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Damn the demons
Vijayadashmi is here again, the day of the year when we celebrate the triumph of good over evil. We can fight those forces that hinder our growth process, but what about the inner demons? The battle-line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man…wrote Russian novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. We talk to some known names from the region as how they overcame their shortcomings to make life fuller and richer…
Learning to care
For model, actor, Chandigarh girl Aanchal Kumar's life centred around her own self till sometime back. Single and successful, her life and her priorities were what she worked for. Not anymore. Now married to entrepreneur Anupam Mittal, she is a changed person. "Lately, I have learnt to put others before self. From staying all alone and entertaining all my quirks for a very long time, the change didn't come easy. It did take me sometime to make sure that my husband's likes and dislikes get as much priority as mine, but I am enjoying it now." For Aanchal, moving to a new place, new neighbourhood, new relationship was not smooth; but the transition from a totally self-centred person to a caring one, is bringing peace in her life. "I like sharing my life now, specially to have someone at home to be there for me and vice versa."
Healthy thinking
When artiste Ram Pratap Verma entered the Art College, he had the notion that there is some connection between artistes and addiction. "Somehow I got the vibe that creativity leads to some compulsion," recalls Verma. By God's grace, there was another senior artiste, Ramesh Malhotra, to debunk the myth for him. "He dismissed my theory and said that the frame of mind one is in does get reflected in the work. And that gave birth to the new me." He stopped smoking and drinking beer and started a healthy living. "A good night's sleep, bit of exercise is good enough to put you in a mood to create and what I learnt and have carried on till date," he avers.
Life is beautiful
Actor Aryeman Bhatia, elated at the three film deal he has signed with Atharva Kennith Entertainments LLP, has made not one but two changes in his life that have helped him live life fully. And, for the lucky boy, those changes were brought by the girl he met in a gym in Zirakpur. "I was always an introvert. Meeting her, I did open up not only to her but also a world full of possibilities," says Aryeman. Aryeman has met people from different walks of life, and is making most of the opportunities that have landed his way.
Overcoming shyness
Getting over his shyness is what turned out to be a game changer for actor-singer Raj Brar. In his childhood, he wouldn't even wish Sat Sri Akal to visitors at home but when he started to write and sing, he had to address not only people around but total strangers. "When I started singing there was this need to reach out to the audience. And that's where a new journey started for me." The transformation has earned Raj, who was last seen in upcoming Punjabi flick Police in Pollywood, name, fame and success and he couldn't be happier for that!
Living in the moment
For actor Diljott, her strive for perfection has got her a fair share of trial, tribulations and anxiety. She thought long and hard if this 'quest for perfection' was doing her any good. "I realised that while one must give his or her best to the task at hand, one can leave the worry part behind," she shares. Post decision, Diljott is a calmer, saner person. "I still give my best but also I have learnt to live in the moment." Worry is related either to the events that have already passed or something pertaining to the future. "I am a happy person now. Enjoy my work and live life in the present." With worries over; there is another change that Diljott is trying to make - to resist sweets. A big foodie, she was not the one to say no to food ever. "Now that I am into acting, I have to resist my sweet cravings, no more hogging chocolates and mithais the way I used to," she laughs while hoping that she trains her mind not to fall for sweet temptations that come her way this festive season. mona@tribunemail.com
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Masti continues…
For those who look at it from far, Bollywood seems to be nothing less than a distant dream. Home to popularity, stardom and success, Bollywood harbours a world of opportunities for those who have talent. Kainaat Arora, who hails from Dehradun, says that in Bollywood, you don't choose a film, but the film chooses you!
