|
|
|
|
|
Laugh out loud
How can one abandon a dream just when it is about to come true? Niharika Sahni would ask the same question every hour of the day when her home production and directorial debut, a Punjabi film, Oh My Pyo ji, was stopped from releasing due to some problem.
Today, after days of chaos, Niharika is finally settling down. She can finally see her dream becoming a reality, and this obviously brings a glint in her eyes and excitement in her voice. All the struggles have paid finally as the film Oh My Pyo ji releases on July 25 across Punjab. The film stars the best from the world of comedy—Binnu Dhillon, Jaswinder Bhalla, Sardar Sohi, Babbal Rai, Dakshita Kumaria. The film is a laugh riot revolving around a don who goes back to school. "Happy things first," says the young woman who has written, directed and produced this film. "The film is a full-on entertainment film. It would remind you of Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler's old films, which were simply funny." A topper at the Whistling Woods, where she did her course in film production, script writing and direction, Niharika had been working on the script for a long time. "I didn't want to rush about the project just because the time is right for comedy films in Punjab. A comedy, if it has the right content will make audience laugh whether it is the right time for comedy or not," says Niharika. While you talk to her, you can't ignore the 'youngness' in her looks. Well, she wouldn't disclose the numbers, but she is young enough to handle a project all by her own. "Trust me when I say, direction in itself is not difficult but handling actors in Punjab is one helluva task. Thankfully, I had some really nice actors on the sets." Coming to the toughest part--being the money bag of the film, Niharika laughs, "I am a horrible producer, but I am sure I will get better in the next film." So, this is it… this director, producer and script writer is all set to direct her next film. Punjabi or Hindi, we ask her to take the pick. She smiles, surprising us with her answer. "It will be an English film. I suffer from multiple sclerosis and the film is going to be on it," she adds leaving us with a surprised look.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
Line of control
Prosenjit Ganguly loved to draw and tell stories when he was growing up. Animation happened to help him with both. Multi-faceted Prosenjit is a known screenwriter, animation designer and voice artiste today. His works have fetched him awards and recognition, including FICCI BAF 2012 Award for Best Animated Film (DVD) for Hanuman Immortal II.
The National Institute of Design Ahmedabad alumnus, was in Chandigarh on Tuesday for Perspectives a seminar organised by Arena Animation. While Prosenjit was happy addressing the seminar and sharing about his work, he was disheartened to see school students marching into the Government Museum and Art Gallery with a strict instruction not to talk. It's a subject he has dealt with in his film Do Flowers Fly, a five minute film that has toured some 20 countries. "What irritates me is that we underestimate our children's intelligence. Curiosity is killed right in school," says Prosenjit. The scenario is the same in the animation world too. Often Bollywood and Hollywood animations are compared and that is unfair. He insists, "While they are some 100 years old, we have just started." In field for the past 15 years, Prosenjit is happy at the strides we are making in the animation industry. "Sadly, small animation schools spread across the country are more of money-minting shops than learning centres. For animation to grow to its true potential, we have to tell our own stories," believes Prosenjit. "Till we copy, we can't make a mark." Having already worked with many channels, this creative brain wants to make his own series and would be none of the current popular ones. Ask him on Chhota Bheem's popularity, he brushes it aside as a marketing gimmick. "There is more of marketing strategy than animating or creative genius." All set to go to Africa to work with children there, Prosenjit practices what he preaches, father of a eight-year-old-boy, he doesn't own a TV set but watch films on nature history together. "We have to give solid foundation to our children, be it in life or animation. In animation we are creating life, so education is of utmost importance here too." At the event, Arena Animation announced its association with Pixar, one of the world's largest animation production house, for offering Pixar Renderman Software to the students and launched new courses in 3D projection mapping, augmented reality, crowd simulation and Houdini. At 19, he was animator at UTV and there has been no looking back since then. After working with known studios in the country, Gaurav has founded Artha Animation. "The market needs so many animators today but only skilled ones. There are schools that teaches you the technical know-how but there are two things that you have to develop on your own - visualisation and looking into details." mona@tribunemail.com
|
|
Saaz of his own
Here is this 23-year-old stylist with claims of having worked with A-listers in Bollywood. A huge fan of Lady Gaga for her music and styling, Saazish Sidhu has just diversified into music with launching Men Saaz, his own label. His aim is to give work to talented singers from the region…and, no prizes for guessing why Men Saaz…when Lady Gaga is the ideal!
