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A picture of grace
Indeed, change is the law of nature. And not only has the world, but cinema too has changed dramatically since this gifted actor, Shabana Azmi, made her debut in Ankur in 1974. But the celebrated actor-activist, who nods, “we are all marked by time”, remains both timeless and priceless.
Attired in a pink and rust saree, a flower in her hair, she, all of 63, is every inch a picture of grace that time has only fleetingly touched. Equally steadfast are her beliefs. Be it in the need to change society through art or for art and activism to go together or for the urgency to treat women as equals. She herself has been more than an equal and a gutsy one at that. It is only befitting then, that she is chosen as the chief guest for Neerja Bhanot Award function in memory of another brave-heart. While she hails Neerja’s act as exemplary, for her the courage to speak her mind came from her family background, her father, the acclaimed poet Kaifi Azmi, in particular. Practice what you preach is a lesson she learnt from her dad, whom she refers to as Kaifi Sahib. In his honour she has very recently dedicated a website and the flag of his NGO Mijwan Welfare Society she continues to uphold with passion. Actor and activism, she says, are not divorced from each other. “An actor’s task is not confined to a nine to five schedule, thereafter which he or she can shut off his or her mind from social injustices.” And when she shares the same worldview with her life-partner, noted poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, the commitment only deepens. Top on the list of course is the well-being of the girl child to which her NGO is committed. As violence against women is on the rise, she dwells on the significance to redefine masculinity. She muses “Why associate it with rippling muscles, why not with kindness, gentleness and compassion?” On this front she pats Farhan Akhtar on the back for his initiative MARD Men Against Rape and Discrimination. Javed and Honey’s son, whom she calls our son, also comes in for fullsome praise for his sterling acting ability. But not before she has singled out Hrithik Roshan as the best and complete actor! Daughter Zoya too figures prominently as a good director. On working with Farhan and Zoya, she quips, “Well, it’s easier to convince Steven Speilberg to cast me.” Jokes apart, she has been the toast of Indian cinema, not just parallel cinema, which she insists is not dead. She adds, “Independent crop of directors like Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee are making films that do not cater to the lowest common denominator.” As for songs of today catering to baser instincts, she once again begs to differ. The case in point is not only her hubby Javed Akhtar’s lyrics, who wrote lilting songs for 1942 A Love Story when film lyrics were at the lowest ebb. What truly nails the lie that people don’t want sasti shayari is evident from the enthusiastic response to her father’s website. She quips, “My Twitter handle is deluged with notes of deep appreciation.” She strongly believes that people always appreciate good poetry and good cinema. Why else would Arth become a cult film and a success at the same time decades back? She recalls how a woman walking out on marriage, which was considered unthinkable, worked even back then. Today as some youngsters are moving away from the institution of marriage, she not only reposes faith in its beauty but also sends out a message to girls who are interested in weddings not marriage! Food for thought…? Well, coming from the self-confessed feminist actually all of what she says ignites your grey matter. A woman of substance… indeed in her mind meets matter, energy and action! nonika@tribunemail.com
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Write on the money!
As a playwright, he chooses to shove celebrated introductions to the background; introductions that comprise a Sahitya Akademi Award, global recognition and international film festivals! Mahesh Dattani would rather be oblivious of his success than be engaged by it. "If I'm thinking about what kind of image I have created for myself, there's a danger in believing that…I take my writings seriously, I don't take myself seriously. I think I am the first one to laugh at myself," he shares, while in Chandigarh on an invitation by the Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi on Saturday.
