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Words Worth
He has flexed his muscles, given them a bounce and arranged his hair a new style. Alfaaz is all set for the take two of his acting career with Amit Prasher's Ishq Brandy. And he hopes this time, it rocks; just like his music. "After Jatt Airways, Ishq Brandy is my second film and I have tried to put in my best. I geared up for the whole act - from looking after my physique to my acting skills to my dedication," shares Alfaaz, who already has a bagful of hit songs in his kitty. Ishq Brandy gives a new shape to Alfaaz, as he acknowledges that there is no substitute for hardwork. "Not that I took acting lightly, but I felt I was new and acting in films is nowhere close to doing a music video. I started getting offers for movioes after my music album, I was just waiting for the right kind of script and role," says the singer-actor who swears by instant gratification of live shows. Nonetheless, he feels that it is the script and director who give a real shape to the movie. "Amit Prasher brought the best out in me, which I don't expect from many directors. He would switch of the mike and then explain how he wanted a particular scene to be done." Alfaaz is the lead singer of Maafia Mundeer and is all set to come up with his album next month. Writing, singing and acting, Alfaaz is one of the few people in the industry who can multi-task. This, however, doesn't come easy. "Writing is my passion; words are powerful, without them there can be no expression. I love to sing and now act as well. This means I have to balance it all. I devote time to acting and singing. Now that I am in sailing in two boats, I should be prepared for the ride," he says. We know he is managing pretty well though! Amidst the conversation he happens to see a live music act on television. Fingers click in rhythm, feet follow suit; Alfaaz transports himself to that show. "Ah! The live performance, I simply can't describe the energy, the happiness I feel when I perform on stage with Yo Yo Honey Singh. The crowd yelling, asking for more, it feels like a superstar. While I am recording or even acting, I have to wait to see the results but here it happens then and there," he winks. Alfaaz comes from a non-filmy background, but the choice of career is one thing his parents always stood by. "They let me choose the right words," he replies, looking outside the window at people running for shelter in the rain. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Right in the act
His coy, yet strong onscreen persona makes every woman secretly pray for a man like him in their life. Actor Adhhvik Mahaj plays Soham Singh Mann in the Color's show Bani—Ishq Da Kalma and he is pretty much satisfied with what he is getting through it.
Surprisingly, Adhhvik made his debut with Ram Gopal Varma's film Contract, where he played the lead role. Thereafter, he got busy with his studies and then came along the TV serial. The intense-looking actor doesn't shy away from speaking his heart, in fact, in accepting reality! "I had to go through the standard struggle when I came to Mumbai, but within 4-5 months I got my first break with Contract. But immediately after, there was a recession and I also went back to pursuing my MBA," says the actor who also worked in the blockbuster Telugu movie Oosaravelli with Junior NTR and Tamannah. Adhhvik did a couple of projects Down South before he was approached for Bani on Colors. "I found the script engaging; besides it had a Punjabi background, so I went ahead with it." The trained theatre actor had no qualms in taking up a serial after doing an RGV film. "I don't have any hang-ups as long as I am getting a good role. The serial is getting a great response from the audience. In fact, it is now that I have started getting film offers once again," says Adhhvik. You just can't ignore TV anymore and this young actor seconds that. "The reach of television has increased with many film celebrities already working in this medium." Monotony, does the word scare him? "Not really, the kind of role I am playing has a lot of scope. In a woman-centric television industry, I have bagged a role like this. I am getting a lot of appreciation for this role," he adds. Adhhvik doesn't consider television a lesser medium, "TV has become completely entertaining. It offers a complete package." Once a Punjabi always a Punjabi; Adhhvik wants to work in a Punjabi film. "I am getting offers for it. Being a Punjabi, this is something I would love to do one day. I haven't thought about the kind of role, for sure it should be something wherein I can act," he says. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Go organic
There are very few, who live for their passions and a few can translate their passion into profession. Betty Nangia, who dons many hats -an entrepreneur, pranic healer, naturopath, beauty consultant and singer is also a leading name in the herbal cosmetic industry.
