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Politically correct
One young politician taking a dig at a fellow contestant's age, only to get a fitting reply - social media has sure become the new battleground in the game of power. Personal, professional or politics, social media has permeated every fibre of our living. No wonder then, the young brigade is welcoming the move.
While our tech-suave politicians - Narendra Modi, Mamta Bannerjee, Omar Abdullah and Shashi Tharoor - lead the pack, keeping their supporters and detractors equally amused, well, there is hardly any politician who is missing this social networking bus. Arvind Kejriwal, Sushma Swaraj, Manmohan Singh, and closer home Naveen Jindal have kept their followers actively engaged on Facebook and Twitter. Says Babalpreet Bains, leader, SOI, Panjab University, who keenly follows NaMo and Arjind Kejriwal, "Social media is the quickest and the cleverest way to reach out to people. In today's time when we are online most of our waking hours, it's here that a politician can catch one's attention." This student, pursuing Masters in Political Science who is always up-to-date on politician's updates online, is a little disheartened at Kejriwal not been able to practically run the government. 'Friend' to Rahul Gandhi and Pawan Kumar Bansal, Manoj Lubana, law student from Panjab University, vehemently supports social media as a tool in any politician's kitty. "One can convey one's message to thousands of people in one click," says this NSUI president from the PU campus. Well, social media makes a convenient setting for one to showcase or promote oneself. Right from where a politician will be addressing a rally next to pictures and notes on accomplishments to presenting individual likes and dislikes, Facebook and Twitter present a wonderful platform. And it makes sense for our country that has one of the largest Facebook populations as well! Not that this medium has only pluses, leaders like Shashi Tharoor have landed in trouble in the past with their updates but then more or less if treaded with caution, there are many opportunities. Shikha Dhir, who wants to seriously pursue politics in life, is happy to keep abreast with all major figures. "Social media is the place where we all converge now. Just like any of your old school friend with whom you had long lost touch is sure to be found on Facebook or Whats app, you can track any politician today and that too with ease." Old letters have given way to emails and politicians who used to bank on rallies as well as personal appearances in their constituencies are able to connect better with their voters through technology. Shivinder Kang, assistant professor at Regional Institute of English-32, feels social networking sites, apart from many other things, make the politicians accountable to their voters. "I am in touch with Randeep Singh Surjewala and Rajinder Kaur Bhattal on Whats app and Facebook, and believe that they are able to juggle their multiple roles with ease because they use technology to its best. Both of them supervise their social networking accounts personally," says Shivinder. The best part about politicians mingling with their voters online, according to Shivinder, is that you can hold them accountable. "Once you have put your grievance on their wall post, they cannot evade the responsibility you have thrust upon them." And then online world is inhabited by not only students, but people of all age groups or classes. Not only is it a good platform for politicians, but also the voters who can now choose their representatives wisely. mona@tribunemail.com
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Write way
For Samina Mishra, it's the perspective that matters. In Chandigarh, for the three-day Chandigarh Children's Literature Festival, Samina is happy that there is so much for kids to read today. "It's a good time for children's literature in India." On the Crossword jury, she read all the books that came this year, but there is much more to do, "I feel there is little experimentation when it comes to picture books. I do make out it's the whole economics of it; costs being high, publishers difficult and in turn writers shying away from it, but yes there is huge scope out there."
