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Reverse current
Will this surprise you, if we tell you that the beautiful heroine opposite our very own Punjab da puttar Dharmendra in a Punjabi film Kankan De Ole was none other than the pretty Asha Parekh! If you digested this piece of information, you can now scan through a bevy of 'renowned' Bollywood names who are either making or have already shown up in Punjabi movies. When we first saw the deadly-looking hunk, Mukul Dev, wearing a turban for a Punjabi film Dharti, it called for an 'Oh really' expression. Now, this is history. Actors like Dharmendar, Jackie Shroff, Shakti Kapoor, Govinda, Rajpal Yadav, Poonam Dhillon, Varun Sharma (of Fukrey fame), Raghu (Roadies), Anita Hassanandani, Yuvika Chaudhary, Minnisha Lamba, Neha Dhupia, Juhi Chawala have either wooed or are all set to woo the Punjabi audience with their Punjabi tadka! Twist in the tale
The success stories of Punjabi film industry is attracting actors from Bollywood. Recently, the actor who left the audience in splits in Hindi film Fukrey, Varun Sharma is all set to repeat the feat in his debut Punjabi film Yaaran Da Katchup. Another beautiful actress Anita Hassanandani also makes her debut in the same film. Shares Varun, who has actually picked quite a bit of Punjabi style, "I was reading scripts post the success of Fukrey when I met the producer Vikram Bansal, who narrated the role. Since, I am from Jalandhar, I thought it was a good idea to do a Punjabi film." Varun, however, did not want to do too many Hindi films and then come into Punjabi. "You know what people would have said. It was a conscious, and a wise decision to do a Punjabi film," adds the actor who plays the role of Fateh King in Yaaran Da Katchup. Anita Hassanandani already looks like she belongs to Pollywood. She excitedly puts forth, "I have dubbed for the Punjabi film as well, which means, I wasn't uncomfortable with the language." Anita is open to more Punjabi films in the near future. "I like the industry, the people here are pretty nice and I like the work standards." Big shot
Off late, Pollywood is having actors who are already names in Hindi films. Jackie Shroff making his Punjabi film debut with Lucky Di Unlucky Story did made news all over. "When I was approached for Lucky Di Unlucky Story, I accepted it immediately. I had already played a sardar character in the Bollywood movie Kissan. I thought it was a good idea to do a Punjabi film," adds Jackie, who had picked up a decent Punjabi accent. If this was news, Dharmendra coming in a double role in Punjabi film Double Di Trouble along with Poonam Dhillon, is a sixer for Punjabi film industry. The superstar is all excited about this film, "My fans always wanted me to do a Punjabi film. I also wanted to do one for a long time and this one is a really good story," says Dharmendra who had enjoyed every minute of shooting in Punjab. "I am sure, my fans won't be disappointed. This is going to be a great film."
Leap forward
And then there are actors like Kirron Kher and Pavan Malhotra who have already proved that they take Punjabi films seriously. The two fine actors made their debut with the film Punjab 1984, their work being much appreciated.
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Extra toppings—jalapeno and horror
In B-town the commercial and the clichéd can at times be equated with success. If you haven't done a film by one of the powerful camps or starred in a romantic triangle or pranced around the Swiss Alps, you haven't arrived. Clichéd or as they call it, mainstream is yet to happen to Arunoday Singh.
He responds to the query with a nonchalance that spells strength rather than indifference. "You are always restricted by the kind of roles you are offered. I can only do the films that I have been offered. I haven't been offered those kinds of roles. Maybe Bollywood doesn't see me as clichéd," he shares, while in conversation about his upcoming film horror film Pizza. It's his first step into the genre and the one for which he'd like to sum up his character as briefly as possible, "It's a horror film and I'm the horror." On a serious note, "It's a film where people are stuck in a haunted house and I play the owner of the house." There was no need for a reference point for the actor who has grown up watching films in the genre. Read The Shining, Demon Knight, Dracula… "I completely followed the script. There was no reference point at all." If it were possible to steer his career a certain way, the dream role is a decided one. "I'd love to play the role of Batman." Meanwhile, coming up is Ungli and Vikram Bhatt's Mr. X, in which he gets to be the bad guy with aplomb. "Mr. X is a 3D horror film I play the main villain and I get to beat the crap out of Emraan Hashmi." Clichéd?