So this boy shares his big plans and what made him diversify not only into Punjabi music, but also movies, in Chandigarh on Tuesday. A 16-year-old, from village Mirje Ki in Ferozpur district, he had just done his first semester of law in Chandigarh when he went to Mumbai for a leisure trip only to find his true calling there. "My parents are lawyers; my father wanted me to follow in his footsteps; mother wanted me to go abroad and earn dollars but once in Mumbai, I just couldn't leave the city," says Saazish. His first job was at a call centre and soon he was assistant to a designer he is not willing to name! "I did a lot of projects in films and commercials, some as assistant, other independently, including the film Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap. I have also done Blue Eyes with Honey Singh." Never been a student of design, Saazish calls his craft god-given. "Now I get assistants from leading fashion institutes of the country and imagine I have never studied it." As stylising got him money and contacts, Saazish is out to diversify. "By my parents' blessings (now both handle my business), I have no dearth of money or material goods. I have financiers ready to back any project that I undertake, but I only want to do quality stuff." So out he is with his label and first video, Sohna mera, by Shobhi Sarwan. He is out to scout more talent and bring out more videos. Plans are on for his first Punjabi movie that would have a Bollywood hunk (yet to be announced) and his sister Aafreen Sidhu. "She has already done two films Down South and would play lead in my film," says the proud brother. "I have come far and I want to share my bounty with those around me," signs off Saazish, a name that he has taken under Bollywood
inspiration." mona@tribunemail.com
|
||||
|
Kerala calling
It is not just the backwaters; it is the cultural splendour, culinary craft, history and wildlife, all put together. It is about the spectacular elephants and Ayurvedic massage. Kerala, as a destination, holds many a delight. Haven't they presumptuously labeled the state as God's Own Country? The statistics speak louder than words. "Last year, we had as many as 1.09 crore domestic arrivals in Kerala. There were 8.58 lakh foreigners who visited the place…out of the total influx of domestic tourists, we had maximum number of Punjabis visiting the place, followed by the neighbouring Tamil Nadu…one can easily find Punjabi dhabas in Kerala," shares Anil VS, tourism information officer, during a Kerala tourism initiative in Chandigarh.
The brochures have everything going for the tropical paradise. Waterfalls, nature's spectacles, backwaters with criss-crossing lanes, hill stations, bird sanctuaries, Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. "A lot of people already know everything about Kerala. The fact that it has beautiful backwaters is a given. Still there are a lot of places within the state that are both unknown and unexplored. It is a coastal area all along, so there are a lot of virgin beaches. Then there's this tribal area Wayanad, which has just about begun to get popular among tourists." He adds, "Those looking for an escape route can stay in tree houses. They are in the middle of the forest but come equipped all the amenities." Then there are the places that holiday pictures and postcards have had a fill of. "From among the most visited places, there's Kumarakom. It is beautiful and comes with all the advantages of a place that is a tourist attraction." Think star-rated hotels, resorts and luxury boats. "A lot of people like their holiday to be fun-filled; we are also known for adventure tourism." Back in time Amidst growing luxury, there's no undermining the pull of the history. In a world defined, rather devoured by futuristic practices, going back to the roots proves to be the real escape route. "The administration has launched a heritage project called Muziris Heritage Project. The region between North Parur and Kodungalloor in Kerela forms a beauty that is filled with history and culture. Through the project, tourists can get to travel back in time." Finally it is about the festival frenzy too, apart from the quiet backwaters. manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
