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Decent proposal
When Hugh Grant, in his pink shirt, playing William Thacker, a seeming 'Horse and Hound' reporter asks the love of his life Anna Scott (played by Julia Roberts) whether she will reconsider her decision to marry him, the hall full of reporters wait with bated breath for her reply. As does the audience!
Every girl waits for such a moment and in no less spectacular form as the one enjoyed by millions in the Hollywood movie Notting Hill. Guys and girls, today is the day — Propose Day. If you are still raking your brains on how to ask the love of your life to be yours, here's how some people did. Actor Tejaay had her dream moment made memorable by Karanvir Bohra, not once but twice. While hanging around with their gang of friends, Karanvir showed up at her door with an arm full of flowers, asking her to be his girlfriend. Teejay took her own time considering it and within a month of being her boyfriend, Karanvir asked her to accompany her to Mount Mary Church, Bandra, Mumbai, one fine evening. Unsuspecting, Teejay went along and saw people gathered there. "I was like something is going on at the church? He kept quiet. And, then I was, 'I know these people." It was then that Karanvir bent down on his knees and asked her, 'In front of the God I ask you to be my wife. I promise to give you a beautiful life forever'. "I thought since he has done all this, let me accept," says Teejay and said 'yes' in front of their cheering friends! Actors Raquesh and Ridhi were the best of friends too, when Raquesh's sister egged him to ask Ridhi to be her companion. "Practical as I am, I just asked her one fine evening if she would like to be my wife," says Raquesh. Ridhi almost didn't believe it till the day of engagement, when she made Raquesh bend down on his knee and ask for her hand in front of the entire family. A known entrepreneur from Chandigarh Anuja Lath bullied her boyfriend Atul into asking her hand from her family. "We were just out of college. I wanted to get married right away while Atul had his concerns as we were not settled then," recalls Anuja. She chewed his brains everyday till Atul gave in and went to her Mom to ask her hand in marriage. "My mother burst out laughing for she knew that it was her daughter who has bullied the unwilling boy. But I thought that was the best thing to do; we could work together, share our lives and that is how it has been." Well, not everyone gets as lucky as them. Some proposals get rejected too, not that they are any less creative. Ask actor Jaspinder Cheema, whom you will soon see in Punjabi films Don't Worry Yaara and Dhee Punjab Di, and she bursts out laughing. "I was in sixth standard in Amritsar when this classmate of mine left a little note under my desk that had 'I love you' scribbled on it." Being too young to know how to react, Jaspinder told my mom. The latter asked her to slap the boy, which the gutsy girl did the next day! "A lot of drama followed when the boy dragged his parents to school. We never ever talked to each other again!" For actor-producer Jonita Doda, the proposal was beautiful enough but fell a little short! She was in Toronto last August when a friend's friend walked up to her with a huge bouquet of roses and said, 'Get ready you have loads of preparations to make. You are getting married in October…to me'. "He did take my breath away with his charm and confidence, but I resisted for I hardly knew him," says Jonita. Well, brace yourself up for the Propose Day! mona@tribunemail.com
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The majestic touch
In Chandigarh for a slide lecture show organised by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademy, Aijazuddin carries the air of majesty both in his bearing and ancestry minus the pomposity. About his rich legacy, he is undoubtedly proud. Rather he feels that the Maharaja Ranjit Singh's era, when for the first time in history Punjab emerged as a sovereign state, is something that every Punjabi, never mind which part or religion he belongs to, ought to take pride in. He of course was drawn to this phase of history of the Sikh court for more than one reason. Family lineage undeniably was the foremost catalyst for the man who otherwise trained to be a chartered accountant. Oscillating between the world of figures and the mystique of art, straddling both came naturally to him. Not having a degree in history of art became a blessing of sorts as he developed a tactile relationship with paintings. Writing from a vantage view of an insider, he admits, can be a double-edged sword. While the advantage is that one has access to rare