He soon gets back to his already-much-talked-about writings, which are never a forced process. For, it is the process that defines his drive for doing things. "In theatre, it is the process that one enjoys rather than the final product. That is unlike in film-making, where no matter what the product is final and you get to experience it in the end." Which is why, perhaps, despite critically acclaimed stints like Morning Raga, Mango Souffle and Dance Like a Man, an affair with films hasn't taken off. "As a film director, you end up being a manager between producer's speculation as to what will sell and the actor's speculation as to their image because it is a star-driven industry. Given that scenario, it is highly improbable that the product will have substance even in terms of what is going to sell." Despite the inherent flaws riddling the B-town, it is not yet an absolute full-stop to the medium. "Earlier also we have had fantastic filmmakers and now again, we are reaching an era where independent filmmakers have vast avenues." Right stage As a writer who has touched upon several issues; from the latest ruling on Article 377 to introduction of theatre in school curriculum. "Theatre is extremely important; it deals with human relationships. You need not understand the nuances of theatre to appreciate it, which is unlike in dance recitals or music. It is a direct mirror to life, touches upon areas of intelligence and growth that other subjects cannot." Subjects have always been a strong point of the medium because it is a medium that has neither played to commercial constraints nor populist measures. "The advantage that theatre has over other mediums is that we can explore the subjects that television and films cannot. People come to theatre to cut out their rough edges. Moreover, people do theatre because they want to do theatre." It is the freedom that let him touch upon gender identity, gender discrimination and communal tensions. And the only drawback, he shares, "It is very demanding craft. To be a playwright one needs to understand theatre. Abroad, they have play labs where they nurture young talent; they give them access to directors and have their plays staged and even reviewed. Whatever playwrights we have are the ones who have learnt something on their own." Among the three different projects that are coming up, "I will be leaving for Canada to direct the production of Dance Like a Man." So theatre it is for now, for "Nothing replaces the experience of being in the same space and time as the performer." We agree! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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star track
Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan has won the biggest comeback award at the Ischia Global Film & Music Festival. The 28-year-old Mean Girls star collected the prize at the festival in Italy earlier this week, reported a website. The award comes at a time when Lohan is preparing to make her West End theatre debut with Speed-the-Plow. The actress reportedly wants to bring her focus back to her acting career. The Mean Girls actress recently claimed she wanted her talent to be recognised again, instead of being known for her controversial and well-documented personal issues. "I want to be known for my talent and my work that I create, rather than being a tabloid sensation. However, long it takes, I'm willing to do it. I'm willing to work for it," she said. — PTI
An everlasting affair with the eclectic
Sticking to his flamboyant style, designer Manish Arora wowed the audience with his flashy and radiant collection at the India Couture Week.
Termed Indian, Arora's line comprised sparkling, glittery ensembles with long and huge headgears, some of them even covering the face of the models. His collection drew standing ovation. "Every headgear has been planned and it was added to make the collection bolder. I don't like to make just clothes, I like to create my own world," the designer said. Manish said his all-bling line was about celebrating life and happiness and he wanted to show powerful women, who walk with their heads up. The silhouette included lehangas and gowns and bell-bottoms. Manish also experimented with a lot of Indian designs and patterns. Gold was another highlight of his collection, as the designer used it in every outfit and also in jewellery. His models sported bindis in different patterns and colours on their faces, which the designer said, added character to his line. "I have kept the makeup minimal but on their faces we have made designs with bindis. We have taken everything Indian and adapted it to make it more modern," Manish said. — PTI
After the break
Imran Khan will finally return to movies after his paternity leave. He might star opposite Kangna Ranaut in Nikhil Advani's Katti Batti. Kangna has been sent the script in New York where she is completing her course at NYFA.
Different shades of Deepika
Looks like Deepika Padukone will prove her versatility this year as well with Finding Fanny and Happy New Year, both of which are likely to be hits in their genres. In Finding Fanny, she plays a hot Goan girl while in HNY, she plays a tacky Maharashtrian dancer.
B-town’s lady cop
Rani Mukerji has received a lot of praise, for the promo of Mardaani, from fans and film critics alike. Even the cops have liked and approved of the trailor. She recently got a silver plate with Interpol engraving from an Interpol lady officer, whom she interacted with during the making of the movie.
Time for change
Riteish Deshmukh's career has been going well lately. He has not allotted dates to Ekta Kapoor for the third installment of Kya Kool Hain Hum because he is not keen on doing sex comedies anymore.
Behind the scenes of Kill Dil
The next item girl
Chitrangda Singh will be doing an item song in Akshay Kumar starrer Gabbar and she has already shot the video for the song. The music has been composed by Yo Yo Honey Singh.
