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On home turf
Why did you decide to
associate yourself with a home décor brand? Following Saif’s footsteps? I decided to associate with them because I myself have been quite obsessed with interiors for a while now, since I just bought a new house. You start seeing home décor in everything. In fact, I’ve already picked out a set of glasses I want to take back to Mumbai. And oh, also, a carpet! Most of your movies, having received critical acclaim, didn’t do wonders at the box office. Why? I really don’t know. There’s no sure-shot formula to box-office success anyway. No one really knows why some things work and others don’t. In a recent interview you had said you’re looking for a change of pace in your career. Does that mean we’d get to see you in more commercial projects? No one is ever fully satisfied with their work. Personally, I am not looking for money, not looking for fame; my entire family is famous! I want to just focus on my work and its quality. I want to be around 20 years later; not someone who’s comfortable with being forgotten a few years down the line. Are you a director’s actor or do you believe in improvising on your character? See, there are two types of directors. First are those who guide their actors through their film and help them adapt to their vision of the subject. The other focus on the technical side of things. I like working with the former; the likes of Sudhir Mishra and Tigmanshu Dhulia. A good director is someone who can extract a damn good performance from a bad actor. Those are the kind of directors I like to work with. How do you look at your career graph? Growing up, I never thought of acting. I wanted to be a lawyer or a detective. But, the job I have is the best job in the world. It has a lot of difficulties and insecurities, but the joy of finishing a film is unparalleled. I, however, maintain that this is my third job; not my last. Also, more than numbers, I think I’ve grown as an actor. I’ve become much more comfortable in front of the camera now. Earlier, I used to hold my breath through the shot! Tell us about your upcoming film, 31st October… It is largely based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. I’m playing a sardarni from
a Punjabi family based in Delhi. The film is about the 24 hours after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It’s basically a thriller; we’re not taking any political stand through the movie. Since I’ve been a history
student, I already knew the details of what happened in 1984, but I had to work really hard on speaking Punjabi and nailing the accent. Any other projects you’ve taken up? I’m at liberty to talk about just one, which is a
debutant director’s project, called Jeene Do. It’s a spiritual love story set
in Himachal Pradesh, starring me and Rahul Bose.
Quick take
Favourite authors: Vikram Seth, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Salman Rushdie Favourite food:
Tandoori chicken, yellow daal, palak Favourite corner
at home: The study Total number of books you own: About 600 Currently reading:
Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom Next on travel list: Kerala and Ladakh Directors you’d like to work with:
Meera Nair, Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap, Anurag Basu.
somya@tribunemail.com
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When silence speaks
What, in your opinion, would possibly be a more callous attempt at understanding art than to simply render its relevance as indifferent? As Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi inaugurates a sculpting workshop that will feature Padma Shri Rajendar Tiku, a sculptor best known for his ability to generate the ambiance of silence and sacred around his sculpture, one stands acquainted with him at the lawns of Government Museum and Art Gallery-10, Chandigarh where he speculates the clays.
While he engages in an interesting banter about his journey of becoming a sculptor even as he was studying science and law, there is more that comes to light than the expression of his artistic calibre. In the backdrop of over ten Chandigarh-based artists, engrossed in the activities of crafting their woods, which they will later use as moulds to set their clays on and then quote them with metal casting, Rajendar reclines on a rather comfortable chair, soaking the warmth of the winter sun. “Though I exhibit most of my works in Delhi and Jaipur, I stay in Jammu and the idea of taking up sculpting came up when I was taking evening classes for sculpting,” he says. Waxing eloquent on how it was possible (in those days) to take up art lessons in the evening even as one was studying to get a degree in science, he says, “Sculpting is quite a tough game. Perhaps because sculpting has a formal language of its own,” he shares. However, he grieves that the very language of sculpting has often been ignored or left un-interpreted by most people. “I am saddened by the way sculpting, as an art, has not evolved with the understanding of its formal language, in contrast to the disciplines like art and music. Unfortunately, people fail to acknowledge the art of sculpting with relevance to its artistic existence,” he shares. Rajendar, who seeks inspiration form the man-made things rather than romancing nature, shares that his sculptures are the materialisation of his thoughts. “Nature impresses me, but not as significantly or intensely as a kitchen utensil that registers the touch of the hands or a worn out tool. These man-made items spell their utility over a passage of time,” he says. In most of his works, Rajendar uses terracotta and cleverly moulds the cracks and breaks in the block of stone, while creating an aura of a relic form the past. A sense of history breathes another dimension to most of his roughly carved sculptures. “Personally, I love working in terracotta, but these days I am experimenting with metal casting too. Even at the workshop, I will be making a sculpture with metal casting,” he says. Well, how many times does one get an opportunity to have a look at brilliant artists at work? It’s time you wore your arty clothes and rushed to the 10-day long workshop at the lawns of Government Museum and Art Gallery-10 to get a glimpse of Rajender working with 10 city artists. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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He did it!
