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Flirting with danger
The good old concept of dance takes a backseat and dance floor gives way to skating rink, moving truck, vertical wall…In the process beats take the centre-stage but only this time they happen to be heartbeats. Dare 2 Dance on Life OK, is as much about daredevilry as about dance and proudly so. "It is a show which no one can even imagine, let alone execute it," promises Sayantani Ghosh, television actress and one of the contestants, while in Chandigarh on a promotional tour. Joining her is Scarlett Wilson, a British model and dancer, whom we've hitherto known as the item girl from Nagin and Imported Kamariya.
"I was back in England when I received calls for the show. I was apprehensive about doing the show because I had this huge fear of water. But then there was a part of me that wanted to prove I'm more than Imported Kamariya and Nagin dance," she begins on some of the several reasons for having taken up the show. So, the first battle started with hydrophobia and it was a ditto with Sayantani. "I could never take my mouth under water. I could swim but only on the surface." Sometimes the only way out is when there is no other way out. Chips in Scarlett, "We had no choice. First few rehearsals were bad until the makers finally questioned me on how else would I go ahead on the show." Running out of oxygen, popping ears, deep waters are all things of the past now. Incredible Akshay It is not long before the note of thanks extends to Akshay Kumar, the host of the show and also a mentor. Shares Scarlett, "He is incredible and anyway he is an action hero. He not only performed the stunts along but also encouraged us. He would lie under the truck, jump extreme heights and what not." Against all odds It is not often that the best and the worst experience are a part of the same package. What followed the extreme conditions was the confidence of having overcome them. Shares Sayantani, "During our shooting that happened in Cape Town, the weather went wrong every time. If we were doing an under water shoot, it would be raining till the temperatures dropped to freezing degrees." What connected the 45 days of rehearsals and shoot schedule were long practice hours. "We must have slept for only four hours during those days. We had to practice in the skating rink, which would be available only from 12 in the night till 5 in the morning." Adds Scarlett, "There are a total of eight rounds, including the finale. My favourite sequence is where we are dancing on a vertical wall with just a harness." It is a ditto with Sayantani, who was initially not ready to do the show. "I'm an actor and I'm never the one to move out of my comfort zone. It's like the show chose me." But even before it is time to sit back and wallow in the wide eyed reactions of the audience, Scarlet parts with a final note of appeal. "It is a visually incredible show. I promise you'll enjoy, so you must sit and watch it with your family." manpriya@tribunemail.com
It's more of a dare than dance. But then who is complaining as long as pretty dancers like Scarlett Wilson and Sayantani Ghosh entertain us with groovy moves executed on high-rise platforms or underwater in their
show Dare 2 Dance
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The show goes on...
Sometimes, simplicity defines itself in little expressions of modesty. Perhaps that reasons Amitabh Narayan's humble disposition that allows an easy and unrestricted flow of conversation. He rose to the front burner of popularity, curtsey Indian Idol and Voice of India. And though his story is bereft of the conventional hardships and struggle that most Indian musicians face through their journey from dreams to reality, his is a story that spells belief and conviction. In Changigarh to perform at an event organised by PGI, we engage in an interesting banter with him.
