Direct to Pollywood!
Bollywood directors, including Anurag Basu and Harry Baweja, among others, have descended on the Punjabi heartland to direct movies in their own ishtyle… 
Jasmine Singh

Anurag Basu…it is a name big enough to create ripples in the Punjabi film industry — a name that would make every director sit-up and take notice. This happened again — only this time the name was the much heard —Harry Baweja. And it happened again till the time all and sundry in the industry stood on the chairs to notice the new trend — filmmakers from Bollywood coming down to 'saada' Punjab, armoured with their experience and technical knowhow to direct Punjabi movies.

Amarpreet Chabbra, a well-known name in the television industry, Partho Gosh, who directed Madhuri Dixit and Jackie Shroff-starrer 100 days, Rohit Jugraj, who assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali as well as Ram Gopal Varma and also wrote scripts for Bollywood movies, have all come down to Punjab to direct a full-on Punjabi movie.

With a mindset which is way different from the Punjabi filmmakers, with limited understanding of the language, with a different style of functioning…this inflow from Mumbai has been well-received by the actors in the industry. Some are not too happy with this invasion though, but they do not have a choice. A change sure is in the offing. 

Here we come

Gippy Grewal (in centre) with director Rohit Jugraj (R)

These directors, who have worked in Bollywood or the television industry, have a different way of dealing with Punjabi films. Rohit Jugraj, who has directed Gippy Grewal-starrer Jatt James Bond, which releases April 25, has worked extensively in Bollywood. "One thing remains the same; whether it is a Hindi film or a Punjabi movie, dedication to work is most important. Films are about entertainment, which doesn't conform to any language," says Rohit, who approached his Punjabi film in a total Bollywood style. "I am not saying that Punjabi filmmakers lack approach, in fact, they are delivering the best. It's just that I would personally want to bring in more in my film, be it editing, action, sound or releasing a trailor in a more, let's say, hi-end style," says Jugraj. Although the subjects and actors more or less remain the same, this Bollywood touch has definitely brought in more technical refinement in the films. The way in which fight sequences or songs are approached have a touch of Hindi films. These directors naturally think big, making the Punjabi films look bigger!

Different note

Anurag Basu with Kartar Cheema

Amarpreet GS Chhabra (Prince) who has assisted Harry Baweja for almost 12-13 years makes his directorial debut with Harish Verma and Amrinder Gill in Happy Go Lucky. "All my actors were professional. I couldn't help going the systematic way. I started the shoot as planned and finished much before time! I had sittings with my actors, designers, music people everything well in advance. I did a recee in Chandigarh at least five times. I just treated this film as a Hindi film; this is probably where the difference comes in." On the other hand, Avtar Singh, who assisted the Barfi! fame director Anurag Basu, has roped-in his mentor for assistance on his film Mitti Na Farol Jogeya. "I have learnt a lot from Anurag Basu; in fact he motivated me to direct a film. So, Punjabi it had to be," shares Avtar, who has treated the whole film in a way he has been taught. The film stars Kartar Cheema in the lead role. "My technical team was strong and worked like we have in Hindi films. The most important thing was we never thought if it was a Punjabi or a Hindi film," says Kartar.

Difficult part

Director Partho Ghosh (in white cap)

For a director who is not well-versed with the functioning of Punjabi films, it gets a wee bit difficult initially. A few hiccups before everything falls in place. Partho Ghosh, who will soon be out with his directorial debut Punjabi film Teri Mere Ek Jindari, starring Nav Bajwa, has much to say. He, however, doesn't count his film any different from the Punjabi films being made. "Language was the only problem, but for that also we had a translator on the sets who accompanied us till the dubbing. Rest nothing was a major problem." We are yet to see if the Bollywood effect rubs-on the Punjabi film industry, as of now we can laugh with the existing comedies!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

The eternal nationalist
Actor Manoj Kumar, known for films like Shaheed and Upkaar, goes down memory lane to share excerpts from his wonderful journey in films and life in general
Amarjot Kaur

