Of saaz & shayari
Singer Satinder Sartaaj has two things to offer to music lovers—a beautifully balanced music album titled Rangrez and a musical device called Saaz Sartaaj 
Mona

It's shayari that Satinder Sartaaj breathes in; it's on stage that he comes alive. This singer has scaled heights within a decade. From learning, researching and teaching in the Department of Music, Panjab University, to performing at the Royal Albert Hall, UK in May this year, Sartaaj has kept adding feathers in his colourful cap.

This poet, singer and composer opens up about his journey this Thursday at the launch of his latest album Rangrez.

Starting with his recently concluded UK and Canada tours, Sartaaj seems ecstatic when he talks about his latest offering, a collection of 10 songs put together in Rangrez. Some are new, others old, put on the request of his fans. A mix of love, nature and folk is what Rangrez is. The songs are written, sung and composed by Sartaaj. There are Zikar Tera, Tere Pind Wallon, Jugnu Te Jugni and Bechare Aaashique De. While most songs carry his trademark Sufi flavour, there are two that make you sit back and notice — Mirze Di Shaadi—his take on what if… Sahibaa didn't do what she did, and the lovers actually lived through to celebrate their union: Ajj tarkash mera meri pitthh te / Te ishqe de teer barhey ney/ Qazi sad ke karavo shaddi sohneyo/ Ke dove'n paaase Veer kharhey ney….

While life and its depth reflect in most of the songs…there is one Billo Ji: Billo Ji!Hun hillo ji!Dus vajj gye; Chhadd deo pillow ji!

Does Billo come from his pen too? Sartaaj laughs and compares himself to a caterer saying, "You have to keep in mind different people and their tastes. There is no religion bigger than entertainment and to ensure a good time to your audience is any artiste's accountability."

Sartaaj takes pride in performing for a select gathering of 70 to addressing a crowd of 70,000 people. And as he talks of his concerts that run for four to five hours and to the ticketed shows that are totally sold out abroad, one wonders if it's his ego that is in play. But he renders his Ik Albeli: Ik albeli chhail chhabilee/Baagh titliya farhdi, Urdu pardih/ Hawaa uddave zulf ohdi ta'n/ Hawaa de larhdi aakkad karhdi and you concede, his confidence is not misplaced.

What Sartaaj does, he loves to attain perfection. Be it his lyrics, rhythm or rendition. Right from his first album, all his CDs carry the lyrics and translations. He explains, "A lot of my fan following is abroad. They follow music seriously and love to know what it means. Even in Punjab, the present generation knows limited Punjabi. I want everyone to savour the beauty of our language." He adds while showing the latest album, "You need to add physical value to an album if you want people to buy it." Rangrez too carries lyrics of the songs and the translation. "I personally supervise when songs are being translated."

Attention to detail also got this singer devise Saaz Sartaaj. "Sometimes I sing new compositions right on stage without any rehearsals; I needed an instrument through which I could instruct my musicians. I, along with my brother and few others, have designed Saaz, made of cedar. I used in on stage on my recent tours to a rousing response. I am hoping to share it with audiences here soon."

In love with music, Sartaaj goes on…his inspiration, creative process, finishing touches … and, also concerns… "I get bogged down by two things—first youth and their fights. Young people who love to carry baseball bats, swords and pistols in car. It must be stopped. His second concern is - Gurmukhi language losing out. "A language with a script is a goldmine; look how British value their language and culture. We must act on both now," he signs off.

mona@tribunemail.com

Killer instinct 
Actor Varun Dhawan, in Ludhiana to promote his latest movie Humpty Sharma ki Dulhaniya, wins over many a heart with his good looks and friendly demeanour 
Gurvinder Singh

Playing Punjabi: Varun Dhawan

The new heartthrob of Bollywood, Varun Dhawan, arrives in Ludhiana to a rousing welcome and cheering from girls. They chant his name Varun… Varun. One of them even declares her love for this 'killer' looking actor. With his cool yet friendly demeanour, he wins us over!