Certainly not. Chills and thrills
Joining in is his co-star Dipannita Sharma, who is equally agog about getting an opportunity to, "scare the nation for the first time." What else makes things exciting is the fact that there was no make-up to take care of and no touch-ups to fuss over. She laughs, "A horror film is not something people associate me with…Getting to scare people with my prosthetics on the sets was an achievement for me. That was a big change from playing roles where you are worried about how you are looking all the time." She adds, "I play a paranormal character and provide the mystery element." One of the reasons why even prosthetics became the fun part goes back to childhood. "I've always loved watching horror films and even during childhood my mother would always be rebuking me over my love for this genre." This is why it doesn't take beyond a few seconds to recall right from the classics in Hindi to the ones in world cinema. "If you ask me to name, from among Hindi films I quite like Bees Saal Baad and Mahal. Besides that I quite like Japanese and Korean horror films." The fascination for the supernatural is as universal as pre-historic. "I'm not a superstitious person but this phenomenon has always fascinated mankind. It has fascinated me as well. To believe or not to believe is the question. It is an unknown world so it cannot be discounted either." Coming up is the much speculated item song in Ikka. "Yes. Initially I was quite apprehensive of doing an item song. We are yet to work out the look and details of the song, so I cannot reveal much about it." Then there's a social drama titled Take It Easy. It's a social drama that talks about education and the stress of urban life. The story has been told in a very informative and non preachy manner. I play a mother in the film, for the first time." A horror film, an item song and getting to play a mother. Kudos to that! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Cover story
Fashion has touched the covers of cellphones and tablets as not only are the phones becoming a style statement, but the phone covers are the defining accessories that set them apart. Gundeep from INIFD Ludhiana says that the trend of phone covers has been there for sometime now, and it is here to stay. Another expert says that the best of the phones are almost identical, but it is the phone cover that makes it different and expresses your personality.
"Whether it is a cover with a set of shiny stones or it the fine leather look, the phone covers make you stand out," says Simmi, working with a company. "The main purpose of a cover is to protect the phone. But I carry one just because of with shiny gems, it looks no less that a piece of jewellery. I don't carry a bag or adorn a heavy piece of jewellery once I have this beautifully bejewelled phone with me," says Riddhi, a party-goer. Many of the fashionistas change the covers of the phone to match with their attire. "Smartphones these days are an extension of you. So matching the covers with your attires is just the right thing to do," she adds. Some prefer to go for covers that are very different. Ruchika, a homemaker, says, "I have a friend who has a phone cover that looks like a perfume bottle. But she doesn't disclose where she got it from." Ankit chooses the nice leather-finish covers for his phone. "Of course, I have covers in different colours, but I prefer classy leather ones. I use different covers for different occasions—home, office or a night out," he says.