||||
|
CELEB POINT Divya Dutta The Punjabi in me loves to eat. But unfortunately, the profession I am in doesn't give me ample freedom to do that. And my mother doesn't help either! Eat and exercise is her mantra. She makes the best food possible! I was doing just fine with my fitness, ma's delicacies etc, striking a balance, until I signed my new film with the current star. I was very excited about my role and was meant to look very sensuous too. When you got to do something you hate doing, you need strong inspiration for that and, of course, this was inspiration enough. Out came my swimming costume; I started rigorous swimming in the evening and then Zumba in the morning. And yes ma was strictly prohibited from pampering me via food! Instead, boring diet food was being made in a Punjabi household. Two days of this hectic regime and my body became sore. Was overdoing it, I thought! Sitting for lunch, I saw my brother eating awesome food. Rice, roti, chicken and dessert; for no reason I snapped at him — 'Why are you eating roti in front of me?' He looked puzzled? As if asking,'ab roti bhi na khaaon?' My low-carb diet conflicting with my Punjabi mentality wasn't the best thing happening to me, but that role got me going. Twenty days passed and it seemed like ages. It was time for the shoot to begin. I was like a student waiting for an exam result! My make-up and hair were done. And I had to now get into my outfit. I wore it, but I had stopped breathing! I was dying for everyone's positive comments, but no one said anything. I got very tense till the assistant director came to call me. She looked at me and smiled, 'Wow mam! That looks really gorgeous.' The fact was reiterated by the admiring glances and turning heads on the set; till the director said, 'lovely.' I was nervous, but now finally I smiled too! A month's hardwork had paid off. It feels so good when a mission is accomplished! I returned home very excited and ma asked how the shoot was; my brother quietly took his plate filled with food and walked past me. He obviously did not want to hear why he was eating normal food! I just called out, 'Maaaaaa. Give me roti with desi ghee on it!' My brother looked shocked and ma only too happy! And me…well not guilty at all! Mehnat ki roti after all! (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
|
||||
|
Master
Chef Kandla Nijhowne The rainy weather is something to look forward to. It is the license to deep fried comfort without feeling the guilt! In our country, 'baarish' goes hand in hand with 'pakodas and chaai', and nothing beats the combination. Many years ago, I researched pakodas, termed fritters the world over and stumbled upon one with such an intriguing name that it just had to be attempted. Pampoenkokies! How does that African dish sound to you? It has a sweet ring to it and a sweet fritter it is! South African cuisine, often called Cape Cookery, is a melting pot of contributions by the Dutch, German and French. Pampoenkokies are simply pumpkin fritters served with a caramel sauce. Readers, who are calorie-conscious, unlike me, can skip the sauce and serve them with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar.
Pumpkin Fritters (Pampoenkokies)
Method Sieve together the maida, baking powder and salt. Peel, chop and cook the pumpkin pieces with minimal water till soft. Drain really well, then mash with a fork. Set up oil in a fry pan for frying. Measure out a cup of this puree into a bowl and combine with the maida mixture. Add the egg and beat till smooth. Drop spoonfuls of the batter in the oil and fry the fritters on both sides until golden brown. Remove and serve hot, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Lemon juice can be squeezed on to the fritters just before serving. Note: These fritters can be cooked in two different shapes. They will be flat, round discs if shallow fried; they can be deep fried too into spherical dumplings. These fritters will double for dessert if you serve them with a caramel sauce poured over them.
