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Art, artist…applause
For an artist, a helping hand matters a lot. And when it comes in the form of a scholarship by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, the motivation levels touch the sky
The walls breathe colourful works by KG Subramanyam, which make for a perfect backdrop for stories — some real, some surreal, sewn with threads of experiences gained from life - some sweet, some bitter. Take this story for example: The narrator, Ravinder Singh, started his journey as an artist by depicting his village, Rani Majra, on his graphics prints. It was all green to begin with, dotted with cattle, women carrying food…till concrete structures replaced it all. "Now people have built bungalows in the village. There is no space for cattle in the houses, but to decorate the terrace cemented figures of cows and village folk have been erected." His works and the story behind them made him win a scholarship by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi (CLKA). Nine other artists join him in the elite league at the Government Museum and Art Gallery. A zinc plate that Ravinder uses to take out a print, however, costs Rs 2,500, making the scholarship amount of Rs 4,000 a month look like a trifle. Token amount it might be, but it has reassured ten young artists and motivated them to work with passion. "It has sent across the message that their art is being appreciated and there is an organisation that is there to promote them as well as their interests," says Diwan Manna, Chairman of CLKA. There are artists who have switched their profession since there was no money to spare for making paintings or sculptures. "Now even if the selected artists pick other profession, they will continue to create artworks." Even for Neha Sharma, another one to get the scholarship, who is employed as a teacher in a private school, it matters as much as to the unemployed Rajinder Kaur. To her, it means, "Recognition of my talent and my love for art." Her medium is graphics and subject is roseland, where I depict relationships and their value." Rahul Dhiman's work of art is no less awe-inspiring. In fact, his theme has become his signature. "Those who follow art realise in no time that when a print has cycle and train as subjects, it has to be me," quips the young artist and final-year student of MFA at Government College of Art. He hopes to find a job for himself soon, as just five days are left for the session to end. The subjects are a direct lift from his life of last six years, "I belong to Ambala. To commute between the two cities I travel by train and cover the rest of the distance on cycle." For him, Rs 4,000 a month and Rs 48,000 a year is an amount huge enough to satiate his hunger for art. "I can buy raw material at least. And even after the session is over, I can continue my journey with cycle and train, though this time on the paper." The scholarship means different things to each one of them. And it need not be complex each time. It can be as simple as making the parents proud. For Rajinder, whose subject of work is as simple as the result of winning the scholarship - her mother - it is a profound reason to be happy, "To know that I am on the right track, an acknowledgement that whatever I have created till now, makes sense." And for the employed Tarsem Singh, it is a sign to not quit making sculptures. "This would open new avenues of art-making for me. I just hope that even the government rolls out opportunities like these." But even if that doesn't happen, rest assured that there are organisations that value art and promote artists. Like the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi! ashima@tribunemail.com
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Borderline issues
In an audacious move, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has launched a brand new channel, Zindagi, which will have content developed and created in Pakistan. A brainchild of Shailja Kejriwal, Chief, Creative Special Projects, Zindagi will have shows that tell stories from across the border. "After more than a decade of shows on television, I found that unending stories were being repeated. With an aim to bring something refreshingly different I researched and thought of telling stories set in Pakistan. An idea that was taken up and developed by ZEEL," shares Shailja. Zindagi, the 24-hour channel set to go on air on June 23, has some 45 new shows for the first year and also telefilms. The shows that are based on the issues common to people on both sides of the border, talk of love, hatred, passion and problems alike. "Our stories are not handpicked but 'heart' picked," says Bharat Ranga, from Zee. Apart from stories that run for a month, three or five (most shows are finite), there are going to be telefilms bound by the theme 'kitni girhin baki hain', films related to issues pertaining women. ZEEL has made a huge investment in this new channel on the basis of feedback received by viewers in different cities. "The same stories running on and on made me search for something different, Zindagi makes so much sense. For 60 years, we haven't seen or heard of common man from that side," says Shailja. Call it well-timed, with Pakistan Prime Minister's recent visit to India hopes of better relations between the two countries have increased. "I wouldn't neglect the problems, but ours is an approach to unite the people. Jode dilon ko is our tagline," adds Shailja. The shows have been based on Pakistani writers; the artistes are veteran TV actors. The channel that will be shown in India still doesn't have permission to run in Pakistan, Bharat clarifies, "We were one of the firsts to get the rights in China. Like a big brother we have made a beginning with Zindagi. We are hopeful that they will follow suit as well."