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One for the bride
It's raining wedding exhibitions in Chandigarh. They come trailing one weekend after the other, in a month that neither spells end of monsoon or start of festivities. Doli-The Wedding Grandeur, a lifestyle and wedding exhibition, claims to bring together as many as 80 exhibitors and promises to pack it all; apart from the obvious bridal-wear, read wedding planners, trousseau packing, wedding boxes, jewellery, casuals, cosmetics, replicas et al. Local flavour
From among the exhibitors, a couple of names call for a moment's attention; there's the city-based Anjali Sharma, who runs the label Ujjayra and has designed for Punjabi movies like Mr and Mrs 420 and Golmaal 3. However, while designing for a Punjabi film is "not challenging, it is still creatively satisfying." Even though she can't wait to completely depart from the look adopted for hero and heroine in most Pollywood ventures! "If I had to give a makeover to a typical Punjabi heroine, I would give her clothes that girls in North India actually wear." She adds, "Girls in Chandigarh and otherwise in Punjab are so stylish and fashionable, which is not what is reflected in Punjabi films." In the pipeline is an untitled Bollywood project where, "The girl is a foreigner and the lead male actor is from South India." Moving on, there's the Ludhiana based Pankaj Thakur, from Studio CKC, who's styled the likes of singer Satinder Satti. "I have done costumes for films like Just U and Me and there's yet another upcoming Punjabi film titled Cross Connection." Fashion designing happened as long as 18 years after the marriage. She laughs, "I studied fashion designing and then did Masters in International Business from Panjab University. I got into this field only three years ago." (On July 12-13 at The Lalit, Chandigarh) — Manpriya Singh
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Art & a cause
It is one of the instances when endeavour is overshadowed by the intentions. So when the batch of B.Ed students get together to unveil their first formal brush with fine arts, what they aim takes precedence over what they create! Chitrali-2014, exhibition dedicated to Nirbhaya, the Delhi rape victim, celebrates the spirit of womanhood and bravery. Right from the free birds to caged animals, there is everything to metaphorically represent the struggle of women.
Presented by students of Rayat College of Education, Ropar, the exhibition puts together 62 works by 175 students. Starting from an unknown face that could belong to any woman; the ample blue background dotted with pinks and needles stand for the obstacles meted out to the gender by the society. There's a flower and a ladybird connoting the close connection with fertility and reproduction. Shares Shweta Verma, assistant professor, "This is for the first time that B.ED students have put together a fine arts exhibition. We made it a part of their curriculum activity and three students worked on one painting. Efforts for the same began in January." While some of the works directly portray the status and struggle of women in society, others are more befitting the theme of landscape. Shares Satnam Singh, another student, "I am more of a farm person. Trees, therefore, have always fascinated me. I used a lot of browns and earth colours in my work along with the white flowers and branches because white gives me happiness." Nevertheless, there's an endeavour to draw in elements that reflect womanhood. Think butterflies, sparrows, flowers! Shares Kanika Agnihotri, a student, "There is a woman on a swing in my work. That exhibits the desire for freedom and hope for justice. It is always a very up and down journey for a woman." A few of the canvases carefully hide the faces and only depict the silhouette. Women in veil, behind closed doors, a group of women sharing their heart out, some drenched in the transitory happiness of festive colours and more. (On till July 11 at the Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16, Chandigarh) — Manpriya Singh
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Eat right, live healthy
It is absolutely essential to stick to a schedule when it comes to your diet Renupreet Kaur
Follow a routine
Generally, you should plan your meals according to your daily routine. For example, if you are a late-riser, your meals will be later than someone who is up by 6 am. An early riser can have breakfast at 6 am; he or she can have snacks at 9 am, lunch at 12, snacks at 3 pm, dinner at 6 pm and may be a snack at 9 pm depending on his or her daily routine. However, as a general rule, you should eat within one hour to 1-1/2 hours after waking up and adjust time for other meals accordingly. A late-riser should ensure that there are no big gaps within different meals. Keep it frequent
Eating frequently keeps your energy stable and your stomach happy. It boosts your metabolism and helps you burn more calories than you would by starving yourself. Instead of taking three big meals, one should go for small, frequent meals otherwise the sugar levels in the body can drop low, resulting in energy slumps, mood swings and the temptation to overeat. Do not skip
If you are skipping your meals just to cut your calories then it is not a wise decision, as you will binge over food by the end of the day without making healthy food choices. You will binge on junk food to satisfy your hunger pangs. Make wise choices
Be sure you have meals and snacks that are healthy and nutritious. Avoid highly refined foods that contribute nothing to your body except calories, fat, sugar and chemicals. A healthy eating schedule in a daily plan will help you take in the optimal number of calories, so that you can easily lose weight. Hunger pangs
Do not confuse your hunger with loneliness. Many of us reach for food when we're feeling bored or lonely or simply because it's right there in front of us. This only adds unwanted calories, which could lead to weight gain. Therefore, it's best to eat only when you're really hungry. The last meal
A good rule is not to eat after 8 pm, however, for the late-risers who go to bed late, it is okay to eat after 8 pm, as long as they stop eating three hours before bed-time. Suit yourself
If you have no time to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner according to your planned schedule due to a hectic routine, try to munch upon healthy foods or snacks in between rather than unhealthy junk food. Master plan
Plan out your meals as well as snacks ahead of time and eat them at scheduled times throughout the day.
