Passion personified
If you have the itch to paint, then only you should pick up the brush, says Padma Shree artist Manu Parekh, who believes art can be taught if you have the core ingredient in you—passion 
Manpriya Singh

Couple of arts: Manu Parekh and Madhavi Parekh
Couple of arts: Manu Parekh and Madhavi Parekh

As much as skill, it takes stimulation to be able to bring to life all things that are subject for still life. To be able to translate the colour, culture and mood and crowds of a place on canvas. Some of the several things that Padma Shree Manu Parekh found with the city of Banaras and all that it had to offer; the ghats, the river, the boats, the temple, the surroundings and the people.

"With Banaras, I found this unparalleled human energy…There are people coming from all over to that city…I also like the Islamic influence on that place. Like I said, it is full of human activity," he shares, while in Chandigarh for a workshop organised by Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi as a part of the 6th Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival.

It is the people and crowds he found solace in Kolkata. "I like to work upon one city at a time. To have something as a muse. Kolkata is such a crowded place that you go down the stairs to pick up something and you can come back with an idea or an inspiration," he shares of the city where his artistic innings began.

It wasn't the same with Mumbai, his formal college years at JJ School of Art. "Maybe had I stayed there, I would have found something…Mumbai seemed like a city only for successful people. While Kolkata felt like a home for the struggling people."

Art of teaching

Passion, has always been a key to picking up the brush and canvas. "It is such a voluntary thing. Only if you have the itch one should come and learn, otherwise who's told you to do it?"

Give him passion and the paraphernalia can be worked upon, placed and fitted. "I do not believe in the school of thought that says art cannot be taught. Certainly there are technicalities and education improves the knowledge. His wife, pupil for life and a self-taught artist, Madhavi Parekh more than exemplifies the fact. He points, "People say she is self-taught, but that is not the case. I certainly did teach her. "

Born in a small village in Gujarat, Madhavi's works reflect her rural influences in her stylized folk art. "I have always been fascinated by simple rural themes like the sky, beauty of a village." That explains her works where emancipation takes the centre-stage and man being depicted free from mechanical times.

Man of many shades

For Manu Parekh, the play of light and shade and all the shades in-between, didn't stop at painting. It continues through theatre, set designing et al. "As an artist, if you extend to any two related fields, it always brings an element of layering,” he points towards the times when art and artists can afford to dabble in various options. "When I started, one couldn't make a living by being an artist. One had to be in a job.”

The only thing that remains unchanged is the solitary requirement—passion.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

A cosy dinner
Music composer Mikey McCleary, who gave us some memorable jingles, is now developing those as full-fledged songs for his latest album, 
TV Dinner
Amarjot Kaur

fun notes: Mikey McCleary
fun notes: Mikey McCleary Photo: Pradeep Tewari

The Bollywood music scene has for long dismissed the idea of including Independent music. Independent music significantly voiced itself in the mid 90s and early 2000 while establishing the hit 'cutting an album' culture. During this time, Mikey McCleary, who is originally from New Zealand, and born in Chennai, was working in London at the Trident Studios, content with the idea of making music at a place that was home to several artistes, including The Beatles, the Bee Gees, Joe Cocker, Kiss, Peter Gabriel and Queen. Little did he know that the sound of a knock on his door would be a turning point in his career and his ticket to Bollywood!

The defining moment

"I had just got done with studying composition and orchestration at the Wellington Conservatorium of Music and at Victoria University of Wellington and was happily working at Trident, but one fine day a gentleman knocks on my door only to inform me that he is an Indian and my brother-in-law," he laughs. When we ask him about the man in question, he just beams and says, "Lucky Ali"! This was his first introduction to India's independent music scene.

In Chandigarh to perform at a private gig, we speak with him about the evolution of Bollywood music and his new album, TV Dinner, which is a compilation of all his hit jingles. "I could relate to the kind of music that Lucky was making at that point and time and agreed to compose music for his albums, including Sunoh, Sifar, Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai and all subsequent projects," he shares. However, at that point and time, with Bollywood distancing itself from the Indie music, advertisement jingles welcomed Mikey and gave him the required creative vent.

