In the print
A popular trend in the West, print on print, where the upper and lower garments have a similar underlying theme, has now caught the fancy of designers in India
Ashima Batish

Before quirky prints entered the orbit of Indian fashion and partially eclipsed the popularity of floral counterparts, prints in the galaxy of Indian fashion were only limited to running suits found in cloth retail stores. To list the chronology of events, the change set in with psychedelic prints of Manish Arora; then came in table fans, hands, lip-stick, taps by Masaba Gupta and the rest is history. Indian fashion designers took to prints with a brash enthusiasm and this season too, they proudly corresponded to another version of print- print on print-a trend triggered in the West, the effects of which are now reverberating in India as well. The spring summer edition of the New York Fashion Week served as inspiration and Indian designers took no time in taking cues!

Ken Ferns walks the ramp with models in his creations
right cut: Ken Ferns walks the ramp with models in his creations.

Know it all

New to the Western silhouettes in India, print on print is juxtaposition of a variety of prints. It is also referred to as a pattern wherein the print continues from the upper to the lower garment with a similar underlying theme. Ken Ferns, whose entire collection at the Lakme Fashion Week boasted of print on print, spells it as the trend for this and the next summer as well. "It's a classy, refined and an interesting take on the night suit. Since it is already a big hit in the West, I thought why not give it an Indian twist!" Ken says. A range of silhouettes summed up his collection. While boxy shirts and cropped tops made for the uppers, the lowers comprised trousers, short and long skirts, and plazzos. But in Sayantan Sarkar's collection, you stumble upon another definition of print-on-print. "I interpreted the trend as print blocking, wherein there is an interplay of different prints," informs Sayantan. Like he did appliqué work on digital and screen prints using colours from tangerine-orange to crab-red to off-white to indigo.

West to East

Prem Kumar and Khushboo of designer label Khem recently supplied a bulk order to the Anthropologie store in the US with slight customisation. "We were asked to replace the embroidery with print, without making any changes to the pattern. The pricing of the one-piece-dress tumbled from 600 dollars per piece to 80 dollars," Prem says. It's the commercial viability of prints that he says have made them so popular the world over. At the London Fashion Week, Vivienne Westwood presented her interpretation of the same. "My favourite was the spring summer collection by Dolce & Gabbana," says Prem. Other popular designs for the season came from Bibhu Mohapatra, Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui.

Risk factor

Designers dabbling with print-on-print might perceive the trend differently, but have a consensus on the risks involved. It can turn out to be a tragedy of aesthetics if the colour pick is wrong, if motifs don't complement each other or if the silhouettes don't support the flow of prints. Like Payal Singhal, a renowned fashion designer, says, "To ensure a visual treat is the primary purpose of print-on-print. It should not look like an experiment gone wrong as you mix and match colours as well as shapes."

She mixed Arabic motifs with polka dots and geometrical forms. Besides the Western line, she has also created ethnic-wear on the same lines, comprising suits and sarees. With it being a derivative of the night suit, risk of designing a creation resembling the inspiration can't be ruled out. "And that would be a faux pas beyond redemption! You go wrong with silhouettes and go overboard with colours or motifs, and you commit a fashion blunder," comes from Ken. This being the first season of the trend in India, he suggests that fashion designers must pick graphics that gel well and fashion followers should begin with basic prints. "Try a jumpsuit with a uniform print, if you can carry that off; try cropped top and trousers but let the print run. Set a contrasting print as the last milestone." And you can conquer fashion!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Keen eye, keener sense
This man has no qualms in admitting and portraying on screen that women are stronger. Writer and director Sunanda Shyamal Mitra owes it all to his upbringing...
Mona

While in Duronto Express from Mumbai to Kolkata, Sunanda Shyamal Mitra saw women walking in a file carrying matkas on their heads in the interiors of Maharashtra, making this writer-director think what they would look like on the ramp. Result: Extraordinaari, a film with Rituparna Sengupta, who plays a grooming guru to ten girls from not-so-privileged backgrounds — one house help, another flower seller, a waitress and yet another a victim of casting couch.

