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Laughing her way to the point
In humour lays the crux of the matter, opines Anita Nair. In Chandigarh, the author shares her take on what a powerful device humour can be, while at a session, With Malice Towards All, at Literati 2014
Humour reaches where the stiff upper lip can't; can hide what a poker face cannot; can change what anger would not. Of the million things a funny statement can make, "It can make people think on the most serious of subjects." Author Anita Nair shares her take on what a powerful device humour can be, while at a session, With Malice Towards All, at Literati 2014. While at most things funny, and all things serious, there's a take on the literary festivals itself. The lesser the merrier! "That only means having lesser number of festivals to go for," she laughs off. There must be a serious undertone to the statement she brushes aside as humour. A statement she is only too willing to elaborate on, once off the stage, "I don't think there is a need to host a literary festival in every village of India. This year I have already been to six literature festivals, and this is excluding the ones I did not go for. Moreover, these days you see B-town actors at literature festivals." Some in search of an intellectual image, others in pursuit of publicity. No wonder, in the circus of words, literature takes a backseat. As for today's literary industry, she shares, "I have nothing against the chick lit genre; that is quite a popular genre in the west. But, I only wish the current generation of Indian authors in English worked a little harder. They should be coming out with books that are readable." She adds, "It is sad when the subject is flaky, the treatment is also shaky."
The write way
It is her literary journey that started with a collection of short stories Satyr of the Subway, only to be followed by Ladies Coupe, the novel about a woman's journey in search of independence. Then there's Lessons in Forgetting, a book translated onscreen, that talks about redemption, forgiveness and second chances. The subjects neither come out of sub-conscious observations nor out of some cultivated thought process, but out of a compelling desire to write on the matter. "If something somewhere hounds me, disturbs me…if it stays in mind and continues to do so over a long period of time. When it germinates into something, is when I begin to write," shares the Kerala-born author. A place that has been the backdrop in most of her books, be it the The Better Man or The Mistress. She shares, "I have touched upon other areas like Tamil Nadu, Bangalore, Karnataka, but yes, primarily south India, because I understand it." Coming up is a series of poems and also a book that takes up the serious issue of trafficking. "It is not just about sexual trafficking, but also about human trafficking in the sense, bonded labour." It is a subject, that as she puts it, "The more I understand it, the more I feel about it." While the book does not have a working title, "It will be out sometime next year."
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Brown & crisp!
Young singer A Kay's latest track, Brown Boi, has already become a playlist
must-have. The singer, however, believes he still has a long way to go
He rolls up one leg of his track pants, runs his hand through his hair, which have been dyed in 'exotic' colours, he looks at the crowd, throws his tilted smile and screams in the mike. Thereafter, he hangs in for a reaction, which is a single word — A Kay! Punjabi singer A Kay, known as the Justin Bieber of Punjabi music industry, recently released his single track, Brown Boi, and the reaction he got from crowd was no different than usual, barring two extra words: 'A Kay, once more!'. With more than 4 lakh views on the third day of the release of the song on YouTube, this 22-year-old is making history by being the youngest singer in the industry to have such a large number of 'hits'. The track, written by Preet Hundal (Hundal Mohaliwala), with Bling Singh giving the rap, is painting the town red. "I was flooded with messages from people asking me about my next track. I, however, didn't want to rush into anything. So, I took my own sweet time to do the song and the video," says A Kay, a singer who hasn't treaded on the road to Pollywood yet. Brown Boi has been shot in Canada and Toronto in his trademark style. He laughs, "Oh yes, there is an A Kay style that is funky, groovy, yet meaningful." It is the last word 'meaningful' that he delves on. "Who says young Punjabi singers can't sing or write meaningful lyrics? To me, a song that touches a heart is a hit song. It can touch your heart and mind, or just the mind." Amrinder, who gives a fat share of his credit to his maternal grandmother and parents, along with friends who stood by him, is facing raw competition early in his career. The competition might be read as gaming and plotting, but A Kay prefers staying oblivious to it. "Ignorance is bliss," he is quick to state. "I am too young to get involved in some kind of dirty competition. I'd rather concentrate on my work and my presentation." Amrinder has recently returned from a music tour in Canada. Also, he is one of the few singers who have youngsters as well as oldies listening and dancing to his music. One of his earlier tracks, Maa Pey, was received extremely well by one and all. "My songs are not just for the 'mandeer'; I want everyone, the young and old alike, to listen to them." Brown Boi features on MTV and other music channels in a day or two. "MTV means youth connect and my song featuring on MTV only means that a lot of youngsters have taken to Punjabi music seriously." A Kay, like any other Punjabi singer, has been getting a lot of offers for films. "I want to sing film music instead; I want to playback in Bollywood and make more international kind of tracks. Acting is not happening anytime soon," shares the stylish singer, who wants to make wise use of the money he is earning. "I want to buy a fleet of cars one day, till then, keep on loving the Brown Boi!" he winks. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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In tune with victory
Chandigarh boy Vipul Sharma emerges victorious at Zee TV's dance reality show, Dil Se Naachein
Indiawaale
More than rhythm and beats (no blues!), it was about spirit and soul. How often do they ask you to dance with abandon, with all your heart and with all your might? That's all it took and that's all they did. Chandigarh boy, Vipul Sharma, 23, recalls the liberating set of instructions more than the euphoria of winning. "They just asked us to dance with our souls. They asked us to dance with so much of happiness that the audience, jury and everybody felt that happiness. It was about expressions more than choreography," he shares, having just won Zee Tv's reality show, Dil Se Naachein Indiawaale. A sentiment he shares with his dance partner Gaurav, 22, also from Chandigarh. "I had participated in reality shows before. When this show was about to start they had asked us to send in our videos, which was followed by auditions in Mumbai." Not to forget the finale. The one where they rocked and how! "We danced on songs Saree Ke Fall Sa, Shake That Booty and a Tamilian song." He adds, "It was a tough competition. When we landed up in Mumbai for the show, we thought we would actually beat everybody. But the groups that had come there were talented to the point of intimidating. We didn't expect to make it." Best foot forward
While dance has not been a way of life, it certainly has been a part of life ever since childhood. "I have completed my BTech from PTU. My parents never dissuaded from pursuing my passion, but they always had this one condition that I had to complete my studies first," he recalls. Along with exposure, came inspiration. "As I participated in reality, my resolve to pursue it only increased," he shares, having won Rs 10 lakh and an Alto car. "All three of us share the prize earnings among us. Gaurav, Priyanka, whom we met in Mumbai and collaborated with, and me." But, not after a fair share of hard work and sleepless nights. "We rehearsed day and night for the finale. Four days before the final episode, we slept only for four hours and did not sleep at all the night before."
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Flying high
Amarjot Kaur
Motivational factor
"My mom and my teachers are the two most motivating factors in my life," says Aryan. He adds that he is heavily indebted to his English teachers, who motivated him to write a book and his mother, who drove him around for tuitions. "The thirst for knowledge keeps me going too," he says. Feathers in the cap
Aryan did a research on bees and represented Chandigarh at the National children science congress in Jammu. Also, he was awarded an eight-day trip to Japan. "The Genesis programme, organised by Japan government, selects 100 students from the entire country on the basis of their achievements and academics. I will be going to Japan from November 10 to 18," says Aryan. Meanwhile, Aryan also won the aeronautics competition in aerolympics organised by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bangalore, where Aryan, along with his team of three other students will be going for four days on November 26, Bangalore, for their project called Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. "Also, in 2012, I was chosen as the ambassador for Save the Environment mission organised by a tetra-pack company, where we met renowned environmentalist Robert Swan in Pune," shares he.
Flipside of being an achiever
"The only problem with being an achiever is that you have very little time for yourself, as you are busy multitasking all the time," he opines. Goal
While Aryan is good at academics, music and writing, he plans to grab a degree first, post which he intends to follow his passion. "I am thinking of taking up Medical, but ultimately I want to direct films and cut an album," he smiles. Success recipe
"Hard work, passion and desire," says Aryan. Stress buster
"I like listening to music, slow soothing Hindi music and even singing songs." Words of wisdom
Aryan swears by two key thoughts, as he shares, "The way to success is to never lose hope when you don't achieve something and to keep working hard." amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Punjabi Tadka
Match point
I was a kabbadi player, and then due to a ligament rupture I was hospitalised. I was probably humming some tune when the doctor suggested that I should rather take singing seriously. And well, rest as they say, is history. If I had a choice
Since I have been singing since childhood, I think,
I would always have been a singer. Training… what say?