insights and material, on the flip side, people do tend to dismiss you as someone who can't look beyond his own doorstep. Of course, his incisive multilayered writings have been taken very seriously the world over. Eminent historian William Dalrymple, who has written the foreword of his book, Resourceful Fakirs, counts him as not only the most outstanding art historian of Pakistan but an extremely interesting one too. The key to making art history readable and enjoyable, according to Aijazuddin, is, "I think of the reader first, put myself in his shoes and write imagining what the reader wants to know rather than what I care to say." No wonder his books are peppered with amusing and rare anecdotes, many of which humanise both people and the period of which he is writing. Actually, his wit and humour not only manifests in his book but in person too. So quiz him on the skeptics refrain, 'history is best forgotten, dead and buried in past' and he quips, "There is no cemetery large enough to bury it." The need for history, particularly collective heritage, to be cherished he agrees can never be undermined. Or questioned? In the context of mercurial India Pakistan relations, he asserts it assumes even more significance. And yes, more and more people in Pakistan are waking up to shared history for there is no escaping it. Besides, as he says, "History has no borders." However, it's not merely the bygone era that engages him. The man who served as minister of culture between November 2007 and April 2008 delves into contemporary history too. His book From A Minister's Journal went down very well in India too and had men like Mani Shankar Aiyar gushing. Aiyar called it, "a wickedly perceptive account." Aijazuddin, however, is a trifle circumspect and says, "I was honest but discreet." A regular columnist with Pakistan's leading newspaper Dawn, he seconds the general perception about Pakistan press being frank and fearless. But he believes that outspoken nature has to be tampered with responsibility and self-determined limits. Words whether imprinted in books or as part of newspaper articles, he deems, can't be taken lightly. Indeed, words are not ephemeral but like beacons that will continue to throw light on corridors of time and guide others. At least his would certainly shine through and pass the acid test of times. nonika@tribunemail.com
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Power of poetry
When an art form is an extension of spirituality, it has the same effect on audience, irrespective of the venue it is performed at. Even if the two are as starkly different as a college or the shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya in Delhi! For Hasnain Nizami and his group, their form of music, qawwali is a medium to connect with God and that isn't subjective to any external factor. But at the same time, Hasnain, 38, also understands that Sufi music and poetry is not a layman's language. "While we perform with the same zeal everywhere, we ensure that the audience does become a part of the concerts. We translate poetry in simple Hindi wherever we perform in India," says Hasnain, who has been performing at the shrine from the age of seven.
It has now been 31 years of singing quwwali and during this period, he and his group has incorporated several changes, something he doesn't regret. "You have to change with time, in fact that is what has kept our art going," adds Hasnain, who on the invitation of SPIC MACAY, is in Chandigarh to perform at Government College of Art on Friday. His group performs on the poetry by famous poets of all times—Amir Khusroo, Bulle Shah, Kabir Das and Meera. "Their literature is timeless, relevant event today when our collective culture has undergone a massive change." Son of Ustad Mehraj Nizami, Hasnain's family has a history of 800 years of performing at the dargah. "It's a profession that we don't choose but that chooses us and I feel lucky to be able to continue the rich legacy." He has travelled across the world, and enjoys the audience's reaction in Europe. "When we began performing there, we didn't expect the audience to sit through but surprisingly, people enjoyed our form of music, even though they couldn't understand much of the poetry." He considers AR Rahman as one of them who understands the purity of the Sufi music. "His Kun Fayan Kun from the film Rockstar was loved by people all over, even those who didn't know the meaning of the lyrics." That is real power of music! ashima@tribunemail.com
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STAR TRACK
Siddharth Malhotra talks about the importance of Hasee Toh Phasee, his second release, in his life.