|
||||
|
star track
Fox Star Studios gets Notting Hill and Love Actually editor Nick Moore to make a cut for Finding Fanny for non-Diaspora markets. This is for the first time that an Indian film will have such a wide release in major international territories. The makers believe that much like any big Hollywood film that releases across the world, Homi Adajania has made a truly global film that will be accepted in any market. The film will be released in US, Europe and SouthEast Asia—in screens where no other Indian film has ever released, making Finding Fanny a break-out film from India. Evidently Homi is thrilled. He is back after Cocktail with this quirky comedy about a five odd balls and their journey looking for a postman's lost love through Goa. The Hindi and English versions of Finding Fanny will open in theatres on September 12, across India and in 40 international territories. "The difference between the two versions is just three-four minutes and not a complete re-edit. This English version will be cut by Nick Moore to cater to that audience," confirms Homi. "It's the same story but will be told in a way that the firangs understand better," adds Homi. Moore has directed films like Wild Child (2008) and Horrid Henry: The Movie (2011) but is better known as the editor of The Full Monty (1997) which bagged him a BAFTA nomination, Notting Hill (1999), About A Boy (2002) and Love Actually (2003).
Bhai’s new challenge
Salman Khan and his charitable ways are well-known. While almost all actors in Bollywood unmistakably chase stardom, fame and money, Salman believes in staying away from this rat race. As someone who has seen and tasted both dizzying success and abysmal abyss, stardom or the lack of it barely excites Salman.
"If there is fame, there is work and if there is work, there is money. And if there is money, there is Being Human," said Salman in an interaction with media. Talking passionately about how much Being Human as a charitable initiative means to him, Salman said, "I don't care about stardom. Every three years someone comes and beats me. I want actors to beat me at charity. I don't usually talk about Being Human. But trust me I am working the hardest in my life right now. I will make it extremely difficult for others to beat me at charity. I will make Being Human large in magnitude. So, if anyone wants to beat me, then try and beat me at charity." Now, wonder who from Bollywood would like to accept Bhai's new challenge.
On a war footing!
Karan Malhotra, director of Agneepath, will now work on the remake of The Warrior and later Shuddhi with Salman Khan. He talks about the movies.
Villain and hero Well, there is a villain in Shuddhi and the lead role demands a certain amount of exposure, but Hrithik's exit had nothing to do with creative differences. I'd assume that his personal problems during the period led to him dropping out of the film. Getting wiser I was disappointed with the constant delays and changes in Shuddhi. I've learnt the hard way that you need to have options when journeying through life. I used to be quite stuck-up earlier, but now I no longer blame one person. I am in touch with Hrithik because we have an emotional bond and he was my first hero. Lost & found I will not comment on the casting. If the film was being delayed, it is because I allowed it to happen. Had it not been for Karan Johar and my wife Ekta, I would not have survived, emotionally and financially. The media insisted that Shuddhi would not and should not be made but we boosted each other all along. Roping in Salman Karan and I met Salman at his Bandstand house. He said 'yes' after listening to just 20 minutes of the narration. As for the second part of your question, Salman sir has made Shuddhi bigger and better. My film is now top-lined by India's biggest star, who has a phenomenal reach. I have worked with him as an assistant director on Jaan-E-Mann and Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge. Of course,
this time I'm the director so it will be a different experience. Time for warrior Who wouldn't want successful heroines like Deepika Padukone or Kareena Kapoor Khan or someone else? The entire movie has changed now and we will look at everything afresh. Right now, I am focused on The Warrior.
Rave reviews for Katiyabaaz
A different ball game
Ira Khan, Aamir Khan's daughter planned a charity football match as a fund raiser in South Mumbai and it became a bigger success than expected. The charity match was for PIGI Foundation and they are building an animal welfare shelter with this money. Nuzhat Khan, Imran Khan's mom and Ira's aunt will look into the shelter.
The entire industry came out in full support of the endeavor. Marc Robinson, Hrithik Roshan, Sohail Khan, Elli Avram were among the guests and players. Aamir Khan won the match by 4:2 from Abhishek Bachchan. Both Aamir and Abhishek were captains. Kiran Rao was on the opposite team of Aamir's. Salman Khan distributed the prizes. He was seen playing football with
Azad.