The film, set and shot in Chandigarh, is largely in its editing stage. It's writer and director, who has three films to his credit — Jihaad, Idiot Box and Ogo Bodhu Sundori — sits down chatting with us and share excerpts from his journey.

Common aim

Whenever I am at odds, its women who have helped me get through - be it my mother, wife, daughter or friends. Women have this God-given intrinsic power that they realise when faced with tough circumstances. My current movie is a tribute to all the women out there who lead lives despite the challenges abound. The film has 10 girls who come from the lower strata of society and make it to a beauty pageant. How their grooming guru makes these girls with different mannerisms, dialects and view of life fall in line is the story. I want every woman right from a middle-class homemaker to a rikshawala's wife to watch my film and relate to it.

City beautiful

I consider North India to be the beauty capital. Mumbai certainly is the film and TV hub, but beauty pageants thrive here in Chandigarh. And, it is indeed the best city of our country! I started year 2014 with shooting here and it was beautiful weather; a perfect setting. Spending time here, I have seen how well Punjabi industry is doing too - budgets are big, it is technically advanced; bright colours, visuals and most of all audience are going to theatre, which is paramount for an industry to survive.

Actress perfect

Rituparna Sengupta is a fine actress and a finer human being — an actress of that calibre yet so humble. At no point did she make me feel like a new director. She made all the newcomers feel comfortable. She has taken the film to an all-together different high. I wanted to work with her for long, its only now that I could! And, it's back-to-back two movies. I am also going to do a multilingual film with her, which has her as a TV anchor who while working with another colleague (I have approached Naseeruddin Shah with that role) on a film on Tagore falls in love with him.

Tough journey

It's been 18 years in the film industry for me now. It was quite an interesting journey. I have my own share of struggle that I value much. I have spent nights on the footpath, done all kind of odd jobs but all that enriched me and I savour each experiences. My wife Sampa has been a huge support. Thankfully, I know how to save money and I want to make more films in the times to come!

mona@tribunemail.com

A favourable wind
Anuj Sachdev, much appreciated for his role in Hawa Hawai, says he is on the lookout for a role that gets him to really act
Jasmine Singh

"You liked my role, really. Yes, people have been calling. I am so glad." Anuj Sachdev is thanking someone who has called to say how much they liked his role in the film Hawa Hawai, which was released last week. The actor takes the compliments graciously, but at the same time, tries to keep a check on his emotions lest he looks like a school boy who has won a prize on the sports day. In Chandigarh, finishing the final part of his Punjabi film Police In Pollywood, Anuj now wants to a chalk out a clear plan regarding his future. "There will definitely be some changes here and there, but now I want to take things really seriously…not that I haven't" he leaves it there.

Hawa Hawai has received great reviews and a second call on phone adds even more light to his eyes. Things are going to change for him and how!

Good work

I was told the story of Hawa Hawai; I knew the role wasn't going to be a huge one, nonetheless it was etched out well. This was precisely the reason for saying yes to it. The film has a beautiful sensitivity about it, something that the audiences have appreciated. It is sad that such films are not treated on par with the commercial ones. But a cinema of this kind is in itself an achievement.

Next up

I am soaking in the appreciation, but at the same time also focusing on my Punjabi film, Police in Pollywood. Like our country is heading towards a big change in due course of time, I think the same thing will happen in Punjabi films — all we need is people who have faith and strength to make films with a difference. I am aware that Punjabi films are going through a rough patch, but I am hopeful the good times will return very soon.

High flying

It took a well-deserved break after the film. I headed for Dubai where I did sky-diving. It was of course an amazing experience. I admire existence much more than I ever did, it's beautiful and wide. There is a place for everyone, we just need to trust ourselves, invest in the passion and keep moving.