"As the demand for our products in India and overseas is picking up tremendously, we have decided to have company owned outlets in pan India in next three years. The western world has huge rage for organic products, be it cosmetics or food. And we are serious players in these markets," says Betty Healthcare managing director Betty Nangia. At a time when world's largest conglomerates are planning to enter into herbal cosmetics, considering the potential this market holds, entrepreneurs like Betty, forayed the same domain some ten years back. Her take on the burgeoning beauty industry is simple - "go organic". "Most of the cosmetic companies use chemicals, for immediate effects and to improve the shelf life of a product. These chemicals sooner or later impact and damage our skin beyond repair. Perhaps people have woken up to this," says Betty Nangia whose day starts early. "I works for good 15 hours a day. Schedule is packed, from consulting people on beauty cosmetics, to pranic healing. — TNS
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Sharing & caring
As many as hundred volunteers and students from Nanhi Jaan, an NGO and Firstep Montessori School , Panchkula gathered at Elante Mall to conclude the ongoing Joy of Giving celebrations wherein they had organised an Art Exhibition and created 'Wish Tree' to raise funds to sponsor the medical needs of the less fortunate children. Expressing views, Dr Sandeep Chhatwal from Nanhi Jaan, an NGO stated this to be an excellent initiative as masses can participate to sponsor basic needs of the underprivileged students. "Fifth in the edition, Joy is Giving Week is slowly gaining popularity. For this we conducted various collection drives wherein students invited the neighborhood to contribute clothes, blankets, footwear, used books and notebooks which will be circulated to needy people via Nanhi Jaan network." Explaining about the project, he further stated, "It is a project under Veeranwali Foundation and is engaged in providing assistance to under-privileged children for education and health. All proceeds collected through the initiatives will be utilised by Nanhi Jaan towards providing medical facilities in various government medical organisations of the region". Explaining about the concept, Principal of the School, Madhu Trehan stated, "We in Montessori system take it as our responsibility to inculcate the habit of sharing in children at young age. Since we wanted to reach masses, we in association with Nanhi Jaan came up with the concept of an Art Exhibition and Wish Tree which is unique in itself as it breaks the total budget into individual wishes. Each time someone volunteers towards the wish list, he is handed over a smiley to replace the wish card. As the day progresses, the tree sheds wishes and gain smileys". Pointing out Chattwal from Nanhi Jaan further stated, "Most people nowadays need accountability of funds raised by various NGOs, and an innovative concept like a wish tree is as transparent and is participative". — TNS
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Chasing dreams
Jasmine Singh
An innocent face, deep set eyes and soulful gaze, actor singer Yuvraj Hans carries an air of easiness around him. He doesn't rush into anything, he let's life take its course. When it does, he swims along. If you look beyond his on screen romantic image, you would find a person who loves to hang out with his friends, sing and have fun. Not many people know Yuvraj started his acting career before singing, and now the two passions are inseparable. His soul touching number Sufi sufi naina vichon rab disda hai… is one of the most touching Sufi romantic track. Singer actor or actor singer Music is my passion, I have been singing ever since I was a kid. It was because of my singing that I got my first film. Music is inside me. Besides, all thanks to my father Hans Raj Hans, we have a very soulful and musical ambience at home. It is only recently due to my busy schedule that I couldn't make time for music… however, it is never far away from me. Time please I would love to devote a lot of time to music. My acting does take away a lot of time, but now I am working on releasing my single, which should be out pretty soon. The balancing act I try my best to balance music and acting. Firstly, I had never planned and not even thought about an acting career. I was always into music. Had I known, I would have taken acting classes (laughs). To keep in touch with my singing passion, I try to sing one or two songs in every film that I do. Actor with a difference I played a romantic character in Yaar Anmulle; in Burrah, my character opened up a bit; and in Young Malang it was totally different. As an actor, I don't want to be stereotyped in a particular role, I want to explore differnt characters and subjects. I am a director's actor, I totally give myself to the director and try and work according to him. Reel life to real Yes, I do come across as a quiet, introvert person in movies. However, I am more fun loving in real. I like to hang out with friends. And yes, I am moody, my notes change according to my mood! Favourite singers In Punjabi singing I look up to my father and Arjit Singh. Pehla Nasha is my favourite number, and Sunidhi Chauhan and Javed Ali my favourite singers. On collaborations I would love to collaborate with my father Hans Raj Hans, which I would be pretty soon. Up next I am doing Mr and Mrs 420, Apan Vehle and another untitled with Navraj Hans.