(Renupreet Kaur is diet therapist and obesity expert)
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Highest paid actor
Hrithik Roshan is set to become the highest paid actor in Bollywood as he is being paid Rs 50 crore for Ashutosh Gowariker's Mohenjodaro. A leading studio is coming on board to fund the project.
Take your pick
There have been a barrage of promos lately. The promos of Finding Fanny, Haider, and Daawat E Ishq are now online and the former two are creating a lot of positive buzz online.
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Star-crossed superstars
Marital trouble
Ranveer Singh and Kareena Kapoor Khan: They were originally supposed to play Ram and Leela in Ram Leela but KKK got married so Sanjay Leela Bhansali removed her from the film and Deepika replaced her. Also, Kareena turned down Dil Dhadakne Do which stars Ranveer and others.
Mausam changed
Katrina Kaif and Shahid Kapoor: He was keen on casting her in Mausam but that did not work out. So they are yet to ignite the silver screen together. They are both amazing dancers and Shahid is turning out to be brilliant as an actor too.
Rivalry prevailed
Priyanka Chopra and Saif Ali Khan: The duo has done a long commercial mini-movie together but they have never been paired opposite each other, even after many years in the industry. Apparently, PC turned down Cocktail and Happy Ending because she was not comfortable working with her rival Kareena Kapoor Khan's husband Saif.
Didn’t kick off
Salman Khan and Deepika Padukone: There was a buzz that she would do Kick or Prem Ratan Dhan Payo but neither worked out for her as the roles went to Jacqueline Fernandez and Sonam Kapoor, respectively. So these two superstars have
not worked together yet.
Dream pair
Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan: They would make a beautiful pair because both of them are stunning and brilliant actors too. They could have done Shuddhi together but the movie has been shelved indefinitely.
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Finding Fanny was quick & easy
"I absolutely love this film," says director Homi Adajania of Finding Fanny, which stars Deepika Padukone and Arjun Kapoor. A start-to-finish film, it was shot in 36 days flat! The film also features Dimple Kapadia, Pankaj Kapur and Naseeruddin Shah. Homi says, "Love makes normal people do nutty things. But what if they were already a little nutty to begin with? Deepika and Arjun Kapoor signed the film before Chennai Express and Two States had released and didn't waiver because they had the same conviction. I couldn't make the film without Naseer because his character was written for him. As for Dimple, if I make a film without her she will have my head on a platter."
The director adds, "A great joy I experienced was being introduced to Pankaj Kapur. It was a fabulous experience directing him. Finding Fanny was a shooting experience that was almost as goofy and hilarious as the story itself." Homi Adajania's much anticipated quirky comedy Finding Fanny's trailer is out! The film narrates the story of five odd balls played by Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Dimple Kapadia, Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur; who set out on a road trip to find love. Finding Fanny is presented by Fox Star Studios and is a Maddock production. The film releases on September 12.
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Divine connection
Director Sai Kabir's upcoming film, Divine Lovers, will be officially classified as a French film, following successful meetings with commissioners and producers in France. The COO of the French Film Commission, Frank Priot, has come on board as an official mentor for the film, as well as a mentor to Sai Kabir himself. The productions will have an Indo-French technical team, especially in the music and sound department. Sai has recently been spending music jamming sessions with the likes of Mathius Duplessey, who is keen to give his musical touch to the project.