Gimme more

I am open to cinema of every kind and genre; like I said there is space for everything and everyone. I have been approached for various roles in Punjabi films, I want to do something different from what I am doing or I have done in Haani. The same goes for Hindi films, a role that gets me to 'really' act is what I am looking for.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Punjabi scope
Get fool-proof protection

Garry Sandhu and Jazzy B in Romeo Ranjha Movie: Romeo Ranjha
Director: Navaniat Singh
Starcast: Jazzy B, Garry Sandhu, Parul Gulati, Rana Ranbir, Yograj Singh, Rana Jung Bahadur, Aman
Rating: «
Jasmine Singh

If only seats at movie theatres would have a remote control attached to it, it would be so much easier to overcome such tortures. All you needed to do was, flash your mobile light on the remote, and press the exit button. We miss that remote while watching Romeo Ranjha. Coming from the director who actually changed the face of Punjabi cinema, Navaniat Singh, the film stars Jazzy B in all the jazziness you can think of, Garry Sandhu, Parul Gulati, Rana Ranbir, Yograj Singh and Rana Jung Bahadur. Touted as an action thriller with suspense layered in every scene, the film definitely gives you action as you shuffle in your seat, look up election updates in your mobile, look around, order a lavish combo box (one that can keep you engaged till the end). Isn't it enough action for one film? Written by Dheeraj Rattan, the dialogues of the film come from Amberdeep Singh.

Romeo Ranjha is a story of two con men Romeo (Jazzy B) and Ranjha (Garry Sandhu). This is all you need to know because other than this the director hasn't provided you with anything else. But yes, if you are planning for your summer vacations, Romeo Ranjha might give you a low down on some adventure sports. The movie has a story like all movies, and like most of the times (without fail), it takes one cola, one mint ice tea, one burger and one sandwich to find out what it is.

Navaniat is not at fault, he promised an action thriller, and he has given us the finest trapeze act from the circus. The director, who changed cinema for good, needs to change something, maybe a holiday in Pataya would help him.

As for the story…remember the old Hindi film dialogue from Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Majboor, Ek khoon ki saza phansi... aur do khoon ki saza bhi sirf phansi? Dheeraj, you have done this crime one time too many.

Romeo Ranjha has some eye-catching locations, but this is not why we watch a film. We can watch TLC for that!

Here comes Romeo, Jazzy B. One, bro, do away with those glasses. It doesn't hide those age-defining contours on your face. And second, did no one tell you, they cast you in a film and not a circus? You are the lead actor. Do you hear that loud and clear, a lead actor? So, at least if you can't act like one, dress up like one. What's with those spikes on caps, shoes, jackets, those flashy, super clowny colour combinations? You sing great, you are an out of this world performer…..on stage!

Next up is Garry Sandhu, the lanky singer makes his debut with the film. You sing well, you look good….on stage. Like they say, sometimes it's better to remain silent, than break other's perception of you by speaking. Garry, this one's for you. Rest, Yograj and Rana Jung Bahadur as villains are as atrocious as you can think of. And why is the brilliant actor writer Rana Ranbir allowing himself to be wasted?

As for the girls, Parul Gulati wears some nice dresses but she definitely needs wear a lot more expressions on her face than the bling on her clothes. The second actress Aman comes in towards the end, why….no clue. And here comes another woman who hasn't changed over the years, Monica Bedi, looking the same, acting same, mundane. The film has nice music, Chandari raat muk gaye is hummable.

Time for the big news… book your combo meal in advance and a mobile with full charge. Most likely a sequel to Romeo Ranjha is in offing. Oh, we miss that remote!

first-day-first show
Nothing to expose

The Xpose
Directed by Ananth Narayan Mahadevan, The Xpose stars Himesh Reshmmiya, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Irfan Khan and Zoya Afroz in the lead roles. The story of the film partly follows two rival heroines Zara and Chandni. The narrative gathers pace when a cat-fight between the two takes place at an after awards party, where Zara is murdered.

Such a drag

I did not like the film that much. It has been dragged, especially in the later half. Also, the storyline is not that convincing, so to say.

