The best mix
The magic behind the console comes with talent. And DJ Aqeel has loads of it. Here’s getting to know the DJ more
Ashima Batish

Remixing is a cross between technology and art. While technology is a constant, art is a variable and changes with the person at the console. If both had been a constant, there wouldn’t have been any difference between DJ Aqeel and the one playing music at a ‘sangeet’ in the neighbourhood. “Technology helps you extract vocals from music but how to get it, modulate it and re-present it is where the skill of the DJ comes in,” shares DJ Aqeel, in Chandigarh on Friday to launch Hippodrome-Bar & Night Club at Park Plaza. This is one of the night clubs that Aqeel will manage, besides his popular ones — Hype and RSVP. He shares excerpts from his journey.

Desi Magic is your first project in Bollywood as a music director. What took you so long to make a shift from making remixes to creating original score?

I never got an opportunity before. So when producer of the film, Amisha Patel, came to me with the offer I readily accepted. Even I never thought of becoming a music director before. There are five tracks in the film, two original and three remixed.

You have been coming to Chandigarh for twelve years now. Do you spot any difference between the partying crowds then and now?

The general opinion is that people here like only Punjabi music, but now there is an inclination towards global music. They have good knowledge of what music is popular in which part of the world. People love Honey Singh and Mika in Punjab; so do I. They are close friends and I enjoy remixing their songs as well. Likewise, I look up to Vishal Shekhar and Shankar Ehsaan Loy from Bollywood.

DJing has become a popular profession among youngsters but do you think there is enough scope for everyone? Hasn’t the industry already become saturated?

It’s a wrong notion that we have more DJs and less work for them. Each year in October, during the weddings season, as many as 15,000 weddings take place on one day. Then there are other related ceremonies, plus parties in the night clubs, private parties and so much more. I alone got 200 offers for functions in October. So, there is a lot of scope for everyone.

There was a phase during the late nineties right till 2003 when remixes were a rage whereas now, hardly any album is cut. What are the reasons?

Remixes have died. Nobody is reviving old songs anymore and cutting an album is out of question. It is partly because the way people buy music has changed. They download it through I-tunes and other music portals. Also with so much of variety available, people don’t want to revisit old melodies. However, I still believe Kishore Kumar was the best musician India has ever produced.

Your wife, Farah Ali Khan, is a famous jewellery designer and yours is a travelling job? How do you balance your personal and professional lives?

I only travel on weekends and work for 100 days a year, rest of the time I spend with my family. I have known Farah for 19 years and for 15 years we have been married, so it’s like we have spent half of the life together! So, we have mastered the art of leading a balanced life.

How did you deal with the questions that people asked regarding Hrithik Roshan and Suzzane Khan’s split, since she is your sister-in-law?

I didn’t deal with it at all. All I did was switch off my phone but the funny part is that when I switched it on the next morning, there were 200 missed calls. I can’t answer any question on behalf of others; also they are not an immediate family.

What are your future projects?

I am excited about an international project with very popular singers. It will release sometime this year and it is my dream project.

ashima@tribunemail.com

Song and string
Bulgarian Puppet show Tumba Lumba’s director Hristina Arsenova is excited to perform here
Amarjot Kaur

(L-R) Georgi Minkov, Nedelina Roselinova and Hristina Arsenova
(L-R) Georgi Minkov, Nedelina Roselinova and Hristina Arsenova

Although puppets evolved into cartoons and animation characters over time, the essence of this age-old art form is still in the rawness of its execution and innovative experimentation, which infuses in this art form the much-needed novelty and drama. On the last day of the second edition of the International Theatre Puppet Festival, at the Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, the actors and director, Hristina Arsenova, of theatre group State Puppet Theatre-Burgas of Bulgaria, speak volumes about their show Tumba Lumba.

Hristina, the author and director of the show, says, “This play does not hang on the string of a formatively defined story. The actors will be seen switching between various acts, which will hang on a song each and they will be seen in different costumes. Also, the audience will get to witness various puppets that are made out of things of daily use,” says Hristina, who is in India for the first time. “Basically, this show showcases Bulgarian traditions, customs, rituals, nature, seasons and music. So, there are a lot of elements in this play,” she adds. The music of this play is essentially Bulgarian folk music, which is pre-recorded.

