Love it or leave it
They are loud, they are aggressive and they might be fake too! As Bigg Boss 8 takes off on an airplane with 12 celebs on board, Chandigarh viewers tell us what they love to hate about the show
Jasmine Singh

An abandoned airplane, 12 contestants, all with a different mental structure, three hooded members of the Secret Society, and on top of everyone, the almond-eyed brat of Bollywood, Salman Khan…the flight of Bigg Boss season 8 has already taken off.

This easily translates into two things—either from now onwards, some of you will do whatever possible to be on time to watch those contestants mud-slinging, shouting and falling in 'orchestrated' love if you may call, or some of you will probably not get your subscriber connection recharged for almost 90 days.

Bigg Boss, the reality show, has always come under the scanner for being either too extreme when it comes to contestants rebuking each other or getting cozy with each other (read Gauhar Khan and Kushal Tandon kiss or Veena Malik and Ashmit Patel)! But despite everything, it has kept the audience engaged, offering unadulterated entertainment.

So, we just ask people to take sides, and while doing that some predict the face of this season, how interesting it will be and who they think could play the spoilsport here!

Engaged… full on

Season 8 Bigg Boss brings lesser known names except for Minnisha Lamba and Arya Babbar, who have worked in Bollywood films. The rest of the passengers, Sonali Raut, Diandera Soares, Karishma Tanna, Natasa Stankovic, Gautam Gulati, Sushant Divgikar and Soni Singh are some lesser known faces. Harkirat Brar, pursuing MA in Punjabi literature has not even missed a single season. Harkirat can actually write a book on it as she claims, "I can clearly tell you that the fighting, the mud-slinging, the character assassination has gone from bad to worse. You can ask me if this is that bad, why do I watch it? Well, the answer it is addictive in some strange way." Harkirat enjoyed the season that had Rahul Mahajan and Sambhavna Seth. "It was so 'sparkly'. As for season 8, I don't like the airplane concept, the contestants are also unassuming."

Simradha Sharma, a banker from Chandigarh, however, can clearly foretell who is going to be the watch-out-for contestant. "The model Diandera, Mr Gay Sushant and actress Minnisha Lamba along with Karishma Tanna are going to create a lot of ruckus. At the same time, Aarya Babbar will reveal himself in due course of time."

What does she like in Bigg Boss given that everyone is fighting. "These celebrities are like you and me, they break down in situations like you and me, they are tempted into back biting or provoked on the slightest pretext, just like you and me…I like to see how their characters unfurl. It is like studying myself."

Simradha has already declared the winner of the show. "Minnisha Lamba, she is really smart and I am sure she will soon be seen romantically engaged with Aarya Babbar. Upen Patel will end up wooing nobody," she laughs.

This season has a surprise element (so far). Three persons in shrouds are being touted as the members of the secret society. The faces of these members haven't been revealed yet. These three people get their orders from the Bigg Boss and they are supposed to pass it on to the rest of the contestants. "This is the thrilling part this time," chips in Sukrit Dhanoa, a grade 11 student from St Soldiers. "This show is like a funny-crazy-stupid comedy, all the inmates are fake, even when they say they shed their fakeness, they still have it on. And then those girls fighting. Boy, they are worse than WWE women fighting in the ring. So, this is exactly why I watch the show."

Shut it, forget it

Whether it is some personal attack on family, character or profession, Bigg Boss has often been criticised for usig un-parliamentary language. Sehaj Kumar, an IT professional, detests the show to the core. "Instead of wasting your time on the show, pop in three sleeping pills and doze off. Or, better still don't get your TV recharged. This way you can avoid whatever nonsense they show us. This is a celebrity reality show and they are hardly celebrities. On top of that, they pass vulgar comments and fight. Basically Bigg Boss is about seeing 'so-called-celebs' wash their dirty linen in public. Well, if you want to see this, God help you."

In all this criticism, one person somehow remains untouched- Salman Khan. He is indeed a crowd puller. As Sandeep Kaul, a Punjabi singer and actor adds, "I like to see the show for Salman Khan and he punctures the happiness of the contestants. If he wouldn't have been the host of the show, I bet it would be a disaster. The show otherwise is an entertaining version of a mohalla fight."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Have spirit, will sing!
Anne Paceo, the drummer girl who leads the French jazz quintet, Yokai, finds inspiration from different cultures to come out with happy music
Manpriya Singh

It wasn't until late teens that she realised she was the girl on the drums, or a female drummer, or the lady with drumsticks. Anne Paceo from the French jazz quintet, Yokai, had only been a drummer so far.

