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Not just for a kick
But the author with the Midas Touch has certainly embellished it with his writing prowess. As Kick's screenplay has flown from his pen, he recalls how his affair with cinema that began as a fling is now a relationship in which he can't afford to fail. Failing anyway is not an option this immensely successful writer of books like Five Point Someone, One Night @ the Call Center, The 3 Mistakes of My Life and 2 States would ever consider. If his books have ensured his place under the sun, their adaptation into films have further entrenched his celebrity author status. Over to the investment banker-turned-novelist, who happens to be also an eloquent motivational speaker. Screen shot: Writing a screenplay is more of a collaborative effort, more concise and precise. However, your reputation is certainly on the line. And when you have a superstar like Salman Khan in the film and expectations of the film raking in hundreds of crores riding high, you dare not go wrong. Better that the best: Out of all my books adapted on silver screen Kai Po Che is without doubt my favourite. It's exceptionally well made and not only because I wrote the screenplay. Pulse of youth: How do I get it right? By being with them. I am a people's person, not an island unto myself. Gen Y: No generation is ever perfect, nor is this one. It's confused as well as connected, skilled yet consumerist. Like all generations, it's a mixed bag. Sharing his love story: I was okay with it. I did fictionalise 2 States. Besides, I didn't know it would become so big, neither the book nor the film. Why the book not only sold a million copies but had admirers like this Sikh gentleman. It was Chetan's book that made him agree to his daughter's cross cultural marriage. And guess what? He put up a stall of the book at the wedding ceremony! His alma mater: Have I wasted my degrees by not pursuing a job? But considering how my books have immortalised both IITs and IIMs, I don't think I have done a dis-service to them. JK Rowling of India: Or, Rakhi Sawant or Ekta Kapoor of books I have been called many names. I am just me. We all are unique with our own USPs. What it takes to be writer: There is no one quality. But one must know how to articulate one's thoughts and be clear and lucid. Lending voice to Tata sky education project: It's better than selling deodorants. I can identify with the concept for my children are the same age. Easygoing father: I may not be the best father but I am a friendly one who likes to spend time with my children. Fame is a sword: Not just double-edged but triple- edged and can take you in many directions. Anything you say and people are only too eager to slam you. Not all criticism is bad. I take actionable criticism seriously and try to change accordingly. Atypical man: What to talk of typical Indian, I am not even a typical man. I think differently. Crimes against women would lessen if men paid heed to their feminine side. Down the lane: I would not like to be remembered, only missed. nonika@tribunemail.com
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Curiosity empowered this cat!
It all started with a pure love for tinkering with technology and what followed was just a geek left loose. "I was 14 when I wrote my first book. I was too shy to even talk to a publisher about it. I told my parents and they approached the publishers. When my mother first made calls, everybody would ask if I was a professor in college or something. They didn't know my age," he takes the conversation back to his beginner's days, while in Chandigarh for the launch of his 16th book, Social. "It is a book telling readers as how they can enhance their professional life. It takes up issues like how to get your resume noticed to de-clutter your inbox to do your homework before meeting people." He adds, "Initially I've written completely technical books and lately I have been trying to break into the self-help genre. Because that is more readable and has given me a wider reach." Beyond computers It is a step beyond computers and digital devices and for good. "I am currently penning my first fiction. It will be a story on a group of college friends and there is this hacker who leads a double life. He has an altogether different identity on the net and among his friends." The transition in genres came naturally, courtesy the television shows. "I have hosted shows like What The Hack on MTV and have my own channel on Youtube, where I teach youngsters. So, writing things down came easily." There is something else too that he's often asked to elaborate upon. An ethical hacker…err, a hacker who's ethical right? "Suppose a bank wants to test their security. So, upon their request, I try to hack into their systems to see if it is secure or not." Travel & travelogues So far, it has been 16 books in 15 years and counting, a statistic he simply puts down to. "I love to write." Followed by an ardent love for travelling. "It was my dream to have travelled 100 countries in 10 years. In fact, I have done a little more than that. I am already 107 countries old. Now, I want to have travelled to all the 195 countries in the world but certainly not in the next 10 years." Perhaps, it is time to switch genres one more time and look at a travelogue. "I have actually written a couple of travel columns for magazines. If at all I write a travel book, it'll be on one unique thing about each country I have been to. For example, in Taiwan, there is a snake street on which all the restaurants serve snake and how they are served is in itself unique." Meanwhile, he has only about 90 odd countries to touch base with. That's another far-off dream or may be not so far. He may have come miles ahead, nevertheless, "I will never admit to the girl that I broke into her account. I am friends with her and she keeps asking if I was the one," he smiles. A geek let loose! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Low on entertainment