Admitting that the tradition of puppetry in Bulgaria is not as old as it is India, she shares that there are three main categories of theatre in Bulgaria but puppetry remains her favourite. “In Bulgaria, we have drama theatre, opera and puppet theatre, but I have an intrinsic inclination towards puppetry. It is mainly because most of the puppet shows are based on common folklores and fairytales, which sit very well with children. Besides, puppet shows allow children to visualise and imagine. It generates a strong impact as it weaves the imagination into a story that is brought to reality as we perform it,” she says.

While talking about her theatre group, Hristina, who is accompanied by four actors, Georgi Minkov, Humyana Kraleva, Dian Rusev and Nedelina Roselinova, says, “We have performed across five continents so far, including India, France, Turkey and Korea. Also, we have a repertory of 25 productions and we create four productions annually. We specialise in Bulgarian folk tales and classical children literature.” Hristina has been directing plays for as many as 20 years now and about Tumba Lumba, she says, “This play is all about singing and dancing and it has a very good vibe.”

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Abuses abused?
The use of cuss words in films and also by singers is growing by the day. But are we crossing the limits of decency? Here's checking out with people from the industry
Mona

Abhishek Saxena
Abhishek Saxena

Seems like it's rather 'cool' to blurt out expletives today, without bothering where you are or who are you with! The problem grows manifold when our artistes go overboard with their creations or on the stage. Honey Singh has come under the scanner more than once; Hard Kaur landed in a controversy yet again at a student festival in New Delhi. While some dub it as a generation being 'honest' others worry about its impact on young minds.

Says director Abhishek Saxena, who is busy shooting his next movie Life Biryani, "Our industry has done well without any use of cuss words; suddenly it has become fashionable to add a hearty dose of abuses as an easy way to catch attention. While in Gangs of Wasseypur it was the demand of the situation, each time that is not the case. Not just films, singers have followed the suit blindly too." This young director wishes to refrain from making something that's not comfortable for a family to sit together and enjoy.

BA Pass turned out to be an exceptional success and its debutante director Ajay Behl is floored with appreciation both from critics and audience alike. Deftly handling a sensitive theme, Ajay shoots straight on our subject, "Abuses can't be abused. It's perfectly valid if a certain language is used in the right emotional pitch, if it's expressive of the mental trauma the character is going through but not otherwise." As for singers, he is dead against abuses being part of a song.

Novelist and film director Piyush Jha shares, "If I like a song I might sing it irrespective of cuss words. Like I might hum Bhaag DK Bose, but I will stay away from something that is horribly dirty or irreverent." On the other hand, Singer Jasbir Jassi is appalled by singer stooping so low. "A generation that's very ambitious sometimes just forgets the right thing. Anything that's gets attention is done," says Jassi, who has turned down many songs and films as he found them crude. "It's not just the foul words; I am also pained by the grammar that's being doled out in Hindi and Punjabi. Bit of Balle Balle or Shava Shava and that's what is considered Punjabi," says the singer, whose latest Dhol is garnering great response.

Screenwriter and lyricist Niranjan Iyengar puts the record straight. "Our thoughts, speech and actions have undergone a major change; so has our cinematic language and lyrics. Earlier we would put a great deal of thought before speaking but not now. Everything runs in fast forward mode — be it our speech or actions," says Niranjan, who has given lyrics and dialogues in films like My Name Is Khan, Kal Ho Na Ho, Fashion and Kurbaan. And he has steered clear of objectionable language. "No one points a gun on your head and asks you to do dirty work. When I sat down to write the item number Halkat Jawani, I stayed away from in-your-face vulgarity."

mona@tribunemail.com

Punjabi Tadka
Thinking right
Jasmine Singh

Hardy Sandhu
melody man: Hardy Sandhu

It was his track Soch that changed the ‘soch’ of Punjabi music listeners. Well, not literally though. Punjabi singer Hardy Sandhu created waves with his track Soch that received great reviews. Hazel-coloured eyes, a neat goatee and hair done up stylishly, Hardy continues to mesmerise with his soothing romantic tracks. Harry, who started his singing career in 2012, has a long way to go.

Had I not been a singer…

I would have been a cricketer for sure. I have professionally played cricket, but an injury made me quit.

Changing point in my music career

My track Soch changed everything for me. It got 10 million views in the first week of its release. It is through this track that my real self as a singer has come out. This is how I sing and this is what I always wanted to sing.

Best live performance

I rocked the floor at SD College last year. It was one hell of a show.

