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The day of reckoning
Luis Suarez faces a lengthy ban after he bit Italy's Giorgio. Netherland's Arjen Robben put up a tough fight for Argentina, and Germany took the ball, the stadium and the world by surprise, two yellow cards translating into a red for many footballers …As the stories of FIFA 2014 is nearing an end, everything is expected to come to a standstill on the day of the final match.
The dinner is happening a little early, there won't be any foot-tapping on the dance floor this weekend, and what's more, actors are going to call off their shoot. If not call off, they will definitely be calling sick for at least two days. How they plan to do it, they gladly share.
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Divine intervention
The turning point in his life came not when he moved to Mumbai, not when he was introduced to the competitive world of playback singing, not even when he had his first hit, leading up to a career spanning over 350 films. It was when he was accidentally introduced to hymns and was approached to cut an album on Sai Baba. Manhar Udhas is a changed man now.
"I was very young at the time and at that age you are not inclined towards religion and spirituality or singing hymns. Bollywood playback singing is what I was keen on," recalls Pankaj Udhas' elder brother, while in Chandigarh for a performance organised by Shirdi Sai Samaj. It's a few hours before the performance, "where I will be exclusively rendering bhajans. There are a lot of bhajans which are very popular. And I will be signing a few of those. This is my third visit to Chandigarh," adds the Mumbai-based singer, who likes City Beautiful. "Back in the year 1986, I cut my first religious album and have already come out with 25 albums on Sai Baba," he appears to have found his niche and comfort zone. Pretty much like his younger brother Pankaj Udhas, who's strongly associated with Hindi ghazals. "There is nobody who can be more happy at his success than me…We are three brothers and as children all of us were into music. We would sing at home and would listen to the renowned singers of the time." He adds, "I was the first one to come to Mumbai, followed by Pankaj." As he looks back at his musical journey, the hit Hindi tracks from films like Abhimaan, Jaanbaaz, Hero, Purab Aur Paschim come trailing one after the other. Singing in other languages followed suit, namely Punjabi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Tamil and of course Gujarati. "I am due to release my 31st album on Gujarati ghazals." In the biased preference meted out to ghazals and bhajans, what's taken a backseat for Udhas is playback singing for films. Partly because, "It's a changed scenario today. While change is inevitable, the good part is that today's generation also listens to the good songs from that era." He adds, "But of course that era of melodies will come back." As of now, he'd rather watch it like a bystander than jump into it for the heck of it. Makes absolute sense. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Persistence pays!
Shafaq Naaz had to appear in as many as 200 auditions to bag her first role on television! That's how tough working in Mumbai is for someone with no background or connection with the film and television industry, but Naaz was dogged in her pursuit of work. After three-four serials, she is now enjoying the role of Kunti in Mahabharat, which is telecast on Star Plus.
Having a strong passion for dance, Naaz joined a dance institute in her hometown, Meerut, where ace choreographer Saroj Khan used to come as a guest faculty. "After seeing me dance, she suggested to my mother that I should come to Mumbai for a career in acting. That's how my journey started from Meerut to Mumbai," she says. However, finding her first break was not easy. "Mumbai is a tough place for a beginner with no connections in the industry," she says. But today, she can hold her head high and feel proud to have gained appreciation for all the hardwork she has put in. Mahabharat is her fourth television series after Bidai, Sanskaar and Shubh Vivah. "Television, especially the soap operas and weekday series, get very hectic. I have worked for three days and three nights at a stretch. But I love to work and feel good when I am working, even though it does get hectic. Work is my meditation and I enjoy working," says the 19-year-old actor. You can work hard while you are still young, so she is trying hard to make the most of it! She says recognition on television is now at par with Bollywood, as the reach of the medium is enormous. "Even Bollywood actors now come on different television channels for the promotion of their movies," she says. As for Bollywood, she says she doesn't plan things. "As of now, I am focused on Mahabharat. Once this is done, I would think further. Love stories have always fascinated me,” she signs off.