Directed by debutant duo Sajid-Farhad, the film Entertainment, is a Bollywood slapstick comedy starring Akshay Kumar and Tamannaah Bhatia. The film has been produced by Ramesh S Taurani of Tips Industries Ltd. Nothing great Entertainment is an important factor for the success of a Bollywood film, but not the only factor. Entertainment is a film that only has entertainment and nothing else, neither the storyline nor the acting. Jaskirat Singh, student Brainless attempt I like Akshay Kumar, but I did not like the film that much. It's quite a brainless attempt at making a film that has no storyline whatsoever. I like the dog in the film and that's the only thing I like about the film. Vishakha Shukla, employee at a private firm B It's not a great film, but it's not all that bad either. It is funny and bearable as a one-time watch. Also, I think the idea of involving a dog in a film is cute. Kanika Dhiman, private bank employee Superhero team Guardians of the Galaxy is an American superhero film, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team by the same name. It has been produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the tenth instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film has been directed by James Gunn, who wrote the screenplay with Nicole Perlman, and features an ensemble cast, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close and Benicio del Toro. In Guardians of the Galaxy, Peter Quill forms an uneasy alliance with a group of extraterrestrial misfits who are on the run after stealing a coveted orb. Good action It's an interesting film. I am anyway a huge fan of Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper. The action sequences are really good. Sujata Sharma, student Very gripping I loved the film. It is amazing! Also, I really like the storyline and dialogues. It's gripping and very engaging too. Vrinda Lekhi, businessperson (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
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A perky affair
Jasmine Singh
Film: Aa Gaye Munde UK De There are certain things that you must know about this film. One, Aa Gaye Munde UK De (AGMUD) has been directed by a man who revived Punjabi cinema — Manmohan Singh. Second, the film is a sequel of a pretty good film Munde Uk De. And thirdly, the film has a dream star cast, including Jimmy Shergill, Neeru Bajwa, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Rana Ranbir, Binnu Dhillon, Om Puri, Guggu Gill, Navneet Nishan, Khusboo Grewal, Inana Sran. Now, here are three good things about the film, if only they could rub their effect! Director Manmohan Singh, known for his cinematography and 'sensible' direction, loses his grip slightly on this film, which, of course, he takes charge of after the interval. The story of the film relates to something that happens in Punjab even today, but for those who go expecting this sequel to have moved ahead with a rocket speed might feel slightly disappointed. The first half is slow, given the fact that the lead actress Neeru Bajwa appears pretty late on the scene lends 'pace' to the slow movement. In a Manmohan Singh picture you are assured there is no dull moment on the screen since he is known to play a lot with colours. AGMUD has soaked in the entire VIBGYOR spectrum. The story gradually picks pace after the interval, getting better with every scene. Neeru Bajwa and Jimmy Shergill are back, the two of course have a likeable chemistry on screen. As we all have heard it, expectations can be killing! The name Jimmy Shergill conjures up names like Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster, Special 26 and also Dharti. If you want to see that Jimmy Shergill, you'd probably have to wait for his next marvel. As for this Roop, he sure is a handsome roop! Neeru Bajwa perks up the scene, Om Puri lends his heavy duty voice, fits the role; Gugu Gill and Navneet Nishan can always play the perfect father and mother; Rana Ranbir whips up some funny dialogues, Gurpreet Ghuggi is always at his witty best. The person who lends a good laugh in the second half of the film, pushing it a wee bit with crackjack English is Binnu Dhillon. He offers some very hilarious moments. Khusboo Grewal adds her bit of fun too. The music of the film is soft and romantic; the song Tere Hi Naal is totally hummable. The other track that comes towards the end of the film, the title track Aage Munde Uk De sung by Nishawn Bhullar can get you on the floor. It perks up your tempo and is a full-on rocking number, something Manmohan Singh is known to do with his films. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Reaching out
It's not just the actors and directors, Bollywood distributors too are now looking towards Punjabi cinema. Latest Punjabi flick Phir Aa Gye Munde UK De is venturing into a new territory.