Unconventional film The film is centered on two oddballs who are not liked by everybody around them. It's like two wrongs making a right. Parineeti has a Harry Potter-inspired look and I am all goofy with floppy hair. The comedy comes from the quirkiness of the characters. The film has a back-and-forth flow, with the flashback intertwined with the present. It is not a rom-com in the typical sense. Director Vinil Mathew made a conscious effort to go unconventional. Effervescent Parineeti It is important to be in a good mood to do comedy. I was lucky to have Parineeti as my co-actor. She is full of energy and easy to get along with. I have never seen her sitting low. What's better, we are both non-Mumbaikars and have a Punjabi upbringing. Probably, these factors helped us to hit it off at our first few rehearsals itself, I was comfortable around her. Thankfully, people are liking our pairing. The acid test I have had a great debut (Student Of The Year). Obviously, there's a lot of pressure to do as good if not better than that. My upcoming film has no extravagant locations or great costumes. So, there are no distractions per se and people cannot miss my performance. This is the acid test. If I am convincing as an actor, it will be a step forward in my career. Impressing girls I have done a lot of crazy stuff to impress girls in my school and college days. For example, I would rub mud on my knees or elbows and tell girls that I got injured while playing. It was a great conversation starter and I could also gain their sympathy. I learnt to decide the kind of lies I should tell depending on the girl's likes and dislikes (laughs). People management People management in this industry is very tough. They have huge egos, you need diplomacy to deal with them and survive here. It took me a while to understand that. Once the camera starts rolling, everyone is equal. But what happens before and after the shoot is something that you have to get used to. I am enjoying life in Mumbai though. It has done far more for me than my home town Delhi has. I am becoming more of a Mumbaikar now.
Third time together...
Director and producer Neeraj Pandey and Anupam Kher are marking their third film together with Total Siyapaa. After working together in critically acclaimed and hit films like A Wednesday and Special Chabbis, both of them are working together again in their forthcoming film directed by E Niwas and produced by Neeraj Pandey.
Both Neeraj and Anupam who excel in their own fields, are fond of each other. Their sensibilities in terms of cinema bring them closer and hence they enjoy the entire process of working together. Simultaneously both have also developed a working bond as they have closely worked in the past. The film is set against the backdrop of a Pakistani boy who falls in love with an Indian girl. The trailer of the film has already garnered positive feedback. Moreover, the interesting star-cast which the film has to offer is something to look forward for. Anupam says, "I really enjoy working with Neeraj. He has given me very different roles in all the films we have done together." Total Siyapaa which stars Ali Zafar and Yami Gautam in lead roles is all set to hit theaters March 7.
Raveena the seductress
Actress Raveena Tandon, who plays a 1960's jazz singer in Anurag Kashyap's upcoming film Bombay Velvet, will be seen sporting a seductive look.
The film is based on Mumbai in era spanning from 1950s to 1970s. It is the first film of a trilogy on how the city became a metropolis. Bombay Velvet also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar in lead roles and is expected to release by the end of this year.
Extra M for good luck
Astrology, numerology and other disciplines that claim to alter our luck have always found favour among film stars. From changing their name to even shooting with a hen (Govinda once did that), actors and actresses have done bizarre things for that elusive good luck charm. So when Rajkumar Yadav changed his name to Rajkummar Rao, not many blinked. Some thought it's an adopted screen surname while others said numerology could be the reason behind this change.
Now Rajkummar clears the air himself. Turns out that Rao and Yadav are both Rajkummar's family surnames. "I can use both," says Rajkummar. But then what about the extra 'm' adorning his first name? Now that's something Rajkummar adopted on the advice of his mother who is a strong believer in numerology. After all, the extra 'm' seems to have brought him all the luck especially after the release of Shah.
Best friend
Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter for his son Abhishek's birthday. He said that it is best to be his best friend, supporter and confidante.
A look at Youngistan
The first look of Youngistan is out. The film is a love story set against the backdrop of Indian politics. Directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal, it stars Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma, Farooq Sheikh and Boman Irani.
Huma off to Berlin
Huma Qureshi is flying to the Berlin Film Festival to be the sole representative of her film Dedh Ishiqya. She is looking forward to shopping and eating local cuisine. We say, she is a festival veteran by now.