What about live shows

The response that I get from the audience is amazing; there is something that I like about a live show.

The best compliment till date

(Laughs) Soch is a great track! There is nothing beyond this.

Artist I would like to collaborate with

Diljit Dosanjh; he is a fabulous person, singer and actor

Singer-actor or actor-singer

I am a singer first; although I am making my Pollywood debut with Yaaran Da Katchup.

Time spent on Facebook

I don’t have much time at my disposal these days, so I go on FB only when I have to put an update.

Left on an island alone

I would take my musical instruments, phone and water.

Favourite song

Kyun ki tum hi ho…. I hum it all day along

What is currently playing on i-pod?

My upcoming track.

What’s up?

I am working on my single as well as album simultaneously.

Future Shock
Stay connected
The future of free messaging apps sure looks bright…
Nishtha Shukla Anand

Now that Facebook has agreed to buy WhatsApp in an unprecedented $19 billion deal, the future of free messaging apps looks brighter. Facebook has lately become a hangout place for parents to stay connected and possibly get a peek into their children's life. Little wonder then, teenagers have started distancing themselves from Facebook. Acquisition of WhatsApp by the social media giant is being seen as a way to engage these younger members of the society.

In only five years of starting out, WhatsApp had 450 million users and it is adding a million visitors every day. In a short conference call with journalists, Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said, "No one in the history of the world has ever done something like this."

There are two things about WhatsApp that make it such a hit. First, it's easy to use, so anyone in any part of the world can do it. Second, one can use this interesting messaging service on almost any phone available in the world.

Certainly, WhatsApp is a must-have for anyone who is tech-savvy and wants to stay connected.

Here are some other messaging services that one can use:

GroupMe: This one works on most phones as well as the laptop. Just like WhatsApp, GroupMe also allows you to share text, videos and photos. However, this is primarily a group messenger and works like another social network.

Line: For those who enjoy playing games and hold video calls with friends, Line is the ideal tool. Apart from sending the regular text messages, Line also allows you to video conference with friends who use it. However, those who like it simple might not hold onto this one.

WeChat: This interesting phone messaging service engaged stars like football player Lionel Messi globally; and Parineeti Chopra and Varun Dhawan in India to popularise it as a hip, young and must-have app. However, it has not been able to engage a lot of users primarily because it is a Chinese app.

(Nishtha is a Chandigarh-based technology expert)

Just beat it

Live performance will make the party lovers groove to its tune as Pune-based TripShot Crew is all set to electrify the environment at F-Bar and Lounge in Chandigarh this Sunday. Gear up for 'Sunday Sundowners', the weekly musical show. Witness music, fun and lip-smacking delicacies on the open and beautiful terrace of the newly launched F Bar and Lounge which gives you a spectacular city view.

TripShot Crew has been part of various forefront venues, parties and festival across the country and has played alongside stellar line ups, NH7 Weekender 12, NH7 Weekender 13, Basscamp Festival, OML Smash Up, Oktobeer Fest, The Local Scene, The High Cookout / Big gigs, Recoup, Tonic 411, Recoup, Disco 31 to name a few. — TNS

Master Chef
Something fishy
Ranjan Dibya

The season to relish fish in its various forms is at its peak now. Though it is taken all over the year in other parts of the country, for the north it is a "no! no!" from May to August. So enjoy it while you can with this very light dish.

Oriental fish cakes

Ingredients

1 egg
Salt to taste
1 tsp lime zest
100 gm fish fillets
1/2 tsp fish sauce
½ tsp lemon juice
1tsp light soya sauce
2 cloves garlic minced
Sunflower oil for frying
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1cup panko bread crumb
Sweet Chile dipping sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 tsp freshly ground pepper corn
½ cup chopped green onions (spring onion)

Method

Put the fish, ginger, garlic in a food processor until minced.

Transfer to a large bowl and add the eggs, cilantro, green onions, lime zest, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Using your hand gently fold and toss the ingredients together until well combined. Adjust the seasoning as per your taste to the fish mixture if needed.

Shape the fish mixture into cakes. Coat each cake thoroughly with the bread crumbs.

Pour oil into the frying pan and heat until it reaches the boiling point and add the cakes, and fry, turning until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to the paper to drain.

Serve hot with sweet Chile dip.

(Dibya is a senior executive chef)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

star track
Saket & his side effects

Saket Chaudhary became a force to reckon with after Pyaar Ke Side effects. After seven years, he is back with his second film, Shaadi Ke Side Effects which has a lot of hype around it. He talks about people he knows in the industry and film-making.

