|
|
|
|
|
Play-ers powerful!
Difficult times lead to difficult decisions...such is the story of The Company's latest play The Licence. After a long time, Neelam Man Singh Choudhry has done a play in Hindi — one that she maintains is the result of many 'happy' accidents.
A story-telling workshop brought Neelam's team together and they read stories to each other. Ismat Chughtai, Alice Munro, Bertolt Brecht and Saadat Hassan Manto were all read. And then as actor Ramajit Kaur went on to enact Manto, the idea of The Licence germinated. It is the story of a woman who is forced to run a 'tonga' when she loses her husband. While the woman is ready for the hard labour, she finds it extremely difficult to obtain the 'licence' to run the tonga. She is ultimately told that the only 'licence' a woman can have is to become a prostitute. Written by Manto, popularly known as the voice of subaltern, it's not here that Neelam's play stops. Being a 21st century woman, she takes the story forward, picking up from Bertold Brecht's The Job that has many parallels with Manto's story. "Women are women or men are men because of the process of labour they have undergone as says Simone de Beauvoir," says Neelam. The result is a play that got such a rousing response that they had to do two shows back-to-back in Delhi! It has always been the process that has held more significance for Neelam than the result, but she too was surprised when the audience could place the play in the modern context. "It was never a conscious decision, but I guess the times you live in impact your creative process." The play has Ramanjit Kaur as the lead — her comeback after a year of sabbatical. "When we were rehearsing, my Guru Neelam Ji goes like 'Where has this new Raman come from'." The actor feels that this role has given her a stage presence that she has never experienced before, "It's like I did not need to act - it was all always there within me." It is no surprise then, that members of the Women Commission who watched the play in Delhi wanted it to be shown all across India! Gick Grewal plays the commentator and puts in the time the story came out from. The Company's artistes have a decades-long association. Says Pamela Singh, "Neelam has the art to bring out the hidden talent of an actor; in this one too you will see me sing the song that has kept me going for long — Abhi to main jawan hun." Neelam, like always, enjoyed the journey of the play to the stage and has now handed the reins to her actors, "I never watch my own shows; I am busy managing food for my cast and kids in the audience outside. Ours has always been collaborative effort." She also puts in a good word for Daulat Ram Vaid, who with his light arrangements takes the play to another level all-together. The set and the costumes go by Neelam's mantra of 'surprising by the familiar'. The play is supported by NGOs Samarpan and Nanhi Jaan, which are doing admirable work for the underprivileged in the region. (The Licence opens in Chandigarh on May 1 and will hold consecutive shows till May 5 from 7:30 pm onwards at the Rock Garden (Phase-1) Amphitheatre) mona@tribuenamil.com
|
|
Moving beyond fear
Facing all the fears is like a classic 'before-after' situation. The after part results in a fresher take on life, a different perspective or even a brand new philosophy. Name a phobia and Karanvir Bohra cuts in to emphasise, how, "Before going on the show, my wife had all of them."
Teejay Sidhu couldn't agree more, "I thought I'll go there, get eliminated in a week or so. After that it'll be a nice holiday in South Africa and I'll just support my husband." Only the intended 'honeymoon' turned out to be as Karanvir coins it, "stuntmoon." The couple shares their journey so far on the Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 5 during a 'meet and greet' in Chandigarh on Saturday. On his part too, the change has been massive. "I can take life now; not scared of anything at all. It is a second life for me," he laughs, but means it. Humour somehow helps take the stress away from serious situations. No wonder in the coming episodes, "The show is all set to get tougher and funnier." Shares Teejay, "When anything gets too scary and you are under extreme stress, then sometimes you can't think of any way to deal with it other than laugh." A great lesson
While the stunts come all scripted and designed, every reaction and emotion circling them is as real as it gets. She adds, "Only the stunts are designed. Nothing else is pre-planned. It is all spontaneous. So if you see me and Gauhar crying on the show then those tears are real." Apart from a sense of self-assurance, living-on-the-edge brings many lessons. Shares Teejay, "I realised that the biggest fear I had was that of embarrassment. What would people think? What if I'm not able to perform?" Over to Karanvir, "I have always been a very spontaneous person. For me, the only way to perform a stunt was to get over with it but now I think that some amount of planning always helps." Something he has apparently done in his real life too. "I want to be known as a versatile actor and not just a stylish actor. The endeavour is always to try different roles." Like the one he has taken up in Qubool Hai. "I know a lot more about the Middle East now. It is an opportunity to increase the fan base there." While they promise some more chemistry as a couple on the show, there is nothing else on the anvil. He jokes, "Nothing onscreen for sometime. But yeah off screen we can always think of baby-making." Laughs Teejay Sidhu, "Everybody would say that we should think about it and I'd be so apprehensive of having a baby, but now nothing affects me. Bring it on." manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
On the House
Over two decades back music only made for a pastime, never a profession. House was a building you lived in and DJ was the guy who stood in the corner and entertained people's requests. For DJ Ivan, Ministry of Sound, only passion helped withstand the cruel ironies of time.