Actor Manoj Kumar established himself as the fondly remembered 'Bharat' of Upkaar, a film, which he directed and produced at the behest of Lal Bahadur Shastri, who had earlier attended the screening of his then released film Shaheed (1965). Till date, he is famous as 'Bharat'. "I have never been able to clearly point what kindled my spirit of nationalism, which I reckon was stirred during the time of Independence when I had fled from Pakistan to India and stayed at the refugee camp. However, when it comes to films, I have always maintained that be it good cinema or bad, for me, it had to be meaningful and original," shares Kumar, who then elaborates on the making of the film Shaheed. "Before this film, two other films on Bhagat Singh had already been made and they were quite unsuccessful. So it was more out of the necessity of being honest with our subject than to make a splendid film that we attempted this film," says Kumar, who other than acting in it had also scripted the film.

At that time, there was not much information available on Bhagat Singh other than magazines and newspaper articles in the libraries. So he would often spend copious hours at the state libraries; it took him over four years only to research and get valid data on the revolutionary freedom fighter. "I had also visited Bhagat Singh's house and spoke to his parents and brother to get authentic information. The film was released just after the Indo-Pak war and received three national awards, which we gave to Bhagat Singh's mother Vijayvati."

Going down memory lane, Manoj Kumar recollects, "I remember that while we were shooting for the film in the Ludhiana jail, the senior warden would touch my feet everyday and without saying a word, leave immediately. So, one fine day I caught hold of him and questioned his act. He told me that he was a prisoner in the same jail when Bhagat Singh was there and that my dedication towards the role reminded him of Bhagat Singh. I was overwhelmed."

He adds that during his stay at the jail, he would not even take a meal break and the guests who visited would bring him makki di roti and sarson da saag. "The role of Bhagat Singh was perhaps the easiest one that I have played in my career because he was set in my soul. However, the only anxiety that I did have was keeping the budget in control," he says while adding, "When Lal Bahadur Shastri came to watch the film, he asked me to make a film on the slogan jai jawaan jai kisaan, so I made Upkaar."

Manoj Kumar maintains that he is a common man and his films have been a hit because he has never lost touch with the common man. Kumar, who is also into politics, says, "Today, we have different wars to fight. We need a stable government and I believe that we also need a civil code. I think liberty is the undying passion of free minds and so should we seek."

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Journey so far
Elante completes one eventful year with huge Baisakhi celebrations 

Elante Mall with its wide array of international and national brands turned one this Sunday. Since its inception in April 2013 last year, Elante has given its patrons a great shopping experience. With a focus on fashion and a wide variety of food and entertainment, the mall has lived up to its aim of being a "cut" above in the region.

Elante Mall celebrated its first anniversary this Sunday on the occasion of Baisakhi. Elante gathered in its kitty Most Preferred Mall of the Year - North India by Franchise India and Most admired shopping centre of the year for Marketing & promotions by Asia's shopping centre and mall awards.

The anniversary celebrations at the mall witnessed performances of gathka, bhangra, giddha and Sufi band performances organised by the mall for its customers. The activity also saw the mall presenting Retailer Excellence Awards in over 36 categories. The award ceremony was followed by a mega cake cutting ceremony.

Manoj Agarwal, Head of Operations, L & T Realty (Elante, Chandigarh) said, "At Elante Mall, the celebrations are always on. Over the last one year, the mall has made a mark as a leading shopping destination which boasts of some of the best brands in the fashion retail industry. We decided to institute these 'Retailer Awards' with an aim of forging a stronger relationship with our retailers and recognising the efforts put in by them, which have made Elante stand out among all the malls in this region."

Elante, owned by CSJ Infrastructure, a group company of L & T Realty claims to have seen over one crore people visiting the mall last year. The mall houses 216 outlets and gives direct and indirect employment to over 4,000 people.