With music that defines his soul and traces his journey through different cultures, DJ Swami, who is the founder member of the band, Swami, only intends to discover himself through his music, which he considers is only an extension of his personality. As he announces the launch of his brand new single, Do it Again, from his up and coming album titled, Upgrade, he waxes eloquent about the Indo-western influences which inspired his creations. “We titled our band Swami precisely because we are discovering a lot of things through music,” begins DJ Swami, as he begins to talk of the pop electro bhangra band comprising DJ Swami, Sur, Liana and S-Endz, who have given hits like Electro Jugni and Desi Rock. “I belong to Punjab, but having stayed in Birmingham for all this while has made an impact on my taste in music. The band is therefore a fusion of Punjabi and electronic pop music,” says Swami, who has produced music and has been creatively involved with artistes like Stereonation, Shania Twain and Refugee. “While I can naturally relate with bhangra, which has a very energetic dance vibe to it, my knowledge of western music is the one that I have acquired over the years and the fusion of electronic pop with the bhangra is perhaps an extension of my own creativity,” he says. However, Swami was not deterred by the challenges that came his way, especially with the kind of fusion that he was intending to do. “The biggest task at hand was to blend the character of bhangra music, which is anyway too energetic, with the electronic music that has a western vibe to it,” he says. However, his passion for experimentation kept him sailing through. “All I did was to keep experimenting with music only to discover more about myself. Also, My music is influenced by artistes that I love listening to, including Maroon 5, Daft Punk, Gurdaas Maan and Kuldeep Manak,” he says. As he talks about his views about the contemporary Punjabi music, most of which is defined by Yo Yo Honey Singh, he shares, “I think music must create some ripples and as long as any music, be it good or bad, is able to generate a reaction, it has served its purpose,” he opines. Also, while talking about the mainstream Bollywood music, Swami reveals that he recently met Salman Khan, who was more than happy to hear the band’s new song, Do it Again. “I will soon be producing music for Zohaib and it will be out soon. However, right now I am focusing on my new album, Upgrade,” he shares. DJ Swami says that the new single from his album is groovy and at its soul, it is very much an electro-pop. “It’s basically a love song and it is about a man who wants to go back in time where he could solve some problems by undoing something and doing it again,” he signs off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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A shot at promotions
Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra and Ali Zafar were in the Pink City on Sunday to promote their film, Kill Dil. After having an interaction with the media, the actors made it to the Jagatpura Shooting Range. While Ranveer and Ali were familiar with rifle shooting the as they had learnt it for the film, it was Parineeti’s first attempt at trying rifle shooting. Rifle shooting is not something you get to do very often and the three young guns had a great time at the shooting range as it is something very unusual. Kill Dil is an edgy-rustic film and it released on November 14.
Screening the best
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao support yet another filmmaker after the makers of Ship of Theseus. This time around, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, connoisseurs of good cinema, are organising a special viewing of a documentary, After my Garden Grows. The director of the documentary, Megan Mylan is an Oscar winning filmmaker for the documentary Smile Pinky. Kiran has organised for this special viewing of her recent documentary; After My Garden Grows on November 15 at her residence followed by dinner. She has seen the documentary and has loved it. Kiran wants more and more people to be aware of such cinema in the industry and support it in whatever way they can. Hence, Aamir and Kiran will be organising this special screening and dinner for all their friends in the industry.
Rest in peace
Director and producer Ravi Chopra, son of BR Chopra and nephew of Yash Chopra, who has made films like Zameer, Baghban, The Burning Train, television series Mahabharath and produced Bhoothnath, passed away on late Wednesday afternoon after a prolonged battle with cancer in Mumbai. His funeral was held on Thursday in Mumbai. Ranbir Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Arjun kapoor, Aditya Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and others rushed to pay their respects. May his soul rest in peace and our prayers are with the family too.
