Have a heart!
After facing a major turmoil in life, both on professional and personal fronts, actor Adhyayan Suman is ready to smile again. And the reason is his forthcoming film Heartless
Jasmine Singh

That’s what they say about mistakes; that they make one wiser, more experienced, more alert, more honest and even a better actor…maybe? Actor Adhyayan Suman, equipped with his share of mistakes sets out to put them into some use in his upcoming film Heartless, directed by his father Shekhar Suman. The film also stars Ariana Ayam and both Adhyayan and Ariana hit Chandigarh for the promotion of the film, talking about a lesson or two learnt.

Adhyayan doesn’t try to hide behind any safe words; neither does he make an effort to sound like someone who is set for salvation. “Things have not been going well for sometime. I have had ups and downs, good and bad. My film didn’t do well, nonetheless we decided to take up this project,” shares Adhyayan, who along with his father had been working on the subject for almost three years. “It doesn’t happen overnight. Hurdles spaced out at regular intervals have been a constant feature while executing the film. That’s why it took so long.”

Adhyayan doesn’t qualify for the ‘been there done that slot’. However, he feels he has learnt a lot from his past mistakes. “It will make me more careful and work better. In fact, I am glad that I had to see success followed by failure because had I not seen the down phase I wouldn’t have worked so hard for Heartless,” the man believes in calling a spade a spade. Rumours and the dark phase behind, Adhyayan is now a new man full of confidence. He is positive about Heartless as he has given up everything else for this film. “Heartless is my life and death,” he defines the film.

The film focuses on the medical phenomenon called the Anesthesia awareness, a condition where a patient cannot move his body, but can hear and understand all that's happening around him or her. “It is a challenging role that I have played. I kept lying on the hospital bed for 18 hours wearing prosthetics. I couldn’t drink water, move or even use the bathroom,” he smiles moving on to how he had to deal with one tough master on the sets—his father, the director. “Contrary to what people think, I had a real tough time on the sets. I was treated like any other actor on the sets. I was definitely not given special attention. But yes, my father was always there to guide me,” shares Adhyayan.

Kabul connection

Ariana Ayam is the girl from Kabul who has studied graphic design before she grabbed the lead role for the movie Heartless. She did not even audition for the role, “I was not very open with the idea of doing a film. I kind of had my life and career sorted. I had to give up all for it, but when I read the script, I was pretty convinced, I knew it was no ordinary role."

Try, try again
Singer Ritu Pathak of Jalebi Bai fame had her share of ups and downs. But all’s well that ends well…
Manpriya Singh

In tune: Ritu Pathak

More than a shot at things, it takes a thought on things to survive through the intense emotion of rejection and a long phase of struggle. Just a couple of feelings singer Ritu Pathak lived with for a long time.

“I auditioned, got the selection letter but somehow never made it to the final episodes of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa,” she says. Just out with her song Gandi Baat, she looks back at a journey that started at the age of four from a small town of Madhya Pradesh. How much ever prepared, a break into the world of Bollywood playback singing needs a lot of things in place! It needs hard work, money, contacts and a Godfather.

Indian Idol 2 happened and not without its fair share of struggle. “I auditioned for the show in 2007. Before that I wasn’t even aware of it, because at home we didn’t get the channel broadcasting the show…Once aware, I would go to somebody’s place to watch it.”

Auditions at Lucknow translated into a national platform, which didn’t last for long. “I was eliminated during earlier rounds itself… At the time, it felt like a huge set back. My platform itself was taken away from me.” Now with songs like Jalebi Bai, Papa Jag Jayega, Race 2 title track, Jyun Duriyan from Players, sitting pretty in her resume, she recalls of what it takes to survive.

Finally after a long phase spent shuttling between hometown and Mumbai, “things started to change when I finally got a call from one of the judges of reality show I participated in on SAB TV…I started by struggling for numbers of music directors.”

Among the current crop, there are some favourites too but these are few and far between. “I quite like Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal. They both have their own style.” She adds, “I love all the songs by Adele and Lata Mangeshkar is my idol. In fact I learnt singing only listening to her songs.”

An industry dictated by the music director and the script, there’s very little leeway to show your raw talent or evolve your own style. “I’d like to cut an album someday because only an album gives you complete creative liberty to depict your true singing.” A couple of things overlap with every singer’s wish list. “Like everybody else, I want to work with AR Rahman.”

manpriya@tribunemail.com

The dark rising
After a long spell of bright neon colours, black seems to be back in the fashion circuit
Gurvinder Singh

‘Let there be dark’. This seems to be the new twist in the fashion circle this season. After the reign of bold and the 'neon' colours in the past couple of seasons, that mysterious black is back, to lend its mystical touch to your persona. “Black is ruling the wardrobe this season. Coupled with monochromatic colours, this season belongs to black,” says designer Sonu Gandhi.