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In tune with friends
The latest offering of Punjabi cinema, Yaaran Da Katchup, a film that is slated to release on Friday next week, spares one's judgements of all possible ramifications of experimenting with the 'hit formula' — three boys and their friendship. As the producer of the film, Vikram Bansal says, "It's a film that celebrates the spirit of friendship." On the official launch of its music, we are acquainted with the actors of the film — Hardy Sandhu, Varun Sharma, Anita Hassanandani, Anil Juneja and Simpy Singh — along with city-based musician Gurnazar and Jaani and B Praak from Hardy Sandhu's hood. Music wise
Since the core essence of the film dwells on the theme of friendship, the makers seem to have woven its music around several folds of friendship. However, the most amusing aspect of its music is the opportunity it paved for the local talent, which was only restricted to singing at tricity's clubs and pubs. "I heard Gurnazar performing at Satva and I decided to take him on for the film," says Bansal. Meanwhile, Gurnazar basks in the glory of his newfound popularity. He has penned the lyrics for the song Nede Nede and sung the title track of the film, including Avega Mahi. "We were only given the situations in the film around which we had to play a song. We are now giving the music for an up and coming Punjabi film titled, Nidhi Singh," says Gurnazar. Also, Hardy Sandhu, a Punjabi singer-turned-actor, who tasted success with his song Soch, has also sung two songs — Parpose Thokna and Munda Sohna. "I like Parpose Thokna because of its rustic touch and the lyrics," says Sandhu. He will be releasing two of his singles in August, one of which will be an unplugged version of Soch. "It has a very Coke Studio vibe to it," he adds. Stars speak
In conversation with Varun Sharma (aka Chucha from Fukrey), and Anita Hassanandani, who is seen essaying the role of Shagun in TV show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, one is acquainted with the necessity of regional cinema for an acting career. "Experimenting with regional cinema, however, is not the only reason I agreed to do Yaaran Da Katchup. Doing a Punjabi film would strengthen
my fan base for Bollywood too," smiles Varun Sharma, who just got done shooting for his
next Bollywood venture, Dolly Ki Doli, which also stars Pulkit Samrat and Sonam Kapoor. Anita, who plays the role of a possessive housewife, Simrit, in the film shares that she loves pushing her creative boundaries, which is what landed her a role in a Punjabi film. "I bagged this role courtesy Abhay Baiju Chhabra, the director of the film, who was the assistant director for a TV serial I was acting in. I was not really fluent in Punjabi, but now I am and I've also dubbed for this film myself," says the pretty, Sindhi damsel. She, however, credits TV for her success. "I owe the success of my acting career to television; it's my bread and butter," she says, while adding that she loves playing different characters. When quizzed about her upcoming acting ventures, she says, "I am shooting for a Bollywood film titled Hero, which features Suraj Pancholi and is directed by Nikhil Advani. The film is a remake of Hero that starred Jackie Shroff," she concludes. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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An invite to remember
Colour full
From an era when wedding invite boxes stood for something clichéd , we have come a long way. "There was a time when people were only doing the traditional cream and gold rectangular boxes. Now it's a different ball-game altogether." She adds, "We have leather cases to different fabrics being used for invites. There's just no end." Right, there's no end, neither to creativity nor to budgets! Put it down to the people taking charge of their own weddings. "Not just the brides but even the grooms are asking for colour options and paying attention to details. For the past one year, we have done a lot of colourful boxes. While pink and orange remain the eternal favourite of girls, we have been doing a lot of blue and gold for boys." Then the destination weddings invariably have a hint of what's to come. "There was this destination wedding happening in Bali. So the invites had Balinese paintings." Some of the new concepts include Tree of Life invitations. "It represents circle of life with a full bloom tree and ever growing branches. Sometimes there will be love birds sitting on tree top, standing for the phase of life and the like." (On at The Lalit, Chandigarh, till July 13)
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Cool cotton
Come summer and everybody is gung-ho about the varieties in cotton-wear to counter the sweltering heat as well as look elegant at the same time. It's also the time for exhibitions from various parts of the country. One such cotton extravaganza spearheaded by Weave & Print, New Delhi, is the 'Cotton Fab', which is on at the Kisan Bhawan, Sector 35-A, Chandigarh. It is an effort to bring the craftsmen and consumers on one platform for mutual benefit. Duly registered with the office of the development commissioner (handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, these artists explain their products in detail to the visitors. Printed fabrics in cotton and silk in varieties of Saganeri, Bagro, Dabu, Gamthi, Gujari, Kalamkari, Batik et al are on display at the exhibition.