Saif once more
After working together on Being Cyrus and Cocktail, Saif Ali Khan will collaborate for the third time with director Homi Adajania. The film is going to be a romantic comedy set in Australia which will roll in November.
Ekta cross with Riteish
Rumour has it that Ekta Kapoor is reportedly upset with Riteish Deshmukh for not allotting dates for the third installment of Kya Kool Hai Hum. The buzz is that Riteish isn't interested in doing sex comedies anymore.
Bonding in Corscica
Ranbir Kapoor has indulged in some water sports in Corsica while shooting for Tamasha. Katrina Kaif joined them earlier this week for her birthday and now Ranveer Singh will join the cast and crew for a few days to bond with his flame Deepika Padukone. The shoot wraps up on July 30.
|
||||
|
chatter box
The national-level bodybuilding champion Ketan Mangesh Karande will soon be seen entering Zee TV's Jodha Akbar as Khyber. Owing to his massive built, Ketan will be playing the character of a fairly primitive mountain man, who has been trained by the evil Mahachuchak. He talks about his character and more. What is your role like? The role that I will be playing is quite different from anything I have played in the past. Being a merciless, half-human and half-animal, Khyber is known to be ruthless in his conduct. He is a human animal who has lived in a cave all his life. Was it easy playing the character? I bagged the role because of my physique, but it was more difficult to adapt to Khyber's body language. I underwent special training to learn those expressions and the body language. How was the experience of shooting for it? It was quite difficult for me to relate with the character. However, I am sure that the audience will love watching me in this new avatar and love my track in the show. Can you tell us what's next in the show? Khyber will soon kidnap Jodha and keep her in his cave. Jalal will take it up on him to save Jodha and their child by fighting Khyber. In the coming episodes, my character will create troubles in Jalal and Jodha's paradise.
Actress Aashka Goradia will soon be seeing a special aerial act on Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega. Aashka is currently seen on Maharana Pratap and made a special appearance on the show; she was seen cheering up the contestants. The actress looked stunning in the avatar of a fairy, as she glided in the air. Interestingly, Aashka had started her career with Boogie Woogie, which too happens to be a dance show.
Controversial times
"I dont want publicity, I want justice," says model-turned-actor Ajaz Khan about his recent controversy. Ajaz claims that Kapil Sharma shot an episode with him for popular TV show Comedy Nights with Kapil and hasn't aired it. Ajaz feels that it was his outstanding performance, which made Kapil take the step. There is no response from Kapil's side as yet.
An emotional farewell
Sony's big-ticket show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain recently shut its shop and the channel threw a farewell party for the team. They all had a ball and some even got a bit emotional. Ram Kapoor tweeted, "Thank you Sony for throwing such a wonderful party for the Balh team. We had a BLAST!!!"
Bumping into Shahid!
Garima Jain, who is currently seen as Arya in Main Na Bhoolungi, recently met actor Shahid Kapoor in a gym. Garima says, "I love to work out and because of my shooting schedule, don't have a fixed time for the gym. Recently, I found out that Shahid Kapoor also worked out in my gym. As luck would have it, I bumped into him and requested for a picture."
Going on AIR
Rumours have it that STAR Plus' upcoming show Airlines is based on the downfall of Kingfisher Airlines, which is owned by India's self-styled aviation tycoon Vijay Mallya. Kingfisher has been the most controversial and one of the most high-profile airlines, which had a lot to do with its owner. Says a source, "The show revolves around the thrill, glamour and danger associated with the aviation industry; how everything looks so glamorous on the outside just like Vijay Mallya and his life, but how it is a high-risk industry." Making her television debut with 'Airlines' is Tulip Joshi, as a strong female lead opposite VJ-turned-actor Yudhistir. We also hear about another actor on the show who looks a lot like Siddharth Mallya!
