The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	A single track Rather than releasing albums, more and more artists are today releasing their single songs… Gurvinder Singh It seems the culture of albums is passé as most new singers are now releasing single tracks. Thanks to the decline in sales of CDs at music stores, almost all new and emerging singers are now releasing their songs online, generally on YouTube and other video sharing sites. "Earlier the trend of singles was only popular with foreign artists, but now our singers have started going the singles way," says music director Tejwant Kittu. "I would say that music piracy has led to all this. Music companies no longer get returns from the sale of albums. Earlier they used to have exclusive contracts with singers and used to promote them, but that is no longer the case. Now artists spend their own money on promotions. On the basis of the popularity they garner online and otherwise, the singers perform in shows and concerts," he adds. Says singer Prabh Gill, who launched himself online, "Even when albums were made, videos of only a few songs were made while other songs did not get appropriate publicity. Therefore, the effort that went into writing, singing and composing the songs went waste. So it is better to focus on a single track now, put all the resources to make the videos, promote the songs and release them online rather than investing in all the videos." Singer Babbal Rai says earlier one used to spend 10-15 lakh on getting the album recorded and more on videos. Added to this was the cost of advertising and promotions. "Now using all these resources, one can make a nice song and video within a decent budget that can be posted free of cost on video sites and social media," says Rai. Another factor for releasing single videos and audios online is the money generated through online ads on Youtube or downloads from websites. "Although the amount is not very significant, you still get money as advertisements are played on Youtube," says Prabh. Selling songs through I-Tunes is also profitable. A portion of the revenue comes to the artists for each download. However, the system is not transparent enough," adds Kittu. Even music labels have started their online channels as the sales of CD's have crashed. Singer Bind Singh, who recently uploaded a single track, says, "Through online release, one can gauge the popularity of the track within a short span. My song, released this month, has already had 80,000 views. Being my maiden track, this is great encouragement," he says.
	star track Salman to invest in IPL team? After Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Shilpa Shetty, the buzz is that it is now Salman Khan who is keen on owning an IPL team. The actor recently discussed about the same with industrialist Ness Wadia who owns Kings XI Punjab with his former girlfriend Preity Zinta. Salman and Ness recently met at the Little Hearts Marathon in Mumbai. "Salman was the chief guest at this marathon that was organised by BJ Wadia hospital for underprivileged children. Post the flag off, Salman was seen talking to Ness. The two were discussing the IPL in great detail," says a source. An onlooker says, "There is no clear indication that he will pick up a stake in an IPL team. But his interest in it has only grown with time. He has been making enquiries with Ness. In fact, he has also been asking his other friends about the same. The actor is trying to work out how he can get a piece of the IPL pie as he loves cricket and has a lot of cricketer friends." Not only Salman but his brother Sohail Khan also takes keen interest in cricket. Sohail Khan owns a cricket team Mumbai Heroes which plays in Celebrity Cricket League (CCL).
	No side effects for Vidya Vidya Balan has been married to Siddharth Roy Kapoor for more than a year now and she has a movie about marriage up for release. She talks about being married. Marital bliss It's all good. Marriage is something I'd recommend to everyone to try out if you find the right person. I'm enjoying being married. Just living with Siddharth is fun. We sometimes feel like flat-mates because we are in and out. We have not had that much time together, therefore I still feel like we are honeymooning...without the guilt! All the same I was warned that a lot of changes happen after marriage and I kept waiting, thinking it's just one month so maybe it's too early for the changes to surface. Then I said, it's two months, then six months and after that, it's been 14 months and nothing has changed. He's the same person and I'm not bipolar, so he didn't come in for any surprises either! Someone asked me if he is my best friend and I said, "Yeah, maybe a best friend with benefits." He's going to kill me for this! But, yes, it is wonderful to be able to say anything (and I really can say anything!) and he's very accepting and non-judgmental. What has changed post marriage is that I now know aate-dal ka bhav, but please don't ask me. I know that onion prices have dropped. Perfect wife If it's the stereotypical wife, I don't rate at all. If it's just a partner, then I'll go to the other extreme, be immodest and say 11 on 10. I do not nag at all! I'm someone who believes in 'live and let live' and that applies to everything. I think I am really lucky because we are similar in a lot of ways. Like, you'll never see our house out of order because we are both minimalists and we are both very organised. Professional space Siddharth and I respect each other's professional space and decisions. Of course, as a partner, I would tell him that there's something like that, but there has not been an opportunity yet. It's like I'd tell my parents myself rather than them seeing it in a film. All said and done, it can't be comfortable for your family or your partner to see you like that and I understand and appreciate that. So, I would definitely tell him, but so far there has been no opportunity. Box office prospects I don't think that marriage affects an actress' prospects at the box office. The way the world is going now, for men a woman is hotter after marriage. They like the forbidden fruit even more now. If you are playing a 16-year-old at 30, then it might be a problem, but if you are not, it's fine.