In conversation with Kainaat, who started her acting career with the film Grand Masti 2, opposite Vivek Oberoi, we stand acquainted with her association with Divya Bharti, who was her second cousin and that her up and coming film, Aayi Bala Ko Taal Tu. "I remember, when I was little kid, I would often talk to my sister and tell her that when my hair grow long till my waist, I will become an actress," says Kainaat, while talking fondly about her passion for acting. Having studied at the NIFT, Delhi, Kainaat was spotted by a photographer, who fetched her a modelling assignment for Satya Paul. Juggling with modelling and studies, Kainaat's first brush with the industry was in Kerala, where she was judging the Miss Kerala Beauty Pageant along with Priyadarshan. "At the beauty pageant, director Priyadarshan asked me if I would like to do a song opposite Akshay Kumar in his film, Khatta Meetha, because he thought that I resembled Dimple Kapadia and he wanted me to don Dimple ji's 'Jhooth bole kauwa katte' look in the song, so I agreed," she says. While talking about her up and coming film, Aayi Bala Ko Taal Tu, which comes from the makers of Do Dooni Chaar and Amitabh Bachchan-starrer The Last Lear, Kainaat sounds both excited and nervous. "In the film, I will be playing the role of a glamorous corporate woman, who owns an ad agency. The role may even remind you of Sushmita Sen from the film Main Hoon Na," she laughs. Kainaat has already acted in a South Indian films and she will soon be doing a film titled Lailaa o Lailaa opposite south Indian superstar Mohanlal, which will be releasing this year around Christmas. "I would also like to do a Punjabi film but it has to be a blockbuster. While choosing a film I make sure that either, the actor, the director or the production house should be brilliant," she
opines. amarjot@tribunmemail.com
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Aromatic broth
Rajdeep Rana Soups now are no longer the mundane broth; there are now many varieties that have also acquired the designer touch. The art of making soups is that they should be so light and nutritious that it should act as the perfect appetiser as well as a prelude to a hearty dinner. Here's the recipe for Chicken And Soba Noodle Soup, which is very popular in Japan.
Chicken And Soba Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
(Rana is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)
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A smile is worth a thousand words
Divya Dutta At the Dublin airport, as we were getting into security, I noticed how everyone had meticulously queued up. No one had instructed them and yet no one broke the rules. Yes, it was a long wait, but everyone waited patiently for their turn; no one pushed, no one crossed over, no one bossed around; all on equal ground. Isn't it like that in most of the countries? Then, why do we like to surpass, overtake and push our way through? Since no one broke rules, even if someone tried to push in, they automatically stopped themselves. That's the power of public discipline. You don't need anyone to tell you what to do. You just follow each other without keeping yourself first. Then why and when and how did we become such 'me first' mentality people, not bothered about the rest, following the 'apna kaam banta, bhaad mei jaaye janta' philosophy? It's not that we are not sensitive towards others. It's just that it's a reaction; it's reciprocal. You'll automatically do what's done to you! If someone cares that the others are in queue and no one's breaking it, you'll notice, he'll follow like a baby, because no one's pushing him from behind! It's when our interests are challenged by others do we start safeguarding our own and overlook the needs of others. Natural… So, why not try this thing of not pushing and shoving your way through? Not only in queues, but also at work, home, shopping, anything! You'll see a dazed expression on others' face, when you do that, surprised at not being pushed behind, but you'll see the happy glow too when you say, 'after you'. Same is the case with that precious thing we lost to our ever-hectic smiles; it's great to see in foreign lands, people smiling at strangers and wishing them a good day. Here, if we do that, we shall be welcomed with a smirk questioning if something was wrong with us. Why are we not minding our own business? Or worse still, are our intentions wrong to be so friendly? I'm at the Nagpur airport right now and as we are queued up, a gentleman hurriedly pushed his way through the queue, obviously making everyone angry. The security guy reprimanded him and he reacted by yelling, 'Do you know who I am?' Well, haven't we heard that power play before? Yes, we all have stressful, busy lives. Yes, life's not easy all the time. Yes, someone's trying to maybe make us feel insecure by asking our rightful place. Yes, we have to look after our own interests when no one else does. But, let's try it out! Aren't we known for our warmth and culture? So, why not with our own people, in our own land? When we can follow rules outside, wish strangers with a smile, why not in apna country? I just smiled at an old couple and yes, I got the reaction I expected —the lady was confused, but then she followed it up with a big, broad smile, straight into my heart. So, the next time we are in public, meeting challenges, and someone tries to overtake you or cross you, just remember...zara muskura de! (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
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Plan to change your LED signage?
Nishtha Shukla Anand With time, everything demands change and this demand brings new trends to replace the old ones — be it technology or science or fashion — nothing remains constant. Such is the case with digital signage solutions. Technology is always changing due to fast-paced creation of new and improved products. In the case of digital signage, this pace outdates signage every four to five months. This does not mean that one has to invest a hefty sum in these products every time something new comes out. However, over a span of five to seven years the board needs to be upgraded to the latest technology. Whenever this happens, make sure you go through these steps meticulously. Plan: Always plan the change, make a well-informed decision. Be ready to be surprised, but do your share of homework before going and purchasing a board. Decide whether you want to revamp all your boards or just a few of them. Resources: Take into account all the resources needed to make the upgrade possible. This will affect the process in a major way and this step needs to be performed with as much precision as possible, keeping in mind your present as well as future goals and planning accordingly. Organise: Take into account all the time that would go into taking your old board down. Creating space for your new board and finally putting up the new sign. This will allow you to schedule all your work around this process and affect your workflow minimally. (Anand is a technology expert)
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Celebrating silk
City women love shopping, and clothes top their list. Or so it seems after a visit to the Silk Utsav at Kisan Bhawan, Sector 35. "We received an amazing response at our exhibition last year at Kisan Bhawan, but couldn't extend it due to the next exhibition scheduled in Chennai. So, we are here again at Kisan Bhawan with many more artisans and a fresh supply of stock," says Rajesh, a craftsman and president of Rashtriya Sanskriti Samaj Avom Sabhyata, New Delhi, which is registered with Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Ministry Of Textile, Government of India.
