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The argumentative Indian
He is a self-confessed angry man, he says things the way he wants to without mincing words and he possesses a sardonic sense of humour the target of which can be anyone and everyone, even his producer or director.
Yet, none of this stops Nana Patekar from being an endearing man. For beyond the tomfoolery and
conscious and deliberate display of bravado beats a heart for all the right reasons. Right now it’s thumping for the family of Baba Amte the man who has dedicated his life to leprosy patients. And not merely for he has played the lead part in Marathi film Dr Prakash Baba Amte, based on the life of Baba
Amte’s son. He says, “I don’t go to a temple. For me people such as Baba Amte and his entire family are like God.” As he bows down in reverence before their exemplary sacrifices, he wonders aloud, “Perhaps, sacrifice too is hereditary.” And goes on to add, “Imagine a man like Dr Prakash and his wife, both doctors, who could have got the cushiest job in the world spending 40 years in a tribal belt of Maharashtra where a deadly disease like cerebral malaria is rampant, where Naxalism is rife. And yet these two go about with their life as service to humanity almost like a picnic.” Of course, playing Dr Prakash for this gifted actor was a challenge for this incredible real person Dr Prakash is a mild-mannered man who never gets angry. Patekar laughs and says, “Here I am, an argumentative man who loses his cool at the slightest pretext.” Seriously, Patekar ko itna gussa kyon aata hai? He says, “Look at the world around you, our politicians, our caste ridden social system, our religious divides… now which rational person wouldn’t get irked.” But right now he is also heartened by the response to his film which part of the Indian Panorama at IFFI, Goa has clocked seven successful weeks in theatres across Maharashtra. Interestingly, in near future he will be playing the part of Baba Amte too with whom his association goes back in time and on whom he has been researching for decades. So, how will he make the switch from son to father’s role? And he who has never failed in getting into the skin of his characters smiles, “Oh, it’s easy. I will work a little on my body.” But then for the actor who underwent training for his role as an Army officer in Prahaar and was thus awarded the rank of Captain, “It’s all in the mind. You run for two kilometers with your physical strength and the rest with your mental resolve.” No wonder his searing intensity is writ not only in films such as Parinda, Agnisakshi and Aparhan but also imprinted on viewers’ minds! Actually, be it meaningful cinema or the mainstream commercial world of movies, he says, “Whether it is Welcome or Dr Prakash Baba Amte, I take my parts very seriously.” In fact, he has nothing against potboilers or the demands and constraints of Bollywood and understands fully well that it’s the fame he has earned in the world of razzmatazz that draws audiences to his meaningful films. And above all the moolah earned in tinsel-town facilitates the making of films like Prahar which he had directed in 1990s and will make Baba Amte possible. But he is not sure whether cinema can change the world for a whole lot of people are already making purposeful movies. But be in person or through his movies the actor who recites a sholaka and kalma in the same breath does make a difference. Enormously at that. |
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First-hand information…
We waited, we wondered and we speculated…. But one man managed to put everything to rest. An hour-long of agony washed away the minute Dharamendra turned into a warm Punjabi, hugging and talking in chaste
Punjabi.
The cast of an up coming Hindi film, Second Hand Husband, Dharamendra, Gippy Grewal, debutant actress Narmadaa Ahuja, who has recently changed her name to Tina and director Smeep Kang, producer Amolak Singh Gakhal and Manwinder Singh Bal walked in late, but floored everyone. Courtesy, one liners by Dharamendra. “I am excited to work in this film. I have worked with Gippy earlier in Double Di Trouble. This film is like a jalebi, twist and turns in every corner but dipping sweetness,” adds Dharamendra. The radar, however, shifts to Gippy and Tina, Gippy for moving to a Hindi film and Tina for making her debut opposite a Punjabi actor. “Why not a Hindi film? It was challenging but as an actor one wants to explore. Since it is a Hindi project, I also had to deal with a lot of ifs and buts,” says Gippy. As for Tina, who did not go the conventional of making her debut with Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, “Am I not the right person to make a debut with,” Dharamendra quickly adds leaving everyone in splits. “I liked this project and I was up for it. The director made me feel very comfortable and of course the script,” says Tina who clears all doubts regarding name change. Tina plays a lawyer in the film and Gippy’s girlfriend. “Not my dad (Govinda), he didn’t change my name. My friends actually suggested the name,” she smiles as a matter of fact. Tina is only concentrating on the current project and reading scripts!
