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Jatt in time!
The nearly de-railed train carrying the ‘jatt’ could have fallen off the track any moment, but by stroke of ‘some’ good luck - one of the ‘jatt’ got drunk on Ishq Brandy, performed some 420 tricks here and there, joined another Bond, who also managed to pull in another friend in the orchestra business to generate all the pyar vyar – it chugs along. If you got the idea, then you have a reason to smile and the Punjabi film industry has a reason to heave a sigh of relief.
After as many as 7-8 months of rigorous flop films that had killed the audiences’ interest, we now at least have some films that have coaxed people to come out and watch Punjabi films in the theatres. Year 2013 had almost drowned the Punjabi film industry, making the actors and directors think about fallback options, but in 2014, starting with Punjabi film Ishq Brandy that at least grabbed attention, the scene is looking bright again. The brightness is not blinding though, it is only reassuring. More films followed; Mr and Mrs 420, Disco Singh, Jatt James Bond and then Dil Vil Pyar Vyar might not have been outstanding, but they certainly have given some hope regarding the future. Are we back? One flop after the other, Punjabi film industry suddenly found itself infested by flops — 2013 saw more than 30 films bombing at the box-office! When director Amit Prasher released Ishq Brandy starring Roshan Prince, Alfaaz and Binnu Dhillon recently, he had little doubt how the audiences would react, “Honestly, I was skeptical; my film was coming after a string of so many flops, but somehow luck favoured us and it at least managed to get people to the theatres. These are the same people who had got sick of the flops and had almost given up on Punjabi films.” Ishq Brandy did a collection of Rs 2 cr (approx) in the first week. This one film was like lighting a matchstick in a dark tunnel, but it was enough for others to pass through! Damage control Then came a film that managed to do a lot of damage control; Mr and Mrs 420 not only did business, but it was also well appreciated. The film had two actors, Jassi Gill and Babbal Rai, making a debut opposite seasoned actors Yuvraj Hans and Binnu Dhillon. Rrupaali, producer of Mr and Mrs 420, is of the opinion that Punjabi cinema has ‘now’ entered the experimental mode. “It feels good to know that my film was entertaining; we took the risk and managed well.” Rrupaali, however, feels for Punjabi cinema to survive in the longer run and to prevent it from getting de-railed, the entire industry should work towards it. “We can do much better with more professionalism and also if the star cast of films work on their budgets a bit, getting it to some reasonable level, only then is experimentation possible.” It seems not all is lost, in fact the ‘okay’ work of above-mentioned films have made the fans expect something from upcoming films like Romeo Ranjha and Mundeyan Ton Bach key Rahin. Rohit Jugraj, much appreciated in the film Jatt James Bond, wouldn’t display openly but he is much excited. “If a movie does well, it is good for the next one in line because after watching one good film, the audience looks forward to the second film.” Report card The worst-affected in this hit and miss scene of Punjabi film industry have been the producers. Rajan Batra, managing director, Batra Showbiz, shares, “Indeed films like Jatt James Bond and Mr and Mrs 420 have performed well, which is good for Punjabi cinema. At the same time, now we need to take some strict measures against the way Punjabi films are being made these days. Firstly, the directors, actors and technicians need to bring down their cost. According to me, a good film, with good content and a good star cast should be made in a budget of Rs 2-2.5 crore. This price bracket ensures that a film can recover losses and will also give confidence to other producers.” Sumeet Singh, MD Unisys Infoslutions, which have brought Dil Vil Pyar Vyar to the audiences, is aware of the fact that the film hasn’t done commercially well but is still being appreciated by the audience. “Our endeavour is to bring good content and good script to the audience. Our next film will be packaged well, something that films have lacked till now.” Sumeet also feels that actors and even co-stars should cut their costs if Punjabi cinema has to get back on the right track. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Of love & humanity
He reserves his renditions miles away from the clutter of entertainment and slots them as meditative pursuits; as deep engagements with the philosophy and thoughts of Saint Kabir, one of the greatest and the most secular saints India has had. For Padma Shri singer Prahlad Singh Tipanya, his life-long affair with the saint and the singing started with the captivating sound of tambura. “I saw a tambura for the first time in my life only in 1979…I started singing because I wanted to recite Saint Kabir,” he relives the turning point in his life, while in Chandigarh on an invitation by Punjab Arts Council, to dedicate an evening to the saint. “I’ll be singing those bhajans of Kabir, which bring about a message of peace and harmony. That is what the society needs most at the moment — something that will instill a spirit of brotherhood and humanity.”