Besides fabrics, Cotton Fab also showcases ready-to-wear ladies kurtis, salwar kameez, special dupattas, kids' ethnic-wear and much more. A big attraction is the ethnic ghaghra choli and dhoti-kurta for the children. A shopping haven for the boutique owners, Cotton Fab also showcases varieties of chikan embroidery fabric by Sultan Ji from Mumbai and Rajasthani handiworks, besides Chanderi. Maheshwari, Bhagalpur silk from Bihar; Gujarati handloom products, phool-pati work from Rampur as well as Aligarh and garments with Phulkari work from Patiala are a huge hit with customers. "In this exhibition, we have added special engraved wooden furniture and artifacts from Saharanpur and more stalls of designer jewellery after studying the Chandigarh market," says Rajesh, the manager. In the home section, one could get Kalamkari rugs, Gudari, Punja durries, table-cloths, printed and woven bedcovers as well as curtains. (On till July 22) — TNS
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Sonam’s chic poster
The teaser poster of Sonam Kapoor's upcoming film Khoobsurat is finally out. From the looks of it, the film seems to be stylish and colorful. Directed by Shashanka Ghosh of Quick Gun Murugan fame, Sonam Kapoor will be stepping into the shoes of Rekha, who had starred in the 1980 film. The film is an official remake of 1980 classic romantic-comedy and will hit the screens on September 19. Khoobsurat will also feature Fawad Khan, Kirron Kher, Ratna Pathak Shah and Aamir Raza Husain.
Warriors and a father figure
Akshay Kumar and Siddharth Malhotra will star in The Warrior remake, produced by Dharma Productions. Jackie Shroff will play their alcoholic father. Prachi’s day out
Prachi Desai was spotted with a bunch of her girlfriends shopping at a suburban mall and checking out the sales. She was casually dressed with her hair tied in a
ponytail.
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Cool, casual & comfortable
When it comes to fashion, actress Gauahar Khan listens to her heart than following fashion magazines. In a quick chat, Gauahar dishes out her style mantra and fashion secret. Comfort dressing
It's hard to define my style. Some days I like to wear casual, some days I wear trendy. My style depends on my mood. But I'd like to admit that I am not much of a skirt fan. Fashion is comfort. Wearing stylish clothes doesn't make you fashionable. It's an attitude you carry from within when you feel comfortable. I like to style myself most of the time. Buy at first sight
I am not an impulsive shopper. Other than occasions, there is no specific time when I like to shop. If I like something at first look, I know I have to buy it. My favourite shopping destinations are London and New York. Strike a balance
I think people do too much of everything. They fail to strike a balance. Less looks classy. Another mistake most women make is that they follow trends and celebrities blindly. Just because a dress looked good on a celebrity, it doesn't mean that it will look good on you. I think they need to stop following trends and celebrities blindly. Top fives
Every girl must have a great pair of denims, comfortable footwear, classy bags, a fine watch and good tops. Perfume, mascara, Mac box, lip-gloss, and fresh-coloured blushers are my top five favourite beauty items.
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Yo Yo to team up with Jacqueline, Nargis
Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh will collaborate with Bollywood actresses Jacqueline Fernandez and Nargis Fakhri for his upcoming album after shooting with Dabangg star Sonakshi Sinha. The 31-year-old singer, who has worked with megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, is now excited to shoot with Jacqueline and Nargis. "I have known these actresses for long and they are cool.
They have no hang-ups. Sonakshi, Jacqueline and Nargis are very much aware of what they are doing," Honey said. The composer's song with Sonakshi has been in news for the actress's modern look and Honey can't stop raving about her. "She is a great friend and it was fun working with her. We shot for nine days in Los Angeles. It's actually not a music video, it is a 10-minute short film," he said. The rapper is happy to have worked with the big names. "I always wanted to work with these people, who value good music," he said. — PTI
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Now, a song on selfies
The word selfie got famous when the celebrities of Bollywood, the Prime Minister of India clicked their selfies and they got viral on the social networking sites. Clicking a selfie is a habit that has proved to be the latest youth addiction. Now the makers of an upcoming film have come up with a Punjabi hip hop song on 'selfies'.