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Shopper’s delight
Mango Spreads, the designer studio for home-linen (bed sheets, bedcovers, comforters, cushions, towel sets, dining-table sheets and much more!) pre-launches its splendid Diwali-Navratri collection from October 5 to October 7 in Industrial Area,
Chandigarh.
Started by a young entreprenuer Aavika Ganeriwala who completed her studies from Cass Business School, this exhibition would bring attractive gift items for Diwali for family and friends; also appropriately designed corporate gifts. Customised linen products along with their brand new collection of bedspreads would be some of the major attractions. The Exclusive Wedding and Trousseau Collection would also be showcased. — TNS
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Real Indian relish
Pashtun, one of Chandigarh's oldest ethnic Indian restaurants, once again brings its most loved food festival. The Dum Pukht food festival recreates the era of yesteryears of Nawabs which epitomises grandeur, style and love for finer things in life.
Dum Pukht is a cuisine which dates back to the sixteenth century and was introduced to India by the Moghuls. Since the name 'Dum Pukht' itself means 'slow oven', the cooking is done on very low flame. Chef Sanjiv Verma of Pashtun says, "Unlike other cuisines, in Dum Pukht less spices are used. Whatever spices are used they have to be fresh, as herbs and spices play an extremely critical role. " Kewara Ki Subz Biryani, Badami Paneer, Khumb Chana Paneer, Murg KajuKewara, Dum se Rogan Josh and the newly introduced KeemaMatar are part of the menu. On till October 15. — TNS
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I’m a feminist: Nicole Kidman
Hollywood stars Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Hudson were also in attendance and were honoured for their work and humanitarian efforts, reported a magazine. "I was raised by a feminist mother. And yes, she said, 'Never be frightened about using the F-word'. So I'm not. She believes in the sisterhood and so do I. She planted the seed in me early to speak out against the fact that women are so often treated differently than men," Kidman said. "No matter how long I devote my time to this, I still cannot comprehend that one in three girls in their lifetime will be beaten, abused or raped. It's just an unbelievable statistic," she added. Kidman also spoke about the recent incident where she was allegedly knocked over by a photographer on a bike. "It shows what can happen and how dangerous it is and how out of control a lot of them are, so I'm glad those laws were passed in California to protect the children. If that happened to my child, forget it!" — PTI
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No bikini girl this
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Way to go
"I love him so much and he's such an amazing boyfriend to Kim and a great dad and a wonderful person. And that's why I thought it was so cool to have him on my show and I got to sit down with him for an entire hour and I think people saw this other side to him," Kris said. "He's creative and he's an amazing, amazing human being, he really is. And he doesn't always do interviews and get the chance to really express himself like that, so I was really glad that I got a chance to sit down and talk to him," she added. Kris enjoyed babysitting North while Kim and Kanye were attending Paris Fashion Week. — PTI
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Kareena draws the line
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A kid in a candy store!
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Halle Berry welcomes baby boy
Berry first announced her pregnancy on April 5, saying it was "the biggest surprise of her life." "Thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me. So it's been a big surprise and the most wonderful," she had earlier said. Berry and Frenchman Martinez, also 47, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Vallery, France on July 13. The pair exchanged vows in front of around 60 guests. The couple first met in 2010, on the sets of their film Dark Tide, but Berry didn't confirm the relationship until much later. This is the first child for Martinez and second for Berry, who gave birth to Nahla in 2008 with then-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. She started dating Aubry in 2005 but ultimately called it quits in April 2010. — PTI
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Not without my husband
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Of actions and words
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No cheap clothes for Priyanka!