Mikey has composed jingles for several companies, including Lakme, Levis, Vodafone, and Coca Cola, and has also tendered music to films like Shaitan, David, and Nautanki Saala.

Music matters

"I think Bollywood has found a space for Indie music perhaps because it's progressive and though Bollywood is still evolving, I'm anticipating positive changes," he says while sipping from a cup of cappuccino. A few sips down and the conversation turns to his third album, TV Dinners that features several Indie artists who have collaborated with his band, The Bartender, which is an eclectic live act. "The Bartender is a unique act which reinvents Hindi classics in a jazzy seductive style. The act features three popular singers,” he says.

Talking about the contents of his album, which are a lengthier version of his jingles, he says, "I realised that a lot of people thought that the jingles were already existing songs made by a band or solo artiste. I then thought it would be good to make them into full songs. It's very satisfying to finally do this because I always felt these jingles deserved to be full songs," he smiles.

Future perfect

With three albums up his sleeve, Mikey is best known for his ability to renovate old songs without tampering with their souls, Khoya Khoya Chand, Kabhi Kabhi, Damadum Mast Kalandar to name a few, he is also working on some originals. "I will be working on the songs and background score of the up and coming film Margarita and The Straw, along with a single called Gunnu Rock from Sonali Cable and a track called Dahi Handi from another film, Fataak. Also, I will be composing a few songs of the film, Bombay Velvet. I'm exploring a lot of street music these days," he signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com

Spatial statement 
As a theareperson and mathematician, K Madavane plays with space to lend depth to his storyline
Mona

Tughlaq, by far has been the one of the most controversial rulers India has ever seen, some call him a genius, others plain crazy and yet another consider him far ahead of his time. Known mostly for moving the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and back again, the play Tughlaq by Shri Ram Center for Performing Arts to be performed at Chandigarh Arts & Heritage Festival also focuses on the same.

"People always move but Tughlaq forced them to, that's where lies the catch," opens up K Madavane, director of the play.

A multifaceted personality originally from a village, three kilometres from Pondicherry, K Madavane started theatre when he was barely nine. He continued with his studies in different disciplines, including International Relations and Maths. A teaching career that encompassed teaching both maths and theatre, for K Madavane it's the space that comes first in a play.

At Tagore Theatre, the first thing that we notice is a double-storey set which is a totally functional space. "It's a big chair representing the throne and the set moves as does the caste," explains the director.

Trained in Paris in set design for three years, K Madavane is impressed by the scope of interpretations that Tughlaq's life offers, "Meanings are many".

Another set of meanings that he explored was in his other production Mahabharata of Women. "I have heard stories from Mahabharta from my grandmother, my mother and I still hear some. Mahabharata of Women is what I have taken from the oral tradition."

K Madavane has his next play's script with him and is exploring space for it…

mona@tribunemail.com

Writer writes a play, director directs a different play, actors project something else and the audience sees a new play, if this multiplication of meaning is not there, it's sad.
—K Madavane

punjabi scope
Humour at its best
Jasmine Singh

The poster of Goreyan nu daffa karo
The poster of Goreyan nu daffa karo 

There is a thin line separating comedy and humour — if comedy is an act that makes people laugh, humour is the quality of being amused. Punjabi film Goreyan Nu Daffa Karo (GNDK) fills both the slots perfectly!

Directed by Pankaj Batra , this film again comes with an ensemble cast of Pollywood and Hollywood actors — Amrinder Gill, Binnu Dhillon, Yograj Singh, Aman Khatkar, Amrit Maghera, Rana Ranbir, Karamjit Anmol, Sardar Sohi and Terence Winkless.

The film is a like a piece of well-baked cake by the director Pankaj Batra. To start off, GNDK indeed has a different storyline, which has a subtle meaning as well. Scriptwriter Amberdeep Singh, who has also written the dialogues of the film, has dug out a 'something different story." The dialogues are packed with a punch — used at the right time, without any exaggeration.