"I always wanted to be a playback singer," he begins. Having told by his parents that he started singing at the age of two, Amitabh answers our quandary about a singing as a natural talent or acquired art, candidly yet honestly. "I think singers are born with the natural ability of relating with music and training can go a long way in polishing that talent," he says. While talking about his music journey, Amitabh shares that he started learning music under the aegis of Pt. Satyanarayan Pathak, during his childhood at Muzaffarnagar, Bihar. "I was only 12 when I first took part in a competition at the local Doordarshan channel and that competition was open to all age groups. I won the competition and since then there was no looking back," he says. With as many as five albums to his credit, which he recorded at the age of 12, Amitabh was certain to make his career in playback singing and packed his bags for Mumbai in 2007. "I remember going to the studio to record for Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, a singing-based TV show, when I was only twelve. After listening to my voice, lyricist Vinay Bihari asked me to record a few albums for Chatt Pooja," he shares. After moving to Mumbai, Amitabh found his calling in the third edition of Indian Idol where he only auditioned. However, in the fifth edition, he secured his position among the top eight contestants. Also, he has been a participant in the Voice of India. "Reality television shows are a good platform for beginners, but the fame that they bring your way is perishable. It is therefore necessary that one works their way through the industry with sheer talent," he says. While expressing his stance on Bollywood music industry, Amitabh says that it is more accepting of new voices now. Also, he shares that he has received tremendous support from the directors and music producers, who have truly valued his talent. "I have received a lot of support from Lalit Pandit, Raju Singh and Anand Sharma," he says. Making his official debut in Bollywood with a solo track in the film titled Sonali Cable, he has already sung the lead tracks of various television shows, including Jee Le Zara, Noorpur Ki Rani, Meri Bahbi, KBC, Yeh Rishta Kya kehlata Hai and many more. "I will be singing the title track of an up and coming film Hum Hain Teen Khurafati and another song of the same film with Sunidhi Chauhan, who was also my judge in Indian Idol," he shares while talking about his future plans. "I will be singing a solo song in an up and coming film directed by Naresh Malhotra, and will also be singing a solo rock song in a film, the working title of which is Patil di Punjabi Shaadi," he adds. About his experience at the reality shows, Amitabh says, "I liked being at Voice of India as opposed to Indian Idol," he says. However, when asked about the working of these reality shows, he leaves us with a loud comment as he says, "No comments!" amarjot@tribunemail.com
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All about faith
Heal, live, plan…are the three key words for those looking for answers to their current situation by life coach Santosh Joshi and the writer of Keys.
A mechanical engineer by profession, Santosh lived a corporate life for a long 17 years before finding his 'purpose'. Trained in several healing therapies, including past life regression, Santosh gives talks and holds workshops throughout the country. Answers come to you, if you have faith. Dealing with the daily strife, sometimes you need someone to pull you out of this vicious circle and put you on the right path. Life coaches that we have today are doing that job. Santosh uses guided visualisation, past life regression and breathing exercises to help people. "Breathing is one tool that helps us rest our frayed nerves and achieve a calm state," says Santosh. We attract what goes in our mind and through positive affirmations we can bring about a positive change. The 'secret' is out there and yet so few of us use it. Santosh has beautifully put together breathing and imaginary exercises in a capsule by the name of SKY. He elaborates, "Meditation is an old practice sure to render any person calmer and positive, but it is also time-consuming. In SKY, we take 12 minutes to go through techniques of tapping, affirmations and visualistion to produce similar results. And, one can personalise the affirmations according to the demands of the situations." His experiences have found way in KEYS: The HLP Way to a Regret-Free Life, published by Zen publications. The 269 pages book priced at Rs250 has found a rousing response. Santosh Joshi is in Chandigarh, for a two-day workshop on Past Life Regression to start on Saturday in Hotel Metro-43, 9 am onwards. The two-day workshop fee is ~7,000. He is on with one-to-one sessions too. mona@tribunemail.com
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Be the vehicle of change
Simmi Waraich I want to do a lot of things in life. However, I tend to put off things I really want to do and spend time on useless activities. How can I change that? Mohit, Mohali When we put off things or actually resist certain things that actually may be good for us, it may be that our brain is doing it against our will. So, how do we re-programme our brain? Understand that putting things off is hard wired into us. Breaking it will take time but one can work on it. Notice how you put off things and resist people's suggestions. The moment you're aware of it you start to make a difference. Spend some quiet time without a phone, TV after work for a week. Surprisingly, you will realise you don't need the things you spend 2-3 hours on daily! Imagine, 1-2 hours on the television daily add up to 30-60 hours a month. I am a 45-year-old man who has been having trouble sleeping. I work 9-7 in a private job; I have no financial problems and my personal life is happy. I walk regularly, but it has not helped. Could this be a sign of depression?— Kamal, Ludhiana It's difficult to say what it is without a more detailed history. You could go to your doctor and discuss it. However, for sleep, here are some useful tips: go to bed and wake up at the same time each day; turn off all electronic gadgets an hour before bed; when you wake up, go outside for a few minutes and savour the sunshine; open the curtains when you wake up to let the morning light in; good sleep habits make for better nights and days; avoid daytime naps; exercise regularly. (Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist)
