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New Year, Punjabi style
The New Year Eve is almost here and just about everybody is making is planning to have a gala time. Sitting back home curled up in a quilt is an option that finds favour with many, while there are others who are all set to paint the city red!
Many would sit in front of the television watching celebrities do all kinds of things in the name of New Year entertainment.
Talking of celebrities, how can we forget the ones back home? The Punjabi entertainment industry is much in demand when it comes to performing on various functions, especially on New Year Eve. Even though they are not demanding crores to shake their booty like Mallika Sherawat, they are keeping the organisers on their toes. Not literally, but this is how they are placed!
Mumbai calling
This year New Year Eve would be in Lonawala, Mumbai, where I would be performing for the crowds. People want entertainment and I feel nice that I can take them through the New Year on a laughing note. I feel nice thinking that the crowds laugh, enjoy and forget all their worries this way. — Kapil Sharma, comedian
Pay cheque
I would be performing at Dubai on this New Year like always. Sometimes I feel bad about it, but I guess it is part of my profession. And not to forget I am paid for it! Besides, I am only out for New Year's Eve. — Jeet Jagjit, singer
This year I will be performing in Goa and I am glad that I can entertain people outside Punjab as well. Everyone wants to be happy and everyone wants to step into a new year with a smile on their faces. This is how I can manage to bring cheer to them. — Gurpreet Ghuggi, comedian
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Partying knows no barriers…
Has it got anything to do with the barrage of foreign artistes that barged in and out of India this year? Akon and his Chammak Challo will drive home the point. Perhaps the crowd would no longer have a certain 'celebrity DJ' from neighbouring Delhi or even Mumbai play and just be at peace with it. Even the remix king can't save a New Year's Eve bash anymore, right? How about a jazz artist from Georgia, a percussionist from Iran, a jugalbandi between a sitarist and pianist?
Is the fad for real? City clubs and restaurants are going all out to bring in performers from outside India. At Smoke House Deli, look forward to a live collaboration between Azeem Ahmed Alvi and a Persian percussionist C-NA, flying all the way from Iran. Shares Minerva Jain, spokesperson, "We aren't competing with the rest of the places and we couldn't really have just a DJ belting out Bollywood music. Of course we wanted it to be different, but we also wanted it to be one of the best musical experience; hence the decision to call in a musician from outside the country." Wasn't Sonu Nigam bang on with his opinions on the crossover trends? After collaborating with pop star Britney Spears, he's all set to team up with Swedish DJ Tim Berg. India attracts global artistes because the country has something new to offer and Chandigarh has just got started. Opines Priyanka Gupta, director, Hops 'n' Grains, "We, recently, at the beginning of December, had an Iranian percussionist, Fakhroddin Gaffri, perform for the crowd." She adds, "I would call the trend as internationalisation of Chandigarh. It's among the top league of cities and you would no longer find the time gap between trends that come down here." Tao Bar and lounge is all set to rope in DJ J Adele from the Ministry of Sound, London, to up the musical quotient. At Hotel Hometel, Gina, Shiela and Verlyn, from the three-member band, Manila Mix, from Philippines, will be singing even Punjabi tracks with a Filipino twang apart from performing Rock, Pop, Ballad, Hip-Hop. But hasn't it always been the city that has been tagged and termed non-experimental when it came to their auditory senses? The musical acceptance has got a lot to do with the cultural influence. People in the hospitality industry have been trying to do their bit for quite some time now. Opines Aryana Vala, promoter, Books n Brew, "I arrange musical evenings at the place and try to bring in every kind of experience — right from piano artists to jazz concerts to even Himachali rock bands." As of now, it's just the beginning. As Priyanka says, "Since these things are happening in Chandigarh for the first time, the trend is here to stay. Once the novelty factor dies down, then we'd know if this can be sustained and if that's the real taste of people." Till either of that happens, let the party begin! manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Memory book
The year 2012 is knocking at our door and the party mood is building up. Everyone has his or her unique way of ushering-in the New Year. We ask the city people to share their cherished New Year memories with us. Memorable moments