Director Pankaj Batra has done clean justice to the subject. The film has a battery of actors who know their art, but it is Pankaj who has made use of each of them well.

GNDK has praiseworthy cinematography; the film moves at a set pace, which again has been managed by the director well. Thankfully, you don't have songs dropping with the batting of an eyelid!

Now for the actors who added their sweetness to the cake; Amrinder Gill, as Kala, has definitely given a must-watch performance of his career. Every bit of him is 'cute'! Next up is Yograj, who has thankfully been shown well. The character suits his personality and he has justified it as well.

The man who can leave you in splits, Binnu Dhillon, is surely a show-stealer. His punches will hit you like dynamite and before you know, he leaves you with tears of laughter. Rana Ranbir, the actor, has given a likeable performance. He adds his dose of sweetness to the cake. Aman Khatkar, who is one of the producers, makes his acting debut with GNDK. With a little more expressions on his face, Aman sure has an alternate career ready. Sardar Sohi and Karamjit Anmol have also done a decent job in the film. Karamjit Anmol's track in the film is likeable. Terence has also done justice to his role. The film maintains a certain pace and offers humour with a subtle touch. The songs, especially aai hai jawaani, work as the icing on the cake! In the end, you are left with a smiling face, a dialogue kaaton katton and maybe thoughts of a sequel!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

first-day-first show
The funny search

A still fromFinding Fanny
A still fromFinding Fanny

Directed and written by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films and presented by Fox Star Studios, Finding Fanny is an English/Hindi satirical film featuring Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Pankaj Kapur, Deepika Padukone and Arjun Kapoor. The film revolves around five rather dysfunctional characters that live in the quaint sleepy village of Pocolim, nestled deep in the interiors of Goa, India. One night, an old postman, Ferdie (Naseeruddin Shah), receives a letter that is slipped under his door and realises that it is the letter he had written 46 years ago to the love of his life, Stefanie Fernandes (Anjali Patil), asking for her hand in marriage. To his utter shock, he discovers that it had never been delivered. All these years Ferdie has lived a life of melancholy and regret, believing that Stefanie had rejected him. He decides to find his beloved Fanny (as he fondly called her) and tell her the truth. Where would she be after 46 years? Dead? Happily married? Would she even remember him? Or is Stefanie Fernandes merely a figment of Ferdie's imagination?

Must watch

Well, thumbs up to the attempt for making a film like Finding Fanny. More than the film, I love the colourful characters who want a distraction from their mundane lives, including a young virgin widow (Deepika Padukone), a bitter mechanic (Arjun Kapoor), a belligerent artist (Pankaj Kapur) and an obnoxious, self-appointed "Lady" of Pocolim (Dimple Kapadia). It's a must watch.

Namrita Kaur, student

Nice flow

I love the film; the story flow is extremely engaging. I think Deepika Padukone has really evolved as an actress and her performance is remarkable in the film.

Harman Singh, agriculturist

Witty attempt

This film has the capacity to keep you glued to your seats. Also, I love the concept of the film and the way they have treated it too. The music of the film is very interesting. It's a quirky, interestingly, sarcastic and witty film.

Khushkaran Singh, student

Chills & Thrills

The poster of Creature 3D An Indian 3D monster-thriller-science-fiction film, Creature 3D, has been directed by Vikram Bhatt. It stars Bipasha Basu and Imran Abbas Naqvi in the lead roles. Produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, and co-produced by Ajay Kapoor under the banner of T-Series in association with BVG Films, the film is the Bollywood debut of Pakistani model-turned-actor Imran Abbas Naqvi. Amit Tandon and Mukul Dev are in the supporting roles.

Poor adaptation

I didn't like the film that much. It's a poor Bollywood adaptation of Tremors, but then the horror element with which it is introduced to Bollywood is self-destructing. Though Bips looks brilliant, it's not enough to get the film sailing.

Karanbir Singh, student

Not good

I wonder why Indians like aping the west and that too so blindly. This film is just annoying and though the technological features are good, they cannot match the Hollywood standards.