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Saas with substance
Where most cannot handle one, here’s the story of a girl who’s got seven. With seven mothers-in-law, there’s bound to be a problem of plenty. Some things are just not the more, the merrier. Even the soaps that continue to be obsessed with Indian television’s eternal favourite concepts; great expectations, new girl and clichéd rivalry. Sounds regressive? But not this one. “In fact, it is a very progressive serial. It is a story of seven women who are living together happily in one house and without men in their lives,”
Television actress Sonali Sachdev turns around the view point and speaks of Zee TVs much awaited prime time outing Satrangi Sasural. The story of Aarushi and her journey of deftly managing the expectations of her seven mothers-in-law. In walk the idiosyncrasies accompanying each one, diverse backgrounds and mindsets. What brings the fitness motivator, a spiritual anchor, an intellectual guide and several others together is son’s best interests. Only the fathers-in-laws are amiss? “Once you watch the show, you’ll come to know how each one of them has had different setbacks in life and have supported each other throughout,” joining in is Sadiya Siddiqui, while in Chandigarh. “I play the role of a doting bua and a classical dancer. She had a love marriage but the man in her life did not consider this an art rather a derogatory dance form.” While Sonali Sachdev plays the biological mother but is quick to add, “But the son belongs to all of them equally and rather all of them have only his best interests in mind. They all have different view points and methods of showering their love.” She adds, “While Dadi is played by Farida Jalal, I play the middle daughter-in-law. There are also three daughters.” No wonder, the sets have been like a girl’s day out. They chorus, “If anyone of you has stayed in a girl’s hostel, you’ll understand. We used to eat a lot and laugh a lot.” Wish list Personally speaking, it has been a fulfilling journey for the Baa Bahu Aur Baby woman so far. Television stars are known by their onscreen characters. “Which is quite a shortcoming but that’s how it is with television. We enter people’s homes everyday and that’s how they relate to us. So much so that they don’t want to see us dressed differently at award shows.” The 12-year-old journey to television began only after four years of dental practice. She laughs, “I’m an orthodontist by profession.” While a lot has happened unexpected, there’s some more she wishes for. “I’d love to play a rural victimized woman, a strong God motherish kind of role and I would also like to portray the actual urban woman of today. This is one character that hasn’t been portrayed well.” Play full While Sadiya is happy with any role, ‘that gives me butterflies in my stomach’, she would also like to be specific. “I’m a scuba diver, so any role that lets me play a scuba diver. I also love racing, so any character where I am a car racer, would be wonderful. I chose this serial partly because I get to play a classical dancer. I have trained in kathak.” It’s been an eventful and lovable journey so far, with popular serials like Ballika Vadhu, Sasural Genda Phool, movie City Lights, it hasn’t been ‘absolutely satisfying’. There’s theatre to fill in the creative gaps. “I have five plays coming up,” shares the Mumbai born and brought-up girl, who’s happy to be in Chandigarh. “It is hot down South. I love the weather here, so pleasant. I was also in Patiala last week for a wedding,” she signs off. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Warm up to winter
We have health experts give us tips on warming foods for the season to put your worries to rest. “Eating power foods in winter becomes essential because our body needs more power to boost its immune system and resist the cold as well as the viruses that are floating in the air as soon as winter begins,” says Shivani Gulati, head, clinical nutrition, Max Hospital, Mohali. Nature has its way of balancing out things, though. It’s only in winter that you can find the vegetable market sprawling with bright hues of carrots, spinach, orange, sweet potato, and the likes. “Actually, winter is the time to store a lot of nutrients in your body,” adds Shivani, and gives us an easy-to-include list of warming foods. And, if you’re in the mood to warm up your tummy, read on for some easy and warm recipes by a celebrity chef. somya@tribunemail.com