"Black has always been a great colour to wear, as it makes you look slimmer. It hides the unsightly body contours. Not only is it flattering but gives a good shape," she says. In Chandigarh, the perception of black is seeing a change. The colour is now being worn even for 'auspicious’ occasions. Chandigarh-based designer Simple Kaur says, “The mindset of people towards black is changing. Although black has been considered a taboo, particularly for bridal wear, a touch of black now, like a black lining or gota patti, has been added to the attire for occasions like shagan,” she says. The colour has done very well this season. Everyone has an LBD (little black dress) in wardrobe this season, says Simple.

“Wearing black with a touch of accent colours is also in these days,” she says. Accent colours like fiery orange or bright blue provide a subtle variation to add the element of style, adds Gandhi. “Black symbolises authority and is considered most sought-after on the style-scale when it comes to corporate life or formal occasions,” says Sonu, who is also an image consultant. According to her, the colour conveys authority, intelligence and power. For Supriya Jain, a designer, black goes well with teal blue and caramel shades and are perfect for occasions like cocktail parties, birthdays.

“Although black never goes out of fashion during the winter, this season, it has been particularly prominent,” says Gundeep, who teaches fashion design at INIFD. “Scarves, long coats, shrugs, peplums, capes, long boots are all more of black these days,” she says. For some, not only the trend, but wearing black is the safe bet as it suits most Indian skin tones. "I wear black because it accentuates my fair colour," says Lakshika, a student. “Neon and bright colours dominated the fashion scene in the last couple of seasons, but thankfully black is back in vogue,” she adds.

Par Excellence
Awkward lies: The set up and ball position
Jesse Grewal

The ball lying in an awkward lie, which could be a divot, on a slope or even hard ground, is fairly common during the winter season. To hit a shot from an awkward lie requires a change in the set up which is the posture, ball position, alignment and could be the width of stance too.

The golf swing that we practice on the range if hit from a mat is very different as it is from a perfectly flat surface which is rarely found on the course. In fact, the only two shots that are exactly the same as the conditions on the practice range are - the driver as it is on a tee and the putting stroke. The long game as well as the short game changes as per the conditions and the lie of the ball.

A ball lying on a down slope or a ball in a divot requires a steeper angle of approach. This means that the club must catch the ball when it is descending and the bottom of the arc would be just after the ball.

Therefore, the divot would begin just under the ball and not behind it. If the ball is on a down slope we should set up with a little wider stance for better balance and stability and get the upper body or spine vertical to the slope (picture 1&2). The golf swing would then follow the position of the upper body and swing along the slope. The ball would be positioned more towards the back foot as the bottom of the arc would be there. The back swing would be more upright and the follow through would be lower which would result in a steep angle of approach to the ball. This steepness reduces the dynamic loft on the club and the ball travels further and therefore we would require a higher lofted club. The ball would tend to go to the right for a right handed golfer therefore one would have to align to the left. If the ball is in a divot we could create a steep angle of approach by either placing the ball towards the back foot or getting the centre of the upper body ahead of the ball by leaning on to the front foot (picture 3).

When the ball is on an upslope a shallower angle of approach is required and the ball is hit with an ascending arc. This would make it go higher and travel a lesser distance and therefore a less lofted club would be needed. As the ball is hit on the upswing it would go to the left (for a right handed golfer) and therefore would require an alignment right of the target. The upper body would again be set vertical to the slope and the ball would be positioned towards the front foot (picture 4&5).

To determine the amount the ball position moves forward or back in the upslope or down slope lie's just make a practice swing after getting into the correct set up. Wherever the club hits the ground is the correct ball position. This would be just forward of centre on a slight upslope and more towards the front foot on a steeper upslope and the reverse for the down slope.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

it’s rocking
This one is a real pataka

For those who like Bollywood music, here comes the Pataka Guddi from the film, Highway. Sung by Nooran Sisters, the music of the song has been composed by AR Rahman while Irshad Kamil has penned the lyrics. Here's what the city folks have to say about the song…

Rustic feel

The song has a typical rustic vibe to it and Nooran Sisters are brilliant. There is nothing much that one can possibly say about the music of the song since it comes from the finest music composer and director of India, AR Rahman. I love the song.