Aditya’s brush with art
Aditya Roy Kapur is sketching Katrina Kaif. Aditya has been spending a lot of time practicing sketching Katrina’s face. The actor will be seen playing an artist in his upcoming film where he will be sketching his lady love which will be played by Katrina. To get the art right the actor has been practicing the technique. He has bought himself a canvas and a portfolio poster of Katrina which he has set up in him living room. Whenever the actor gets time he works on his sketching. It is one of the most important things that his character is required to do. So, Aditya wanted to be sure to express it perfectly.
All for charity
Ghazal maestro and Padmashree honorary Pankaj Udhas mesmerised the audience at a musical concert held on Wednesday evening at Phoenix Marketcity Mall at Kurla in Mumbai. His latest album Khamoshi Ki Awaaz of Pankaj Udhas was launched commercially for all music lovers. Divine Solitaires, India’s largest solitaire diamond brand auctioned a solitaire diamond at the event. The fund raised from the auction and part of proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated as charity to Ramkrishna Sewa Sadan for treatment of cancer patients.
On the street
Raju Hirani ditches a five star hotel and hops in a street food place in Delhi to eat the local food. Recently Rajkumar Hirani was in Delhi for the first song launch of his film P.K., Tharki Chokro. Since he was in Delhi he preferred to rather try the variety of local food on the popular streets that the city has to offer instead of eating in a five star hotel. It was surprising for the team to have this coming from a person of that stature.
Celebration time
Actress Sonali Bendre and her filmmaker husband Goldie Behl celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on November 12. So Goldie Behl visited the sets of television show Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh at Film City to surprise her. The couple later went out for a candle light dinner.
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Bald is bold
Going bald seems to be latest trend in Bollywood for a blockbuster
film. In the recent past, quite a few actors have gone bald to get their
character’s look right. We take a look Lockless star: Ranveer Singh
Ranveer
is the latest Bollywood star to sacrifice his hair. He recently shaved his head
for Bajirao Mastani. His look is said to be so crucial that the actor is
currently seen hiding his head at the promotional events of his latest film Kill
Dil. Still, we managed to get a glimpse of his look. What do you guys
think? Surface bald: Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka, who has managed to pull off
different looks in her over decade-long movie career, also had to sport a bald
look for her latest film Mary Kom. Although she was considering going bald in
real, she ended up using prosthetics. Consider she is an international star now;
her concern for hair is justified. Agreed? Being mad: Shahid Kapoor
He was not
only bald in a portion of Haider, but his character in the film was quite mad
too. Even though Shahid didn’t attend any workshops for his character, he
worked very hard to get his look right and it was obvious in the film! That’s the limit! Sanjay Dutt
He wore a menacing look as he took over
Danny Denzongpa’s role in the Agneepath remake. His look was brutal and suited
the script. And as shocking as it may sound, Sanjay even had to shave off his
eyebrows for the character. Well, there’s no limit to an actor! For Paa: Amitabh
Bachchan
The veteran actor was seen sporting a bald look too with the help of
prosthetics. Amitabh had to sit in the make-up room for hours in order to get
his look right for Paa. Yet, he didn’t complain even a bit. Moreover, Amitabh
did a fine job as an actor. Guess that’s why he’s a legend!
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Fish and spice
What does centuries of Portuguese colonialism do? Apart from the obvious Portuguese touch, there’s a strong reflection of varied influences. Throw in the staples like Kingfish, kokum, prawns and rice. Goan Food Festival at The Taj brings in flavours from the Indian West coast, but doesn’t lose focus on its core element. Think coconut and think fish! “Goan food is all about coconut; coconut milk, coconut vinegar, coconut fenny. That is both its specialty and also characteristic,” shares Chef Domingos Borges, who has flown in from Goa along with his key ingredients. He adds, “After that fish is the main ingredient. We have flown in all the ingredients from Goa, including red chillies. That is a special kind of chilli. It is Portuguese chilli, which has originally come from Brazil.”