Wise thought If it were not for an encounter with the five-string plucked instrument, through which he discovered the world of Kabir, life would have had a very different course. “I was only 24 or 25 and was a school teacher at the time, having done a post-graduation in History. I still teach in a school though,” shares the Madhya Pradesh-based folk singer. Only public appreciation and administrative acknowledgments are a part of his life now; having been awarded a Sangeet Natak Academy followed later by a Padma Shri. “One of the ways in which Saint Kabir’s teachings can be propagated among the youngsters is by including his writings in textbooks. His renditions can also be made a part of music curriculum.” He adds, “We can reinvent our syllabi to include his teachings.” The singer performs with his troupe and instruments like manjira, dholak, harmonium, timki and even violin while he takes to the tambura and kartal. It has been years spent travelling every once in a while and taking Kabir’s teachings and songs places. “One of his greatest messages to mankind was that of collective welfare. He believed in community service and wanted the world to rise above the distinctions of caste and creed.” Coming up is an album, “that will exclusively have Kabir’s prose and poetry. It will have as many as seven bhajans. Only some work on the album is left; it will take a little while to be out in the market.” manpriya@tribunemail.com (To perform on May 9 at Randhawa Auditorium, Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16, Chandigarh)
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Eat, pray and cheer
Raise the toast to the blazing six. The loud cheer followed by celebrations. Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a part of the Indian sports culture and restaurants are showing the matches live to let the fans relish the flavour of cricket.
"Cricket is in the air and IPL has become the Indian contribution to international cricket. But celebrating IPL, the success it has become, it is great to visit restaurants and clubs that are showing the matches in style," says Vikram, a cricket fan. Some of the restaurants and eatery outlets are showing the matches in Plasmas with speakers full blown. Sid's Bake House is offering cakes with IPL themes, while the flags of Kings XI Punjab are seen in the background. Even the staff wears the Kings XI T-shirts to add to the cricket mood. "People are coming mostly to watch the game on big screens. People start coming by the evening and they keep enjoying the game right through the matches," says Kunal Arora, from the bakery-restaurant. Discounts are also being offered to celebrate the carnival of cricket. "We also give freebies during the IPL timings, including a snack free with a drink while the IPL matches are on," says Arora. Kapil Malhotra, watching the IPL on a projector screen outside an outlet in Dugri, says that watching cricket or any sporting event at home doesn't match the excitement as when one does in a public place. "Either you are in the spectator stands, or watching it outside where other lovers of the game are watching with you. That is the joy of sports. And restaurants and food outlets are doing a great job of running IPL matches," he says holding taking the sip of the soft drink. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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A date with myself!