The art of moving on
Jacqueline Fernandez admits that she is not in touch with her ex-boyfriend Sajid Khan. They both have moved on and are in a happy space without each other.
For the love of small screen
Karisma Kapoor did a television serial called Karishma: The Miracle of Destiny and after that judged shows like Nach Baliye. She may return in an epic series.
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chatter box
You have seen her in Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and then Mahabharat and Bigg Boss. Now, Ratan Rajput will be seen as a vampire in a new show called Fanaa that will air on MTV. Here she talks about her new role and the show...
Tell us something about your role in the show Fanaa… In the show, I play the role of a strong and powerful woman, who is a vampire named Ira. She will be seen in different looks, corresponding to the eras through which the story of the show travels, from 1920 to 1980s and 2014. It is fascinating to play this role, as it is not only different but also exciting. What do you think of the shows that are based on the theme of supernatural? I think supernatural shows are challenging and difficult for actors because it restricts them from doing their homework and can only bank on their imagination to develop and improvise the character. Even in mythological or historical shows, one has not actually seen the characters, so everything is left to one's imagination. With respect to Fanaa, I would say this show is a risk, because it an experiment and its quite challenging to act in it. Do you have any apprehensions regarding the supernatural? I would not particularly say that I am scared, but I guess supernatural exists. However, that does not imply that I have blind faith in the supernatural. Have you seen the film, Twilight or Vampire Diaries, which is a television series? I have seen the film, Twilight, but I am yet to watch Vampire Diaries. While there have been rumours about the show being similar to Vampire Diaries, I insist that Fanaa is a show for the Indian audience and it will be connecting with Indian sensibilities. Post Bigg Boss, are you in touch with Elli or any other contestants? I am not in touch with Elli, but with Sangram. His birthday is coming soon and I will speak with him. I have been in touch with Armaan too.
Recently, Karan Tacker had a very exciting moment being in Shammi Kapoor's shoes So did Elena, his international choreographer, donning moves like Helen. Karan is a hardcore Bollywood addict and believes old is gold. Karan says this is the best chance he could've gotten to pay tribute to the legendary Shammi Kapoor and Helen, and they did so through a dance performance in Jhalak Dikhhlaa
Jaa.
A touching moment for Anurag Basu
Allahabad boy Kartik Vyas may not be able to hear and speak like the rest of us, but he can communicate volumes with the dexterity of his sharp mind and his natural flair for expressing a wide range of emotions. Scoring way above many other Cinestars Ki Khoj aspirants last week, he had left guest judge Parineeti Chopra, and resident judges Sonali Bendre and Victor speechless with his impressive mimicry of the styles of Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Nana Patekar. This week, the third judge of Cinestars Ki Khoj joined the bandwagon and was left completely blown away by Kartik. Anurag Basu, completely unaware of his speech and hearing challenge, watched him present a touching sequence from his own film, Barfi! It was only at the end that it hit Basu that the boy has a disability when he gave him feedback and Kartik could not react verbally. The fact that it was a real-life deaf-mute actor enacting one of Ranbir Kapoor's strongest scenes from the film so convincingly brought tears to Anurag's eyes and he said, "I salute the spirit of this young man who hasn't let setbacks and challenges deter him."
Shweta in the lead
With Sony launching Sony Pal, and Zee TV having launched Zindagi, Zee is going to launch yet another channel soon. For the same, Saregama Productions has planned a show called Begusaray. Apparently, Shweta Tiwari has been approached as lead for the show and so has talented actor Narendra Jha.
F.I.R. is set to wow with new avatar
SAB TV's famous series, F.I.R, will don a new avatar this weekend. The iconic Imaan Police Chowki will now be on-stage with live audience. The set audience will also be involved in solving cases, as the cast will ask for their opinion and participation. As part of the chowki, a group of prisoners in jail will be seen posing as musicians offering a melodious situational symphony to viewers. Kavita Kaushik aka Chandramukhi Chautala, said, "It's a wonderful feeling to act in front of a live audience. All of us actors are truly happy with these progressive changes in the show and are eagerly waiting to connect with a live audience on the sets."