I feel training is important and I did train for almost two months, only to realise that it is a god-gift. Secondly, you need to have a good proportion of luck by your side. Some singers who have trained so much are still struggling. Pairing up
I always wanted to collaborate with Kuldeep Manak; now that he is not around, I want to be just by myself. I listen to…
Chamkila, his music is simply amazing. He gives a new twist to every line. Going live
Lately, I had a show in Mumbai along with singer Ammy Virk and Maninder Buttar. The sound arrangement wasn't very good, so we had to sing only on the dhol. The crowd went berserk and it was simply amazing. The industry
Punjabi music industry is a good place; at the same time I am aware that people don't actually enjoy my success! I am just honest to myself and others around me. I don't believe in bad competition. I owe it to my…
My grandfather and father, who both used to sing; as a kid, I would ape them. Today, I know where I got my singing from. Riyaz… oh yes
I practice everyday. In the morning, I sing at a low pitch and in the evening, I try to sing as loud as I can; my neighbours also enjoy it. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Go easy on yourself
More often than not, we make problems seem bigger than they are Renee Singh Virtually all of us experience stress at some stage of our lives. The other day I was sitting at a friend's place over coffee and a chat and since she is one of those smiling, positive people, I commented, "I don't think you ever take stress." Promptly, the spontaneous answer was, "You've got to be kidding. Of course I stress out! Which human doesn't?" Many of us have a habit of creating drama in our lives and some of us actually thrive on it. Some people do it occasionally, while with some, it could even be a way of life. They continuously create mental and emotional stress for themselves in the most extremely, unaware manner. Self sabotage
This is a term that can be used for people who love to make themselves unhappy, miserable and stressed through their own persistent attitudes. They are extremely impatient with most people, they are boorish and snappy and let their frustrations get to other people or cause unnecessary conflicts and mental stress, as stress clouds their better sense. Since self sabotage is common to a lot of us, it is important to make simple but significant changes in our lives in order to reduce mental and emotional stress. The type 'A' person
This is a very typical personality. These kinds of people are always in a hurry and treat most others with hostility. Reacting in a type 'A' manner brings unnecessary emotional stress to your relationships due to aggressive attitudes. Since type 'A' people are constantly in a rush, they miss simple solutions to problems. They ignore small details and create large problems. Type 'A' people tend to have a lot of health problems. Taking on too much
A lot of times we over schedule, take on too much and put ourselves under immense pressure unnecessarily. Sometimes you are the type who can't say 'no'. Hence, you get under constant stress. Pessimism
Here you see things much worse than they actually are. You overlook solutions to problems and cause unnecessary mental stress bringing in poorer health and negative side effects. A specific thought process that undermines your belief - I, yourself and you constantly view the glass as half empty. Negative self talk
Many a times, the enemy is inside one's own head. The way we talk to ourselves inside is something we've been doing since we were kids; this can follow us through our lives, colour every experience and create vision blocks. Negative self talkers create imaginary malevolent intent to others where none exists; interpret many positive events as negative. They create many self-fulfilling prophecies by believing their stress level is more than what they can deal with. Alter-negative self talk
It is never too late to alter our lives by altering our negative self-talk. We can make positive affirmations, this is very important, besides surrounding yourself with positive energy and positive people. Keep a positive journal and keep writing all your positive thoughts in it. Conflict resolution skills
There are many ways of handling a conflict. Conflicts are generally a part of life, but how we handle them can either strengthen a relationship or can cause loads of mental stress and create bigger conflicts. Most of the times when people act aggressively it is because they know no better and they don't realise they are sabotaging their own relationship. Many times people are overly aggressive in their attitude when only simple assertiveness is needed or sometimes people can't say no and get themselves drawn to many negative things. Self care
Taking care of yourself is extremely important. It helps you become more resilient towards life's stresses. Helps in improving your relationships and generally gives a boost to your life. Makes you a better parent, spouse and friend. It is one of the main factors in leading a de-stressed life. (Singh is a Chandigarh-based
psychotherapist)
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Enter SRK, the bad guy
Shah Rukh Khan will return for Don 3, to be directed by Farhan Akhtar. The team at Excel Entertainment has completed nearly half the script and production schedules will be finalised soon. The female casting is yet to be decided. Before that, SRK and Farhan will work on Raees. Meanwhile, it seems that Shah Rukh Khan is exploring his dark side. He has a mysterious and an edgy role in Fan, produced by YRF. He recently revealed that he would love to play the villain in Dhoom 4. We hope that happens and that the cop's character is replaced too. I think I will act less and less: Drew Barrymore
Actress Drew Barrymore says she will do less movies as she wants to focus more on motherhood. The Charlie's Angels star told show host Savannah Guthrie that she wants to focus on her children's lives. "I think I will act less and less...I find the hours at this point in my life too difficult with kids, it's hard to be present when you wake up before them and come home after they've gone to bed. That's just not the way I want to have this journey with my kids at this point in their life. But maybe when they're older, I will feel differently," she said. Barrymore says her unconventional childhood has made her a more traditional mother to her two daughters, Olive and Frankie. "I had a very untraditional upbringing, so I looked at it from afar and just thought, 'Well that's the exact opposite of how I'd want to raise my kids.' But it doesn't make me bummed out that I didn't have parents. It's like, thank God that I didn't, because maybe I wouldn't be this aggressively excited about tradition and values and Christmas cards and Halloween costumes...and being so present," she said. Barrymore and husband Will Kopelman have no plans to expand their brood but they would not be worried about welcoming a third child.