The movie has been shot in this part of the world by Yash Raj Puri Company. Anil
Puri, a part of the company, says it is the first Punjabi movie being released at this large a scale. "Apart from Punjab and some other states of the country, the movie is also being released in Pakistan at 20 theatres, including eight prints in Lahore and three in Islamabad. But, that's not all; Dubai and Malaysia will also witness a Punjabi movie in their cinema houses, for the very first time," he says. "This is a big boost for Punjabi cinema," says the film's lead actress, Neeru
Bajwa. She says it speaks volumes about the growing stature of Punjabi cinema—not only are the movies being released and distributed by big names associated with Yash
Raj, but they are also widening their reach. Success of a serious movie like Punjab 1984 augurs well for Punjabi movies of the same genre. "It is good that movies of different genres are now finding acceptance among the audience,” she adds. "Though films seem to have squandered their way, some movies proved to be landmarks for the industry," said another fan.
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A real dawat
Sung by Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and Keerthi Sagathia, the song Mannat from the film Dawat-e-Ishq is a dawat for all those of you who are die-hard romantics. While Sajid & Wajid have given the music of the song, its lyrics have been penned by Kausar Munir. The song has also become the new romantic anthem. Here's what Chandigarh folks have to say. Good vibe I am in love with the song. It has a soul and more than that, I am really fond of the vocalists, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. I keep listening to this song everyday. It has a very good vibe to it. Harjeet Kaur, home-maker Soft number I really love this song as it makes me fall in love with love all over again. It is soft, mellow and has subtle glimpses of Sufi music too, which when twined with the concept of love, makes the song even more beautiful. Namita Dogra, freelance web-designer (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
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Dum mast mast!
Innovation is the key; if your curious mind leads you to trace beloved biryani's inception, chances are you'd stumble upon theories of Turkish invaders introducing Pilaf to India, and we, doing what we know best, localised the flavours and called it biryani, deriving it from the Persian word 'beryan' (roasted).
Now, the chefs at Best Western Maryland have decided to take longer strides of innovation and fuse this authentic Hyderabadi food staple with some inter-continental and inter-state flavours. Sample these: Murg Pasta Biryani, Three Beans Biryani, Mushroom Mongolian Biryani, Pineapple Barbeque Biryani, Bolognese Biryani or, closer home, Gatte Ki Biryani. Odd? Not in the least! Served with Salan and Burani/Mint Raita, these fusion biryanis undergo hours of slow, 'dum' cooking in earthen pots, complying with the sacred biryani tradition. Take the Murg Pasta biryani, for instance. The fact that the pasta, the rice and the chicken are cooked perfectly, all in one dum, is magnificent. And, to top it all, every morsel is distinctly flavourful and rhythmic. The first thought on hearing ‘Pasta Biryani’ would be the stark world of difference in flavours. Executive chef Ravinder, however, has brought rhythm to that diversity. "It took us six months to compose this menu. We've been trying over and over again to get the cooking of all ingredients right. We've had trials where the rest of the ingredients were melting in the mouth, but the rice were still raw and vice-versa," says Chef Ravinder. For meat lovers, a must-try is Nargesh Kofta Biryani. You can also put your sea-food cravings to rest with their enticing Jhinga Goan Biryani, which boasts of aromatic coastal flavours of coconut and curry leaves. Vegetarians too are spoilt for choice with Kathal Biryani (the perfect substitute for chicken), Kabuli Biryani (with Kabuli channa), Sambher Biryani, Soya Champ Tangy Orange Biryani et al. And, if your diet doesn't allow you to satiate your cravings, you can opt for the Three Bean Biryani - kidney beans, peas and sprouts, flavoured with khatta pyaaz. The festival also features some traditional Mughlai desserts such as Semiya Ka Muzaffer, Dudhi Ka Halwa (grated bottle gourd with milk and cardamom) and Shai Tukra. The best of the lot remains Semiya Ka Muzaffer. A meal for two here would cost Rs 1,000 (approx) (On till August
24) somya@tribunemail.com
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Palate for art
Nothing comes close to good food and great music. Taking a cue, Oregano at JW Marriott, in collaboration with Artfile, presents Soulful Saturdays, an all-new take or rather an artistic addition to the Italian dining experience. “They say that aroma heightens the senses and flavour of the food. We believe that food, music and art put together in a coherent way does volumes to the dining experience,” Manmeet Singh Sehgal, director, JW Marriott, explains the concept that has tested waters with a couple of performers already.
