No beat-ing about the bush
After a long innings in the profession, DJ Akbar Sami is the ‘go to’ person for remixes
Mona

Here’s one DJ sans the studs, visible tattoos, crumpled-torn clothes or coloured hair. Even his name is the same as it reads on his passport…

Just like his appearance minus the frills, DJ Akbar Sami’s success story has more substance than fluff. After losing his father at a tender age, this class seventh boy struggled to keep the kitchen fire burning. “There were too many mouths to be fed,” Sami goes back in time, sitting at 10 Downing Street, Altius, where he rocked crowds to his beats on the weekend. “Someone told me that I was good at choreography, so I did that,” says Sami.

One thing that Sami swears by is that God’s been kind to him. Work landed his way. As a teen he was choreographing for established directors like JP Dutta’s films. Bombay City Breakers, a dance troupe was next that had the likes of Farah Khan, Arshad Warsi and Ken Ghosh. “We took different paths after that. Farah chose choreography, Arshad moved to acting and Ken opted for direction, I ended up in DJing,” Sami recalls.

One gig and the keys of console were thrust into his hands. Sami took to DJing which was hardly considered a profession then. Having started in the late 80s, he has his own tribe of loyalists. And, it was not just DJing that Sami got credibility for, but remixes too. “The first track that I mixed was Ik ladki ko dekha to aisa laga,” says Sami who created a furore with Jalwa. There was no looking back ever since.

Close to a decade and half, he has been the ‘go to’ person for remixes. How has he maintained the top slotted rank? “It’s like any person who becomes a pro after years in a particular job. Now, there is some finesse to what I do,” says Sami who has given hit remixes like Raat baki, Om shanti om, Jhalak dikhlaaja, O mitra re and countless others.

The road to remixes was no less challenging than the personal life for Sami. “I remember being part of a panel discussion on a news channel — a teen versus the established writers, singers and composers — who left no stone unturned to downgrade remixes. I couldn’t fight them back but I did put forward my point that like our theatres are changing from mono to dolby, computers, technology coming into music and remix genre of music is an upgradation for packed halls or places for people to shake a leg on.”

While his remixes were super successful, his compositions too were appreciated. Film music that Sami has done in bits and parts remains to be on his ‘to do’ list.

Through his project Voices he wants to bring music maestros and folk musicians on the same platform.

mona@tribunemail.com

Play on

What it takes to be a good DJ, we ask Akbar Sami. Comes out a fancy name, hep style is not there in the top 5 — love for music, sense of rhythm, knowing to play an instrument, some vocal training and seriousness to your job is what this successful DJ vouches for.

A man of many roles
A human being should strive for love, truth and peace and not be led by false ego... so believes seasoned actor Akhilendra Mishra, the Kroor Singh of Chandrakanta
Mona

Akhilendra Mishra Photo: S Chandan Here’s one actor who is hard to classify. He has done roles ranging from mythology, positive, negative, in films and played multiple shades in theatre. Akhilendra Mishra won audiences’ appreciation as Kroor Singh in Chandrakanta, as Ravana in Ramayana (2008) on small screen and also left indelible impression as Mirchi Seth in Sarfarosh and Arjan in Lagaan.

The glitz and glamour of Mumbai hasn’t touched this seasoned actor who comes from a small village Kulowan in Bihar. In Chandigarh, on Monday, sitting at ease in Café Oz-9, the actor talks about his projects both old and new.

He plays an opposition leader in P Se PM Tak. Hailing from Bihar that has given many strong political leaders in our country, does he ever think about getting into politics? A strong ‘no’ is the answer. “I continue to strive towards being a good actor, that’s what I promised my parents.” Though he has played Modi in a Gujarati film Gujarat No Nath, Akhilendra doesn’t come out in open about Modi being a strong contender for the prime ministers post, but he does admit, “Compare Gujarat to Bihar, I feel sorry for my state that still lacks infrastructure. It has bad roads; my village has to do without electricity till date. A transformer that was put right across my house when I was growing up, fell down and electricity still eludes the village.”