Harit, businessman

(As told to Amarjot Kaur)

TRENDSETTER
Casual grace

SIMPLE TAKE: Bhavuk Grover
SIMPLE TAKE: Bhavuk Grover PHOTO: INDERJEET VERMA

A student of interior designing at INIFD, Ludhiana, Bhavuk Grover, considers 'casual' as the best style. He shares his style statement.

Your sense of style

For me style is the same as confidence and the ability to carry off whatever one is wearing with grace.

Latest addition to your wardrobe

Zara printed shirt in black and white.

Brand-crazy or street pick-up?

Mostly brands for me, as they are a safer bet.

My style icon would be…….

Ranvir Singh.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Can't seem to pinpoint any!

Which look would you prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous

Glamorous.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension

Boot-cut jeans and loose shirts are not for me

Your take on accessories

Only a classy watch and wallet would do.

If given the choice, which designer would you prefer?

Raman Vij.

What gives your confidence a high?

When I am with like-minded friends and dressed well, but casually.

— As told to Poonam Bindra

Doc Talk
Fatty issue
Here are a few tips that can help you manage cellulite or sagging of the skin
Dr Vikas Sharma

Cellulite — the name sounds like a medical disorder but it is a term for lumpy, dimpled skin on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. Cellulite is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests topographically as skin dimpling and nodularity, often around the pelvic region.

Cellulite isn't harmful but most would like to get rid of it because of the way it looks. Over the last three decades, society's definition of beauty is a body with well-defined muscles and very little body fat. This has led to the identification of this medical condition known as cellulite, which is common with ageing as the skin loses some of its elasticity. It tends to run in families, so genetics play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite or not. An inactive lifestyle increases the chances of having cellulite. Cellulite is more common among women than men.

Other factors that influence how much cellulite you have and how visible it is include:

Poor diet

Fad dieting

Slow metabolism

Lack of physical activity

Hormone changes

Dehydration

Treatment time

There are many products and treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite on thighs and buttocks. But there is little evidence that shows that many of them work well or for long. The craze for cellulite-reduction therapies has made it a million-dollar market, but no standard treatment has emerged. Most studies show a 25 to 50 per cent improvement after multiple treatments. Here are some of the treatment options.

Cellulite creams: These creams are said to dissolve fat and smoothen the skin. But many cellulite creams contain aminophylline, a prescription drug approved for treating asthma. There is no scientific evidence that these creams are effective against cellulite and for some people, they can be harmful. Their apparent effect on cellulite may be due to narrowing blood vessels and forcing water from the skin, which could be dangerous for people with circulatory problems. Aminophylline can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Liposuction: This is a surgical procedure to remove fat deposits from the body. Liposuction, though, removes deep fat, not cellulite, which is just beneath the skin. Liposuction may actually worsen the appearance of cellulite by creating more depressions in the skin.

Mesotherapy: The therapy was originally developed in Europe to relieve pain of inflammatory skin. It involves injecting substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes into the tissue just beneath the skin. Mesotherapy may break down fat and bring a slight improvement in the appearance of cellulite. But it also carries risks, which include swelling, infection and irregular contours.

Massage & spa: Massage and other spa treatments may have a temporary effect on the dimpling appearance of the skin. But they do not remove cellulite. Any effect is short-lived and is probably due to the removal of excess fluid.

Laser & cryolipolysis: The FDA has recently cleared the use of laser energy to treat cellulite.

Although such procedures may hold promise, but along with them switching to an active lifestyle, including an effective exercise routine along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre, are essential for cellulite reduction.

(Sharma is a Chandigarh-based skin specialist)

Fauji flavour
Somya Abrol

Brigadier (retd) Madan Das
MEMORY BANK: Brigadier (retd) Madan Das Photo: S Chandan

The Army life is one to cherish. "It's always rosy, miss!" is how first-time author Brigadier (retd) Madan Das likes to portray his days of service in the Indian Army. Commemorating his 35-year-long affair with the fauj, Brig Das launched his first shot at fiction, Story of Harry Singh & Sophie Kaur, in Chandigarh on Friday. A brief excerpt on the cover lends us a sneak into the protagonist's fictionalised encounter with 'Kalam, Abdul Kalam'. "The story of Harry Singh and Sophie Kaur has been part of the Indian Army for ages; it's passed on from one generation of soldiers to the other. So, I decided to chronicle our fauji legacy in the form of this book, with some fictionalised tadka here and there," says Brig Das.