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Romantic pursuit
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Getting better with age
Role call: Rithvik dhanjani and Asha negi
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Action and reaction
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On a new journey
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Up for a cause
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Dramatic entries
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Be vigilant as someone at office might try to harm your reputation. Socially, there may be quite a few rumours and scandals, so keep an open mind and don't make hasty judgments.
Tarot message: Well-wishers will give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Turquoise Lucky number: 60
TAURUS: Finances and investments would take up a major chunk today. The planets indicate that this is a favourable time to deal with speculation, real estate, and similar markets.
Tarot message: Take limited risks. Lucky colour: Aqua Lucky number: 52 GEMINI: You may receive some sound counselling from unexpected sources, so pay attention to everything you hear. Professionally, you may face a conflict. Tarot message: An elderly family member's health needs looking after.
Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Lucky number: 46 CANCER: This may be quite a surprising and rewarding day. Many of you may receive bonuses or pay hikes that were unexpected while others may receive appreciation for their hard work.
TAROT MESSAGE: Leave things open-ended if want best results. Lucky
colour: White Lucky number: 39 LEO: The day would be busy yet happy in which you would be able to achieve a lot in your personal and professional life. Financially, too, there would be unexpected windfalls.
Tarot message: Be creative to retain your grip over your business. Lucky
colour: Sea green Lucky number: 28 VIRGO: A hectic social life would keep you on your toes today and lead to some new associations. A special someone may not have enough time for you and may make you feel a bit neglected. Tarot message: Everything will be sorted out on its own.
Lucky colour: Cream Lucky number: 63
LIBRA: Most of you would be craving for something stimulating and entertaining today. At work, too, you would be open to challenging assignments and give you a chance to tap into your immense potential.
Tarot message: Stay clam. Lucky colour: Deep red Lucky number: 41 SCORPIO: Manage personal relationships with diplomacy and thoughtfulness. You need to think with your heart,
especially as far as a special relationship is concerned. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others.
Lucky colour: Orange Lucky number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: Singles would receive good proposals. At work, you would be open to feedback and some of you would also, be planning to prepare for promotions.
Tarot message: Over optimism could mislead you. Lucky colour: Mauve Lucky number: 30 CAPRICORN: If confused about relationships, don't hesitate to seek help and guidance. Singles would also, experience a deepening of a special friendship.
Tarot message: Make property investments to stabilise your financial condition.
Lucky colour: Peach Lucky number: 64 AQUARIUS: Travelling, communication, religion and spirituality may interest you today. Children would be filled with energy. Remember resolutions about diet and nutrition.
Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Saffron
Lucky number: 50 PISCES: Adventure, fun, entertainment would be on your mind today and you may spend a good deal of time, partying and at get-togethers with friends.
Tarot message: Be sure before involving yourself in a new project. Lucky
colour: Purple Lucky number: 25
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 7...
Your birthday falls this year on the Third day [Treetiya] of the Navratras [spanning from October 5 to 13]. You will get rid of personal worries. Neptune makes you witty, confident, vigilant, sharp and imaginative. You will have better health as compared to last year. Things are going your way. With the expressive moon and stern Saturn, you may have to bite your tongue. Ignore those who approach you for temporary loans. Positive colours: Cornflower, cream, sea green, purple and turquoise Select days: Sunday, Monday and Friday Favourable numbers: 1,2,7 Gems recommended: Pearl, Moon Stone, Jasper Charity on birthday: Observe fast or donate milk, rice and sweets in a religious place.
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He fixes his gaze on the sandwich lying in front of him, probably looking for the right words to describe its composition. He lifts it up and savours it slowly, in silent meditation. The man of many words can actually run short of words in a normal conversation! Singer-actor Alfaaz doesn't hold to anything in his life other than words, which he pulls out, decorates, embellishes and lets them float in the air.