Interestingly, both P Se PM Ta and Muavzaa, that Akhilendra has worked in are releasing on the same date, on April 4. In Muavzaa, he plays a farmer. For each character, Akhilendra’s effort is to experiment and bring in fresh mannerism. “I take every project as my first one to keep myself motivated.”

Though audiences have loved him in varied roles, Kroor Singh and Ravana top the list. Akhilendra is happy to share that when Ramayana was on, he got calls from not only youngsters but also from 90-year-old women saying that he looks exactly like what they had imagined Ravana to be like. “What else can an actor ask for?” says Akhilendra who worked exceptionally hard to get into the character of Arjan in Lagaan as he was the only non- cricket playing actor on the set.

Ya Rab remains a thought-provoking film and Akhilendra garnered much appreciation as a devious politician who covers up as a maulana. Ask him on his dream roles, the answer is, “Each role is a dream role for me.” The choosy actor weighs the role, goes through the script, thinks about the director and the producer before taking up any project.

For his seasoned craft, it is stage that he gives credit to. “Every actor must continuously be connected to theatre,” says Akhilendra who is currently doing plays Mote Ram Ka Satyagrah and Akhiri Saja both directed by MS Sathyu, the acclaimed director who helmed Garam Hawa.

Substance of an actor

Into acting for almost three decades and in the film and television industry for the last two years, Akhilendra Mishra has seen the changing times. While there have been some pluses there have been negatives too. “There used to be a handful of actors for very few roles that were there when I began. However, now the scope has improved greatly. There has been a huge demand but quality has taken a backseat.” Another thing that bothers Akhilendra is that increasingly our focus is on outer appearance while inner self is being neglected. “Now each actor is spending hours in gym beefing up body. Acting is not just about physical appearance or body language. Soul searching is a prerogative that lies with the artistes. The real strength as an actor or artistes lies within.”

Rule of life
Abhay Deol has been roped in by Animal Planet to play the brand ambassador of the show Where Tigers Rule
Manpriya Singh

Step by step : Abhay Deol
Step by step : Abhay Deol

Rock The Shaadi is on hold and One By Two gave in to the bumpy reception. If it weren’t for the unusual characters, offbeat cinema and independent makers, things perhaps could have come to a pause if not a standstill. Not so for Abhay Deol. He’s still “reading a lot of scripts and zeroed in on two of them and the two of them are very different from each other.

Meanwhile, he has been recently roped in by Animal Planet to play the brand ambassador of the show Where Tigers Rule. “I was approached by the Animal Planet people and since I was already aware of the campaign and believe in the cause, I agreed to lend support.”

Dream role & nightmarish experience

The dream role has long come and gone by. “I only had one which was Devdas and I got to play an iconic role and a modern day interpretation of the character in Dev D.” He adds, “Outside of this, there’s no dream role.”

Recent failure of One By Two “did disappoint” but it’s just one of the situations he’s well accustomed to. He has been in the industry for a little short of a decade now.

“Whether a film is very successful, not so successful or a complete flop, I have dealt with all the three situations fair number of times and I am well versed with that.” Nothing has happened for the first time. Perhaps, it will affect the future course of action and choice of projects. “Even if you have a hit, you don’t want to repeat yourself? The consequences of any of your films affect the future course of action anyway.” He shares, “I still like to believe I’ve just started and have a long way to go. I’ve just started to dabble in production.” As for the films he’s currently considering taking up, “I’d let the film makers announce the projects. But yes, the two scripts that I have signed, they are very different from each other.”

Future plans

Some amount of nudging and illustration brings along a response to a query that’s unexpected. Fair share of success in the films, championing a cause right now, even the dream role has been over and done with, what lies next?