Every Saturday will unroll a brush with the art, in the form of an exhibition or with performing arts, in the form of a live show or even both. Shares Neepa Sharma, from the Artfile, “There will be a lot of naysayers who’ll say Chandigarh has no appetite for art. My ideology is to throw it at their face till they start appreciating it.” It is an endeavour to give impetus to any genre of art. Right click Apart from a performance in world music by the trio Gharana, what awaits this Saturday is a brush with photography when digitals had not coloured reality, technology had not pervaded the art. Yog Joy: A Photographic Retrospective, an exhibition comprising 15 images by the renowned photographer. Most of the works showcase an era gone by, the beauty of villages that no more exist in Rajasthan, the telephone lines that remind of times before cable wires. Shares Vikram Joy, the curator, "There are more than a thousand images in his collection that we have been trying to restore and collate. They are neither air-brushed nor photo-shopped unlike most pictures taken today."
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Taste & tell
From experimental measures popping up as the dish of the day
to largely attended ball room events, food festivals have come a long way. Long
enough to have done travelling through the familiar terrains of Kashmir,
Hyderabad, Awadh or Rajasthan. If there's a comfort in the familiar, there's a
kick in the unfamiliar. The culinary endeavours in Chandigarh lately have been
bringing us the food stories from far flung parts of the world, of the places
where the palate is yet to reach. Culinary exposure If the food could
travel, it would be a food festival! Or, so it seems and that is from where the
idea of a food festival springs. "We had a lot of guests from down South
already staying with us. So, we thought why not come up with a food festival
celebrating their food and culture. It would also give some exposure to people
here," shares Karan V Siag, food and beverage manager, Hotel Hometel, on
the idea behind the Coastal Food Festival. The cuisine that put together the
coastal areas of Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh right on the city
tables. "We were already done hosting events like Kashmiri, Mughlai, or
even the street food festival. The idea is to offer our guests something new.
Coastal food is one of the cuisines that have not been touched in the
city." He adds, "Moreover, monsoon is just about over in South, while
it is still on in North India." It was only logical that along with the
clouds, food travelled upwards. Fresh flavour
It's a check with almost every
continent in terms of cuisine, Italian, Oriental, Continental…Most have either
been given their due or are a part of the food widely available in the region.
The already popular Chinese made the base strong for Thai and other Oriental
cuisines. Just when hardly any segment of pan-Asian cuisine remained unexplored
we started charting the streets of individual cities. "Our city already
loves food with strong flavours and rich consistency. The whole idea behind
hosting Singapore Street Food Festival was to introduce people to a kind of new
food yet something they already have the palate for," shares executive
chef, Vijay Thapliyal, The Lalit, Chandigarh. Also, it has never come to
limelight in the city, so trying our hand on something new for the market was
also the idea." He adds, "With regards to growing familiarity towards
pan-Asian cuisine, Singapore street food encompasses dishes from Malaysia and
Indonesia and even Coastal areas of India. The chicken curry, mutton curry,
Malabar paranthas—all have a very decent place in Singapore streets. What
differentiates the food is the very predominant flavour of Singapore
cuisine." Unfamiliar taste If it were not for the entire weekend of
recognition, sometimes a week, the finer nuances of the cuisine and place of
origin would remain unexplored. Perhaps, some of the reasons for Ligurian Food
Festival held last year at JW Marriott, Chandigarh or Sicilian Food Festival
held at Hyatt Regency in Ludhiana recently. "Most of the guests are
familiar with the term Italian food but in a very generic way. We wanted our
guests to know and experience the flavour of the regional Italian cuisine.
Sicilian cuisine is a regional cuisine from Italy and it is distinct in terms of
raw material and products used in it," shares Rajdeep Rana, Chef de
Cuisine, Hyatt Regency. He adds, "Moving forward we are planning to bring
flavours from other regions of Italy, starting with Tuscany, to make our guests
more aware. Also, lined up is Pashtuni cuisine, apart from desserts of the
world." The known cuisines leave scope for much deeper exploration. While
the regions keep changing, the reasons remain the same. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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300 up for Jodha Akbar
Zee TV's hit historical show Jodha Akbar, which stars Rajat Tokas and Paridhi Sharma, celebrated the completion of 300 episodes recently. The cast and crew, many of whom stay in Karjat where the shoot takes place, feel the hardwork has been worth it.
Being strong
A happy ending
Gym buddies
Shama’s b-day bash
Priyanka’s day out
However, four months later, fed up with Jonah's antics, his uncle sends him back to Sydney to enroll in yet another school, the Holy Cross School. Once again, the always impressionable Jonah finds himself adapting to a new school and fending off new foes all while trying to be a 'good boy'. Lilley has not just created and written but also starred in the title role of the new show, which premieres on Saturday August 9 at 8 pm, exclusively on HBO Defined. — HRM
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The year ahead
If your birthday is August 9...