The memory I hold close to my heart is from 2007. We were not married at that time and our respective families were at the Golf Club to celebrate the New Year. Our parents didn't know about our affair and in their presence we sneaked out, danced together and had a blast." — Nikhil Mittal, Nik Bakers Forever family
The year 2002 was one of the best New Year's that I had. Along with family and friends, we had a gala time in Goa. We were on the dance floor till wee hours; we even met Hrithik Roshan at Club Cubana. Even last year was awesome as we celebrated at home. — Aman Patwalia, Tiny Feet Giant Leaps Doordarshan days
In my childhood days we would spend the 31st night huddling together in a quilt, watching programmes on Doordarshan. Munching nuts, eating popcorns and watching film stars dance on hit numbers was fun. I would love to do the same again. — Ritika Gupta, banker Folk Lore
The best New Year's that we had so far is the 'Millennium celebrations' at Tilonia village in Rajasthan. It was a three-day festival where we enjoyed folk art, music and dance to the hilt. Folk artistes would sing till the wee hours. Incidentally, my husband was also shooting here so we had an amazing time. — Harleen Kohli, CEVA Gala time
It was my first New Year party with my husband that I cherish the most. It was the time before our marriage and I met my husband's friends for the first time. This was more special since our parents didn't know of our affair. — Babi Grewal, Babi's
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House arrest
Says Manit Gupta, a Chandigarh-based young entrepreneur, “I love hosting house parties; they are always better and comfortable. For this New Year I'm arranging a party at a friend's place and only a limited number of couples are invited. There will be proper catering, good variety of alcohol, a DJ to play nice music, and the party will go on right till the first morning of 2012.” He adds, “There will be no theme for dressing up, but an Arabic set-up with hookas will create the perfect ambience. Till now I have decided that girls will have free entry, but stags will definitely have to pay.” While some just get together with close friends, along with their families, putting no burden of being a host on a single person. Says Jyoti Sahni, who owns Jyoti's boutique in Panchkula, “Every year we have a potluck dinner where every one brings dishes and we get together at some friend's place. The evening starts with light music and as the night proceeds, the music gets loud enough for a dance.” She adds, “I feel it is fun to celebrate the New Year with your close friends rather than going to places where you know only a few people.” For some nothing compares to home cooked food and the cozy feeling. Says Rakhi Gupta, a Chandigarh-based housewife, “This year we got our house renovated and our house-warming party was pending. We have decided to throw a New Year's party at our place. We have invited as many as fifteen couples and my son has called a few friends. We have arranged for a cook who will prepare the snacks; rest the main course will be made at home only.” They are also planning a DJ set-up in the basement. Ashwani Kukreja, a Chandigarh-based businessman, holds a Mata Ki Chowki every year with proper invitations. Says Ashwani, “Every year, my family seeks the Almighty's blessings on the New Year eve. We also invite our close friends and as the clock strikes twelve, light up crackers. Then there are flower-showers, party-poppers and a cake ceremony.” Why don't you give up all the tension of where you will end up partying? Just plan a warm house party! sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Mundiya goes to Hollywood
Hollywood actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who has given hit mockumentaries like Borat and Bruno, has gone the Punjabi way by including the Mundiya track from Boom in his upcoming film The Dictator.
The hit track Mundiya tu bach ke rahi, which first appeared in Amitabh Bachchan-Katrina Kaif starrer box office flop, has been given an American touch by rap king Jay Z. Cohen, who is an English stand-up comedian and actor, is essaying the role of a dictator from a country called Republic of Wadiya. 'The Dictator' is said to be a funny take on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. It also stars Ben Kingsley and Megan Fox in key roles. However, it is not for the first time that Hollywood has used Bollywood tracks in their films. Uma Thurman-starrer The Accidental Husband features Tamil song Swasme. Director Baz Luhrmann, a self-confessed Hindi cinema fan, had his leading lady Nicole Kidman dancing to the tune of Chhamma chhamma in Moulin Rouge, a song originally popularised by Urmila Matondkar in China Gate. Luhrmann has now roped in Amitabh Bachchan for a cameo in his upcoming Leonardo DiCaprio starrer The Great Gatsby.