“You are asking me this ten years too early but if and when I have the time, I’d like to pursue architecture too.” Right now, there’s a lot going on, for instance films.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Big leap
Ashima Batish

On a high: Rahul Mishra
On a high: Rahul Mishra

A creation by Rahul Mishra
A creation by Rahul Mishra

It's a proud moment that will register itself in the history of Indian fashion industry. Fashion designer Rahul Mishra, representative of India and Middle East, has won the coveted International Woolmark Prize at the Milan Fashion Week. The achievement has certainly left many from the Indian fashion fraternity ecstatic. Sunil Sethi, President of FDCI, says, "The credit for winning the prize goes to Rahul, his concept and designs."

Rahul was shortlisted for the competition once he was declared the winner at the regional level, adjudged by the jury comprising Sethi himself, Manish Arora and Imam Ahmed of Business of Fashion.

Rahul presented The Lotus Collection at the fashion week and picked traditional crafts to give it a final shape. His collection depicted the journey of mankind and the changes it went through. Sethi adds, "Rahul’s feat will not only boost his career, but also portray India as a country that takes creating fashion seriously." The award has earlier been won by the likes of Karl Lagerfield and Yves Saint Laurent.

His collection portrayed the journey of the human race and the process of metamorphosis that our planet has undergone in the past century. His contemporary Aneeth Arora, who also works with Indian crafts and their revival, says that Rahul has progressed to different league. "The best part is that Indian crafts through Rahul have now found an international platform. The reach of our traditional weaves have become global."

Last year, for the fall winter collection, Rahul presented his collection in merino wool, giving the yarn a facelift. Jenjum Gadi, junior to him in the industry is already feeling inspired, "His success can motivate many more. Ours might be a young fashion industry but the prize means that we are catching up with the West." Till he travels back from Milan, we can raise a toast to his win.

Let there be light
Inder Siddhu’s book Simply Be sums up his spiritual experiences and how they changed his life for good
Amarjot Kaur

Healing touch: Inder Siddhu Photo: Manoj Mahajain
Healing touch: Inder Siddhu Photo: Manoj Mahajan

When Inder Siddhu, a spiritual healer and author of the book, Simply Be, talks about energies, you will react in either of the two ways: You will sit back and listen or you'll jump out of your chair, aching to pour out your fair share of understanding of spirituality. We'd suggest that you rein in your horses, while Inder shares his wisdom about the 'enlightenment'.

He shares with us, "In 1987, there was a research about energies, in which it was concluded that all the energies are created. What I usually ask people is to discover who they are, which I believe is a way to get enlightened or nirvana as they call it."

As he stresses on the desire to discover oneself, he says, "My book is about conscious development. It is through kriyas or techniques that a person can attain the state of enlightenment." He states that a human body is made of energy, which is electrons, protons and neutrons, and when one breaks that down, what remains is light and sound. "The kriya or technique involves enriching one's existence with the wisdom of light (soul) and sound through meditation, which involves three stages," he observes.

When asked what prompted him to write a book, he replies, "When I was 21, I had a spiritual experience at a ceremony in Canada. I wanted to move back to India to discover who I am. For the same, I started staying alone at a small village in Haryana." But he returned to Canada because of family obligations. In Canada, he served as a police officer. And what happened next changed his life. "After several years, I discovered that I was suffering from prostate cancer. It was then when I moved back to India and self-healing." This was the time he shifted his base to Canada and started writing a book about spirituality

The book, Simply Be, is available free of cost and Inder in the meanwhile has built several schools, including Maple Field, Mohali and orphanage at Kanav Ashram, Uttarakhand and is also planning to build an ashram in Goa.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Par Excellence
The bunker shot: splash the sand
Jesse Grewal

Jesse Grewal The shot played from the sand is not as difficult as people make it out to be. If the ball is lying in a bunker where the sand is even and one can make a swing without a steep bank behind or ahead of the ball, it is a fairly easy shot. The difficulty factor increases when the ball is embedded in the sand or it is up against the front face of a bunker. The most difficult shot is when the ball is just under the back lip of the bunker.

