A life in notes
Amarjot Kaur


High energy: Sonu Nigam and (R) Shweta Pandit perform on stage

Sonu Nigam has been in the music industry for long. He has evolved at each step and so has his music....

He is probably one of the most versatile singers of Bollywood, yet the humility of his disposition reflects in his voice. In Chandigarh to perform at the first Bollywood Electro Music festival, Bollyboom, Sonu speaks about his music and much more.

While most of the artists restrict themselves to a particular genre, you have been experimenting with pop, Indi and classical music. Why?

I have always been the sort who has been open to all kind of music. I respect all musicians. Also I do not have any mental fences that confine me to a particular kind of music, which makes me explore more.

You started your career as an Indi artist by singing the covers of Mohammad Rafi because of which you were often referred to as Rafi clone. How does that feel? Do you think that covers have an edge over originals?

Originals are always better, but when it comes to singing covers it all depends on the artist’s choice of songs — whether they want to sing their own versions of it or imitate the original. In my case, I consider Rafi as a father figure and there is no better honour than being referred to as his clone. Which son would not like being called his father’s son?

You have been associated with Bollywood since you were three, how do you think the Bollywood music industry has evolved over the years?

In the early 90s, when I was trying to make a career out of music in Bollywood, playback singing in films was the only way to succeed. However, these days, there are so many avenues for artists, including concerts, reality shows and even Coke Studio for that matter. Today, with the kind of technology available, anyone can become a singer with the sound modification software, but in my time the only way to succeed was through sheer hardwork.

You have collaborated with Britney Spears, Jay Sean and Avicii, lately. How does it feel to be on the international circuit?

It is a part of my profession and it is not a big deal. While collaborating with Britney, I was asked to send a sample file of my voice, which was later mixed and Universal got Jay and I together for a song, which is now being produced by David Guetta. So honestly, it is not quite a big deal because I am humbled with the kind of love and respect that I have got here in India.

What do you have to say about the reality shows today?

I was hosting Sa Re Ga Ma and was also a judge in X-Factor. While Sa Re Ga Ma was a very serious show, the reality shows these days are more dramatic. However, much depends on the singers too. For instance, Shekher, who lost in Sa Re Ga Ma and made it big and Shreya Ghoshal, who was also a part of Sa Re Ga Ma.

Which musicians inspire you?

I have been an avid listener and always idolised Mohammad Rafi, but I am also very inspired by Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey, Mehndi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, and even Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, George Michael and Michael Jackson.

What is your opinion about singles?

These days Indi music is gaining much popularity and having said that, I too have come up with a single track called Trini Ladki, which has been released on YouTube. I think I’ll now launch singles and then come up with an album of all those songs.

Can you tell us something about the commotion that has been stirred by T-series and other companies dubbing your songs in other artist’s voice?

The Constitution gives us the right over the royalties and T-series, among many other music companies, is not giving us the royalties. That is the main problem and I think it is more a question of right and wrong than ego clashes.

What are your future projects?

I am composing music with Vikram Ghosh for a movie titled Jal. I am also composing the music for the film Happy Anniversary.

Two’s company

Shweta Pandit, who has recently formed a band called The Sister Act with her sister Shraddha Pandit, performed in Chandigarh for the first time. “Bollywood trends keep changing and now that the Indi music is back, we have formed a multi-genre band.” Shweta, who has sung the song Heera, in the movie Highway, has been touring with AR Rehman for over a year. “I am thrilled to be working with Rehman sahib,” she says while adding, “He is an institution in himself and a very humble man. He inspires me and what I love the most about working with him is the fact that he is a total family person,” she says.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Back in time
Ashima Batish

Playing Lord Krishna in Mahabharat has given Saurabh Raj Jain a unique identity. He hopes to maintain it elible mark…

here have been many instances where people have rushed to touch his feet to seek his blessings. Most of the times, he just lets them be. While at others, he explains that he is no God and it’s the character that demands him to dress up in the particular manner. Life has changed for Saurabh Jain after he started playing Lord Krishna in Mahabharat. He has become a household name and is instantly recognised in the public. On his part, he wants people to treat him as just Saurabh!