In the city to promote his movie Humpty Sharma ki Dulhaniya, he is living his character even off-screen too as he gets into a complete Punjabi mould. "After doing a couple of movies, it was time for me to do a Punjabi movie. This is a "theth" Punjabi film and has been made especially for Punjabis. It is a love story of Punjab," he says.

Looking casual and dashing in a brown jacket and jeans, he inaugurates PVR Cinemas at Pavilion. He is all excited about coming to Ludhiana for the first time, as his "pitaji" David Dhawan had also lived here for sometime.

And he is not totally unfamiliar with the scenario in the Punjabi entertainment industry.

"Punjabi music is doing great. I have watched a couple of movies of Gippy Grewal and have met Gippy and Honey Singh."

His meeting with Yo Yo Honey Singh was a dramatic one. He narrates, "I was in Chandigarh for a shoot of a movie and one fine day there was a knock on the door, followed by barks of sniper dogs. As I opened the door with uncertainity, I saw Honey Singh standing there. He was staying in the next room."

He feels Bollywood needs such good music and singers as Punjabi music industry is producing. "Some actresses from Punjabi movies are doing quite well in Bollywood," he says.

Varun is polishing up his Punjabi and it is easy as he has help at home. "My father speaks good Punjabi, particularly when he gets a bit aggressive. "Pitaji gaaliyan Punjabi mein dete hain," he says.

And what is the reason for Punjabis doing well, we ask him. "One of the reasons that Punjabis continue to rock in Bollywood in particular, is because they have a large heart, and whatever they do, they do it whole-heartedly."

Talking about his future project, he says that he will be seen in a thriller. Before he gets an opportunity to elaborate on that he gets whisked off by security as the situation gets out of control with girls requesting for selfies with him…

gurvinder@tribunemail.com

Spooky toppings
Something new, something fresh is what debutant director Akshay Akkineni wants to give cinegoers. His horror thriller Pizza 3D is the first step in that direction
Mona

story teller: Akshay Akkineni

Akshay Akkineni grew up with films all around him. With celebrated film editor and eight time national award winner Sreekar Prasad for father, he sure has large shoes to fill in.

This 24-year-old debuts as a director with Pizza 3D and talks about the journey so far…

Natural progression

With my entire family into films, my getting into it was a natural step. I have been associated with films and theatre for long. I had written some scripts for plays and then I took the call to jump into films full and final.

Twist in the tale

I really liked the storyline of the Tamil film. I took up the tale, worked on the script and set my heart on directing it. I changed the story a bit to make it more exciting. Akshay Oberoi plays the lead. I had earlier worked with him in a MTV series Rush, all other cast came through auditions.

New dimension

The whole film is in 3D. It's India's only second film in 3D. The shooting took time, and filming was cumbersome. And, we have done lots of experiments in the film. I took up a genre not much explored and a format not yet done so far.

Learning curve

I share a beautiful personal bond with my dad. Working together professionally had its beautiful moments. While working on Pizza 3 D, we agreed on a few things, disagreed on others and agreed to disagree on yet others. Editing always enticed me, it's for the first time that I worked with my Dad full length on a film and learn the nuances of the trade. I definitely learnt a lot along the way, of course from my dad and each person on the sets.

All the best

The film has come out well. I am confident and also anxious at the same time. The film looks good. But will it find favour with the movie- goers would be seen only on July 18. I have my fingers crossed.

mona@tribunemail.com

Haunted tale

Pizza 3 D is centred around a pizza delivery boy who goes to house on duty that has everything eerie about it, including the family members. The lead is played by Akshay Oberoi. Parvathy Omanakuttan, Arunoday Singh and Dipannita Sharma play other important roles. A supernatural thriller, this film is taken from Tamil hit Pizza, while the story has been redone to add twists and turns. 

STAR TRACK
Zooming in on Vidya

Vidya Balan talks about her upcoming film, spy wishes, her personal life, and more.

Loving Bobby

When Atul (Kasbekar) called me and told me that he wants to offer a film called Bobby Jasoos, I thought they want me to play a kitty kind of character (Kitty was the assistant of the famous TV detective Karamchand). I didn't want to do that. I was like what if I don't like it, how do I say no to Dia (Mirza). Only when they told me Bobby is a female detective, that I got excited and the script got me hooked. I totally fell in love with it.