	Imran’s babymoon Imran Khan is on paternity leave. He and his wife Avantika recently travelled to Europe. His hands are full with endorsements and scripts to read. He talks about his babymoon and resuming work. He will begin shooting in June, after the baby arrives. Around the world It is true that last year I was shooting back to back for Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara and Gori Tere Pyaar Mein. So I could only manage to get three days off in a row. That is like an extended weekend. It was just enough time to go to Karjat or Alibaug. However, from Christmas until now, Avantika and I have been on an extended vacation. We went to Phuket over Christmas and New Year. I came back a couple of days before my birthday January 13. And I told Avantika, I'm not satisfied, I need more time off. So, we took off to London. We were planning to stay in London for around 10 days because Avantika's best friend is there. However, when we reached there, we started talking and she suggested that we should go to Munich. She made the arrangements for us and before you knew it we were in Munich, then Netherlands, then Brussels. We kept extending the holiday. I would keep calling my mother and say, 'I'm extending my holiday by three days, five days, so on and so forth.' Snow clad It was snowing in Europe. Avantika saw snow for the first time in her life. We were in a place where Hitler held the 1936 Olympics and it is one of the best skiing destinations in Germany. On this vacation, there was no question of doing anything as adventurous as skiing because Avantika is in the family way. Our baby is due between June 8 and 17. Another holiday Yes, there is a possibility of us going on another babymoon. I'm a very determined person. Avantika hates flying. She has a phobia. Her entire time on flight is spent clutching my hand. Hijacking the plot After Vishal Bhardwaj completes shooting for Haider, he will make a movie on the Kandhar hijacking case of 1999. He has wanted to make this film for a while.
	Impressive but jobless Vaani Kapoor and Nimrat Kaur made impressive debuts in Shuddh Desi Romance and The Lunchbox, respectively, but they do not have any other Bollywood films on the anvil. Pet on the back Kareena Kapoor Khan has begun to love dogs now. Saif and she have a dog named Elvis and they will get a few more when they move to their new house. Queen-size problem Queen was supposed to be released on February 28 and clash with Shaadi Ke Side Effects. The makers have pushed the release to March 7 and now it will clash with Gulaab Gang and Total Siyappa. Sweet success Kareena Kapoor Khan joins the likes of Eva Longoria, Liz Hurley, and Eva Mendes, to endorse a Belgian chocolate brand called Godiva. She is the first Indian signed on by the prestigious brand which will launch in India. Bonding of stars Sonam Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan recently shot together for a commercial for a China-based mobile brand they both endorse. They both love reading and they talked enthusiastically about their favourite authors and books. Not Saif anymore! Saif Ali Khan's office at Bandra, suburban Mumbai, is under renovation and two of his office boys stole nine air-conditioners and sold them as scrap for a mere ~35,000. They have been arrested.
	chatter box Real vs reel Sooraj Thapar has worked in many shows during the past. From a loving son to a doting dad, this versatile man has played the comedian, the villain and more. Currently he is seen in Ek Nayi Pehchaan as Poonam Dhillion's character Sharda's husband. He talks about this role and more. What kind of response have you got for your 'greyish' character in Ek Nayi Pehchaan? People have given a mixed response. The character is of a principled man who doesn't believe in adjusting to things. He feels he's right in having some expectations in life. While he shows off that he's modern to the world, he is actually no so at home. How is it working with Poonam Dhillon? We have known each other for over eight years now, as we did a play called Perfect Husband Perfect Wife together. She is a nice and caring person with a good sense of humour. I enjoy working with her and the whole unit as well. Our producers are down to earth while we also have a great director. You have played many roles, which one has been your favourite? I did a show called Ajnabee with Danny Denszongpa years ago on Doordarshan, where I played a cop. That was quite exciting. The comedy Hum Saath Aath Hain, Chandragupt Maurya, where I played Dhanandhan and Sasauraal Genda Phool, which was a realistic character, are my favourites. You have done a lot of theatre; tell us about your best work? Had Kar Di Apne was quite an amazing play. I have done eighteen plays till date. But Perfect Husband is special as I play a robot in it. What kind of a husband are you in real life? I am definitely not like Suresh Modi of Ek Nayi Pehchaan. I make tea for my wife in the morning. I bring gifts and take her out for dinners occasionally. And yes we did celebrate Valentine's Day together as well. — HRM
	Every vote matters! With the thought of mobilising the youth and taking its Nayi Soch agenda forward, Star Plus has introduced an initiative to encourage first-time voters to register for the upcoming General Elections, led by its popular face and youth icon — Veera. The campaign will see a series of public service messages, prompting young viewers to register, vote and make a difference. "In India, the number of potential first-time voters during this election is estimated at a massive twelve crore. In light of this, we at Star Plus, wanted to spread awareness about voting rights amongst first-time voters and mobilise the youth. We want to encourage them to exercise their vote and contribute to the country's progress. However, a lot of them are still not aware that registration is an important prerequisite to voting. This first phase of our campaign aims to address that," said Nikhil Madhok, Senior Vice-President Marketing and Content Strategy, Star Plus. A proud father Tarun Khanna, who is seen in Rangraisya, recently became a proud father. His wife Smriti Khanna gave birth to a baby boy a few days before the due date and the worried dad, who was shooting for Mahabharat, rushed to be by her side. They are fine and healthy now.
