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Signature touch
He is as delightful as the peppy show he hosts, as bubbly as the popcorn films he makes. Like his N-number of hugely entertaining films, Karan Johar at a special session at NFDC’s Film Bazar at Goa is livewire. And entertaining and sincere. Even when he says things for effect and with a dash of dramatic flourish you know he is not faking it.
Sure he knows his Student of the Year was fun and frivolous and nothing more. It certainly wasn’t the story he was dying to tell for there was no story. But he offers no apologies for his kind of cinema, “If you want reality go to Anurag Kashyap. I never promised it nor do I assure the same in future.” That is not to say he is not game for different kind of rather all kind of films from superhero to thrillers. And this year alone his Dharma Productions has delivered three hits Hasee Toh Phasee, 2 States and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania, all directed by first time directors which might not be like chalk and cheese but have a different sensibility than his sugar syrupy productions. As he is busy mentoring a host of young directors, he agrees that most aspirants who come to him have the same syntax as him and are in the same space. But he is not looking to create miniature Karan Johars. Nor does he like to be surrounded by yes men. With pride he quips, “I have more ‘no men’ around me than you can imagine. I don’t mind people who disagree, rather every person in my studio has an opinion.” With glee he recalls the making of the Student of the Year and how his three favourite protégés—Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Siddarth Malhotra—stood their ground and kept arguing on a particular scene. And he ultimately gave in for they were right. He is incredibly proud of the threesome and almost preens on their behalf and is boastful like a parent of their ensuing achievements. Actually, he claims to have learnt a lot not only from them but whole bunch of youngsters working for Dharma productions. From decoding acronyms like FOMO (fear of missing out) and YOLO (you live only once) to getting familiar with what EDM is to finer technicalities of filmmaking he has no delusions about knowing it all. Delusion, he feels, is a filmmaker’s biggest enemy. So, he doesn’t think he is great but yes Raju Hirani is. One day he would like to make socially relevant and entertaining films like him. But till then he is peeved by the question, ‘how do you feel’, a query that is thrust upon him when someone makes a better film or when others win awards. In a lighter vein he quips, “Sure it feels awful”, but on a serious note he says “I am envious, not jealous.” In fact, as and when he does spot a good film like say a Lunchbox, he goes all out to support it. While Lunchbox which he simply loved did very well at the international festival circuit he is not sure about all the films that enter festivals such as Cannes…. At his candid best once again he says, “For they go bravo, bravo to a whole lot of nonsense too.” Nevertheless, he doesn’t dismiss festivals that help platform your work to a larger audience or the significance of overseas markets. Only he adds, “The trick is to know the ethos of the country and finally what works is content matching the ethos. Like my film My Name is Khan did very well in the Middle-East and Hirani’s 3 Idiots in China for people in these countries could relate to these themes.” As and when our content would truly come up to the international standards he thinks more markets abroad will open up. Till that happens he will not back every good film that comes his way only those that help him recover the costs. For brilliant he may or may not be, hugely successful he sure is and would like to remain so. Going by his track record, both as a director and a producer, the chances of any dent in his successful innings remain almost remote. For his name is Karan Johar and whatever he touches does turn to gold. In near future, however, it’s not his Midas touch but acting power that will be on display. Watch this space for the actor in him is all set to wow you in Bombay Velvet. “And in case I don’t” he winks, “blame Anurag Kashyap, the director of the film.” nonika@tribunemail.com
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Designs to die for
Often, she would admiringly look at her mother’s jewellery, making mental designs, giving different shapes to those glittering chunks. Chandigarh-based Jaswinder Kaur, a jewellery designer and the chairperson of Zaira Diamonds, didn’t realise that she was taking her childhood passion way too far, and seriously as well!