Akashdeep Batth, director of upcoming film Myself Ghaint, may be young in years but not short of confidence Jasmine Singh Sitting under the shade of a tree, his eyes focused on the laptop, this young-looking boy, oblivious to a group of people curious to know him, is busy tapping his fingers on the keyboard. Probably updating a new selfie on Facebook - something that everyone is busy doing these days! Well, no, he is doing something really serious. This 22-year-old, youngest film director of the Punjabi film industry, Akashdeep Batth, is sorting out everything before the premiere of his debut film Myself Ghaint. It is okay; you can stop and take a good look at him! No uploading pictures on FB, no hitting the mall trying the latest summer collection—Akashdeep has a different plan and he is just following it. All of 22 He smiles knowing we haven't got over his 'age'! "I was 18 when I wrote a fictional work on a Sikh superhero. After that I made a documentary on Hari Singh Nalwa - We are Warriors - which was much appreciated by all international channels and Youtube. And then happened Myself Ghaint," Akash sums his journey so far, "It is hardly a journey." Having trained in filmmaking from Maya Academy, Akash, who comes from Jalandhar, is sure excited about his first Punjabi film. Comic timing I have written the story ands screenplay of the film. The film falls in the situational comedy genre, and it has been shot in Chandigarh, Goa and Ladakh. It is not a regular comedy, in fact, it is not just comedy - it has all the elements of an entertaining film. Take me seriously Akash did not face any problem because of his young age. And no extra benefit as well! "If you know your work, then I feel age doesn't matter. I knew what I wanted from my actors and they did just that. Not even once did anyone talk about my age or whether I could control a team. I totally believe that with age comes experience and I am ready to learn all the time. This is the reason I wouldn't like to compare or talk about other directors in the industry." Production line One of the producers of the film, Gagandeep Singh, sounds quite confident. He has complete faith on his director, Akashdeep. "I was completely convinced when Akash narrated the story to me; his confidence and his knowledge about filmmaking impressed me," Gagandeep talks about the young director. "We are already thinking about our next movie. I am also happy that in the recent past some films have done well, it is encouraging for the cinema."
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Visual treat
Manju Dewan The proof of the dish is both in tasting it and viewing it both. Here we have tried to combine spices and fruit to give you a visual treat besides a yummy dessert with the goodness of apples intact. Cake apple tower Ingredients 2 apples 6 cake slices 1 tsp butter 1 tsp cinnamon powder 2 tbsp castor sugar 1 cup custard (prepared) 2 tbsp beaten cream 2 tbsp grated apple (grated) Method
(Dewan is a Ludhiana based culinary expert) — As told to Poonam Bindra
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Ready for Paris?
It's surely going to be a once in a lifetime treat for the region's would-be fashion designers with Chandigarh's prominent travel agency tying up with a French fashion house. Chandigarh-based American Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd., a travel management company, has come up with a customized study tour which will help fashion designing students to get a one-week exposure in world's fashion capital Paris, which comes at an affordable fee of Rs 1.5 lakh per student, all inclusive.
The fee would cover all expenses, including, air tickets, visa, insurance, hotel accommodation, visits to fashion houses, training workshops etc. While giving the information, Ashok Sharma, MD, American Travels and Tours Pvt. Ltd. said, "While the modalities for the study tour have already been worked out, students will be selected through prominent fashion institutes of the region. The first batch of 30 students will be sent in July to coincide with Paris Fashion Week from July 6 to 11, which will be a learning experience for the fashion students who otherwise don't get such an opportunity." The selection of students will be through interviews and those who complete the tour will be awarded certificates which would help them pursing fashion designing as a career. — TNS
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Celebrate motherhood
Make this Mother's Day the most memorable one for your mother at The Lalit Chandigarh. The Lalit offers a lavish multi-cuisine Mother's Day brunch with live stations. A delectable display of brunch favourites with an emphasis on home style cooking and live music is sure to impress your mom.
The mothers enjoy a 50 per cent discount on this special day on a table of four. The mothers can also get lucky and win gift vouchers to Rejuve-The Spa. Special Mother's Day themed cake is just the perfect gift for your mother. Her you can choose from a range of cakes on offer. — TNS
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Dress like a Latino
Latin Quarters, a leading women's wear clothing brand announces the launch of its High Summer 2014 Collection. The collection features a mélange of floral, lace and laser cut designs which creates an interesting mix of dramatic atmosphere and varied styles.