— PTI
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In flash and blood
It is the latest publicity gimmick that many event management companies, social activists, TV channels and movie production houses are using to create a buzz among masses. Flash mobs have been a tried-and-tested technique abroad, but in India it is a new concept. It first started at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus when close to 200 people began dancing to Bollywood chartbuster Rang de Basanti last month. Since then the trend has caught on and travelled to various cities like Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi as well as the national capital. “Flash mobs in my opinion are a great new way to reach out to the masses, although they shouldn't be conducted so often that they end up killing the element of surprise,” Ayush Gupta of Cabbageheads, an event management firm which organised the flash mobs at the capital's Janpath and Priya complex, said. Even though police played spoilsport during their flash mob, there was a purpose behind the activity, says the 20-year-old. “We organised the flash mob with the sole purpose of opening minds around. We wanted to set a trend - a trend which screams of being bold enough to try new things! People need to loosen up a bit. Go crazy every once in a while. That's what we had in mind when we organised Flash Mob Delhi,” said Gupta.
— IANS
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Item bombs of B-town
You have got to love this song! Akon has sung it in such an amazing manner and Kareena looks oh-so-stunning and desirable in it. It is catchy and it is ruling the waves this New Year’s
Eve. Jalebi Bai from Double Dhamaal
Mallika Sherawat can show off her body and dance. Her moves in this song have made it a decent hit. It is a cheap song so it suits
Mallika!
Chikni Chameli from Agneepath
The movie will release in 2012 but this rustic raunchy song has attracted eyeballs already. We think the song is ordinary and Katrina is too classy to do something like this! She looks cheap in it and is dancing like a
man. Saiyaa from Rascals
The USP of this song is Lisa Haydon. Watch the video for her but the song is no great shakes! I hate you (like I love you) from Delhi
Belly
Aamir Khan cemented his status as an item boy with this song. It is a super fun retro song with Anusha Dandekar shaking a leg with
him. Dum Maaro Dum from Dum Maaro Dum
This is the trashiest remake of a classic in ages. Deepika looked hot but what’s with the trashy lyrics? This song didn’t catch on as expected. Ooh la la from The Dirty Picture
This song takes you back to the swinging and senseless sleazy 1980s! Vidya and Naseer have done a great job and Bappi Lahiri is back in form again. People are loving this song!
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Hollywood rocks
Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh, who will be next seen in action-flick Players feels Bollywood is way behind Hollywood in terms of technology and execution.
“We constantly talk about Hollywood and Bollywood, but I feel we are nowhere close to them whatsoever whether it is in terms of technology or processing or story line or execution or anything. Their Superman and all came 30 years back and we hardly made a film like Krrish that has worked for us,” Neil told in an interview. “So we are way behind them...that is because their audiences have accepted futuristic films... because movies are meant to be made to believe, they are meant to be larger than life. Unfortunately it is not like that our films are bad but we are not catering and guiding to our audiences,” he said. “If you see those (Hollywood) films doing well then it is because their imagination and execution is that powerful. The last horror made in Bollywood that I loved was Haunted. I feel we can go to the next level soon,” he said. Players, directed by Abbas-Mustan is the official remake of hit Hollywood crime-thriller The
Italian Job — PTI
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Akshay Kumar starrer Khiladi 786’s title may be changed to Punjabi Rajnikanth. Bizarre! We can only imagine how the movie will be.
On hold
Stories abound that Salman Khan-Sonakshi Sinha starrer Kick has been put on hold. That is because Sallu is too busy with other films. God help us!
Himesh Reshammiya is very perseverant. He will be seen in a film with Akshay Kumar and has decided to launch two more films starring himself. Sweat it out
Sonam Kapoor and Bipasha Basu are having fun promoting Players all over India. They relished an authentic Gujarati thali while promoting the film in Ahmedabad. The girls are foodies who hog and then sweat it out. Holiday time
Arjan Bajwa will be seen next in Son of Sardar. The talented actor has relatives in Canada so he has gone there to celebrate Christmas and bring in the New Year. —
HRM
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In Sony TV's hit show Saas Bina Sasuraal, Tej-Toasty brought Ved and Nitika together but in the upcoming episodes, there will be a twist in their love story. Tej's father Chhedilal Chaturvedi's friend's daughter Rhea will enter the show. She will come to marry Ved which will create confusion and drama in Ved, Nitika and Toasty's life. Rucha Gujarati will play the role and enter the show on Monday.