— PTI What’s in a shape?
Actress Keira Knightley says her decision to pose topless was in protest against the way women are portrayed in popular culture. The British star, 29, went topless for a photo shoot for a magazine and explaining her reason behind the bold move, Knightley said her only condition was that her photographs were not touched. "I've had my body manipulated so many different times for so many different reasons, whether it's paparazzi photographers or for film posters. That (shoot) was one of the ones where I said, 'Okay, I'm fine doing the topless shot so long as you don't retouch.' Because it does feel important to say it really doesn't matter what shape you are," Knightley told a publication. The actress said unlike the way women are projected in the media, all varieties of shape should be celebrated. "I think women's bodies are a battleground and photography is partly to blame. It's much easier to take a picture of somebody without a shape; it simply is. Whereas actually you need tremendous skill to be able get a woman's shape and make it look like it does in life, which is always beautiful."
— PTI Let's go to Mexico!
A co-star to remember
Actress Shabana Azmi, who is currently shooting in UK for LA-based filmmaker Kavi Raz's upcoming film The Black Prince, recently shot with English actor and singer David Essex. Confirming the news, she tweeted: 'Shot with David Essex without even realising what a big star he was during the 70s.! He was so modest of manner.' The film, which tells the tragic true story of Maharaja Duleep Singh, will also star Satinder Sartaaj, Jason Flemyng and Rupert Everett. Fitness at your fingertips
Sidharth Malhotra is very particular about his fitness. He uses apps on his mobile phone to monitor his health and fitness. The young actor is very tech-savvy and has been using the heart rate monitor, cardio check, water intake, BMI applications to monitor his fitness and health. He feels they are efficient, accurate and easy methods to monitor one's fitness levels. Sidharth who has currently undergone a complete makeover for his film Brothers gives a lot of credit to these applications. From books to box-office
Film maker Shekhar Kapur, who last directed American-Swiss drama Passage, is all set to start work on his fantasy adventure film Tiger's Curse. The film is going to be based on a series of bestselling novels by Colleen Houck. Kapur is also working on his ambitious project Paani, which will star Sushant Singh
Rajput. Ready to rock
It seems that Farhan Akhtar and Alia Bhatt's busy shooting schedules are delaying the production of the sequel to Rock On! Alia Bhatt plays the female lead as a rock star and she will sing in the movie too. Now that is saying something. Alia has earlier sung in Imtiaz Ali’s Highway.
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Hail the mentor
Actor-musician Himesh Reshammiya has taken the charge as the mentor on the show, India's Raw Star. He has replaced rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh after he had to step down, following an illness. Himesh will guide the artistes as they head close to the grand finale, which is just a few weeks away.
Love on their mind
The excitement and drama over the engagement of Aman (Anuj Sachdeva) and Neha (Smriti Kalra) in Rajan Shahi's show, Itti Si Khushi on Sony TV has been built up well. Now, the viewers will see some cute and romantic moments between the lovebirds in the engagement episodes. Moreover, to take the story ahead, the makers and channel have decided to air the show from Monday to Friday from November 10. The producer Rajan Shahi, he said, "The engagement of Aman and Neha will bring in quite a lot of highpoints, at the end of which we will reach a point in the story where Neha will gear up to take a big decision in her life. This will be completely in contrast to the wedding plans that are happening at home. Whether Aman would be able to support Neha in achieving whatever she would want to, would be an interesting watch." Meanwhile, our source informs that Aman will propose Neha in a very romantic way during the engagement. "Aman will romantically propose Neha, that too before the entire family. And while Aman will propose Neha in style, Kamini Dadi (Amardeep Jha) will be very furious over her grandson's behaviour," informs a source from the show.