Once we have a good set up as explained in the previous week's article, we need to make a swing similar to the flop shot. The first thing is not to look at the ball but focus on a spot 2-3 inches behind the ball. This is the point where the club should enter the sand. The lower body must not move very much enabling the club head to stay low and make a long shallow cut through the sand. The exit point of the club from the sand should be well after the ball. A good way to practice this is to make a footprint in the sand. Without putting a ball, make a swing and try and clean out the impression of the footprint. The club head should enter the sand at the heel end of the footprint and exit from the toe. Then place the ball just ahead of the impression of the heel and hit some shots erasing the footprint every time. Another way is to place two balls in a line an inch apart and try and hit them both out of the bunker. The club head must enter the sand before the first ball and exit after the second one.

Controlling the distance of the shot from the bunker is also different from the rest of the short game. While in the shots played from around the green the distance is controlled by the amount of backswing taken with the rhythm being predominantly the same. In the bunker shot the backswing is almost the same for most shots and the distance is controlled by varying the speed of the swing. An effective way to understand and practice this is by watching the distance the sand flies. If the shot is to a hole which is near the bunker splash the sand with the speed which gets the sand to fly to the edge of the green. To a mid-distance hole, the sand should fly a little further and to a hole which is far one has to hit hard through the sand making it fly as far as possible. The feeling would be like 'chasing after the ball' with the swing. Another advantage of focusing on the sand is that one does not try and scoop the ball which reduces skulled and duffed shots. Practice the 10 yard bunker shot the most as this is the shot we get most of the time.

(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)

green thumb
The markings of a showstopper
Satish Narula

A gardener waits for one full year to see the spring. This is the time when the gardens are at their best. Due to the cold weather, one likes to sit out in the sun, enjoying the colour, the fragrance. This is also the time for displaying supremacy of skills by the gardeners by participating in flower and garden shows that are now held at many places like PAU Ludhiana, shows organized by HUDA in almost all the districts of Haryana, shows organized by societies like the one at Yamuna Nagar, and also at Nangal and Chandigarh.

You have all the chances of winning if you know how to participate.

Selection of exhibits is very important and what matters most is the skill of displaying. Those gardeners of smaller areas, who do not participate in 'home garden' event normally, find a specimen good enough to participate in the cut-flower section. The competition is tough but if you know what to select and display, you can hope to win. A bloom means freshness and that is the first trait your specimen should have.

In case you are local, you can pick it up early in the morning. Or else, it should be plucked in the previous evening and kept in a vase. The second most important thing is carrying the specimen to the exhibition site. If it is to be carried to small distances, it is better to carry these in small bucket or plastic containers rather than packing/wrapping these in papers. You may or may not put a little water in the bucket. The container should be secured properly by your companion lest it should fall to spill the water and specimens. The blooms with damaged petals lose marks. Also make sure the blooms do not carry insects. The black insect (aphids)-laden blooms are normally confronted in dahlia and a bloom that repels you, cannot win you a prize. Try to carry blooms with supporting leaves that should be healthy and without disease spots or burnt margins. The stick thickness is also a plus point.

All the blooms are placed in similar vases provided by organisers to give a parallel field to play. Select heavy vase for the display of bloom. This is due to the fact that the blooms with heavy head normally fall. This happens in case of dahlia, stock double, gladiolus, roses etc.

Also make sure it does not leak. In case of carnation, see that the bloom does not have a ruptured calyx. Some participants tie a small rubber band to hold the split but the judges can see through by spotting disturbance in an array of petals. In marigold make sure the bloom is compact. The antirrhinum, candytuft, stock, etc should not have seed pods at the base and gladiolus should have all the florets facing and not oriented in different directions, with gaps. The dahlia blooms should not show their centeral disc. In technical terms it is called 'over'.