Not only Elante has happy patrons but content sellers too. Says Shashi Bhushan, Business Manager, Lifestyle, "With its shopper friendly amenities and design, mix of leading brands and ideal location, Elante has emerged as a beloved shopping destination in the city. The Lifestyle store in the Mall has also gained quick acceptance as a preferred brand of choice amongst discerning shoppers of Chandigarh who prefer Lifestyle for its best in class product offering and right blend of national and international brands in a lively and vibrant shopping environment." — TNS

The decision-maker
Vijay Sippy, casting director of films like Rockstar and Gangs of Wasseypur, comes to Chandigarh to scout talent
Amarjot Kaur

In many ways, the work of a casting director requires more dexterity than diligence, and probably a better understanding of the project than what it takes to execute it. The first step, they say, is the only way to begin and while in conversation with Vijay Sippy, we try to figure out what goes on in the mind of a casting director, be it for theatre, TV commercials or even films. "While I was at the department of Indian Theatre at Punjab University, pursuing a Masters in theatre and then PhD, my research was about exploring the difference between casting roles in theatre and television, I think that quite kindled my interest in becoming a casting director," says he.

Vijay hails from Mandi and has been a part of the city's theatre scene. He was a part of Neelam Mann Singh's theatre group, The Company, and has also done several theatre plays across Chandigarh and Delhi. However, his career with films kick-started when he started working in Mumbai as an assistant art director with Chokkas Bhardwaj, post which he did many shows including, Meera on Colors. Ask his stance on the stigma associated with casting directors and casting couch, and he is prompt to reply, "Casting couch is something that does exist in the industry, but not all casting directors are like this." He adds, "It depends on both the parties on what they want out of each other. As far as I am concerned, only creativity and talent drives me. I feel good when I spot a talent and then push it forward." Vijay has worked as a casting director in many Bollywood films, including Gangs of Wasseypur, Rockstar, and Teen They Bhai. Also, he casted actors for several television commercials.

Vijay is in the city to find an actor for an upcoming film and a television serial, the titles of which he does not wish to share. "There is no working title for the film or serial as such. The film will be directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, while the serial will be telecast on Star Plus. So, I am looking forward to auditioning almost anyone and everyone who wants to be a part of these projects," says he. The auditions will take place on April 14, at Rock n Roll, Sector 35, from 12 noon to 7pm. As for the dresscode for the audtions, he says, "The interested should wear denims with a top, a dress or a jumpsuit.”

In nature’s lap
The Mystic Resort offers a plush venue for weddings, parties and conferences

An enthusiastic, go-getter team of siblings - Rishma Gill and Gurtaj Gill, have opened an ultramodern resort in Zirakpur. Spread over a sprawling area of four acres, the venue boasts of manicured and landscaped gardens that blend beautifully with a contemporarily designed hall. Fountains at the entrance coupled with the stunning back-drop of Kasauli and the Shivalik Ranges lend an ethereal feel to this multipurpose venue that is set cater to high luxury weddings, events, conferences and parties.

Located quite accessibly at Dhakoli on the Zirakpur-Kalka Highway, the resort is the brainchild of internationally trained and highly experienced youngsters. While Rishma has a Masters in Communication Management, from USC, Los Angeles, Gurtaj, is an alumnus of Hotel Management from The Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland.

The USP of The Mystic is its enchanting concept and design. The exteriors are imperial, striking yet sleek and compliment the luxurious and opulent interiors perfectly. Says Gurtaj, "The architectural design of the building is a reflection of the ultra modern sensibility and lifestyle of our clients. We boast of features and advantages which other resorts lack. Our hall alone can accommodate up to 1000 guests while a gathering of 2000 more can be catered to in the landscaped gardens. The entire restrooms section at The Mystic is air-conditioned adding to the comfort of our guests. This is the only resort in the region with an inbuilt provision for smokeless live cooking", Gurtaj states proudly.

According to Rishma, "We are only four kilometres from the Tribune Chowk, thus very accessible to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Himachal. We have on-premises paved parking for over 800 cars."

According to Birinder Gill, Rishma and Gurtaj's father, who also is part of the venture, "A plush two bedroom villa is also available on the premises for the bride/groom and family as part of the package. The villa overlooks the entire venue." — TNS

CHATTER BOX
Frankly speaking

Dimple Jhangiani will soon be seen on Beintehaa playing the role of a girl, who is kidnapped when she was a child. She is hoping that the show gives her the big hit her career needs. The beautiful girl who is single also claims she's ready to mingle.