Banipreet Kaur, student

Nothing exciting

I am a huge Honey Singh fan and the whole idea of him acting in a film did not sit very well with me. The film is a one time watch, but I did not really like it much.

Anhad Singh, student

Boring affair

It's a useless film. While the first half tries to build up a murder plot, the second half only sees the actors dealing with it and it's stretched beyond the limit of ones tolerance levels.

Sahita Arora, student 

Godzilla

Directed by Gareth Edwards, Godzilla is a sci-fi action thriller that features Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Olsen in the lead roles. The story takes one to the year 1999 in Japan, where nuclear physicist, Joe Brody, investigates questionable seismic activity at the Janjira nuclear power plant. After the team and his scientist wife, Sandra, dies in what is believed to be a natural disaster, Joe decides to dedicate his life to find out that what caused the devastation. 

Amazing affects

I love the film. It's absolutely amazing, especially the special effects. Also, the plot of the film is incredible!

Anuj Khanna, businessperson

What an experience

I love the film! It's amazing. I love the way the story has been treated and watching this film is like an experience. I love it and I'd recommend everyone to watch it too.

Kirti Sachdeva, student

A thrilling ride

It's a really nice film and I really liked watching it. It's the kind of film that gives you a thrilling ride all through.

Aman Suraj, student

Romeo Ranjha

Directed by Navniat, the film Romeo Ranjha is an action thriller that stars Jazzy B, Garry Sandhu, Aman Kaur and Parul Ghulati. Jazzy B and Garry Sandhu play con artists.

It's different

Honestly, I like the drift from comedy films as far as Punjabi cinema is concerned. I like the action sequences, but there is still a lot that's amiss. It's definitely a onetime watch.

Sneha Sharma, student

Not convincing

I don't like the film that much, though the songs are pretty decent. It has a lot of action sequences but the story line is not that convincing.

Guneet Kaur, IT employee

— As told to Amarjot Kaur

cinema scope
X-factor missing

Film Xposé
Director Ananth Mahadevan
Cast Himesh Reshammiya, Zoya Afroz, Ananth Mahadevan, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Sonali Raut, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Bharat Dhabolkar, Jesse Randhawa, Rajesh Sharma
Rating
**
Nonika Singh

On a day when all eyes are on one Gujarati and his thumping victory margins.... can another Gujarati who has been trying to establish himself as an actor for some time pull it off? Sadly, not quite.

And our verdict has nothing to do with our sentiments for or against the master of nasal twang Himesh Reshammiya, the singer composer turned producer and actor. Here, by the way he has contributed to the story too. Before you say thank god, he didn't direct it...seriously it would have made little difference for the spotlight rests on him all the way never mind who wields the directorial baton.

In case you are curious, it's Ananth Mahadevan. And he has a significant cameo in the film which is essentially a throwback to the filmdom of sixties when we are told sex symbols reigned. Does that explain the title of the film as also the plunging necklines of its female actors? After all there is a minor difference between exposing and exposé. Yes there is justification for Xposé too. From frame one we are led into a murder mystery.

At a glitzy awards party a heroine is dead and fingers are pointed in several directions. The more the suspects, the greater the suspense… so we believe. Ah, but before the whodunit can gain momentum our attentions are diverted by Reshammiya. As Ravi Kumar, a superstar of South, he lords over most scenes as we are led into his past and present. If as an angry police officer he shot people dead when irked, as a superstar he calls the shots on the sets. And in the process, it's not only the mystery angle but also host of talented actors who fall by the side. Yes there is fair seasoning of gifted ones. Irrfan Khan as the narrator cum black marketer of cinema tickets and Adil Hussain as Rehammiya's step-brother make special appearances (read have little to do). Heroines Zoya Afroz and Sonali Raut as rival actresses do get their pound of flesh (pun intended) and Yo Yo Honey Singh, essaying the part of an aspiring composer, proves once more he is best at making music.

Should Reshammiya also stick to his core forte? Actually to be fair, he isn't so bad and almost manages to pull off his act. As he reprises the part of an actor of sixties fashioned somewhat after the quirky and talented Raj Kumar.