Anil Sharma, student, Panjab University

Positive path

I like the song. It's got nice lyrics, which blend perfectly well with the music. Also, the tone of the song, is set phenomenally well by Nooran Sisters. I like where Bollywood music is headed to.

Varsha Kharbanda, bank employee

Rahman touch

Since the music of the song has been given by AR Rahman, there is no doubt that the song is a hit. However, I feel that even the lyrics and the video of the song have added to its brilliance.

Prerna Bhardwaj, student, Panjab University

—As told to Amarjot Kaur

Golden chance

A model showcases the Ram leela collection

Art Karat strikes gold again! The incredibly famous Keshika earrings worn by Deepika Padukone in the recently released mega block-buster Ram-Leela is designed by none other than Asha Kamal Modi, the designer behind Art Karat which presents its latest collection Ram-Leela at the Hotel Mountview-10. As a special promotion Art Karat is offering up to 25 per cent discount on the collection.

The entire collection is created on silver with exceptional kundan craftsmanship, studded with precious stones such as emeralds, rubies, amber, lapis and opals.

The Ram Leela collection has been designed for those who desire unique wearable art. Every piece in this stunning collection is as extravagant as it is intriguing and as modern as it is timeless.

The collection includes a beautiful range of necklaces, long earrings, bracelets, bajubandhs, tikas, rings and pins. More than 700 designs have been created for this collection and the entire range is priced between Rs 2,000 to Rs 1,50,000.

On till January 28.

Spreading wings
Underdoggs launches new flavours of chicken wings
Amarjot Kaur

Chef Deepak Chhimwal cooks up a variety of dishes

If you are one of those meat lovers, who fly high on the yummy chicken wings, Underdoggs Sports Bar & Grill at Elante Mall has launched brand new flavours of chicken wings.

As we speak with the corporate chef, Deepak Chhimwal, in charge of culinary operations of Underdoggs across the country, he talks about the reason behind launching new flavours and the brand new pricing theory that he calls-'Eat more and pay less'.

"Well, we have come up with a new twist in an all new sumptuous chicken wing platter, which is called-Lord of the Wings. The wings in its new flavours come in options of traditional or char grilled and Underdoggs has created a variety of sauces to go along with them," says Deepak while adding that the reason that they came up with new flavours was because chicken wings were selling like hot cakes at Underdoggs. "Also, we have priced the platter at Rs 295 for eight wings, 525 for 16 wings, Rs 950 for 32 wings and Rs 1250 for 50 wings. So, the more you eat, the less you pay," he says.

While mild, medium, hot are variations of the classic sauces, the new additions include, spicy honey garlic, cajun alfredo, Jamaican voodoo, garlic parmesan, sweet chilli and mango habanero. "The wings come coated in the sauce of your choice, along with an extra bowl of the sauce for those who like a little more bang for their buck and would like to dip in too," says Deepak. While cajun alfredo is perfectly creamy and flavourful, the mango habanero is an interesting sweet and sour flavour. Meanwhile, the sweet chilli chicken wings have a very oriental flavour with chilli flakes and strands of ginger. The vegetarian wings, comprising cauliflower florets with the same sauces are also available.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Master Chef
An unfamiliar twist
Ranjan Dibya

Who does not yearn for a samosa? But then while taste-buds say 'go ahead', the thinking faculty tells us to 'stop' because it is deep fried. So what about a baked samosa?

Baked samosa

For covering

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp vegetable fat
• ½ tsp ajwain seed
• ¼ tsp salt

star track
Too hot to handle

No bare act: Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh's mother called the director of Gunday, Ali Abbas Zafar, out of concern to not have any shirtless scenes with her son. Every time Ranveer Singh went shirtless in front of the camera, the actor was injured.

Looks like, off late, there has been some black magic done on Ranveer Singh. The first time on the sets of Gunday, while shooting the first song, when Ranveer Singh did a shirtless scene, he had his head bumped into a dancer which caused a gash on his cheek. The actor had to take 11 stitches for it, the mark for which stays with him lifetime.

In the next instance, when he had to do a shirtless scene in the mud pit, a glass cut into his leg and he got 9 stitches. For shooting the rest of the film, the actor required help to take care of his leg. In his next attempt, while shooting the bare body mud wrestling scene, Ranveer singh got some kind of skin allergy.

It all started when his shirtless look in Ram Leela was released. They were in Durgapur and he got bitten by the mosquito and got dengue. Seems like Ranveer Singh's bare body was too hot to handle on the sets of Gunday, which is slated to release on February 14.

Never too late...

Director Mohit Suri and his wife Udita Goswami finally packed their bags for the much awaited honeymoon. The couple will be leaving for Thailand honeymoon this weekend.