mona@tribunemail.com
Show time
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Twin take
There are chances that if you bump into Pawan Gill he might completely deny ever seeing you. In that case, you can believe him for there are chances you have hit his identical twin Aman Gill! Now, this sounds like a curious case…of two identical twins, who share the same passion of filmmaking, share the same amount of dedication - only one is too meticulous with everything while the other one takes things easy. "It's me the meticulous one," Pawan almost shouts on the top of his voice. Taking their curious case forward, the two have ventured into Punjabi film production with Mundeyan Ton Bach Key Rahin under Gill Pictures Entertainment.
Desi beat tey…
Born and brought up in Canada, the brothers moved to Mumbai in 2004 with bag and baggage. "We didn't have any friends or relatives in Mumbai. We had to start from a scratch. All we knew was that other than identical looks, we both had a passion for filmmaking and so we got into it." Pawan worked as the first assistant director with Yash Raj Films while Aman started as executive producer with the Bollywood movie Black. On to Pollywood
"We saw the potential in Punjabi films after the success of Jatt & Juliet and Carry On Jatta. We saw that there was much to explore in this regional cinema; we could bring in newness with a different subject and treatment," says Pawan. Being outsiders
Adds Aman, "We have heard that the industry is not really upright with outsiders, but we know our job well. We know what we are getting into, we know how to produce a film, how to market it and how to handle the rest. Also, after working in Bollywood for so long, I don't think we can be taken for a ride." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Behind the laughter
She can bring the house down without saying a word. She will make your eyes swell with tears by saying a single line. Bharti Singh is no ordinary woman, she is woman who can cry, make anyone cry and laugh at the same time. The bring-it-on stand-up comedian and actress is in Chandigarh promoting her Punjabi film Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin, a film that she is pretty excited about.
I had to be choosy… It was a conscious decision to be selective with Punjabi films. The script is of utmost important for me. I did a small role in Jatt & Juliet that turned out well, and when I was narrated my role in MTBKR, I jumped on to it. I play Simran Mundi's bhabhi in the film, and both Jassi and Roshan Prince are trying to woo me to win the girl. Lovely role! I can cry to Contrary to what people think, I am an emotional person. When I went to see Barfi! with my friends I cried my heart out, something my friends couldn't believe. They started laughing at me. Make me laugh The only person who can tickle my funny bone more than anyone else is my mother. Everyday she reads the astro column in newspapers and comes up with interesting remedial measures to settle my stars. Weighty issue I remember once at a function, I cracked a joke on my weight. Can you believe nobody laughed! I was surprised, I thought either I had lost weight or they didn't understand. But, they said I wasn't that fat, so I shouldn't make fun of myself. Stand up for Kapil He is my favourite comedian; he is natural. Kapil is one person who doesn't need any script, he can run an entire episode talking about just water and you wouldn't stop laughing. Best compliment When someone said I was cute, very cute. The worst one When people say I look the same. This means that I haven't shed any weight in all these years! Mr Right Well, I am just 27 and I have started working. I think marriage can wait. When I will be 30, I will find a guy who is 32… and so on. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Vidya tries 122 looks for Bobby Jasoos
The make-up artist put together different looks for Vidya. They tried 6- 8 looks a day while Vidya patiently sat through the make-up sessions to see which of the looks was most realistic and related to the narrative of the story. She tried the look of a teacher, a fisherwoman, a dabbawala, a peon, a lawyer, an astrologer to name a few. They took more than 15 days to shortlist and even documented the entire process. Producer Dia Mirza says, "The entire process of zeroing down on the final disguises that Vidya dons in Bobby Jasoos was a fun-filled discovery! Our costume designer Theia and our special make up artist Vidyadhar, worked tirelessly to conjure up looks that would be entertaining to watch, whilst remaining in sync with the demands of the script. At the end, I am thrilled that people are collectively wowed by the many transformations of the very versatile Vidya Balan."