Different role

This has been one of the most exciting experiences for me as an actor. Firstly, I have not played a character like this but the fact that she's childlike appealed to me. The enthusiasm in her is of a different level. She's not someone who likes to cry. She's a happy person and she loves to smile. She's very spunky, a livewire. She is a girl from Hyderabad.

Spy wish

The first on my list would be Mr. (Amitabh) Bachchan because I think as an audience we all know his mannerism and yet there's so much we don't know about him. Secondly, I would like to do jasoosi on Narendra Modi to know what are his plans for the country. I want to know before everyone does, so that I can tell everyone first. Oh, I'd spy on religious gurus too who fool people in the name of religion.

Pregnancy clause

I am all for the pregnancy clause. I don't think it's wrong at all because if you are committed to something, it's not the kind of job that you can continue to do even when you are pregnant. This a visual medium and your altered appearance becomes obvious on the screen. I am very cognizant of that, so I would never get pregnant if I have committed to a film and if I want to get pregnant, I would not do a film. Simple. I think it's fair because there are lots that ride on a film and as a complete professional I would respect that. There were rumours because I was not keeping well, so people started saying 'pregnant hogi'. The day I get pregnant, everyone will get to know about it. We (husband Siddharth Roy Kapoor and her) will always want to share our joy with everyone.

Nothing personal

I am a public figure and people are interested in me. People tend to speculate and sometimes it goes overboard and I do feel bad about it. There are days when I get upset about this but those days are very few. Most of the time I just laugh it out. I am used to it now.

House warming

Kriti Sanon bought herself a house in Juhu, suburban Mumbai. She is doing well post Heropanti, a cola brand endorsement, and a South Indian film. Now she can style it and decorate it to her taste instead of moving from one place to another every year.

For glamour’s sake

Esha Gupta knew that she would not have much to do in Humshakals and only had to look hot and glamourous in it but she still took it up because it would be a well-publicized family entertainer.

Right choice

Sidharth Malhotra feels that Mohit Suri was the right choice to direct Ek Villain because the director knows all about grey films and grey characters. The film was a new genre for everybody concerned.

Dress code

Shraddha Kapoor is promoting Ek Villain dressed up like her character Aisha. She is wearing funky earrings, wavy hair, and bohemian clothes like Aisha would. Aisha is also extremely talkative and bubbly.

For a kick

Guess what is common between Ranbir Kapoor and his Rockstar director Imtiaz Ali? Well, the answer is Lekar Hum Deewana Dil. The film marks the acting debut of Ranbir's cousin Armaan Jain and the directorial debut of Imtiaz's younger brother Arif Ali.

The actor brothers recently stepped out in Chembur, a central Mumbai suburb, to promote the film. And what better way to do so than with the hot sport of the season? The group put on their football jerseys and cleats as they played football while shutterbugs and fans looked on. While the young actors put on jerseys that bore their respective names, Ranbir went for a Messi jersey, named after legendary Argentinian player Lionel Messi. Interesting!

Ranbir plays football with cousin Armaan

What’s disturbing Bipasha Basu

Actress Bipasha Basu, who has been missing from Humshakals promotional events, finally took to Twitter to break her silence over the issue. "This is to put an end to all the discussions around my absence for Humshakals promotions.

I take full responsibility of getting into a film only on the basis of trust. But after dubbing for my character in the film, as I had professionally committed to do so I'm extremely disturbed by the end result of the same. In these circumstances, I didn't know how to promote a film with all honesty and that's why I thought it was better to stay away."

She added: "I am confident that the film will be true to its genre and will be a full entertainer because of the people involved. I wish Fox Star studios who I have had my biggest hit with Raaz 3 and Vashu ji who is a fantastic producer all the best. 

Wish all my co stars Saif, Riteish, Tamannah, Esha and the technicians best of luck. Sometimes, certain journeys cannot be completed and this is one of them - no one to be blamed, combination of things that made me disrupt my journey."