"I took to music at the age of 10 when my mother asked me if I wanted to learn music and I told her that I wanted to play drums because I had seen a drummer. So, I started playing but it wasn't until I was 20 that I realised I was a girl and playing drums and that was something not very common," she shares, while in Chandigarh for a performance, presented by Alliance Francaise, Chandigarh in association with ICCR and Punjab Arts Council.

"There aren't many female drummers in France, only two perhaps in Jazz music. Men first look at me and think she cannot play, but then change their opinion later," she adds. Things don't just stay put at handling drumsticks like a man for the 29- year-old, but extend to leading the five- member band. "It is very difficult to take instructions from her," jokes Leonardo Montana, on the piano. "We are all very good friends and communication between musicians is very easy. We try new things each time," he speaks on behalf of the five full time musicians, who keep travelling. What is the defining element of their music? Shares Anne, "I would say our music is very colourful and inspired by different countries and different cultures. It is very positive and happy music."

Spirited talk

A large part of the creative stimulation is taken care of by visiting places and meeting people. "It comes from the people I've met, any strong feelings and emotions for a place, what I live through. Travelling is a great source of inspiration." She adds, "I listen to a lot of world music, African music and Asian music."

Things that help her compose music, write lyrics and play drums. The name Yokai happened because, "I was really into comics and liked this story and character named Yokai. Moreover, it means spirits in Japanese and I have been really interested in spirits."

Musical bonding

Post Bangalore and Chennai, it is the third city for a one-hour-forty minute performance. "People really liked the music, performing at these places was great." Indian music by and large means Pandit Ravi Shankar and classical. Save for, 'I've heard music by Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Aruna Sairam," shares Antonin Tri Hoang.

As for the Indian food, it was an experience soaking up the local flavours. Pierre Perchaud absolutely loved the "baingan bharta," while Stephane Kerecki lists out other things already tried and tasted. "We've had paneer dosa, dal, cheese naan and idli. It is all delicious but we always ask them to not make it too spicy."

Sweet memories
Poonam Bindra

Culinary expert Neelu Kaura is the proud winner of the Chef of Punjab Cookery competition held in Sutlej Club Ludhiana and later in Jalandhar, winning a cash prize of Rs 50,000. This cookery contest which saw 700 participants on the first day was organised by CT Group of Institutions.

A hundred contestants were selected in the first round, which were then cut down to thirty and then to three. Star Chef Vikas Khanna was the main judge while Chef Ajay Sood from the Taj group and Chef Vishvesh Khanna from Sarovar Portico group assisted him. Neelu, who was among the three winners, was felicitated by Chef Vikas with special comment as the Glory of Punjab.

She shares her award winning recipe

Chocolate tart

Short crust pastry (dough) for tart shell

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• ¼ cup + 1 tbsp salted butter, cold
• 2 pinches baking powder
• 1 tbsp superfine sugar
• 2-3 tbsp ice cold water

Bachchan does extra time

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is one busy man. Still he knows how to manage his schedule and not disappoint anyone. The actor, who just wrapped up Balki's Shamitabh, is busy shooting for Kaun Banega Crorepati and is occupied with scripting sessions for Piku and Bejoy Nambiar's next.

However, when requested by Balki to come down and sing and dance for Shamitabh for a couple of hours, the actor instead of refusing outright has made sure to find time for it.

"Balki messages in .. a couple of hours required to shoot some singing and dancing for 'Shamitabh' .. extra ... would be nice if I could do it .. else its fine if schedule is tight .. no … I shall try .. ," posted Big B on his blog.

Soha takes it easy

Soha Ali Khan talks about her movies and being engaged to Kunal Khemu, among other things.

I don't have a manager or a publicist and am hardly seen at film parties. I am not ambitious. I'm a creature of habit and prefer spending time with the people who matter to me. My career is important but it's not the be-all and end-all of my life. I have worked with an NGO and a bank before this. I know a Bollywood actress' tenure is limited. That's okay. I don't aspire to be among the top three. I would rather be around for a long time and I have no reservations playing my age.

Yes, I had messaged Sanjay Leela Bhansali but I later realised that Mary Kom and I were not physically alike. I don't mind reaching out to a filmmaker if I want a particular role. On the advice of the film's writer, earlier I had messaged Tigmanshu Dhulia and ended up playing a role in his Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. But having seen the first part, I did ask him if the sequel would be as bold. If you are in a honest relationship, you are accountable to your partner.

SRK to romance Ash?

If sources are to be believed then Shah Rukh Khan is all set to share screen space with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Rohit Shetty's upcoming film. Sources suggest that the Chennai Express filmmaker, who recently revealed that he had signed SRK for his next flick, approached Ash to star opposite him.