In Chandigarh to promote the show, Saurabh, who towers at 6’3", looks his part even in an orange kurta teamed with a simple white lower. It is for the third time that he is playing a mythological character. "Each time I have played Krishna, only in Mahadev I essay the role of Vishnu." Yet, playing Krishna gave his career a new high. Spotted by the producer of Jai Shri Krishna Nikhil Sinha, who repeated him in the respective roles of Mahabharat and Mahadev, Saurabh says on the surface of it his roles might look identical, but there is an underlying difference. "Vishnu of Mahadev is a calendar image, whereas Krishna is all about action," adds Saurabh.

For this character of Krishna, intensive research of two years was conducted by the makers; even Saurabh contributed by studying literature — modern and mythological. "I read Mahabharat and Palace of Illusions at the same time to understand the old and modern take on the epic. Mahabharat gave me an insight into the personality of characters and Palace of Illusions guided me on how to adapt it according to the present times." When he started he was also ready for the comparisons with Nitish Bhardwaj, who had played Krishna in the original Mahabharat. "We now have a new generation watching our show and it is a hit. TRPs prove that. Plus now, since we are technologically advanced, the VFX effects are much better." In fact, VFX effects introduced the necessary difference, "Otherwise with same story, same characters and same events, it’s difficult to make a mark."

He might have become really popular with the character, but wants to keep all options open and not get typecast. With fiction shows like Parichay, in which he played the second lead, and Uttaran, where he essayed a negative character, to his credit, he has already done a variety of roles.

"From studying computer applications to doing MBA to modeling to doing fiction to mythological shows, I have let destiny take its course." On his wish-list is playing Rabindranath Tagore on screen. And also Bollywood!

Old vs New

About comparisons that are drawn between the new and older versions of Mahabharat, Saurabh says that these are part of the game. Not bothered about minor criticism, he says, “Even Titanic was made before, but the one we saw won eleven Oscars. Who knows Mahabharat might script new history for the television industry of India.”

ashima@tribunemail.com

Pretty cool!
Ashima Batish

Chandni Sharma, who has recently won the Indian Princess pageant, hopes to make it big in the glamour world


Good going: Chandni Sharma

Her journey from a small town in the Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, to winning the Indian Princess pageant makes for an interesting Bollywood script. She competed against 30 contestants; some from metros, some who boasted of international experience and yet emerged a winner. Chandni Sharma is ecstatic and says she couldn’t have asked for anything more. “It’s a dream come true. I knew that the competition would be intense, but I took this as a learning opportunity,” says Chandni, who was in Chandigarh on Monday.

Although her family gave more importance to academics, nobody stopped her from pursuing her dream. “I know it is too early to celebrate and I have a long way to go. But this is my first step in the glamour industry. I hope to achieve it all.” Chandni kept a tab on the pageant and sent in her profile before giving auditions for it. “It didn’t get any easy after I got through the first round. I did rigorous training on the ramp and worked on my body. Also there were grooming session, exercise and yoga classes.” She is happy to have got and availed the rare opportunity.

The experience, she says, will come in handy in the future. “I didn’t suffer from any inferiority complex of competing with girls who were already into modelling. I quickly caught up with them and it was my will to learn that helped me bag the pageant,” she says.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: It is a good day for negotiating contracts. Seek publicity for business plans. You are unlikely to get much chance to relax this evening. Women: beware of deception.

Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly.

Lucky colour: Grey.

Magic number: 54.

TAURUS: Your card 'The Magician' smiles on health. It is a useful day for discussing longterm plans. Your energy levels are at their peak. Some of you will be busy packing for a journey.

Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Magic number: 37.

GEMINI: The Queen of Swords reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. Life at home is much easier to cope with. Businessmen: spend your spare time in the company of your loved ones.

Tarot message: Be positive.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Magic number: 56.

CANCER: A day of mixed luck. Your patient stand will start paying dividends. Any projects connected with study, travel and cultural pursuits will be very satisfying.

Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks in one go.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 25.

LEO: Businessmen: avoid making any important moves. A new romance is in the offing. Try not to rely on anybody else to help you achieve your goals right now.

Tarot message: Do not trivial problems haunt you.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 28

VIRGO: A relative will behave in a rather unpredictable manner. Set your priorities. Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Just take a break and enjoy today.

