|
|
|
|
|
One woman army
Rrupaali Gupta is trying to break stereotypes attached to film producers. She works in tandem with the unit and cares for the cast of her film, Mr and Mrs 420
The man sitting on the editing table comes up with all kind of excuses to get rid of the woman sitting next to him. No amount of requests or almost-genuinely-sounding-excuses will make her leave the room. “I am everywhere and none can get rid of me,” she laughs. The woman, Rrupaali Gupta, is no troublemaker, she is the producer of the Punjabi film, Mr and Mrs 420 releasing under her banner Friday Russh Motion Pictures on March 14. “Isn’t this a reason enough, being producer does not mean just signing a cheque or waiting in a plush hotel room munching goodies. A producer ideally should be responsible for anything and everything in a film,” adds Rrupaali, still joking about how her actors have lovingly given her the title, Hitler. “I don’t mind that. In fact, this just goes on to say they haven’t taken me for a ride.” Rrupaali is one of the few women producers in Pollywood who has the willingness to produce an entertaining film. But in this process, she is already breaking many norms. “To a layman and even to the cast of the film, a producer is only a money giver. However, I ensure that I am present and completely involved in the film. From selecting costumes, listening to the script, going out on a recee for locations, to even waking up my actors in the morning for the shoot, I am involved in everything,” shares Rrupaali. This edgy nature has only won her respect from the cast and crew of her film. “They haven’t seen a producer who is all over,” she can’t stop grinning and telling how careful she is about everything that happens on the sets. “I don’t want anyone to take things easy because I am a woman, I don’t want to give them an impression that I can be fooled into anything. Since, it is my name that goes with the movie, I am doubly careful,” adds this pretty woman who herself picks and drops the actresses of her film from wherever they are staying. Unlike Bollywood where women producer and directors are a common sight, Punjabi films are yet not ready for ‘a woman interfering on a high level.’ “I don’t blame anyone for this. If a woman can run a house, why can’t she run a unit. It’s about letting everyone know that you mean business and nothing else,” adds she. Even at the risk of sounding like a matron, Rrupaali wants to maintain her Hitler image though she mellows down one time too many. Pampering her cast by treating them to fast food is something Rrupaali does often. “My entire unit is like my family, I feel responsible for everyone, which is why I am always worrying about what is happening around.” Rrupaali’s debut film as the producer is already making waves. This is for the first time, the audience would see Binnu Dhillon and actor-singer Babbal Rai dressed up as women. “I am sure, you wouldn’t be surprised to hear that I sat over the film’s story as well, discussing every aspect of it. I have literally seen the characters of the film growing in front of me. Audience will be surprised and entertained to see ‘my’ boys and girls act so well,” shares the producer who has literally adopted the cast of her film. Rrupaali pulls out her phone while she is still talking about her new attribute ‘being strict’, “Oh! I have to check whether my crew has their breakfast on time,” as she dashes out.
|
|
The party goes on…
It doesn't need get late in the night to party right. First they obviate the reasons to party and now the time. "We are trying to introduce this concept called Sunday Sundowners, where you party through the day and right till the sun goes down," shares city based DJ
Chryses, who opens for the Pune based one year old TripShot Crew. That's not where it ends. "We are also trying to introduce new genres like glitch-hop and dub step and the like. This is so that the crowd opens up to what's latest in the music industry," shares the Oxford graduate in sound engineering. He laughs, "I was better at music than in my engineering studies. I learnt deejaying on a software. Ever since I have had musical influences like Armin Van
Buuren, Indecent Noise and Alienfila." He adds, "I am working on an album on progressive trance, for which nine tracks are already done. I like fusing various genres too, genres like trance, electro music, progressive trance."
Joining him are Ved and
Maitreya, with, "absolutely no clue about the crowd." Shares Maitreya, just hours before the performance at F-Bar and Lounge, "With other cities, you know what to expect but with Chandigarh, you never know." Nevertheless, "base heavy genres it is for the two member crew." He adds, "We are going to be playing glitch hop, which in lay man's term is a cross between electronic and hip-hop but it's better understood when listened to than explained."