The couple has been married for the past one year but honeymoon was put on hold due to Mohit's hectic work schedule. First, Mohit got busy with Aashiqui 2 and later with the pre-production work of the The Villain starring Siddharth Malhotra and Alia Bhatt.

Mohit Suri and Udita Goswami will celebrate their first wedding anniversary in the exotic oasis of Thailand on January 29th. The Thai government's decision of declaring a state of emergency in Bangkok hasn't affected Suri's plan as he is destined to enjoy his first honeymoon in Thailand.

A friend says, "Mohit just got to know about the emergency. If the situation there worsens, then he might make a last minute change to the destination and opt for Mauritius, but he will leave that day for sure."

Bye bye filmdom!

Pakistani actress Veena Malik has formally announced her retirement from the commercial film industry. Malik, who tied the knot with Dubai-based Pakistani businessman Asad Bashir Khan in December, revealed that while films have seen the last of her, she will still be part of welfare projects, a publication reported. She told the publication that it's just that she will not be a part of any new films as hereon. — ANI


Step up: Veena Malik

Sameera speaks on her sudden marriage…

Actress Sameera Reddy's marriage was so sudden that even her close friends were not aware of it. But Sameera says her marriage was just perfect and the way she wanted it to be. She talks about her wedding, husband Akshai Varde and more…

Quick decision

Isn't this the best way to get married? Months of painful planning causes so much stress for the parents. The couple is in agony over every issue from clothes to guests to their future together. Akshai and I were supposed to marry in April. But then we decided to take the plunge right away. My sister Meghna was here from abroad with her baby and so was Akshai's sister. They both felt it'd be impossible for them to travel down to India again in April. Besides, the pundits kept saying Jan 21 was an exceptionally auspicious day. Akshai said, why not....I said, why knot? Ha ha. And we said, 'I Do.' And I am glad we did.

Wedding wows

It was all because of my sister Sushma who arranged everything in just 10 days. She was like the CEO of the wedding. Neeta Lulla was asked to get me either a traditional Mahrashtrian or a South Indian saree with no accessories and jewellery. I had spent 11 years of my life decking up on screen. For my wedding I wanted a minimalist look. We finally opted for simple South Indian saree. I guess that was the 'Reddy' side of asserting itself. My only pre-condition was that we should exchange wedding vows silhouetted by the sunset. Now where to find the sunset in Mumbai? My sister Sushma was going mad until she suggested the terrace of my own apartment. That's where we exchanged wedding vows at exactly 6.30 pm.

All's well

It seems that Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have kissed and made up post their tiff in New York. Ranbir has asked for more time for marriage and Katrina has agreed.

A new beginning

Anushka Sharma thanked every member of her staff and crew personally with a note and a box of chocolates for being part of NH 10, her first production venture in which she is acting as well.

All for a role

Shahid Kapoor will finally go bald for Haider on January 27, one day after he reaches the Valley for shooting the movie. He had lengthy conversations with Vishal Bhardwaj on the same and decided to sacrifice his fabulous tresses for the movie.

Acting guide

Tisca Chopra has written a book called Acting Smart which was launched by Imtiaz Ali at a literary festival in Mumbai and it tells her story and shares tips on making it in the industry.

chatter box
A role worth it

Present perfect: Pooja Banerjee

Actress Pooja Banerjee, who is currently seen as Parizaad in Nikhil Sinha's Hatim, opens up about life and career.

What are the shows you have done?

I started my career with Roadies in which I participated just for fun, later I did Ek Doosre Se Karte Hain Pyar Hum and Ghar Aja Pardesia.

What is so special about this role?

It's the role of a brave warrior princess. She is a friend of Hatim. She is a today's girl in terms of attitude, who is ready to fight and yet gets emotional about her loss. She's a very strong girl. She has different shades and it's fun to play Parizaad.

How did you land up with this role?

After Ghar Aja pardesia, I got a call from Triangle productions and I was offered four other shows too. I decided to not do the other shows as I was in awe of Hatim after hearing the script and my part. I just wanted to do Hatim after Nikhil Sinha explained the whole script. The concept of being a warrior princess made me take it up, it's something so different and challenging.

How has the journey from Nagpur to Mumbai been?

After Roadies, I kept getting offers and there has been no looking back. I'm blessed to get good work. My mom used to collect my paper cuttings from newspapers but now she jokes that there are too many pouring in.

What do you do to unwind yourself?

I cook and pamper myself. Also I like to read, it relaxes me.

