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Super(b) women!
Women have made a mark in various spheres of society. This Women’s Day, here’s a tribute to some who have excelled and
set examples for others
It is only in the world of comics and movies that Superman is entrusted with the responsibility of saving the world while women are mere onlookers. In the real world, there are many 'superwomen' who have contributed their bit to the society. Here's catching up with some.
Change essential
High point: I was pleased to get the posting of Deputy Commissioner in Punjab, a state that didn't see a woman holding this position of authority for twenty-five years. Now when I see more women officers following suit, I feel proud and happy about it. Being a boss to men: Men have made peace with the fact that women can be better bosses. The situation might be different in the lower socio-economic strata, where equality isn't given any significance. Need to step up: The changes have to be made at the domestic level to begin with.
Strong voice
Matter of the day: It's important to celebrate the day that draws attention to women power, contribution to the society and even issues that need to be addressed. High point: From working with the Tatas in tier-two cities to now heading the DLF Emporio as Senior VP, I have enjoyed each step of growth in my career. Being a boss to men: In the corporate sector, I have never seen men object to taking orders from a woman boss. As for me, I ensure that people take me seriously and in my own way tell them that I deal with bigger responsibilities. Need to step up: The assumption that women are only meant for household chores and are the weaker sex is wrong. The need is to create awareness, encourage reportage and instill confidence in women.
Equality matters
Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, ex-chairperson of CII, Northern region Matter of the day: Women are subjected to inequality and for those who are not financially independent, it's even worse. Even now, when we call ourselves a developing nation, not all women enjoy the freedom to work, making it even more important to celebrate this day. High point: To be able to work in the male domain of steel industry and create a niche for myself is an achievement I am proud of. Being a boss to men: Women as bosses are few, but wherever they are, they are readily accepted. Women in power should also keep the equality factor in mind. Need to step up: It's unfortunate to see a spurt in crimes against women. It's imperative to fight injustice.
Increased acceptance
Matter of the day: How can celebrating one day bring about the required change in society and mindset of people? There is much more to do still. High point: My biggest achievement is being myself. I haven't changed in all these years and even my approach to working hard is the same. Being a boss to men: The acceptance of women as leaders has increased. We have several around the world as politicians and head of corporate firms. As for me, I have always been respected by my male counterparts. Need to step up: Education is necessary to make men respect women. It is also necessary to inculcate values in children about equality. ashima@tribunemail.com
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A social web
From combating eve-teasing to generating awareness about breast cancer, women are using online tools to tackle issues collectively The connotation of ganging-up might change post the release of Gulaab Gang, this International Women's Day. For it might denote resolute women coming together to deal with issues — complex and simple. As complex as breast cancer and as simple as new mothers finding it difficult to cope with their high pressure job. So they talk, discuss, find solutions and share experiences, all in a bid to empower each other, this time on social media or through mobile apps, where they deal with real problems in the virtual world. A month back, Dr Seema Sharma, a gynecologist at the Max Hospital, created a Whats App account, Powerpuff Moms, only to direct the usual queries of her patients to each other. "But I realised that it became a platform where women could share, discuss and find solutions to their problems." From baby feeding tips to light exercise regime that new mothers should follow, much is shared on the group — also included are issues that women otherwise felt hesitant to discuss with their family members. "As only 50 women can be added in a group, I created another and in a week's time it also had 50 members." The members also used the medium to market their ventures, right from a boutique to making baby books from scrap. These women are now taking their bond a step ahead by celebrating the International Women's day together. There are several such endeavours in the web world that aim at highlighting women issues. From Facebook groups dedicated to the cause, blogs addressing their concerns to even Apps that aim at women security in the web world, virtual mediums often provide a reality check. Daman Mangat, active member of the Cancer Sahayata Sahyog, credits online presence of the organisation for increased awareness among women about breast cancer. With 933 members on the Facebook page, she says it is a meeting point of those who are suffering from the disease and those who have survived it. "Besides medicine, those suffering from cancer also need psychological help to overcome the trauma and a lot of moral boosting is done through the Facebook counseling sessions." She recounts several instances wherein people have contacted them through the social networking site to get briefs about the treatment. While the virtual world provides space to share and discuss issues, to combat them is a different ball-game altogether. Nisha Mahajan, a student at the Panjab University, ensured that no instance of eve-teasing goes unreported through Whats App groups. "There are at least six groups created by me, which means as many as 500 members who share information and help combat eve-teasing," she says, adding that even boys on the campus have a clue about these groups, "I am sure that makes them wary of acting smart." She also sends a lot of messages to her groups' friends to not tolerate any nonsense. "To know that there are women ready to lend support is a great morale booster." The Whats App groups, by the way, are named No More Nonsense! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Victory of sorts
Jasmine Singh People don't mind dropping this inspirational quote whenever we are low and down—'There is always light at the end of the tunnel!' Just when we thought Punjabi films were heading for a dead end, director Jaspreet Rajan managed to run towards the end of the tunnel and managed to light up a light. His film Fateh, even if it doesn't shine like a hundred watt bulb, glows….and as of now this is all that matters. Fateh starring Nav Bajwa, Sameeksha Singh, Yaad Grewal,Gurpreet Ghuggi, Karamjit Anmol, Puneet Issar, Deep Dhillon, Shavendra Mahal, Navneet Nishan can be clearly cut into obvious parts, the good one and the not so good one.