	Love birds Armaan Kohli and Tanisha made headlines with their close bond in Bigg Boss and now after dilly-dallying about their love, it seems Armaan has finally accepted it. He recently said Tanisha and he were supposed to go to Greece for a Valentine’s Day celebration, but due to his knee injury they cancelled the plan. The grey shade After his stint in Bigg Boss 7, Apoorva Agnihotri now has taken up a daily soap. He will be seen in Pyaar Ka Dard Hai in a negative role. Apoorva, who has never played a hardcore negative role, is looking forward to this one. Earlier he had grey shades in some role in TV shows.
	Spooky tale Courtroom drama will combine with some horror when the cast of the upcoming flick Daar @ the mall will be seen in a special episode of Sony Entertainment Television's popular weekend show Adaalat. For the first time ever, this extremely popular courtroom series will be presented with an eerie twist. That's not all! Talented actor Jimmy Shergill will be seen sharing screen space with none other than KD Pathak aka Ronit Roy. Talking about his experience on working with the talented Jimmy Shergill, Ronit said, "It was a great experience to shoot a special episode with Jimmy. It was great fun and I really enjoyed spending time with Jimmy". The case in hand revolves around a mysterious murder that has been committed in a mall. Jimmy, as Vishnu and KD Pathak will leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the case and ensure that the culprit is caught. The case takes a twist when somebody reveals that the actual killer is a ghost. KD then decides to spend a night at the mall and is taken by complete surprise when sudden incidents happen in front of his own eyes.
	Astro turf P. Khurrana ARIES: Don't be amazed at good luck. Taking a break from work will help. That recent of burst of enthusiasm has run out of steam temporarily and pausing to catch your breath is okay. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 31. TAURUS: Parents can experience a degree of stress and tension involving children. Making money and having fun are not a good mix now. Stick to earning a living and leave entertainment for later. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will-power. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 21. GEMINI: Sweet moments are in store during the day. Shopping for a gift as a token of affection is a delightful way to spend money. You will find people generally hard to pin down. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 61. CANCER: Fashion accessories enhance your look at little cost. Spending on health makes sense. Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 55. LEO: Do not get involved in any mutual venture blindly without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Give your creative talent an airing. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 26. VIRGO: Anticipate a bit of craziness creeping into your day. Avoid gossiping because it can spoil your chance of success. Sportsmen: get more exercise to keep yourself fit. Do not try to rush other people. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 28. LIBRA: Plan for a romantic rendezvous. Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding from loved ones. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 64. SCORPIO: If single, you are likely to find a partner. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that will tax you physically. Keep your sense of humour alive. It will help in spending a good day. Tarot message: Focus on emotional and spiritual issues. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 30. SAGITTARIUS: Your card "Three of Cups" suggests that emotions have to be controlled. Compassion and forgiveness are needed for love to keep growing. Partners will not agree with your plans. Tarot message: At work don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 28. CAPRICORN: Rise early to greet the day with morning exercise. Walking or running will suit some of you. Yoga or meditation will appeal to others. A domestic hassle is settled amicably. Tarot message: By applying yourself, you can build great success. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 59. AQUARIUS: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long-term decisions. Money rolls after lunch. You will have to modify your plans for today. Students: expect fun on the campus. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 33. PISCES: You should be very satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show the world what you have been working on. For now, stay with the task in hand. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27.
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is February 16... Your stellar discipline is paying off and this inspires you to work even harder. You will have to make changes at the work front to turn events into your favour. Financial matters will bring limited gains. There will be good bonding among family members. Romance and socialising will rule your mind despite pending jobs. Some pressure at work and home will make you short-tempered. Explore new investment opportunities. A friend will seek your advice to sort out his personal problems. Avoid little fights and enjoy the fascinating journey of love. Due to the pressure of work, you will feel stressed. Avoid taking too many risks as it can lead to some sort of loss. Positive colours: White, Cream, Yellow. Select days: Monday, Sunday. Favourable numbers: 2, 7. Gems recommended: Pearl, Rose Quartz, Diamond. Your share your birthday with Shoma Anand (February 16, 1958, Mumbai), who has been active in Bollywood films since 1976. She starred in Jagir and Coolie during the 80s. She plays different roles in television serials now. Her stars indicate a long association with the small screen.