Gautam on Bigg Boss 8?
Gautam Gulati aka Vikram of Diya Aur Baati Hum has been approached for Bigg Boss season 8, apparently. He was in the news for his film, Coward, going to the Cannes Film Festival. He too had gone for the festival and his character is quite popular on the tube too.
Do Dil Bandhe…to come to an end
Earlier, there was buzz about Qubool Hai ending, making way for Sagar Pictures' Jamai Raja, but now news is that FilmFarm India's Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se is coming to an end. The news is shocking, as the show starring Arhaan Behll and Mansi Srivastava is giving better ratings than Qubool Hai and some other shows on Zee.
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Astro turf
ARIES: The recent of burst of enthusiasm has run out of steam temporarily and its about time you take a break from work. Make this an easy day and avoid doing anything that needs concentration and effort. Tarot message: Try to put your terms and conditions in writing.
Lucky colour: Fuchsia Magic number: 31
TAURUS: Do not try your hand at making money and having fun at the same time. It's about time you concentrate on earning a living rather than focusing on entertainment.
Tarot message: You will find a fountainhead of will power within yourself.
Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels Magic number: 21 GEMINI: Sweet moments are in store for you, especially during the day. Shopping for a gift as a token of affection is a good way to spend your money. Do not bury disturbing emotions, instead work on them.
Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky
colour: Yellow Magic number: 61 CANCER: Spend your money on health. Get home early to avoid commutation hazards that could be worse than usual. Enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes.
Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 55 LEO: Do not get involved in any mutual venture without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Give your creative talent an airing. Hobbies will give you much satisfaction.
Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others. Lucky colour: Metallic grey
Magic number: 26 VIRGO: Anticipate a bit of craziness creeping into your day and surprising you like a cosmic jack in the box. Avoid gossiping; because it can spoil your chances of success. Do not try to rush others. 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. Get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding from loved ones. Tarot message: You gain by being practical, so don't be emotional.
Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 64 SCORPIO: Those who are single may find an attractive candidate for dating. Give more attention to your health. Do not take on chores that will tire you physically. Keep your sense of humour alive.
Tarot message: Focus new light on your emotional and spiritual place. Lucky
colour: Forest green Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Your card "Three of Cups" suggests that you need to control your emotions. Compassion and forgiveness are needed for love to keep growing. Partners may not agree with your plans. Tarot message: Don't hold back anything from your employer.
Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Wake up early in the morning to get your energy flowing. You must get into some kind of exercise, either walking, running, yoga, or meditation. A domestic hassle will be settled amicably. Tarot message: You can build great success by being focused.
Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 59 AQUARIUS: Your attention will revolve around home, property, and family. Keep moving ahead with the progress you have been making. Personal expression through arts crafts or hobbies is highlighted. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.
Lucky colour: White Magic number: 33 PISCES: You should be very satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show the world what you have been working on. This is a good time to invest in a house. 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 July 20...
You are ruled by number 2, which belongs to the water element and suggests that you are cooperative, sensitive, balanced, responsible, loving, patient, modest, and supportive. Be more realistic and do not jump to conclusions. Seek expert advice before you make any financial commitments, especially in the stock market. Friends will be helpful. You may be feeling a little under the weather due to the hectic work of the past few months, which seems to have left you exhausted and tired. Positive colours: White, sky blue, pink, and light grey Select days: Sunday and Monday Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, and 7 Gems recommended: Pearl, opel, and white sapphire Charity on birthday: Donate wheat or gur to the needy.
You share your birthday with Gracy Singh [July 20,1980, Delhi], who is best known for her role as Gauri in Lagaan. She is the director of NGO, Save our Souls, for abolishing dowry. She is also a trained classical dancer having studied Bharatanatyam. Her career will flourish after 2017.
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Ranveer Singh and Govinda share screen space in Kill Dil. On some of the nights after pack-up, Ali Zafar would play a guitar and sing while Ranveer and Govinda would dance and others would join in and shake a leg too. Govinda would emerge as the winner hands down.