The beginning

Farhan Akhtar , Saket Chaudhary and Vidya Balan
Fun loving: Farhan Akhtar , Saket Chaudhary and Vidya Balan

I wrote my first script for Pyaar Ke Side Effects, but no producer was willing to make it till I met Rahul Bose, who liked the script and took me to meet Rangita Nandy, who then decided to produce it. When I came to Mumbai, my parents supported me financially for the first year, after which I took care of myself. Despite being the seventh assistant to Aziz Mirza, he allowed me to participate in writing and he allowed me to speak in up even in front of a giant star like Shah Rukh Khan, which gave me confidence. Then there was Santosh Sivan. I was just 25, but he gave me the confidence to write a film like Asoka and that was a massive learning curve. He understood the camera and is a genius and one of the most fearless people I know who can do anything. I am neither fearless nor fluid like Aziz sahab or Santosh and may be that is why I liked them so much. I studied at Springdales School in Delhi and I remember telling my teachers in fifth standard that I wanted to be a writer, and they were very encouraging.

Completely Vidya

Vidya read the script four times and took two narrations before she said a yes. But once she is sure, she invests herself completely. I remember once the house in which she and Farhan live in the film was ready, she went there a day in advance to make the space her own and in fact, changed some things there that she felt would go with her character. She will keep a constant conversation about the script going with you to take references of your life and use her own life references for acting.

Farhan & his OCD

Farhan is also very invested in the script. For him, your evaluation comes from the script and if that is good, he has full confidence. He is very precise in taking up things in the script. He does not let go of something he is uncomfortable with and even though he will make his point in a polite manner, he will make his point. Either you have to convince him or he will convince you. He likes to concentrate a lot, so the set needs to be in a certain organised manner for him. He likes order. In fact, his order is borderline OCD.

Arjun, Alia to lock-lips in 2 States

Alia Bhatt has no inhibitions in getting intimate with her co-stars. She locked lips with Siddharth Malhotra in her debut film Student Of The Year and again the young actress shared a steamy lip-lock with Arjun Kapoor in her third outing, 2 States.

The kissing scenes added fuel to the rumor that the couple is truly seeing each other. The couple did not lock lips one or two times but they smooched three times in the upcoming film.

Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt"There are two-three kissing scenes in the film. Both Arjun and Alia were completely comfortable while kissing for the camera. There was no intention to exploit the rumours of their relationship," says an insider. Interestingly, couple of days back Alia also revealed her fondness for Arjun. She said in an interview, "He (Arjun) has a very special place in my life...we were shooting for Highway and 2 States around the same time. He became a good friend of mine. He is a funny person and has a good sense of humour."

Inspired from Chetan Bhagat's novel of the same name, 2 States is a love story of two IIT students. Their cultural differences stand as a barrier in their love life. The girl hails from South and the boy from North. Directed by Abhishek Yarnan, the love story is being produced by UTV Motion Pictures in association with Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiadwala.
state of affair: Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

Life’s good

Preity Zinta opens up about her finances, movies, and love life.

Bankruptcy rumours

I feel sad that people are suggesting that I am renting out my place to pay off my debts, which runs into the Rs 5-10 lakh figure. Do you think I stay in a shack? I have lived in that house for 10 years and will continue to stay there. I am talking about this now because it has snowballed into a major controversy. I am an entrepreneur too and have many more things (besides acting) to do. I invested in a cricket team, but people think it happened because I was dating a rich guy. That's not the truth. We live in a sexist, regressive society.

Lean patch

Yes, I took a loan for my first movie as a producer. That's how one does it. It didn't work but I am not the one to be bogged down. It was an experiment, a learning experience. Can you think of one production house that has not had a film that didn't work? I am the only person who has made a film where no one lost money. I have done many right things so I can accommodate a failure. I was a bit arrogant in some ways and also had some bad luck. But there's something coming up soon. Now I have learnt enough to direct a film.

Special someone

You will find out soon. You know me, I can't keep a secret for long. I took a very tough decision to walk away from everything that I had, and follow my heart. Everyone wrote me off and said someone else must have done it for her. But I can say that my life is going good and I don't regret anything at all.

Crowd puller

A huge crowd gathered in Gaya in Bihar to see Aamir Khan who was there to talk about Satyamev Jayate and a 50,000 strong crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of him. The show will premiere on March 2.