Alia Bhatt is the new dulhania
Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan had a ball at the launch, of Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, replete with a doli and marriage band . She talks about the movie and more. Paying a tribute
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania is a completely fun and entertaining film. It is not original but it is honest and a tribute to the love stories that we have grown up on. It is about how two people meet and then unite. Rumours galore
I think that I will be linked with all my heroes from Arjun Kapoor to Varun Dhawan to whoever my next hero will be and there is nothing I can do about it. There will be no truth to the link ups, ever! Poster girl
It was my idea to do the selfie poster and I am happy that people are loving it. I interfere a lot, these days, in marketing and stuff. I know that this is a wedding film like 2 States but here I play a Punjabi and there I was a Tamilian. Both movies are completely different.
Selena Gomez suffers from lupus
Pop star Selena Gomez is reportedly suffering from the auto-immune disease lupus. The 21-year-old singer's grandfather has confirmed that she has the auto-immune disease, following rumours that she was battling the condition "a couple of years ago". But he insists that she is learning to cope with the illness, reported a publication online. "She is in treatment. She is getting along pretty good," Ricardo Gomez said. Ricardo hinted that the former Wizards of Waverly Place actress turned pop star could be close to giving up her singing career. "She was saying she doesn't want to sing any more, she just wants to be an actress... but she's going to combine it, it looks like," he said.
— PTI
Bringing together, the opposites
Salman Khan is most likely to do Shuddhi and he has had a long talk with Karan Johar about it and even heard the script. The dates and money are yet to be discussed. Meanwhile, he cleared the air on his equation with Imran Khan, saying that all is well between them and that Imran and Avantika are very dear to him and he hopes that Avantika has a smooth delivery.
Up for an experiment
Saif Ali Khan has walked out of Abbas-Mustan's adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo as he feels that his character is similar to the one he played in Race. Apparently, he wants to experiment!
Taking it easy
Cameron Diaz reportedly wants to take things slow with her boyfriend, Benji Madden, even though the guitarist has fallen hard for the actress. The 41-year-old Charlie's Angels star began dating Madden, 35, after being introduced by Nicole Richie, a close friend of the actress and wife of Benji's twin brother, reported a website. "Benji is madly in love with Cameron, but she wants to take it slow - he isn't her usual type. He has dated a lot of Nicole's friends in the past but Nicole really wants this one to work," a source said. Madden and Diaz apparently have been spending a lot of time at her Hollywood home and have also been spotted working out together at an Equinox gym in Los Angeles.
— PTI
What’s happening with Rani
Buzz has it that Rani Mukerji's character in Mardaani has been inspired from a real-life cop posted at Mumbai's Crime Branch. Meanwhile, she has resumed the shoot of director Pradeep Sarkar's next venture as it was on hold due to her wedding.
A biopic on the way
Director Mahesh Bhatt wants to make a biopic on badminton player Saina Nehwal as he finds her story inspiring. When contacted, Saina said she would like actress Deepika Padukone to play her part. Sounds interesting!
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Astro turf
ARIES: Don't be amazed at your good luck. Taking a break from work may be needed. That recent of burst of enthusiasm has run out of steam temporarily. Make this an easy day. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Fuchsia.