"Back in '93 people didn't know what House music was. They didn't know it was a genre, they knew it was some kind of music whose name they did not sound familiar," he recalls of his days when he started playing House music at a small place in Bangalore. Back then it must have been unlikely to predict the future of House music in India. Frankly, it didn't matter much. "You do it because you love it not because you foresee its future," he shares, while in Chandigarh, at Blue Blazer as a part of their second anniversary celebrations. On second thought, "The genre has done exceedingly well because what else explains artistes like me having survived for two decades." Striking the right chord
These are times when literally anyone can spend a few hours behind the console and add the prefix DJ to their names. "If I take you along and teach you for two hours, even you can become an accomplished DJ." Striking a chord between retaining your individuality and pleasing the crowd can be a tricky thing, but it is a quality that singles out a popular DJ from an average one. "It is all about being able to read and understand people's minds. The only thing that computers cannot do." Having said that, "It is also about creating an experience for them. If you were to just play their requests then there's no point." His kind of music ensures that the ladies get to the dance floor as much as men. "I would describe it as more soulful, with vocals. I always endeavour to have all the ladies on the dance floor. So, my kind of music is sweet, sexy and soulful." Personally speaking, he'd listen to, "anything. I like all kinds of music but to be precise, I like 70s fun music, artistes like Daft Punk and Deadmouse. I think their music is very innovative." While a lot of music projects are constantly underway but he would rather elaborate on what is certainly not happening. "No Bollywood or remixes for me even though Bollywood DJs have much more commercial popularity and glamour attached to them." Good going. manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
||
|
Eat, play and pay less…
To a customer, there is not a word more persuasive than 'free' or even 'discount' for that matter. So, of all the reasons why you must go and have a good time at Underdoggs, Elante, is not just because it's the only sports bar in the city, but also because they will be offering a 50 per cent discount on the entire food menu and gaming from May 1. The offer owes all credits to the celebration of the bar's first anniversary in Chandigarh. Also, while keeping in view with the prevailing trends of the city and beating the common perception of the place been atrociously expensive, the Rish Saini, Co CEO and director of marketing, shares that the prices of food and drinks have been revised, and thereby reduced.
Rish adds, "We will be giving our patrons a whole lot to look forward to in the coming year. We have drawn out plans for week-long celebrations from May 1 to 7." Meanwhile, the Underdoggs sports bar and grill, has also made some changes to keep the menu fresh. Some of the new menu items include sweet Thai chili pizza in sweet plum sauce and crushed peanut paste and cilantro and garlic lovers pizza with roasted garlic cloves, roasted onions and sweet red peppers. Underdoggs has also revised its entire liquor menu pricing and has recently introduced a new unbelievably economical happy hour menu, which is packed with heavy discounts on everything from imported and domestic beer, to liquor, shots, cocktails and
mocktails.
|
||
|
Pregnant pause
Is Genelia Dsouza pregnant? Rumour has it that she is pregnant and that is why she skipped the IIFA event because she does not want to travel. Meanwhile, her sis-in-law Honey Bhagnani Deshmukh is heavily pregnant. Man on a mission
Varun Dhawan is a part of Mission Sapne which is an initiative to help less-privileged people.