Almond and Til Chikki
Ingredients
Method To begin making the Til Chikki, first grease an 8X8 square pan with ghee that has a minimum of two-inch rim and keep aside. Heat a pan on medium heat and roast the (til) sesame seeds till they turn light golden in colour. Turn off the heat and allow the sesame seeds to cool. Heat ghee in a sauce pan on medium heat; stir in the crushed jaggery with the ghee and allow the jaggery to melt. Turn the heat to low and continue stirring until the jaggery caramelises. When you drop a small amount into cold water, it should form a hard ball. Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the roasted (til) sesame until well-combined with the melted
jaggery. While the mixture is hot, quickly spread the mixture on to the greased pan and smoothen the surface with a flat spatula. Allow the mixture to cool completely and settle down. When completely cool, cut the Til Chikki into desired shapes and serve as a healthy sweet.
Rice pudding
Ingredients
Method In a pan add ghee, soaked rice mix with sugarcane juice. Now add the mixed whole dry fruits. Add sugarcane juice and cook till the mixture thickens. Once ready, serve it in bowls.
Shakarkandi Halwa
Ingredients Method Boil the sweet potatoes first. When they become warm, peel and mash them. Heat oil or ghee in a kadhai or pan. First fry the cashews. Remove when they become golden and keep aside. In the same oil, add the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir well and saute for 3-4 mins. Add sugar and saute for 4-5 mins. Now, add crushed cardamom and stir. Add saffron and stir. Keep stirring and cooking the halwa till oil or ghee starts to leave the sides of the halwa. This will take approx 10-12 minutes on low to medium flame. Lastly, add the fried cashewnuts and stir again. Serve sweet potato halwa hot, warm or cold. (Recipes contributed by chef and TV show host Ripudaman
Handa)
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CELEB POINT Divya Dutta It is lovely going back home to people you have known in your growing years...no agendas, no work; bas yun hi. Unlike the city you work in, where most of the people you meet are either for work or through work...friends you make are while working...people you meet, you discuss work with! The favourite line being...aur kya ho raha hai? In tinsel town, more often than not, friendships are need-oriented. If you need me, I am your best friend...if you don’t the friendship disappears. Like someone rightly said, we celebrate success rather than excellence. And everyone likes to befriend successful people. It’s a herd mentality. You’ll be perceived as successful if you are standing next to a successful person and get importance too; even if you have no credibility of your own. In the industry, they say, there are no permanent friendships and no permanent enemies. They suit their status according to the need of the hour. Nothing wrong with that, but what you crave for in life are good, genuine friendships with no agendas. Which either come from your childhood friends or, of course, people you grow fond of in this long journey of life. That is a grounding feeling — of just being yourself, of laughing, of letting your hair down without being judged; of just chatting your heart out without...aur kya ho raha hai…! I have some lovely friends who make me meet my real self; keep me balanced and sane in this big, crazy world. And my best friend being my mom, whose arms wrap me in the most secure place in the world. And get me ready to face the world, back with a bang. (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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Strokes of innocence
The sketches and paintings at Hotel Ikon hang loosely from the threads that hold as many as six paintings each, making them look like the sheets from a child’s favourite drawing file. Every canvas at the exhibition of paintings by children, aged 4-14, curated by their teacher, Sonal A Singh, has a story to tell.