Clear up: Bipasha Basu

Graveyard shift

Akshay Oberoi had to visit graveyards in the middle of the night to prepare for his role in horror film Pizza 3D which is about a pizza delivery going wrong. Sounds interesting.

Soham Shah teams up with Vishal Bhardwaj

Sohum Shah was hailed as 'the most brilliant discovery of the year' for his breakout performance in Ship of Theseus last year, which also won the top prize recently at the National Awards.

Now, the news is that Sohum Shah will be seen in a film written and produced by Vishal Bharadwaj. The untitled film will be directed by Meghna Gulzar. Sohum Shah plays an extremely pivotal role in the film, that of an investigating officer along with Irrfan Khan. "It is a matter of much honour and excitement to share space with Irrfan Khan. I see it as an opportunity to observe and learn from someone who I believe is one of the finest actors working in the world today," Sohum gushes. Being a complete outsider from the industry and with no film background, it was Sohum Shah's dream to work with both, Vishal Bhardwaj and Irrfan Khan. Sohum continues, "As an actor I would like the kind of work that would give me sleepless nights and demand complete submission to my craft. I deeply admire how Vishal Bhardwaj does exactly that to his actors with his wonderfully humane films. I really hope that I get to work with him often."

This intense thriller will be released next year. This will be the first of three big releases of Sohum, which also includes his ambitious epic home production, Tumbad. "These are really the exciting times, where a bunch of amazing filmmakers are working today. From Ritesh Batra, Abhishek Chaubey, Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee, Vishal Bhardwaj to Shekhar Kapur, I sincerely hope to collaborate with all these stalwarts soon and often." Sohum signs off.

chatter box
Changing roles

Shabbir Ahluwalia returned to TV after a hiatus with Kumkum Bhagya. He had turned producer, but is now enjoying acting in the television show. He talks to us about it and more.

How does it feel to be acting again?

It feels great to be back. I was producing a TV show and had other commitments, so acting took a backseat. Now that I am back, I am enjoying it. I am glad to be a playing a different role than what I have done in the past.

You were inspired by a rockstar for this role, but now there is hardly any mention of your profession in the show. Why?

Every character in a story goes through a journey. My character Abhishek is going through a personal turmoil and is busy looking in on them. There is a lot happening in his family and he's taking care of them. Revenge has become his agenda for now, as is his granny's health.

You lost a lot of weight for the role. How did it happen?

Yes, I lost 12 kilos, which took two-and-a-half months. It wasn't needed for the role, but I had the time so I thought a leaner look would help.

Will you produce more serials?

Right now for the next 6-8 months I am focusing only on acting. I will produce once I am more settled in the show. I believe in doing one thing at a time. Production takes a lot of time.

As your wife is expecting, what kind of dad do you think you would make?

I don't want to talk about it please. — HRM

Going strong

Although the show has been in the news for rumours of it going off air many times, Uttaran, on Colors, has completed 1,400 episodes. Rashmi Desai, Sreejita De, Tina Dutta and others are thrilled about the accomplishment.

The big leap

Colors' show Sasural Simar Ka has taken a leap and the lead character Simar has undergone a change. She will be seen in a look similar to that of Vidya Balan in Paa with three-fourth sleeved blouses, cotton sarees and plaited hair.

Back on screen

Aamna Sharif, who has been missing from TV since a while, will now be seen in a role in Ek Villain. Apparently, it was her rapport with Ekta Kapoor that got her the part. She gave a 'look test' and was selected.

Helping hand

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has tackled many subjects, but currently the topic of diabetes in a young kid Naksh (Shivansh Kotia) has been sensitively dealt with. The track has got a good response as the problems of the parents and the kid have been shown.

End of the road

Buzz is that Madhubala will end in mid-July. The show was successful, but off late not delivering the required ratings. So the channel has apparently decided to end it and replace it with a new show called Shastri Sisters.

Be wary!