Launched by Major General (retd) CS Panag, the story of the book commences with a parade in Wellington in 1947, where General Hodson, advisor to His Excellency Lord Mountbatten, is the reviewing officer. A Tamilian prisoner under a military escort comprising Sikh soldiers escapes en route the unit. The story then revolves around his re-apprehension, which includes a chase in South India and his journey up to Jalandhar. Set against a backdrop of the British Raj, the novel also features a Madarasi soldier, an Anglo-Indian heiress (who is a survivor of RMS Titanic), besides a few English characters.

"What inspired me to write this book was reading the likes of Jeffery Archer, Harold Robbins, and even our homegrown Sardar Khushwant Singh. Once I'd read somewhere that Sardar Khushwant said 'I was inspired by one Mulk Raj Anand. When I read his book, I thought to myself, if Mulk Raj Anand can write a book, I surely can write a book.' And that was his initiation into writing. I hope to make a similar start."

Ask him about the paucity of time before retirement and he says, "During service you have no time. After retirement you find time but you look back and think yaar service waala time theek tha. Not that I took interest in writing only after retirement, though. I've always wanted to write. The time, however, has to be right. And, I've paid homage to my Sikh regiment through the Sikh hero of my book."

somya@tribunemail.com 

star track
Hrithik does it again!

A still from Bang Bang The daredevil superstar has shot a death-defying action stunt for Bang Bang that will see him water ski after being hooked to a sea-plane. No other film in the world has this action stunt which Bang Bang boasts about.

"This is the first time a scene like this has been shot for any film in the world and we can boast that a Bollywood film, Bang Bang, has recorded this feat," says Siddharth Anand, the director of Bang Bang. Hrithik Roshan says, "In Bang Bang, I have pushed myself to the extreme. This sequence called for some mental and physical tenacity. The rush that I experienced while training and executing the sequence was out of the world. I was hooked to a sea plane while I did the stunt. I had trained non-stop to even attempt the sequence." Being called the action romance of the year, Bang Bang is all set to release on October 2.

Please clap

Yash Chopra used to follow a trend where he would give the clap for every film produced by his banner. Aditya Chopra took over all his responsibilities except for this one and the clap would be given by the senior-most person on set. Now, Shah Rukh Khan and Maneesh Sharma have convinced him to give a clap for every YRF film, beginning with Fan.

Bundle of energy

Ranveer Singh has silenced all critics and earned more fans post Ram Leela. He is excited for Dil Dhadakne Do, which will show him in a new avatar. He is known for his sex appeal and charm along with his boundless energy. He talks about Deepika Padukone, his condom ad, and more.

Condom endorsement

Why should one have any apprehension? Maybe, because we are still conservative in thought. In our country, sex is still a taboo subject. It's high time we discussed it in a healthy manner. People should be made aware of diseases like STD and HIV and issues like unwanted pregnancy etc. Sex education is inadequate here. Promoting condoms is necessary. When I was given this chance to fulfill a social responsibility, I agreed. I'm comfortable with my sexuality. If you have a connection with the youth, if you can use your celebrity status or stardom to bring awareness, why not?

Boundless energy

I've always been this way. When I was a kid, my parents would get fed-up with me. Maybe that's how God has made me. I drink a lot of coffee too. So, my energy shoots up further. Once I'm up, that's by noon, I'm brimming with energy. But before noon, I'm grumpy, "Leave me alone, let me rest." But soon I get in form. I become super active. I like making people laugh, keeping the atmosphere light and fun. I can't remain serious for long. Alhamdulillah!