Number nine is the teacher-a tolerant, somewhat impractical and sympathetic vibration. Ruled by Mars, you may be the jack of all trades, humanitarian, sympathetic, helpful, emotional, tolerant, active and determined. Expressed negatively: financially careless, moody, bullying, overly emotional, sullen and restless. A golden period begins today. Businesswise, you will expand; high gains and a high level of confidence at the beginning of 2015. You need to remember that such trends are rare and do not continue throughout life. Saturn would change on November 2, assuring you progress for next seven-and-half years. Positive colours: Golden, red, brown, cream, white, orange and purple Select days: Sunday and Monday Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7 Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, ruby Charity on birthday: Donate blue washing soap, detergent and utensils to the needy.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: The need is to be vigilant, as someone at office might try to harm your interest or reputation. Call friends you haven't seen for a long time. Drive carefully, especially two wheelers.
Tarot message: You have well-wishers around. Lucky colour: Turquoise Magic number: 60 TAURUS: Finances and investments would take up a major chunk today. This is also a good time to deal with loans, debts and credits. Businessmen may decide to take care of their portfolios, stocks and shares. Tarot message: Take limited risks. Lucky colour: Aqua Magic number: 52 GEMINI: Many of you may receive some sound counsel from unexpected sources, so pay attention to everything that you hear. Those of you facing a cash crunch may be helped out by a friend. Tarot message: Health of an elderly member will needcare. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels Magic number: 46 CANCER: This may be quite a surprising and rewarding day. Many of you may receive bonuses or pay hikes that were unexpected, while others may receive appreciation for their hard work. Expect monetary profits today. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended. Lucky
colour: White Magic number: 39 LEO: The day would be busy yet happy; you would be able to achieve a lot in your personal and professional life. At work, your labor of the past few days would be appreciated and rewarded, motivating and inspiring you. Tarot message: You need to be creative. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 28 VIRGO: A hectic social life would keep you on your toes today and lead to some new and interesting associations. A special someone may not have enough time for you and may make you feel a bit neglected. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 63
LIBRA: Most of you would be craving for something stimulating and entertaining today. At work, too, you would be open to challenging assignments, which would give you a chance to tap into your potential. Tarot message: You will get the help you need. Lucky colour: Deep red Magic number: 41 SCORPIO: Manage personal relationships with diplomacy and thoughtfulness. This would be a day in which you would need to think with your heart, especially as far as a special relationship is concerned. Tarot message: Do not overspend to impress others. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: Singles would receive good proposals and should consider them. Stomachache, backache and the like may bother you. At work, you would be open to feedback and some of you would also be planning to prepare for promotions. Tarot message: Over-optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic number: 30 CAPRICORN: If confused about relationships, don't hesitate to seek help and guidance. You may be surprised by what you learn. Those married will bring the spark back into their relationship. Tarot message: Stabilise your financial situation with property investments. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 64 AQUARIUS: Travelling and communication would be a part of the day and so would an interest in religion and spirituality. Children would be filled with energy. Some of you may also be philosophically and spiritually inclined. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 50 PISCES: Adventure, fun, entertainment would be on top of your mind today and you may spend a good deal of time partying with friends. Conversation, too, would be a highlight and you would get to hone your interpersonal skills. Tarot message: Involve yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 25
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He's changed what and the way young India reads. If imitation was the best form of flattery, he would certainly walk away with most flattered award as he has spawned not only host of clones but almost a production line of stories set in IITs and IIMs. Chetan Bhagat, the million copy writer, has several reasons to be kicked and keep his readers kicking. But right now it's the flick Kick that ought to give him the adrenaline rush. Nah, the blockbuster that is all set to enter the ~200 crore club, is not based on one of his books.
Ankit Fadia has truly been a geek on the loose. The teen, who broke into his girlfriend's hotmail account, has travelled miles ahead. Far enough to have 100 countries, a Stanford degree, 16 books find space in his resume. While the terms ethical hacker, an author, a computer security consultant keep pushing grounds for identity.
Jonah is back!
You share your birthday with Vindu Dara Singh Randhawa [August 9, 1964, Ludhiana],
who was born to veteran actor and wrestler Dara Singh. He made his acting debut in Hindi film Karan (1994). Vindu is passing through an inauspicious Rahu period.