Samina writes as well as makes documentaries and is comfortable in both the mediums, "I don't see them as separate. For me both are connected." Worthy is one word that she wants to keep away from kids being introduced to art, "The purpose of art is to let kids imagine, ask questions, experiment; growth will eventually happen." Samina has recently finished working on My Sweet Home, a book that's developed during a workshop that she did with kids in a ghetto in Delhi. "The area got infamous after Batla House encounter. While working on different themes, there was one loss. Kids talked about the loss of a pet, grandparent, ring; one girl wrote about the loss of reputation of her locality." Samina rues that being a minority had never been easy in India, but things have changed and not for good. "There are many wealthy Muslims living in areas that are low on infrastructure. But they are not welcome to rent or buy outside that. And, then they are not comfortable either to be living outside their community." Samina has recently finished a documentary titled Jagriti Yatra about a train journey undertaken by young 20-25-year-olds; she is next writing a book about a girl who goes to a residential school and events that unfold." Happy at CCLF, Samina is all for such festivals, "Not only do they motivate the kids to read more, but also the parents." mona@tribunemail.com
Tough call
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Blinded by bling
Ashima Batish An overdose of bling can leave you feeling nauseated. Something you desperately want to get rid of, but you can't because it's there everywhere, on suits, kurtis, sarees, jackets, one piece dresses, ballerinas, peep toes… Some relief comes from bed sheets, since you actually can't sleep on sequins, stones or zari. What's a pleasure to have in accents, becomes an eyesore in abundance. So, as you gear up to make it to The Pink Carpet, an exhibition at Taj-Chandigarh, make sure you pick stuff that promises a balance of glimmer and grace. Classic art Walk past the stalls, to reach the last row of the venue. Roop Zari Fashion from Jaipur welcomes with gota patti work on a variety of fabric. Now, it might be a classic craft but one can go wrong with it when put incorrectly. All handmade, pattis are stitched instead of being pasted. While the pricing is nominal, as compared to many a competitor, there is no compromise with the quality of fabric. Chanderi silk, chiffon, georgette…you have it all. Even if you have the best of the machine embroideries done-in-a-few-hours, handwork will always be valued and preferred. For Swati Rastogi of Postcard, it doesn't matter if a patch of embroidery takes two days time to be completed, it is something she swears by. Her zari work is the best at the exhibition, all done by hand and stunningly beautiful. Even the tassles attached to suits and lehanga cholis have dabka work. "Other than the fabric, nothing has been outsourced, not even the embroidery designs. These are all original, created by me," says the designer from Chandigarh. Don't chikan out Manish Malhotra's Mizwan collection proved how Lucknawi chikan can be experimented with. It looks beautiful, be it a maroon chikan lehanga with mukaish hooked on the fabric or the white self version of it at Ashima Kaushal's stall, Rang. If there are jacket lehangas for over Rs 35 thousand, there is a range of considerably reasonable pieces in the range of Rs 4,000. "The best part is, chikan suits can become heirloom pieces, given the classic they are," says Ashima. Take care At the exhibition, there are designers who have brought their creations and there are those who have collected dresses from various sources. In between the two end of the spectrum, there are a few who have claimed to be designers but what they have presented are stuff you would find in any retail shop. You should also hold your guard against those claiming to be image consultants for they might dent your image with their cheap collections from Thailand and China. On till today.
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No sense, no sensibility
Jasmine Singh Let's get down to the good thing about the Punjabi film, Marriage Da Garriage… First, if you are not happy with someone, your friend, boyfriend, relative, then you should definitely send them tickets of this movie! Second, if you want to learn Punjabi idioms or if you hadn't taken Punjabi as an optional subject, then you should quickly get down to the business of watching Marriage Da Garriage. Directed by Jaswinder Singh, the film stars BN Sharma, Jaswinder Bhalla, Navraj Hans, Keeya Khanna, Shakti Kapoor and Upasna Singh. On the title of the film, even if you are a close relative to James Bond or our desi detective Byoumkesh Bakshi, you cannot establish a connection between the film and the title. The director puts pressure on our mind with a title that does not fit. The screenplay is by Gaurav Bhalla, and what a story! Not even a single scene makes sense and each scene stands independent, with no connecting thread. Disjoining something so meticulously requires a lot of effort! On top of that the dialogues designed in such a way that even if you get the foreign-made nuts and bolts, they can't be joined together. And laughter, well that only comes from the shooting pain in the deepest corner of the head! Coming to romance…. now what's this? If this film is a rom-com then it's time, the Punjabi film industry coined a new term for romance. The director Jaswinder Singh has spoilt the subject to the hilt. This is itself, as we say, is a tedious job. He has successfully been supported by the star cast. Before we talk about the lead pair Navraj Hans and Keeya Khanna, we need to make a small correction, actually the title for the lead pair goes to Jaswinder Bhalla and BN Sharma who bore us no end with their Punjabi idioms with Sharma trying hard to do what Shahid Kapoor did in his film Kaminey, the S and F confusion! We expect so much better from such seasoned actors like BN Sharma and Jaswinder Bhalla who are making their own Chankaata. The singer Navraj Hans with the dark shades and without the dark shades is same, unbearable! Navraj has been blessed with a beautiful voice, but acting, this is something he will take a 'long' while to come close to. Keeya Khanna, pretty lady, were you the actress or were you offered a guest appearance? Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor trying to pull the 'aau' act is pathetic. Now, if everyone is either bad or horrible, what would you expect of Upasna Singh of the Comedy Nights with Kapil. The film reminds you of Govinda in Sajan Chaley Sasural and Joru Ka Ghulam though. With Navraj Hans on board, one expected better music, but we are sorry to add, the music also follows suit--pathetic. In the end, after such a horrible show, the one thing that you come back is some knowledge on Punjabi idioms— Nau sau chuhey khakar billi haj ko chali…How informative!