(Narula is Chandigarh-based PAU horticulturist and landscapist)

Master Chef
Soup solace
Kandla Nijhowne

"A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting."
— Abraham Maslow

A hot, flavourful soup is one's best friend in the food world. When you are tired, it extends solace to the weary body. If you are sick, it gives you nourishment. When the cold weather chills you, a steaming bowl of soup guarantees delicious warmth! I don't have to be sick, weary or cold to enjoy a good soup; I'd enjoy one any time, any day! In my opinion, it calms one down and sets the tone for relaxation. Strict attention must be paid to ensure that a soup is a delicate, fine balance of flavours. I share with you my favourite mushroom soup recipe, creamy, earthy and delectable! The perfect bowl of solace!

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized onion
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 250 gm fresh mushrooms
  • 5 tbsp maida
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • ½ cup cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • Freshly milled pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp chopped green shoots of a spring onion

Method

  • Chop the onion into a fine mince. Slice the mushrooms.
  • Use a deep pan, heat up the butter and sauté the onion until tender.
  • Add mushrooms and cook further with a little salt (Salt will allow the mushrooms to sweat and release their juices)
  • Pick out a few slices of mushrooms and keep separately. You can use them later as a garnish.
  • Use a stick blender to make a smooth puree of the mushroom mixture. You could also tip it into the blender jar for similar results.
  • Make a paste with the maida and some of the stock liquid. Ensure there are no lumps.
  • Stir into the mushroom mixture along with the rest of the stock and the milk.
  • Bring to a boil and cook until thickened. Keep stirring to avoid scorching.
  • Reduce heat and stir in the cream, some more salt and the pepper.
  • Simmer, uncovered for a few minutes without letting it boil vigorously.
  • Ladle into pre-warmed bowls and serve garnished with a scattering of spring onion slices and a few pieces of the reserved mushrooms.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

TRENDSETTER
Traditional touch

Fashion knows no boundaries. Even the global styles tend to influence our way of dressing and when we combine those trends with our ethnic tones, it becomes even more appealing and stylish. All the way from Mizoram, this lass Mary Remruatkimi, has come to study fashion and design at The Pinnacle Institute of Fashion Technology.

Your sense of style

When a person's personality stands out he or she automatically comes out to be stylish. Also for me, the type of footwear decides the style quotient of the person.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

When I don my traditional dress, I feel very good and naturally confident.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Hmmm! Can't pinpoint any one. Everybody has their own style

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Mostly brands.

Who would be your style icon?

Salman Khan.

The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories.

A pair of heels in black and gold.

Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous?

Glamorous.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension

Revealing dresses are out for me.

Your take on accessories

To accessorise is very important. I do have a fetish for rings.

If given the choice which designer would like to be dressed by?

Elie Saab "Azumi" for sure.

— As told to Poonam Bindra

A rich tribute

In a first-of-its-kind in the world, Hallmark India Pvt. Ltd., part of London-based Hallmark Group, has launched "The Sikh collection of 25 pure Swiss Silver Ingots (.999) layered in 24-carat gold of Sikh heritage stamps. To preserve the value for the collectors, the 'Premium Edition' with 25 ingots has only 3,700 complete sets each. The limited Sikh collection celebrates the rich cultural and spiritual legacy of the Sikhs.

To ensure the highest quality, each Sikh Heritage Stamp Ingot has been crafted by the world's finest artisit and Swiss craftmen. "The 'Sikh'Collection is unquestionably one of the finest collections of engraved silver ingots that have ever been produced, unrivalled anywhere in the world. It has taken more than 40 months of intensive artistic endeavor, fine sculpture and skilled engraving to create the 25 Master Dies ready for minting," said. R.A. Wainwright, chairman, Hallmark Group Limited.

"The stamps comprising "The Sikh Collection" have been selected from the Sikh Heritage Stamps which are with UK Punjab Heritage Association. They have been carefully chosen to reflect the most important personalities and moments in Sikh history" said Amandeep Singh Madra, chairman, UK Punjab Heritage Association. — TNS

All is well

Back to work: Tabu
Back to work: Tabu

Bollywood actress Tabu, who was admitted to a hospital here following breathing problems, got discharged after remaining under observation for three hours. The 42-year-old actress is currently shooting in Kashmir for Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider. Tabu had to be taken to a hospital on February 21 and she got released by the evening and returned to shooting.