Jaspreet clearly has written and directed a movie that is different from the existing slot of films. He has given a neat shape to the movie, giving away the story within seconds, something you have to scout really hard to find. Fateh is the first Punjabi movie that is based of Sikh martial art gatka, which the director has showed nicely without goof-ups. The movie also boasts of good cinematography, except for the fight scenes where rain is an integral part. Cut to the second part…. this is where the director is getting tired of carrying a good story on his shoulders. Actor Nav Bajwa is a clear star of the movie. The actor has put in a lot of effort that shows on screen. Nav justifies his character till the end. Other actors who have delivered a wow are Yaad Grewal and Puneet Issar. Shavinder Mahal is on screen for a long time, convincingly going about his character. Gurpreet Ghuggi with a strange character name Tariff adds just about okay amount of humour. It is in fact Karamjit Anmol who fails here. Deep Dhillon, a seasoned actor played his role well. Samiksha Singh, is definitely more than just one or two songs. In the second half, exactly at a point where Samiksha discovers the reason for the change in Fateh, the story drops… boom! This is the point where you can see everything going wrong. The final round sees India vs India! C'mon guys, let's be realistic. It is at this stage, you see all the effort that Fateh made learning the martial art going waste. The director couldn't keep the fire in Fateh alive till the end. The film ends abruptly with one wondering eh ki hoya. Fateh has some pleasant music which is neither too loud nor bland. Fateh still manages to dare something different. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Astro turf
ARIES: The day will be busy, where you will be able to achieve a lot in your personal and professional life. At work, your labour of the past few days
will be appreciated.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain grip over your business. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 28. TAURUS: A hectic social life will keep you on your toes today and lead to some interesting associations. A special someone will not have enough time for you. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get sorted
out on its own. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 63. GEMINI: Most of you will be craving for something stimulating and entertaining today. At work you will be open to challenging assignments, which will give you a chance to tap into your immense potential. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 41. CANCER: Manage personal relationships with diplomacy and thoughtfulness. This will be a day where you need to think with your heart, especially as far as a special relationship is concerned. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 32. LEO: Take care of your
health today. At work, you will be open to feedback and some of you will also be
planning for promotions. Keep a close eye on your diet. Tarot message: Over-optimism can lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 30. VIRGO: If confused about relationships, don't hesitate to seek help and guidance. You will be surprised by what you learn. Singles will also experience deepening of a special friendship. Tarot message: Stabilise your financial situation by making investments in property.
Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 64.
LIBRA: Travelling and communication will be part of the day. Children will be
filled with energy. Some of you will be philosophically and spiritually inclined. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at the workplace. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50. SCORPIO: Adventure, fun
and entertainment will be on the top of your mind today. You will spend a good deal
of time partying and at social get-togethers. Tarot message: Be sure of involving yourself in a new project. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 25. SAGITTARIUS: The need is to be vigilant as someone at office can try to harm your interests or reputation. Call friends you haven't seen for a long time. Drive carefully, especially two-wheelers. Tarot message: Well-wishers will give sound advice. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 60. CAPRICORN: Investments will keep you busy today.
This is also a good time to deal with loans, debts and credits. Businessmen can decide to take care of their portfolios, stocks and shares. Tarot message: Take limited risks. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 52. AQUARIUS: Many of you will receive some sound counsel from unexpected sources, so pay attention to everything that you hear. Those facing a cash crunch will be helped out by a friend. Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home will need care. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 46. PISCES: This will be quite a surprising and rewarding day. Many of you will receive bonuses or pay hikes that were unexpected while others will receive appreciation for their hardwork. Tarot message: Leave thing open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 39.
