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Long Live Gutthi
As a celebrated small town girl empowered with all things clichéd, she hasn't been forgotten, only reminisced time and again. Gutthi, even in its 'deceased state', evokes a warm response, cross dressing plain curiosity and the fact that he is not bringing the adorable character back, controlled fury.
Anywhere he goes, actor Sunil Grover still owes answers for questions that have been already asked. And why not? He is responsible, not as much for giving us Mad in India, that could not stand the overkill of speculation and expectations but, for subjecting Gutthi to trade and money. "I was initially under a contract of 26 episodes, when I started the show…there were some contractual formalities we did not agree upon," he shares, while in Mohali to interact with students at Jaspal Bhatti's MAD Arts. Enter the stubborn and obnoxious father-in-law, back on Comedy Nights With Kapil. While the quirky new avatar might fetch him a lot of applause, but not the adulation. Why not do a repeat on the character that shot him to stardom. Will he ever revive Gutthi again? "Do you think so?" Well, but he should. "Then force me. But my cousin will ask for royalty." The girl he keenly observed apart from a host of others while growing up. "I studied in a college where there were three to four girls. Even otherwise we come across such girls everyday, some way or the other." Sweet & sour Despite having to clear the air, the interaction is peppered with healthy jibes taken casually at the students, some at the media and even Savita Bhatti. "I don't believe that Jasraj Bhatti has got married. So, have you two also started with the mother-in-law and daughter-in- law ritual," he takes a dig in fluent Punjabi. "Hey are you zooming in on me or aiming at me?" It is time to mock at himself, especially with having to cross dress. He laughs, "Everything else is fine but the kohl doesn't get off my eyes for a few days. Then finally I learnt this technique of taking a lot of tissue paper and rubbing it off." Laughing at oneself is a lesson he learnt, courtesy the right mentors. "Had Jaspal sir been here, he would have definitely remarked, 'Ki coat pant paa ke garmi vich turiya phirda hai'. Rather than making fun of others, he would laugh at himself." Comic timing can hardly be cultivated. "As a child I would imitate my teachers, would do antics at weddings. I've always wanted to be an actor." Sounding funny can be the most difficult at times, is there a daily pressure to deliver, "The pressure shouldn't be felt. You should enjoy it. Once you go on stage, it is all taken care of." Heading to Pollywod A few minutes role in Mahaul Theek Hai, notwithstanding, Punjabi films are only a matter of the right script. "I would love to do a Punjabi film and have even read two to three scripts but I am just waiting for the right one." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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I am a hands-on person: Leela
While art continues to excite our minds with its uninterrupted dance of illusions, its complexity is often enigmatic and little spared of individual bias.
However, when Leela Samson, one of the finest exponents of Bharatnatyam and a Padma Shri awardee, speaks of Bharatanatyam, as an art form, she condenses its essence to three main elements-context, content and quo. "To understand any art form, it is important to be well versed with its context that helps in the understanding of its content that later facilitates an individualistic understanding of its philosophy," says Leela Samson, who is the chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Delhi and Film and Censor Board. In Chandigarh, to perform at the Tagore Theatre on Saturday, Leela exchanges an interesting banter about the changing face of Bharatnatyam over a cup of tea. As she carriers the tradition on her back, she looks forward to a gamut of experiences that translate into innovation through experimentation. However, she objects to the use of two particular words when it comes to art-contemporary and fusion. While recalling the strong disposition of her guru, late Rukmini Devi Arundale, Leela, who graduated from Kalakshetra, shares that her understanding of contemporary and modernism is defined by the paradigm of time frame that it is associated with. "My guru was accused of being a contemporary in 1930s and today, her dance techniques have transformed into a traditional cult in Bharatnatyam. So, I fail to understand the criteria that defines contemporary," she opines. Leela makes a frequent mention of her guru as she talks about the evolution of Bharatnatyam in terms of expressions and techniques. "I feel change is inevitable and my guru was absolutely in favour of experimentation and dynamism. I come from a generation that was taught from the traditional fundamentalists. We could never question our gurus, especially in ritualistic dance forms like Bharatnatyam," she says while adding that she is quite impressed with the change that envelops the way knowledge of art is being imparted today. "These days, students ask questions that facilitate the flow of information and I think our generation quite understands the balance as we learnt the traditional way and are teaching in the not-so-orthodox fashion." However, Leela unabashedly claims her love for the traditional classical Bharatnatyam and promises to be performing for the rest of her life. "I always knew that I will do something with my hands. So, I considered being a doctor, but when I went to the college to seek admission, the principal, after looking that I was from Kalakshetra, said that I already have a profession. That furthered my interest in Bharatnatyam and today, I am doing a lot more with my hands that I thought was possible. I guess I am a very hands-on person," she laughs. Over years of independent work, her dance has metamorphosed from the best of her alma mater into an exquisite personal expression. Her personal style is unostentatious, serene and characterized by an impeccable technique that blends geometrical precision with vibrancy and an unfettered ease. She has authored several articles as well as a book, Rhythm in Joy. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Freedom of thought
And then there are those who choose to see silver…When most artists born out of Jammu & Kashmir harp upon the anguish and suffering circumstances have afflicted on them, there's one who chooses to splash his canvas with colours that declare freedom.