Only if the film hadn't been such a mish-mash, didn't have the spattering of cheesy one-liners and remained focused on upping the suspense quotient alone it could have worked with or without Reshammiya. As it borrows heavily from real life incidents (hero saves heroine from a burning film set) and films (the allusions are obvious) as well as figments of imagination, the potpourri even with a twist in the tale as anticlimax doesn't measure up. And we can't help but wonder aloud—who should be more offended, the viewer or the film industry.

Gigantic thriller

Film Godzilla 3D
Director Gareth Edwards
Cast Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Ojaen & Juliette Binoche
Rating
****
Ervell E. Menezes

Godzilla is an American science fiction featuring the Japanese monster of the same name and stays faithful to the Toho series of Godzilla films.

It all begins in the Philippines when a strange phenomenon takes place on earth creating death and destruction to thousands but none is sure whether it is nature or a dreaded monster at work. Decades later the same phenomenon takes place in Janjira, Japan. Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston) who loses his wife Sandra (Juliette Binoche) in the incident feels it is some monster at work and later his son Lt Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is assigned to the task of investigation aided by his wife Elle (Elizabeth Ojean). It's all in the family though scientist Dr Ishiro Serenzawa (Ken Watanabe) and Adm William Sturig (David Stratham) also join the team.

The establishing shots are strong and director Gareth Edwards takes all of 30 minutes to give the viewer a glimpse of the dreaded creature. Is it one huge monster or more than one? At first it seems terrestrial but later with the aid of red herrings the monster (God or Godzilla) multiplies spreading panic all around.

By now Joe Brody and Sandra are victims and the onus falls on Ford. Scientist Dr Serizawa keeps conjecturing but there are few leads. Adm Sterig's role is passive, his naval uniform befitting the sea adventure. It's a taut drama till way past the halfway mark but it is the last quarter that undoes some of the overall effect.

The monster 'takes a licking but keeps on thinking'. Parasitic spores are also used to combat it. There is also a faint hope that the monsters will fight and destroy themselves.

Sprinkling suspicion like mustard, scriptwriter Max Bernstein does an excellent job and director Edwards goes about his unraveling task methodically. But in the last quarter he falls victim to overkill. The solutions are as easy as they are unconvincing and families split by the Godzilla havoc conveniently find each other.

The FX is excellent, touching a new water-mark in the process and the angry sea is lucidly captured. That is not the only strength of cinematographer Seamus McGarvey. But there is little by way of acting with Aaron Taylor-Johnson at best being competent. Bryan Cranston gives evidence of talent before prematurely bowing out while Ken Watanabe is more of less academic. It is indeed sad to see the talented Juliette Binoche (An English Patient and others) totally wasted.

Despite the last quarter, Godzilla has all the ingredients of a spine-chilling sci-fi drama. Don't miss it.

chatter box
After the break

Dimpled guy Vishal Karwal is excited about being seen on TV after a gap of almost two years. He talks about his Hindi as well as Punjabi films and why it took so long for him to return.

Why did you choose to do Encounter?

For the last one-and-a-half years I hadn't done TV; didn't want to do daily soap. So when the offer for this interesting episodic came up, I took it. I shot for Encounter for ten days and enjoyed it as the story as well as the character is great. Usually guys don't get to do much in a TV show, but this one had good scope.

What is your role?

I play a cop, Vikas Sawant. The story is based on true events and mine is about real brothers, one of whom is a cop and the other a gangster.

What else are you working on?

I have shot for Nikhil Advani's short film, which will air on MTV. The channel will run short films by popular filmmakers like Rohan Sippy and Anurag Kashyap. Mine is a love story. It's a one-hour film about a guy from a political background who falls in love.

Many actors do an episodic. Is it to be in the limelight?

Perhaps, yes. Actors get to portray different roles, which is important. I also enjoy new roles, ones I haven't tried before.

What did you do in your break from TV?

