These are few of my favourite things….
Panjab University is declared the number one educational institution of the country. A few celebs, the proud products of the university, remember their days in the campus
Mona

Carrying on the hot class debates to Stu C while enjoying cholle bhature with nimbu pani or sipping the nth cup of tea, repeated calling of your name when a friend came dropping at the hostel, late night paranthas and chai just outside the campus after marathon study hours at AC Joshi library, there are things peculiar to having lived and studied at Panjab University.

Yet another study declaring Panjab University as one of the premier educational institutions of the country, some celebs go down the memory lane to relive their moments in the campus!

Life was graceful

With eleven public meetings to attend in one single day, Kirron Kher, actor MP, was all eager, peppy and fresh sharing her days in the campus-long walks, eating at the Student Centre, called 'StuCen' at that time, studying from the best teachers to late night outings for parathas at the thelewala. "It was a graceful life. A great learning period and the most beautiful campus to support it," says Kirron who was a student in Department of English and Department of Indian Theatre. "Chandigarh is a city of achievers. Be it academics or sports, we had the best people from respective fields. The city's elite class came to watch our plays." Ask her if there was anything that she wanted to change… "Now that I look back, I think of the broken windowpanes in some of the departments. We Indians are great at making things but bad at maintaining. Now that we have started with Swacch Bharat Campaign, we will go to University too," says Kirron, elated at University getting the high ranking, Clean India Campaign that she was a part of getting a fantastic start and India winning gold in hockey. "Looks like achche din aa rahe hain," she laughs.

Time to give back
Ayushmann Khurrana
Ayushmann Khurrana

Actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana spent years of his youth in the campus too and proud at the latest news. "Whenever I used to rub shoulders with the communication students coming from the premium institutes of Delhi and Mumbai, I remember they used to have a certain air. Now, it's time to give it back to them. I'm from Panjab University Chandigarh. And I'm damn proud of it," says the actor.

For him PU is a place of learning and evolution. He misses spending hours in the library, having coffee at the StuC in the softer and fuller winter sun. And, yes, there are things that he wants to change too. "I would love to change the nature of student politics because it's laced with violence. I would want the students coming from smaller towns to be less judgemental about girls who dress up in a certain way and have a certain lifestyle too," says the guy whose composition of college days Pani da rang went on to be hugely successful in Vicky Donor.

We are the best
Vansh Bhardwaj
Vansh Bhardwaj

Vansh Bhardwaj, another actor to come out of the Department of Indian Theatre, credits Panjab University for not only teaching him the art of acting but also the art of living. "Umango bhari umar thi vo," Vansh gets nostalgic on the mention of his life in campus. The three years he spent in the university, he is happy that he got to learn under the best in theatre. "We had great teachers - Neelam Mansingh, Rani Balbir, Mohan Mahrishi, Anjala Maharishi, Kumara Varma and Mahendra Kumar," he insists that we mention all his teachers' names. And the bonds he made continue till date. "Now that I am in Mumbai for over five years, my batch mates from the department are my family here."

All Vansh wants is to go back and relive those times. And proud as he is, he wants Panjab University to be the best in the world next, "I want us to raise our bar so high that people form advanced countries like the USA or England come to study here," says the actor who is winding up the shoot for his film Meeruthiya Gangsters.

Discovering life
Meeta Vashisht
Meeta Vashisht

Actor Meeta Vashisht can relive each moment as if it was only yesterday-studying metaphysical poetry from Ira Pande, zooming through the campus on her moped and wondering if that loaded but rather desi guy in an open jeep and abundant agricultural land back home knew what 'Indian girls are square' means which he proudly flashed on his t-shirt. "It was a seminal period of my life," says Meeta, who too studied in the English Department before heading to the Department of Indian Theatre. Coming from MCM DAV College to the university, she felt like Alice in wonderland in the campus. "From rather closed atmosphere of a girl's school to college to university where students didn't just come to study but for others reasons too, I could see a brave new world opening up before me." It was also a period of rebellion for Meeta who took up theatre when her parents wanted her to be an IAS officer.