Why did you take up the show, Beintehaa?

I was a part of the show, Mrs Pammi Pyarelal on Colors, but it ended in three months due to low TRPs. I was disheartened as I wanted to work with the channel. The role that I was offered in the show, Beintehaa is a challenging one, so when it was offered to me I knew I had to do it. It is a complicated role and will certainly add to my career. Earlier, I was offered to play the role of a young college-going girl, who wears dresses and is like me in real life, but Barkat is completely opposite of me. I am nervous because everything, including the language in the show and the character all are very new to me. I hope it will be fun and like I said, challenging too.

What do you think of Muslim dramas, including Zee's Qubool Hai and Colors' Beintehaa are doing so well on television these days?

I think both the shows are doing well on both the channels. It is a great addition to entertainment as Muslim shows teach us about a different culture and their traditions. I am learning a lot about their culture and tradition too. It is always good to have a variety when it comes to entertainment.

You quit shows where your role wasn't good enough. How have those decisions worked out for you?

I quit Amrit Manthan as I was supposed to do a telefilm for Star Plus, so it was an internal call. Also, It was depressing to be killed on the show. In between, they got my track back, so I missed the chance to play an important role in Qubool Hai. Things didn't work out but I don't have any regrets.

How do you look back at your career?

I have been working since 2009 and I had taken a break in between. I have done many shows but none of them has been a big hit, except Kuch Iss Tarah. I hope this character becomes a hit and I want to reach at a high in my career.

Are you dating Rafi Malik?

Oh god! No. I am not dating him. We are good friends. We were sitting together at a cricket match and some photos were clicked so it looked more than what it is. — HRM

Candid confessions: Dimple Jhangiani

Kapil wants Sunil back

A Facebook remark by Sunil Grover, which read that all the misunderstandings are now clear, the social media went berserk assuming that Sunil would now be back on Kapil Sharma's show, Comedy Nights With Kapil. However, all these speculations stand false. 

It seems that the comment was posted from a fake account and when Sunil learnt about it, he clarified that he had made no such statement. Recently, Kapil mentioned that he would love to have Sunil back on his show.

Time to dance again

The dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 7, will soon return on Colors. The names, which have been finalised for the show, are Vj Andy, Purab Kohli, Honey Singh, Mahek Chahal, Sana Khan, Roopal Tyagi and Rajneesh Duggal. 

Meanwhile, Karan Kundra, Sanaya Irani, Jeeva Singh, Karan Tacker, Kunal Karan Kapoor, and Atif Aslam are also being touted as the possible contestants. While Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar and Remo D'Souza will be the judges, Kapil Sharma will not be part of the show this time. Manish Paul, however, is still considering being a part of the show.

Happy feet: VJ Andy

Touring for fashion

Fox Traveller launches an all new season of its most successful show Style & the City on April 16 every Wednesday and Thursday night at 10pm. The new season will feature designers on a fashion journey through the various cities of India, to create a unique outfit for a celebrity, inspired by a personal memento from their life. 

The designers, along with the show host, Kirat Bhattal, will tour across Kutch, Pune, Kohlapur, Goa, Sawantwadi, Hyderabad, Pochampoli, Chennai, Pondicherry and Kanchipuram to find inspiration for their designs. From hand-woven kunbi sarees of Goa, to the marbling technique on fabric in Pondicherry, to traditional saaj jewelry of Kolhapur, and rare art form called 'Rogan art' of Kutch the designers will have a lot to pick from to add a zest of life in their outfits. 

Talking about his second stint with Style and the City, Rocky S said, "This is my second season on the show and I had a blast all over again. New cities, new challenges, delving deep into markets, streets and artisans' workshops has been yet another exhilarating experience." Nikhil Thampi said, "Travelling to new cities, exploring the local culture and understanding and incorporating their techniques, weaving fabric and treatments in my own creations, has been a fabulously exciting challenge."

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 14...