Now, when she designs jewellery for actresses like Shilpa Shetty, Raima Sen, Raveena Tandon, Ameesha Patel, British singer Milli Moonstone, Jaswinder just goes back to the time when mental notes would be translated into a criss-cross of lines and patterns. “I finished my MBA and then I thought about the one thing workwise that would give me happiness and a vent to my creativity,” says Jaswinder as she shows the pieces of jewellery designed by her. This pretty woman likes to do a fusion work. To her this kind of jewellery works best for women who are working and who aren’t. “Women are leading a much busy life than their counterparts. They are balancing office, home and the social front. I design jewellery that wouldn’t look out of place if it is worn at work and also to the party after work,” adds the designer who also made time to participate in the PVR bluO National Pin Strike Corporate Bowling League, Elante Mall. “Creativity cannot be found in a room, for that one has to go out, look around, observe people, and when I participate in such events I get ideas.” Jaswinder, who has taken her jewellery designs to a lot of exhibitions, will also be participating in the upcoming luxury expos in Delhi and Ludhiana. Her business sense has also improved with time. “I understand my clients better and I know what they would like even before they say it. Although, most of my clientele are the NRIs, I also do customised jewellery for my local clients.” Back to her B-list clients, Jaswinder would rather say less. “I would rather want people to look at my designs and admire women who adorn them. Designing for B-list clients is not tough, I just have to take into account that they are a public figure and what they wear will be scanned and might become a trend in the coming times. So, I make mental notes, when I have to design… often,” she smiles.
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Creative corner
The designer duo started it as a college project. Jasmeet and Sanjana were a team at Pearl Academy in Delhi. Experimenting with fashion accessories like bags, they started a venture called Snutch while they were still in college. After they passed out, it has become their passion and profession.
“Both of us are graphic designers, and create our designs from the scratch,” says Jasmeet. “Our designs are rather quirky and appeal to people with contemporary design sense,” she adds. “While designing, we follow our heart, and that’s why you won’t find any of these designs elsewhere,” says the young designer. Showing a rather large and flat pouch bag, she says that the bag would probably be odd-sized, but they designed it because they simply liked it. And it has, in fact, sold the most, she says. The duo has been creating products and exhibiting their creations since they passed out. They exhibited their products in Ludhiana recently and are back again, because of “amazing acceptance” of their products. “People here are willing to experiment with new things,” says Jasmeet. “We were surprised at the response we got the first time we were here. People are willing to experiment here more than people in Delhi. They are willing to spend more,” she says. Their creativity now has started to spill over to more products including shirts and tops. They brought the best of their products, shirts, pouches, sling bags, handbags at the exhibition. “We are soon coming up with gowns as well,” says Jasmeet. Their brand name Snutch is also coined by the duo. “It doesn’t have any meaning. We combined words like snatch and pluck to create this new word,” she says.
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Fatty issue
If you indulge, you will bulge… is what we need to share with our kids today. Going by the increasing rate of childhood obesity in urban India, it’s time to act. Not for nothing do they make hoopla about nipping the problem in the bud! This Anti-obesity Day, we gather information for parents to sit back and take notice on how they can determine, act or prevent obesity in their kids.