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Comedy without content
O Teri Produced by Atul Agnihotri, O Teri features Pulkit Samrat, Bilal Amrohi, Sarah-Jane Dias, Sara Loren, and Mandira Bedi. Good concept I like the film, especially the concept of the film. I think it could have been done with a little more humour. Harpreet Kaur, private bank employee No comparison It's a funny film, and probably because I went to watch it with the notion that this film was influenced by Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. Kanika Dhiman, private bank employee Mindless offering I didn't quite like the film. The film has mindless comedy, which makes the plot look silly. Aakash Ohri, student Youngistaan Youngistaan is a film directed by Syed Ahmad Afzal and stars Jackky Bhagnani, Neha Sharma, Farooq Sheikh, and Kayoze Irani in lead roles. Political treat I like the film. It's pretty much of a political drama and Jackky has acted pretty well in the film too. I like Neha's acting too. It's a good subject for a film. Ankita Sharma, student Contemporary feel I like the film. It was a good watch and I think that it speaks volumes about today's generation. Suneet Dogra, student Dishkiyaoon Dishkiyaoon is produced by Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra along with Eros International. The film features Sunny Deol, Harman Baweja and Ayesha Khanna. Weak plot I didn't like the film very much, because there are a lot of unwanted action sequences in the movie, which deviates from the plot. Anahita Sachdeva, student As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Neeti’s dream
She confesses, "I would love to sing a duet with Rahman sir. That is my biggest wish." Neeti, whose list of chartbusters this year includes Tune Maari Entriyaan (Gunday), Khamakhaan (Bewakoofiyaan), Pinacolada (Darr @ The Mall) and Tumse Pyaar Hogaya (Shaade Ke Side Effects), further adds, "It is not about singing a song, it is an enriching experience you get from working with them. When you are around talented people you always get inspired." Meanwhile, Neeti is currently gearing up for some more smash hit numbers in upcoming films like Main Tera Hero, Kaanchi, City Lights among others.
Praise for Dishkiyaaoon
Bipasha Basu approves of her beau's film Dishkiyaaoon, she posted on Twitter. She is urging everyone to see the movie. Meanwhile, Shilpa Shetty went to Siddhivinayak to seek blessings for her maiden production venture.
Claudia comes back
Polish-German model and actress Claudia Ceisla is back with another item song. The 27-year-old actress will be seen in a song titled Patnewali Hoon in Anand Kumar's upcoming Desi Kattey. While Rekha Bhardwaj has lent her voice to the song, Kailash Kher has composed music for the film. She says, "I got many offers after my first item number, but I chose this one because its tune and lyrics are very catchy. Also, my look and dance moves are completely different from the earlier song." She adds, "Choreographer Vishnu Deva came up with some fabulous steps that were energetic and catchy. Though the song was shot at Filmcity, never once did I feel that I was in Mumbai; it looked like a far-off village. The set was filled with kattey (guns)."