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A romantic treat
A Bollywood comedy drama film, Daawat-e-Ishq has been directed by Habib Faisal and produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films. It features actors Aditya Roy Kapur and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles and the music of the film has been composed by Sajid-Wajid. The story revolves around the lives of a shoe-sales girl, disillusioned with love because of her encounters with dowry-seeking men, and a cook, who can charm anybody with the aroma and flavours of his biryani as well as kebabs. The drama sets in during a face-to-face clash of diametrically opposites, but equally spicy cultures of Hyderabad and Lucknow. In her quest to find her love, she comes up against the big boss Hyderi Kebab and in the process Gullu and Taru rewrite traditional recipes of love...a deliciously romantic Daawat-e-Ishq! One-time watch It's a nice film, but it lacks conviction. It had glimpses of many other romantic drama films that we have already seen. Nevertheless, it offers a good story and the actors have pulled it well, but it's only a one-time watch. Ramandeep Singh, agriculturist New flavour I really like the film, especially the storyline and direction. Not only does the film offer a brand new flavour of romance, it is seasoned with a certain kind of realism that's rare. Bhavya Sharma, student Good chemistry The film is pretty interesting; the best part is the chemistry between Parineeti and Aditya Roy Kapoor. Hirein Nashta, private company employee
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Deepika: Are we not humans?
Deepika Padukone isn't done with the 'cleavage controversy'. When a leading newspaper's website recently decided to focus on her décolletage, the actress slammed the publication, and her colleagues from the film industry rushed in to praise her. She has posted a response on her official Facebook page.
Here's what she said: There is only ONE sign that a woman wants to have sex and that is that she says "YES". The reason I write the above line is because we all know that in India we are so desperately trying to make a change in the way sections of our society think in order to move towards a happier world devoid of inequality, rape, fear and pain. I am not naive about my own profession; it is one that requires lots of demanding things of me. A character may demand that I be clothed from head to toe or be completely naked, and it will be my choice as an actor whether or not I take either. Understand that this is a ROLE and not REAL, and it is my job to portray whatever character I choose to play convincingly. What my concern is and I am stating it clearly so it is not misconstrued or confused with Shahrukh's 8-pack or any other woman's or man's anatomy. I have spoken out against an ideology that such regressive tactics are still being employed to draw a reader's attention at a time when we are striving for women's equality and empowerment. In a time where women should be applauded for making headway in a male-dominated society, we blur the lines between REEL and REAL life and dilute all our efforts by making a one-year old back sliding piece of news a headline....Please may we show love, dignity and respect to each other. ....Deepika Padukone
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An ode to MJ
Hrithik-Katrina dance their heart out in Bang Bang’s title track! Siddharth Anand's action romance Bang Bang is unveiled another ace and this time is it the dance title track called Bang Bang. While Hrithik Roshan has paid a tribute to Michael Jackson, Katrina Kaif is at her sizzling best matching steps with Hrithik in this sensual dance number. Talking about dancing Michael's iconic dance moves, Hrithik says, "I have idolised Michael Jackson since the time I first moved to a dance beat. I remember learning the moves through play-pause mode for hours. I love his style and energy so when Bosco and Siddharth said Micheal Jackson, at first I thought there's no way I could match up, but then I reframed that and did it for my love for him in my own style, my own way and where there is love, there is no fear. That made it fun. The Bang Bang title track itself is outstanding which empowered me further. It's my ode to the inspiration he has been. This is an out-an-out dance/party track. It's high on glamour, scale and Katrina and I have danced our hearts out." And the gorgeous Katrina Kaif feels Bang Bang is the best song of the album. She says, "I absolutely love this track. I think it's an amazing song to dance to. Vishal-Shekhar and Sid have done an incredible job. I gave them a big hug. The video has Hrithik doing the famous MJ moves, Bosco and Caesar have done a great job in visualising and executing a visually different video, and I had so much fun. This is definitely my favourite track from the album." Produced by Fox Star Studios, Bang Bang releases on October 2.