Baby Doll in business

There's no business like show business and who better than the actors to know this, given the millions they earn from live performances. After Laila in Shootout At Wadala, Baby Doll from Ragini MMS-2, Sunny's live show market soaring to a new high.

With the track becoming a chartbuster and garnering over 4.5 million hits online, Leone's manager, Daniel Weber, has been inundated with offers for her to perform live to the song.

A source says, "She has already received five stage show offers for different cities. She is quoting a hefty fee and the price is expected to go even higher with the release of Chaar Botal Vodka, co-starring Yo Yo Honey Singh." When contacted, Leone, who is currently shooting in Malaysia, said, "I knew Baby Doll would be a hit from the first time I heard it.”

Hot properties
SRK, Farhan Akhtar honoured at Mirchi Music Awards

Megastar Shah Rukh Khan and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar were honoured at the 6th Mirchi Music Awards. The event, organised by Radio Mirchi, was held on Thursday. Shah Rukh, known for his romantic numbers such as Tujhe dekha to ye jaana sanam (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge), Humko hami se chura lo (Mohabbatein) and Are re are ye kya hua (Dil To Pagal Hai), bagged the Reliance Digital Presents Mirchi face of romantic songs award.

"Extremely touched by all singers coming together to do this for me. It's given me 10 years of energy to go on stronger and harder. Thanks Mirchi," he tweeted. Farhan, who missed the function, was given Royal Stag Make it Large award. Among the music categories, Aashiqui 2 won maximum number of awards. It bagged as many as seven of them including song of the year— jury for Tum hi ho, album of the year—jury and Royal Stag Listeners Choice Album of the year. Some of the performers included Arijit Singh, Mika Singh, Vishal Dadlani and Shekhar Ravjiani. — IANS

New address

Kangna Ranaut has moved into her new deluxe house in Khar, suburban Mumbai. She stayed with her parents in Andheri for a couple of months before moving as her new house was getting ready. She will throw a party next month for the same.

Leading lady

Deepika Padukone's next film is a woman-centric one directed by Shoojit Sircar with her as the main protagonist and it might also star Amitabh Bachchan and Irrfan Khan.

Grey zone

Neil Nitin Mukesh will play Salman Khan's brother with the shades of grey in Sooraj Barjatya's upcoming family saga.

Side kick

Purab Kohli has a supporting role in Shaadi Ke Side Effects. He has more scenes with Vidya Balan than Farhan Akhtar.

Bhatt’s Bad debut

Aspiring actor Rahul Bhatt, who was an accused in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, will finally make his Bollywood debut in his dad Mahesh Bhatt's upcoming production Bad. The film is expected to on floors by next year.

His sister Pooja Bhatt, who is co-producing the film, tweeted: "Rahul Bhatt to debut in 'BAD' & believes Alia Bhatt is the Meryl Streep of India."

Earlier Rahul had groused his father for not giving him a chance to work in his films though he launched many newcomers through his production banner. However, Bhatts said that he wasn't in the business of making films to promote his kith and kin.

Socially correct!

Parineeti Chopra and Shraddha Kapoor took to social media to congratulate Alia Bhatt on her fabulous performance in Highway. How sweet!

A lot in a surname

Actress Kaley Cuoco has added the surname of her husband, tennis player Ryan Sweeting, and says it makes her happy.

The 28-year-old, who exchanged vows with Ryan in January, says she felt it was a respectful thing to add her husband's surname. "I felt like I really wanted to do that, I felt it was a respectful thing to do. And it happens to be an adorable last name, so that helped," said the actress who now writes Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting. The couple dated for only three months before getting engaged last year. "Ryan and I met and it was completely hearts in our eyes and I get emotional talking about it because he's the most wonderful person in the world. We couldn't be happier. Truly, we couldn't be happier. It was meant to be," she said. — IANS

Jai ho Danny

Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle visits India once a year to meet his young actors Rubina Ali and Azharuddin Ismail. The English film director has built a Jai Ho Trust for the two that ensures Ali and Ismail are given education and housing facilities, and are given financial security as well. 

Jolie can cook

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie reportedly tried to master the art of cooking and also learnt some culinary tricks from a professional in Australia. The 38-year-old actress raises six kids Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne with partner Brad Pitt.