I shot for Vikram Bhatt's movie, which will release in July. I also did a Punjabi film. I want to do more films and try different characters. If things don't work, I will do TV. — HRM

Yo, it’s a secret!

Yo Yo Honey Singh has been on a roll lately. Not only does he have plans of launching his men's fashion line, but he has also recently entered Bollywood as a mainstream singer and is even making an appearance in a movie. The list doesn't end there. To top it all, he is making his debut on the small screen with Star Plus' upcoming offering India's RawStar.

Big B isn't the only one who dances to Yo Yo's tunes. Even Akshay Kumar is a big Yo Yo fan. The Khiladi took some time out from his busy schedule and paid a friendly visit to Yo Yo while he was shooting a promo for India's RawStar. The Khiladi was very keen to know about YoYo's involvement in the show and how things were shaping up. Moreso, Yo Yo was extremely glad to see Akshay on the sets and both of them seemed to have created a mutual admiration for each other. Yo Yo being the champ he is doesn't need tips on how to make people groove, but the visit from Khiladi Kumar definitely set his spirits high.

Enemies turn friends

In the upcoming episode of Sony TV's Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap, courageous Pratap will be seen facing his biggest enemy, Akbar, in a deadly fight. While shooting for this particular sequence, Pratap aka Faisal Khan and Akbar aka Vishal Jethwa had to prepare themselves by undergoing rigorous training sessions. Renowned fight master Deepak Das was seen giving them extensive training for performing the stunts in the show.

Talking about it, Pratap aka Faisal says, "I was really looking forward for this fight sequence as it involved many challenging stunts, which amazes me a lot. Years of dance practice has given me an added bonus to perform these stunts better. Our stunt master helped us understand the right techniques required to perform this stunt. I hope I have done justice to the sequence and wish the audiences likes it too". Commenting about his experience Akbar aka Vishal says, "I was really excited to shoot for this sequence as it was my very first time. Our trainer showed us the right techniques, which made it look so real. A special thanks to my co-star Faisal who assisted me to craft the performance and made it easier for me". We hope that their hardwork is appreciated by the viewers as well!

Losing cool

Sanjeeda Sheikh is angry with her co-star Vatsal Seth these days. Apparently, he takes too much time mulling over scenes and discussing the dialogues, which leads to delay in the shoot. Recently, she lost her cool and went to chill in her van till she was called for the shot, instead of waiting for Seth to finish the discussion.

Turning to telly

Preeti Jhangiani, who has been missing for a while from the big screen, might be seen on TV if things work out. She is in consideration for a TV show on Colors and has been talking to them. She will soon join the list of many film actors who look at TV after fading out.

Competitive nature

A war ensued on the sets of Sony TV's Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and it was between Anu Malik and host Krushna Abhishek. Krushna tested Anu's fitness by challenging him for a push-up contest. The host won the contest hands down. But later Anu challenged Krushna for a skipping competition and beat him.

STAR TRACK
Shraddha’s moment of glory

Shraddha Kapoor will be seen singing in her upcoming film Ek Villian. On an impromptu moment, her director Mohit Suri asked her if she would like to lend her voice for a song in the film.

Shraddha, who used to train with her grandfather, was excited with the idea and wanted to give it a shot. Shraddha comes from a family of singers. Shraddha's grand dad Pandharinath Kolhapure is a classical singer. Shraddha as a kid often used to do riyaaz with her grandfather. Shraddha recorded the song Gaaliyan over two days. It is a duet song where she is singing with Ankit Tiwari. After the recording, Shraddha was keen to make her grandfather hear the song. She requested the team to give her the song on a CD, so she can make him hear and get his feedback.

Shraddha had not informed her grandfather that she would be lending her voice for a song and so he was pleasantly surprised. He took a few moments to put it together that it was his granddaughter singing.

She wanted him to hear the song sans any bias and wanted his honest feedback. Her grand-dad was very proud and impressed. He told her that she got her song notes correct and has latched on to the tune in perfect sync. The young actress is looking forward to the song's release. When contacted, she said, "Yes, my grandfather loved the song and I now want to know what the audiences think of it."