Actress Nicole Kidman, who was honoured for her humanitarian work at the annual Variety Power of Women event, says she is not afraid to be known as a feminist.
Sonakshi Sinha has made it in Bollywood on her own terms and conditions. She says that she will not wear a bikini ever and has worn a wet saree instead for a scene in R...Rajkumar. She says that people should be happy just with that!
Kris Jenner has given thumbs up to Kanye West for being an amazing boyfriend to her daughter Kim Kardashian and a great father to North. She praised the rapper on Ross Mathews' show and said that she enjoyed having Kanye on her own chat show, reported a magazine.
Kareena Kapoor Khan recently got very upset with the agency that handles her endorsements. They green lighted an offer from an anti-ageing skin cream because the amount was too good to turn down. Kareena refused to do it and even blasted her agency. Timeless beauty, is it?
Esha Gupta is in London shooting for Humshakal. She follows football and is an avid fan of the sport. She went to the Arsenal Stadium and also the Arsenal Museum. Take a look at the girl.
Actress Halle Berry and husband Olivier Martinez have welcomed their first child together. The 47-year-old actress, who already has a 5-year-old daughter, Nahla, from her previous relationship, gave birth to a baby boy on Saturday, reported a magazine.
Farah Khan is keen that her husband Shirish Kunder should edit Happy New Year. We wonder what Shah Rukh Khan will say about this as he does not get along well with Shirish at all.
Hrithik Roshan has purchased an apartment worth Rs 25 crore in Bandra, suburan Mumbai. It is a sea-facing apartment, in a high-rise building, overlooking the sea. This story quashes all rumours of any rift in his marriage with Suzanne
Roshan.
Priyanka Chopra is a diva and she has no qualms proving it. It seems that she has instructed designers not to buy her clothes, for movies, during sale time and all her outfits should be paid for in full retail price. That's weird!
Buzz is that Shashi and Sumeet Mittal, producers of the show, Diya Aur Baati Hum, are gearing up for their next show that will be telecast on Life OK. The show will star Iqbal Khan and Shradhha Arya and is called Tumhari Paakhi. With Sachin Shroff, Ritu Vij and Rishi Khurana as the cast, this love triangle will have a Rajasthani backdrop.
Rithvik Dhanjani, Asha Negi, Shruti Kanwar and Shakti Arora of Zee's Pavitra Rishta wanted to quit the show because they did not want to play older characters as the show was taking a leap of 18 years. However, now the actors seem to have come to a settlement with Balaji telefilms. Post the leap, Ankita Lokhande, who plays the role of Archana, will be seen in a a double role on the show.
Aditya Redij is resting and recuperating from the injuries he sustained on his show Junoon-Aisi Nafrat Toh Kaisa Ishq, which is now off air. Buzz is that he had injuries on his ankle and knees while shooting. Though Aditya feels that they should have been more prepared for the action where he got hurt, he has no regrets as he enjoyed being part of the show.
Raakesh Paswan, the man behind the television series, Baba Aiso Varr Dhoondo and Afsar Bitiya, will now make a costume-drama titled Draupadi for Shagun TV, which is India's first 24-hour matrimonial channel. Buzz is that Ali Hassan will play the role of Duryodhan, while veteran actor Gajendra Chauhan and Shahbaaz Khan will be seen essaying the roles of Druapad and Bhishma Pitamah respectively.
Actor Eijaz Khan has been into spray and graffiti painting for over a year now. News is that he is painting over fifteen t-shirts with slogan "Real Man Don't Rape", which will be sold in a sale at Bandra, and the earned funds would go to an organisation, which supports education for underprivileged children. He feels it is a good idea to utilize his flair and support a cause as well.
After Shaurya's (Rohit Khurana) entry in the show Sasural Simar Ka that is telecast on Colors, now Shikha Singh will enter the show in the role of Meghna Singhania, Shaurya's sister. They will be seen seeking revenge from Bharadwaj family. While Shikha has her plate full, she will also be seen in the role of Shikhandi in Star Plus' Mahabharat.
Abhijeet Sawant