Director Gurmmeet Singh's upcoming venture Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene starring Zayed Khan, Tina Desai and Rannvijay Singh will have a song titled Selfiyaan, which was recently shot at a studio in Goregaon East recently. Choreographed by Ganesh Hegde, Selfiyan, which features the three leads Zayed, Tina and Rannvijay, is a peppy track with a Punjabi feel to it. Sharafat Gayi Tel Lene is expected to release later this year.
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Tiger is a teacher’s pet
Tiger Shroff respects his teachers and never turns down any requests coming from them. When Tiger's debut film Heropanti released, his gym trainer had held a personal special screening of the film for two consecutive days in Vasai. Tiger's trainer wished for his student to be present at the screening and as a dutiful student, Tiger attended the screening on both the days.
In another instance, Tiger's dance teacher was keen for Tiger to attend an event at a college in Badlapur. He requested Tiger to attend the function and he did. Tiger is a dedicated and disciplined guy who trains hard. He feels that his teachers play a very important part in where he has reached today and so is always ready to give back to them in any way possible. Riding high on the success of Heropanti, Tiger recently shot a video as his tribute to his idol Michael Jackson. Tiger will be seen dancing in this video to the songs of Heropanti as well as MJ's iconic songs.
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Chance meeting
Recently, Shashank Vyas, who plays Jagya in Balika Vadhu, had gone to meet a friend at a coffee shop in Malad where he bumped into Hrishikesh Pandey, who plays an officer, Sachin, in CID. Both ended up having conversations for an hour about the TV industry and how working in a family drama is different from doing other things. People around recognised them but didn't disturb them! Master move
Singer Yo Yo Honey Singh has roped in popular Hollywood choreographer Michael Schwandt to groom the contestants on his debut talent hunt show India's Raw Star. Schwandt has worked with Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, and will mentor contestants to help them with their on stage
performance.
Name game
After three years, crime show Crime Patrol Dastak has now got a new name. Now the show that is anchored by Anup Soni will be called Crime Patrol Satark Sahi Waqt Sahi Kadam. Every episode will be title-specific and have a different angle.
For the lord
Kapil Sharma and his hit show Comedy Nights with Kapil has been in the news for going off air to ill-treatment of audiences, but now here's some good news. Sources claim Kapil ensured that during the ongoing Ramzan month, the crew members get a break to open their fast and offer prayers.
Change of boss?
With Bigg Boss round the corner, once again speculation about who's in and who's not have started. Buzz is that after doing four seasons as host of popular reality TV show Bigg Boss, Salman Khan will not be part of the new season. Apparently, it was the reaction last season that put him off. Wait and watch!
Love on the sets!
While shooting for Sanskaar, Lakshmi, Rohit Purohit and Veebha Anand apparently started dating and were serious about each other, but later they broke up. Now buzz is that Rohit has found love in his other co-star Sheena Bajaj. Things are so serious between them that they are planning to marry.
Role call
DJ's A Creative Unit's new show on Sony Pal, titled Sister Didi, already has Bhanu Uday in the lead and now news is that Pariva Pranati has been signed opposite him. She was last seen in Star Plus' Ek Doosre Se Karte Hai Pyaar Hum and will play a young widow who works in her husband's hospital.
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Step by step
Karan Tacker rose to fame post the hit show Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai and now the actor has showcased his talent in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa(JDJ). Confident of his dancing skills and fan base, he feels he has a good chance in this celebrity dance reality show.
Why did you choose to do Jhalak this time? JDJ has been offered to me every year. They have asked me every year for five years now and as I was doing daily soaps, I couldn't do it. Now that I am free, I thought it was the best time to take it up. I am not a trained dancer as people think, but this platform is great to learn dance and it also adds to your popularity. How tough is the competition? It is quite tough, as one learns new forms in four days. At times, it gets to you as you don't want to dance everyday for six hours. But everyone is working hard and giving their best. So are serials on a back-burner for now? I was hosting a show in between and now the contract has ended. I haven't got any exciting offers yet, so I am taking it slow. Films have been on my agenda since a while now. You are a huge Madhuri Dixit fan. How was it meeting her? I recently told her that I am fortunate to be able to look at her all through the day. She's absolutely gorgeous; has great poise and grace about her. It's been a dream to meet her. Rumours about your link up with Krystle Dsouza refuse to die. Why? We are amazing friends. I will maintain that and rest is just loose talk. There is no truth in the rumours. — HRM
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 13...