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The year ahead If your birthday is March 8... Influenced by number 8 and the planet Saturn, you will remain ambitious, authoritative, systematic, sober and a commanding personality. You are always interested in a steady romantic relationship and the thought of being alone can result in unhappiness. This year will be satisfactory for professionals. Businessmen will succeed in their endeavours. Those in service will drift along. Politicians will have to face opposition from all sides. Financially, it will be a good time to invest in stocks and property. Domestic harmony will prevail. Relationship between couples will blossom. Positive colours: Black, Chocolate. You share your birthday with Fardeen Khan (March 8, 1974). Fardeen made his debut in Prem Aggan, which was directed by his father. The number 8 in his case is not lucky and due to adverse Saturn, scandals and court cases will follow him.
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A tribute to womanhood
This Women’s Day, we get some of the television actresses to talk about empowerment Helping hand: Shilpa Shirodkar (Kamla Bai, Ek Mutthi Aasman) I want to take this special occasion to wish all the maids who work for us and all the helping hands of every household and working woman. I take this day to tell all women who work as maids that it's a big service you render to make the homes of others a happy place. Caring thought: Paridhi Sharma (Jodha, Jodha Akbar) Women have been the essence of society from time immemorial. As Jodha, my character struggled to take care of the harem for the safety of women. This was the time I realised that innate virtues like care, compassion and love are the real identity of a woman. In real life too, I notice these qualities in abundance - be it my mother or any other woman of my family or on the sets. Women's Day is to think about ourselves.
Sporty side of Bharti: While she makes us laugh with her antics, little do people know that comedian Bharati Singh has been a national-level archer in her college days and always wanted to pursue it as a career. Bharati could not persuade her passion for the sport due to lack of funds. However, the lady was determined and always wanted to do something different. So when Laughter Challenge auditions happened, Bharati enthusiastically participated and since then there has been no looking back. Family first: Reena Kapur (Bhavna, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, Zee TV) I suggest that every year on this day we should add one quality that we would like to blossom in ourselves. My reel life role of Bhavna is of a woman who binds her family together. I relate to my character completely as I am a person for whom family comes foremost. I feel that this day is for society to shower their love back on us. Fight injustice: Surbhi Jyoti (Zoya in Qubool Hai) Let me take this opportunity to ask every woman to come out of her shell and fight for anything that is unjust. This year, I would like to reach out to that special set of women who are away from their families. In my early days, I stayed away from my family and I know how exactly it feels. On the other hand, I discovered my strength that way. So can every other woman. Strong backbone: Roopal Tyagi (Gunjan of Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke) I strongly believe that a woman is the backbone of any society. On Women's Day, I want to convey that we all have the courage and power to ensure solutions for all the issues we face in our daily lives. I have always stood for women's rights and various other important issues. On this day, I encourage every woman to stand up against any injustice. Big privilege: I think being a woman is a privilege. This Women's Day, I would like to say that we have to stand up against the negative elements of society. Currently, in my show, we have been tackling the issue of eve-teasing and 'Power of 49' to highlight the fact that we need to change the mindset of society and educate as well as empower women.
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Fashion funda
Special film
I am doing a film with Salman Khan.. I am very very excited about it. It is for the second time I will be working with him. I am looking forward to work with Sooraj Ji. The film will show me in a different light...I cannot reveal anything about my role. Battle for Bittora
I am doing a film where I am playing an aspiring politician. It is based on Anuja Chauhan's book Battle for Bittora. We read that book and we bought the rights. It has an interesting love story. I am very excited about it. Shooting stint
I enjoyed the shooting the movie with Ayushmann and Rishi uncle, Ayushmann has become my friend. Even the way we are promoting the movie is unique. I enjoyed the corporate clothes and wearing the bikini in the movie. Many people will identify with the movie. Different roles This year is pretty interesting for me. There are three different films Bewakoofiyaan, Dolly Ki Doli and Khubsurat. I have finished filming for Khubsurat and I will start working on Dolly Ki
Doli.
Is Mandira Bedi a copy cat?
Anchor and actress Mandira Bedi recently pulled an Ellen DeGeneres at media event in Mumbai as she clicked a selfie of her with Shah Rukh Khan, Kunal Kohli and Punit Malhotra. "We had our own selfie moment," she tweeted with picture. However, her selfie didn't go down well with her followers and she got dubbed as a copy cat. While Ellen DeGeneres selfie broke the record set by US President Barack Obama, Bedi's picture was retweeted for only about a thousand times. In her defense, she tweeted: "A selfie isn't patented.. it doesn't belong to anybody. There was an awesome bunch of ppl with me & so I took a photograph! So pl calm down!" Ellen DeGeneres group selfie at recently held Oscars had Hollywood A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, Jared Leto, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Lupita Nyong'o and Bradley Cooper. The picture has broken all records and has become the most retweeted picture. It even crashed Twitter for about 20 minutes.