Tarot message: Capitalise on your strengths and do not trust others.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 32.

LIBRA: Put more effort into completing unfinished work. Your health will be worrying you a little, so it will be wise to get the best treatment. A travel to an interesting place is likely.

Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 43.

SCORPIO: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates will be rather aggressive. Emotionally you can be easily disturbed.

Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters.

Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 47.

SAGITTARIUS: Try to reduce the amount of cash you spend on groceries. New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss.

Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive.

Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Magic number: 44.

CAPRICORN: Check all figures related to jointly held funds. Women: do not go in for idle gossip. Your friends and support network are all behind you at the moment.

Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 28.

AQUARIUS: This is a very hazardous day for speculation. Pace yourself, since your energy levels can be low. Take some time out for meditation to disengage from the thoughts of the past.

Tarot message: Take care of your health. Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 33.

PISCES: Avoid careless spending. This is not a time for delegating responsibility. Problems can be resolved without any major stress. Travel is likely.

Tarot message: Keep a positive frame of mind.

Lucky colour: Blue.

Magic number: 36.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 4...

Things will remain easy at work during 2014. You can look forward to enjoying financial gains. There will be peace and harmony in personal life. Health will remain good. Joining an art group will enhance your creativity. Taking a short trip will give you added perspective on a family matter. Don't get over-excited by a new proposal. Instead, carefully weigh up the actual impact. Business will be good. Artists and politicians will receive new assignments. A new opportunity will be waiting in the wings for you. Grab it and move ahead wi.

Positive colours: Dark blue, Dark grey.

Select days: Saturday.

Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8.

Gems recommended: Gomed, Cat's Eye, Tiger Stone.

Charity on birthday: Donate saffron-coloured edible items to the needy or at a religious place today.

You share your birthday with Kunal Deshmukh (March 4, 1982, Mumbai), who made his debut with Jannat in 2008, which also starred Imran Hashmi. He started his career as an assistant director in Zeher (2005). Kunal will do well in his directorial and script-writing fields because of his strong Moon as well as Mercury.

chatter box
Grey zone

While we have seen heroes of various kinds, characters with a grey shade are also very popular. We look at some of them.

Champion plotter
Iqbal Khan

Rich businessman Anshuman Rathore wants to get rid of his child bride (Shraddha Arya) in Tumhari Paakhi on Life OK, but ends up living with her. He tries every trick in the book to get her out of his life, but fails. His manipulations, anger and schemes have led him nowhere till now.

Dashing presence
Ashish Sharma

Dashing and angry, Rudra in Rangrasiya on Colors is a military officer who has a dark past. He has kept Parvati (Sanaya Irani) as his prisoner in a hope that she would turn witness in a case. He seems to be attracted to her, but his duty keeps him in check.

Big ego
Vivian Dsena

His attitude, anger and ego defined the character of RK in Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon on Colors. He shines in the role of a superstar who marries a simple girl Madhubala (Drashti Dhami) only for revenge.

Mysterious past
Avinash Sachdev

He's an angry young man with a mysterious past in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon... Ek Baar Phir on Star Plus. The character of the rich businessman Shlok, who marries Aastha (Shrenu Parikh) by making false promises to her, has caught the fancy of the audiences.

Practical approach
Mohit Malik

Rich businessman Samrat Singh Rathore in Doli Armaanon Ki on Zee TV is clear about what he wants in life. He is practical, very matter-of-fact about marriage, relationships and more. He neither understands nor cares about the emotions of his wife Urmi (Neha Marda).

* * * * * * * *

Actor prepares

Apart from being one of the best character actors, Mohit Raina combines his good looks with hard work and a grounded attitude. The 31-year-old handsome man, who is currently seen as Lord Shiva in the TV series, Devon Ke Dev - Mahadev talks about life, career and more...

Different approach

I don't think I have changed in any way, I have become calm…not that I was short tempered or anything but playing Mahadev has made me more calm. I have a different approach to things now and I take more time to look at things. Luckily, since childhood I have always been close to Lord Shiva. The Amarnath cave, dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at my birthplace - Jammu and Kashmir. My producer Nikhil Sinha was and is very clear about what he wanted out of him. He had complete faith in my talent. He is a very creative producer.