"Teachers taught with deep joy at that time. Literature I read that time has stayed on till today and has returned to me in many scripts that I have done on stage." Hers was not a generation to put labels in life, so the thought never occurred that she was studying in one the top institutions of the country but today she is immensely proud to have her alma mater to be among the best!

mona@tribunemail.com

Blissfully happy
For Pariva Pranati, the protagonist of Hamari Sister Didi, being out of the comfort zone gives her a high as far as her television career is concerned
Manpriya Singh

There is a reason why television actress Pariva Pranati has largely shuttled her way across several characters in daily soaps. It is a fancy for the idea of becoming someone else while the arc lights go on and the call for action comes. Currently, the protagonist of Hamari Sister Didi, aired on Sony Pal, she shares all things television.

Amrita of Hamari Sister Didi

Amrita or as she is fondly called Sister Didi is basically a happy person who believes in spreading love and happiness. She believes that half of the issues will get sorted if dealt with positivity. And somewhere, I, as a person, quite relate to Amrita. Yet, certain things that she does push me beyond my comfort zone, so that's also challenging for me to play. And that's a big reason for me to take up this role.

Patiala and all things Punjabi

Yes, I play a Punjabi girl from Patiala. And I have been lucky as far as the research is concerned as DJs as a production does its research and briefs the actors properly. So, there was no problem.

Television, all these years

I think the industry is changing and I am glad to be a part of this change. People have started experimenting with shows and concepts. I think television has become a bigger medium, almost as big as movies or maybe even bigger, as now every film is being promoted via television.

Any dream roles?

Oh, there are so many! I like roles that challenge me. Queen was one such movie. I envy Meryl Streep for the varied roles that she played. And I would also want to do roles that Sandra Bullock has played.

Life with Puneet Sachdev

We have been friends for ages now. And Puneet and I have stayed friends post marriage too. We in fact at times forget that we are married. I think it's important to keep the friendship going and give each other space. He is a wildlife lover, so at every opportunity he runs to some jungle.

For the love of acting

Actually what gives me the maximum pleasure is to become a new character and that comes only through acting. I love everything about acting. Anchoring is fun too and I have tried that off and on. Reality shows are okay but nothing that I would really miss. As long as I am acting, I am in a bliss.


Pariva Pranati
Pariva Pranati 

On the serial

The serial, set in Punjab, is the story of Amrita, who post her husband's untimely demise, has taken up his dream and passion. As a head nurse, she strongly believes that it takes more than edicine to heal a person. Amrita's life takes a turn with the entry of her ex-husband's friend in her life.







manpriya@tribunemail.com

WEIGHT WATCH
Healthy picks that help you relax…
Sunita Bhatti

As everyone knows that stress is a part of life. Stress works in both ways, it may be good enough for better productivity but it may cause serious health hazards if it is not managed timely. There may be so many underlying causes behind stress. Stress may be caused by time limited events, such as the pressures of examinations or work deadlines. The most vulnerable group undergoing stress is executive class and students. More workload and pressure of studies leads to stressful life. Competitive exams and goal achieving jobs make them to sit for long hours, which lead to mental tension and physical fatigue. Some stress is a normal part of the workplace, but excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and affects your physical and emotional health. So now the question arises how to manage the stress.

There are so many ways to deal with stress with the help of meditation and antidepressant pills. Here we are going to tell you the way to manage the stress with some life style changes and keep yourself energise to cope up with stressful life. You can add some wonderful foods in your diet to reduce stress to some extent.

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits and all colourful fruits like oranges, sweet lime, strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, plums, and tomatoes are high in potassium, which aids in the regulation of blood pressure. These fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants also. When you are stressed, your body releases even more free radicals than usual. Vitamin C helps to keep the free radicals in check, and repairs the body. Basically, it helps protect the body from the cumulative effects of stress. These fruits also contain a high amount of fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Too many fluctuations in blood sugar levels may be a major contributor to stress for some people.

Omega-3 rich foods

Canola oil, linseed oil, soy oil and fish tuna oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which elevate your mood, thereby helping you to better cope with the after effects of a really tough day at the office. Flax seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. This can be taken in the roasted form after grinding it. It can be mixed in curd or milk.

Sugar in moderation

Foods that are high in sugar cause your body to produce fewer hormones linked to anxiety. When you ingest sugar, your body creates a hormone that counters stress reactions, called glucocorticoid. But you should make sure to only eat sugar in moderation, as more of sugar consumption leads to weight gain.