With contents like the animated version of Horrid Henry, a random-coloured rainbow and the scenic views of farmhouses, birds and other landscapes, the exhibition offers a fragment of a child’s imagination that explains their world. “I don’t really tell my students what to draw. The idea is to trigger their imagination. Perhaps that is the reason why most of the works here are not necessarily structured,” shares Sonal. As we take a look around the paintings, one thing in particular catches our attention. While most of the paintings made by boys feature cars, tractors, and Horrid Henry, the paintings made by girls are about fairies, flowers, and mother and child. “I like painting scary places because I am not scared,” says Manan Kansil, 11, who paints landscapes that remind you of Adam’s Family residence. His younger brother, Arnav, paints flowers using acrylic on canvas and shares that he is very fond of the painting. Ardaas Kaur Virdi paints a vibrant landscape and ducks. Displayed along the staircase, the paintings spiral upwards in proportion to the age of the participating artists. Beginning from the works of four-year-olds and ending with the works of their teacher as well as curator of the exhibition, Sonal.
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The novel approach
“I did not want to get influenced by any other author as I wrote this novel, else it would have been very difficult for me to retain my original flavour of writing,” he says. The idea of writing a novel was quite incidental in his case. “I was really fond of the idea of writing,” shares Parvesh, adding that his book is set in the backdrop of the Panjab University and it is a love story that has a unique end – in fact there is no ending at all. “I wanted to write a story that is set in the backdrop of the university, therefore the protagonists in my novel are from the university - Tamanna being a girl from the Law Department and Shaurya, an aspiring student politician,” he shares. Parvesh denies any relation of the novel with his personal life except that he also stood for elections in the University and did not win. “This book is purely fiction and it touches upon issues that we otherwise don’t discuss, like pregnancy out of marriage,” he says. An alumnus of the School of Communication Studies, Panjab University, Parvesh Chandel leaves us pondering over the story of his book and shares that he will soon be writing another novel. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Travel — far & wide
He’s got the looks, he’s got the data, he’s got the money; but, most importantly, he’s got wanderlust — just what drove him to head TripAdvisor in India. Nikhil Ganju, in Chandigarh to engage and establish a connection with Tier II clients of his website, is at his professional best as he rolls out the statistics. “Chandigarh is the second most pocket-friendly city in the country, right after Jaipur. And, more importantly, the number of travellers researching their travel online from Chandigarh has increased by 49 per cent in the past two years. So, Chandigarh figures in the top 7 Tier II cities of the country, leading also to an influx of international travellers. The fact that Chandigarh’s Rock Garden figures on the top position amongst the country’s best parks and gardens, also speaks volumes about travellers’ preference for City Beautiful,” says Nikhil, country head, TripAdvisor.
For the uninitiated, TripAdvisor is one of the country’s most visited travel website because of its user feedback/review format. Ask Nikhil what has lead to the sudden influx of online travellers, given that his site works primarily on user-generated reviews, and he says, “The shift to online travel was only inevitable, because it’s a matter of convenience. Our e-commerce story aside, travellers these days, like you and me, prefer do-it-yourself holidays, especially people who’ve been travelling for a while now. Once you’ve been there, done that, you come to realise how inconvenient and by-the-book travel agents are. Once they discover that they can check into a more lavish boutique hotel instead of a standard three-star property offered by their travel agent, people prefer doing the bookings themselves. It’s the lack of transparency with travel agents that has gravitated the traffic towards online travel.” However, taking the bold step of being solely responsible for one’s travel plans is not something that’s common to all age groups. “Teenagers definitely don’t fall into the bracket of decision- makers. So, widely, it’s the age group of 25 to 45 that constitutes most of our online travellers. Mostly because this age group is also familiar with the nuances of the internet and can gauge a property’s quality through our user-generated reviews and pictures. Above the age of 45, people still prefer ‘playing safe’, wanting every second of every minute of their holiday looked after, and hence still resort to travel agents. A trend we hope will soon change.”
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star track
Actress Minissha Lamba was recently eliminated from reality show Bigg Boss 8. However, she isn’t disappointed. In an exclusive interview, she comes clear on her latest controversy with Arya Babbar and more.