"Tabu was hospitalised here on Friday and kept under observation for three hours. She was discharged in the evening," an official of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) hospital said.

He said the actor was complaining of some breathing problems due to inhalation of smoke on the sets of Haider.

Tabu later returned to work and completed the shoot.

The film also stars Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and Irrfan Khan. It is based on Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet. — PTI

Would love to do a mad comedy: Madhuri

Branding herself a "baby of commercial cinema", actress Madhuri Dixit, who will be seen playing a crusading activist in the forthcoming Gulaab Gang, said she would "love" to do an out and out comedy film, if the script is to her liking.

"I am a baby of commercial cinema, I did films like Raja, which was a mad, funny comedy and I am not averse to that and if I am offered a film like that and if I like the script, then I am open to do that... I would love to do a completely off-the-roof kind of comedy," she said.

Gulaab Gang is directed by Soumik Sen and produced by Anubhav Sinha. The film also features Huma Qureshi and Juhi Chawla. It releases March 7.

The actress who has given power-packed performances in films like Lajja and Mrityudand believes in feminism that stems from within.

"I do believe women should have their own voice, they should be independent, they should stand on their own. I do believe in feminism but I don't believe in the naare-baazi (slogan-shouting) and all.... it should come from within and it should be there for everyone," she said. — IANS

Charitable act

Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor has supported a crowd-funding portal Ketto and helped them to raise more than Rs 45 lakh in the last one year. The portal fights for causes like rehabilitating a sex-worker's daughter and sponsoring a poor athlete for the Winter Olympics.

"A lot of people want to give back to society these days and the one of best ways to do it is through technology," said Kapoor. Crowd sourcing is the practice of obtaining funds through contributions from a large group of people and especially from online communities.

Through the crowd-funding platform, the actor said, he was proud to have recently raised Rs 10 lakh to sponsor equipment for athlete Shiva Keshavan so that he could participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia this month. The portal crowd-financed the US trip of a sex-worker's daughter so she could get a scholarship for higher education.

Varun Sheth, his partner in Ketto said that in the last one year of operations over Rs 45 lakh were raised. "Kunal uses his public image as an actor to attract funds. He looks after the marketing aspect and gets corporate support for us. He is also like a brand ambassador," Seth said. Together, their goal was to create an online community of donors and get the youth actively involved in supporting social causes. Ketto provided a platform to NGOs looking for funds to support charitable projects. They were in Kolkata recently to raise funds for underprivileged children over a charity dinner week. — PTI

Katie Price’s handbag stolen

Model Katie Price's designer handbag was stolen from her car recently. The glamour model was furious when she discovered that the window of her car had been smashed in after a night out in Horsham in Sussex. However, she says she felt "stupid" for leaving her valuables under her seat.

The 35-year-old tweeted: "In Horsham someone smashed my window stole my bag with all valuables in! Pure s*** low life's (sic)."

Price also issued an appeal for the safe return of her cream-coloured Louis Vuitton bag and reported the theft to the police. "Anyone who is given a cream round barrel Louis V bag and black Louis V card holder in Horsham, it's mine! Also my valuables inside. Witnesses in denne car park not fennel. Police reported too!(sic)"

I cry all the time: Demi Lovato

Cry baby: Demi Lovato Singer Demi Lovato is an emotionally charged person who gets weepy at small things. The 21-year-old former Disney star said she even cries after hearing a heartfelt compliment from her friend. "I'm so emotional.

I cry all the time. One of my friends told me how proud she was of me and how I've come so far (and that's the last time I cried)," she said.

Lovato also admitted that she suffers from nerves and needed a little advice to calm her down before her Neon Lights tour began earlier this month.