Even though the Ash-SRK fallout was well known in the industry, the Devdas co-stars were seen sharing a great camaraderie at a recent sporting event.

Even though Shetty hasn't disclosed the details of his film, we hear that it will go on floors by next year.

The terrific trio returns!

Fox Star Studios, Dinesh Vijan and Homi Adajania team up again, this time to make the Hindi adaptation of the global blockbuster The Fault In Our Stars. It is Homi Adajania who will direct the Hindi adaptation of the super-hit Hollywood film, The Fault in Our Stars.

Fox Star Studios is partnering with Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films after the two companies tasted super success with their latest outing Finding Fanny.

After Bang Bang, this is the next official remake for Fox Star. The film marks Homi's return to making a fully commercial film after Cocktail.

This will be Fox Star's second film with Dinesh and Homi. It is Dinesh and Homi's fourth film together. Dinesh says, "For me, the core of this story has resonated at a very personal level. It's an out-and-out love story based on such a beautiful premise." The film is being co-produced by Fox Star and Dinesh.

Fox Star Studios is thrilled to partner with Dinesh and Homi again. Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios says, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of film, like Eric Segal's Love Story was for an earlier generation. This story has connected with this generation deeply and universally. It is a big responsibility for us to get it right and make an inspiring, heartwarming film for Indian audiences."

TFIOS is a story about two youngsters who are terminally ill and fall deeply in love, taking them on an extraordinary journey. The casual approach and humour in the story is said to make it unconventional in treatment. Made on a production budget of $12m, the original movie has grossed over $300m worldwide till date and still counting.

Mission Kashmir

Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj were on Kaun Banega Crorepati recently and they won Rs 3, 20,000. They will donate the money to Kashmir for flood relief.

Shradha and Shahid’s forthcoming film Haider has been shot in Kashmir. Amitabh Bachchan made an appeal to everyone to donate towards the cause. All four of them have already donated to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Calm & collected

Anita Hassandani has been a Balaji girl since the beginning of her career. Currently, she's doing Ye Hai Mohabbatein and playing the stylish Shagun with aplomb. She talks about her popular show, movies and more.

Your role as Shagun is quite stylish. Who do you give credit for the look?

It's a combination of people; my costume designer, Mehak, make-up and hair-stylist and me! We work as a team. I am glad people like the show and the role.

Wasn't the role supposed to be a cameo?

The show is based on the book Custody, which was about an ex- couple fighting over the custody of their kids. That's how the show started, but being a daily soap it needed twists and the role got extended. Shagun moves away from her husband as her dreams are compromised.

What's the benefit of being a Balaji girl?

I didn't start off with Balaji, but did Telugu films in my career. Once I did Kabhi Sauten Kabhi Saheli, there was no looking back. Working with Balaji is fabulous, as you are taken care of and people take you seriously. My relationship with Ekta is more about friendship than work.

How have you changed after marriage?

I have become a calmer and better person. I appreciate little things in life now. — HRM

All about expression

Actress Divyanka Tripathi, who is playing the lead role of Dr Ishita Raman Kumar Bhalla in Star Plus's show Ye Hai Mohabbatein, shares excerpts from her journey in the telly world so far.

How do you feel about the success of the show despite it being slotted at 11pm?

When we started off with the show, I signed it in January last year whereas Karan joined in quite late. The only thing that was promising was the storyline and Ekta Kapoor. I also loved my character, so I was confident that the show would succeed irrespective of the time slot.

You're really good with expressions. How do you manage that?

I'm a big fan of Madhubala ji. She is my role model. I can never copy her, but I always learn from her expressions. Maybe that's the reason. Everyone has their own way, but I think I am a method actor.

How is the bonding on the set? Who is your buddy?

There are no fights on the sets at all and we all bond very well. Everybody is really cool. We are like a family on the sets. Karan is poles apart from me. We are completely opposite of each other, but that's what make us gel together.

CHATTER BOX

Aashka plays guest

Actress Aashka Goradia, currently seen on television in Maharana Pratap, was seen as a guest on Raveena Tandon's show Simply Baatein. Aashka and Raveena know each other from before and hence we hear that Raveena introduced Aashka not as a guest, but as a friend. Aashka wore a lovely Riiddhi Siddhi Mapxencar gown in green and was every bit a stunning damsel.

Restoring faith

After one year of the tragic event in Kedarnath, the National Geographic Channel is set to showcase the current realities of the region in its new documentary Kedarnath: Restoring the Faith. Bringing forward the efforts of restoration and stories of the survivors, the documentary will track everything that has happened after the calamity struck the region of Uttarakhand in June last year. The documentary will premiere on Friday, September 24, 2014, at 10:30 pm.