Tripshot happened in the year 2012, when the two members part from the band called
Egotrip, to pursue, "the kind of music that we wanted to," shares Ved, student of Bachelor's student. "We both have varied influences but namely
Noisia, Mes jus, Black Sun Empire and the like." The influences they try to incorporate in their music and yet let it stay original.
manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
A family man
In Chandigarh to participate in the PTC Awards, Vivek is nonetheless excited. "I am performing in Punjab for the first time. Right now I feel like an 'aadha' Punjabi," he tries to drop in Punjabi lines and one or two odd sentences wherever he can. "My Punjabi is not very good, I get nervous while talking in Punjabi," says Vivek, who is all praise for Punjabi cinema. "Now people in Bollywood are buying rights for Punjabi films. Sitting in Mumbai, we know which Punjabi movie is releasing." Is there something to be read between the lines, something like Vivek is to be seen in a Punjabi movie soon? He laughs, ponders before he answers, "Maybe if I get a good script; as I said my Punjabi is bad. Somehow, I feel we all need to connect to our roots sometimes or the other." After a successful run last year with the TV reality show India's Best Dramebaaz, Bollywood films Grand Masti and Krissh,Vivek is still in no hurry to prove anything. "I am kind of a 'malang' - a recluse. I am more of a 'family man' who likes to spend time with the family as much as I can," shares the actor who goes to Delhi to quickly catch up with his family before he comes back for the award function on March 3. "Hope it doesn't rain," wishes Vivek. He talks about the projects that would keep him busy this year, "Another season of India's Best Drameebaz and Masti 3 by the end of this year - rest I am happy changing my kid's diapers." jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Raise a toast
It was his moment and Varun Sharma lapped up every bit of it. This Fukrey actor, along with the cast of his upcoming film Yaaran Da Katchup, catches up to say cheers to his surging career. Varun, who won the Zee Cine film awards and Star Guild awards in the best comic role category, is definitely creating a good amount of space for himself in this industry. In addition to this, he has been able to lap up the nomination for the Stardust and IIFA awards.
However, it isn’t Varun alone who has a reason to celebrate. Punjabi singer Hardy Sandhu’s album Soch has created waves, actress Yuvika Chaudhary has been nominated as best female debutant in Punjabi movies for her role in Daddy Cool Munde Fool. Hardy who has been travelling for his shows ideally celebrates every moment of life. “When I see people enjoying my work, I know I have achieved something in my career,” adds Hardy.
|
||
|
Astro turf
ARIES: Your lover may be insistent on your amorous attention, whether you are in the mood or not. Do your best to comply and satisfy them. Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled.
Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky blue Magic Number: 28 TAURUS: The cash should be flowing into your account today. Long-term projects and contracts will pay off handsomely. Mental work will be stimulating. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Deep red Magic Number: 32 GEMINI: Relationships move closer to love and intimacy. Once you have decided to follow a certain course of action, stick to it. Women: keep a tight grip on purse. Health needs attention. Tarot message: You may have to push to succeed, but your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Pink Magic Number: 40 CANCER: Turn on your charm and be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunity comes your way. Singles are in luck. It is a perfect day to a cleanup your house. Enjoy an early dinner and go to bed. Tarot message: Be positive and you can build great success. Lucky colour: Peacock green Magic Number: 51 LEO: If you love your job and want to establish a powerful momentum of productivity, this is the right time for you. Income may dwindle and expenses could rise. Do what you can to stabilise your mind and soul. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Forest green Magic Number: 65 VIRGO: Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people know about your plans. Social activities are not favoured. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach Magic Number: 61
LIBRA: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiation with potential contractors, employers, employees, and consultants can be productive. Tarot message: You will find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Orange Magic Number: 47 SCORPIO: “The Magician” will catch you unaware with surprise happenings. It is probably a better period for working in familiar surroundings than travelling. Tarot message: At work, don’t hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Metallic grey Magic Number: 42 SAGITTARIUS: Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one who you love most. Answer business correspondence and pay bills that have been long outstanding. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others. Lucky colour: Pink Magic Number: 35 CAPRICORN: If you have recently taken on a new job or a contract, make sure to negotiate and organise all the terms and conditions. A greater workload is likely to be placed on your shoulders. Tarot message: Don’t make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Lucky colour: Ebony Magic Number: 40 AQUARIUS: Today is the test of your competence at your workplace. The day favours those of you, who are now treading on an unfamiliar ground. Do not pay too much attention to gossip about loved ones. Tarot message: You gain by being practical, so don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic Number: 32 PISCES: Sudden encounters with extraordinary characters may leave a mark on your life. You will find it difficult to pacify your loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered and too willing to criticise you. Tarot message: You gain by being practical. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic Number: 25
|
||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is March 3...