Confirming the news says Sai ,"Yes , I'm in Paris and met Mathius Duplessey over several music jamming sessions—We are making every effort to ensure that the music of the film will appeal to audiences both in France and India". Frank Priot adds, "It is exciting for us at the Film France to have young talents like Kabir, from the new generation of Indian directors, willing to work with France and French talent in order to have their movies reaching out to wider audiences outside of India. And his impressive knowledge of French cinema for sure will help him to find common grounds and references with us. With its reality-grounded style, Divine Lovers has a potential appeal to European audiences, even if they don't know the Bollywood conventions.”
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Velvety touch!
Anushka Sharma was weighed down by an elaborate gown which she dons for the role of a jazz singer in Bombay Velvet.
Anushka wears the green and gold number, designed by costume designer Niharika Bhasin Khan, for her opening song in the period drama. The sequined gown, with a long train, is covered in appliqué flames and Anushka needed plenty of help to carry off the heavy-duty number, literally. "The scene sees her behind the mike in a club. It took her two-and-half hours to dress and two assistants had to carry the train for her. Thankfully she did not have to dance in it," says Niharika. The National Award-winning designer (The Dirty Picture), who collaborated with Anushka on her 2010 film Band Baaja Baarat, says that weight was not the only challenge they faced. "The prep was on for a year but the dress was damaged in transit. The upper half was ruined in the Sri Lanka rains. We had to re-do the damaged part," says Niharika, who designed a total of 144 outfits for Anushka's character in the film.
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Madhubala to go on
After reports that Madhubala — Ek Ishq Ek Junoon will soon end, comes the news that the show has got an extension. As the serial that would replace it, Shastri Sisters, isn't ready to air, the makers have been given an extension for a month.
Just friends!
Although they dated a while ago, buzz about Gaurav Chopra and Narayani Shastri never really died down. Recently, there were reports that the two ex-lovers had rekindled their relationship as both are single. However, Gaurav refuted the rumours saying they were good friends only.
Branching out
Post marriage, Anita Hassanandani Reddy seems to have gotten luckier in her profession. At least she feels so, as not only has she bagged a prominent role in Yeh Hai Mohabbatien, but also one in the new vampire show, Fanaah. She is thoroughly enjoying doing a variety of work.
Money matters
There are rumours that Kapil Sharma and Yashraj Films have parted ways, as the production house managing him wanted a cut from two recent advertisements Kapil did of Honda and OLX. But Kapil didn't want the same, as he felt he got the ads on his own merit. So, the film debut project was called off!
Time to quit
After playing the lead couple in Dil Dostii Dance for three years, Shakti Mohan and Kunwar Amarjeet Singh have quit the hit show. While Shakti, who is also doing Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, had taken a break from the show earlier, Kunwar hadn't.
Real ground
While he has been part of two reality shows, Ajaz Khan turned down the offer to be part of dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Apparently, he didn't take too kindly to the fact that he was called a wild-card entry and would have to dance as well as impress the judges to be part of the show.
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Deepika goes the extra mile
Deepika, who has wowed the Indian audience with her performance in Star Plus’ Diya Aur Baati Hum, has been on an awareness drive. Buzz is that the actress has been telling everyone about the importance of following traffic rules and regulations. We also learnt that Deepika took her driver's test to know if she had the basic knowledge about rules and signs on the road. She also suggested that a rule be made, wherein anyone with bikes would wear a helmet, the failure of which would result in confiscation of the two-wheeler.
When contacted, Deepika (aka IPS officer Sandhya) confirmed the news and said, "We are a family in Diya Aur Baati Hum. While we are showing something that is of benefit for the audience, it is equally important that we practice it ourselves. We all have made it compulsory for the team to ensure they are wearing helmets while driving down to work. Moreover, Mumbai roads are very slippery during the monsoon; hence, it is a must for everyone to wear helmets. While the character, Sandhya, is making viewers aware of traffic laws, I am also trying to do the same in real life."
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 11...