Alarm bells Sunday is a busy day for dietician Pallavi Jassal from Chandigerh. This particular day of the week, her clients are young ones, the youngest being a girl aged six. Directly or indirectly it’s the parents who are responsible for weight gain in their wards. “If it’s not genes, it’s the lifestyle that’s the culprit for childhood obesity,” says Pallavi. It’s either the increased number or the size of brown cells that leads to fatness. “Two kids of the same age might be eating similar meals, but there is possibility that one if heavier than the others and for this one can hold the genes accountable,” she adds. Eat right The biggest problem is unawareness on the part of parents. “A popular health drink is 70 per cent sugar, making it more harmful than nutritious. “Sugar and sodium are being reported to be the biggest causes of obesity in the young ones.” Also, our fixation with how many rotis the kid eats need to checked. “Roti is all carbohydrates, dal, a rich source of protein, or veggies, filled with nutrients, should also be preferred over rotis,” she insists. Check out Chubby kids get preference over skinny ones but if not checked in time, the constant weight gain can make a kid prone to health disorders. In case you want to know the formula (roughly) – it is weight in kilograms divided by the height in square meters. If the figure falls anywhere between 20-25, the kid is certainly overweight and inching towards obesity. Or you can check the ratio on the child’s vaccination card where the normal ratio proportions are given. Move outdoors If by chance your child falls on the wrong side of the scale, calculate if you need to consult a doctor or start taking remedial steps. Says nutritionist Aditi Sharma, “A balanced diet includes vegetables, pulses, fruits, nuts and dairy; non-vegetarians can go for chicken and meat prepared in a healthy manner. Children need to go beyond television. Vigorous activity in the open, at least 60 minutes a day, is essential for pre-teens.” Lead well Practice what you preach. If you sit back munching wafers on the couch while catching with your favourite shows on a weekend, kids will most likely follow suit. Lead kids with physical activity at least thrice a week. “Snack on sprouts,” vouches Puja Gupta, diet and wellness consultant from Panchkula. “Add fruits, homemade sauces and nuts to make sprouts smart and win favour with children.” mona@tribunmail.com
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Deep focus
Katch Lite Institute of Photography is tricity’s premiere photography training institute, which offers easy and effective training sessions to keen learners. The institute is located on the campus of Mount Carmel School, Sector 47 B, Chandigarh.
Chandigarh-based marketing consultant Piyoosha Sharma, who has substantial experience in the field of media and vocational education, collaboratively owns Katch Lite with Sandeep Sahdev, a well-known photographer from the region. Sandeep has worked with the leading print media brands of the country and has an experience of more than a decade in the field of photography. The institute aims at improving the lives of people through photography. It empowers students with the vision to achieve their self-improvement goals through flexible, convenient, affordable and highly relevant programmes of study. The course fee at Katch Lite is low as compared to the other institutes in the region, so that maximum number of students can afford this opportunity. — TNS
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The original taste
Hotel Cama, Mohali, has organised a Punjabi Food Festival aptly named Swaad Punjab Da that will be on till November 30, 2014. Says Inderdeep Singh, Director, Hotel Cama, “We see an onslaught of International cuisines and there is a surfeit of Western Fast Food joints too. We wanted to go back to the roots of Punjabi culture through the rich legacy of Punjabi food, which has not just created a name for itself in India but also abroad. This led to germination of Swaad Punjab Da.”
A cue was also taken from the arrival of winter. It is that time of the year when the fields of Punjab are coloured yellow with mustard or sarson, which is an all-time favourite of Punjabis. Therefore, Saron Da Saag is obviously there on the menu, among other mouth-watering items. — TNS
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star track
Shraddha Das, who is critically acclaimed for her role in national award winning Bollywood film Lahore, Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji (directed by Madhur Bhandarkar) and someone who is already more than 25 films down south is all geared up for her next Bollywood film Zid directed by Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Anubhav Sinha. This Mumbai girl, who is now focusing more on movies down South, doesn’t have fond memories of shooting Zid, especially with her co-actor Mannara. Recalling a horrible incident with Manara, Sharddha says “There was this scene that required the both of us to enter into a scuffle and she ended up hitting me for real. I told her to be less aggressive. I can understand you slap someone for real to get a genuine reaction on screen but I don’t understand battering someone for no reason.” She further adds, “I cannot stand her because of the injuries she inflicted on me repeatedly during the film shoot and yes, I don’t want to work with her in future.” Manara, a debutant who also happens to be Priyanka Chopra’s cousin, hasn’t been able to strike a chord with her co-star Shraddha in Zid. Looks like Priyanka Chopra will have to give some lessons on making friends to her baby sister. The trailer of Zid only highlights Shraddha’s steamy scenes with co-actor Karanvir Sharma and focuses more on Mannara even though she plays a parallel lead. “It’s common sense right? Being a star’s cousin, you are automatically promoted. I was worried if the love-making scene would be the only highlight in the trailer but I have got positive reactions from everyone,” says Shraddha. Zid is releasing on November 28.
Blunt talk
Farhan Akhtar and Adhuna Akhtar launched a new branch of BBlunt Salon at R City Mall in Ghatkopar in Mumbai. Farhan sang at the event also.