The lessons will particularly favour her kids, who reportedly have varied food preferences. The actress is "very proud" of her new skill. — PTI

Game point

Warner Bros has picked up the movie rights to Minecraft, one of the biggest video games currently out there. Roy Lee, one of the producers of mega-hit The Lego Movie is on board to produce the live-action adaptation. A video game sensation, Minecraft has sold over 35 million copies across platforms such as Xbox 360 and iOS devices since being introduced in 2009. And that's on top of the 14 million units sold for PC.

It was created by Swedish programmer Markus Persson. — ANI

Fast track action

Fast and Furious 7 is set to resume filming this April. Production of the film was halted temporarily after Paul Walker died in a car crash in late November. According to the Hollywood Reporter, instead of killing Walker's character Brian O'Conner in the film, producers have decided to 'retire' him. — ANI

chatter box
Biggies on Boogie Woogie

The sets of Boogie Woogie came to a standstill as Bollywood beauties Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla, both known for their gorgeous smiles, came on the sets to promote their upcoming movie Gulaab Gang. Juhi Chawla, dressed in a beautiful white gown, along with a chic looking Madhuri Dixit mesmerised everyone. In fact, they were also spellbound by the stellar performances of the contestants.

Boogie woogie
Star power: Boogie woogie

Madhuri Dixit set the stage on fire when she performed on her most popular song Dhak dhak karne laga with Preetjyot dressed as a girl. She enthralled the audience with her signature moves on the popular song, leaving them asking for more. Mumtaz's robotic act captivated Madhuri to such an extent that she hit him with a flower in true Hum aapke hain kaun style!

On the other hand, Juhi Chawla shook a leg with Aryan on the song Aye mere humsafer and later revealed, "If Aryan would have been of my age, I would have fallen in love with him".

So get ready to watch the magic of Juhi Chawla and Madhuri Dixit on Boogie Woogie, this Saturday at 8:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Right act

Producer Nikhil Sinha's fantasy show Hatim has an interesting cast and actor Krishna Singh Bisht, who plays Qasim, is one of them. Krishna, who hails from Delhi, has done theatre for five years under NK Sharma's group Act One.

Krishna says, "I came to Mumbai in 2005 and did many ad films, as also a few small roles. In a way, the role of Qasim in Hatim is my first daily soap. I liked the character of Qasim — a lot of which is based on the concept of Paisa phekh tamasha dekh. He can do anything for money, but is helpful too. In a way, Qasim is unpredictable but loved by kids."

Talking about the inspiration for the character, Krishna says, "People may compare this role with Pirates Of The Caribbean, but I took the inspiration from our yesteryears actor - legendary Jeevan saab. His mannerism and dialogue throwing has become my inspiration; I would like to thank Nikhil sir too. He has also helped me in my look and performance, as he has a huge experience."

Krishna has also worked in movies like Ram Leela and Vicky Donor.

Parting ways

Buzz is that after being together for some years now, Aashka Goradia and her beau Rohit Bakshi have now spilt. The couple was supposed to get married this year, but it seems the plans have been foiled as after six years they have gone their different ways.

Sing along

In the next episode of Star Plus' Mad In India, singers Udit Narayan and Mika Singh will make an appearance. The two singers entertained the audiences by singing numerous songs. They even had a mini competition in multiple languages, which enthralled one and all.

Animal instinct!

Uttaran stars have been shooting in a secluded location in Filmcity, where one hears of cases of leopards being spotted. The unit too has seen evidence of the animal lurking around, but that hasn't stopped them from shooting in the area that is closer to a jungle.

Dramatic affair

In the upcoming episodes of Madhubala, Bebe will have a heart attack after hearing the news that Abhay has decided to quit acting. She will then ask him to marry soon. But his step mom will not like this and try to dissuade him.

Longer innings

Get ready for one-hour long episodes of Life Ok's Ek Boond Ishq and Gustakh Dil in the coming few weeks. The tracks will be dramatic with marriage, deceit and fatal disease in the middle of it all. The actors, although excited about this challenge, will have to work long hours to shoot.

Ekta withdraws

Ekta Kapoor has apparently bowed out of her TV production Jodha Akbar. After some organisations objected to the content and story of the show, which also affected her film releases, she decided to withdraw as producer. Reports are that the channel is trying to retain her.

first day first show
Quite effective

Shaadi Ke Side Effects is a Bollywood comedy movie. Directed by Saket Chaudhary, the film features Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan in the lead roles, while Ram Kapoor, Vir Das and Hariharan are in the supporting roles. The film revolves around a young couple who experience many comic events after their marriage.