The cuisine is about side ingredients cooked with a core few ones. What the chef recommends is Galinha Cafreal, pan-grilled chicken morsels in green spices, peppercorn in vinegar green masala or Pork Vindaloo. Think diced pork pieces once again cooked in fresh toddy vinegar gravy. “One can also try Mutton Xacutti, which is mutton pieces cooked in roasted spices and coconut gravy. It’s a Goan Hindu specialty. Also I would really recommend Goan Kingfish Curry with Goa rice.” He adds, “That is coconut spiced curry flavoured with kokoum and is pure Goan soul food.” He adds, “The endeavour is to bring to the city pure authentic Goan flavours, but we will be varying the spice levels according to requirement.” All this coupled with staple Goan brown rice or coconut pulao! Just in case, the vegetarians are feeling left out (or even let down), there’s Tarkari che Hooman, a preparation of vegetables with coconut and spices or Baby Potato Karavari, which is baby potatoes cooked in Goan spices and tempered with curry leaves. As for the desserts, there is an option of four to choose from and we are sure Caramel Porto, baked coconut milk custard with port wine is likely to sound good to many a palette! (On at The Taj, Chandigarh till November
23) manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Heroic effort, less impact
Jasmine Singh Look no further for now we have our very own, home-bred Dabangg and he is none other than singer-actor Babbu Mann. Drawing comparisons between Bollywood Dabangg Salman Khan and our ‘baaz’ Babbu Mann is strictly forbidden. And if you still can’t help, best of luck with that!
The film has some interesting scenes, which, of course, can be counted on your ten fingers (more than that is a grace). So, how many good scenes does it make should not be a difficult question. Director Simerjit hasn’t tried to show the good and bad side of the Punjab Police, which is acceptable. Yes, it reminds us of Dabangg (1 and 2) no matter what. There are many ‘going overboard’ scenes, but with Babbu Mann around one tends to conveniently ignore. Babbu Mann with the turban looks handsome. Don’t gaze into his eyes too much, you might read something! The singer has acted well after a long time. A new actress by his side, Pooja Verma, is again a pretty face. Okay, we wouldn’t breach the topic, why don’t the actresses of Punjabi films act? Yograj Singh has done a loud, shoddy job. Given that the actor has capability, one wonders what makes him do this. The bad guys of Baaz, Mukul Dev and Sardar Sohi, have played their role well. Sardar Sohi easily slips into any character and so does Mukul Dev. When it comes to music, you can listen to Babbu Mann all the way. This is probably the department he should have given to someone else since he was already handling so much. The song Aini vi nahi maadi police punjab di will only get the Punjab police foot-tapping. So, as of now, all you people with the Baaz around, Fikar chaddo tey tension karo! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Time to cozy up
Buzz is that Adaa Khan and Alan Kapoor, who are currently seen playing a couple in daily soap Piya Basanti Re, have been asked to spend more time with each other off screen. In the show, the current track is showing them getting married. After their marriage on the show, they will be required to do intense and intimate scenes. Thus, the two actors have been told to get comfortable.
No more a couple
If the latest rumours are anything to go by, Vishal Karwal and Karishma Kotak have split. The actors, who took part in the sixth season of reality show Bigg Boss, were together for a long time. However, they have always been very secretive about their relationship. There were even reports of the two contemplating marriage.
Kunika’s comic timing
Kunika Sadanand recently entered India’s first historical comedy Akbar Birbal as Maharani Durgavati on Big Magic. Known for her versatility and talent, Kunika is seen as Rani Sahiba’s mother in the show. Her chara-cter is said to be of a shrewd woman with a comic touch. About her role, Kunika Sadanand said, “Comedy as a genre has been untouched by me, so I am looking forward to this new role. It’s the first time that I am dressed up as a Maharani and actually feel like a queen. It takes me close to an hour to get ready for the character.”
Pet theory
Actress Avika Gor, who did shows like Balika Vadhu and Sasural Simar Ka, recently got a tattoo of her pet dog’s name! She loves her dog Shiro and considers him as an important part of her life. That’s sweet!
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Matters of the heart
Directed by Shaad Ali and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, Kill/Dil is an Indian romantic action film that stars Ranveer Singh, Ali Zafar and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles, with Govinda portraying the antagonist. The story of the film revolves around two killers, Tutu (Ali Zafar) and Dev (Ranveer Singh), who are trained to kill by Bhaiyaji (Govinda). While Dev falls in love with Disha (Parineeti Chopra), Bhaiyaji does not accept the relationship between Dev and Disha. Good plot
I think the movie has a good plot, if only it were treated half as beautifully. I did not like the way the story ended. However, Ranveer is quite a fun element in the film. Viraj Singh, student Okay affair
I did not like the movie at all. It’s actually a love triangle where a man has to choose between the man who brought him up and a woman who he loves! What do you expect out of a story like that? I mean, it’s different, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. Deepti Khosla, student Waste of time
It’s a sheer waste of time. This film does not offer any entertainment whatsoever and the worst part is the ending, which makes you feel like a colossal fool for having spent your time and money. Jagriti Lamba, student (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
A special show
In the first show of its kind, pregnant women will get a chance to walk the ramp at a special show for them. Dr RS Bedi,
CMD, Bedi Hospital, said the event — ‘Celebrating Motherhood Mom & Baby’s Day Out’— will be held on November 16 at the Chandigarh Club from 4:30 pm onwards. Aadil Bedi, national junior golf champion and
Chahat, national junior swimming champion, will be the show-stoppers while noted artist. Savita Bhatti will be the chief guest. — TNS
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Astro turf
ARIES: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiations with potential contractors, employers, employees and consultants can be productive.
Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will-power. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47. TAURUS: Your card “The Magician” suggests you will not be taken unawares by chance happenings. It is probably a better period for working in familiar surroundings than for traveling. Tarot message: At work, don’t hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 42. GEMINI: Spend this perfect day with a loved one. Drop whatever you had scheduled and dedicate yourself to the one you love the most. Answer business correspondence and pay outstanding bills. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 35. CANCER: If you have recently taken on a new job or contract, make sure to negotiate and organise all the specific terms and conditions. A greater workload is likely to placed upon your shoulders. Tarot message: Don’t make impulsive decisions. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 40. LEO: Today competence in your profession will be tested. Your performance is on public view and those in charge will be carefully watching your every move. The day favours those treading unfamiliar ground. Tarot message: Don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 32. VIRGO: Sudden encounters with extraordinary characters leave a mark on your life. You are unlikely to forget such incidents quickly. Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. Tarot message: You gain by being practical. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 25.
LIBRA: Employment affairs will be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning. Factory workers: expect no co-operation from labourers. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 28. SCORPIO: Cash should be flowing into your account today. This abundance is not due to luck but all because of your hardwork. Long-term projects and contracts will be paying off handsomely. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 32. SAGITTARIUS: The run of good business continues. It is a case of making hay while the sun shines. Once you have decided on a certain course of action, stick to your guns. Tarot message: Push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40. CAPRICORN: Turn on your charm and the world is your oyster. Be sure to take full advantage of any good opportunity that comes your way. It is a perfect day to clean-up your house. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build great success. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 51. AQUARIUS: This day is built for workaholics. Income can dwindle and expenses rise. Do what you can to improve your concentration. Friends and finance will not mix, so take a lot of care. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 65. PISCES: Do not neglect the daily grind by focusing all attention on your partner. Do not let too many people know what you are planning. Club and social activities are not favoured. Tarot message: Put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 15...
Venus makes you creative and charming. Your social life continues to be strong. There will be regular visits to hospitals for one reason or the other. There is a possibility of some hereditary diseases surfacing. Pranayam and aerobics can help you maintain your health. Worship and meditation will mitigate some of the negative influences of planets. Your management skills will be improved. Any computer-related business will be highly rewarding this year. You are expected to gain fame and good luck throughout the year. Good fortune is likely: consider buying a lottery ticket. Positive colors: Green, Yellow. Select days: Friday, Thursday and Tuesday. Favourable numbers: 3, 5, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Diamond, Lapis Lazuli. Charity on birthday: Donate charcoal to some ‘dhobi’.
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Chandigarh weather confuses Soha, or so says her half-on-half-off leather jacket. Now that we have that out of the way, Soha’s virtuous honesty comes across as a breath of minty-fresh air, as she talks to us about her association with the newly opened home décor brand, @home, her preference of directors, her nerd-to-diva journey and future projects.
Simerjit Singh-directed Baaz hits the theatre with Babbu Mann in the lead role. Babbu Mann plays IPS Sidhu, an honest police officer who with a gaze that can melt an iron rod. Now, director Simerjit has already given films like Chak Jawaana and Daddy Cool Munde Fool; Baaz is the next in line. One, the film is all about Babbu Mann, which is okay since he is the hero — the subject being the second hero. This is if the makers agree! Simerjit has done a decent job overall, even though the film begins with a uselessly stretched action sequence. Not only it is stretched, it lacks the real action. The film undoubtedly has good dialogues, written by Babbu Mann and Rajesh Verma, Surmeet Maavi and Jatinder Lal. The story, however, written by Dheeraj Rattan, has nothing new; it is only Babbu Mann who makes it look new.
You share your birthday with Vidya Sinha (November 15, 1947, Mumbai), who began her career as a model. Her first movie was Raja Kaka opposite Kiran Kumar. Choti Si Baat (1975) and Pati Patni Aur Woh (1977) were her other notable movies. According to her horoscope, her screen career will take-off again.