Anything regular won't do

As a person and as an actor, I try to do things differently and for some reason I just don't like doing regular stuff. I thoroughly enjoy taking the road less travelled…it gives me immense satisfaction to be different. So, in a nutshell I enjoy challenges and even if I have to do regular stuff on television tomorrow, I will try and do it differently…in my own way and in my own style!

Working hard

I have been given this lovely opportunity to play Lord Shiva and I consider it a huge responsibility to be the chosen one so, I try to give it my 100 per cent in whichever way I have to. Working out and keeping myself fit is an extremely vital part of the role and I take my fitness regime very seriously. I always try and do things differently so each time around I push myself and try and raise the bar so that things don't get static. When I was told that I was going play Mahadev, I realised that I would need to put on weight so I started working out rigorously and gained 4-5 kgs.

* * * * * * * *

Being cautious

Actor Sharad Kelkar, who was last seen as Deepika Padukone's brother in Ram Leela, is still garnering praise for his role. Before Ram Leela, Sharad had done 1920 Evil Returns and people had praised him in that film too. So what is next for the actor who has done shows like Saat Phere, Bairi Piya, Kuch Toh Log Kehenge and Shaitaan? He says, "Well maybe I am a bit too cautious now. But in the past I have noticed that many actors have made mistakes in choosing their projects and somehow opting for a wrong film landed them in a bad phase. I am going with my own gut and instinct and am sure something good is waiting for me. It will be worth the wait."

Par Excellence
The bunker shot: the sand drill
Jesse Grewal

After we have taken a correct set up in the bunker we have to make a fairly upright swing and hit the sand approximately two to three inches behind the ball. The club face should be open so as to get the bounce of the club hitting the sand which prevents the club head from digging deep into the sand and losing speed. There is a great drill which creates the correct backswing for a bunker shot.

Grip the club with the club face being fairly open. Then lift some sand from the bunker with the club head so as to have the sand balance on this open face (picture 1). As you start the backswing, allow the forearms to rotate and the left wrist to cup so that the sand does not fall off the club face (picture 2). This will happen only if the hands are low at address and the club head stays outside the hands during the first part of the backswing. This is a very important position during the bunker shot. If the club face does not open adequately or the backswing goes inwards with the club head getting behind the hands the sand would drop of the club face.

The next part of the backswing entails the arms lifting up almost vertically while the body turns so that we drop the sand behind us with the arms going over the shoulder line (picture 3). Make some swings with the sand falling in the correct place and not falling off the club during the first part of the backswing. After this, place a ball in the bunker and make the same backswing without the sand and just hit down into the sand from the top of the swing with the arms and shoulders with minimum movement of the lower body. The club head would be hitting the sand with correct angle of approach and the open face will provide the necessary bounce to make the club head skid through the sand without digging deep and losing speed.

(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)

On a song
Mona

Punjabi singer Dilbagh Singh loves everything that his profession offers, except for the constant travel


Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Here's a Punjabi singer who aims to be 'different'.

Supporting a bright orange turban pretty well, Dilbagh Singh shows up late than the appointed hour, but talks at a stretch, is candid, witty at times and able to woo the discerning listeners.

In Chandigarh on Monday at PVR Centra Mall, Dilbagh is happy at the launch of his song Thodi jinni peeti hai by the House of Cheers. The song is from the film Namak Halal but Dilbagh has duly taken license for the song. "Others have done it too, be it improvising the song Jab pyar kisi se hota hai or Heera ki tamanna hai ki panna use mil jaye; but I believe in being fair," he asserts.

The latest song is part of his project Iamsinghdilbagh that will have six full fledged songs and videos. "In the present song, I have kept the words simple, the song can connect to old and young alike."

The six songs will be released by different companies. "Two companies are already fighting for my next song," says Dilbagh who turned to music to avoid studies. Getting trophies in zonal folk song competition in his school years made young Dilbagh opt it as a profession. "Singing won me love, my principal offered me tea, teachers encouraged to do riyaz and I decided this is where I want to be." Dilbagh trained under Ajmer Singh Chandan, and took to stage with his Guru's son Mika. Soon he was on his own doing stage shows around the globe. "I counted till 1100 and lost counting after that," says Dilbagh who sings Gujarati, Bhojpuri and South Indian songs too in his power packed performances.