Whole grains

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates and whole grains encourages your body to produce increased levels of serotonin, a feel good hormone that improves your mood and produces a sensation of relaxation. All whole grains including wheat, oats, barley and brown rice contain plenty of B vitamins and also supply serotonin which helps to relax nerve muscles.

Low fat or skim milk

Milk is very high in calcium and B vitamins, which help to build your bones and protect nerve health. Try mixing some milk, little sugar and some fresh blueberries in the blender for a healthy pick -me-up that is super good for you, and an excellent alternative to ice cream.

Green Vegetables

Dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals that help replenish our bodies in times of stress.

Nuts and oilseeds

These are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant. Nuts are also high in calcium, iron and fiber. Some 25 to 30 grams of nuts can be included in a daily diet for a normal person.

Soy benefits

Try adding foods that are made out of soy to your diet such as soy milk, tofu and soy nuts. Soy is high in protein, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress reducing because they can satisfy the urge we get for carbohydrates and sweets when we are under a great deal of stress. Instead of reaching for a doughnut, eat one of these as it is rich of vitamin C also.

Water

It is important to have sufficient water intake (8-10 glasses) in a day to keep your body hydrated as dehydration can stress your entire body. Keep your nerves steady by staying well hydrated. The foods listed above are not only healthy, but they taste good as well! Next time you crave sweets, reach for some fresh fruits, a sweet potato, or make a blueberry or mango shake with milk.

Exam diet

  • Start your day with a glass of low fat milk.
  • Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet that will provide you with all the nutrients your body needs. Instead of eating 3 heavy meals eat 5 to 6 meals a day to feel lighter.
  • Moderate your intake of fat, sugar, and caffeine. Alter sweet cravings with fruits as fruits provide lots of vitamins. Lot of sugar intake can make you sluggish.
  • Eat handful of nuts (almonds, walnuts and raisins) which provide you extra amount of energy and protein, fibre and other nutrients.
  • Try to add lots of fluids to keep your body fully hydrated.
  • Some light exercise will help you to get relaxed.
  • Get plenty of sleep and try to make your sleeping patterns as regular as possible.

(Bhatti is a Chandigarh-based dietician)

Master Chef
Crunchy chicken
Ranjan Dibya

Chicken can be made in a variety of ways, as it is a very versatile poultry produce. And with the doctors vetoing against the use of red meat, its table value has increased more. The trick is to keep the inherent juices and the tenderness of chicken intact. With the homemade paste and basil leaves it becomes wholesome as well.

Crispy Chicken Tossed in Roasted Chilli Pesto and Basil Leaves

Ingredients

  • 180 gm chicken breast; boneless, sliced
  • 15 ml oil
  • 10 gm garlic, chopped
  • 15 gm bell pepper, sliced
  • 15 gm onion, sliced
  • 20 gm roasted chilli paste
  • 10 ml oyster sauce
  • 5 gm sugar
  • 3 ml dark soya sauce
  • 10 gm basil
  • Refined flour-corn-flour batter
  • Oil for frying
  • Fried basil for garnishing

Method

Batter fry the sliced chicken till crispy. Heat oil in a wok; sauté garlic, add roasted chilli paste, oyster sauce, dark soya and sugar. Add bell pepper, onion, crispy fried chicken and basil. Toss well so that the sauce is coated well. Serve hot garnished with fried basil.

Note: Season the sliced chicken before batter-frying.

(Dibya is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)

Go, celebrate!

Charan padukan refers to places where Hindu Gods have walked on earth and where their footprints are now visible. Mirari Charan Padukan represents foot prints of the goddess Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune. If carefully preserved in a neat and clean place at home or office it is believed to bestow good fortune and luck to all.

  • Crafted in 10 karat gold.
  • Rs 18,000

Gold coins

Signature Lakshmi and Ganesh gold coins — crafted in 24 karat pure gold. The coins denote the universally revered deities of Ganesha and Lakhsmi. The elephant God Ganesha is the symbol of prosperity and Lakshmi bestows fortune and good luck on all. Crafted in 24 karat yellow gold .