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No stars for Nagesh Kukunoor
Except for working with John Abraham in Aashayein (2010) and Akshay Kumar in 8x10 Tasveer (2009) Nagesh Kukunoor has never worked with big stars. Commercially, both the films did not do well at the box office. His big hits have been Dor and Iqbal while Lakshmi has made an impact and got a mixed response. He talks about stars and films. Star appeal
I don't have material that can appeal to a star. But even if I get that (idea or story) to put together a project with a star it is a longish process and I am someone who never has that kind of patience or persistence. In my case, when I decided to work with Akshay it just happened. It's not like I worked my way to work with
Akshay. I made seven films without a star before I actually did one with a star, so it is actually never been my desire to work with a
star. Masala films
I want to make a masala movie but it doesn't mean it will happen quickly. So, if I say I want to make a masala film, I may at the most be able to stretch it to what a Hrishikesh Mukherjee did, add commercial elements with his
touch. Dabanng touch
Dabanng was in my top three films of that year. I grew up on a lot of these dishoom dishoom movies. It
(Dabangg) had a wonderful story structure. If commercial cinema is told like this, I absolutely love it.
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Blessings with condition
Queen-size luxury
Kangana Ranaut has moved into a new apartment in Khar, suburban Mumbai. We hear that she is bathing with mineral water as the building does not have a regular water supply yet.
Sridevi goes Hawaa Hawaai
Sridevi popularised the song Hawaa Hawaii way back in the 1990s. She will launch the promo of the new children's movie directed by Amole Gupte which stars Partho Gupte and Saqib Saleem.
Own up please!
We hear that Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor are very much together and the Parineeti Chopra angle is just a red herring. Will the real couple please stand up? couple entry: Aditya Roy Kapur & Shraddha Kapoor
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An emotional journey
Rajat Kapoor talks about making his highly acclaimed film and the positive response which he did not expect.
The Delhi set-up That's why I love Ankhon Dekhi (laughs). Yes, it took me years to go back to the place I grew up in. This film is special for me as is it took me back to my childhood. The entire shoot was an emotional journey for me. Considering Naseeruddin Yes. There was a point when I wanted Naseer saab on board, but I soon realised that Sanjay would be a better fit for the part. Besides, when I wrote the script, I was clear that only Sanjay can do justice to it. I respect both of them because they are exceptionally talented actors. Positive response I was not really expecting it. As a director, making a film I want to is what matters most to me. Fortunately, I have done it with Aankhon Dekhi. What happens before the release is in my hands but after the release, it is out of my control. So, I don't really worry about the film's reception. Having said that, I'm certainly overwhelmed by the feedback I've received so far. Commercial angle I can only hope our film becomes a success. The problem lies in the whole set up of our industry. Bollywood is star-driven; nothing sells until and unless it has a known face attached to the project. Even if a movie is brilliant, it may not work at all. There are no guaranteed returns. For instance, I can't compare Ragini MMS 2 to Aankhon Dekhi. The former receives more than 12 shows a day, while the latter is allotted one or two. Then again, I'm an eternal optimist (smiles). Twitter funding It just happened. I came across a NRI businessman named Manish Mundra on Twitter. Not only did he show interest in the script, but he also believed in the whole project. Soon, it was clear that this film would happen no matter what. He didn't stop at investing money either; he took a keen interest in its overall development. We hope to continue working together in the future as well.
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Shilpa on Star Verdict
This multi-tasking diva talks to Anupama Chopra about her journey so far, the challenges she faced and how motherhood has impacted her career, this Friday, March 30, 2014.
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Sports & glamour
The spirit was competitive, but the mood was cheerful at the inaugural match of Box Cricket League.
The smiley balls added to the ease of players as they knew all eyes were on them at the onset of the series. Many popular faces and players from the other teams were present to cheer the playing teams. Team Titli lead by Noori Shah (ABCD fame) wooed one and all as the evening kick-started with her Baby Doll act. Considering the celebrity status, a fully air-conditioned indoor stadium has been chosen for the series. Baabu Moshayes won the match with a whopping lead of 63 runs. Divyanka Tripathi booed onscreen husband Karan Patel after he lost against her rumoured boyfriend and ex-onscreen husband Sharad Malhotra. Also Rajeev Thakur was seen teasing the love birds at the felicitation ceremony. While Krystle D Souza was busy playing the match, other girls from the team Mumbai Mastram were seen wooing Karan Tacker. Mumbai Mastram team owners, Mandira Bedi and Ashish Chowdhry, among others, were present to applaud their favourite team.
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Creating awareness
Though she has films in her kitty and is busy shooting in Chandigarh, she wanted to be part of Savadhan India as she feels it's a crime show that creates awareness.