New show, old faces

It seems the Colors team wants all their popular contestants from Bigg Boss to be a part of their next reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 5. So after approaching Kushal Tandon and Gauhar Khan, now the makers have approached Ajaz Khan. The show is likely to be shot in March end or April in South Africa.

Is everything alright?

Rumours are that Mohit Raina isn't happy about his alleged girlfriend Mouni Roy coming back on the show, Mahadev. Reacting to the news, he said that he doesn't know about it and doesn't want to comment on it. We expect them to be happy as they will get to spend more time together.

Change for the better

Raqesh Vashisth, aka the new Asad in Qubool Hai, was worried about audience's response to the show after his entry as he replaced Karan Singh Grover. He is glad now that after the initial criticism that the show and its makers faced for replacing Karan, now people are praising his acting skills.

Hands full of work

Ali Asgar, aka Dadi of Comedy Nights With Kapil, is so busy with his shows that he had to turn down a film with Salman Khan. Ali got the offer for Khan's next film Kick but due to date issues he couldn't take it up. He hopes he gets another chance soon. Ali had worked with Salman in Partner before.

Adventure turned sour

Abhinav Shukla had a harrowing time recently when he went trekking to Matheran forests with his friend. When it got dark, they decided to take a shortcut but got lost. They had to stay put there till the help arrived.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Make sure you are doing your best. You could be in line for a promotion or recognition in the form of an award. Employment affairs are satisfactory. Enjoy and ride your luck in the evening. Seniors are in a cheerful mood. Tarot message: Competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 52

TAURUS: Friction in the workplace can slow down production. Words said in the heat of the moment may not be real feelings. You will have more time to help others. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Lotus pink Magic number: 25

GEMINI: Feeling of love and strong impulses come together in an exciting mix. Take it easy. It would be pointless to attempt to force the pace. Do not neglect a family matter. Social gathering may be rather dull. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 40

CANCER: You are unlikely to get very far if trying to put new plans into action. An illness could mean having to take the day off work. Some of you can be worried about finance. Pamper yourself. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Blonde Magic number: 61

LEO: Sacrifices today can put you in a far better place in future. Bring a breath of fresh air in your life by rearranging your environment. Go shopping for some interesting artwork. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Chocolate brown Magic number: 24

VIRGO: Make an early start today and get to work as soon as possible. Not only will you impress the boss but you will feel an immediate sense of achievement. Make efforts to further your ambitions. Tarot message: A positive attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Citric blue Magic number: 33

LIBRA: You will get bogged down in the daily grind. Problems of others may have to be attended to. There is little you can do to advance your own affairs. This will be a difficult day for dealing with business partners. Tarot message: Avoid going out tonight. Lucky colour: Lush green Magic number: 62

SCORPIO: A day of heavy spending. An advice from elders, professionals and people with greater experience than you have can make all the difference. Your love life will be active. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the inbuilt delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Pale yellow Magic number: 59

SAGITTARIUS: Excitement and happiness is on the cards. An increase in income means more luxuries of life to enjoy. Socializing and attending gala events can be costly. Students: Focus on studies and career matters. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Blood red Magic number: 63.

CAPRICORN: Moving through heavy traffic will be annoying and frustrating. Someone you meet today may give you a useful business tip. It is best to stay at home during leisure time. Tarot message: Be sure involving yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 57

AQUARIUS: The day is exciting. Even the longest journeys start with the first steps. Today you will see policies bearing fruits. Do not allow friends or family to distract you during study hours. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 50

PISCES: Finance and income are in the spotlight. Matters involving spending, saving and borrowing are all worth examining. Be sure to grasp the opportunity that comes your way today. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining any legal clearance. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 41

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 28...

Thanks to the stars, you'll win over many new acquaintances and those who know you will respect you even more. You'll feel disturbed because of a date which was postponed at the last moment. You will climb the ladder of success. In office, your imagination and new ideas will catch the attention of your seniors. On the professional front, you should consider not to invest further in projects that are showing a loss. Some unavoidable circumstances may delay your accomplishing the household chores. This may result in rescheduling some engagements and may require telephoning or sending the necessary messages. Positive colours: Golden, red, brown, cream, white, orange & purple Select days: Sunday & Monday

Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7

Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, sunstone.

Charity on birthday: Donate saffron coloured edible items to needy or at a religious place.

Shruti Hassan (January 28, 1986 Chennai) is singer-turned-actress. Her parents are the noted actors, Kamal Haasan and Sarika. She sang her first song at the age of six in her father's film Thevar Magan and later made her singing debut in the Hindi language film, Chachi 420. She will shine next year.