  • Available in denomination of 5 grams
  • Rs 15,000

Wake up to a treat
If you thought only a hearty lunch or a candlelight dinner could leave a lasting flavour, try out these breakfast options in tricity…
Somya Abrol

There's not much that can make you drag yourself out of bed to combat the monotony of yet another average day. But then, there's always breakfast! It was not very long ago when you would fumble around Chandigarh's sectors and end up with just Aloo Poori, Upma or Dhokla to start your day with. Finally, with the Almighty's grace, tricity's foodies now have a number of options to choose from. We wonder if nutritionists' hoopla about breakfast being the most important meal of the day brought this upon the city. Nonetheless, we're not complaining! From Mediterranean to continental to oriental to European—we now have a deluge of sumptuous options to commence our day. Let's take a look at some, shall we?

Veg haven

Garlic & Greens, Sector 9, Chd

This purely vegetarian restaurant boggles your mind with its wide variety. Whoever said vegetarian in India is just ghaas-phoos, can very well bite their tongue! From a variety of toasts served with hash browns, baked beans and coffee to multigrain loafs to peanut butter jelly sandwiches to pancakes to English muffins to Chilaquiles to sugarfree breakfast options such as porridge, oatmeal and Greek yougurt, there's a lot to choose from.

Breakfast for one: Rs 350
Open from: 7 am to 11 pm

Green cover

Willow Café, Sector 10, Chd

From French toast to Amritsari Kulcha to eggs of all sorts, Willow Café guarantees to make your mornings pretty with its outdoor seating in the greenery and variety of teas and coffee. Visit this place for Roast Chicken Sandwich or the Chicken Piccata, Roasted Bellpepper, Zucchini Open Face Sandwich, if you're in the mood to indulge.

Breakfast for one: Rs 400
Open from: 8.30 am to 12 midnight

Café feel

Books N Brew, Sector 16, Chd

Almost all youngsters have frequented this little café since its inception. Though the menu isn't very elaborate, they do offer a decent cup of coffee, Indian Masala Omlette, Burritos, Indian Frittata and the likes. Team these up with a good, relaxed ambience, and you have for yourself a perfect start to the morning!

Breakfast for one: Rs 200
Open from: 9 am to 11 pm

Crepe corner

Casa Bella Vista, Sector 10, Chd

Nestled in the back lanes of this happening sector, Casa Bella Vista offers you earthy, Victorian interiors and a bright outdoor seating. While their regular fare features wood-fire oven pizzas and pastas (vegetarian only), we recommend you visit this restaurant for its crepes. The crepe with bananas, walnuts, ice-cream and chocolate wins our hearts sumptuously.

Breakfast for one: Rs 350
Open from: 9.30 am to 11 pm

Eat & tell

Lettuce Eat, VIP Road, Zirakpur

You'd think finding good food in Zirakpur would be a struggle; wait till you walk into Lettuce Eat on the already-crowded VIP Road. While the interiors are breezy and light, their breakfast options range from Chicken & Cheese Omlette to variants of the Pasta Salad. The Chef's special Egg & Cheese Sandwich is also worth a try.

Breakfast for one: Rs 250
Open from: 9.30 am to 10.30 pm

Tasty treat

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Sector 22, Chd

Even if we don't consider the sea of mouth-watering teas and coffees available at CBTL, their breakfast options are sure to entice you; what with chocolate and cheese croissants and waffles and smoked chicken sausages and omlettes! The one cup of coffee worth trying with your indulgent breakfast is the Vanilla Latte.

Breakfast for one: Rs 450
Open from: 7.30 am to 12 midnight

somya@tribunemail.com

chatter box
Birds of the same feather


Rishina Kandhari and Roopal Tyagi
Friends indeed: Rishina Kandhari and Roopal Tyagi

Buzz is that Roopal Tyagi (Gunjan from Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke) and Rishina Khandari (Malvika from Uttaran), get along like a house on fire. The two actresses have been great friends since a long time. "Friendship is a very important part of my life and spending time with a friend is like growing up together. With friends we can share ourselves," says Roopal. Meanwhile, Rishina Kandhari adds, "Life without friends is like food without salt. We are blessed to have each other as friends. One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood".