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Astro Turf
ARIES:You will be under some stress this morning. Do not attempt to get new plans going. Work in seclusion from your own house if possible.
Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make investments in property.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60
TAURUS: An argument with your spouse is possible. You will have to watch your temper if harmony is to be maintained. Give a little more attention to the creative and spiritual side of your life now.
Tarot message: Over-optimism can lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 30 GEMINI: Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunities that come your way. No arguments with elders please. You will get what you expect. Your moods can be up and down.
Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 36 CANCER: Keep your spirits up by putting forward a cheerful face. Look at stocks and saving certificates you hold. Creativity shines. Students: enjoy cheerful moments on the campus.
Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 55 LEO: The card ‘Two of cups’ promises many opportunities
on the financial fronts. If working on a commission basis, you will be able to
increase your earnings. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: It is a tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. It will be best to keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: protect yourself against an accident while cooking. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get
sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40 LIBRA: A secret meeting with influential people will go off particularly well. Today your boss can promises for a salary increase in the near future. This bodes well on the financial front.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain a grip over your business. Lucky
colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52 SCORPIO: ‘The queen of cups’ opens the door for a new job offer. Do not become excitable. Avoid making partnership deals. Lovers: a good day for introducing your beloved to your parents.
Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 58 SAGITTARIUS: It is a fine day for starting something new. Businessmen: you can make a secret deal or alliance that can be very lucrative. A discussion
behind closed doors can work out very well. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself and prepare for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 42 CAPRICORN: Your card ‘Ten of pentacles’ reveals that plans that you have for saving are likely to meet with approval. Be careful, as you are likely to jump the gun and live to regret your actions.
Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home will need care. Lucky
colour: Red. Magic number: 26 AQUARIUS: You draw ‘The lovers’, so new attractions are likely to be serious. Do not try to make money the easy way. Romance is highlighted. The second half of the day favours social work. Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors. Lucky colour: Turquoise.
Magic number: 62 PISCES: Do not make snap decisions. Mutually held funds should not be disturbed without your consent. Be careful whenit comes to lending money to a distant friend.
Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at the workplace. Lucky colour: Blue.
Magic number: 44
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The Year Ahead
If your birthday is March 29...
Your birthday is ruled by number 2 and the Moon. You are highly creative, smart, simple, trustworthy and generous. You have excellent leadership qualities and can easily handle any difficult situation. You have good executive abilities, as you are very much the organiser and administrator. You are broad-minded, tolerant, generous and a compassionate person who can inspire others with imaginative ideas. You just might meet the person you’ve been waiting for. This meeting can happen in the near future. Positive colours: White, Pink, Grey, Orange and Cream. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Pearl, Moonstone. Charity on birthday: Donate black grams utensils at a religious place today.
You share your birthday with Michael Winterbottom (March 29, 1961, Lancashire), a prolific British filmmaker. Three of his movies, Welcome to Sarajevo, Wonderland and 24 Hour Party People have been nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
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Reading and writing is what comes to Payal Dhar naturally. A shy child, her best friends have been books only. Being a children's writer is not easy, she believes, for one can hardly earn a living by that. And then, writing fiction is a tough call, “I would quote Somerset Maugham, 'There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are'.” With her couple of books already out, including A Shadow in Eternity, The Key of Chaos and Satin - A Stitch in Time, Payal is next writing about a girl whose friend has a secret. Wait and watch!
Neeti Mohan, for whom the year 2014 has started with a bang with the pretty singer churning out four back-to-back hits, is on every music composer's list. Though Neeti has crooned with singers like Vishal Dadlani, Arijit Singh, KK, Benny Dayal among others, the young lady's biggest wish is to sing with music maestro AR Rahman.
Sonam Kapoor has asked Rekha for her blessings for the remake of Khoobsoorat. The veteran actor has asked her and sister Rhea to show her the first edit of the film. So we guess blessings don’t come free anymore.
The next episode of Star Verdict will see Shilpa Shetty Kundra. A popular actress, reality show judge, entrepreneur and producer, Shilpa Shetty Kundra has juggled many roles over the course of her career.
Shilpa Shukla, of Chak De! India fame, will now be seen in Savadhan India —Maha Movie on Life Ok. She was last seen in BA Pass, a critically acclaimed film.