He gifted a worker in Crawford Market a couple of cellphones so he can contact his
amily in his hometown. New space
Ranbir Kapoor has bought three floors in a new building at Hill Road in Bandra West, suburban Mumbai which is close to his parents' house. His mother Neetu is supervising the construction of the place. From Shuddhi to Warrior
Karan Malhotra's Shuddhi has been stalled indefinitely, if not shelved altogether. He will officially remake boxing epic Warrior which stars Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton. Wonder whom he will cast in
it. Fardeen’s re-entry
Fardeen Khan has resurfaced with the Provogue print campaign and he has lost 14 kg in order to be a part of the sequel to No Entry and re-start his film career. Good going!
|
||
|
A happy Khandaan
Saqib Saleem plays a skating coach in the upcoming sports film Hawaa Hawaai. He likes being compared to Aamir Khan in Taare Zameen Par and Shah Rukh Khan in Chak De! Comparisons welcome
If people make such a comparison, why should I have a problem? I have only done four films and if I am compared to someone great like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, it's a good thing for me. Sporty theme
It is a sports film. This is the world's first film on inline skating. Ultimately, it's an underdog story and everyone connects with an underdog. Like in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, when Sanju wins the race it is a sense of victory for everyone. So, the audiences always connect with an underdog story. Love life
I have a girlfriend in Mumbai and we have been together since three years. I have told my mother that I will get married soon after I have my first super hit film. I am very close to my mother and she is my favourite person. Game change
I love sports and I have played cricket at many levels throughout my life. I used to model in college and wanted to make it big in sports but that did not happen. I am a die-hard Sachin Tendulkar fan. So now I am living my dream through films. Movies just happened to me by chance when I came to Mumbai and started shooting commercials. Bonding with Huma
Huma and I are very close after living in Mumbai and finding a foothold in the industry. We were not so close in Delhi. She was a huge Shahid Afridi fan and we had both posters of Sachin and Shahid on our sides of the room. We used to fight but now we are
really close.
|
||
|
All eyes on IIFA
The much awaited 15th IIFA Celebrations have kickstarted in Tampa Bay, Florida and day 2 of the Videocon DDB IIFA Weekend saw Myntra.com present IIFA Rocks. Dedicated to the best of fashion and music, the event was held at the Tampa Convention Centre. The evening witnessed avant garde fashion extravaganza by leading designers as some of Bollywood's beauties walked the ramp for them. A host of musicians came together to be part of the gala event.
Packed to capacity, the stunning Tampa Convention Centre provided an elaborate setting for the evening. Hosted by Gauhar Khan and Vivek Oberoi, the fashion segment opened with a show by Manish Malhotra in association with Mijwan Welfare Trust. Sonakshi Sinha and Anil Kapoor walked the ramp as showstoppers. American Indian designer Amita Bal followed with Miss America 2014 Nina Dalvur as the showstopper. The segment closed with a special IIFA Collection by Vikram Phadnis for Vishal Fashions. Called Nazakat, the collection was inspired by femininity with Malaika Arora Khan and Yami Gautam as showstoppers. IIFA Rocks also witnessed performances by Monali Thakur, Bhoomi Trivedi, Ankit Tiwari and Ravi Drums. The evening concluded with a soulful performance by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Bollywood stars pulled out all the stops on the carpet, where they were greeted by frenzied fans. The 'Green Carpet' at IIFA Rocks! saw stunning beauties—Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Sonakshi Sinha, Gauhar Khan, Nirmit Kaur, Aditi Rao Hydari, Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh, Tushar Kapoor, Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek Oberoi among many others. — TNS
|
||
|
Tiger to dance with fans
Tiger Shroff is one of the most awaited debutants this year. A little known fact is that Tiger is a fabulous dancer. He is extremely passionate about dancing and has extensively trained in different dance forms since he was a child. The first song of Heropanti is Whistle Baja where audiences have caught a glimpse of his dancing skills.