B-day bash
Madhura Naik threw a grand birthday party when she turned 21. Friends Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande, Sahil Phull and Vineett Kumar, Sara Khan and Pratyusha Banerjee, among others, came, as did Ekta Kapoor. Madhura had fun with her friends and clicked a lot of
selfies.
|
||||
|
Astro turf
ARIES: It is important that you use your time in a worthwhile manner. Pointless arguments and debates will only waste your time, therefore, do not engage in them. The future looks bright and hopeful. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones.
Lucky colour: Peacock-blue. Magic number: 61.
TAURUS: There will be some long overdue tasks that will be completed successfully. Socially, you will be quite occupied and meet new people. Be extra-careful and do not skip important details today. Tarot message: Seek advice, but don't feel you have to stick to it.
Lucky colour: Lotus-pink. Magic number: 65. GEMINI: Many of you will not be feeling energetic and upbeat today; spending some time on your own will enable you to recharge your batteries and focus on the tasks at hand.
Tarot message: A shopping spree can spoil your budget. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 40. CANCER: This will be a demanding day for many of you, since family and friends will not be very open and welcoming towards new relationships that you may have formed lately.
Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite. Lucky
colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32. LEO: Decision-making and strategising should be done today, since it will be a time when you will be quite realistic and practical. You will be quite active and motivated to take on pending tasks today.
Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63. VIRGO: Since the past few days, you have been coming up with productive ideas; now is the time when most of them can be put into practice. As far as relationships go, you will have to help someone out of a dire situation. Tarot message: Renew energy in a relationship. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 44.
LIBRA: Put your home and workplace in order. The results will start to show and you will be able to achieve much more in lesser time and this will increase your productivity as well as confidence.
Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 51. SCORPIO: Family matters will be fairly uneventful and some of you will have to help out a younger sibling or relative. Keep an eye on your spending and ensure that you stick to the budget.
Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 46. SAGITTARIUS: Being a part of an exhibition, conference or meeting will be vital for your growth as well as success. This is also a day in which traveling and journeys will hold a lot of significance, personally and professionally. Tarot message: Keep your eyes open for new opportunities.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 55. CAPRICORN: Today, many of you will spend time in exploring and broadening your spiritualistic as well as philosophical dimensions. This activity will enable you to plan for the future as well.
Tarot message: Be as charming as possible in all situations. Lucky
colour: Peach. Magic number: 39. AQUARIUS: Efforts of the past will bear fruit and bring rewards. Finances will gain through speculation and investments. There will be changes in several aspects of your life. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others.
Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 26. PISCES: You will be focusing on dealing with pending tasks and official procedures. You will be mentally and physically agile. In relationships and financial dealings, trust your experience and your instincts. Tarot message: Take life the way it comes.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 64.
|
||||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is July 23...
With a birthday on the 23rd of the month, you are inclined to work well with people. You are talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas. You tend to be very progressive, imaginative and adaptable. Your mind is quick, clever and analytical. You are very sociable, make friends easily and an excellent travelling companion. Do not enter into any joint venture- as partners will try to take advantage of you. There will be an increase in average income and you will have more resources at your disposal. However, there will be expenditure on medicines and automobile repair. Positive colours: Green, Turquoise, Grey. Select days: Wednesday, Friday. Favourable numbers: 5, 6. Gems recommended: Emerald, Ruby Charity on Birthday: Donate green fodder to cows.
You share your birthday with Himesh Reshammiya (July 23, 1973), who is an Indian music director, singer, actor, television producer, lyricist, film producer, script writer and distributor. Himesh Reshammiya was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra to veteran Gujarati music director Vipin Reshammiya and Madhu Reshammiya.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Money bags
500 gm yellow pumpkin
Deepti Kakkar and Fahad Mustafa's documentary Katiyabaaz (Powerless) has been garnering a lot of appreciation and critical acclaim. Besides being showcased at international film festivals like the San Francisco Green Film Festival, Dubai international film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival, Katiyabaaz has been the official selection at many film festivals. The documentary shows the terrible power situation in the industrial centre of
Kanpur.