He flings paint on the untainted canvas, raises the volume of his stereo and paints the life of nomads, open for public scrutiny. His thoughts too are not marred by English: "Kashmir ki khoobsurati dekhne pe dikhti hai (Kashmir's beauty is seen only by those looking for it). I don't believe in playing on the sadness that our state has come to be associated with. I'd rather play with nature and people's lives beyond the tragedy, and soothe the onlooker's eyes," says Kamlesh Kumar Gandhi, at his first Chandigarh solo exhibition — Mountain Mist — after a total of 40 group shows and 33 international camps. After doodling his walls with charcoal as a kid — during the 'idle' days of the 1971 Indo-Pak war — Gandhi went on to become an AC manufacturer to earn a living. Once the business turned cold, he revisited his love for the art and found solace. His work is his sole source of contentment, which is evident in his paintings Towards Home (45x60 acrylic on canvas) and Mountain Mist (45x60 acrylic on canvas), on display in Chandigarh. With photographic accuracy, Gandhi manages to brush upon the slightest of emotions in almost all his paintings. And, he's one to oppose nudity as an expression of art, vehemently. "I don't think we need to paint a woman without clothes to show to the world how beautiful she is. A woman is beautiful in everything she does; when she lets go; when she tastes freedom — that's the beauty worth capturing. Nudity is only for shock value," says Gandhi, and his thoughts are substantiated with The Lady in Red (36 x 48 acrylic on canvas). He does accept that his state is not very receptive towards his art, but Gandhi is not the one to dismiss the trend. "I organise art camps, in association with the government, in Jammu every year to give voice to hidden artists' thoughts," he concludes. (Mountain Mist is on at Hotel Aquamarine, Sector 22, Chandigarh, till July 28) somya@tribunemail.com
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Divine intervention
While shooting for a movie being made on 1984 riots in a Ludhiana village, actor Dayashankar Pandey is saddened to see the parents staying all alone in large houses. "The children have gone abroad to earn money so that they can repay the loans of the families, but once they are settled there, they cannot return because of the aspiration of their next generation. So, there is longing and grief on both sides," he says.
He is in Ludhiana also to perform in a play Bhamashah ki Gatha. He is an actor not by accident but because of intent and because of destiny. He says. "I think whatever the Providence intends one to do, one is blessed with such talent and qualities. My family had nothing to do with the world of acting. But it was my will to be an actor, that I am in this industry," says Pandey. In his family, there used to be a tradition of sporting a moustache, back then, and it used to be shaved off only after the demise of the head of the family as a mark of mourning. But he got it removed on the suggestion of director Chandraprakash Dwivedi, enduring and braving the displeasure of member of his family. Pandey has been a part of a number of landmark movies, including Lagaan, Swades, Rajneeti, and played cameos in several others. He has also been active in theatre and television. "I think I have been lucky to be a part of such movies. Whenever the names of such movies would be taken, my name would also be mentioned," he says. Currently doing movies with quirky names like Mohalla 80 Ka, Hum Jab Baithe Teen Yaar and Patel ki Shadi Punjab Se, he says that success of off-beat movies augurs well for actors like him, who are able to showcase their talent. "Commercial cinema is also very important for this kind of cinema to thrive. Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan bring in the money in the industry which also helps supporting art and off-beat cinema," he says. He has been playing the role of Chaloo Pandey in Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma and Shani Dev. "I think Shani Dev was one of the more challenging roles I have ever attempted. It was a completely new character. It is easier to play divine and mythological characters that people already know about, but this was never presented on screen and doing justice to the role as well as portraying the image of the god was challenging for me," he says. "But thankfully, the show ran successfully for four years," adds the actor. The versatile actor is planning to perform another play Popcorn with Parsai. It would be a solo performance for two hours. He says that acting on stage is definitely more difficult as for movies there can be takes and re-takes but, a play does not give that chance to an actor and everything needs to be learnt, remembered and performed to perfection. "However, acting on stage does give more flexibility to an actor, to change or add his own personality to the character," says the actor.