Speaking on the occasion, guest of honor at the launch event, Farhan said, “My heartiest congratulations to Adhuna and the BBluntteam on the launch of their 18th salon. The team has really worked hard over the past ten years to bring the BBlunt brand to where it is today and deserve full credit for this. I am delighted to be a part of this launch and hope to see many more in the coming years.” Speaking on the occasion, Adhuna Akhtar, co-founder and creative director, BBlunt shared, “With world-class stylists on board, BBlunt is reinventing the way hair and beauty are perceived in India. We launched our first salon in Mumbai a decade ago and we have been expanding our business since then. We have also added a line of products called the B System this year. It gives me immense pleasure to inaugurate our 18th outlet and to offer our valued patrons the best in hair, beauty and grooming services.”
Surprised party
Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Aamir Khan plan a special surprise for Raj Kumar Hirani on his birthday on November 20. Raj Kumar Hirani, who otherwise celebrates a quiet birthday with his family, had a cake cutting ceremony at Aamir Khan’s house.
Vinod Chopra and Aamir Khan called Raj Kumar Hirani and the entire team for a sudden, urgent meeting. When Hirani came in, he got to know that it was a surprise that his 3 Idiots team (Vinod Chopra and Aamir Khan) had planned for him. The cake too was a specially designed cake with a dialogue from the release of their upcoming film.
The mistakes Bebo made…
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam Not only filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali but even Salman Khan offered Hum Dil De Chuke Sonam to Bebo to debut with. But Kareena turned the offer down as she thought she was too young to act. Her loss was Aishwarya’s gain as the film became a super hit and made Aishwarya the number one actress and that’s also where the Salman and Aishwarya romance bloomed. Well, it would’ve been a way better debut than Refugee, right? She even turned down a debut in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Just imagine! Kal Ho Na Ho Preity Zinta’s role was first offered to Kareena and her rejection led to differences between her and Karan Johar. They resolved the matter later and Kareena even confessed on Koffee With Karan that she regrets not doing KHNH. Interestingly, the film starred her now-husband Saif Ali Khan. Maybe they would have started dating back then. Anyway, the film boosted Preity Zinta’s career and won her many awards. Fashion Kareena rejected Fashion, which later went to her rival Priyanka Chopra who won a National Award for her portrayal of a small town girl-turned-supermodel. Bebo later did Heroine with Madhur Bhandarkar but the film bombed big time at the box office thought she gave her heart and soul in her performance. Goliyon ki
Rasleela–Ram-Leela Kareena herself stated that the script didn’t excite her. The very same script made Ram-Leela one of the biggest blockbusters of 2013 and Deepika Padukone the reigning queen of Bollywood. Apparently, Kareena also did a look test for the film. Moreover, another reason for her not doing the movie was that Sanjay Leela Bhansali could not have a married heroine in his passionate love story. Queen Even though we might think that Kangana was pitch perfect as Rani, director Vikas Bhahl had Kareena in mind. For reasons unknown, Bebo turned down Queen, a film that was loved by the masses and raved by the critics. Maybe she thought it was too small a film for her huge star stature. career move: Kareena Kapoor Khan
Natalie goes lock-less
Natalie Dormer partially shaved her own hair for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – part 1. She felt empowered after shaving her long locks. The half shaved head gives an edgier look and shows the rebel in her.
Natalie Dormer, the 32-year-old English actress, has been in the news recently for her half-shaven look for the upcoming movie. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – part 1. Natalie plays Cressida, the hot young media-savvy rebel who makes “propos,” a mix of viral advertising, on-the-fly news clips and inspirational messages that are the only way for the rebels to communicate to the outside world. The actress who had to buzz the left side of her head for the role was very nervous about shaving half her head, but once she had done the job she felt surprisingly free. Makeup department head Ve Neill says, “Since Natalie was coming off Game Of Thrones, we really wanted to give her a completely different look.” In the book she is described as having a shaven head and being tattooed with green vines, which could mean a number of different things, so we began to explore from there.” Ultimately, Dormer partially shaved her own hair on one side. “Natalie was kind of freaked out about the hair at first, but then she said, ‘You know what? I’m rocking it.’ And she did,” muses Neill. About her look Natalie feels, “We all felt that shaving just half the head was more Capitol—funkier, edgier, and it gave insight into Cressida’s personality.” At the recently held world premier Natalie said, “Of course, so much of female identity is bound up in our hair. It was fascinating to explore my idea of what makes me physically attractive. I felt empowered.”