Reality shows Things have changed. You can do reality shows and films. It isn’t like that if you’re doing a reality show, your career is over. Bollywood actors are acting in television and they are even hosting. And for me, Bigg Boss came at a time when I could do it. Two years ago may be it wouldn’t have been possible to do a reality show like Bigg Boss. But today it was possible because I wanted a mass connect. I wanted to go on a show on people get to know who you really are. On a show like Bigg Boss, audience gets to see you waking up in the morning, what you’re like when you’re eating your food, etc. It can get any real than that. Learning experience I learnt a lot about myself on the show. I think my needs are more but they are actually less. The first eleven days on the show were killer. I mean we didn’t expect that situations on the show would be so brutal. The show has definitely made me more tolerant and patient. I am not a forgiving person but I have changed. I don’t know how but I’ve forgiven whatever shocking things people said on the show. Link-up with Arya Babbar We were never seeing each other. He has been a co-star of mine in a Punjabi film and is extremely sweet. He was someone who is fun and jovial on the sets. And that’s was it, we had nothing more than that. We did speak on the phone before entering the show as both of our names had come out in the newspapers. But we were on our own. I have never linked up with any actor in my career for publicity so why would I do it now for a television show? I guess when some people are under pressure, they just say whatever they want to deflect attention. Demanding times It is amazing that no matter how much you give to people, they still want more. Be it fans or media, there used to be a time in Bollywood when celebrities wouldn’t be so available to them. But it has changed now and they want more. So it’s really different. Work wise I am very clear about what I want to do. I want to work as an actor in the industry. Be it films or television, acting is what I know and I will do it for as long as I can. I am definitely open to working in the television industry. I think the industry has tremendously progressed in the past few years. Being on television today isn’t a stereotype anymore. Lots of news things are happening. The audience for television is much wider because they’re sitting at home and getting entertained. So, you have the option to give them good content. Television has become so huge today that you’ve known producers picking up TV actors for their films. Fitness funda I am trying my best not to eat mini cup-cakes in the middle of the night. It’s my biggest weakness. I’ve been going to the gym regularly. I have completely given up on fried food as well. It is something that my system cannot digest anymore so I gave up. It’s amazing how your body starts rejecting things when you give them up. We just feel that we won’t be able to live without this or that but actually it becomes very easy to live without them once you give up.
The wait is on
The 1988 film, Libaas, was recently screened at the ongoing International Film Festival of India and its lead actress Shabana Azmi hopes that the classic drama will finally release now.
“Hearing such good reactions to Gulzar sab’s film Libaas at IFFI. I wasn’t even told it was showing! Hope it finally gets a release now,” Azmi tweeted. The film, which was written and directed by Gulzar, is about married couples of urban India having extramarital relations and adultery. It also features Naseeruddin Shah, Raj Babbar, Sushma Seth, and Utpal
Dutt.
When Salman lost his cool…
Salman Khan’s sister Arpita’s wedding has become the talk of the town. She was married like a princess and Salman has left no stone unturned to get his sister married exactly the way she desired.
The wedding celebrations may have ended but according to the latest buzz, Salman Khan has lost his temper during the wedding. Ace designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla had designed Arpita’s wedding lehenga. But according to sources, the bride did not like the fitting of her wedding outfit. It did not come out exactly the way she wished and when Arpita complained to the designers, they told her that it was due to her body type. When brother Salman got to know about it, he turned furious. Abu Jani, who shares a good relationship with Jaya Bachchan, apparently called her up and explained the entire situation. They asked the veteran actress to explain Salman what exactly happened on their behalf. Jaya Bachchan played peacemaker between Salman and the designer duo and explained him the situation. Salman did not react further and finally Arpita Khan stepped in with the same wedding outfit designed by the designers especially for Arpita.