A still from Saas Bina Sasuraal
TV’s lucky mascot
Baby on board
Promotional problems
After her break up with actor Karan Oberoi two years ago, vivacious Mona Singh has found love again. She is dating model-turned-actor Vidyut Jamwal who played the villain in Force. Though the shy lady isn't going public with her news, the couple has been spotted at multiplexes, night clubs and restaurants. Mona has loads to smile about with a Balaji's show in hand and Vidyut on her arm.
Not so fair
Downhill graph
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Astro turf
ARIES: This is an important day for any job that you can tackle away from public scrutiny. An unexpected guest may gatecrash. A romantic mood can colour even the toughest situation. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Coffee brown. TAURUS: You draw the Ace of Pentacles; so you will begin the day full of energy. New ventures that are launched have a better chance of being a success. A walk can lead to a romantic encounter. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and prepare to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 33 GEMINI: This is a great day to get your ideas down on the paper and start planning your next project. Do not let people intrude your space if you need solitude. Complete neglected tasks. It will be a good day for bizfolks. Tarot message: Be careful not to go in too many directions at the same time. Lucky colour: Lemon. Magic number: 39 CANCER: Romance and creativity are highlighted. Try and prepare a lovely dinner for your partner. This is also the perfect time for initiating a new personal project. Family matters can keep you busy in the evening. Plod ahead slowly. Tarot message: Listen to your voice of wisdom. Lucky colour: Baby pink. Magic number: 27 LEO: The Queen of Swords suggests that spotlight is on fashion, appearance and charm. Romance and passion are on the cards. Do not allow feelings of frustration to take over. You will be eager to get out. Tarot message: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. Lucky colour: Coral. Magic number: 60 VIRGO: Your card "Five of Swords" reveals physical activity. Exercise will have a positive effect on your mood. If you are in a sedentary job, playing a sport or training before or afterwards will balance your daily routine. Tarot message: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. Lucky colour: Indigo. Magic number: 42
LIBRA: Focus on religious discourses. An Arian may treat you as a doormat. Over-eating can affect your digestive system. If you are partying, watch out what you eat and drink. Tarot message: Fitness routines and healthy diets are prescribed for your well-being. Lucky colour: Lime green.
Magic number: 54 SCORPIO: Not a sensitive day for financial matters. Do not interfere in others affairs. Loved ones will back your new ideas on your saving schemes. Your mate could seem to be more overbearing then usual. Tarot message: Keep in mind that perseverance is the key to success. Lucky colour: Sky blue. SAGITTARIUS: You may spend quite a lot of time on planning. Consider getting involved in charitable work. Meditation and prayers can clear up areas of confusion for you. Lose yourself in romance this evening. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 55 CAPRICORN: Stick to the beaten track today and look after yourself. At the end of the day you will be proud of what you have achieved and could be rewarded. This is the time to go for a medical check-up. Long term investments may mature. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 38 AQUARIUS: A special romance in your life might seem aloof. Let them know you care and respect their space. Health problems can be satisfactorily treated. You may find that there is a large gap between you and your colleagues. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 40 PISCES: Your card "The Devils" boosts your enthusiasm and self-confidence. Happy day for doing what you please. You may be introduced to new people who are destined to become good friends. Drinks tend to spill. Tarot message: Versatility and a quicksilver mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: golden. Magic number: 28
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 31...