Lapataganj is a lively TV series, which shows daily life happenings in a small village and the families that inhabit it. Strange things are happening in Lapataganj. While the residents of the village are acting weirdly, Biji Pandey, played by Abbas Khan, will rise to the challenge to make sense of the situation and find out the truth behind the strange events.

Biji Pandey (Abbas Khan) realises later that the villagers have been influenced by a fake god-man who in turn is making them do strange things. Abbas Khan aka Biji Pandey said, "This is by far one of the funniest tracks in Lapataganj - Ek Baar Phir. In my opinion, one should never have blind faith in anything. It's always advisable to be aware and conscious about what we do and who we follow, so that we do not get into any trouble."

New Releases
Humshakals

Chef

Producer: Jon Favreau, Karen Gilchrist, Sergei Bespalov

Director: Jon Favreau

The comedy film Chef, which stars Jon Favreau, Robert Downey, Sofia Vergara, Jr. Scarlett Johson and Oliver Platt, has been produced as well as directed by Jon Favreau. It is a comedy about a Miami-born workaholic in Los Angeles. The film promises a laughter riot. — Dharam Pal

Astro Turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: There will be the issue of a strong and vital relationship that you would have to deal with. Around the end of the day your intuitive and perceptive skills will be especially sharp. Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 25.

TAURUS: With the presence of Saturn in your money sector, you will need to work out your plans for investing and saving as much as possible. Career and business will witness growth and prosperity. Tarot message: Avoid the tendency to criticise others too harshly. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 46.

GEMINI: Relationships are vital to our existence and therefore, you must be patient with people around you. There will be times when you feel neglected; however, it will only be temporary. Tarot message: Avoid situations that can turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 57.

CANCER: Be attentive and careful of everything that you do at work, since it will affect your overall career. Let all your hidden talents and skills shine through. Business people can plan to diversify. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 26.

LEO: There will be an increase in confidence and energy as you go about doing your work. Most of you will also start planning career moves and get a good response from prospective employers. Tarot message: Do not lend money to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 41.

VIRGO: Finances and spending will be your focus today, along with other things. There will be some splurging due to the festive air and some of you can also be surprised by a sudden windfall. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 62.

LIBRA: The focus of the day will be on your ability to deal with more than one thing at a time. It is vital that you plan everything and deal with any hurdles that come your way. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels Magic number: 60.

SCORPIO: This will be quite an inspiring day. You will be able to realise your goals for the future and start working towards them in full earnest. Social and familial bonds will become stronger. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 28.

SAGITTARIUS: Take care of your health and exercise caution when driving since you will be prone to mishaps. Some of you can take concrete action to improve your personal life and relationships. Tarot message: Start afresh on a project. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 33.

CAPRICORN: Some of you have overshot your budgets in the past few days due to celebrations, so now will be a good time to be prudent. Domestic affairs will be calm. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires Lucky colour: Lotus-pink Magic number: 36.

AQUARIUS: Your reactions will be relatively fast today; as a result you will be able to make the most of situations. Deal with any pending tasks at work and also delegate, since doing too much will only burn you out. Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 47.

PISCES: Although you are driven and focused about your goals, it is also important that you avoid being critical of team members and partners. This can lead to arguments and undue stress. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 58.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 20...

Your birth on the 20th day of June adds a degree of emotion, sensitivity, and intuition to your readings. The number 2 is very social, allowing you to make friends easily and quickly. Ruled by the Moon, it indicates the desire for harmony. Health-related problems can cause discomfort. Watch your tendency to spend too much on entertainment. Do not let your relatives and friends manage your finances. Personal relationships can break due to difference of opinions. If you run from a situation, it will follow you in the worst possible manner.

Positive colours: White, Pink.

Select days: Sunday, Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7.

Gems recommended: Pearl, Opal.

Charity on birthday: Donate silver utensils to the poor.

You share your birthday with Neetu Chandra (June 20, 1984, Patna). She is a black belt in Taekwondo. She has represented India in two different games, which is very rare. She made a debut in Bollywood in 2005 with Garam Masala and later acted in Traffic Signal as well as Rann. Astrologically, she will grow very fast in her Bollywood career.