The line embraces silhouettes that fit and flatter, from easy floral dresses that clinch at the waist, to sorbet button down tops and lacy sensual blouses, evoking the fun and flirty image. Perfect for hot dates, weekend getaways, exotic vacations and club nights, the collection also offers stunning and vibrant range of accessories, including the unblemished pearls and exquisite glossy stones. The brand offers High Street fashion to young women who want to look confident, feminine and fun. —TNS
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Addicted to food
Food funda Food is life. I live to eat. When I visit a restaurant with my friends, I place the orders because I know who likes what. I've never had any bad ordering experience. I don't like cooking. I hate it. But I take an interest in what I eat and how it's made. If you see my kitchen, you'll find it clean. I mostly order my food from outside, unless someone has especially cooked something for me. Maggi lover Honestly, I used to cook when I was in the university. But I never enjoyed it. I don't have the patience to wait for half an hour to prepare a dish before I can eat it. I just want the food to arrive so that I can eat it as fast as possible. (Laughs) That's why I am great with noodles. I make great Maggi noodles. Variety is spice I crave a new dish every day. I can't eat the same thing for two consecutive days. If you've served me an egg yesterday then you better prepare it differently today. Usually, people prefer eggs without the yolk (for dietary reasons) but I enjoy my egg only with the yolk because that's what has taste. I don't care about being fat. (Laughs) Do I look thin from any angle? I've always had this ongoing tussle between food and getting fat! 3 favourite restaurants Ping Pong serves Oriental food, especially dimsums. It's even opened in Mumbai at the Bandra Kurla Complex. Mangi Ferra is my favourite because it serves Italian food. Indigo's Chicken Sloppy Joe is superb. Mom’s the word My mother makes a special biscuit pudding. It's her own creative recipe, which includes biscuit, chocolate, custard and coffee. She arranges a layer of Marie biscuits, then a layer of custard, coffee and lastly ice cream. I'm drooling right now as I talk about it. It's difficult to stop eating it!
Raima to play Suchitra
Rumour has it that Raima Sen will play the role of her grandmother Suchitra Sen in a biopic on the legendary Bengali actress.
Roy gets going
Actor Arjun Rampal has finally started shooting for his much-delayed film Roy and he's feeling good about it. Directed by Vikramjit Singh, the movie also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez, who will be seen in a double role.
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Beauty with heart
Jacqueline Fernandez is naturally stunning and super sweet! She is the ambassador for The Body Shop's Beauty with Heart Campaign. She talks about beauty products and more.
Inner beauty I think beauty with heart means to look good and feel good; it is the beauty of the heart. It is about how much you are giving back to society and causes that are dear to you. It is about using your beauty is noble ways. It is about having a happy heart as that totally reflects in your physical beauty. Shop for the body I have used The Body Shop products ever since I was a kid growing up in Bahrain. My bag is full of The Body Shop products, even before they chose me as their ambassador. I love the lip balms, the body butters, the sanitizers (I love coconut more than strawberry), and the yummy shower gels. As a teenager, I used the Tea Tree oil range a lot because I had break-outs. Product value I think whenever you become an ambassador for a product, it is important that you believe in the product or brand and your values match. What's not to love about The Body Shop? It is my dream come true to be their brand ambassador because I have always used their products. They are cruelty-free, they are involved in supporting causes and communities and the products are natural too.
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Delhi flavour
Capturing the loud North-Indian milieu in its purest form, real fresh faces were cast to lend authenticity to this young slice-of-life comedy. So much so that even the film's title was chosen through a survey by the youth of Delhi. Joint producer Bejoy Nambiar says, KMKJHG has a quintessential Delhi flavour. While deciding on its title, we took inputs from Delhi students from various colleges. We zeroed in on the word jhand, which is very popular in the city. The word describes the hilarious crisis situation that the actor is in." Director Aman Sachdeva adds, "The film is about a fun, quirky and no-holds barred friendship that turns crazy when competition seeps in." The film releases on May 30.
Vidya spotted
Vidya Balan, who has been keeping low-profile due to poor health, was spotted at a special screening of the film Manjunath earlier this week. The biopic, which is produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures, is based on IIM graduate Manjunath Shanmugham who was brutally murdered for standing up for what he believed was right. He was from one of the finest B-Schools in India, but he lost his life at 27 as he exposed the petrol adulteration scam by the fuel mafia in Uttar Pradesh in 2005. The film is directed by Sandeep
Varma.