At the exhibit, you will find silk from Chattisgarh, Baghalpuri tussar silk and matka silk, Karnataka silk, Tangial sarees, Baluchari sarees and Kantha handwork from West Bengal, Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, Assam silk and much more. Silk Utsav is on till October 8.
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Music that moves
While talking about the song Bismil, from the movie Haider, which seems to have challenged the conventionalism of Bollywood with its dramatic presentation and lyrics, seems to be wooing the audience curtsy its powerful music. Sung by Sukhwinder Singh, the song is written by Gulzar, while the music has been composed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
Contemporary ballad
I really like the music of the song and the lyrical content makes it sound like a contemporary ballad, a style of music that Bollywood has been deprived of all this while. Amol Gakhal, student, DAV College Growing fond
There is something very catchy about the song and I really like the way Sukhwinder has sung it. Also, I am really fond of the music of this song. Ashish Peter, private company employee Intense tune
I really love the music of the song, which has such a powerful quality to it. Even the video of the song is very intense. I like the way Shahid Kapoor has pulled off the music act in the song. Jaspal Singh, IT employee (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
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Sophia awaits Madhur
National Award-winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, who is currently shooting in Mauritius for his upcoming film Calendar Girls, will be travelling to Portugal for Sophia Awards where he will be honoured for his contributition to cinema by Hollywood actor Tom Bower. His films Fashion and Heroine will also be screened at the Syracuse International Film Festival on October 11 and 12. Madhur confirmed the news and said, "Delighted that the Syracuse Film Festival in New York has chosen to honor me with their prestigious Sophia. This will be my first visit to Syracuse so I am looking forward!' All is well with Ranveer, Karan
Recently there was this talk of Karan Johar being upset with Ranveer Singh for passing up a future collaboration and choosing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani over his Shuddhi. But Ranveer rubbished the
rumours. Holiday in Istanbul
Arjun Kapoor is currently on a 10-day break in Istanbul, Turkey. Arjun, who will be next seen in Tevar opposite Sonakshi Sinha, loves Spain and Turkey. Daring couple
Director Siddharth Anand has given Bang Bang dare to his lead pair Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif. The dare is for them to go to a single screen theatre without any disguise and click a selfie! Known the super stardom that both Hrithik and Katrina Kaif have, this is quite the dare as the moment people realise they are at the theatre, thousands will gather to shower their love on them! Hrithik and Katrina have accepted the dare and will soon announce which theatre they will head to and reveal the time also. Now that's what we call taking the challenge head on! Director Siddharth Anand has given Bang Bang dare to his lead pair Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif. The dare is for them to go to a single screen theatre without any disguise and click a selfie! Known the super stardom that both Hrithik and Katrina Kaif have, this is quite the dare as the moment people realise they are at the theatre, thousands will gather to shower their love on them! Hrithik and Katrina have accepted the dare and will soon announce which theatre they will head to and reveal the time also. Now that's what we call taking the challenge head on! Aamir misses assembly polls
Aamir Khan is upset as he won't be able to vote in Maharashtra state assembly elections this time due to his prior commitments. He will be travelling to US for an
event. Role call
Salman Khan has apparently offered wrestler Varinder Singh Ghuman a role in his film on Gama Pehlwan. Salman spotted him while Varinder was rehearsing for an action sequence with Allan Amin for his upcoming film Roar—Tigers of the
Sunderbans. Manisha makes a comeback
Actress Manisha Koirala, who has successfully battled cancer, might make a comeback on the silver-screen soon. According to the latest buzz, director Rajkumar Santoshi has offered her a film. Manisha has earlier worked with Santoshi in the 2001 film,
Lajja.