Birbal’s new avatar

On Big Magic's Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, this week, due to Birbal's absence from the kingdom problem-creators plan and plot against him. What leaves everyone perplexed is when their beloved Birbal returns in a new avatar. There are many intriguing moments, as Birbal joins hands with the Emperor's enemy.

A still from Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal

Vivaan’s telly debut

Punjabi actor Vivaan Arora, who was seen in Punjabi movies like Aish Kar Lai and Ek Wari Haan Karde, is all set to make his debut on television. He will play Meetu's husband in Khushiyon Ki Gullakh—Aashi on Sony Pal. Apparently, it is going to be a negative role.

Being brave

Aneri Vajani, who plays the lead in Star Plus's Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, fractured her leg on the set while shooting for the scene where she had to run and catch her Scooty. A source from the set revealed that no one realised that there was a stone on the way. It's commendable that she still completed the shot.

Intimate details

Sonali Cable stars Rhea Chakraborty and Ali Fazal. Producer Ramesh Sippy instructed the cast and the director of the movie before they began shooting an intimate scene. It went off with aplomb with the veteran's advice.

Elli finds work

Elli Avram finally has another film and it is not due to Salman Khan. She has a role in Abbas-Mustan's next comedy with Kapil Sharma. There are four other heroines in the film.

Wild fun

The first look of the new Shaukeen starring Akshay Kumar and Lisa Haydon is now out. Anupam Kher and Annu Kapoor are in supporting roles and this movie is a wild and bold fun-film. Lisa looks fabulous and sexy!

Mama’s boy

Karan Johar has taken his mother Hiroo to the US. She will undergo back surgery over there and they will be in New York for a month. Karan may fly to Mumbai if something important comes up for a few days. He has also gifted his mother a fully-furnished sea-facing duplex apartment in Bandra, suburban Mumbai. This happened last month and they have moved in. She always wanted to live by the sea.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiation with potential contractors, employers, employees and consultants can be productive. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will-power. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47.

TAURUS: Your card 'The Magician' suggests that you are not likely to be taken unaware by surprise happenings. It is a better day for working in familiar surroundings than for travelling. Tarot message: At work, don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 42.

GEMINI: Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love the most. Answer business correspondence and pay outstanding bills today. Tarot message: Share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 35.

CANCER: If you have recently taken on a new job or contract, make sure to negotiate and organise all the specific terms and conditions. A greater workload is likely. Tarot message: Don't make impulsive decisions in a personal relationship. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 40.

LEO: Today is a test of knowhow and competence in your profession. Your performance is on public view and those in charge will be carefully watching your every move. Tarot message: You gain by being practical. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 32.

VIRGO: Sudden encounter with an extraordinary character leaves a mark on your life. Work and domestic duty will follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach agreements. Tarot message: Don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 25.

LIBRA: Employment affairs will be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning. Factory owners: expect no co-operation from labourers. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 28.

SCORPIO: Cash should be flowing into your account today. This abundance is not due to luck but all because of your hardwork. Long-term projects and contracts will pay off handsomely. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 32.

SAGITTARIUS: The run of good business continues. It is a case of making hay while the sun shines. Once you have decided on a certain course of action stick to your guns. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay-off. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40.

CAPRICORN: Be sure to take full advantage of any good opportunity that comes your way. Singles are in luck, and those with partners are back in saddle. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build great success. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 51.

AQUARIUS: This day is built for workaholics, which is great if you love your job and want to establish a powerful momentum of productivity. Do what you can to improve your concentration. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 65.

PISCES: Make efforts to apply for a job you really want. Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all your attention on your partner. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 24...

Born on the 24th, affection is important for you - both giving as well as receiving. Your positive outlook will impress those around you. You'll be able to single out the limitations of people around you, but this is not to highlight them but to actually help. Your involvement in others' affairs should be avoided. Your superiors reward you with promotions or job enhancements this year. You need to take extra care of your luggage if you are travelling. Pay attention to your intuition as you may have a sixth sense concerning a business matter. Colleagues and associates will be helpful and the self-employed will expand their enterprise profitably.

Positive colours: White, Cream.

Select days: Friday, Thursday, Tuesday.

Favourable numbers: 5, 6.

Gems recommended: Diamond, Emerald.

Charity on birthday: Donate green clothes at a religious place.

You share your birthday with Jessica Lucas (September 24, 1985, Vancouver, Canada), a well-known actress who has won several awards. Her famous movies include Cloverfield, Amusement, Nights in Rodanthe, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Edgemont, among others.