The singer has worked hard for his project, right from his looks to lyrics to music, and lost considerable weight too. Films next? "I am doing well in singing. I will concentrate on singing first, films might follow."

mona@tribunmail.com

Ab-out time!
Jasmine Singh

A new working module ABT is all set to tackle three problem areas of your body—abdomen, butt and thighs

Sohan RawatEvery morning, he would crawl out of his bed, curse himself, and wonder whether he really had to do this. It was no fun; but Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone would hit the gym in his garage every single day. Gym instructor and fitness manager with Elemention Health and Sport, CGA Chandigrah, Sohan Rawat narrates this anecdote to everyone who tells him how taxing it is to bring themselves to a gym everyday, especially women who can list 101 reasons for not making to the gym regularly. Once, he is through with this inspiring story, Sohan gets down to work, which simply translates into one word—fitness.

At the gym, Sohan has introduced ABT exercise for women, which is catching the fancy of even those who have been keeping a safe distance from exercising. "ABT is the ab, butt and thigh exercise. Women who complain of excessive fat post pregnancy find it the most useful. Also, women who complain of excessive fat on their ab, butt and thighs should go in for this exercise," shares Sohan, who has noticed how desperately women want to get back into shape after pregnancy. "ABT is simple, easy form of exercise that includes jumping, lounges, and ab workout."

Other than ABT, Sohan suggests kick boxing and martial arts as the other form of exercise which women can pick. "It is good for self-defense and of course helps burn calories much fast." A 30-minute martial art training burns 800 calories! "Fitness means a healthy mind sitting on a healthy body, and martial arts and kick boxing do the same. It also strengthens the reflex action." Adds Naveen Kala, fitness instructor at the same place who suggests kick boxing with cardio, a combination that works wonders. "Kick boxing strengths the muscles of legs and hands, it should be preferably around 7.30pm."

For fun’s sake
Mona

Famous entrepreneur Sandeep Goyal’s latest book Konjo is all about a person’s fighting spirit

He is a man on the move. From being one of the highest paid CEO in the country to a successful entrepreneur, Sandeep Goyal juggles a number of things to just have 'fun'.

He shares all the 'fun' he had along with the challenges, right from wooing Japanese giant Dentsu to making a winning partnership with them in his latest book Konjo. A Japanese phrase konjo turns equivalent to 'fighting spirit'. And one needs konjo to start something, make it a success and sell it to start afresh all over again!

Sandeep talks about his book, "Konjo is about my journey with Dentsu and famous people that became part of this trip—Ratan Tata, Nira Radia, Lalit Modi and Sheila Dikshit."

Sandeep loves to explore different areas and share the experiences through his writing. His earlier work Dum Dum Bullet got good reviews, Konjo is already doing well within couple of weeks of its launch. Sandep has moved to already writing two new books. "One is kind of a sequel to Konjo. It talks of Japan and what a cool country it is. It is no mythical far away land but a hep nation that leads in fashion, tech and animation." This book has some 100 interesting phrases picked from common Japanese life with illustrations from a Japanese illustrator. "Someone planning to study, work or do business in Japan will find it handy,"says Sandeep. The other book is Sandeep Goyal's favoutrite four letter word in the game of advertising—free. "Nothing unparliamentary in this but simple action words that rule communication."

He is also very much on to his next venture that he calls mobile action advertising. "Mobile is the device that you carry 24X7. As a mobile operator, I know where you exactly are. If you get 25 per cent off coupon on your phone when you are right outside Domino's, wouldn't that be great," asks the ad wizard who is back to his alma mater Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi after a gap of three decades to do doctorate. His topic of research is 'celebrities as human brands'. "There is no one as big as David and Victoria Beckham in our country. Saifeena comes close; they come with a tag of royalty and lineage behind. But they are selling anti- dandruff shampoo, are they doing something stupid when they can claim a much larger space under the sun is what I am researching on!”

Master Chef
Salad days
Manju Dewan

Our chickpeas or the ubiquitous channas have been a perennial favourite for the gourmand and mostly we have it with puris or bhaturas which has been certified as one of the most popular dishes in the country. But when we add it to our salad, the intrinsic taste of the chickpeas comes out and with the right seasonings it becomes a yummy and a refreshing 'add on' to the meal.