Your birthday will be celebrated throughout the World tonight and new era will dawn tomorrow. Your creative side is dominant in 2012, though you may be more interested in looking and learning than in actually making art. This year will be a busy year as it would bring in contentment, happiness and encouragement. You'll have great opportunities to consolidate your relationship; you will decide important dates for your life with your beloved. Fear nothing for this is a favourable moment. You can reach your goal slowly and with constancy. Along the way you'll meet important and influential people. Make sure your dedication to your job isn't overshadowing your time with your partner. Balance is the key, so reprioritise your tasks so you have time to relax and unwind. A gift, grant, or inheritance gives you a much needed financial cushion. You won't have to take boring jobs or maintain exhausting relationships with this sum in reserve. A workplace flirtation gives your daily life a welcome lift. You and your colleague can't seem to stay out of each other's way. You will have smooth family relationships through the whole year and you will have good and uncomplicated social life. You love socialising and you are so persuasive that is why people love you. You get your strength and your goodness from your friends, family and coworkers. However, there are times when your seriousness might get in the way during 2012 even if you try not to be affected by it. In personal relationships, you might experience some problems. Try to discuss these problems with your partner. Do not be anxious if these things happen in the last six months of 2012, there will be bliss and harmony in your relationships especially in your married life. For single people, love and romantic relationships would be just within your reach .So, be at your best to attract love and romance in your life. Students are required to work hard to achieve their goals and objectives. They will need to put some extra efforts for appearing in exams. This will bring them good results and they will be benefited with their efforts. Family cooperation is not the best in 2012. Good financial position is expected. Expect to have some stomach disorders due to your poor digestion. Mood: A bit 'tense' at times. Compatible signs: Leo, Libra. Lucky colours: Blue, Grey. Lucky days: Friday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 3, 8, 12, 16, 21. Lucky gem: Garnet. Lucky flower: Orange rose.
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Goa time
Welcoming the New Year at a crowded place is not everyone's plan. After all the main agenda is to celebrate the evening, dance away; enjoy with family and friends. For some people, it's just about good food; good music and they are ready to welcome the New Year at their private house parties.
If you're busy shopping at a packed marketplace and someone next to you breaks into a jig, don't fret, just join in! Chances are it may be a flash mob.
Chammak Chhallo from Ra.One
Name game
Twists & turns
Lucky man Mishal Raheja has proved his talent time and again, be it his debut show Love Story or Laagi Tuhje Se Lagan which he quit owing to differences with the production house. The show's TRPs dipped post his exit as the audiences missed him. Buzz is Mishal Raheja will be playing the grownup Shivaji in Colors' historical show Veer Shivaji. The show was slated for a weekend slot and due to good numbers it was upped to a daily prime time one. Young lad Paras Arora and other actors are doing a fine job and with Mishal taking over the baton the show should get interesting. What is more interesting is the fact that Colors got Mishal back on board after the differences over Laagi. Lets hope the change will not change the
TRPs.
Handsome dude Iqbal Khan recently became a father of a beautiful baby girl. The hero of Zee's Sanjog Se Bani Sangini couldn't be happier. Along with his wife Sneha Chhabra, he has named his baby girl Amara meaning lady of strong faith. Iqbal claims life couldn't have been better. Currently daddy dearest is working on a movie.
The Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), an independent body instituted by the Indian Broadcasters Foundation (IBF) has directed Colors to get porn star Sunny Leone who is a participant in Bigg Boss 5 to stop promoting the show on her website. BCCC doesn't want any usage of an Indian TV show on her adult website. Colors had received the complaint from BCCC and has agreed to comply with the self-regulatory guidelines. If the said references of Bigg Boss aren't not removed from her website, Colors plans to evict her from the Bigg Boss House.
Object of affection
Hema Malini's show Maati Ki Banno on Colors came and went without much ado within five months of air time. Though disappointed with the performance of the show, the actors worked hard but now they are dejected that the production company hasn't paid them their dues. They have been waiting for over seven months while the usual waiting period is 90 days. If by the end of this month the actors don't get paid, they plan to file a complaint with CINTAA.
When Harshad Chopra signed on for Imagine's Dharampatni, he was revving to go and excited about his project, role and character graph. But months after the launch, the show hasn't registered on the TRP charts nor created any waves with the audiences. Needless to say, the handsome and popular star is disappointed. His earlier shows Left Right Left, Kis Des Mein Hai Mera Dil and Tere Liye were quite popular which is why Dharampatni's poor TRPs must be affecting him.
Prabhu Ganesan (December 31, 1956 Chennai) is a Tamil film actor and film producer. He is the son of legendary Tamil thespian Sivaji Ganesan. Ganesan has appeared in over 125 films. Ganesan frequently appeared alongside Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, and his father, Sivaji Ganesan during this time period. He received a Best Actor Award in 1991.