From Draupadi to Lakshmi
Television actress Pooja Sharma, who is famous for her on-screen Draupadi character, will be seen playing an important role in comedy show titled Ajab Gajab Ghar Jamai, where she will be seen as Lakshmi. Her character will join the cast for Kartik Purnima celebrations on the show.
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Simply Raveena!
Actress Raveena Tandon, who is currently seen as a host on talk show Simply
Baatein, talks about her stint on television and more.
Are you enjoying your role as a host? Yes, I am enjoying my time on Simply
Baatein. My husband thinks it's my specialty because I can talk non-stop. How do you pick your guests? By now, I think everybody is aware that all the episodes of my show are topic-based. So each episode has a specific topic that I discuss with one celebrity and a couple of experts. The choice of celebrity is very obvious, as it is a person who can impart his or her knowledge as well as experience about that particular topic. Is it important to know the guest personally to strike the right and interesting conversations? I guess, yes. It definitely makes a difference if you happen to know the guest personally. I do spend some time casually chatting with all my guests before shooting for the episode. It's always better to know them beforehand. In the upcoming episodes, which guests should be looked forward to? I would say that you can look forward to all of them as none of them are repetitive. All of them have their own stories, experiences and tips to share. Each episode is special to me, as I personally got to learn quite a lot from each of them. After winding up Simply
Baatein, do you plan to continue your stint on television? Why not? If I get a good opportunity, I would definitely love to take it up.
— HRM
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Astro turf
ARIES: You will feel very positive and optimistic. An intense discussion with your partner
can play on your mind all day long. Difficulties with a woman can arise.
Tarot message: Your well-wishers will give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 30 TAURUS: Do not worry; discuss your plans with loved ones. In the evening children will be a source of happiness and joy. A partnership venture might be in the pipeline. Tarot message: Take limited risks and do not jeopardize your long-term capital. Lucky colour: Forest green Magic number: 57 GEMINI: Domestic issues require urgent consideration. Work will be well under control. Unrealistic ideals can lead to confrontation with your loved ones. Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home will need
looking after. Lucky colour: Deep crimson Magic number: 54 CANCER: Romantic life takes an upswing. Today is a good day to try your luck in speculative deals. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility without incentive. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 33 LEO: Do not intervene in others dispute. Housewives: stick to routine activities. Those looking for job will receive suitable offer. You may experience an unusual degree of selflessness of love. Tarot message: Be creative to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 59 VIRGO: "The Chariot" brings a busy day ahead. Please keep a balance in work and rest. Students: do not become reckless. You should be careful about
your health. Tarot message: Everything will be sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 47
LIBRA: Indecision could be crippling. Set aside time to get in touch with your thoughts and feelings, even if it is just half an hour. It will allow you to understanding your inner motives. Tarot message: You will get the help if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 37 SCORPIO: Today most of your time and attention should be centred on your personal life. Arguments with your spouse could become serious. Influential people will not be helpful. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Golden Magic number: 25 SAGITTARIUS: Real estate
deal should be left alone for the time being. You will find new opportunities opening
up for you. Maintain a low profile at a party. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Royal blue Magic number: 27 CAPRICORN: Your personal plans will meet with some stiff opposition. At work front, you will be benefited from heavy-handed approach. You reputation could be on the line. Tarot message: Stabilise your financial situation and make property
investments. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 63 AQUARIUS: Money wise
the day is slow. Friends may lose your confidence. Let your energy be turned towards artistic work. Your beloved may be in a
lively mood. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Silver Magic number: 26 PISCES: Go all out to improve your position at work. Health needs attention. If you are relaxing at home, visit a local market and enjoy the sight. Tarot message: Open up new
doors that lead you in a more lucrative direction. Lucky colour: Golden brown Magic number: 54
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 10...