The actor already has a fan following. They have been reaching out to him via social networking sites. Tiger is keen to meet them. He has decided that on the occasion of World Dance Day which is on April 29, he will meet and teach them dance. He will be teaching them dance on Whistle Baja from his upcoming film Heropanti. The event will be taking place at a suburban mall in Mumbai. The logistics are currently been worked upon. He is keen to make the steps easy so that even non-dancers can pick up the steps and enjoy themselves. He wants to make it an experience and not like a competition of sorts. He is personally working on the choreography of the song. There are umpteenth requests which have been pouring in. However, they are keen to only keep a limited group (of 20 fans ) so that Tiger can give them his full attention and at the same time get a chance to interact with them. The icon Tiger looks up to is Michael Jackson. He can groove like the pop icon. He is a talented young boy. He has trained for martial arts and he has received a fantastic response for his action sequences. Now with his dancing skills he is set to floor, the industry and audiences at large. When contacted, director Sabbir Khan, said, "Tiger is a very talented boy. He is also a fabulous dancer and we've only scratched the surface. His dance moves in the song Whistle Baja has been loved by everyone and we have been getting massive positive feedback on it"
|
||
|
Starting young
If the latest buzz is anything to go by, Sanjay Dutt's toddler son is all set to make his acting debut. Shahraan Dutt will make his Bollywood debut in Sanjay's debut home production, Hasmukh Pigal Gaya. The toddler has already shot for the song, Kisi Ki Muskuraton Par Ho Nisar. The song has been choreographed by popular choreographer Ahmed Khan. A particular take of the song needed a baby and Ahmad couldn't think of anyone but Sanjay's baby. And Manyata was only happy to oblige thereby paving way for her son's debut. Shahraan will be seen playing the baby in the pram in the song.
The song in which Shahraan will be seen was originally a part of showman Raj Kapoor's film, Anari, and the same has been bought by the makers of this film. Reportedly, the song will be played twice in this film- once with Shahraan and debutant actor Armaan Ralhan and again with Amitabh Bachchan. The film is being directed by debutant Sejal Shah and Amitabh has a crucial role in the movie.
|
||
|
In company of women
Actor Irrfan Khan, who is currently in Hawaai, is having a fun time shooting for the latest installment of the Jurassic Park franchise.
A source close to the actor says he's been shooting with popular actress Bryce Dallas Howard. "Bryce is the daughter of the very prolific American director Ron Howard and a rising star in her own right. She plays a stellar role along with Irrfan in Jurassic World. Irrfan and Bryce hit it off from the word go," a source informs. Apparently Bryce has a "voracious curiosity" for Bollywood. The source adds, "Bryce and Irrfan have hit it off like a house on fire. He has been shooting some very difficult stunt scenes on a helicopter in Hawaii, and thereafter spending time between shots with Bryce." Interestingly Bryce has gone to the same acting school as Natalie Portman. Irrfan earlier worked with Natalie in Mira Nair's short film Kosher, Vegetarian. Irrfan says, "I've been exceptionally lucky with my heroines. Right from my first film Govind Nihalani's Drishti where my co-star was the stunning Dimple Kapadia, I've worked with some of the most beautiful actresses on this earth, from Tabu to Natalie."
|
||
|
In true spirit
Actor Ssharad Malhotraa, who rose to fame with daily soap Banoo Mein Teri Dulhan, has been missing from television. Apparently he is focussing on films. His film Ek Tera Saat is nearing completion and he has been getting television offers. He also did a short film A divorce to remember with Divyanka Tripathi. "Working with her was really amazing because I like professional people and when it comes to work, Divyanka is very professional. I am very comfortable working with her." When asked if he is willing to get back on TV, he replies, "I am surely open for doing television. I don't discriminate between mediums. An actor is an actor irrespective of the medium."
Television show Ek Veer Ki Ardaas…Veera on Star Plus recently completed 400 episodes and the entire unit celebrated the milestone by cutting a cake.
Back on track
Actor Amit Sadh recently went through a surgery for his foot, which he had fractured last month while shooting in Shimla for Subhash Kapoor's Guddu Rangeela. The surgery went well and he is expected to start walking from Monday.
Playing the witch
Actress Akanksha Juneja, who was seen as Ayesha in Bade Acche Lagte Hain, will soon enter Nikhil Sinha's The Adventures of Hatim. She will play the role of Khabhooshi, a big time witch who will have the power to hypnotise people and use them to their advantage.
|
||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is April 27...
April 27 indicates that your personality is characterised by determination and a loving nature. Everything goes well and there are no difficulties, but the stars suggest that you are more open to giving rather than receiving. If you are still looking for a partner, you'll have an excellent opportunity to start a relationship, possibly with someone you considered a friend. Positive colours: Golden, Red, White, Yellow. Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Red Coral, Yellow Sapphire. Charity on birthday: Donate wheat and gur to the needy or at any religious place today.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Reaching a milestone
You share your birthday with Ashok Thakeria (April 27, Tanzania, East Africa), who launched the film production company Maruti International in 1983. Grand Masti was an adult comedy produced by him. He will be successful producer due to his strong Saturn.