Feeling free
Ek Villain actor Sidharth Malhotra stepped out to be a part of Equal Street’s initiative recently. Sidharth was seen cycling on the free spirited streets of Bandra.
Sidharth comes from Delhi and so finds Mumbai limited in space. He loves the city but feels it should have more open spaces. In those terms this initiative is very encouraging. Sidharth also interacted with his fans. The actor is currently busy shooting for his next film Brothers, which will release in July 2015.
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chatter box
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who was last seen as Khirad in the television show Humsafar, recently visited Mumbai to promote Zindagi channel. Mahira hopes to make her debut in Hindi films soon.
So how was your stint in India? It was wonderful. I am getting love and affection from all my Indian fans wherever I go. The popularity of our TV shows amazes me. Why do you think Pakistani shows are popular in India? I think it’s because of the content, the writing, and the performances. Also the culture is the same, the language is the same and the tastes are the same. Will the political and border problems be solved by cultural interaction? Politics and art should never be aligned, as artistes have no boundaries. Many Pakistani actors are acting in Hindi films… Yes. It’s a great thing that actors like Fawad Khan and Emraan Abbas are starring in Hindi films, and doing well. I am also looking forward to acting in Hindi films and hope to get some good offers. Who would you like to work with? I would love to work Mani Ratnam, Vishal Bhardwaj and Imtiaz Ali.
The adventure begins
The shooting for the sixth season of adventure reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi has started in Cape Town, South Africa. Hosted by Rohit Shetty, some of the contestants this year are Sana Khan, Sagarika Ghatge, Iqbal Khan, Aashish Chaudhry, Rashmi Desai, Nathalia Kaur, Meiyang Chang, Hussain Kuwajerwala, Asha Negi and Riddhi Dogra.
Get ready for Pukaar
Life OK is all set to launch its new fiction serial Pukaar-Call for the Hero, which is a story of a committed Army man. The action serial, in association with Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is slated to go on air from November 24, every Monday and Tuesday at 8.30 pm after replacing Tumhari Pakhi. As many as 24 episodes have been drafted and planned for the Season One of this new show.
Rannvijay, who plays the role of the protagonist Major Rajveer Shergill, is caught between his inhibitions and his tumultuous life. While trying to earn his father’s love, played by Raj Babbar, in a sudden turn of events, his brother goes missing. Amidst all this chaos, Rajveer finds solitude in the company of his childhood friend, Aarti, who is his only support and stands by him.
Nigaar exits Bigg Boss
Starlet Nigaar Khan, who was the first wild-card entrant in the ongoing reality show Bigg Boss, has been eliminated from the house within just two weeks. She says she entered the house with the aim of bringing the contestants together and breaking the groups that prevailed. But as luck would have it, she failed miserably. We wish her all the best!
moving on: Nigaar Khan
Out of the closet
If the latest rumours are anything to go by, Mohit Raina and Mouni Roy are all set to go public with their relationship status. This reel and real life couple has charmed the TV audience with their chemistry as Shiv and Parvati in the mythological show Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev. Mohit and Mouni have been dating for a while now, but in order to protect the sanctity of their show, given its devotional content, the two actors chose not to admit to their relationship.
couple Chemistry: Mohit Raina and Mouni Roy
New innings
Aditya Redij and Shweta Munshi, who are currently seen as Mahesh and Prabha, respectively, in Bandhan, will quit the show soon. The show is ready for a twist very soon.