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Ready to hit the highway
How was it working with
Priyanka Chopra? It was great. She is a very hardworking and disciplined professional on the sets. She was really helpful and understanding. She totally put me at ease while enacting scenes and it was easier for me to portray my character of Mary Kom's husband. What were challenges you faced while shooting for the film? The biggest challenge was the weather. We were shooting in extreme weather and it would start raining anytime. There were so many times when we couldn't shoot despite being ready. Other challenge was that I was playing a real person and not a character. From promos to newspapers, she is everywhere. Do you feel sidelined by her? No, I don't. She has put a lot of effort and research to portray Mary Kom by building her physique and learning boxing. Moreover, she is a big star. But that doesn't mean I've been ignored. My character in the film is equally important as I play her husband. How did you work on your character? Well, we had references and notes. We had a 14 days workshop with the director. I also read about Mary Kom and her husband. He is a football coach in real life and since I have played both football and boxing, so it was easy for me. How was Oomung Kumar as a director? He has a theatre and advertising background and has anchored shows on television and is also an art director which made it easier for him to explain scenes to us. He was very cool and patient on the scenes which made it easier for us to enact our roles. What is your next project? I am cast in Anushka Sharma's home production NH10 which has Niel Bhoopalam along with Anushka in the lead roles. It deals about a murder on the highway and I play the villain and it's a racy thriller.
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Friendly appearance
Rumour has it that John Abraham will also be a part of Rohit Dhawan's next film which stars his brother Varun Dhawan in the lead. John will have an extended special appearance in the movie which will roll early next year.
Jacqueline goes to Hollywood
Blame game
Anushka spotted!
Ghostly show
Prabhu’s boys
Promo to kill for! |
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Troublesome time
It is a well-known fact that the media and celebrities have a love-hate relationship. Last week, something like this was witnessed on the sets of Ye Hai Mohabbatein (YHM). Arjun Kapoor and Deepika Padukone were recently on the sets of YHM to promote their film and did a few scenes with the cast of the show. The lead pair of YHM, Divyanka and Karan Patel, were not involved in the scenes. Apparently, Karan came late and started shouting at the media people who were there to cover the promotional event. However, Divyanka, who has been known for her soft spoken and loving mannerism, was more co-operative. Says Divyanka, "I am not aware of what exactly happened. Looking at the facts, I stood up for the media because they were officially invited to cover the shoot. They are just doing their job and have never misbehaved, so they deserve their bit of respect. I am with the media, but not against Karan." — TNS
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Reaching the peak
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker is ready with his first television series, Everest, which will be aired on Star Plus in a couple of months from now. The show revolves around a 21-year-old woman who sets out to scale the world's highest mountain peak, Mount Everest. He talks about the show and more.
What's the inspiration behind this show? I have always been intrigued by mountaineers and wondered what they felt on reaching the peak of any mountain. Now I know it's the inner satisfaction that they get. It is a story of how a young woman fulfills her father's dream. It is a fine blend of drama and adventure. How was it writing for a TV show? On television, you write and put it on air, and take the viewers' feedback. Depending on the TRPs, you go ahead. But here, I had to write at one go since we were shooting in snow and within a particular time-frame. Why not a saas-bahu drama? I like kitchen politics and saas-bahu dramas. But I am not able to make such shows. I like the dynamics between the men and women living under one roof with their insecurities, jealousies and rivalries. Why didn't you direct it? I chose not to direct because I don't have the discipline to direct a television show now.
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That’s cricket!
Cricket fever seems to have gripped our television stars. After Bollywood's Celebrity Cricket League, even our television stars are now gearing up for The Box Cricket League, which will commence soon.
The Chandigarh Cubs, which is owned by Anita Hassanandani and Shiv Pandit, comprises celebrities like Raghu Ram, Rajiv Laxman, Rannvijay Singh Singha, VJ Bani, Barkha Bisht Sengupta, Chetna Pande, Shantanu Maheshwari, Sidharth Bhardwaj and others.