Real take

It's a brilliant film, probably because it is so close to reality. The scenes in the film are the kinds that almost every married couple can identify with. Both Vidya and Farhan have acted very well in the film.

Nandita Shukla, homemaker

For a good laugh

It's a very real film and that is what sets it out from the rest. I like the story of the film and there are some very funny situations, which leave you rolling on the floor laughing. Also, the acting and dialogues in the film are very good. It's a complete paisa wasool!

Sangmeet Kaur, student

Relatable story

I like the film. It's a very good concept and since it's so modern and contemporary, I guess, everyone will be able to relate to it. While watching the film, I felt like, "This has happened to me too." It's a very nice film.

Angad Singh, student

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Today is a hectic day for businesspersons. Fantasy and romance can influence you in a big way, so try to exercise good judgment. Tarot message: Do not cover up your mistakes and keep the emotions aside. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic Number: 30

TAURUS: There will be new projects to deal with. Friends may offer useful ideas. Social activities will get your thought processes active. Tarot message: Don't get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a long period. Lucky colour: Sky blue Magic Number: 31

GEMINI: Home and family life run smoothly. You will get more time to do what you want. Evening favours social get together. Pamper yourself a little today. Health needs attention. Love life will be good. Tarot message: Avoid gossip sessions. Lucky colour: Orange Magic Number: 36

CANCER: Love life will be controversial. Your health can stand in the way of travel plans. Think about what to wear to an up and coming job interview. Focus on your mental and physical well being. Tarot message: Try to get your work in order. Lucky colour: Pink Magic Number: 61

LEO: Avoid using angry words in the heat of the moment. Focus on hobbies and personal matters. Students: You may feel confused about your career. Someone close to you might be sapping your energy with constant complaining. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Silver Magic Number: 32

VIRGO: Overseas inquiries for business will be encouraging. Investments made in new ventures will bring good dividends. You could be daydreaming and plotting fabulous ways to get the things you want today. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic Number: 29

LIBRA: Work wise, you will be doing fine. Love life is controversial. Give more time to domestic duties. Do not suppers your feelings. Love and friendship are likely to take up most of your time. Tarot message: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky colour: White Magic Number: 53

SCORPIO: A strong independent streak will push you to get things done your way. This might not sit well with your partner or business colleagues, so remember to use some of the diplomacy and tact. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Green Magic Number: 43

SAGITTARIUS: The wheels of progress are likely to come to a halt today. Contracts can stall, appointments can be cancelled, and whatever is meant to be happening probably won't. Tarot message: Be creative to retain your grip over business. Lucky colour: Peach Magic Number: 65

CAPRICORN: Not much out of the ordinary is likely to transpire today. Do not overload yourself with work. Working women: control your temper. Pearls of wisdom from an older person are valuable. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic Number: 38.

AQUARIUS: There are too many problems to cope with at home. Partners will not be very understanding. Business conferences will run smoothly under your direction. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic Number: 59

PISCES: If you are thinking of rekindling a past love affair, make a plan for a weekend retreat just for the two of you and reignite the fire. Do not indulge in food and drinks. Take care of your health. Tarot message: Stick to arrangements to get good results. Lucky colour: Navy blue Magic Number: 47

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 1...

Overall, it is a positive year for you. You can look forward to a comfortable time at workplace. You may want to invest in property. Health will be good. But you may have to deal with some hormonal issues. Your efforts, at work, will be appreciated. To win, you must use neither aggression, nor arrogance. Do spend some time in recreational activities. Politicians will enhance their prestige in the public eye. Those in Service will have a satisfactory year. Those born after 1970, may be malicious towards a co-worker. Those who are single, may get married this year. Your financial position will improve and you will be able to keep-up with your commitments.

Positive colours: Golden, red, brown, cream, white, orange and purple.

Select days: Sunday and Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, and 7.

Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire and sunstone.

Charity on birthday: Donate mustard oil, brinjals, utensils or tea leaves to the needy.

You share your birthday with Amit Khanna (March 1, 1951, Delhi), who has worked in theatre, radio, television and films. He started his career as an executive producer with actor-producer Dev Anand's, Nav Ketan in 1971 and subsequently produced many feature films, including, Man Pasand. 





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