On a high
Highway has already collected more than Rs 27 crore at the Indian box office
The Alia Bhatt-Randeep Hooda starrer, presented by Sajid was made at a cost of Rs 18.25 crore (including P&A). And the unconventional movie has already clocked more than Rs 27 crore at the Indian box office and is still running well across theatres. Also, noteworthy is the fact that the film has garnered this collection from just 800 screens, where it was released. Highway had made Rs 15.5 crore revenue from pre-release deals and the international theatrical collection is more than Rs 8 crore. That brings the final number to an impressive Rs 50 crore. Sajid says, "It was both an honour and a challenge when Imtiaz entrusted me with the big responsibility of Highway's release. We worked with our distribution partners at UTV to give the film an appropriate release across 800 screens with carefully selected cities and cinemas across the country." The film directed by Imtiaz Ali, with Anil Mehta's cinematography and AR Rahman's music, has had a strong word of mouth. "Highway was always a profitable film, made and marketed at a tight cost but what was really heart warming was the way the audiences warmed up to the movie. We have not just made a super hit film but a much loved one which will be seen and remembered with fondness for years to come," adds Sajid. A satisfied Imtiaz Ali says, "Happy that the film has reached the audience. We are moved by the response and very thankful. This experience has taught us many new things."
Promotional gig
Ayushmann Khurrana will dance in a flash mob outside Status Restaurant in Nariman Point in Mumbai. His latest film has a corporate setting so it was fitting to do the promotional gig at a corporate area in Mumbai. Double dhamaal
Pulkit Samrat signed Fukrey and O Teri at the same time. O Teri, presented by Salman Khan, talks about two boys — Prantabh Pratap (PP) & Anand Ishvaram Devadutt Subramanium (AIDS in short) — who are ordinary journalists doing ordinary stories, facing ordinary pressures of life when a quirky turn of events changes their
lives.
Balancing act
Tamanna Bhatia will star in the Tamil remake of Aashiqui 2 as Aarohi. She is a big star down South and is now balancing her commitments in Bollywood and Tollywood.
Not impressed!
During a recent promotion of Ragini MMS-2 on Comedy Nights With Kapil, Ekta Kapoor and Sunny Leone were in for a shock. During the show, a youngster from Indore requested if he could come on stage. The young man who came on stage went down on his knees and proposed to Ekta. He kept referring to her as "Ekta ji" and "Ekta Madam" and finally addressed her as "Eku". When she told him to look at Sunny instead, he insisted that his emotions were for Ekta. He was adamant that he wouldn't leave till Ekta till she had accepted the match. The mystery finally unraveled when it emerged that the man was a struggling actor, hoping to land a role by impressing the czarina with his emotional display.
Direct take
Rajat Kapoor has directed a few films so far including Mithya and Raat gay Baat Gayi. He is directing Ankhon Dekhi now. He just supporting roles in his movies. Sanjay Mishra is the lead in Ankhon Dekhi.
Queen rules: Kangna Ranaut is basking in the success of Queen and the accolades she is receiving. Revolver Rani is next. Pretty cool!
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Victory of sorts
Jasmine Singh People don't mind dropping this inspirational quote whenever we are low and down—'There is always light at the end of the tunnel!' Just when we thought Punjabi films were heading for a dead end, director Jaspreet Rajan managed to run towards the end of the tunnel and managed to light up a light. His film Fateh, even if it doesn't shine like a hundred watt bulb, glows….and as of now this is all that matters. Fateh starring Nav Bajwa, Sameeksha Singh, Yaad Grewal,Gurpreet Ghuggi, Karamjit Anmol, Puneet Issar, Deep Dhillon, Shavendra Mahal, Navneet Nishan can be clearly cut into obvious parts, the good one and the not so good one. Jaspreet clearly has written and directed a movie that is different from the existing slot of films. He has given a neat shape to the movie, giving away the story within seconds, something you have to scout really hard to find. Fateh is the first Punjabi movie that is based of Sikh martial art gatka, which the director has showed nicely without goof-ups. The movie also boasts of good cinematography, except for the fight scenes where rain is an integral part. The director probably figured out that rain and fight makes for a nice combination. Cut to the second part…. this is where the director is getting tired of carrying a good story on his shoulders. Before we get to the 'bad fall' here are a couple of words for people who helped the director to successfully carry the story. Actor Nav Bajwa is a clear star of the movie. The actor has put in a lot of effort that shows on screen. The first half shows Nav who plays Fateh as a timid college going student. After an incident forces him to transform into a strong man who learns gatka to avenge the honour of his family, one can see the changes in Nav Bajwa. Bulging biceps and those can-be-clearly counted abs, Nav justifies his character till the