Keep yourself involved in activities that will help you keep your cool. Investment concerning your residence will be profitable. It's a good time for entering a matrimonial alliance. Romance rules your heart and mind. Adapt to new techniques to increase your work efficiency. Your style and unique ways of doing things will interest people who are watching you closely. Tax and insurance matters will need some attention. It will be a difficult period for finances, health and relationship. A change in schedule might make your year hectic at the work front. Overall, you will have to work hard to make some progress. Positive colours: All blue shades and dark colours. Select days: Saturday. Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8. Gems recommended: Gomed, Cat’s Eye. Charity on birthday: Donate wheat, gur (jaggery) to the needy or at any religious place.
You share your birthday with Sonal Sehgal (July 13, 1981, Chandigarh), who is best known for her work in television serials Saara Akash and Hotel Kingston. Her career will remain slow and punctuated till 2015.
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Astro turf ARIES: Relax with your mate in the evening; it's just the antidote for the trials and tensions of the day. Someone you are attracted TAURUS: Today is open for excitement. You may be worried and concerned about certain family issues and need to make the time to sort things out. There could be delays with certain business ventures. GEMINI: 'The Queen of Pentacles' blesses you with quiet and subtle qualities today. Things happen quickly and you need to take sharp decisions. Children will be a source of joy and their progress will make you proud. Tarot message: Don't accept situations you dislike. CANCER: You will be in a relaxed and happy mood. If you need to make any personal decisions, go with your gut feel. Be wary of internet purchase from unknown websites. LEO: The wisdom of 'The Hermit' inspires you to make new beginnings and move in a creative direction. Spending time with family will bring about a sense of peace and well-being. VIRGO: 'The Magician' conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Partnership, business problems, past disappointments - all need your attention today. Stop waiting for the right time to attend to them. LIBRA: A fine time to make a public speech or presentation. Business deals are on the boil, but still inconclusive. Work will progress satisfactorily. By evening you can be in an irritable mood. SCORPIO: It looks like a very busy day; indulgences of the previous evening could be catching up with you. An important task to maintain a sound relationship seems difficult. Your chances of success are better today. SAGITTARIUS: 'The Prince of Wands' rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes at work. Don't trust unreliable friends or relatives. Traveling will yield valuable information. Try breathing exercise for relaxation. Tarot message: Don't fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52. CAPRICORN: Today, mixing with friends could be tricky. If you don't want to be alone, choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. Don't get involved in petty arguments with your mate AQUARIUS: Passionate emotions are likely to accompany your actions and you might be more impulsive than usual. You will have a better chance of getting through odd jobs connected with home and family affairs. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Rust. PISCES: 'The Hanged Man' helps you move into a better situation. Spirituality beckons, and you are inclined to try and find out more about it. You struggle to keep your temper in check today. |
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Penalty kick
Cheers for Germany
Straight to the field
The show must stop
All for Germany
Sure shot
Charging the laptop
Whoever said invitations set the mood rolling…was right. Sure they do! What hasn't been factored in the statement is the fact that they give a hint as to the weddings to follow and a sneak peek into the scale of celebrations. In the run-up to the décor, theme and food, the invites always received the eleventh-hour treatment. Not anymore! "Ever since I have been in the business of wedding invitations, things have changed 360 degrees. Weddings themselves have become something else now," opines Delhi-based wedding invite designer Neha Singh Bhatia. She recounts the year 2005 when she first put her creativity to a wedding invitation. "My family has been in the printing press for over four decades now. I was just looking at a creative outlet when I first did my wedding invite for a family member." She adds, "One event led to the other and before I knew it, I was already taking 30-odd orders." The designer is currently showcasing her collection of wedding invite designs at the ongoing wedding exhibition, Doli.