Do not be lured into dubious money ventures. Investment should be handled with extreme care. Misunderstanding with superiors and non co-operation from the colleagues may disturb you. Though business will be normal, many problems can crop up suddenly, especially from the government departments. It is going to be an above-average year. At the work, you will get recognition and appreciation and you will be able to impress your superiors with good communication. Financial matters may bring mixed results. Singles may not meet their match this year. Before venturing into new endeavours, seek the blessings of elders. You will get new opportunities to earn more. Speculation will be gainful. You may invest in fixed assets, stocks, and shares. Positive colours: Yellow, cream, sea green, purple, and red Select days: Thursday and Tuesday Favourable numbers: 3, 6, and 9 Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, red coral, and ruby. Charity on birthday: You may donate white eatables, including bread to the needy or to any religious place today.
You share your birthday with Shraddha Kapoor (March 3, 1989), who is the youngest of the two children born to veteran actor, Shakti Kapoor and Shivangi. She debuted in Bollywood with a film, Teen Patti, starring veteran star Amitabh Bachchan. She has a bright career in the tinsel world.
|
||
|
Of people, for people
Funny co-incidence
Deepshika Nagpal, who got married to Kaishav Arora recently, was approached to play his step mother in a serial. What happened was that Kaishav was being considered for Abhay Kapoor's role in Madhubala while she for the role of his step mother. She obviously rejected the offer.
Enroute success
Harshad Arora, the latest entrant in the list of TV actors, is enjoying his stint as Zain in Beintehaa. And this model-turned-actor didn’t even plan his career. He talks to us about his journey, his show
and more. What are you enjoying most about your role? Everything about Zain is fun. I love the character and the show, as it’s really nice. We have some really wonderful co-stars and a great team. We have got positive feedback for the show. Apparently, you got this big break within months of trying? Yes. I came to Mumbai and within 9-10 months I got this break. It’s only when talent meets opportunity that your luck shines. It’s not simply getting lucky, there is more to it. How’s your experience of acting with co-star Preetika Rao who plays Aaliya? She’s a professional and we have become friends too. We get along well and rehearse our scenes together, which is why our chemistry is appreciated. How did acting happen to you? I never thought of becoming an actor. When I was in college in Delhi, I did some modelling and offers kept coming. I modelled for a few years and later worked in a public relations company. I got a few television offers too, post which I came to Mumbai. Who are your friends in the industry? I have a set of few friends and most of them are from Delhi. They came with me. It’s hard to keep in touch as work schedules are too hectic.
Increased fan following!
Rohit Bhardwaj who plays Yudishter in Mahabharat, says that he is happy that he is being appreciated as Yudishter. “I wanted to look as real and convincing as possible and thankfully I am being appreciated,” says he. But that didn't come easy to him. "I have grown up watching BR Chopra's Mahabharat but while preparing for this Mahabharat, we didn't watch it as we did not want to imitate. The response is giving me an increased fan following and it is an icing on the cake," he added.
Leading the cause
Aamir Khan has lent his voice to the title song of Satyamev Jayate. He will sing one stanza of the song. Written by Prasoon Joshi and composed by Ram Sampath, the video a new one and will feature people from all strata of life.
Emotional journey
Anup Soni and his wife Juhi Babbar went to Lahore recently. They stayed there for four days and visited Wagha Border. The couple's grandfathers lived there, so they wanted to visit the place.
Silver screen calling
After hosting Roadies, VJ Rannvijay will be seen in a film once again. He has signed a film with director Abbas Tyrewala, which also stars the director’s brother. Rannvijay is also considering another film apparently.
|
||
|
For a happier you
Renee Singh
Expressive writing
Writing in any which way is helpful regardless of which form of writing you use. Studies have proved that expressive writing had reduced the symptoms of depression in people who had a habit of brooding. Focus on present
When you actively focus on a present moment and try to consciously prevent your mind from fixating on the past events or future fears, it is easier to let go of negative emotions surrounding these things. Meditation
This is also a method of focused concentration. Highly popular as a method of stress reduction, it has been endorsed by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and many other celebrities. Change thoughts
Cognitive therapy suggests that the way you think about an event can shape the emotional response that you give in a situation. The same situation can be viewed as a threat and the same can be viewed as a challenge. Cognitive re-structuring
Understand how your thoughts colour your experiences and use this information to restructure your thinking process. Change behavior
Take the ''fake it till you make it'' approach. Add a few new stress management activities in your life. Behavior therapy is a proven way of curing stress. Despite the fact that we apply these strategies sometimes, it is difficult to let go of stressful feelings that surround our lives. Change perspective
You can learn to look at your situation from a newer perspective. View the situation through new lens, instead of dwelling on negatives. Why is it difficult?