Magic number: 31 TAURUS: Parents can experience stress and tension involving children. Concentrate on work for now. You may realize that certain recreations are too costly. Bizfolk: This pleasant day should be used to catch up with odd jobs. Tarot message: Be positive, don't take stress. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 21 GEMINI: Sweet moments are in store. You will find people generally hard to pin down. Buying and selling is a salient feature. Do not ignore disturbing emotions but work through them. Sleep early tonight. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 61 CANCER: Fashion accessories enhance your look at little cost. Spending on health makes sense. Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 55 LEO: Do not get involved in any mutual venture blindly without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Think with future in mind. Stay true to yourself. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others at your workplace. Lucky colour: Metallic Grey. Magic number: 26 VIRGO: Avoid gossiping; because it can spoil your chances of success. Sportsmen: Exercise more to keep fit. You may attend a formal event or a conference. Do not be too demanding from loved ones. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 28
LIBRA: Plans for a romantic rendezvous could be disrupted by a call from work or a need to do overtime. Frank discussion could clear misunderstandings. Be a sport. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 64 SCORPIO: If single; you will find someone attractive. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that would trouble you physically. Keep your sense of humour alive. Tarot message: Focus on your emotional and spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Your card "Three of Cups" suggests that emotions have to be controlled. Compassion and forgiveness are needed to keep love growing. Look forward to work in interesting projects. Tarot message: At work, don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Rise early to greet the day with morning exercise. Walking or running will suit some of you. Education and research projects bring you fresh laurels. Expect a guest or an important news. Tarot message: You can build great success. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 59 AQUARIUS: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family. Money rolls after lunch. Keep moving ahead with the progress you have been making. You will have to modify your plans. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 33 PISCES: You should be satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show the world what you have been working on. Hopes fill your heart. Patience & hard work pays richly. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27
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The year ahead
If your birthday is May 30...
Unexpected expenses are on the cards and these could lead to anxiety or worry. You'll be over-generous to people around and you'll be able to earn everyone's respect. You'll be able to mix pleasure with work and have a vacation with your partner. Don't be controlled by your negative side. Finally, you'll be calmer. A close friend will give you sound advice and this will be helpful in dealing with problems you have in your relationship. This is the best time to take risks to expand your business. Think big. Jupiter has come to assist you in expanding your moneymaking horizons. Chances are that there are many opportunities you've been overlooking. You will feel dissatisfied; you'll be apathetic and have no desire to discuss things with your partner. Positive colors: Golden, red, brown, cream, white Select days: Sunday & Monday Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7 Charity on birthday: You may donate white sweets to needy or at a religious place.
You share your birthday with Paresh Rawal (May 30, 1950, Ahmedabad), a newly elected MP, known for films like Hera
Pheri, Oh My God! He is married to Swaroop Sampat. He will assume a key post in the new government.
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From bahu to a suicide bomber
Young television actor Payal Rajput who was last seen in a family show Aakhir Bahu Bhi Toh Beti Hee Hai has recently played a powerful lead character of Jayshree in Yeh Hai Aashiqui on Bindaas channel. Only two shows old Payal is on cloud nine these days. Her role of a suicide bomber was well appreciated by the viewers. Lifestyle spoke to this talented actor about the show. You played a suicide bomber in Yeh Hai Aashiqui… how did you prepare for this role? It was a tough and challenging role for me. The character Jayshree required too much homework but thank God I did it beautifully. I think this one is the best role I ever did. How would you define your character Jayshree? I am really excited to do this powerful character because it is totally different from my personality and I had a great experience doing this role. Was it necessary to accept this show? Usually, I am in favour of doing daily soaps but when I read the story I was bowled over and immediately said yes to it. The story is totally different from the earlier shows, which I have done. Tell us about your role. My character's name is Jayshree, a hurt and emotionless suicide bomber from Kerala. I always wanted to do this type of role. What was it like working with Siddharth Shivpuri? Siddharth is a talented, hard working, sincere and cooperative actor. It was nice to work with him. What are your upcoming projects? I am hoping something exciting comes my way soon. — Dharam Pal Chills & thrills TV actor Ssharad Malohtraa best recognised for his previous show Banoo Mein Teri Dulhan has completed shooting for the thriller film Ek Tera Saat. The film is directed by Arshad Siddiqui and is expected to release in August. In this movie, Sharad will be seen opposite actress Hritu Dudani, who was seen in the TV show Bandini. The rest of the cast comprises of Vaishali, Gargi Patel and Deeparaj Rana. Coming home now Buzz is that Sunil Grover might be doing a role in Comedy Nights With Kapil. Kapil too has said that he would be happy to have him back on the show but the decision lies with the channel heads. Apparently, they will take a call about his return. Replacement time After Archana Puran Singh, now Raveena Tandon will judge an episode of the reality show Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. Farah Khan has been missing from the show as she is busy shooting for her film Happy New Year. The makers are getting other celebs to replace her for the interim. Her date After Chhavi Pandey's exit from her TV show Ek Boond Ishq, buzz is that she might be dating Pracheen Chauhan. Earlier there were rumours that she was dating her co-star Viraf Phiroze Patel but both the actors denied the rumours. Bhagyashree’s comeback Rumour has it that Bhagyashree will be doing Bhairavi Raichura's new show, opposite Jay Kalra. The show is an adaptation of the hit American show Missing and they will play the parents of the girl who goes missing.
