Singing her way to fame
By Madhur Mittal

CONGRATULATIONS are certainly in order for the pretty and petite Jaspinder Narula who, by sweeping the ‘Best Female Singer" awards both at Film-Fare and Screen, has more than proved the reach and realism of her vocal chords......!

Without doubt, this sohni Sikhni from Delhi has simply landed herself into the big time as far as playback singing is concerned. And this is where her (bigger) problems begin how to deal with the suddenly spiked situation when she is required for recording at three different studios at the same time. Yeah, this kudi Punjab di has abruptly been elevated to the prized pedestal of being one of Bollywood’s most in demand film song warblers. To the extent, that both Jas and her secretary, Bharat, are going crazy over the constantly jangling telephones people asking for song mastering, and the press cajoling for an interview... to name but a few of the desperadoes!

And yet, in the midst of all this success scream, I must say that Jaspinder is cool and cordial to the extent of inviting a scribe to hop into her car (even as she hands the steering over to pretty sis Pammi) and drive with her all the way to her Andheri residence in order to complete the rap session! Well, she deserved her laurels. And she’s got ‘em. After all, with that superb singing with Remo for Pyar To Hona Hi Tha, award to milna hi tha!, right?

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The guys at VENUS Records & Tapes couldn’t have timed the release of their new album better. At a glittering function held at the special audio-video wing of a Juhu hotel it was flashbulbs and spotlight all the way when an impressive number of filmland bigwigs turned up in brocade finery to grace the function.

As a matter of fact, although the official time was 8.30 PM the VIP guests were still coming in as late as 12 midnight! Videos from Jas’s first Indipop album Kuch Kuch Dil Mein were repeatedly screened on demands... and the presence of Pooja Batra, Mink Singh not to forget Anjela Zaveri, mere...!

Petty PROs

Funnily enough, the film PROs have become so petty, that they’re probably doing more anti than pro publicity for their new releases. I mean, whereas the music companies are ensuring the best (and maximum) participation of the press persons at their functions and parties be it the release of their latest audio album or multistar movie the actual film publicists have suddenly started showing a whole lot of whims.....!

Like, they send out invites for a film’s shoot, preview of party as if they can’t count beyond 10! What’s more, a couple of PROs have even had the audacity to yell at some scribes or lensmen to leave the venue... even if they’d been very especially invited directly by the stars or the producer, director!!!

No wonder a foul feeling is growing amongst the Fourth Estate and they may soon begin to boycott such events. As it is, hardly two films out of 20 manage a good, favourable review; so you can well imagine what publicity these so called PROs will be able to garner if the boycott comes on!

"Where are the stars?"

As a matter of fact, there are an increasing number of stars who prefer to stay away from the parties thrown for their own, forthcoming films. So it has ceased being surprising that a number of bashes have all the trappings of a lavish do... sans the stars!

And, where do you think those ‘missing’ cine celebrities are...? Well, certainly not watching the TV at home. They, in fact, are having a whale of a time else-where in the city, at the glitterati happenings of fashion, society and industrial icons! Prominent amongst these hosts with the most are: The Ambanis, the Mallayas, the Garwares, the Merchants, the Rahejas, the Lokhandwalas... it’s an endless list! But our stars love to be invited and love letting their hair down even more.

I do sincerely hope that they shan’t be joined by more celluloid idols else, the millennium is gonna witness film parties without the film stars.