"I get really nervous and insecure when I play guitar or piano on stage. My friend said, 'Don't think about it too much, just play'," she said. — PTI

Priceless!

Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Robert Downey Jr have become the top-earning actors of 2013, according to a recent survey. The 38-year-old Oscar-winning actress has topped the female list with an income of USD 33 million, whereas Downey Jr topped the male list with an earning of USD 75 million from the Iron Man franchise.

Jennifer Lawrence was second to Jolie with USD 26 million. Kristen Stewart (USD 21.5 million), Jennifer Aniston (USD 20 million) and Emma Stone (USD 16 million) rounded out the top five. The 48-year-old actor's earning was followed by Channing Tatum with USD 60 million, Hugh Jackman with USD 55 million and Mark Wahlberg with USD 51 million. — PTI

CHATTER BOX

On the fast track
Every TV actor wants to act in films. While some get a chance, others wait for the big break. We take a look at some actors who have bagged big projects recently.

Balancing act

RJ Mantra: He is the latest TV actor to enter Bollywood. No wonder, he is on cloud nine. While his debut Bollywood film is set to release in May, he has already signed another film. He is also balancing television and theatre simultaneously.

Get set go

Siddharth Shukla: Playing Shiv in Balika Vadhu and later showing off his dancing prowess in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6 surely worked for Siddharth. He has signed a three film deal with Karan Johar. He will make his debut in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya.

To be or not to be

Mohit Raina: He shot to fame with his show Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev. Film-makers noticed his good looks and acting skills on the show. The actor has been offered a movie by a popular production house, but he is still double-minded as to accept or decline it.

Success calling

Karan Wahi: He rose to popularity with Remix and some other shows. Later he won the hearts of audiences in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 and also has been hosting Nach Baliye since the last two seasons. Karan is thrilled to have signed a film with Parineeti Chopra under the banner of Yashraj productions. It has been titled Dawate-e-Ishq.

When luck favours...

Mohammad Nazim: His debut show Saath Nibhana Saathiya was a hit. And later, he worked in a Punjabi film called Full Fukre. Now he has got luckier and is doing a Hindi film called Plot Number 666.

Behind the camera

All about love: Sheetal Singh Actress Sheetal Singh, who plays Roshni in Sudhir Sharma's Paanch on Channel V speaks about love, her friends and more...

What does love mean to you?

Love is when you are ready to go to the extremes to express care, understanding, trust and affection for someone special.

All about love: Sheetal Singh

What's your idea of romance?

To me, romance is getting pampered by your partner.

What kind of man you would like to date?

If it's only dating, then I'd like to be with a man who pampers me.

Who do you bond the most with on the sets?

I bond with Kashi who plays Gauri in the show. It's funny how we get along so well because we play rivals on the show.

Who are your 4 am friends?

My mom and my younger brother are my 4 am friends. I am very close to my younger brother, I can talk anything with him, from boyfriends to problems to joys. I admire and really love him.

Going big on TV

Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez is expanding her presence on the small screen. She has landed a new role as an undercover cop in an upcoming drama. The 44-year-old will play the lead role in Shades of Blue, a new crime show focusing on a single-mother detective who is recruited to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"Jennifer is an extraordinary talent and life force, and we're delighted to be in business with her,” said Jennifer Salke, of America's NBC TV network. — IANS

Unexpectedly excited

Singer Christina Aguilera was not expecting to get pregnant for the second anytime soon, but now that she is pregnant, she is happy about it.

The singer is expecting her first child with new fiancé Matt Rutler. She already has Max, 6, with ex-husband Jordan Bratman. Sources say the new pregnancy "wasn't expected", but it also wasn't unwelcome. "They are all very excited though! Christina loves being a mom. They just want a healthy baby," added the source. — IANS

Role call

Actress Yami Gautam says she can relate to her character in her forthcoming film Total Siyapaa because she has experienced the same situations in real life.