Number 10 under the Scorpio sign indicates that you are on an eternal quest to get to the very heart of any matter. Your planet, the Sun gives the qualities like intelligence, creativity, and reliability. You are highly focused and courageous. Health wise, you may have to deal with minor stress and tensions. The year, 2015 will be very favourable for business and trade. If you are healthy and are able to work hard, you will get good results. There can be some journeys related to business in the first part. You will go for a much-awaited professional journey. Your contacts with experienced people will increase. If you are trying to go abroad, your wish may come true. The coming year will give good results in terms of finance. Positive colours: Golden, red, brown, and beige Select days: Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Favourable numbers: 1 and 9 Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, pearl, ruby and red coral
You share the birthday with Ashutosh Rana [November10, 1964, MP] who started his career with a popular tv serial Swabhimaan and became known for his role in Dushman where he played a psychopath killer. Ashutosh's number 10 in Scorpio makes him gentle yet cruel. 2017 awaits him with a big award in store.
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Soup goes green
Kandla Nijhowne "Eat your greens! Eat your greens! Eat your greens!" As a child, I detested my dad's booming voice ordering us to clear our plates clean of the last bean or shred of cabbage. Little did I know I'd grow up to be just as menacing with my own bacchaas! For many years now, India has been cultivating broccoli, the green cousin to cauliflower! High in vitamin A and fibre, it reduces the risk of heart diseases, diabetes and cancer. Its vitamin C levels help ward off common cold. I have to admit, broccoli isn't really so fantastic on our taste buds, but a great way to serve it is to convert it to soup!
Method
(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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Will travel for food?
Travel site TripAdvisor announced the results of its 'Dining out on vacation' survey conducted amongst 1,200 Indian travellers recently. The survey highlights how Indian travelers have consciously started working towards enhancing their dining experience when on vacation. It turns out, over 70% travellers research dining options before taking a trip, and 72% of them rely on online reviews for making a choice, asking local residents (57%) and friends and family (48%) are close next. Despite extensive research, only 4% travelers make reservations in restaurants of their choice. The low percentage can be attributed to the shift in choices of restaurant type with only a dismal 7% preferring to dine at a chain restaurant (which encourages reservations) vis-a-vis whooping 92% experimental diners who go for independent local outfits.
TripAdvisor lists over 750 restaurants from Chandigarh and one has plethora of choices when it comes to price range, cuisine type and restaurant setting type. Talking about the findings, Nikhil Ganju, country manager, TripAdvisor India, says, "Food is definitely one of the most important elements on a traveller's itinerary. A culinary experience enriches one's connection with the locals and culture of a region."
— TNS
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With persistence that validates improvement, the story of city lad Aryan Wadehra's journey spells success that falls directly in proportion to his efforts. Head boy of his school, St Kabir, this Class 10 boy is a perfect example of an all-rounder and has established his hold on academics, just as well as he juggles music and theatre. "I have been trained in vocal music since I was three and won the Voice of Chandigarh, in 2012 and 2013, consecutively," begins Aryan. He also shares that he has been awarded the best singer award by the Yaadgaar-E-Rafi society and has also written a book that was published in April this year. "I did write a book titled The Vibrant Colours of Life and it's a compilation of stories and poems that I have been writing for long," he says. Also, Aryan's been taking keen interest in acting and has played the lead role in several plays staged in his school, including Oliver and My Fair Lady. "I have joined a filmmaking academy in school called Purple People Labs and a film that I directed with my team, titled One Day In The Life Of Krishnam, was screened this year in August at PVR Elante," he shares.
In 2012, the Duke University, USA, organised a talent-identification programme comprising a three-week long course in Infosys, where Aryan was selected for the workshop and was trained at Infosys, Mysore. "I was trained at Infosys in forensic science and have won several debates and declamation contests for my school too," he says.
Life is a game, you don't know when and how you are on the top of the game. Or completely out! Singer Mankirt Aulakh has lately entered the game and he seems to be in complete form. With his single track Kaka Ji making the rounds, this singer surely has a long innings to play. Mankirt can talk his heart out, he stands by his friends, he understands competition and he knows how to take things in his stride. His game changed after a small accident…"But for good," he smiles softly. Watch out for this young singer.
Richa Chadda likes to say that she often gets mistaken for Mexican beauty Salma Hayek. Now, she is heading to Mexico for Los Cabos International Film Festival. Her movie Words with Gods, which is a culmination of nine episodes with one of them being directed by Mira Nair, will be screened. We wonder if she will meet Salma Hayek and we pray that she dresses
well.
Charity on birthday: Pledge for donation of eyes today.