Arjun, my buddy

Arjun Kapoor is an amazing person. Ever since we've become friends, there is hardly a day when we don't message each other. We are constantly in touch. We have fun through messages; we pull each other's leg, share non-veg jokes and gossip. I don't get much chance to spend time with him though. He's become busier than me after Gunday. Also, he never shows what he could be going through in his personal life. No one will ever know that he's sad. But I can sense that.

Proud parents

They are happy for my success. Of course and this happiness has come after a long time. They are among those parents who spend their entire lives making their kids happy. Papa was the lone earning member. My mother had discarded her career so that she could devote time to us. We, as a family, went through ups and down. Today I've only one agenda in my life: to keep my parents happy. They are proud of me. For the past few years they have been able to enjoy a good life, which they couldn't earlier because of us.

Deepika's the best

I believe that she is among the best actresses in the film industry. She has the potential of being an all-time legend. She has held a steady graph. She did well in Cocktail, better in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, still better in Chennai Express and even better in Ram-Leela. Look at me. Is there any consistency? I was lost at one point. Sometimes I do well and sometimes not. She'll be a game-changer one day. She is a kind, genuine, and a strong person. She's gifted, in that she can judge people well. Her sixth sense is strong.

Food yatra

Aditya Roy Kapoor and Parineti Chopra Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur will be travelling via road from Mumbai to Chandigarh from now till September 19 and try various dishes in various eating joints as part of promotions for Daawat-E-Ishq. This is the first time two actors will travel on a food trip for promotions.

Inspiring Deepika

Deepika Padukone has been receiving requests from various youth summits and youth fora across borders to stage talks to inspire the new generation. She is being asked to speak about her achievements and plan of action at these forums.

 


Sonam finds time for Fanny

Sonam Kapoor Very few know that Sonam Kapoor was offered to play the lead role in Homi Adajania's Finding Fanny, but had to turn it down due to prior commitments. However, the gracious actress watched the film at a special screening organised by director Homi Adajania who she shares a great equation with. Sonam has been speaking highly about the trailer and was very keen on watching cousin Arjun Kapoor's performance in it, not to mention, Deepika Padukone whose work she deeply admires.

A source reveals, "Sonam was offered Finding Fanny but had to turn it down. However, that has not stopped her from supporting director Homi Adjania and cousin Arjun Kapoor. So, despite her hectic schedule when Homi extended an invitation for a special screening, Sonam immediately agreed and watched the film. She loved Deepika's performance in the film and didn't hold back her praise when she met her at the screening. They greeted each other warmly and spoke at length about the film."

chatter box
Drashti to marry?

Knotty affair: Drashti Dhami with Neeraj Khemka After being in news for being a 'not so good' host on a popular reality show, Drashti Dhami is back in news. Recent buzz suggest that she is getting married. Rumour has it that Drashti will be getting married to her boyfriend Neeraj Khemka in February next year. The TV actress has been in a relationship with Khemka for four years now. Neeraj's father owns a factory and the family resides in Juhu.

Getting hooked

Actor Vikas Manaktala recently got engaged to his long-time girlfriend Gunjan Walia. Vikas, who was in Delhi with his family recently, got engaged to Gunjan at a private ceremony.

When Krishna played football!

We hear that actor Krishna Bisth, who essayed the role of Qasim in Hatim, loves playing football in his building in Goreagaon. "Playing football with kids is so motivating and rejuvenating," says Krishna.

Animal instinct!

Aniruddh Dave, who will be seen in a negative role once again in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Bandhan, talks about his role and more.

You have worked in the past with Siddharth Kumar Tewary. What prompted you to take up Bandhan?

My last show with Siddharth Kumar Tewary was Phulwa and the character I played got a very good response from the audience. This show is based on animals. I have done Phulwa and one show, Lift Kara De, which is online.

It is a one-of-its-kind show with an elephant as the central character. Are you an animal lover?

Baby elephant is the main lead in this show. And yes of course, I am an animal-lover.

What is your role in this show?

My essay the role of a poacher called Dev Pratap Patil. This character has millions of shades — he is very humorous, emotional, funny and aggressive.

Do you enjoy negative roles more than the positive roles?