New gymnast on the block

Rishina Kandhari, who is currently seen in Uttaran, has turned into a gymnastic freak. As it turns out, the pretty actress is learning Malkhmbh and acrobatics. She says, "It all started with that episode of shapath where I portrayed the role of Kiana, a ninja assassin. I fought with swords and jumped from a 10,000-foot high cliff! I realised that it is very important for an actor to be flexible. I want to thank actor Vicky Arora for introducing me to this fantastic art. He trained us for 15 days (three hours every day) in sword fighting, acrobatics and stick fighting. I decided then that even after the episode gets over I would continue my practice and master the craft."

Has she mastered the art yet? "I still am not a pro at it. But, I practice every alternate day after my pack-up. I shall master it very soon! I want to learn everything possible before I die. My gymnastic coach Balwant at Goreagaon Sports Club keeps motivating me to give it my best."

Preaching non-violence

Actors Ajay Chaudhary and Aniruddh Dave, who were returning from Bangalore, spotted Mahatma Gandhi's statue at the Mumbai airport. Both the actors could not resist clicking pictures as the statue looked so real. However, do they follow his teachings? Aniruddh Dave says, "Gandhi's sayings and path of non-violence had great impact on all generation. His contribution in Indian independence can't be denied. He inspires people to go on a path of non-violence."

Game for drama

The daily-soap queen, Ekta Kapoor, is all set to enter the world of non-fiction shows. Ekta, who is known for her creativity, will now be coming up with a reality show titled Box Cricket League, which is an original format of cricket, where all the top television actors, both males and females will be playing the game. The show will feature a combination of on-ground and behind-the-scenes locker-room drama and will have eight teams from eight different cities of India, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Delhi and Jaipur to compete for the title. Ekta has already signed up over 150 TV stars for the same.

Get ready for a brand new season

Get set for the tenth edition of the show, Supernatural that begins with Sam's frantic search for his missing brother, who is gone without a trace. The road to recovering the wayward Dean takes Sam down dark paths, with consequences that will shake the boys to their core. Meanwhile, Castiel has to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of Metatron's campaign. So don't miss Supernatural season 10, starting from October 11 at 10:00 PM only on AXN India.

The sister act

A good story needs a brilliant story teller and this precisely the concept that director Adnan Ahmed and writer Sameera Fazal have kept in mind while making the show, Mera Naseeb. The show, on Zindagi, is a story of two cousins with intertwined fate. Inspired by renowned author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel, Sister of My Heart (1999), Mera Naseeb is the story of Shazia and Nazia, two cousins, both born on the same day and at the same time to two different mothers. Mera Naseeb is based on Divakaruni's novel that explores the emotional story of two young Calcutta girls-Anjuand and Sudha. While Sanam Saeed plays the role of the adventurous, Shazia, Syra Yousuf will be seen as the naïve Nazia on the show.

star track
Life with horror and Harman

Bipasha Basu seems to have found a niche with horror movies and she is comfortable juggling between fitness, fashion, and movies. She has finally found a life partner in Harman Baweja and the two are ready to tie the knot. She talks about her relationship with him.

Connection with Harman

Companionship is something that you can't plan. When you connect with the person you just connect. There is no thought process behind it. I'm not the kind of person who gets attracted by money or success. I can't tell you one thing about Harman that attracted me to him. It is only about connection and the fact that he is also a friend who understands me.

No proposal

What proposal? I don't remember. It has been a long time. And we are not kids. It all used to happen in school, will you be my boyfriend or girlfriend? No one talks like this now. It's just the bond. When you become a couple you just know. We both are very comfortable and secure with each other and have a lot in common. Our relationship unfolded naturally.

Importance of sex

Sex is absolutely important. It is the most important thing especially in maintaining fidelity. Your relationship will fall apart the day it's not there. For me, if there is no love there is no point in having sex.

Strong bond

Friendship, mutual respect and equality are needed to maintain a relationship. Relationships break when there's no mutual respect. It's important to have a balance in any relationship. I should get the respect that I give to my partner. Space is important too. I don't think you should be into each other 24x7.

Govinda goes for the kill

Kill Dil's recently released title track has received a phenomenal response. People have loved the song and its edgy music a lot but they have no idea how much effort Govinda put into the song. Govinda has always been a brilliant actor and phenomenal dancer but he had to practice for the title track. Since the song opens with Govinda, Ranveer Singh and Ali Zafar mouthing the beats of the song, Govinda wanted to perfect it.