end. Other actors who have delivered a wow are Yaad Grewal, who plays Sangram, the bad guy and Puneet Issar. As the guru, Puneet has done his homework well. Yaad Grewal looks devilish and does things justifying his character. Shavinder Mahal is on screen for a long time, convincingly going about his character. Gurpreet Ghuggi with a strange character name Tariff adds just about okay amount of humour. It is in fact Karamjit Anmol as Beyzatti who fails here. Deep Dhillon, a seasoned actor played his role well, as much as he was given. The leading lady, Samiksha Singh, is definitely more than just one or two songs. After all the lady learns gatka in the film, for god knows what reason and why. Now, coming to the point where the director drops the story like a weightlifter who can't bear the weight of the weights. In the second half, exactly at a point where Samiksha discovers the reason for the change in Fateh, the story drops… boom! This is the point where you can see everything going wrong. The movie winds up with a world martial championship and can you believe it, the final round sees India vs India! C'mon guys, let's be realistic. It is at this stage, you see all the effort that Fateh made learning the martial art going waste. The director couldn't keep the fire in Fateh alive till the end. The film ends abruptly with one wondering eh ki hoya. Fateh has some pleasant music which is neither too loud nor bland. Even if the film didn't get a total Fateh, but it still manages to dare something different, which is acceptable and applaudable. Film: Fateh Director: Jaspreet Rajan Cast: Nav Bajwa, Sameeksha Singh, Yaad Grewal,Gurpreet Ghuggi,Karamjit Anmol, Puneet Issar, Deep Dhillon, Shavendra Mahal, Navneet Nishan Rating: **
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Sense & sensitivity
Queen: Directed by Vikas Bahl, Queen is a Bollywood film produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Phantom Films and it stars Kangana Ranaut, Lisa Haydon and Rajkummar Rao in lead roles. The film's is about a small-town girl, who goes on her honeymoon alone. Brilliant feat: I love the film very much and it is totally and entirely because of Kangana Ranaut's performance in the film. She is effortless and impeccable. Kavisha Sood, student Meaningful story: It's a beautiful story of a girl, who sets out alone on her honeymoon and discovers herself and the meaning of her life. It's a meaningful film and is definitely a must watch. Prabhjot Singh, agriculturist Smashing performance: I am flabbergasted with Kangana's performance. The way she has acted in this film is absolutely phenomenal. The story, direction and screenplay too have so much finesse. It's not the kind of film that you would want to miss. Kriti Ashok, IT employee Total Siyapaa: Total Siyapaa is a romantic comedy film directed by E. Nivas and written by writer of much-acclaimed films A Wednesday and Special 26 Neeraj Pandey. Film stars Ali Zafar and Yami Gautam in lead roles with veteran actor Anupam Kher and his real life wife Kiron Kher. No substance: I did not quite like the movie because I perceived it as a romantic comedy, but it does not have much substance to it. So, it did not live up to my expectations, especially after seeing the promos. Angad Singh, employee Something missing: The film failed to impress me. It's a nice story, but there was something missing. It wasn't a complete movie-viewing experience. Nikita Bahlla, student Gulaab Gang: Gulaab Gang focuses on the struggle of women in the country. Directed by a debutant director Soumik Sen, the film stars Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla. Too dramatised : It's a nice film about a subject that has raised many questions on our social set-up. But the concept has been way too dramatised. Also, there is no connection between Sampat Pal's Gulaab Gang and this one. Jasjeet Singh, student Good concept: It's a very interesting film and a concept too. I like the film, mainly because it is the first of a kind in Bollywood. However, there were many weak moments. Harneet Kaur, homemaker (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
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Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health, Punjab, Matter of the day: It might be just one day in the year, but it comes as an opportunity to debate and discuss women-centric issues and find solutions. 
Dinaz Madhukar, Senior VP, DLF Emporio
Mridula Jain, MD, Shingora Textiles
Charity on birthday: Donate utensils to the needy or at any religious place today.
Falling in love: Sanchi (Roop Durgapal) in Colors' Balika Vadhu will soon fall in love again. This time it will be with the lawyer Vivek (Vimarsh Roshan), who helped her get justice and put his own brother Saurabh (Sonal Handa) in jail for raping her.
Sonam Kapoor will be seen in Bewakoofiyaan next. She talks about her movies and fashion:
Fashion is something I love and it comes naturally to me. I have great instincts when it comes to fashion. I love dressing up and it makes me feel good. I think every girl loves dressing up. I am just unabashed about it.
Sajid Nadiadwala is a very happy man with Imtiaz Ali's Highway turning out to be a profitable film for all stakeholders.