I keep shuffling my roles and enjoy playing both negative as well as positive roles, which helps me grow and learn a lot in my career.

TV, films or theatre — which medium do you enjoy more and why?

I enjoy theatre. Theatre means a lot of discipline. It is more interactive and I like interaction. I believe in performing.

No Boss

Shweta Salve Actress Shweta Salve took to Twitter to deny rumours of her participating in reality show Bigg Boss 8. "This is just to clear the viral rumors making the rounds,I'm not boarding on the @BiggBoss flight !! But I'm sure it'll be a helluva ride."

Under lens eye

Even as Salman Khan is gearing up for his reality show Bigg Boss 8, rumour has it that paparazzi in Mumbai are going to boycott the macho star once again. He was famously boycotted by them after a nasty altercation broke out between the former's bodyguards and the lensmen at Royalty in Bandra during one of the promotional events of Kick. Sources inform that Aamir Khan might intervene. Let's see how this one turns out!

Celebrating a milestone

Life Ok's popular daily show Ek Boond Ishq, which went on air on September 9, 2013, recently completed a successful year. The cast and crew of the show got together to celebrate this success. The set brimmed with energy as the show's main leads Mrityunjay (Viraf Phiroz Patel), Tara (Chhavi Pandey) and other cast members cut a huge chocolate cake to begin the celebrations. Speaking on the happy occasion, Viraf said, "Ek Boond Ishq has been my first daily soap and is extremely special to me. It feels really nice to see the show complete a year. Time flies and I can't believe it has already been a year. I'd like to thank the entire team for making this journey a memorable one.”

In fantasy land

This Sunday explore Hong Kong Disneyland with the Maulik family. Disney Channel now premiers the fourth episode of Jet Set Go, which is set in Disneyland. The upcoming episode will chronicle the delightful memories of Maulik family from Raipur to Disneyland. As part of the one-hour dedicated episode, Disney Channel will showcase the Maulik family's dream come true.

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

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 cheerful. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Peacock-blue. Magic number: 61.

TAURUS: Some long overdue tasks will be completed successfully today. Socially, you will be quite occupied. So much of hectic activity can make you somewhat impatient, so be extra careful. 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. At work, women will have to take on extra responsibilities. Avoid speculation and invest only in safe plans. Tarot message: A shopping spree can upset 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. Do not delay matters related to money or property. 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. All in all, this will be a day where you will accomplish a lot at work. 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: Take your partner out for dinner. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 44.

LIBRA: You will be able to achieve much more in lesser time and this will increase your productivity as well as confidence. There will be a social gathering to attend, which will put you in the limelight. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 51.

SCORPIO: Family matters will be fairly uneventful. Keep an eye on your spending and ensure that you stick to the budget. Those planning to start their own business should draw on the support of the family. 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 and success. This is also a day in which traveling 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 philosophical dimensions. This will enable you to plan for the future and also make the most of the present. 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. You will gain from speculation and investments. There can be changes in several aspects of your life today. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 26.

PISCES: Today 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 instincts. Tarot message: Take life the way it comes. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 64.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 13...

Being born on the 13th, you are serious and hardworking. Your feelings are likely to be repressed at times. Your intolerance and insistence on complete accuracy can be irritating to some. Health of your spouse needs proper care and attention. It will not be a favourable year for implementing your pre-planned strategies with regard to money or home loan or car loan. Be mindful of your income and expenses to maintain financial stability. Love matters should be handled carefully as there will be lack of understanding in relationships. Act cautiously, learning to accept the ups and downs of life.

Positive colors: Dark-blue, Dark-grey.

Select days: Saturday

Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8.

Gems recommended: Gomed, Cat's Eye.

Charity on Birthday: Donate utensils to the poor today.

You share your birthday with Mahima Chaudhry (September 13, 1973 Kelowna, British Columbia), who has acted in many Bollywood movies, including the hit film Pardes (1997). She changed her name from Ritu Chaudhry to Mahima Chaudhry since Subhash Ghai has a superstition of launching actresses whose name start with M.





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