Sweet gesture
Shraddha Kapoor recently surprised everyone by calling for cupcakes on the sets of a magazine shoot. The actress was shooting for a magazine when she decided to treat everyone present there.
She ordered for cupcakes on the sets while everyone was busy with their work. The team was taken by surprise and was very touched by this sweet gesture of the actress as they were not expecting it. They were all working very hard and took a little break to enjoy this sweet surprise. Shraddha has a sweet tooth for the delectable dessert and she indulges in them on occasions. However, this time around she did not eat the cupcakes as she has been prepping, shooting and practicing for ABCD 2 and she also has been on a strict diet for the film.
Genelia, Riteish blessed with son
Bollywood’s beloved on-screen and off-screen couple Genelia D’Souza and Riteish Deshmukh were Tuesday blessed with a son, their first child.
The excited father took to Twitter to share the good news and posted: “It’s a BBBOOOOYYYYYY!!!!!!!!” The couple, who had been dating since 2003, tied the knot in 2012. Having starred together in movies like Tujhe Meri Kasam and Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya, they are often called the ‘cutest couple of tinsel town’. A string of adorable photographs of the duo recently went viral—they featured a heavily pregnant and glowing Genelia in some candid moments with Riteish, who is an actor-producer and son of the late former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. The couple’s friends from the Hindi film industry sent out congratulatory messages, welcoming them to the parents’ club of Bollywood. Here’s what they had to say: Abhishek Bachchan: Congratulations @Riteishd and @geneliad on the arrival of the greatest gift ever. Welcome to the parents club!! Karan Johar: And humongous congratulations to @Riteishd and @geneliad on being proud parents to a baby boy!!!!! Love you lots!!!!! Nikhil Dwivedi: @Riteishd congratulations buddy. What super news n he shares his b’day with me! Milap Zaveri: Yayyyyyyy congrats to the sweetest loveliest couple I know @geneliad n @Riteishd on becoming parents of a baby boy! Woohoo!— IANS
Varun to kiss Divya
Actor Varun Dhawan will be next seen in Sriram Raghavan’s upcoming film Badlapur. And guess what? For the first time, he will shed his chocolate boy look and don a dark eddy, very matured look.
Another interesting update about the film is that Varun will enter into a steamy lip-locking scene with much senior actor Divya Dutta. At first both the stars were reluctant to shoot the scene but finally they agreed. An insider reveals. “It’s a full blown smooch. Both, Varun and Divya were initially uncomfortable doing the scene. They eventually got it right after four retakes.” The scene has been shot indoor and it is a crucial part of the plot. In the film, Divya plays Shobha, one of the three women in the protagonist’s life. Other two female protagonists are Yami Gautam and Huma Qureshi. Badlapur also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The trailer of Badlapur will come with Ajay Devgn starrer, Action
Jackson.
In gay abandon
Director Ashim Ahluwalia of Miss Lovely, which was about the C-grade cinema business in Mumbai, will now adapt a novel by R Raj Rao called The Boyfriend. It is a love story between a middle-aged male journalist and a Dalit boy. It will be co-produced with a French production house. The screenplay is being written and polished at the moment.
Return of the ‘kool’ guys
It’s the super hit franchise that pioneered the wave of adult comedies in Bollywood. Now, the ‘Kyaa Kool Hain Hum’ franchise will soon return with a more grand and funny third edition.
Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 will feature Tusshar and Aftab Shivdasani, fresh out of the super success of Grand Masti. Joining the duo is the recently anointed comedy icon, Krishna Abhishek. In addition, the film will feature the best comic ensemble cast from the industry, all under one roof. The third edition travels to Thailand and is expected to start shooting in January. Balaji has signed Umesh Ghadge to direct. Having assisted David Dhawan on films like Main Tera Hero, Chashmebaddoor and Partner, Umesh has learnt extensively from the master of slapstick humour. Speaking on the opportunity to direct a comedy for Balaji, he said, “It is a hilarious script, in the same space as the earlier two films but with a fresh mad story line. I’m looking forward to directing my first film with Balaji.” By offering the film to Umesh, Balaji has reiterated its strategy of bringing a new director for each edition of this franchise. Kyaa Kool Hain Hum and Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum in had new directors.