Cupid struck
Actors Sonal Vengurlekar and Sumit Bhardwaj, who are currently seen in Shastri Sisters, are reportedly dating each other. Sources close to the project reveal that they are inseparable on the sets as they spend a lot of time together. Guess, love is in the air!
Lovely time: Sonal Vengurlekar and Sumit Bhardwaj
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Astro turf
ARIES: There can be several disruptions and this will leave you feeling irritated. Be careful as you are prone to losing your temper with loved ones. Spending time with your partner should be a priority. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Blue.
Magic number: 27.
TAURUS: Success is certain today. Joint ventures or partnership with a close friend or colleague has the making of a profitable alliance in the longer run. Your beloved or mate will go all out to make it up to you for past digressions.
Tarot message: Plan your life better to avoid delays. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 40. GEMINI: Whatever plans you had for today are likely to undergo a change whether you like it or not. A partnership can be a problem. Minor tensions at home can be overcome with tact and understanding. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to settle before you start a new project.
Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 47. CANCER: Hardwork and perseverance will certainly get rewarded. Put behind you the unpleasant events of the past and look forward to a nice day. Genuine appreciation and understanding will come your way. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic Number: 48. LEO: Meetings and talks will go off very well. Be patient and consider all factors before making a decision. An advance payment will materialise. Meetings and talks will go off very well.
Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 38. VIRGO: Financial gains are assured to the bold and courageous. Those employed can look forward to an out-of-turn promotion with additional benefits. To maintain peace and harmony at home, make a little extra effort.
Tarot message: Restore ties with business people. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 28.
LIBRA: Financial gains are likely today. Those employed can look forward to a promotion and some other benefits. To maintain peace at home try a little bit harder. An advance payment will
materialise. Tarot message: Make an effort to boost your income. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 55. SCORPIO: You will strike a good bargain, which will get you immediate benefits. Concentrate on your routine work. Personal relationships are disappointing. Don’t let them bother you.
Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried. Lucky
colour: Orange. Magic number: 46. SAGITTARIUS: Try to remain calm, as your version of the situation will be accepted. There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Take the plunge and implement new plans.
Tarot message: Polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 45. CAPRICORN: You will be discussing expansion plans but try to resolve disputes, if any, amicably. Keep your mind open to ideas and new offers of work. You will be concerned about your mate or beloved, who has not been keeping too well. Tarot message: Don’t afraid to help others. Lucky colour: Brown.
Magic number: 41. AQUARIUS: Do not get tied down by any promises, especially regarding financial matters. Someone will borrow money and not return it. Temptation to criticise a family member should be avoided. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish long-term tasks.
Lucky colour: Violet. Magic number: 51. PISCES: An office romance can get you into trouble. Be assertive where and when you have to. Stability and inner strength is what you are looking for and will find. Soul searching helps in many ways. Tarot message: Tread familiar ground if you want to make a breakthrough in your career.
Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 30.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 26...
Your birth on the 26 reveals that you are practical and realistic, often seeking material satisfaction. January should bring some immediate rewards. In February, you’ll undergo a period of adjustment as the people around you settle down. Now is the time to start planning for your future career changes. March will bring many conflicts in your life. You will have to choose between home and work and this might not go down well with family. Health needs some extra attention. By April, you’ll know for sure whether your relationship will have survived the challenges of the past few years. You will need to be emotionally stable in order to overcome adverse situations. Finances will be good. Positive colours: Dark blue, Dark grey. Select days: Saturday, Wednesday. Favourable numbers: 4, 5, 6, 8. Gems recommended: Sapphire, Emerald Charity on birthday: Donate green dresses at a hospital for poor patients.
You share your birthday with model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal (November 26, 1972). He has done a lot of charitable deeds, including sponsoring many children in an orphanage. Rampal is goaded by number 8 and 3. The year 2015 will bring laurels to him.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan is a huge star and an actress to reckon with but she has turned down many good and successful films because of her whims and fancies. She has a few good films like Omkara, Chameli, Kurbaan and Jab We Met to boast of, but here are some blunders she has made by turning down a few films which would have taken her career to far greater heights.