In such times, it is very hard to go with the flow and we need to realise that we must make a special effort to lead a happier life. Behavioral therapy has been considered 80 per cent effective in the treatment of stressful tendencies. It works relatively quickly and it is a very effective way of dealing with a problem. Damaging thought patterns
These emerge from emotional stress and lead to ill health, which is also known as psychosomatic illness. Which stress reliever best suits your personality? The best way to stick on to a stress-relieving habit is to choose the right one. There are so many stress relievers available but not every strategy is suitable to every individual. It is important to judge one's strengths, weaknesses and tastes and then figure which is the best stress-reliever suited to your personality. Stress-relieving techniques make it easier for you to stay with newer and healthier habits. (Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist) |
||
|
Shopping on the house!
Pop star Beyonce Knowles reportedly spent more than three hours looking for new outfits at a high street fashion store. The 32-year-old singer, who happened to be in London for her Mrs Carter World Tour's concert, was recently offered to shop for free at the city's Topshop store, reported a website. "Topshop boss Sir Philip Green had personally invited Beyonce to go and take whatever she wanted. She decided to go on Thursday on a night off from her Mrs Carter Tour and took along her entourage and baby," a source said. "Beyonce picked up clothes for herself, friends, family and her daughter, all for free," the source added. — PTI
Catching them young
Lead actors of soon to be released Bewakoofiyaan, Sonam Kapoor and Ayushmann Khurrana have kick started promotions for the rom-com. The duo recently hosted a fun press conference at Wellingkar's Institute of Management Studies.
Of the right influence
Shahid Kapoor wants his rumoured girlfriend Sonakhsi Sinha to shed some weight. Shahid is a fitness freak and wherever he goes, he takes his mini gym with him. His dedication towards healthy body and mind impressed Sonakshi so much that she became regular with workouts. Of late, Sonakshi has been gyming regularly. She even exercises regularly on her terrace and the results are for all to see. She has shed oodles
of weight post R..Rajkumar and looks extremely glamorous. Few days back, the Dabangg actress posted a picture of herself while sweating out.
Their love story kick-started on the sets of R..Rajkumar and it blossomed eventuallyShahid even supported her on Koffee With
Karan. A source says, "Sonakshi and Shahid were acquaintances when they started shooting for the movie but later, as they got to spend time with each other, they realised that they were more than friends. And both also happened to be single."
No pictures, please
Madhuri Dixit was at a lounge in Bhopal Airport and she was asked to leave because she did not have a picture clicked with an airport official who was a fan. Her representative says that she was tired and this was no way to treat her. She doesn’t really get into a lot of controversies. So when she does, we ought to give her benefit of doubt.
The wake-up call
Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Farah Khan says the sound of noisy toys of her son is her best alarm to wake up in the morning. The 49-year-old director, who has two daughters and a son, said she does not need any other alarm to get up. "You don't need a morning alarm when you have a 6 yr old boy who's got a drum set as a birthday present!!! Now to find out who gave this gift!," Farah tweeted. Farah is currently busy with the filming of her Diwali-release Happy New Year, which reunites Deepika Padukone with her Chennai Express co-star Shah Rukh Khan. Other cast of the film includes Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Vivaan Shah and Sonu Sood among others.
— PTI
Justin Bieber’s quiet birthday...
Troubled pop star Justin Bieber celebrated his milestone 20th birthday with a low key party surrounded by his family. Bieber's father Jeremy Bieber flew to the singer's new home in Atlanta, Georgia, with his other children, Jazmyn, 5 and Jaxon, 4, to spend time with the Baby hit maker, who turned 20 yesterday, reported a publication.
"Happy Birthday son. Wow 20!" Jeremy tweeted. The singer's mother Pattie Mallette, who split from Jeremy when Bieber was 2, also tweeted "Happy Birthday you know who! I love you. Xoxo". Wishes from fans and friends poured in for the teen pop sensation. "Happy Birthday to you Justin Bieber !!!" A friend named Johnny Shahidi posted a photo of Bieber blowing candles on his birthday cake.
A week ago, Bieber, who has been caught up in many controversies lately, had posted, "Birthday week. wish the world would learn to believe in the goodness in people and be kind to one another. Together we can change the world." Bieber got arrested in Miami for driving under the influence and drag racing in January. He was recently charged with assault for his alleged attack on a limousine driver in Toronto last year. The singer has pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI, even though a March 3 trial had been scheduled.
— PTI
That lady with the trophy…
Actress Cate Blanchett holds her best female lead award for Blue Jasmine backstage at the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California.
— Reuters
Some fun, some fizz!