White gram salad

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ch]ickpea (boiled)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 medium sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped)

For dressing

  • 2 tsp mustard paste
  • 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp salad oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Method

  • Mix together boiled chickpeas, salt, chopped onions and coriander leaves.
  • Mix all the ingredients of the dressing and pour over the salad.
  • Mix the dressing and chickpeas well.
  • Serve chilled.

(Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culinary chef)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

STAR TRACK
Gown & glory

Pale golds, grey and cream gowns added a touch of dazzle to the red carpet. The actresses this year opted for block colour gowns, in an homage to classic Hollywood glamour.

Shimmering metallics, bold jewel tones and newcomer Lupita Nyong'o led the style at this year's Oscars red carpet, as actresses shunned runway trends to showcase colors and silhouettes inspired by Hollywood's golden age. All eyes were on the year's best-dressed starlet on the red carpet - best supporting actress Oscar winner Nyong'o. The 12 Years a Slave star from Kenya wore a custom halter-neck pastel blue Prada gown which she helped to design, saying it was inspired by champagne bubbles and a colour that reminded her of Nairobi. She accessorized with Fred Leighton jewels, including a diamond headband. Nyong'o, 31, is the current face of Prada's sister line Miu Miu. "We were inspired by her family heritage and old Hollywood. We choose a colour that was subtle yet vibrant and a classic neckline representative of Elizabeth Taylor," Nyong'o's stylist Micaela Erlanger told Reuters.

Elsewhere, pale golds, grey and cream gowns added a touch of dazzle to the red carpet, with best actress nominee Cate Blanchett leading the way in a blush gold embellished Armani Prive dress. Angelina Jolie opted for a grey sequined gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, while Naomi Watts wore a beaded white form-fitting Calvin Klein dress. Jessica Biel donned a column Chanel gown beaded with pastel pink and blue sequins and Jennifer Garner picked a pale silver beaded flapper-style Oscar de la Renta dress. Julie Delpy wore a shimmering silver Jenny Packham dress, while Kristen Chenoweth and Kristen Bell wore metallic beaded gowns by Roberto Cavalli. Bell chose an ice grey strapless dress by the designer, saying "I wanted something dramatic and ice princess-like because I'm here for Frozen." Singer Lady Gaga also rocked the trend in a cream detailed Versace accessorised with a scarf around her neck, in a throwback to Hollywood's golden age.

Jewel tones were a favourite for actresses, including best supporting actress nominee Jennifer Lawrence, who wore a bright red Dior figure-hugging peplum dress. June Squibb opted for an emerald sequinned Tadashi Shoji gown, while a pregnant Kerry Washington wore an amethyst strapless Jason Wu dress. Viola Davis wore a deep green Escada dress, saying she picked it for the glamour and time period. Hal Rubenstein, Instyle's editor-at-large, said the actresses this year opted for block colour gowns, in an homage to classic Hollywood glamour. "It's the best way to show off the actresses rather than just the dress. Most of these dresses are incredibly sophisticated, but you focus on the woman," he said. Rubenstein said the outfits did not reflect current runway trends, but were instead inspired by classic Hollywood styles.

Midnight blues spun a twist on the traditional black dress, as best actress nominee Amy Adams wore a Gucci Premiere couture strapless gown, while her fellow nominee Sandra Bullock opted for a strapless satin Alexander McQueen number. The men rocked the trend with navy tuxedos, as Jason Sudekis wore a Prada suit, and Kevin Spacey and Jim Carrey were also spotted in blue.

— Reuters

Redefining Randeep

Randeep Hooda may not be a quintessential Bollywood hero, but the tall and handsome actor sweeps you off your feet as a rustic yet affable villain in Highway. With the positive response to the film, he is convinced that his choice of unconventional roles is in sync with the changing times in filmdom. Conscious of the fact that he cannot compete with the 'Rajs' and 'Prems' of Hindi cinema, the actor acknowledges that there is enough space for him to show his creativity in both commercial and parallel cinemas. "A Bollywood hero, for most people, has been a Raj, a Rahul or a Prem... it's now a part of the psyche," Randeep said over the phone from Bangkok, where he is currently busy shooting his new film. "Earlier, it was different. There were bigger superstars playing the lead roles, the hero was different — a clean, good guy. But I never adhered to it," he added.