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star track
Malhotra will present his bridal trousseau at the finale of the fashion extravaganza to be held from August 20-24. Kareena will showcase a global runway trend, which is in vogue this season—The Gloss Look, crafted by the Lakme bridal dream team. "I have always loved working with Kareena. She is the perfect combination of a gorgeous face and a confident personality. Every season, LFW has a trend story to tell and the finale accentuates the trend. I am looking forward to crafting a special look for Kareena with my latest collection which is inspired by the Gloss look," Malhotra said in a statement.
Kriti in demand
Emotional gesture
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is on cloud nine ever since the trailer of his film Mary Kom was unveiled, has decided to throw a surprise birthday party for his Shero Priyanka Chopra, who has won everyone's hearts with her portrayal of an underdog boxer in the film.
The filmmaker is very impressed by Priyanka's work in Mary Kom and after seeing the film he got emotional. Sources claim that the surprise birthday party has been planned as PeeCee had a working birthday this year and could not get to properly celebrate the big day. Sanjay decided to throw her a party to celebrate the occasion. He is very happy with her performance in the film. This is the first time Bhansali has done something like this for one of his actors". Bhansali has plans to invite the who's who of Bollywood at this party.
Vaibhav gets engaged
Model-cum-actor Vaibhav Talwar who is seen in commercials like Special K! and movies like Teen Patti, Mausam and Love Break Ups Zindagi is now engaged to his girlfriend of many years, model Scherezade Shroff. She is stylist Anaita Shroff Adajania's sister and has a successful YouTube channel. They got engaged in New York on July 24. Many congrats to the pretty couple!
Missing the rain
Deepika Padukone is away in France shooting for Tamasha with ex-beau Ranbir Kapoor. She is missing the rains in Mumbai. She wants to watch and enjoy the rain from her sea-view high-rise apartment in Mumbai. She will do that when she comes back in August.
Title mystery
The title of P.K. has intrigued many because we do not know what it means and nothing about the plot. It is about a drunkard named P.K. played by Aamir Khan. It releases in December.
Fitness regime
Jackie Shroff plays a father in The Warrior remake and he will get into the boxing ring so he is getting into shape for that and his son Tiger is helping him out.
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chatter box
KBC in Surat
This year's Kaun Banega Crorepati is set to commence in great style and grandeur in the city of Surat with Amitabh Bachchan hosting the show. The knowledge-based show will be uniquely shot live amidst citizens of Surat and will be telecast on Sony Entertainment Television. The citizens of Surat will also get an opportunity to participate in the show, live. The registrations have commenced from July 22, 2014. The selection of contestants to qualify will be done in two rounds and the shortlisted participants will get a chance to play the Fastest Finger round.
Viraf Phiroz to the rescue!
‘JFK’, Salman’s new lady love?
Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, having made her first appearance opposite Salman Khan in Kick, is now surrounded with rumours about the two being a thing. The two recently created quite a stir on Zee TV's Cinestars Ki Khoj when they made a joint appearance to promote Kick. Making a splashy entry on the show, Salman introduced Jacqueline as 'JFK' on the sets. When the hosts Vishal Malhotra and Hussain Kuwajerwala quizzed him about Jacqueline being called JFK, Salman decided to keep mum while Jacqueline blushed. When they tried to reason with Salman, Salman was quick enough to tell them that it stood for Jacqueline Fernandez 'Khan', sending the audience into a roaring frenzy. While Jacqueline couldn't help blushing at this comment, Salman just laughed and dismissed all further questions. Pampering her to bits on the sets of the show, Salman constantly ensured that Jacky was comfortable at the shoot.
New addition to Diya Aur...team
It seems like the two ladies of Star Plus' show Diya Aur Baati Hum (DABH), Pooja (Emili) and Neelu (Bhabho) have been running in and out of shots while shooting for the daily soap. Wondering why there is so much of commotion? It is for none other than the new member of the DABH family. This new member, a tiny tortoise, has occupied a corner in Emily's room and has guests visiting him all the time. The ladies have been getting chopped cucumber and coriander from home to feed him.
Buddha’s day out!
Himanshu Soni, who plays the title role in Buddha on Zee TV, has a huge fan following. An online contest was recently held by the production house and the two lucky winners, Aishwariya Nitnaware from Nagpur and Vibha Kumari from Ranchi, got an opportunity to meet him in Mumbai. Both the fans were accompanied by their fathers. Himanshu was overwhelmed by their open admiration and was happy to know that they follow the show regularly.
The fans brought handmade cards and even gifted a collage to him. Himanshu treated them with pizzas and made their day special. He says, "It's nice to meet your fans. I felt great on knowing that they not only watch every episode, but also imbibe the values being conveyed through the show. I am grateful to producer BK Modi and Ridwana for giving me an opportunity to play the title role. The role and the show have changed my life as well. I have become a very calm person."
The show must go on...
Shikha Singh, aka Aaliya of Zee TV's Kumkum Bhagya, has been unwell. She was in the USA on a 15-day vacation, and due to change of weather, she has been hit by exhaustion and fever. But, as it's her character's wedding on the show, she has no option but to shoot.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Now is the time to try your luck in speculative deals. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility without incentive. Domestic compulsions will make your life uneasy.
Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky color: Peach.
Magic number: 36
TAURUS: Social events will be a positive stimulus for you. A trip out of town might be on the cards and take you away from your lover. Expectant mothers are
assured safe delivery. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussion.
Lucky color: Skin Magic number: 29 GEMINI: Jealousy, possessiveness and control all suggest issues of code pungency. So, this is the perfect time to start practicing independence and letting go. Push extra cash into safe schemes. Tarot message: Keep a close watch on niggling health problems. Lucky color: Copper. Magic number: 34 CANCER: You could be a sucker for glamorous advertising. Think twice before you start spending your cash on a whim. You may meet an interesting person today. Teenagers: love stars twinkle.
Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking Lucky color: Maroon
Magic number: 33 LEO: You need to honour yourself first and foremost. Your plans for the day can be changed by others. An opportunity to work unsupervised will enhance
your performance and lead to promotion. Tarot message: Impatience will lead to failure
Lucky color: Blue Magic number: 30 VIRGO: A tiring day if you have to work. Be willing to change behaviour. Think of the positives and you will finish the day with a smile. Women: emotionally, you may be feeling insecure.
Tarot message: Rivalry would push you to do your best. Lucky color: Red Magic number: 44
LIBRA: An issue that is niggling at the back of your mind should be addressed. Love life sparkles. Health is fine. If you have been thinking of buying a pet, this is a favourable day for getting one.
Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky color: Purple
Magic number: 32 SCORPIO: Friendly vibes and thoughts of romance bade well for singles in the dating game. Internet dating might be the way to go. Just remember that people may not be everything they say they are. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky color: Grey
Magic number: 46 SAGITTARIUS: No matter how much you love your partner, do not compromise those things that are important to you. Teamwork is the key note of the day.
Home life will be pleasant. Tarot message: Watch your best interests. Lucky color: Coffee brown Magic number: 50 CAPRICORN: Look at the proposal from an unbiased perspective and you could stand to make quite a decent profit in the long term. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Tarot message: Take limited risks with capital.
Lucky color: Burgundy Magic number: 63 AQUARIUS: Gossip in the workplace can cause unexpected problems and upsets. If you work in an area where there are language barriers, be extra careful of misunderstandings.
Tarot message: Find within yourself a fountainhead of will power.
Lucky color: Saffron Magic number: 59 PISCES: Think wisely before you start spending your extra cash, as there may be a surprise around the next corner that would make a better use of it. Politicians draw flak. Do not avoid responsibility.
Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky color: Yellow
Magic number: 48
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The year ahead
If your birthday is July 27...
Your birth on the 27th day of the month adds a tone of selflessness and humanitarianism to your life path. You are one who can work very well with people, but at the same time you need a good bit of time to be by yourself; to rest and meditate. Regardless of your life path number, there is a very humanistic and philanthropic approach in most of the things that you do. This birthday helps you to be broadminded, tolerant, generous and very cooperative. Positive colours: Golden, White. Select days: Tuesday, Friday, Thursday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Red Coral, Yellow Sapphire
You share your birthday with Rahul Bose (July 27, 1967, Kolkata), who is known for his work in films like English August, Jhankaar Beats and Mr and Mrs Iyer. Being a Leo and born with number 9, Bose will do well in direction as well as in social work in the time to come.
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Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan will be the show stopper for ace designer Manish Malhotra at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) Winter/Festive 2014.
Kriti Sanon is under a deluge of invites to dance at award events and prestigious shows. There are invites to walk the ramp too and attend glamourous events in general after the success of Heropanti. She created a buzz with her performance at the Life OK! awards.
Neha Kakkar recently celebrated her mother Kimi Kakkar's birthday. She says, "Moms I think are the greatest people in the world. Every child feels like that. Every year on her birthday we try and do something special. This year I gifted her an Anarkali designed by me. Since we are Punjabis and big foodies, we took her to her favourite restaurant. I also sang Tu kitni achhi hai o Maa... which I had dedicated to her on Mother's Day as well."
Recently, TV actor Viraf Phiroz Patel saved co-star Chhavi Pandey a.k.a Tara from a major mishap on the sets of their show Ek Boond Ishq. According to reports, while shooting for a recent dance sequence, Chhavi had to climb up on a table in a drunken stupor and eventually slip and fall into Mrityunjay's arm. While rehearsing, Chhavi's footwear slipped on the satin tablecloth and would have led to a major fall. Luckily, Viraf grabbed her in time and had her land on a chair instead.
Charity on birthday: Donate wheat at any religious place today.