Double trouble
Kangna Ranaut has started shooting for the sequel to Tanu Weds Manu and it has been quite difficult. She plays a double role and the other role is that of a sprinter, long jumper, and triple jumper named Datto whose real name is Kusum Sangwan.
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chatter box
Shashank Vyas aka Jagya of Balika Vadhu and actor Karan Sharma, who was seen in Ek Nayi Pehchan, have been friends for many years. The two actors know each other from a long time. Says Karan, “I only have a few friends in the industry and Shashank is one of them. We know each other since the time we started our
being friends: Shashank Vyas (L) and Karan Sharma
Scripted for success
Pakistani actor Fahad Mustafa, who recently made his debut in Mastana Mahi on Zindagi channel, is also known in the Pakistani film fraternity for being extremely careful while choosing scripts to work on. That’s not all. Fahad recently revealed that this selection emanates from his respect for the work delivered by stellar actors Naseeruddin Shah and Irrfan Khan. “I am in love with Naseerudin Shah and Irrfan Khan. I follow all these actors and you can see the touch of them in my acting. I consider them my mentors and teachers,” he said.
Make-up code
Very few actresses prefer doing their own make-up. However, actress Nishigandha Wad is different. Nishigandha, who is currently seen in daily soap Khushiyon Ki Gullak Aashi, comes to the set two hours before time to do her own make-up. That’s admirable!
Tying the knot
Actor Krrip Kapur Suri, who is currently playing Emperor Akbar in Bharat Ka Veer Putra — Maharana Pratap, will tie the knot with long-time girlfriend Simran Kaur in Delhi on December 6. It will be a three-day function with mehndi and an engagement ceremony, preceding the wedding.
When small roles are big…
As an artist, Deepak Chaddha has been active both on the small as well as the big screen. Till date, he has fifty-five television serials and more than twelve movies to his credit. He has worked in many serials, including Balika Vadhu, Pratiksha, Devon ke Dev Mahadev, among others. He shares excerpts from his journey so far. How did you reach Mumbai
from Delhi? It is all about destiny, which has its own course. I was always interested in acting and took every opportunity that came my way. Is acting a childhood passion? Yes. Even as a child in Allahabad, I used to take part in the Ram Leela and continued it later in Delhi. I wanted to enter National School of Drama, but it was very difficult to secure admission there. So, I started taking active part in theatre. What is your priority as far as work is concerned? I believe that even if the role is small, it should create an impact . I equally enjoyed my role as R Rajkumar and that of a marriage registrar in Tanu Weds Manu. You have mostly done cameos and not longer roles; any specific reason? I feel there are many advantages, as you get to work with a lot of people and your experience grows wider. You have the opportunity to work with various production houses as well. So, in lesser time you can work more. The variety factor is also there. Above all, I get my payments early. Where do you gather inspiration for acting? I get it from day-to-day life. I try and travel by local trains and buses, as you come across people conversing in varied styles, which are worth emulating. I keep interacting with a lot of them and adapt their mannerisms. This helps me add variation to my roles. — Dharam Pal
Happy to be out!
Nigaar Khan, who recently got evicted from ongoing reality show Bigg Boss, talks about her elimination and more.
Were you shocked at your
early exit? Honestly speaking, it was a blessing in disguise when they nominated me. I am glad that I am out of that hell-hole. Everyone is so negative in the house.