SRK turns down Race 3
Rumour has it that Shah Rukh Khan was approached by Abbas Mustan to star in a negative role in their next action thriller Race 3. But he turned it down!
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Kirron’s Punjabi venture
The first look of Anurag Singh's next film Panjab 1984 is out. Set in the backdrop 1984 riots, the film tells the story of a mother and her son.
It brings together actor Diljit Dosanjh with director Anurag Singh and Gunbir Singh Sandhu, the trio whom worked on the record breaking Jatt & Juliet series. The film focuses on the story of a boy who was forced to leave home during the fateful year in Punjab, and his own personal story and challenges in attempting to return home. The film, which also stars Kulraj Randhawa and Pawan Malhotra, will release on July 11.
Villains go sexy
Gone are the days of Shakaal and Mogambo. Villains are now turning into sexy, believable and new-age anti-heroes. Here's the sexy Sid Malhotra, bare body, in Balaji and Mohit Suri's forthcoming Ek Villain.
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Apara to play granny
Having played several roles of a mother, now Apara Mehta will be seen in Sagar Pictures' new show on Zee TV titled Jamai Raja. Apparently inspired from the Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit and Hema Malini-starrer, the show will launch in June and Apara will be seen in the role of a granny.
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No dance please!
Dating game
Buzz is that rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh is dating Khatron Ke Khiladi contestant Deana Uppal. Sources claim that they are trying to keep a lid on things, but have been spotted dining in Mumbai. Let's see how this one pans out.
End of the road
Life OK's Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai will soon shut shop. The show, which had a good run with two seasons, will end on May 23 with Simran
(Sukirti Kandpal) being accepted by the family that opposed her all throughout.
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Fatherhood calling
Model-turned-actor Rajeev Singh, who plays a father in Rajan Shahi's popular show Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, became a dad for real on May 1. His wife, Sanober Kabir, a former actress, gave birth to a baby boy. They have named their bundle of joy Fateh Singh.
Rajeev said, "Once the baby settles in, I would like to have a small celebration at home." Talking about the response to his show, he says, "My character Suket Khandelwal has shaped out well. Producer Rajan Shahi is the person who convinced me to take up the role for my debut. I am happy with my decision."
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New Releases
Producer: Fox Star Studio
Director: Amol Gupte Amol Gupte's pulsating journey of emotions and entertainment Hawaa Hawaai revolves around the belief that every achievement is the result of a dream. It features promising young stars Saqib Saleem and National Award winner child actor Partho Gupte. The film will celebrate their journey as they set out to live their dream in the exciting twists and turns in the world of sports.
Koyelaanchal
Producer: AMA International Director: Asshu Trikha Koyelaanchal, starring Vinod Khanna, Suneil Shetty, Vipino and Rupali, is based on the coal mafia in Jharkhand belt. The Asshu Trikha directed film looks into the oldest mafia in our country — the coal mafia. Vinod Khanna and Suneil Shetty play the main characters while the other cast includes a host of theatre personalities as well as actors from Tollywood. Yeh Hai Bakrapur
Prodcuer: Ramesh S. Arunchalam Director: Janki Vishwanathan After premiering at Goteborg International Film Festival in Sweden and at Mumbai International Film Festival, Yeh Hai Bakrapur releases this Friday. The movie revolves around the residents of Bakrapur where the social satire is set. It is an eye-opener on the state against the backdrop of rural India. National Award winning filmmaker Janki Vishwanathan, with two Tamil films and several documentaries, is the director. The film stars Anshuman Jha, Asif Basra, Amit Sial, Utkarsha Majumdar, Faiz Mohammed, Suruchi Aulakh and Yoshika Verma. Mastram
Producer: Sunil Bohra Director: Akhilesh Jaiswal This highly anticipated film by debutant director Akhilesh Jaiswal, the writer of Gangs Of Wassepur, Mastram, stars Kapil Dubey, Tara Alisha Berry and Rahul Bagga in the lead roles. Inspired by real life porn writer, the movie is the fictional biography of the well-known Hindi erotica writer Mastram. Tara Alisha Berry makes her debut in Mastram which also features rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh Gujarati track Achko Machko. |
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Your card "Eight of Wands" suggests that extra money is likely to come from somewhere. You will start off in a confident, optimistic mood, but life is not likely to run according to plan.
Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 40
TAURUS: There is breathing space now to get your act together and clear your mind. Stay with a focus on business because that's what will pay dividends. Family members are congenial and co-operative. Tarot message: New offers must be put on hold.
Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 29. GEMINI: Reckless spending will be cause for regret. So no matter now tempting or urgent the purchase may be, think twice before pulling out your credit card or handing over the cash.
Tarot message: Consolidate your gains. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52. CANCER: Although you have sufficient funds, stick to window shopping. Arrangements you
made to meet with friends can change at the last moment. Pay bills on time.
Tarot message: Minor official pin-pricks should be ignored. Lucky colour: Ebony.
Magic number: 26. LEO: You will enjoy tidying up and sorting all your paperwork today. Check your bank account. Partnership affairs are in the lime light. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky
colour: Crimson. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: There can be calm before the storm. Plan some fun and relaxation activities with loved ones. Influential people will like your style. Tarot message: Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42.
LIBRA: Your personal skills and style of working is likely to shine out. A financial matter that has been delayed should move forward now. There should be no special problems to deal with at home.
Tarot message: Don't dismiss the advice of youngsters. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 28 SCORPIO: Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios can make for an interesting day. Stimulating and thought-provoking ideas will be in abundance. Business will
tick over smoothly enough. Tarot message: Avoid being hurried and over-anxious.
Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 64. SAGITTARIUS: It is a day when dreams come true. You are in a position to move and motivate others. It is a day to forget worries of the work. Let your hair down
and enjoy yourself. Tarot message: You will not get away with wrongful doings.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30. CAPRICORN: Career affairs can be reaching a triumphant climax. You are in an ideal job, doing what you have and showing the world just how capable you are.
Health will improve. Tarot message: There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Lucky
colour: Silver-grey. Magic number: 27. AQUARIUS: The card "The Page of Swords" reveals that you are noted for your resilience.
Romance takes a turn for the better. Keep extra cash in hand to cope
with additional expenses. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 63. PISCES: You need more clarity in financial or business matters. It is important that you get expert advice to help sort out a problem. Creative work is
favoured. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 51.
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The Year Ahead
If your birthday is May 9...
People born today will enjoy good health for most part of the year. You will take better care of yourself and be less inclined to skip meals or drink too much. You can feel your mission this year is to heal others and look after a sick elderly relative. You will feel quite strong and be able to cope with the challenges that this will present. Watch out for minor headaches and colds early in the year. If in politics or contesting any election or supporting any politician, you will benefit. Positive colours: Golden, Red, White, Yellow. Select days: Tuesday, Friday, Thursday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Red Coral, Yellow Sapphire. Charity on birthday: Donate white sweets or fruits to the needy or at any religious place today.
You share your birthday with Mary Matilyn Mouser (May 9, 1996), who is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Lacey Fleming on the ABC Series Body of Proof. She was featured on the Starz Kids & Family series Eloise: The Animated Series as the voice of Eloise.
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Parineeti Chopra is a total foodie and she has a hard time maintaining her weight. She talks her heart out about her food principles, favourites, and more. Interestingly, her next film is all about food and is titled Dawat-E-Ishq.
After hits like Vicky Donor, Khosla Ka Ghosla and Fukrey, Ekta Kapoor's Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi is the latest comedy to be set in the by-lanes of Delhi.
Mansi Shrivastava, aka Shivani of Zee TV's Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se, joins the list of actors to decline the dance-based reality show, Colors' Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. She wants to focus on her television show and though she is passionate about dance, she won't be able to take up the offer.