Those who matter...
A film is handiwork of not just actors or director who comes into the limelight…. here’s meeting the few who create the sparkle on screen…
Jasmine Singh

Actress Japji Khera in fashion designer Nivedita's collection Actor Babbal Rai dressed as a woman Make up artist Vasu works on actor Jassi Jasraj

Even if we criticise the Punjabi film industry for giving us some repetitive dose of useless comedy or some meaningless topics, there is no denying the fact that it is this Punjabi film industry that has given space to many satellite departments that are now as important as production, direction and acting.

Think of Babbal Rai, the actor who dressed up as a lady in his debut film Mr and Mrs 420, he wouldn’t had made for a convincing lady had it not been for the make up artist who worked for hours on him, if it were not for the trained fight master, you wouldn’t see the dishum dishum (more than just the sound) in films, and imagine the pretty actresses whom we often see spending their entire energy on looking pretty running around the trees in designer clothes, courtesy the on sets designers.

Indeed, Punjabi industry has paved way for many professional sub units who assist in making a movie till the end. A glance on these satellite professions and you’d know their importance and where they stand.

Make it up

You can’t expect an actor or actress to look natural on the silver screen, looking pretty, presentable and amazing are key words. Make up artists in the Punjabi film industry move beyond giving the actors a foundation base, blushes or just curling or straightening hair. Make up artist Suresh Kumar Chaurasia (Vasu) who converted Babbal Rai and Binnu Dhillon into believable women on screen shares, “Make up in not just about applying foundation or doing eye makeup, a make up artist has to study the character and then work accordingly.” Vasu who started working in Punjabi films with Bikar Bai Sentimental feels that the industry has become professional. “The filmmakers don’t just do with any beautician, now Punjabi films hire make up artists from Mumbai and from the region who know their job well.” Films like Singh Vs Kaur, Kirpaan and even Ishq Brandy have hired a team of make up artists who sit with the director or the AD to work on the look of the character.

Fight back

Move over from fist fights, the industry knows fighting is a serious business, so here come professional fight masters who create stunts on the line of Bollywood. Director Navaniat Singh hired Bollywood’ best fight master Allan Amin for his up coming film Rambo Ranjha. Likewise director Rohit Jugraj has laid a lot of emphasis on the fight sequences in his upcoming film Jatt James Bond. “Punjabi films are now viewed by Bollywood as well, in addition to this, professionalism and movie making techniques have gone better. This is one department that every director is very careful about,” he adds. Rohit Jugraj along with Mohan Baggad has choreographed the action sequences of Jatt James Bond. “I designed the action along with Sandeep, rehearsed them in Mumbai, had pre-visualisation ready before we actually shot it.” Rohit feels that action hasn’t been given credit in the industry, “The actors here are sturdy, if given the right platform they can do the stunts themselves,” adds he.

Work of art

Here comes one of the most important yet underrated job, art director. However, Punjabi films are showing an inclination towards set designing making the job of an art director pretty important. Tirath Gill, a well-known art director of Punjabi films doesn’t deny that one can spot the difference between the films who have hired an art director for their film compared to the ones who don’t. “You can’t just shoot a scene just about anywhere. For instance, in Jaspal Bhatti’s Mahaul Thek Hai or Manmohan Singh’s Mitti Wajan Mardi, I had to create the sets according to the theme. This requires studying the film and the characters.” Tirath Gill says. Also, he is aware that the fact that this department is not that well paid. “It depends from film to film, some directors like Manmohan Singh take in account my work and pay accordingly, and others give me nothing sometimes. But what to do, after all we have to survive here,” he adds.

