in anyone's life and Indian television's most iconic couple, Shiv and Anandi, decided to experience this phase by not only bringing happiness in their own life but also making it special for Amol. Says Khushmeet, "I love acting and Amitabh Bachchan is my favourite actor. I will be working with Sidharth uncle and Toral aunty, who are playing my parents in Balika Vadhu. I have started shooting with them and they are very sweet to me — they even bought me some chocolates on the first day of the shoot."
Shabbir to make a comeback?
We recently saw the return of actress Kanchi Kaul on television with Meri Bhabhi. Now it seems that her husband Shabbir Ahluwalia is all set to stage a comeback as an actor this year. Shabbir, who came to limelight as the stunning man Rishi Garewal in Kahiin Toh Hoga and went on to gain fame name through shows like Kkavyanjali, Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Kayamath, has been, reportedly, finalised to play the lead role in Bhairavi Raichura and Nandita Mehra's upcoming mega-budget project on Star Plus. The plot of the serial is tentatively based on the American hit series Missing, for which the makers have bought the rights. The makers were looking for an apt personality to essay the role of cop Viren, the protagonist. When they narrated the script and role to Shabbir, he instantly developed a liking towards the project.
Shaheer and Rohit’s Dostana!
Actor Shaheer Sheikh, who will play the role of Arjun, and Rohit Bhardwaj, who will essay the role of Yudhister in Mahabharat are good friends. They love to hang out together. In Umargaon, where the set is located, the surroundings are lush green and they like to go out for a stroll too on the beach area nearby. They were co-stars in a show called Navya previously. On being asked what New Year gift he would like to give Rohit, Shaheer says, "I would like to buy him a big box of almonds. He's forgetful and has terrible memory' and Rohit, on the other hand, says, "I would like Shaheer to get enrolled in some sort of a financial deposit plan, or planning. He unnecessarily ends up spending a bomb and he needs to start saving."
Playing the bahu
Urvashi Dholakia has signed up for Jaya Bachchan's fiction debut on Sony. She along with Vishal Singh is on board to play the role of the eldest bahu and middle son, respectively. The two had earlier worked together in Dekh Bhai Dekh with Jaya's production company.
Show time
Promos of Sunil Grover's comedy show on Star Plus have hit the screens. The funny comedian is excited to bring his dose of comedy on a show that will also star Manish Paul and Dolly Ahulwalia. It will air next month at 8.30 pm.
Nothing comic!
Kapil Sharma's show Comedy Nights With Kapil has irked an NGO, which along with the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has asked Kapil and the channel to explain themselves. They have been reportedly been given a showcause notice and fifteen days to respond. The joke in question was about how while travelling on a potholed road, a poor pregnant wife might deliver on way to the hospital.
Following a dream
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has begun work on his fiction show, which will air on Star Plus and is tentatively called Everest. This fiction drama is about a girl's dream to achieve the impossible. Apparently, he is not only producing but directing the show too.
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No cut on Lovely content
Censorship knife has been used in a scene where a woman is being forcefully undressed and a woman is walking naked. The two scenes exposing objectionable body parts of a woman have been blurred in the final cut of the movie. The winner at MAMI 2012 is set in the sleazy C-grade film industry in 1980s' Mumbai and has been passed with an Adult by the Indian Censor Board with a mere four cuts instead of the originally proposed 157 cuts which have been revised over the course of one year. Ashim Ahluwalia's award-winning directorial debut film is high on racy sexual content unlike ever seen before in Indian cinema. A source from the film says, "Earlier, the Censor Board objected to the foul language and sexual content in the movie but they have been mature, fair, and kind enough to reduce it to just four blurred scenes having realised that none of the provocative content is gratuitous. There is enough steam in the gritty film to stay true to its subject and attract audiences." Ahluwalia is mighty pleased with this development and applauds the Censor Board. He says, "When I made Miss Lovely I never expected a release in India. Most of all I didn't believe that the Censor Board would allow a film with so much adult content through. I'm happy to have been eventually proved wrong. The way that the Board treated the film, allowing me to give them my point of view and accepting those arguments —has been amazing and different from the Censor Board that I had imagined.” Miss Lovely will release in India on January 17.
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There was a rather unusual sort of cacophony at the café Alliance Francaise, Chandigarh; a sort that marks the advent of a grand ceremony. The curtains drawn, the light checked; soon appears Lebanese-born multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Abaji in a pair of loose hippy pants with a plain t-shirt, all composed donning a bright smile. 
Charity on birthday: Donate fodder, green vegetables to the needy or at a religious place today.
Popular TV Actress Shilpa Shinde, who was last seen in SAB TV's show Chidiya Ghar, is all set to team up with the channel again, as she makes an entry into Lapataganj - Ek Baar Phir. Shilpa, who in her last show played the character of a very traditional Koel, will be seen playing a Christian girl named Mary Demello in Lapataganj.
The much-awaited internationally acclaimed and controversial, Miss Lovely, starring Nawazuddin Siddique and former Miss India Niharika Singh, retains it steamy and juicy content as the Censor Board has passed it with only four cuts.