Farhan Akhtar and Deepik Padukone were seen together in Karthik Calling Karthik. They will share screen space again for a commercial for a fizzy drink. It will be directed by Anurag Kashyap and will be fun and bubbly.
|
||
|
Doc Talk
Body piercing has become a fashion mania as more and more youngsters (both the genders) are getting their body parts pierced for that trendy look. Apart from the traditional piercing on the nose and ears, the silver and golden studs piercing the eyebrows, lower lip, tongue, navel, nose, inner concha, helix and the cartilaginous part of ears are the new craze.
However, one must remember that piercing is a wound and that negligence at the time of the procedure or afterwards can play havoc with one's health. Therefore, it is imperative to keep certain important points in consideration once you have made up your mind to follow the trend. The decision to get pierced should never be taken in the spur of a moment. Piercing should be done on a dry day, never go for it on rainy and humid days since that will increase your propensity to infection. Once you have made up your mind to get the procedure done, you need to be aware of the risks that you will be predisposed to. The joy of having this aesthetic statement is short lived in persons with sensitive and keloid prone skin as they end up having large hypertrophic scars and allergic reactions therefore one must know his/her skin type before undergoing the procedure. Tongue or oral piercing can lead to speech impediments whereas ear piercing can cause painful abscess. Genital piercing can interfere with the functionality of genitals and piercing on nose can also lead to abscess formation. Once you are with your piercer, be vigilant. Avoid taking sleep inducing drugs. The safe bet is the use of local anaesthesia. See that the syringes used are disposable. After care
(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)
|
||
|
Going Dutch
Ashima Batish
After the long innings of skinny jeans, wide-bottom calf-length Dutch pants make an entry into the fashion scene Priyanka Kakkar used bling in her last collection at the WLIFW and she used it beautifully, in strips and designs. In the industry from 2007, her collection is always a pleasure to watch. She believes that bling adds zing to clothes and here she suggests how to use. What's in: This will be a season of Dutch pants, which are calf-length and wide at the bottom. At the same time, palazzos won't be as popular and with suits, cigarette pants would work the best. We will see a lot of experimentation with hemlines. They will go asymmetrical, high and low but the volume will be cut down. Stone embellishments will not be used and instead tone-on-tone embroideries will be a hit. French knot design will be designers' favourite this year. It will be a season of new designs, concepts and patterns. As for accessories, make sure you style up with a printed scarf. What's out: Volume, layers, anything that would make a person feel hot in the scorching heat. Heavier fabrics will be out and replaced by the summer best bets chiffons and cotton. Colour count: Mix of bright and dull hues will rule the colour palette. Neons will make way for paler shades. Metallic shades, this season as well, will rule the shelves of retail stores and designer studios. You can't rule out bling. It will be present, though in bits and parts only. The favourite colours of the season will be baby pink and light brown. So, ensure that you have something in these in your wardrobe. Party couture: No one can go wrong with a straight, mid-calf length bustier dress. It's a very sexy, stylish and safe option. Dressed to the nines: It is Sonam Kapoor for sure. She is the one who taught Bollywood to dress up the right way. She introduced style and designer wear to the industry. Not that she has always scored a perfect ten but she experiments with her style and that is what I love about her. Leading in design: I admire Anamika Khanna for the way she uses embellishments on fabric and the cut of her designs. I am a fan of Sabyasachi because he knows how to come with a collection that everyone loves, from critics to fellow designers to clients in India and overseas. On Indian fashion Industry: We are doing well. People have become fashion conscious. They have an urge to try designer wear and experiment with silhouettes. Now, besides catering to clients in the West and Middle-East, we have a strong base in India as well. The fashion weeks are also giving platform to the budding talent. No wonder, the industry is enjoying growth.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Everyone has a grand formula in life; for Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi work is to be enjoyed, it makes life fun but it shouldn't be the sole focus! Just because he totally believes in this funda, Vivek goes on a holiday when his film does well. "Even if it doesn't, I still go on one," he laughs, as he shares how easy and difficult we can make our lives.
Says Varun, “It goes without saying that I am excited and elated, it just proves that hard work pays.” Varun is currently waiting for the release of the Punjabi film Yaaran Da Katchup. “Comedy as we all know is a difficult thing, and if I can make the audience laugh, I feel it is the best award.”
Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra are soon going to produce a TV show on NDTV profit. The show will feature common people who work towards the betterment of society. These unsung heroes will be profiled in a documentary format.
We all go through some form of stress at some time in our lives. But each one of us reacts differently to it. Sometimes stressful situations stick to us only because we hold on to them. We have a natural tendency to attract negative feelings or conflicts. There are many ways of changing our situations, all we need to do is let go of these feelings of stress and anger and making peace with ourselves. 