Jupiter, the major planet, will combust today, resulting in delays in the matrimonial area, if you eligible for the same. An excellent year for your professional development. You'll be very persuasive when taking important decisions, which concern you and your partner. Those in their 30s will be extremely busy. Your birth on the 11th day of July makes you an idealist. Although you have a good mind, you may not be comfortable in the business world. You are creative and this tends to make you more of a dreamer than a doer. Positive colors: White, sky blue, pink and light grey Select days: Sunday and Monday Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7 Gems recommended: Pearl, opel, white sapphire
You share your birthday with Kumar Gaurav (July 11, 1960), son of late actor Rajendra Kumar. He made his film debut with Love Story (1981), produced by his father. Guarav shall have multiple companies, having diversified in businesses like tourism.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Check newspaper and internet guides for what's on in your area. You win over one enemy or adversary. Family life is charged with tension. Writers will TAURUS: Those who are spiritually inclined or want to stay calm are likely in search of solitude. Love life is passing through a rough phase. Businessmen will have a tricky day.
Tarot message: Be positive. GEMINI: Your card 'The Universe' favours progress in your profession. Be wary of a situation where it would be easy to make a mistake in haste. Distant affairs will become favourable as the day progresses. Tarot message: Don't let anyone take advantage of you. CANCER: Your card 'The Moon' reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them to a generous gift accompanied by an intimate dinner.
Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 38. LEO: An unexpected bonus could appear in your paycheck, as a raise may be in the offing. Buy the right outfit for your exercise programme. Dress for success to make a great impression on employers. Tarot message: Do not stray from the course you have charted. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 29. VIRGO: Fresh strategies are in order, but initially, they may be somewhat hit-and-miss. Household tasks can be accomplished in record time. Speculation would be most unwise. Tarot message: Capitalise your strength and don't trust others. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 60.
LIBRA: You will be popular with both the sexes today. Boring, routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. You may be feeling vulnerable to the criticism of neighbours or friends.
Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59. SCORPIO: Many of you will scurry to be on time, frantically trying to complete all tasks on your to-do list. Make extra efforts to conclude pending projects. Secrecy of
plans will help you at workplace. Tarot message: Impatience will lead to failure.
Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54. SAGITTARIUS: Heart-to-heart conversations flow easily. Health problem can be successfully handled. It's a good day for both buying and selling property. Stick to what you know.
Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Grey.
Magic number: 39. CAPRICORN: A burst of domestic enthusiasm can sweep into cleaning and decorating your home. Senior bureaucrats should focus on secret documents. If possible, get a dose of fresh air.
Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Ebony.
Magic number: 63. AQUARIUS: Differences of opinion within the family could reach a boiling point. Bright day for intellectuals, writers, advocates and astrologers.
Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas, don't waste money by financing the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 27. PISCES: If you are not okay about a relationship, finance or career issues, take positive action. The employed will have to work overtime. An important meeting or travel may have to be shelved.
Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks that take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Camel.
Magic number: 40
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Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
Director: Shashank Khaitan The hit jodi of Student Of The Year will be seen together in Karan Johar's 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania' once again. This romantic film has been produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions. Another director Shashank Khaitan makes his debut in Bollywood. Trade pundits have pinned high hopes on this Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt-starrer. This one is Varun Dhawan's second movie and Alia Bhatt's third film with Karan Johar's production house. Siddharth Shukla and Ashutosh Rana are in supporting roles.
Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes
Producers: Peter Chemin, Dylan Clark, Rick Jafa, Amanda Silver Director: Matt Reeves 'Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes' is the most-awaited blockbuster and instant classic in the science fiction genre. This one is the eighth installment in the 'Planet Of Apes' franchise. It is a great science-fiction film and touted as one of the best movies so far. The film stars Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, Judy Geer, Ken Russell, Jocko Sins and Kevin Rankin. —
Dharam Pal
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Proper weight management not only needs a well-balanced diet plan but a well-planned schedule as well. 
Charity on birthday: Donate white sweets or fruits to the needy, any school, religious place or langar today.
Producer: Karan Johar