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A happy ending
Popular show Saraswatichandra will soon come to an end. The cast recently shot for the last episode in Mumbai. The show will end on a happy note as Kumud (Jennifer Winget) and Saras (Gautam Rode) will be blessed with a baby girl, who they will name as Sanskriti.
Jennifer, Karan to separate?
B-Day bash
The final step |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 20...
Your birth on the 20th September with Virgo as zodiac adds a degree of emotion, sensitivity, and intuition to your readings. The 2 energy provided here is very social, allowing you to make friends easily and quickly. You have a warm-hearted nature and emotional understanding that constantly seeks affection. You are very prone to become depressed and moody. It can be hard for you to bounce back to reality when depression sets in. You'll perform better by analyzing your work of the last period; this will help you avoid eventual errors. Don't lose your cool with an envious co-worker. Try to simply understand the reasons for his or her hostility. Positive psychic energy swirls in the air for you. Positive colours: White, pink. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Pearl, white sapphire.
You share your birthday with Mahesh Bhatt (September 20, 1949, Mumbai), famous film director, producer and screenwriter. The combination of 2 and 7 in his birth details shows Moon as the strongest planet, which provides him with a high degree of creativity.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Your spouse will complain of back-ache. Deal with paperwork that has been building up. It is time to slow down and recharge your physical as well as spiritual batteries, so don't push yourself.
Tarot message: Involve yourself in a new project. Lucky
colour: Peach. Magic number: 52. TAURUS: Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Be diligent about sticking to your diet or exercise routine today; you need to pay attention to your body's health needs. Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50. GEMINI: A neighbour will gossip, but lend an ear and hear something interesting that might turn out to be invaluable information. You are destined for better things than you can imagine. Tarot message: Avoid the tendency to criticise others. Lucky colour: Peacock-green. Magic number: 35. CANCER: A restless night's sleep can result in irritability. A love affair can tour sour. Anxiety will be at an all-time high and one of you will snap. Litigation? Co-operation is unlikely from lawyers. Tarot message: Avoid situations that can turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 27. LEO: You must not do anything to damage your reputation. It will be difficult to avoid conflict between home life and employment affairs. It will be best to deal with minor issues that do not arouse conflict. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 32. VIRGO: Romance is your
forte this morning. Everybody will love you and small problems will disappear. Love on the
home front will renew your hopes and wishes. Tarot message: Try not to lend money to strangers. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 57.
LIBRA: Confidence and good feelings are in abundance. Trust your own instincts. Don't listen to other people as they can have hidden agendas. Plans for a business merger will be successful. Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 39. SCORPIO: New contracts are likely to prove most valuable. Communication with people at a distance should be extremely helpful. You need to be on your toes in order to take advantage of the opportunities. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 64. SAGITTARIUS: The day starts on a jarring note. You will not be able to keep to schedule. Do not rush jobs that require careful handling. It will be best to do one thing at
a time. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 33. CAPRICORN: Do not project yourself too far into the future. You will have to be strict with loved ones. A new career, overseas travel, a change of relationship or a residential move are all possibilities. Tarot message: Allow a situation to settle before starting fresh. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 40. AQUARIUS: Today you will get money from an unexpected source. Important business matters can be handled carefully. Be more realistic. Students: fun on the campus foreseen. Tarot message: Be honest to
your desires Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 31. PISCES: A house or office move is unlikely. In public meetings you will feel forceful or aggressive; control your temper. Your workload can weigh you down. Your private life can be disturbed. Tarot message: Avoid being hurried. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 60.
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Good attempt
Darshan Kumaar is the warrior kind, originally a jatt, he has found his Bollywood dream in Delhi. Acting runs in his veins. He has no godfather in the industry, but has his acting skills to push him in his Bollywood endeavours. We catch up with him to talk about his latest film Mary Kom, co-star Priyanka Chopra and more...
Charity on birthday: Donate black grams at a community kitchen.