Undisturbed paradise

At a recent event, UTV head honcho Siddharth Roy Kapur was quizzed about his troubled relationship with Vidya Balan. However, Siddharth rubbished the reports and said, "All is well in our married paradise. Nothing has changed. Owing to our work pressures we are unable to attend certain events together. 

The media has not witnessed us together for quite sometime now, therefore they have planted this story about our marriage being on the rocks. We are a happily married and a very understanding couple. There is not a single iota of doubt that we are enjoying a blissful married life."

Meet the small wonder

Partho Gupte, who made his debut with Stanley Ka Dabba, is getting praised for his performance in his latest film Hawaa Hawaai. He talks about the film, his dad Amol Gupte, and more...

Getting into skin

My dad did a very smart thing. He never allowed me to feel I was preparing for a film. He just let me have fun learning to skate, warming up to the sport, just getting comfortable with it. Eventually I was as happy skating as Arjun Harishchandra Waghmare (the character). I just didn't want to remove the skates.

Normal life

It's not as if my father made this film to make me a star. I play a normal kid with normal dreams. I hope the people around me continue to see me in that light. The day my friends say, ‘Dekho Partho star bann gaya', I would feel very bad. I just want to be seen as an ordinary boy so I can continue doing all the crazy stuff with my friends.

Being naughty

There is no end to my mischief. Don't let my innocent face fool you. I used to feel so bad for all the assistant directors on the sets. We five friends, who acted together in Hawaa Hawaai, were a terror squad. The shot would be ready and Parikshhit sir (Amole's assistant Parikshhit Jha) would be told to call the kids. He would be looking for the five of us and we would hide somewhere. Then he would manage to locate four of us and the fifth boy would be missing. We'd be constantly troubling the assistants by running away in the opposite direction when we were wanted on the sets.

Family feel

Makarand (Desphande) sir who plays my father is the warmest and funniest person I've ever met. I've known him all my life. When we met for this film he made me so comfortable. He came and hugged me and spoke to me like a friend. I felt so glad just working with him and learning from him. His jokes are so funny. He helped me better my performance. Just watching him I learnt so much. Makarand sir and Neha ma'am (actress Neha Joshi who plays Partho's mother) and I spent a lot of time together. We felt like a family. It was about believing that they were really my parents and all about believing in myself.

Band of boys

Saqib Saleem was more experienced than me as an actor. He had done Bombay Talkies. He was very friendly and down to earth. Saqib sir immediately took to me and the band of boys. We discussed football, played cricket. He was a child with us. He instantly became one of the boys.

Great pairing, greater expectation

UTV Motion Pictures has announced a scintillating star cast for Fitoor which includes the never-before seen pairing of the gorgeous Katrina Kaif and the handsome Aditya Roy Kapur along with eternal beauty Rekha in the role of a lifetime. Fitoor, an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic, Great Expectations, is the passionate love saga of a young artist Noor, played by Aditya Roy Kapur, and a beautiful heartbreaker Firdaus, essayed by Katrina Kaif. Rekha plays the role of the mercurial Begum, who is the catalyst in this tempestuous love saga.

In keeping with its setting, the movie is going to be shot across many locations in North India, including Kashmir and Delhi, as well as an international destination.

Fitoor has everything it takes to make a larger-than-life love story; a timeless star-cast, a magnificent Kashmiri setting, a musical milieu, and the definitive touch of a director who knows his craft. The film is scripted by Supratik Sen and Abhishek Kapoor, and will be produced by UTV Motion Pictures in association with Guy in the Sky Productions. 

Mallika tones down

Mallika Sherawat, who attended the Grace of Monaco screening at the 67th Cannes Film Festival, looked sober this time. She wore a lacy Emilio Pucci gown in a striking shade of blue and went easy on the makeup too.

Boney hurt

Boney Kapoor's car had an accident while on the way to Wai for the shoot of Tevar on Wednesday night. He has suffered some minor injuries as his car collided into a tractor.