It was a nightmare to live there. Did you have any plan for the show? When I entered the show, I thought I would be able to bring some positive energy to the house. But people suspected my intentions, judged me and I was unable to overcome their negativity. So what went wrong? The wild-card entry was a mistake. The audience would have connected with me far better if I had been a regular contestant. I also took time to mingle with other housemates. I wanted to stay longer, but because of the groupism inside I didn’t stand a chance. You were also pretty upset with Puneet Issar on the show; right? Yes, he wanted to command respect but ended up demanding respect. He keeps telling people ‘God Bless’ when what he actually means is ‘go to hell’. Considering his behaviour towards me, I can’t respect him at all. He doesn’t deserve it. Did you make any friends inside the show? No way. Diandra Sores was just an acquaintance before I entered the house. She never stood by me when I needed her most.
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Astro turf
ARIES: New business deals offered to you are worth considering. Artists get acclaim for their work and make good money. If married, you draw closer to
your spouse. Tarot message: You are on the right track. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 27.
TAURUS: Business and work opportunities are plenty. Take one step at a time to climb up the ladder of success. You make an important effort to resolve
family issues. Tarot message: Business problems must be solved amicably.
Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59 GEMINI: You can have many public rivals. A loving interaction with your beloved is indicated. Focus on routine work and maintain a low profile. Overseas contracts are lucrative.
Tarot message: You should pursue your goals without a thought for disapproval. Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 26. CANCER: You are on your own, as friends and close relatives refuse to come to your aid. Poetry and literary gatherings hold your interest today. An array of mixed feelings overwhelms you today.
Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky
colour: Blue. Magic number: 48. LEO: Participation in a charitable activity is indicated today. The share market yields good profits after the recent uncertain phase. Tune in to your favourite music and unwind with loved ones.
Tarot message: Don’t allow others to interfere in business or personal partnership. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 45. VIRGO: Finances need urgent sorting out today. A happy event celebrated at home is enjoyable and keeps you on your toes. Short, work-related journeys are tiring bringing in not more than mixed results. Tarot message: Be confident.
Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 25. LIBRA: Thoughts of giving up midway are high. So weigh pros and cons wisely. A Cancerian surprises you with a generous gift. Be extra-careful if you are signing any papers. Tarot message: Seek out solid, well-researched information before making any moves. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 50. SCORPIO: There can be new career opportunities due to your past efforts. Spending quality time with your partner will be a priority for you. There can be good news regarding a family member.
Tarot message: Try to catch financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Grey.
Magic number: 58. SAGITTARIUS: Mediation takes you deeper within. Health and physical energy is good, but you need to take frequent breaks and watch out your diet as well as fitness routine.
Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results. Lucky colour: Magenta.
Magic number: 51. CAPRICORN: There can be appreciation for your ideas from colleagues. Monetary gains due to astute financial planning are indicated. If there are important meetings today, you need to be focused. Tarot message: Don’t read too much into ordinary situations.
Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 34. AQUARIUS: A trip is on the cards. Your past efforts will start to show results. You will be unable to make up your mind about an important decision; spend some time mulling over your options.
Tarot message: Feel free to change your mind. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 39. PISCES: You will be in a cheerful frame of mind. Going out of your way to help colleagues or loved ones will earn you goodwill and appreciation. Students need to fine-tune their plans for higher education. Tarot message: Concentrate on projects with reliable outcomes. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 57.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 27...
This year will bring an increased period of happiness and domestic bliss. The summer months are a good time for travel and for a little bit of self-indulgence. July will see improvement in health. Pay off loans. August will be a successful month in terms of love, career and finance. Once September comes around, you’ll want to revert to being cautious about money. October will bring spiritual awareness. Finances will be a little tight. Relationships will be volatile. November will bring a few financial hardships. December will be a month of personal transformations. Positive colours: Red, Golden. Select days: Tuesday, Friday, Thursday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Red coral, Yellow sapphire. Charity on Birthday: Feed unattended cows on the street.
You share your birthday with Mahie Gill (originally Rimpi Gill, November 27, 1975, Chandigarh), who played the lead actress in Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D. Mars and Venus in her birth-chart ensure success in films, but do not promise marital bliss.
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