A cross-border love story, Yami is seen as Punjabi girl Asha who falls in love with a Pakistani, Aman, played Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zafar. "I think in terms of situations and gravity of the problems, I am little closer to Asha," Yami said while promoting her film.

However, she feels unlike her, Asha is over-confident. Directed by E Niwas, Total Siyapaa features Kirron Kher and Anupam Kher. — IANS

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Pay heed to wise counsel. Do not intervene in others disputes. Housewives: Stick to routine activities. Those looking for a job will receive a suitable offer. There is also a suggestion of indiscretion in love. Tarot message: Be creative if you want to retain your grip in your business. Lucky color: Red. Magic Number: 59.

TAURUS: Your card "The Chariot" brings a busy day ahead. Students: Do not become reckless. You should be careful about your own health and well-being of your parents. Your pet is a source of happiness. Tarot message: Wait a while and everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky color: Saffron. Magic Number: 47.

GEMINI: Hidden relationship proves a headache. Indecision could be crippling at the moment. Set aside time to get in touch with your thoughts and feelings. It will allow you to understand your inner motives. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Black. Magic Number: 37.

CANCER: Today most of your time and attention should be centered around your personal life. Arguments with your spouse could become serious. Wishing for change will only leave you depressed and frustrated. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic Number: 25.

LEO: Real estate deals should be left alone for the time being. Cheerful morning for sportsmen. You will find new opportunities opening up for you. Maintain a low profile in the party. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Royal blue Magic Number: 27.

VIRGO: Your personal plans will be met with some stiff opposition. You reputation could be at a risk. Act impartially. A step child may suffer from behavioral problems. Tarot message: You can stabilize your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky colour: Purple Magic Number: 63.

LIBRA: Money wise, the day is slow. Friends may lose your confidence. Let your energy be turned towards artistic work. Group activities are likely to be heard in a one-on-one discussion. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Silver Magic Number: 26.

SCORPIO: Go all out to improve your position at work. Students: Love can be found on the campus. If you are relaxing at home, visit a local market and enjoy the sights and sounds. Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors that could lead you in a more lucrative direction. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic Number: 54

SAGITTARIUS: Shopkeepers may find the day quite hectic. Actors are feeling very positive and optimistic. An intense discussion with your partner early on can play on your mind all day long. Tarot message: You have well-wishers around, who will give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic Number: 30.

CAPRICORN: Do not worry; discuss your plans with loved ones. In the evening children will be a source of happiness and joy. A partnership might be in the pipeline and looks set for success. Tarot message: Take limited risks and don't jeopardize your long term capital. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic Number: 57.

AQUARIUS: Domestic issues come up for urgent consideration. Have no worries, your work is well under control. Make an effort to understand and accept your relationships. Tarot message: Health of an elderly member at home will need looking after. Lucky colour: Deep crimson. Magic Number: 54.

PISCES: Romantic life takes upswing. A good day to try your luck in speculative deals. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility. Prioritize your plans and obligations. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: Peach Magic Number: 33.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 25...

A good time for making new contacts. You'll have great opportunities to consolidate your relationship; you'll decide important dates of your life with your beloved. As this period begins, you will find ways to cooperate with people around. An incredible year begins on your birthday whereby a sense of speculation, determination and tenacity will help you to go forward in your career. Those born after 1980 will have more energy to be infused in the projects they wish to undertake. Your financial status will remain stable despite your risk-taking abilities. Some of you would get opportunities to start new business.

Positive colours: Black, aqua.

Select days: Sunday, Tuesday

Favourable numbers: 1,4,9

Gems recommended: Blue sapphire, diamond

Charity on birthday: Donate saffron coloured sweets to needy /langar/religious place.

You share your birthday with Shahid Kapoor (February 25, 1981, Delhi, born to Pankaj Kapoor and Neelima Azeem) made his debut as a lead actor in Ishq Vishk. Sun and Moon both are strong in his horoscope.

He will shine in 2015.





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