If Imtiaz Ali's fresh approach in Highway affirms the director's creativity, the way Randeep carries his role in the road movie reflects his command over his skills, and shows why actors with a theatre background have something different about them.

"I have been working relentlessly and equally hard on all my films throughout my career. But I knew that working with a name like Imtiaz will give me an audience of a lot more people," said the actor, who is relishing the positive response to Highway.

"A lot more people have watched Highway and also it has been watched by different kinds of people... It got a more urban and wider audience. I have got great feedback for the film. Lots of people have said it's the 'redefining Randeep Hooda performance'. I guess that's the victory with Highway," he added. The 37-year-old, who leaves a lasting impression as Mahabir Bhati, a violent kidnapper with the vulnerability of a child in Highway, says he has learned survival tricks. "The hero is changing in Bollywood, and I approach a hero's role like a character by focusing on its weaknesses. I feel the weaknesses of a character make them more alive, relatable, and human. Gladly, that's gaining acceptance among viewers these days and the success of Highway is a proof," he said. "In that sense, I am glad that I am with the times, and not behind it," he added.

As a big screen performer, Randeep began his tryst with Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding in 2001. Following that, he featured in D, Ru Ba Ru, Love Khichdi and the likes. But he reinvented himself with 2010 film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, in which he played a cop and the role truly brought Randeep to the fore. The crime thriller, which he believes marked the onset of his "second innings", gave him a pertinent lesson of being flexible in his choices.

"It was a very well-packaged movie with the likes of actors like Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi playing key roles. I had myself put this roadblock in my mind about not choosing commercial films, but with Once Upon... I realised the importance of being able to do all kinds of movies," he said.

It was then that Randeep stepped out of his comfort zone and did Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Jannat 2, Jism 2, Heroine and Murder 3— all masala movies made with a tinge of the cinematic flavour and they were appreciated by all and sundry. "I saw the reach of these films, and saw what being a part of songs can do to you. You get recognised for your work, and I guess this whole idealism about not doing songs or commercial cinema is hogwash,” he said. — IANS

It’s officially commercial

Producer Anubhav Sinha says his upcoming film Gulaab Gang is a commercial potboiler and he does not think of it as a risky proposition. Gulaab Gang stars two powerful actresses—Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla as the leading ladies of the film.

Anubhav does not feel the film is women-centric.

"I do not see it as a women-centric film. I liked the story and found it a commercial potboiler. I was not skeptical to back it as the cost of production was not that big. I did not think it as a risky proposition," Anubhav said.

The makers always had Madhuri and Juhi in mind for the film. Anubhav says bringing the two senior actresses onboard together for the film was not difficult.

"It was not difficult to bring them on board. I was apprehensive how the film would be shot. But we are happy it has exactly turned out the way we had expected," he said. Considering Madhuri and Juhi were rivals when they were ruling Bollywood, there were reports that initially the two did not get along well. "There were no fights or anything of that sort. There was no negativity. We had fun while doing the film," Anubhav said. In the film, Madhuri leads a group of women fighting against the social injustice, while Juhi will be seen in a negative role.

Life’s cool

Artists often talk about the hardships they have had to face in finding their first big break in filmdom, but 1990s diva Madhuri Dixit says she never had to struggle and the offer came to her door step. She entered filmdom with the 1984 film Abodh, which was made under the banner of Rajshri Productions. "I have never struggled for anything in my life because I never thought I will be an actress. Film just walked up to my house with Abodh. We met them (the makers), then my family decided that I will do just one film," Madhuri said and added that her family used to run away from movies. But destiny had stardom in store for Madhuri—she didn't stop at one film and continued to work in movies like Awara Baap and Uttar Dakshin, which didn't do much to her career. It was the 1998 release Tezaab that catapulted her into big league and there was no looking back for her afterwards. "Struggle was to prove myself, to do my best... so those things were the struggle for me. I am thankful to whatever I have got in my life, but one thing which is always at the back of my mind, is my dance academy. I would love to see itgrowing," she said. — IANS





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