Why is Kat unhappy?
Katrina Kaif is not happy that her films Phantom and Bang Bang will release on the same day in October 2. It is a five-day weekend so the directors of the films are happy with the release date. Still we wonder why Kat is worried?
Tips for Red Carpet
Katrina Kaif said that she would take tips from Sonam Kapoor to dress up for the Cannes Red Carpet as they both are L'Oreal brand ambassadors now.
Trailer launch
The trailer of Rajat Kapoor's Ankhon Dekhi was launched at a suburban multiplex. Rajat spoke about his three-year long journey of making the film.
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chatter box
After shows like Pratigya and hosting Savdhan India, Pooja Gor is excited about being part of adventure stunt reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi. She talks to us about it and much more.
What are your fears? I am a bit scared of water. I know they won't make us swim in a pool or sea near the beach. Going by previous stunts, they would perhaps throw us in the middle of the sea! However, I am not scared as of now. Did you have to think much before accepting this show? Not really. I had been a fan of the international series and seen the Indian one. I had a good idea of what is expected. As compared to other reality shows, this one will afford a lot of personal growth and help me develop a different outlook in life. Do you know the other contestants? I know Mahhi Vij and Rochelle, but the rest of them I am meeting for the first time. I am looking forward to making new friends. We might even go sight-seeing in South Africa. What did your boyfriend Raj Singh Arora say about you participating in this show? He said if you are okay with it, go ahead. Even my parents said so. It's all about my confidence and will-power! How prepared are you? No matter how prepared one is the producers will throw shocking stuff at you!
Promotional drive...
Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh were on the sets of Dance India Dance Season 4 to promote their upcoming movie Gunday. The team had super fun not only with the contestants, but the judges and Mithun Chakroborty as well.
Getting emotional
Kavita Kaushik aka Chandramukhi Chautala, of FIR fame, was recently so overwhelmed by the love of people that she could not control her emotions. She had gone to Shirdi to give a speech at the annual function and when she spoke to the crowd, she became very emotional and was teary- eyed.
Health issues
Pratyusha Banerjee was roped in by Big Magic for a cameo on the show - Love Dosti Dua. She was supposed to perform with ace choreographer Punit Pathak. However, the actress delayed the shoot citing ill-health and claiming that she was hospitalised. The whole day was wasted and the production house incurred huge losses. Finally Ishita Sharma, who recently anchored a popular dance show, came to the rescue of the production house and completed the shoot till late at night.
Injury scare
Although Mahhi Vij's name was recently announced in the line-up for action reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi, she injured her toe and wasn't on stage with the others. Now she has quit the show as she cannot take further part in it.
Great going
Balika Vadhu - Kachhi Umar Ke Pakke Rishtey, one of the most popular shows of the channel Colors, completed 1,500 episodes recently. The show has been entertaining the audience for the past six years and will continue to do so. Sunjoy Waddhwa, CMD, Sphereorigins Productions, said, 'I am thrilled by the success of the show and the exhilaration I feel is incomparable. We have also won several awards for Balika Vadhu, so I feel very blessed to have a wonderful team."
Bigg question!
After Salman Khan hinting he might not be part of Bigg Boss 8, speculation about who will replace is rife. Names of Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and even Priyanka Chopra as the next host have been doing the rounds.
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punjabi
scope Jasmine Singh
The cliché never judge a book by its cover stands true for Kirpaan. The film can clearly be divided into two halves - Beeru before and Beeru after - but the director couldn't clearly justify the two halves. Given the fact that Amrik Gill could have done much better, Kirpaan is somewhat of a disappointment. The cinematography is weak, so are the locations. The much-hyped music of Kirpaan also fails. In fact, the music has some of the best names but the impact was hardly anything. Kirpaan could have kept the honour of many but it didn't, thanks to the director! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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first-day-first show
Hasee Toh Phasee Hasee Toh Phasee is a romantic comedy film directed by Vinil Mathew and produced by Karan Johar and Anurag
Kashyap. The film features Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles. Nikhil
(Sidharth Malhotra) is a businessman whose girlfriend Karishma (Adah Sharma) is an actress. He is the sort, who believes once you are committed to a girl, there should be no straying around. Karishma asks Nikhil to arrange Rs 5 crores before marriage, which is scheduled to take place in 7 days. Meanwhile, Nikhil gets to meet Meeta
(Parineeti Chopra) who is Karishma's younger sister, with whom he had a brief meeting 7 years ago.