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Genius theory
Alia Bhatt on the Genius video and how it changed her public image. What an idea
The All-India Bakchod Group came up with the idea-Who is Alia Bhatt? I was game. Karan (Johar) found it really funny, Arjun (Kapoor) and Parineeti (Chopra) sportingly joined in. Everybody wanted to have fun. People think I did it for publicity and that is not true but I can laugh at myself. I don't take myself too seriously. Being ahead of the game
Aisa kuch nahi hai, I'm just four films old. And for the next one year, I won't be seen on screen because Vikas Bahl's Shaandaar with Shahid (Kapoor) and Ayan Mukerji's superhero film with Ranbir are a long way off. I have to keep my head on my shoulders. Proud of Highway
Even I am bemused that Highway didn't do well at the BO. Indians watch films for entertainment and don't invest in them emotionally. I'm very proud of Highway. I wouldn't like any of my film to make Rs 60 crore in three days and then be forgotten. Four hits
I am happy with the success of my movies, of course. Highway gave me so much even if the collections were not great. It's not everyday that you get to be part of a movie like Highway. It also feels great when directors and writers want to cast you again. Staying alone
My parents have given me a comfortable home and their presence is very important in my life. I will move out someday. Staying alone makes you more responsible. However, I wouldn't like to stay too far from them.
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Shraddha, the singing sensation
Shraddha Kapoor is an actress with back-to-back hits to her credit but she is extremely new in the music world.
Besides her acting abilities, her singing has gotten her praises. People are talking about her singing abilities, thanks to her second musical outing. Shraddha made her singing debut with the unplugged version of the song Galliyan in Ek Villain. And now she has taken her singing further by crooning Do Jahaan for her upcoming film Haider. The actress has sung both songs with renowned singers. While she shared the audio space with Ankit Tiwari in the unplugged version of Galliyan, she sang Do Jahan with veteran singer Suresh Wadkar. While Galliyan is a love ballad, Do Jahaan is a Kashmiri folk song. Shraddha has sung two completely different kinds of songs equally well. She is overwhelmed by the positive feedback she has been receiving from all quarters for Do Jahaan. The song is placed at a strategic point in the movie and the movie doesn't actually have too many songs. They are in the background only. Shraddha says, "Singing has been a hobby and passion in my family and I am glad that my singing
in movies has been appreciated."
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Kangana to acquire Haryanvi touch
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut will get under the skin of her character as she essays the role of a Haryanvi athlete in Aanand Rai's Tanu Weds Manu 2.
Director-producer Aanand Rai and Kangana Ranaut who go back a long way are going all out to ensure that the sequel of the blockbuster is a treat to audiences in small towns and metros
alike. Aanand Rai and Kangana will be taking time out from their schedules to travel to Haryana in November and meet girl students from the colleges there to better understand the nuances of the Haryanvi language and mannerisms. Confirming the news Aanand L Rai says, "Yes, Kangana and I will be travelling to Haryana. We have short-listed a few colleges and will be visiting them in
November."
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Lit up on Dasehra
On the occasion of Dasehra, we talk to these television actors about their childhood memories. Here's what they have to say...
Ankita Bhargava
Kapil Nirmal
Chandni Bhagwanani
Karan Sharma
Giaa Manek
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 3...
Your birthday falls this year on Vijaydashmi, which will prove to be an auspicious start of your new year. A moneymaking opportunity will allow you to gain income from two different sources. Teaching and writing are good avenues to explore. Body pains and stress-related problems cannot be ruled out. Personal affairs will be under control. Tax and insurance matters will need some attention. The time has come to cast aside laziness and to be daring in all sectors. You need to have self-confidence if you want to succeed. Those born after 1970 will concentrate on real estate. If you do not find that silver lining in the dark cloud, you will be stuck outside in a nasty storm with little hope. Mixed messages are in financial zone. Some stars will invite you to spend with joy and prudence, whilst some hostile planet warns against extra spending. The stars recommend carefully evaluating new work offers. The year is full of testing ground and opportunity. Your health will be fine and you will feel energetic. Health of an elder member in family may need extra attention. You could attract someone who is a great deal of fun but who lacks commitment. 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, red coral, ruby. Charity on birthday: Donate white sweets or fruits to the needy, any school or religious place.
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Astro turf
ARIES: You will be focused and alert. Working with colleagues and gaining their support will lead to faster progress on assignments. Don't make impulsive decisions regarding finances.
Tarot message: Don't build into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Aqua.
Magic number: 63
TAURUS: You're not undecided, just trying to understand what others around you are thinking so you can plan ahead. Loved ones may not fully understand your
daily needs. Tarot message: Take thing one at a time. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 48. GEMINI: Do not overlook a chance meeting that may lead to future romance. Kick old habits and adopt a healthier life style. You will be quite amazed to find yourself taking on a more ambitious role.
Tarot message: Polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 43 CANCER: You are likely to find an ideal partner. Be bold to speak out what is in your mind. Professional success is likely to blend with anxiety, as changes are imminent. Delays can be expected today.
Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy on others. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 38 LEO: You will be able to enjoy interacting with people who share your views and thoughts. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you enhance your reputation.
Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Chocolaty brown.
Magic number: 55. VIRGO: You find ways to express your creativity and emotion. Your personal interests are likely to be stagnant. Activities with your partner and friends are likely to be good humored.
Tarot message: A setback would be followed by a rapid advance. Lucky colour: Burgundy.
Magic number: 49.
LIBRA: Today, a long cherished dream may come true. A date with your lover will at last come up. Do not try any short cuts, as they may misfire.
Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking advice. Lucky colour: Sap green.
Magic number: 29. SCORPIO: Youngsters should be capable of entertaining themselves and they will be happiest left alone. Complicated family issues require consideration.
Tarot message: A dissatisfactory phase will need gentle handling. Lucky colour: Sky blue.
Magic number: 44. SAGITTARIUS: Inception of new business ventures is just on the cards. Minor jealousies are best addressed in the moment. Tonight, plan creative distractions or group events.
Tarot message: Feel free to change your mind. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 37 CAPRICORN: A close friend needs delicate advice concerning strained relationships or unexpected emotional triangles.
Tarot message: If you insist on leading a fast life, you may aggravate your problems.
Lucky colour: Maroon. Magic number: 54 AQUARIUS: This is a strong time for shared enjoyment with family. Tonight, review financial records for forgotten payments. Do watch for ongoing romantic attractions.
Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 61. PISCES: Expect loved ones to propose new forms of entertainment. This is an excellent time to adopt new routines, foster friendships or develop unique hobbies.
Tarot message: Do not get tied down by any promises. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 46.
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Tweetie pie
Pooja Bhatt "Everyone has their own agenda. I just want to make a film that is profitable to all. Ho hum! When will we all learn?" - Miss Bhatt, your agendas became quite clear when you introduced Sunny Leone to India. Sophie
Choudry "Main aisa kyun hoon?" Shd be "Baaki aise kyun nahin
hai?!" U nutter! Keep spreading joy & madness :D @RanveerOfficial -- We sincerely hope your efforts of supporting "friends" pays off someday, dear
Sophie. Shilpa Shetty All the best @Mikasingh fr ure movie
#Balwindersinghfamoushogaya . Chak de Phatte:) -- Your choice of friends explains your grammar abilities,
love. Uday Chopra Understanding who we are, is like telling the time. It is true for that moment but it is constantly changing. We are no longer who we were -- Deep,
Uday. Didn't see that coming, now, did we? Compiled by Somya Abrol
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Chicken cube 80 grams
Having spent my childhood in Delhi, I remember going to the Ram Leela ground every year. My dad would take me and all my cousins to the fair. We would get to buy sets of bows and arrows made up of cardboard and shiny paper. We would also buy gada, just like the one Hanuman ji has. We would take all the big rides like the ferris wheel, get photos clicked in the photo booths, eat aloo chaat and chooran. All of us would wait for the big Raavan structure to be lit with fire. It was a big day for all of us. I was told that truth and honesty always wins over bad karma, and Dasehra symbolises that for us. So, every Dasehra, while I would watch the Raavan getting engulfed in fire, I would remind myself to stay away from bad karma and always do the right thing just like Lord Ram.
I used to watch Ram Leela and on Dasehra eve we kids used to organise a fair. I remember we used to collect money from truck drivers on highways for our fair. And then we used to paste posters about our fair in the vicinity. After it, we used to party with the money that was collected.
There is a Sai Baba temple close to where I live in Mumbai. Each year, Sai Baba's palki procession is carried out on the auspicious day of Dasehra. We used to wake up early in the morning to decorate the palki. After that, Bhandara preparations start in full swing; for the whole day, we used to cook sabji, poori and halwa.
When I was a kid, every evening we used to go to the temple during Navratras to seek the blessings of Maa Durga. On Dasehra, there was a special pooja organised at the temple. In the evening, the customary Raavan dhahan was performed. This used to be followed by eating chat pakodi, kachori and
samosa.
What makes Dasehra exciting is that it is celebrated across different cultures. As a child, I used to love how my society would transform into a hub of activities. On one side, we would have Durga Pooja and on the other you can be a part of the Dandia nights. Dasehra is so much fun with awesome food, huge pandals and amazing lights.
You share your birthday with Jyoti Prakash Dutta (October 3, 1949, Mumbai), known for directing many patriotic war films and films in the action genre. Some of the films that he has written, produced and directed are Refugee and LOC Kargil. He should avoid litigation due to Rahu's inauspiciousness.