Wrap up

Actress Priyanka Chopra has finally finished shooting for her Mary Kom biopic. "It's a wrap on Mary Kom! Thank u Omang, Sanjay sir, Sandy, Saiwyn, keiko, darshan and my whole crew who endlessly silently endured to create," Chopra wrote on Twitter.

Normal and funny

Alia Bhatt likes the jokes and memes made on her and she finds them funny. She has read many of them. Also, she feels that she is absolutely normal despite the success of Highway and 2 States as people have told her that she is very down-to-earth.

Emma in Bollywood?

Rumour has it is that filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has offered a role to Hollywood actors Emma Watson and John Travolta in his next film Paani. However, Shekhar Kapur says it all rumour and he will finalise the cast soon.

33 cheers!

Sunny Leone, who turned 33 on May 14, got to celebrate her birthday several times throughout the day. Here's a picture from her birthday party with the team of her next film Tina and Lolo.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 17...

You will always be aware of the emotional undercurrents within the family. You have an outstanding ability to see and understand how people relate to each other. If born after 1980, you must exercise moderation in all activities. Special attention should be exercised with regard to your diet. Your view of the world will change as you become somewhat less stubborn this year. Your talent for completing tasks and getting good results will continue. You are most likely to travel during 2014. Expect a bright and positive period ahead. You will feel a higher level of energy and creative ability as well.

Positive colours: Black, Chocolate.

Select days: Sunday, Tuesday.

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 8.

Gems recommended: Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald.

Charity on birthday: Donate utensils to the needy.

You share your birthday with known singer Pankaj Udhas (May 17, Gujarat), who rose to fame with the song Chitthi Aayee Hai in the 1986 film Naam. He is also the proud recipient of the Padma Shri. He will continue to entertain people.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Today love and travel figure prominently. You can put yourself in line for a promotion or salary increase. The accent is on pleasure and entertainment.

Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 63.

TAURUS: Make more of an effort to attain and maintain harmony. Communication on the job can assume greater importance. But do not get caught up in red tape.

Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health.

Lucky colour: Blue.

Magic number: 59.

GEMINI: New people whom you meet will be rather exciting. Remember your resolutions about diet and nutrition. Health problem can slow you down.

Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself.

Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 36.

CANCER: Love life is sparklingly beautiful. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. Get into your hobbies or a favourite sport for mental and physical stimulation.

Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others.

Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 50.

LEO: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Household affairs continue smoothly. Bizfolk: do not invest your money in hastily concluded deals.

Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses.

Lucky colour: Green.

Magic number: 35.

VIRGO: It is not a good day for shopping. There can be a small get-together at home. A promotion to a management position can trigger self-doubt.

Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions, as they would lead to waste of time and money.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Magic number: 33.

LIBRA: Sportsmen: sincerity is the key to success. Club and group activities occupy you. Health glows. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Focus on hobbies.

Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash.

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 25.

SCORPIO: Working women: take complete rest today. Students: bury your nose in books. Be logical in your thoughts. Housewives: financially you are secure.

Tarot message: Learn from past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 25.

SAGITTARIUS: Push routine to one side. Your marital status figures prominently. You might fall madly in love during travel or attendance at a conference. Drive carefully.

Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence.

Lucky colour: Mauve.

Magic number: 31.

CAPRICORN: It is an auspicious day for purchasing ornaments. Hasty actions can lead to situations best avoided. Keep your wits about you and try to pause if agitated.

Tarot message: Be articulate.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 42.

AQUARIUS: There will be good opportunities to show off your artistic flair. Loved ones will do what they can to help solve family financial problems. Savour the romantic glow of the morning.

Tarot message: Try to accomplish long-term tasks.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 52.

PISCES: The card 'Six of Wands' predicts fun, frolic and accelerated social activities. Your effort will not go unnoticed by superiors. Talk with your lover about future plans and goals.

Tarot message: Follow your own path.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 40.





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