Meeta, who is an IITian and is a chemical engineer, is a very intelligent girl and she believes in bringing a change to the world. She follows her heart and is an opposite of
Nikhil. They spend 7 days together and fall in love for each other. Over the top I liked the film but the story is not very clear. Also, though Parineeti Chopra has shed a few kilos for this film, she has not acted well. In fact, most of the time in the film, she has only been
over-acting. Amarinder Singh, student Hero worship I love Sidharth Malhotra. He is looking really hot in the film and has acted very well too. I love the character of Nikhil that he plays. I am totally in love with him. I also like the chemistry that Parineeti and Sidharth share with each other on
screen. Sakshi Singh, student Interesting story I like the film in general, but it has a lot of flaws, which are not really that noticeable, except Parineeti's over-acting. The story of the film, however, is very interesting and refreshing
too. Sachin Vohra, student Babloo Happy Hai Directed by Nila Madhab Panda, who has earlier directed films like, I am Kalam and
Jalpari, Babloo Happy Hai is a love story of today's youngsters, and what they think of love and sex. The film features Sahil
Anand, Erica Fernandes, Sumit Suri, Amol Parashar and Preet Kamal in lead. The film also stars Anu Choudhury and Parvin Dabas in pivotal role. Earlier, the film's name was Love is Not Mathematics. Funny and meaningful I really like the film. It is extremely funny and it is also meaningful. Also, the plot of this film is very refreshing. It makes for a good and entertaining one-time
watch. Nandita Sharma, homemaker It's different It's an entertaining film that keeps one glued to their chairs till the end. I like the way it has been narrated and even the story is very good! It's funny and
different. Ridhima Arora, student -As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Astro turf
ARIES: 'The Priestess' reveals material as well as emotional abundance with inner strength and maturity. This is a good time to compete for a position of power. Your health will be buoyant.
Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky
colour: White. Magic number: 62.
TAURUS: The Card 'Magician' reveals your imagination can run wild now and you want to act out a strange desire. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally . Tarot message: Learn from a past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 42. GEMINI: 'The Princess of Cups' reveals clarity and direction in complicated work situations. Make a list of tasks; complete work or study assignments that are coming due. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from coming to their own conclusions.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 46. CANCER: The 'Ace of Wands' strengthens you. An engaging conversation with neighbours creates a confusing atmosphere in the area. Take care of any
dealings with strangers. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish long-term tasks.
Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26. LEO: 'The Knight of Pentacles' brings healing and attention to practical matters. You need some help today. Changes in your home are apparent. Do not enter into
any form of speculation. Tarot message: Take things one at a time instead of multi-pronged attacks. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 47. VIRGO: 'The Knight of Swords' instigates you to be active and clever. The biggest plans require attention to the tiniest details. In fact, the higher you aim, the more precision is needed.
Tarot message: Listen carefully
to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 61. LIBRA: 'Five of Pentacles' reveals that friends can get on your nerves today. Mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Be careful about getting into disagreements with seniors.
Tarot message: A useful tip at the stock exchange can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 30. SCORPIO: 'The Moon' reveals balance, perspective and clarity in relationships. A frequent change
of mood is likely. Further studies will help fine-tune your capabilities to perfection.
Tarot message: Wait before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy.
Magic number: 32. SAGITTARIUS: Do not put undue pressure on your own self to complete unwelcome tasks. Be willing to lie back and take a break. Indulge in personal pleasures.
Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of problematic situations.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 39. CAPRICORN: 'Three Wands', representing the Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh Trinity", bring success in whatever you do today. You can be in a restless and irritable mood. Monetary gains are indicated.
Tarot message: Never fall
for rash promises. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 35. AQUARIUS: A real buzz in the air upon waking up evokes fresh possibilities. Make initial moves to get the ball rolling in the right direction. There can be lots
of activity at work. Tarot message: Try a new off-beat style of handling things.
Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 54. PISCES: Your health and well-being are a priority. Set aside part of the weekly budget for
remaining in top shape. A new approach to an old problem will help. Tarot message: Try a new
offbeat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 43.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is February 8...
As you have been facing a lot of mental pressure recently, recreation and entertainment will help you relax. It's another high-energy year and unexpected gains are foreseen. Spend some quality time in the company of people who love and care for you. You will make beneficial career changes if you present yourself in a professional manner. If travelling, make sure you carry all-important documents. Saturn makes you humble, honest, focused, practical, realistic and enthusiastic. You are blessed with enormous talent and imagination. But you need to work on your nature of being envious and unreliable. Positive colours: Black, Chocolate. Select days: Sunday, Tuesday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 8. Gems recommended: Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald.
You share your birthday with Sophie Choudry (February 8, London), who is an Indian singer and a popular MTV VJ. She made her Hindi film debut in David Dhawan's film Shaadi No.1 in which she was paired opposite Zayed Khan. The film also starred Fardeen Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Esha Deol, among others.
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Don’t let the name Fakir befool you. Pakistan's foremost art historian Fakir Syed Aijazuddin, recipient of the Order of British Empire, is as regal as it can get. And not merely for he belongs to the illustrious family of Fakir Brothers of Lahore, who occupied positions of eminence in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign. If his ancestor Fakir Azizuddin was the Sikh ruler's spokesperson on matters relating to foreign affairs, two other Fakir brothers were an integral part of the Sikh Court of Lahore. Fakir Imamuddin was the Keeper of the Govindgarh Fort, Amritsar, and his younger brother Fakir Nuruddin was Member of the Regency Council for Maharaja Duleep Singh. Aijazuddin is the direct descendant of Fakir Nuruddin.
The Punjabi film industry has declared an open competition; you bet all filmmakers actors and producers are invited to be a part of it - to compete with each other for the worst movie award! This competition has just started…entering the fray is the much-hyped film Kirpaan. Directed by Amrik Gill, the movie could have changed the current Punjabi film scenario…if only!
We roll on with the positives in the film - a handful of people who held on to the honour, starting with the lead actor Roshan Prince, who plays Beeru in the film. Roshan has a potential of delivering great work on the screen, but clearly the director could not make the most of him. He shows a balanced mix of emotions and justifies his character. He displays his pain vividly, the way his character demanded. Roshan Prince sure can be put to a much better use! He is undoubtedly a good actor. The director should not have asked him to colour his hair; he can get into his character pretty well without it as well! Both Samiksha Singh and Gurleen Chopra have done some justice to their roles. If only the director had asked Gurleen, who plays Jasmine in the film, to acquire a fake accent. The actress desperately tries to act like the girl brought up in England with her fractured dialogues. The other actor who passed is Kulbushan Kharbanda; we know of his caught-in the-barbed-wire dialogues but in Kirpaan they sounded fine. Yes, you can also see Sunita Dhir!
Coming to the captain of the ship, director Amrik Gill, who has written films like Hum Dil Chukey Sanam and Tera Mera Ki Rishta. Sadly, he could not handle his own story well. Amrik Gill, who has written the film and the dialogues, failed to handle the topic that had much scope. Kirpaan definitely comes with a promise of a different subject. It is the story of Beeru (Roshan Prince) and how he wins back the honour of his family. 
Charity on birthday: Donate utensils to the needy or at any religious place today.