Govinda's iconic step has been repeated in the title track and the edgy music is paired with Govinda, Ranveer Singh and Ali Zafar's camaraderie. This song is different from what Govinda has executed before but the superstar nailed it perfectly.

Watch out for Kriti

Kriti Sanon is the new ambassador for Tissot watches and here are pictures from the launch. It is a big achievement for her after just one movie. Her next films are Farzi and Singh is Bling.

Aamir’s pledge

Aamir Khan has come forward in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He says he cleans up at home and his office is waste-free. His TV show Satyamev Jayate, which has highlighted issues such as female foeticide and medical malpractices, will begin its third season this Sunday.

Aamir, who was named one of Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People last year, also has a major movie out this year - Rajkumar Hirani's PK, co-starring Anushka Sharma and Sanjay Dutt, which is expected to release around Christmas.

Not so sweet(a)

The song Sweeta from Kill Dil features Ranveer Singh stalking Parineeti Chopra. That is his nickname for the actress now. She gets annoyed by it but he purposely calls her Sweeta even now. It is a typical Delhi word.

No problem

Farhan Akhtar proved his mettle as a solo leading man in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag but he has no qualms doing ensemble films such as Dil Dhadakne Do in which there are other prominent stars and actors like Ranveer Singh, Anil Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, etc.

He enjoys working with people and gets to learn a lot. In fact, most of his home productions starring him have an ensemble cast, be it Rock On!, Luck By Chance or Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Sunny gets a Maserati

Former adult film star turned Bollywood actress Sunny Leone is on cloud nine as the actress was pampered with an expensive gift from husband Daniel Weber. The actress is super excited to receive a Maserati car from her husband as a surprise gift. The car is worth a whopping Rs 50 lakh. Leone is currently enjoying her much-needed vacation in US with her friends and family.

Success story

Huma Qureshi has impressed people with her acting abilities in the past few years. She is a powerhouse of talent. Huma has done a variety of films. She gets into the skin of her character for every film. From Gangs of Wasseypur to Ek Thi Dayaan to Dedh Ishqiya, Huma has done different genres of films and has proved her mettle as an actress. At a recent award function, Huma Qureshi was felicitated for her performances. Huma received an award for 'Excellence in Acting'. The actress felt elated and honoured at the felicitation. Huma is currently busy with her next film Badlapur, opposite Varun Dhawan. She will also be seen in Mumbai Saga, starring John Abraham.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 4...

You will be sensitive towards the disturbing feelings you arouse in someone else. Try to stay fair instead of abusing this attention and falling into excess. Communication in relationships needs to be checked; think twice before you speak. Chances for stomach ache can be quite significant. You might not find it a productive day career wise. Getting caught up is important, but cultivating awareness of what others are up to is also key.

Exhausting trips and having to wait may make you lose your patience. Expect consistent income, professional gratification and excellent collaboration. Promising planetary movements offer a good time for consolidating your professional position.

Positive colours: Dark blue, dark grey, all blue shades

Select days: Saturday

Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8

Gems recommended: Gomed, Cats Eye, Tiger Stone

Charity on birthday: Donate blue washing soap and utensils.

Soha Ali Khan [October 4, 1978, New Delhi], who is the daughter of Sharmila Tagore, a noted film actress. Soha made her acting debut with Bollywood production Dil Maange More (2004). She has beautiful career in films owing to her Venus, which is likely to bestow glamour and money on her for next 15 years.

first-day-first show
Deep & dark

Haider

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and co-written by Basharat Peer and Bhardwaj, Haider is an Indian drama film and is a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet that is set amidst the insurgency-hit Kashmir of 1995. The film is a dark drama focusing on human tragedy and revolves around a man called Haider, who wants to avenge his father's murder at the hands of his uncle. The film stars Shahid Kapoor (Haider) paired opposite Shraddha Kapoor (Arshia), a journalist by profession and Haider's love interest. Tabu essays the role of his mother, who marries her brother-in-law (played by Kay Kay Menon) after her husband mysteriously disappears. The film is the third instalment of Bhardwaj's Shakespearean trilogy after Maqbool (2003) and Omkara (2006).