Designer cut

Costume and jewellery designers have come in the Punjabi film industry in a big way. Nivedita Sharma of Nivea’s sector-8 has designed the outfits for the actresses in the film Ishq Brandy. “The director wasparticular about the kind of outfits they were looking for given their role in the film. The Punjabi film audience is now sitting in abroad as well, even in Mumbai people notice their films,” she says.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Electrifying!
Wills India Fashion Week autumn/winter 2014 draws to an end with designer Namrata Joshipura’s collection inspired by cyber funk
Ashima Batish

A few hours before her show, which will also pull down the curtains to the Wills India Fashion Week autumn/ winter 2014, Namrata Joshipura is all over the place. She has to take a look at the last minute fittings, review music, check sets, in-between give interviews....She is so caught up that she can’t spare a few moments even to introspect if she is nervous or hassled by the pressure of being the grand finale designer.

“I have no time to think about how big a deal it is to present a finale collection.” All she knows is that it has to be an affair to remember and for that she has to be meticulous. “Sending down creations on the ramp is just a part of the show, and the only part that you can rehearse for. The rest of it—music, hair and make-up, putting up décor accessories and how they look-- actually happens there, on that time during the show,” says the designer, who is in her tenth year at the week.

Expectations from her are very high this time, more so for the fact that hers is the finale collection, “But everybody needs to understand that at the end of the day I am a designer and not an entertainer.” Her collection is aptly titled Electrons, since the creations have a sci-fi element to it. “I have always been fascinated by artificial intelligence, or processes like brain mapping. It’s inspired from cyber funk and her tribe”. The patterns have been derived from these, even the fabrics are textured in the way that speak for the inspiration behind. Known for her partiality towards floral prints, even with a futuristic concept like artificial intelligence, she has remained loyal to her favourite motif, flowers. Only the version is complex this time. You will see a lot of digitized flowers. Also there will be linear lines with flowers.

The silhouettes she has created are very modern, very contemporary. The collection comprises of textures trousers, body suits, jumpsuits. Also a part of it is meant for the red carpet, primarily boasting of the evening dresses. “The autumn winter of this year will be about sporty chic once again and my creations are on the similar lines.” The forecast comes after the review of the collections presented at the fashion week. She feels glad to see the younger designers also focusing as much on the presentation on the ramp, as much on the designs. “They understand that they have to create the right energy and set the mood for the show.” As for who is the best this time, she places collection by Payal Pratap at the top. “I am also keeping my fingers crossed for my collection,” she adds, hinting at the excitement she is experiencing, the only traces of emotions she finally shows.

Starting point

What would have been just another lazy Sunday morning turned out to be high on inspiration and insight, packing much fodder for thought especially for the parents and teachers who sat in rapt attention at Dikshant International School.

The last three days saw the first ever Chandigarh Children’s Literature Festival 2014 organised by Dikshant International School in association with Adab Foundation. The festival was amalgamation of sessions at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh along with workshops at Dikshant International School, Zirakpur. The festival brought together 12 renowned children’s authors and illustrators who aimed at enlightening children about books and reading.

The third and the concluding day saw performing artist, trainer and founder of Kathashala, Simi Srivastava, pick up some very crucial aspects of parenting and making learning an arresting experience that may impact young minds and thus become a crucial tool to create a creative, open-minded and confident humanity throbbing with gifted originality.

The last day’s sessions and workshops, held on the school premises, saw Srivastava work with parents and children for close to two hours and illustrator/author Srivi Kalyan, work with children across 5-8 years in the school’s art studio.

Srivastava kicked off an animated session with a ‘contemporary’ version of the Monkey and The Capseller. Obviously, she hit home the point when she lived out the story in the most attention-riveting manner using voice modulation, facial expressions, her limbs and a very articulate manner of speech. The point obviously tossed at the parents was to make storytelling a no-holds barred communication, shedding the masks adults tend to layer upon themselves. The whole idea, stressed Srivastava, is, to inspire kids to celebrate their uniqueness and find their highest creative possibilities. There’s no undermining the importance of storytelling as a therapy, as a tool for learning, inspiration, as a way of emotional bonding and value-highlighting, she demonstrated.

Meanwhile, Srivi Kalyan, had her group of children imagine forms, creatures, people and draw them out in the air before turning them into little poems and illustrations on paper. The little ones, egged on by their very friendly trainer, played along enthusiastically.

In fact such enthusiasm was a common factor across all three days of workshops. If Day One had them time-travel with Devika Rangachari to find stories in history, Giti Chandra had them stretch further and create the unfamiliar. Both gifted the kids a starting point towards writing as a tool of storytelling. Sampurna Chattarji, on Day Two, pitched in with the most crucial ingredient –words. With what looked like a serious exercise in wordplay, she actually got the kids come up with a surprising talent with words – both existing as well as invented.

And to take the art of storytelling across the realm of illustrations came Srivi who in her session on Day One had got the children stretching out of their limbs, shedding limitations to create creatures & characters of their own. Theatre person Sukhesh Arora took that further while writer Chatura Rao got the kids to think visually, for which she also threw in an Oscar-winning short film. Simi Srivastava threw in another dimension with the art of puppetry.

The festival, as Mitul Dixit, chairman, Adab Foundation, intended, had set out to enhance the experience of learning & be a step in creating a culturally sensitive & a naturally bright generation. Looking at the way the kids, across 5-15 years soaked up the sessions, this certainly looks a promise well-delivered. — TNS

the ‘in’ side
Optical illusion
Renu Soni

Redecorating or constructing a house? Please remember to maximize on space or the illusion of space. I’ve seen many homes cramped up by poor lighting, oversized furniture, wrong colour schemes and unnecessary clutter.

By carrying out a few simple tips, your home can breathe expanse, openness and comfort. This, in turn creates positively and a clear mind which is all so essential in today’s hectic lifestyle.

Avoid bulky furniture: Low-level furniture is definitely a better option as tall bulky ones simply make a room seem cramped. Avoid buying too many pieces and instead invest in quality furniture which is in proportion to the size of the room.

Colour schemes: It is a well-known fact that light and plain colours make a room appear larger; the walls appear to recede, creating a bright and airy feel. Alternatively, light-coloured wallpaper with a small pattern can achieve the same sense of spaciousness without looking a little boring. Colours to consider are light blues, greens, light grays and neutrals.

Flooring: Continuous flooring fitted wall-to-wall will make a room appear far more spacious. Choose a colour that is similar to that on the walls so that the edge where they join is less noticeable.

Lighting: Use soft, recessed or concealed lighting which leaves the edges of the room in a less abrupt shadow. Wall lights are probably more suitable than one single ceiling pendant, with freestanding lamps to provide direct task lighting where it is needed. Use concealed strip lighting in bookshelves, around alcoves and mirrors, and a spotlight on an attractive picture or ornament.

Windows: Simple roller blinds that fit the windows exactly are best to give a feeling of space and are especially suitable for small windows. Select plain colours that have a similar tone as the walls and avoid fussy distractions, such as tassels or fringes. Curtains, on the other hand, should be long – nearly reaching the floor – and hung from a rail extended out beyond the sides of the window to make it seem larger. If there are two or more windows side by side, it is advisable to curtain the entire wall – hanging separate pairs of curtains would create a cluttered aesthetic.

Mirrors and glass: Mirrors are probably one of the simplest and most attractive ways of creating illusions of space and also of making dark rooms seem lighter. An obvious way of using mirrors to make a room appear more spacious is to cover one complete wall with them. Mirrors behind shelves, in alcoves, and between two windows, reflect the room and make it look bigger. Place a mirror at the end of a short hallway to give the illusion of length. This same illusion can be achieved with virtually any reflective surface. Stainless steel, glass, metal, glossy paint, and lacquered finishes are all examples of materials that reflect. Add these to any area to give the illusion of space.

Natural light: To instantly open up a room and give it an airy feeling, take advantage of the natural light available. This simple trick works for even the smallest room, and is a 100 per cent free way to improve the look of your home. Pull back those heavy draperies, clean the windows, and let the sun shine in. Add protective UV film to keep out the heat.

Get rid of the excess: Clutter, unused furniture, and too many accent pieces, can quickly take over a room and make it feel short on space. Declutter, organize, and move the excess somewhere else.

Go vertical: If you’re going to splurge, custom built-ins are the way to go. Lofty rooms reach their full potential with one-of-a-kind shelving units that reach from the floor to ceiling. Custom storage also helps you maximize out-of-the-way nooks, like the area under a flight of stairs.

I guarantee once you’ve implemented some of these simple tips, you and your guests will notice the remarkable difference and embrace it with open arms.

(Soni is a Chandigarh-based interior decorator)

stress buster
Find your way to happiness
Renee Singh

We all know that different personality traits impact our stress levels differently. Most of us are not really very consciously aware of our personality type or traits and also how these traits actually affect our stress levels.

There are many ways of finding how we can understand our own personalities better so that we can find adequate solutions to countering our own stress levels. This is vital for our own stress management.

In order to find your personality type you must try to find what is your communication style, this gives you a clear idea of your personality type. For example if you are:

Assertive

Aggressive

Passive

How you communicate can affect how you handle conflict, whether you handle it well, avoid conflict totally or have explosive arguments, or is it that you have managed to create a balance in your life. Having a clear plan for coping with stress can help you feel empowered and enable you to take more effective action. This way you can manage to shed your stress and feel more relaxed and effective in your life.

Developing resilience

Resilience is a quality that helps us through daily stressors and also major life crises. Much of our resilience is an inborn trait but you can do a lot to develop your resilience level.

There is a list of questions you can answer which will help you to measure your own resilience level. These questions have been designed to help you in understanding your personality by helping you to measure your different attitudes, habits and traits associated with resilience. How you react to various situations is directly dependant on how resilient you are. This depends totally on your personality type. Some people may sail through a certain situation, another person could feel totally bogged down by it.

Answer the following with a clear mind to find your true personality and allow your personal stressors to take a back seat.

1. When confronted with a difficult situation, do you feel stronger while dealing with it or do you feel 'Why me'.

1.Can you actually laugh at your difficult times or do you think there is nothing funny here and feel overawed by the situation.

2.Are you able to adapt to change easily and feel that change is a vital part of life or is it that change bothers you. You may be the type who likes things to be fixed and find it hard to move on.

3.Do you take care of your health? Eat healthy nutritious food and exercise regularly. Or is it that you eat as and when you please and any kind of junk food is acceptable as long as it fills your stomach.

4.When faced with a major challenge do you make an action plan and follow it or do you learn about the situation get stuck in anxiety and try to avoid the issue.

5.Do you feel your life has a meaning or purpose to it or are you still finding yourself and spending time aimlessly wandering along the path of life.

6.When you set a goal do you achieve it by overcoming all obstacles and getting there or do you give up easily by telling yourself that things have never worked your way.

7.Do you have a supportive Social Network? Do you have friends you can let your hair down with or are you stuck in relationships where you are apprehensive to be yourself and show your true feelings?

8.Can you take a step back view your problems and smile with ease at them and feel that if you don't smile at them you will feel more challenged by them or do you feel there's nothing to smile at?

9.When you feel overwhelmed are you aware of what is bothering you and why, can you figure what your specific emotions are. If the answer is yes you are on a positive note but if it gets inexplicable then it is bothersome.

10.Do you want to live to be a 100 years old or do you think that would be too much.

11.Do you have Faith in a Higher Power, anything that can give you strength, or are you in the doldrums in times of need?

If the answer to most of the above questions is a Yes then you are at a healthy stress level and definitely a Positive personality type and if your stress gives you a low feeling my advice to you is ''Lift your Mood and let Optimism Rule''. Get inspired and find your happy place, where you can think positively and feel good.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

Master Chef
Nut cracker
Kandla Nijhowne

Studies have shown that consuming small amounts of nuts regularly has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Nuts are rich in nutrition but are also dense in calories. Hence, portion-size does matter! Research has shown that it's easy to chomp through a large helping of nuts while watching TV or working on the laptop.

So, don't plop down on a sofa with a bag of nuts and tell yourself you know when to stop. Almonds are one of natures wonder foods, gifting us countless benefits. They give us brain power, reduce cholesterol levels and are heart friendly. The antioxidants contained in the skin of whole almonds may play a role in reducing stress as well as LDL cholesterol. The packaged ones available in the markets are often too salty and oily. Bake a batch yourself, flavoured with herbs and tone down the unhealthy elements too.

Oven roasted rosemary almonds

• 3 cups raw almonds
• 3 tbsp crushed dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• ¼ - ½ coarsely ground pepper

Young stories

The 19th European Film Festival brings a collection of 19 award-winning movies showcasing different stories of youth to Chandigarh! It's a collection of dreams and passion, fear and frustration, fun and joy, mistakes and recognition - for both the young and not-so-young.

All films will be screened in national languages of member states of the European Union, with English subtitles. Among them there are languages like Hungarian, Irish, Danish and Lithuanian. The films portray Europe's fascinating diversity and its rich cinema tradition.

Love like Poison (France)

March 31 6:00 PM at Alliance Franacise-36

Sneakers (Bulgaria)

April 1 6:00 PM at PGI Auditoroium - 12

Killing Bono (UK)

April 1 8:00 PM at PGI Auditoroium - 12

Aching Hearts (Denmark)

April 2 6:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Don't Be Afraid (Spain)

April 2 8:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

The Brides (Greece)

April 3 6:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Fresh Air (Hungary)

April 3 8:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Bright Vision (Ireland)

April 4 6:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Breathing (Austria)

April 4 8:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Shocking Blue (The Netherlands)

April 5 6:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Hope is a strange place (Portugal)

April 5 8:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Love me or Leave Me (Slovakia)

April 6 6:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

Garbage Prince (Finland)

April 6 8:00 PM at PGI Auditorium - 12

On The Sly (Belgium)

April 7 6:00 PM at Alliance Franacise-36

Blind Spot (Luxembourg)

April 7 8:00 PM at Alliance Franacise-36

You Am I (Lithuania)

April 8 6:00 PM at Alliance Franacise-36

Easy (Italy)

April 8 8:00 PM at Alliance Franacise-36

Snowboarders (Czech Republic)

April 9 6:00 PM at Alliance Franacise-36

Lessons of a Dream (Germany)

April 9 8:00 PM at Alliance Franacise-36 — TNS

Girlfriend to the rescue

Singer-actress Selena Gomez is reportedly going to testify in court in relation to a lawsuit launched by a paparazzo against her boyfriend Justin Bieber. The paparazzo said that the Come & Get It singer was with Bieber during the alleged attack in 2012 and she was subpoenaed in the lawsuit, reported a publication online.

The lawsuit was launched by Jose Osmin Hernandez Duran in June 2013. The photographer claimed that the Canadian pop star "delivered a martial arts-type kick" to his lower rib cage and abdomen when they were at a parking lot outside a Calabasas mall in May 2012. Bieber reportedly also punched the right side of Duran's face and pushed him against a parked car. "Selena is nervous to testify because she doesn't want to say anything that could negatively affect Justin. She's more than willing to support him but she's not happy that she's been dragged into the case," a source said. "She thinks Justin is innocent to begin with and that the other party is just trying to get money." — PTI

As crazy as it gets

Pop star Lady Gaga turned heads at her birthday party wearing a nude-coloured bodysuit. The 28-year-old Judas hit maker celebrated her birthday at the Roseland Ballroom wearing a dress that also featured some roses, which were strategically placed to cover her modesty, reported a publication.

The Mother Monster completed her outfit with a sheer red headscarf and pink platforms with red ribbons tied around her ankles. She held a bouquet of white rose while waving to cheering fans and posing for photographers.

"Thank you so much for spending my birthday with me. When I woke up this morning I was so happy. I couldn't wait to get here tonight. I have so many friends here ... so many fans I've grown up with for six whole years, seven whole years," Gaga said. "Thanks for making this the best birthday ever," Gaga added. — PTI

It’s a girl for Christina!

Pop star Christina Aguilera has revealed that she and her production assistant fiance Matt Rutler are expecting a baby girl later this year. The 33-year-old pregnant singer revealed the baby's gender while performing at a concert in Malaysia, reported a publication. "It's fun, I'm having another little one.

This is her first show. You guys are her first show," she told the audience. The baby will be Aguilera's first child with fiance Matt Rutler. She has a six-year-old son Max Liron from previous marriage to Jordan Bratman. Aguilera announced her engagement to Rutler on Valentine's Day and confirmed her pregnancy in the same month. — PTI

A painful separation

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow's mother is reportedly devastated over her daughter's separation with Coldplay singer Chris Martin after 11 years of marriage. Paltrow's mother, Blythe Danner, loves Chris and tried to convince her daughter to save her decade-old relationship, reported a website.

"She's really upset. She loves Chris. She begged Gwyneth not to end it, that he's a good man. But Gwyneth had to do what she felt was best," a source said. The couple first met at one of Coldplay's concerts back in 2002 and married a year later in a secret Southern California ceremony. They have two children, daughter Apple, 9 and son Moses, 7. — PTI

No political aspirations: Vidya Balan

National award-winning actress Vidya Balan, who is on a mini break from her hectic career, says she has no plans to join politics and will stick to her acting career. "I don't have a political bent of mind except that I will cast my vote like a responsible citizen of India," Balan told reporters during the launch of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM).

She said she was honoured to be the brand ambassador of the festival for the third time. Balan is on her two-day trip to Australia and would be returning back to receive Padma Shree award in New Delhi.

Expressing her gratitude for all the awards and appreciations she has received in the past, Balan said, "As long as I get exciting parts to play, work with good filmmakers, I think that is what I am hoping for...Everything else follows. I have never pursued or worked towards an award but good work is always what one hopes for," Balan said.

The 36-year-old actress also quashed her pregnancy rumours disclosing that she was taking a short break to get back to her acting career. According to recent reports, Balan opted out of Sujoy Ghosh's next thriller Durga Rani Singh and speculations are that she has been replaced by Kangana Ranaut. When asked about her take on Ranaut replacing her in the film, Balan said, "I am happy that she is doing the film." — PTI

CHATTER BOX

Real on reel

Sangram Singh has done many reality shows and now he will finally debut in a television serial. Thrilled at the prospect of playing 'almost himself' on screen, the wrestler-reality TV star, Sangram talks about doing the weekend series SuperCops v/s SuperVillain: Shapath.

What is your role in the serial?

I play the role of senior inspector Sangram Singh. It is a special role for me as the makers have given the character my real name. This isn't a cameo but a permanent role. My character will appear on April 5.

How has the experience of shooting been?

It has been good. I am enjoying doing the fight scenes on my own. I was planning to do the biography, but that has been pushed ahead. I am getting the experience of being in front of the camera as well. I have a helpful crew who are with me every step of the way.

As you were a cop in real life too, did you take any inspiration from that phase of your life?

I am playing a role like I was in real life. The role is positive and I almost feel like I am not acting at all in the show. The producer, BP sir, is a good person and fit me into the character's mould perfectly. As kids love the show a lot, I am glad to be part of it.

Would you continue to do reality shows?

I have other offers and even some small films, but I want to do stuff where I have respect and it's interesting. Channel V asked me to host a show about crime against women, but things aren't confirmed yet.

You recently got engaged. When are you planning to get married?

Payal (Rohatgi) and I were together since three years. I am a man of my word and have moral values. I am all the way in this relationship. We have taken a step forward and will marry this year or the next. — HRM

Mohit on Dolly’s hitlist

Actress Dolly Sohi, who is currently seen as Queen Shazia in Nikhil Sinha's Hatim on Life OK, got to work in Mahadev and Hatim, the shows produced by Triangle Film Company. Not everyone knows she has worked with Mohit Raina in Bhabhi. She says, "I had met Mohit previously when he was a kid. He has matured as an actor. I played his mother-in-law in Mahadev. It was exciting. My track may be over but I do catch Mahadev still. In Hatim, I am still there. My track keeps coming of and on and I am doing Rajshri's new show, in which I am playing lead boy's mother."

Looking back: Dolly Sohi

When we asked if she finds Mahadev hot, she says, "Of course, he is the flavour of the season. I have seen his huge fan following. To play God is no joke. He is the most handsome on-screen God, one has ever seen on-screen. Producer Nikhil Sinha has made two fantastic shows Mahadev and Hatim. He is a producer who knows the pulse of the audiences. I miss working on Mahadev. And working in a hit show, benefits everyone."

Gaurav gets lucky

Popular TV actor Gaurav Khanna is all set to enter crime detective series CID. Gaurav will be joined by actor Maninder Singh and the two will be seen portraying the role of senior CID cops. "The coming episodes will see an extended team of cops. There will be six junior cops coming in and in addition to them and four senior cops will be seen," a source said.

Besides Gaurav and Maninder, other popular names from the television industry have also been approached to play the role of the other two senior cops. Gaurav was last seen as the male lead in daily soap Byaah Hamari Bahoo Ka. — PTI

Memories to cherish

Actor Neil Patrick Harris has revealed that he could not hide his emotions while filming the final episode of How I Met Your Mother. The 40-year-old star, who played the role of Barney Stinson in the hit TV series, said that his co-star, actress Cristin Milioti made him cry with her performance in the finale.

"We never talked about the end. Josh Radnor has never been funnier and Cristin Milioti made me cry," he said. Neil said that the final scenes stirred strong emotions within him. The actor said he had even persuaded the show's producers to tell him how the show concludes when he was drunk. — PTI

Health is wealth

Rajshree Thakur, who plays Jaywantabai in Sony's Maharana Pratap, says hectic shooting schedules of the show have taken a toll on her health. She wants to reduce her time on the show or manage her schedule in a better fashion.

All’s not well

Paridhi Sharma, who plays Jodha in Zee TV's Jodha Akbar, is facing some issues with the director. Things are not working well and she is apparently planning to quit the show. Earlier, she had asked producer Ekta Kapoor to intervene as well.

Matter of concern: Paridhi Sharma

Tough times

While shooting for reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 5 in Cape Town, South Africa, Mugdha Godse got hurt in her face during a stunt. It was an underwater stunt and she sustained a bad injury. The brave lady yet went on to complete the stunt although in tears.

Moving on

Manish Paul, who was the host of Sunil Grover's comedy show Mad In India on Star Plus, has apparently quit. Rumours claim the makers wanted more of Sunil's comic character Chutki on the show and Manish had some film offer.

Good news for viewers

Two good films have released in March, namely Queen and Ankhon Dekhi and both films have been universally loved and the performance by the cast has been lauded. Cheers to that! Meanwhile, all the movies released this week whether Dishkiyaaoon or O Teri or Youngistaan have got terrible reviews. So it seems like Ankhon Dekhi, Queen and Ragini MMS 2 will continue to draw audiences.

Alia’s candid remark…

At a press conference, Alia Bhatt and Arjun Kapoor were asked if their fathers had a problem with their intimate scenes in 2 States. Alia retorted, "Hello, have you seen my father?" referring to the bold movies that Mahesh Bhatt makes! She said that if he stopped her then she would question his hypocritical behaviour.

Playing the role model

Salim Khan has revealed that his son Salman Khan has stayed away from alcohol and cigarettes for three years now. Whenever Salman gets an urge, he sits with a glass or with an unlit cigarette and the urge subsides.

Around the world

Talented singer Sunidhi Chauhan is extremely busy with recordings and live shows this year in India and abroad. She has been travelling across India and also to Hong Kong and Australia for her shows and more! Lucky girl!

Language, no bar

Kareena Kapoor Khan is putting her knowledge of Marathi to good use while she is filming for Singham 2. In the film, her character is required to speak Marathi. She is quite fluent in the language.

For the record

Mugdha Godse has clarified that she is not dating two men simultaneously. She says that Rahul Dev is close to her and is more than a friend. Meanwhile, Ranvir Shorey is just a friend.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Check newspaper to know what is going on in your area. You win over an enemy or adversary. Family life is charged with tension. Financially, the first half of the day is rather expensive. A health crisis might strike. Tarot message: Keep cool and maintain a low profile. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 49.

TAURUS: Those who are spiritually inclined or want to stay calm will have a happy day. Love life is passing through a rough phase. The married will buy a piece of jewellery for their spouse. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42.

GEMINI: Your card favours progress in your profession and business. Be wary of a situation where you might make a mistake in haste. Distant affairs will become favourable as the day progresses. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take your advantage. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 25.

CANCER: Your card reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them to a generous gift accompanied by an intimate dinner. Fortune can smile on you. Tarot message: Health problem can be satisfactorily treated. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 38.

LEO: An unexpected bonus may be in the offing. Buy the right outfit for your sports or exercise program. Dress for success to make a great impression on employers. Tarot message: Be positive. Don't worry about future. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29.

VIRGO: Fresh strategies are likely in order. Household tasks can be done in record time. Speculation would be most unwise. No problem should arise in romance. Models: Admirers will stick to you like bees; be careful. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strengths and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60.

LIBRA: You will be popular with both the sexes today. Boring, routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. A level of stress may be building, especially if you face unpaid bills. Tarot message: Focus on better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59.

SCORPIO: Many of you will make efforts to be on time, frantically trying to complete all tasks before the deadline. Secrecy of plans will help you at place of work. Concentrate on recovery of old dues. Tarot message: Wait and watch. Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54.

SAGITTARIUS: Caring conversations and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Health problems can be successfully handled. This is a good day for both buying and selling property. Stick to what you know. Tarot message: Unfinished business will cause new problems. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 39.

CAPRICORN: A burst of domestic enthusiasm can lead to cleaning and decorating your home. Senior bureaucrats should take care of secret files and documents. Do not carry heavy cash. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63.

AQUARIUS: Differences of opinion within the family could reach a boiling point. A stubborn attitude on your part won't help. It is important to be friends with everyone. Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas, don't waste money by financing the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27.

PISCES: If you are not okay about a relationship, finance or career issues, take positive action to settle issues. The employed will have to work overtime. Keep a low profile and bide your time. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Camelish. Magic number: 40

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 31...

Your birthday on March 31 this year falls on the first Navratri, when new year of the Hindu calender also commences, making the entire year very auspicious. It will be quite beneficial if you deposit money in the existing savings account or open a new one. Invest in gold, obtain any new insurance policy. Influenced by number four and the planet Uranus, you are trustworthy, energetic, systematic and reliable. You are physically very active and enjoy participating in sports and social get-togethers. The key is to be proactive. Are you showing your flexibility and negotiating well? The stars favour these efforts and rewards may begin to manifest. Those having names starting with V, K and I should try to be creative, if they don't want to miss the opportunity of a new investment.

Positive colours: Dark grey, all blue shades & dark colours

Select days: Saturday

Favourable numbers: 2,4,8

Gems recommended: Cats eye, tiger stone

Charity on birthday: Donate white eatables like bread etc.

You share your birthday with Sheila Dikshit (March 31, 1938) who was chief minister of Delhi, since 1998 till end of 2013. She is now the governor of Kerala. Her career will start fading after 2014 due to negative Saturn's two and half year's period, popularly known as Sadhesati in astro jargon.