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Citylights
Producer: Fox Star Studios, Vishesh Films Director: Hansal Mehta Citylights brings back the National Award winning duo, filmmaker Hansal Mehta and actor Rajkumar Rao after Shahid, which vowed the viewers. Newbie Patralekha makes her debut in Bollywood with the film. Citylights is an official remake of the International award winning film Metro Manila and is based on the life of a trader in Rajasthan who comes to Mumbai with his wife and daughter with a hope of a better life. It is a love story, a story about familial bonding, a thriller that explores the depth of human nature and a drama about sacrifice in the city of dreams. Releasing all over this Friday, Citylights will give the viewer an altogether new cinematic experience.
Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi
Producers: Bejoy Nambiar, Ekta Kapoor Director: Aman Sachdeva Produced by Ekta Kapoor and Bejoy Nambiar and directed by debutant director Aman Sachdeva, Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi also releases this week. It is A comedy set in the bylanes of Delhi. KMKJHG is about friendship that turns awry when competition seeps in. Director Aman Sachdeva has captured the loud North-Indian milieu in its purest form. The cast of KMKJHG has Sidharth Gupta in the main lead and has fresh faces like Aashish Juneja, Pallavi Batra and Simran Kaur Mundi. Blended
Producer: Adam Sandler, Mike Karz, Jack Giarraputo Director:
Frank Coraci After The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore come together for the third time in romantic comedy Blended which opens this Friday. It also stars Kevin Nealon, Terry Creas, Bella Thorne. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore play single parents who find themselves on a family
vacation.
— Dharam Pal
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Anushka’s booked in advance!
Anushka Sharma has had a busy year so far. After completing Bombay Velvet and her first home production, NH10, the actress has taken off on a European cruise for Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do. She will wrap up the film by early September and after that will dedicate a month for the promotions of Anurag Kashyap's Bombay Velvet.
The spokesperson of Fox Star Studios said, "Anushka is really excited about the film. She plays Rosie, a jazz singer who works at a nightclub called Bombay Velvet and is Ranbir Kapoor's love interest. The studio is just locking its marketing campaign and Anushka wants to be kept in the loop." He added that they're planning some innovative events which will give the audience a feel of the swinging '60s and the '70s. Bombay Velvet opens on November 28, followed by P.K. on December 18, in which Anushka is paired with Aamir Khan. However, it is unlikely that she promotes both films simultaneously.
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Anyone who has visited the other side of border has come home with stories of heartwarming hospitality. The political stance may be in contrast to it but people-to-people contact, whenever possible, has only celebrated the commonness that India and Pakistan have enjoyed!
Vidya is an ace actor and she goes to great lengths to get into the skin of her character. This time around Vidya, who plays a detective in her upcoming Bobby Jasoos, tried umpteen looks for the film. Vidya underwent 122 changes out of which they short listed 10 - 12 looks, which will be seen in the film.
Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire & Ruby.