You are governed by number 5 and Mercury. You are blessed with both, intelligence and shrewdness. You are honest and sincere to your loved ones and will go out of your way to ensure that they are happy. You will be the centre of attraction at many social gatherings. Number 14 is fortunate for dealing with money, speculation and changes in business. Avoid serious discussions with your partner and wait patiently for a better phase. Expect small misunderstandings with your loved one due to your obstinacy to ask for the impossible. Interference of a third person will create frictions between you and your beloved. Exercise caution, wisdom, and patience while dealing with people at work. Time to re-assess your strengths and your future plans. You will also succeed in winning the affections of people who matter.

Positive colours: Green, turquoise, sea green, coca cola, and rose

Select days: Wednesday and Friday

Favourable numbers: 5 and 6

Gems recommended: Emerald and Ruby

Charity on birthday: Donate white clothes/ school dress / edible items to the needy or at a religious place.

You share your birthday with Sarah Michelle Gellar [April 14, 1977, New York City], who is a well-known American actress. She was nominated for Golden Globe Award, and has won 14 awards in different categories. She is known for her role in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

STAR TRACK
The rebels with a cause

Once upon a time, Bollywood award shows were a grand, rare and prestigious event. Now they are entertainment shows where many critically acclaimed movies are left out. Here are some stars who do not care about award ceremonies

Man of substance 
Aamir Khan
He lost faith in awards when his film and performance in Rangeela lost to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Shah Rukh Khan. He does not attend commercial Bollywood award ceremonies but supports the National Awards and Oscars.

Point to be noted 
Kangna Ranaut
She recently joined the bandwagon against award functions. She said that they are genuine but they are so many that it feels like everybody is giving away awards to everyone to make them happy. Attending all the award functions means spending time and money on make-up and styling. Well said!

Truth and dare, literally! 
Emraan Hashmi
He has won the love of the classes and the masses and is a people's hero who has proved his mettle. He may not be a darling of the award shows but that is fine with him. He has said that he would rather be the darling of a billion people than 12 odd jury members.

Permission granted
Actress Jessica Biel has revealed that she has no problem if her singer husband Justin Timberlake starts wearing earrings again. The 32-year-old New Year's Eve star feels that Justin, 33, who wore earrings in his teen years, has the ability to look good in everything he wears, reported a magazine. "He wore earrings when he was a teenager, but I haven't seen him wear them in a long time. He can wear whatever he wants,” she said.

Taking it slow and steady 
After winning several awards and accolades for her daring role in B.A Pass, Shilpa Shukla has now bagged a family comedy called Parivar Time, to be produced by Prakash Jha.

Delayed for good
Roy, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Jacqueline Fernandez, has gone on the floors only this month (April) so the movie will release next year, thereby avoiding clashes with Haider and NH10.
Next TIME: A still from the film

Selfies are still on! 
Deepika Padukone clicked selfies with her fans who also walked the ramp at the Van Heusen Fashion Show. The selfies are going viral through her fans on social media. 

Farhan’s live tour 
Farhan Akhtar is traveling a lot with his band Farhan Live in April. The actor started his tour with Allahabad at the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology. After which he went to Esplanade Theatre in Singapore. On 20th he will be at Guwahati and the finale performance for the month will be in Tampa Bay, Florida at IIFA.

Keeping rumours at bay 
The makers of Revolver Rani have changed her character's name from Alka Gujjar to Alka Singh to avoid any controversies during elections and to avoid protests from the Gujjar community.

Lady Gaga uses facelift tape

Pop sensation Lady Gaga says she is an avid fan of facelift tape and uses it to pull her skin tight in a bid to get a beautiful shape.
The 28-year-old singer said she uses the facelift tape everyday as a part of her morning ritual, reported a publication. "When I have my wig cap on and I'm taping my face, it's a sort of meditation for me. Every day, it starts the same way. It's like a mantra," Gaga said. "I wash my face, I pin my hair back and put on a wig cap and I ask, 'How am I going to form my eyes today with this tape? How will I pull back my neck with tape'," she added.

The Poker Face hit maker, who is famous for her bizarre sense of fashion, feels that one can appear honest despite the artificial looks. "Looking artificial can be honest. Being glamorous can come from a place of authenticity and a place of love," she said. — PTI 

Astro Turf 
P Khurrana