Brilliant performance

It's a beautiful film and I really loved Shahid Kapoor's acting. He, along with Tabu and Kay Kay Menon, are brilliant. Also, the narration of the film is extremely interesting. However, the film is a dark drama and can leave you a little depressed.

Jaspreet Kaur, student

Deep impact

The story of the film and the actors are amazing. I love the whole concept of ch**zpah and the scene in which Shahid delivers a solo act after he is told about his father; the scene puts him in a different league of actors altogether.

Navdeep Singh, private company employee

Interesting plot

The film, as a Bollywood adaptation of Hamlet, set in the beautiful locals of Kashmir, and the conflict that prevailed during the mid-90s in the region makes for a very interesting plot. However, I think that the story is a little stretched in the end.

Ashish Peter, private company employee

Action packed

Bang Bang!

Bang Bang! is an action-romantic film directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Fox Star Studios. The film is an official remake of the Hollywood film Knight and Day and features Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles, performed by Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz respectively, in the original film. Harleen Sahani (Katrina Kaif), a bank receptionist, finds herself involved with Rajveer Nanda (Hrithik Roshan), a thief who has stolen the Kohinoor diamond. What turned out to be a date at a restaurant ends up in Harleen's life being plunged into danger. Authorities and a notorious criminal, Omar Zafar (Danny Denzongpa), are after Rajveer.

Rajveer turns Harleen's life around, telling her to do what needs to be done now, while Rajveer's biggest wish is to return home after all is finished. Rajveer sedates Harleen through the film so he can take her to a safe place, because her life is in danger.

Weak on acting

I love Hrithik Roshan in the film and he acts as good as he looks. However, he is not able to pull the movie through, especially with Katrina Kaif, who fails to act well. Also, I like the action scenes in the film.

Harjeet Kaur, homemaker

Waste of time

I did not like the film at all. It's a sheer waste of time and money. Also, the film is a commercial and westernised Bollywood adaptation of a Hollywood film, what do expect it to be anyway!

Prateek Sharma, student

(As told to Amarjot Kaur)

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will not be able to count on anyone today, so stay home and have friends visit you. It is time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens you have been carrying on your shoulders. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 51.

TAURUS: Try and be thoughtful, generous and loyal in a relationship. Be attentive toward the ones you love, and let the bygones be bygones. Start afresh. Health needs attention. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plans to anyone. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 50.

GEMINI: A chance to hook up with someone interesting will spark an idea of a new relationship. Make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 40.

CANCER: Do not do anything that will get you into trouble. A visit to a good friend's place will be a great way to unwind. This is a good time to reflect on days gone by. Tarot message: There is price to pay for over indulgence. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 34.

LEO: You will impress everyone, if you put yourself in the limelight today. This is a perfect time to entertain or to let others entertain you. Do things differently as it will lead to many changes. Tarot message: Stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Tomato red. Magic number: 40.

VIRGO: You will be in a cheerful and optimistic frame of mind and will want to spend time with family and close friends. Romantic relationships will bring fulfillment. Tarot message: Handle your work projects carefully. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 60.

LIBRA: You will be enthusiastic about some developments in your personal life. Those in a new romantic relationship may want to make a deeper commitment. Social events will keep you busy. Tarot message: Take timely action. Lucky colour: Orchid. Magic number: 66.

SCORPIO: You will be in a creative frame of mind and will come up with interesting and innovative ideas and solutions, which will be appreciated by seniors and colleagues. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 49.

SAGITTARIUS: You will want your space as you mull over recent events. Do not make financial decisions impulsively. Make an effort to reach out to your partner. Focus on your health. Tarot message: Beware of duplicity, fraud, or trickery. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 62.

CAPRICORN: You will be very inspired to make some changes to your lifestyle. Your insights and inputs will be valuable to colleagues and loved ones. Don't make impulsive decisions in personal relationship. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 32.

AQUARIUS: You will be very optimistic about certain developments on the career front. Chance encounters will help you clarify some of your reservations about new business ventures. Tarot message: Focus on your goals. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 49.

PISCES: You may have sudden insights into vexing issues and this will put you in a cheerful and relaxed frame of mind. Your love life will be smooth sailing and your partner will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Tarot message: Emphasise on your spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic Number: 37.





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |