a CD that explains the exact procedure of performing a Ganesha puja.

Can't get a panditji? Hear him on CD

Cassettes and cds come to the rescue of people who cannot find a priest for pujasSeawoods resident Sunita Pathak switches on the tape and a deep voice fills the air. It's Pandit Vedhmurthi Sriram Trimbak Deodhar. He's chanting the mantras and telling Sunita exactly how to perform the puja. Everything is explained in detail and Pathak does exactly how panditji is telling her to do. Here's a classic example of e-puja.
Since panditjis are very busy on puja days, families from all over the satellite city eagerly wait for the coming home of Lord Ganesha every year. All preparations are made, including contacting a pandit too who is asked too come and perform the puja.
"These days it is very difficult to get a guruji to come over to your place. Even if they do promise to come, it gets quiet late by the time they finish doing their rounds of other homes. In such cases, we cannot serve food to guests neither can we eat ourselves. We believe in eating only after we have done the puja. At such times, these audio cassettes come to our rescue," says Sunita. The CDs and cassettes tell you exactly what to do when and each important mantra is read out one after another through it.
Generally, the duration of the puja in these CDs or cassettes stretches upto 45 minutes. Whoever sits for the puja is expected to perform all the rituals — whether it is offering flowers to god or giving him the 'panchamrut'. Panchamrut is a mixture of five main ingredients — milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar. "I've been using these cassettes for eight years now. I believe that anything done from your heart will surely be accepted by God, no matter who performs the puja," adds Pathak.
Two years ago, Koparkhairane resident Pallavi Jambh bought a CD that explained to her the exact procedure of performing a Ganesha puja. "I brought a CD from Landmark at Vashi. The CD did not cost me much and helped me gain a lot of knowledge about the puja which I otherwise would have not known. Besides I also feel that the puja procedure has been simplified and explained which makes it easy for us to understand it." There are quiet a few music stores in the city which sell CDs where the puja procedure is explained very clearly. "These CDs are a lot in demand, especially on festival days. A CD called Shubh Ganesha and Naman Ganesha explains exactly how the puja is to be performed. These CDs could cost a person anything above Rs125. Many young couples buy such CDs," said a music store owner from Vashi.

Actor Chitrangda Singh says that she's proud of her dusky complexion and will never apologise for it

It's health over skin colour for Chitrangda!

Actor Chitrangda Singh says that she's proud of her dusky complexion and will never apologise for it


Actor Chitrangda Singh is busy shuttling between shooting locations, trying her best not to spark any controversies and in between all this, taking care of her skin. The actor had previously said that she is aware that she now has to take extra care of her diet and skin. The actor has a few simple mantras in mind to achieve that goal. Those who know the actor insist she drinks as much water as possible, to keep herself hydrated in between shoots. The actor herself had admitted that even though her exercise regimen these days is not as grueling as it used to be a few years back, she focuses on her problem areas — her hips, religiously. That apart, Chitrangda insists that she works towards achieving a healthy body and clear complexion as opposed to fair skin.
The actor is aware that the country is obsessed with fair skin but she refuses to join the bandwagon. "I don't believe in this whole 'fair skin' concept. The bias against dark complexion is unfair. I don't think changing the colour of your skin changes the person you are," shoots Chitrangda.
The actor says that she hopes that people stopped attaching so much importance to the colour of one's skin, especially women's. A source close to her says that Chitrangda feels that instead of looking at one's skin colour, people should focus on more real issues like providing education and eradicating corruption. "Chitrangda is very comfortable in her own skin. She would not change anything about her for anybody. So when she was approached to endorse a fairness cream ad, she was aghast! She felt that taking on the endorsement would send a wrong message to so many young girls who are already made to feel bad if they are not fair skinned. So she stood her ground and flatly refused them," adds the source.
Confirms Chitrangda, "I am happy the way I am. I love my skin colour. I am dusky and truly Indian, and I'm happy to stay that way. Why should a person be made to apologise for how they are or be judged by the colour of their skin?"

the spas of South-Central Mumbai, which promise to offer a holistic experience

A 'sole' searching experience

In the second part of this weekly series, gives you the low-down on some of the spas — that are not housed in five-star hotels — in South-Central Mumbai, which promise to offer a holistic experience

•  Areopagus Japanese Day Spa, Shivaji Park

The first element that draws you, when you enter a spa, is the aromas that hover around. At Areopagus, Temple of Healing as they call it, scented fragrance is aplenty and somehow as you breathe it in, your senses begin to tingle even before you enter your treatment room. As you browse the menu, you realise at once that it has carefully put together an amalgamation of Japanese, Chinese and Greek body culture and therapies. You can choose from their signature massages including Areopagus Signature, Tai Chi Therapy, Shiatsu, and Yuki Energy, among others. We go for a 60-minute full body massage - the Energy Holds Therapy. The receptionist informs that it invigorates a sluggish mind and body.
Once you lie down and surrender to the mild pressure of the therapist's featherweight touch, you begin to feel ticklish. Unlike the usual Thai technique, this massage relies on fingertip touch generously using copious amount of almond oil. Soon, however, the pressure becomes harder as you feel the fingertips kneading your muscle knots. The pain is only momentary, as you lapse into a happy, numb state pretty quickly.
You will invariably feel the tingling sensation running from your head to toe, even as you listen to the gurgling sound of flowing water and the whisper of oriental music in the background. And even in your rejuvenated grogginess, you feel the heat of the steam. After a hot shower, you feel as fresh as a dewy petal!
This all-women run spa is facilitated with steam, Jacuzzi with spinal and foot water jets. A must-try treatment on the menu is the Sweet & Spicy Body Exfoliation that blends cranberry pomegranate sugar scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells.
The receptionist recommends us to surely try their Day Foot Spa that uses Japanese massage technique to the minimum. We tell her that we're only too happy to come back for more, even as we leave with a smile on the lips and spring in the steps.

• Aroma Thai, Lower Parel
Bangkok's real Thai massages are not too distant for Mumbaikars anymore. Dark interiors, dim lighting, essential oils et al form the usual setting and mood. There's also the regular reflexology pedicures and manicures available here. But the must-try treatments include the 35-minute Sawadee Express foot massage, including a foot-washing ritual and jasmine tea finisher, the 90-minute head-to-toe Ananda Thai massage, the Arokaya Massage (foot massage using a traditional Thai herbal compress) and the Sukhothai Silver and Gold massages in which one therapist massages your feet while another indulges your face! In case you need a recharge, you know where to go.

• Sukho Thai, Lower Parel
After a hard day's work, your tired soles indeed need some pampering. A foot massage however doesn't just mean happy feet. As a holistic treatment, it helps promote restful sleep, increases blood circulation and even builds a better immunity system. You know when you neglect your feet what you miss out on.
For a complete experience of authentic Thai foot massage, head to Sukho Thai. Try their signature therapies — a 60-minute Thai traditional massage, which eases muscle fatigue, and foot massage with a herbal bun, which contains a blend of 23 therapeutic herbs. This bun when steam-heated evokes that feeling that you crave most — calm. You might also want to try their hot stone massage or kick off your shoes for a good scrub that exfoliates dead cells. Rest assured, you can be completely certain about their service here — they have their own training academy in Bangkok where therapists are trained for several days followed by a week of on-job observation.
• Birla Kerala Ayurvedic Medispa, Prabhadevi
The indigenous, ayurvedic massages have been the most favoured for generations, at least in India. Remember the time your grandma would knead your little hands and legs with hot almond oil under the sun? Blissful, right? A slice of that experience can be had here. A full body therapeutic ayurvedic massage, Sarvakaya Abyangam, is what you need after a long, long day at work. It helps ease away muscular pain and cramps and consists of a medicated oil therapy in which therapists gently apply oil in synchronised rhythmic strokes. It's a massage that removes fatigue from muscle tissues and eases your body while being considered to be the best treatment to pacify aggravated Vata dosha, the causative factor for several neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Abhyanga also helps delay ageing, sharpens eye-sight and provides flexibility of joints and improves mental clarity. Later, refresh yourself with some herbal drink at their in-house cafe. Try Witty Vittea (Vrikshamal tea) or Ashwamedha, a herbal drink for overall well-being. Or, if you don't know what to pick, simply ask the in-house dietician to help you out.
• Kaasha Spa and Nutrition, Worli Sea Face
If exotic is your style, this is the place to head. Also, if you're kinda' done with Thai treatments, try picking some from Kaasha's exotic menu. They promise therapies from Bali, Morocco, Hawaii and Philippines. You will also get the regular therapies such as Accu Reflexo Foot Therapy Message and Hand Luxury Manicure. And even though the interiors may slightly disappoint you, the OCD in some of you will love the fact that their towels are spotlessly clean and the walls, bright. Make sure you try the signature Moroccan Thermal Exfoliation, which includes a warm lava shell therapy or Kaasha's Philipino Ocean therapy. Also interesting is the Bio Fruit Cocktail Facial that has mango, bergamot, avocado and strawberry! Seriously, that's the closest thing to a Maui beach on this side of the sea link!

TV actor Ankita Lokhande has been replaced by actor Shweta Tiwari

Ankita’s loss is Shweta’s gain

Ankita Lokhande

If the grapevine is to be believed, TV actor Ankita Lokhande 
has been replaced by actor Shweta Tiwari on
Comedy ka Naya Daur. Ankita has been heard citing
date issues since the start of the show. She apparently
had to juggle between her long running serial Pavitra
Rishta and the comedy show. However, it seems that
the balancing act hasn’t been too successful for Ankita,
as buzz doing the rounds suggest that she has been
replaced by Shweta who has been a part of the comedy
show earlier.
An insider says, “To manage a daily soap where you
play a lead and are needed for almost every day and
then doing another stand up comedy show isn’t easy.
First, for a comedy show one needs to consistently rehearse
the act, which for daily soap stars is quite a
task. Secondly, even if they do it’s not as consistent and
affects their act, resulting in conflict between the star
and their comedy show partner. In Ankita’s case too
she tried hard to pull through but lack of time and
some other issues, has apparently led to this stand.
May be because Shweta has done the show earlier and
currently isn’t a part of any daily soap makes her an
ideal candidate.” Looks like it’s going to be difficult for
Ankita to part with her beloved character, Archana!

The actors Ajay Devgan and Abhishek Bachchan have been bonding over fatherhood on the sets of their new film

Ajay-Abhi's baby talk

The actors have been bonding over fatherhood on the sets of their new film


Despite his intense onscreen image, actor Ajay Devgn's known to be quite a prankster on the sets. And when his co-star happens to be good friend Abhishek Bachchan, then it makes them two of a kind. The two actors who've worked together in Zameen and Yuva are known to get along rather well too. The two starred in Ram Gopal Varma's Aag too, but the two did not have any scenes together as Abhishek's was a guest appearance in a song. And now the duo are again starring together in Bol Bachchan. But while previously the two are known to have bonded over their prank-playing-ways, this time apparently the two are more interested in baby talk. Ajay, who became a father for the second time recently after wife-actor Kajol gave birth to their son Yug, is known to be doling out advice to the soon-to-be-dad Bachchan Jr. The two are currently shooting in Jaipur along with actors Asin and Genelia and whenever the two get time off in between shoots, the two are known to be chatting up about their families.
According to sources, many a time even the actresses join in for the talks. "The last two films they shot together were a bit intense in nature. So, despite their fun ways, they were a bit restrained about going all out so as not to change the mood on sets. But this time around, it's a fun movie, so they are far more relaxed too," says the source.

The on sets source reveals the two are often known to be chatting about how life completes full circle after becoming a father. "Abhishek too would share his excitement with Devgn, who would often talk about the things his daughter Nysa and Yug do. He admitted to missing them tremendously and joked with Abhishek that very soon he too would be sailing in the same boat to which Abhi replied that he feels that he's sailing in it already," said the source.
The two stars even recalled their own childhood sharing some interesting anecdotes about their growing years. "The girls were amazed to hear about their childhood. But what amused them even more was to see the two macho men go all mushy about babies and joined in the fun too," an insider revealed.

TV stars are taking out time from their busy schedules to celebrate Eid with friends and family today. After Hrs speaks to some celebs to know about their festive plans

Time to bond

TV stars are taking out time from their busy schedules to celebrate Eid with friends and family today. After Hrs speaks to some celebs to know about their festive plans



On the occasion of Eid, actor Zoa Morani is cooking for her family. "I am spending this Eid with my family in Delhi. I am going to make biryani at home along with my mom and my sister as I like to cook. So this Eid, it's going to be yummy biryani with family and lots of prayers."
For TV actor Aamir Ali it's all about family and friends. "Early morning the first thing I go to pray Namaz...then come home and take blessings from my mom...and eat a lot the whole day."

TV star Aalesha is travelling to her hometown to be with her parents. "I always celebrate Eid with my parents. I am flying to Bangalore to be with them. I make sure I'm always with them. Also I am dying to wear the dress gifted by my mom. Of course the delicious biryaani and savvaiyan, which my mom prepares are on my mind too. Besides meeting my relatives on Eid, collect Eidi (money) is also on my mind."
Actor Rukhsar, like others wants to spend time with her family, which otherwise is not possible with hectic shoot schedules. "I celebrate Eid with family. There are sweets I splurge on and of course collect Eidi ."

For some work has taken over the festive celebrations. Actor Rakshanda Khan says, "I love to celebrate Eid with my family and my brother, Intekhab especially comes down from abroad to be with us. I spend the morning with my grandma and the evening with my paternal aunt. But this year, as we are shooting, round-the-clock, it looks unlikely that I would get time off to celebrate the festival. Although I love my work, I also look forward to feasting after a month of fasting as my mother makes the most awesome biryani in the world!!! This year, my brother is also caught up with work and can't make it to India. I will miss him too!"
Actor Sanjeeda Sheikh will get into a total festive mode. She says, "I won't be shooting this Eid for a change! I'd be spending quality time with Aamir's (her beau) family and my own. We begin our day with Namaaz followed by feasting on delicacies. This time of the year is particularly special for me as Ganesh Chaturthi is here and so is Aamir's birthday.

Actor Freida Pinto talks about her love interest, actor Dev Patel's role in her life

'Dev is my toughest critic'

Actor Freida Pinto talks about her love interest, actor Dev Patel's role in her life



Actor Freida Pinto is quite used to praise and criticism coming her way. In fact, now she has become a pro at fielding questions, especially negative ones. But guess whose opinion she takes most seriously? No, it's not that of her critics but that of actor Dev Patel, whom she is dating. And Freida is making no bones about it either. A source who was at the premiere of Freida's last Hollywood release says she was quite comfortable talking about Dev's role in her life and when asked who is her toughest critic she named the Slumdog Millionaire actor, after herself.

"Freida said she is pretty hard on herself too, so she listens to herself first. She also added that she takes Dev's opinion quite seriously. She said she does consult him on various occasions," reveals the source. But this time was apparently a little different. "Freida said when this movie was ready, she went to show it to Dev but he first asked her what she thought of her performance and the film. When she said she was pretty confident of the film and that she was actually happy with her work in it, it took Dev by surprise because he was expecting her to unleash a list of things she thought she could do better, as she usually does," says the witness.
The source also adds that Freida is quite proud to show off her Indian-ness in Hollywood and is thrilled to meet fans from India all the time. "The premiere saw a huge crowd turn up at the venue in New York. But Freida was most excited to see a group from India. She cheered for them before she settled to have a chat with them. She went —"Hey, you're from India… yaayyeeee. Her face just lit up and she was very happy to see people from back home. She even said she does miss India a lot because it is where she grew up but has made peace with the fact that she has to be where her career takes her," says the source.

Dancing star Prabhu Deva wants the international hottie in his film

I want JLo

Dancing star Prabhu Deva wants the international hottie in his film

Dancing star-filmmaker Prabhu Deva, who's making a comeback in a leading role in India's first dance-based 3D film, has got in touch with international pop stars Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake to make an appearance in the film. The film is based on the Hollywood classic Just Dance.
"We got in touch with Jennifer Lopez and Justin Timberlake's office for a five-minute cameo in the film. We won't be able to say that they will be finally doing it because we are still talking to them," said a source from the production house. The director of the film is Remo D' Souza. Prabhu Deva was last seen making a dancing appearance with Salman inWanted, which was directed by him.
"Both JLo and Justin have communicated that they are interested in making an appearance, but they want to know more about it. With Justin, it will be more of an appearance, but with JLo it will be a complete dance sequence. They want to have absolute transperancy about the project before they sign on the dotted line," added another source.
However, another source confirmed that money is yet to be discussed. "There needs to be a lock on the remuneration and the acting fees. UTV has a limited budget for the film and moreover, those scenes will be filmed in Los Angeles, so a cost is involved anyways. The money part is the most crucial part and hopefully at least one of them will work out," the source ends.

actor Salman Khan, who's in Unites States for his treatment on Eid today

I wish everyone

…says actor Salman Khan, who's in Unites States for his treatment on Eid today

Eid Mubarak


For actor Salman Khan Eid's always been rather special, and that's not just to do with him hitting the jackpot at the BO each year around the time. "Eid, Ganesh Chaturthi or any other festival each are special and just as close to my heart. We celebrate all," says the star, who's currently in the US with family for the treatment of his recently diagnosed nerve disorder. "I wish I could've been in the city during this time but I just couldn't move around with this pain anymore. But I do wish everyone Eid Mubarak," says Salman, who left for the US on Monday night with sister Alvira and brother Arbaaz. His mother, Salma Khan will join him later as she'll be in the city for the annual Ganpati celebration.
Talking about his recollections of Eid, he says that his earliest memories are those of getting Eidi from the elders. "As kids it would mean biryani, sweets and lots of gifts. It's not too different now, except now I give out gifts instead of taking and to be honest, I think giving is as much fun as getting," adds Salman. "I like to see the smile on people's faces, especially at the time of such festivals," says the actor.
He has not been able to observe the roza this time around as he was on medication, but did he binge on sweets? "Not too much really," he reveals. "Biryani of course is an all-time fave. But biryani or not, I just love the food that my mom makes. So, don't think I will miss too much of that," shares Salman. But what will he be praying for this Eid? "Health, happiness, peace and success for all of us," he smiles.

Chammak Challo OFFICIAL Teaser 

Chammak Challo-Ra One Video Song teaser-Ft-Shahrukh Khan,Kareena

Conan the Barbarian 3D new trailer 

The most legendary Barbarian of all time is back this season.

Deftly adapted from the original works of Robert E Howard and faithful to the mythology and psychology of his iconic character, Conan The Barbarian (3D) stars Jason Momoa (Baywatch Hawaii), Rachel Nichols (GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Star Trek), Stephen Lang(AVATAR), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Rose McGowan (Charmed, Grindhouse), Said Taghmaoui, and Leo Howard.

Deftly adapted from the original works of Robert E Howard and faithful to the mythology and psychology of his iconic character, Conan The Barbarian (3D) stars Jason Momoa (Baywatch Hawaii), Rachel Nichols (GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Star Trek), Stephen Lang(AVATAR), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Rose McGowan (Charmed, Grindhouse), Said Taghmaoui, and Leo Howard.

Sneak peek: Hrithik's Agneepath look

Finally, we get a sneak peek of Hrithik Roshan's closely guarded look in the much talked about remake of Amitabh Bachchan's Agneepath

He is Vijay Dinanath Chauhan. And now we know how he looks. Mumbai Mirror gets you a sneak peek of the closely guarded and much talked about look of Hrithik Roshan as the iconic character of Amitabh Bachchan in Agneepath remake.

In a dahi-handi sequence, a very red Hrithik dressed in a vest is seen climbing a human pyramid to break the earthen pots hanging overhead.


Looking as sexy as ever, even in a routine red vest and black pants, the actor seemed to be enjoying the climb as much as we did seeing him in the act.
Though his vest reminded us more of the other actor Mithun Chakraborty from the original, media reports earlier had hinted on Hrithik playing Amitabh's character in the remake.
We don't mind either way. As long as we know how Hrithik looks in the film in which for the first time producer Karan Johar decided to deviate from his favourite SRK to hand the much coveted role to Roshan Jr.

Bollywood Movie Photos The Dirty Picture: Vidya Balan's boldest film ever?

New photos of 'The Dirty Picture': She is at her boldest ever in The Dirty Picture, but actress Vidya Balan says she never felt a sense of discomfort shooting for the movie as she was in the "trusted hands" of director Milan Luthria.

 

Vidya Balan has never exposed as much - but in the first look of 'The Dirty Picture', inspired by late southern sex icon Silk Smitha's life.

 

She has painted a perfect picture in an itsy-bitsy red blouse matched with luscious red lipstick.

 

 

The actress stands undaunted against three male leads - Naseeruddin Shah, Tusshar Kapoor and Emraan Hashmi.

 

The poster and the logo of the film has a very 1980s feel to it because the movie is set in that period.

 

The film is set to be released on December 2, the birth anniversary of Silk Smitha, who became a symbol of sensuality after featuring in bold and semi-nude roles.

 

Financial crises and personal problems took a toll on Smitha's life. It is this moving story that has been captured in this latest offering by Ekta Kapoor.

 

In tune with the period that the movie is set in, the Balaji unit has chosen to launch the first trailer at Galaxy, a single screen theatre in Mumbai.

 

Directed by Milan Luthria, the film chronicles the romantic journey of the erstwhile screen sensation, Silk Smitha. Luthria believes the choice of Vidya Balan to portray Silk Smitha is a casting coup of sorts.

 

Naseeruddin Shah is Vidya's co-star in the film. The duo last worked together in the 2010 hit 'Ishqiya'.

 

Balaji's keenly awaited multi-starrer 'The Dirty Picture' starring Vidya Balan in the lead role, will be released on December 2 on the birth anniversary of controversial actress and southern sex symbol Silk Smitha.

 

Music-packed, humorous and unabashed, 'The Dirty Picture' traces the controversial romances of Smitha. Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan have been cast opposite each other for the first time.

 

Born Vijayalakshimi in to a poor family in Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, she left school early, driven to become a movie star.

 

The tragic life and death of Silk Smitha, the sex siren who became an inseparable part of South Indian cinema will no doubt make for interesting viewing

 

This is producer Ekta Kapoor's biopic inspired by the actress.

 

Vidya who has stood her own in heroine oriented films like 'Parineeta' and 'Ishqiya' now has the tough task of breathing life into Silk Smitha's complex and tragic journey from poor village girl to popular soft porn actress.

 

It has taken actor Vidya Balan six years, but the versatile actress has established herself in the film industry as someone who can pull off listless scripts and cerebral roles deemed difficult for a mainstream actor to do.

 

Since, her debut in Parineeta, she has experimented a lot with her characters. It has just been six years but she has shown courage and will to be known as one of the industry 2019s versatile actors.

Actor Kunaal Roy Kapur about himself, as he prepares to perform in a play in town soon

'I put moral barriers'

…says actor Kunaal Roy Kapur about himself, as he prepares to perform in a play in town soon

Jayeeta Mazumder
Actor Kunaal Roy Kapur is no newbie to the stage. He's been doing it since he was 13. Even though he earned tremendous success with the film Delhi Belly and is suddenly in the limelight, Kunaal has been having his love affair with the theatre for almost 15 years now. And he promises that affair will never end. To prove his point, he reveals that he's signed on a comedy after much deliberation, but his focus at the moment is on the play, 1-888 DIAL INDIA that he'll soon be seen performing in. Directed by Anuvab Pal and produced by Raell Padamsee, the play also stars Ashwin Mushran, Sophie Choudry, Prerna Chawla, Faezeh Jalali, Siddharth Kumar and Ratnabali Bhattacharjee.
Kunaal's association with Anuvab goes back a long way. "I and Anuvab have been working together for a while now. We met on the sets of Loins of Punjab and then it continued into The President is coming. What appealed to me about the play is my character's never-say-die attitude. Personally, I put moral barriers to how far I'd go to get things done, but this guy doesn't think in terms of good and bad," he says.
The play, he admits, has evolved over time. And sometimes even tweaked too. The play is a thrilling comedy that takes the idea of outsourcing to a new level, as a call centre helpline helps save suicidal Americans. "We do change a few things but that's depending on what might work and what might not. The play has an appeal primarily because it's about modern India," he adds. Ask him if he thinks his recent success with the portrayal of the 'cool' Nitin in Delhi Belly will bring in more people, and Kunaal reasons, "The object of doing a play is to get people to come and watch it. And if new audiences are coming in and getting initiated into watching plays, that's great for theatre."
Kunaal, like most theatre actors, agree that the stage is an out and out actor's medium.
"Apart from the immediate response, you feel fulfilled more importantly. Through the course of the play, you graph the character yourself. It's a tactile sort of experience. While in a film, you do two scenes everyday, so it's more fragmenting at the end of the day. A film is definitely a director's medium," he says, adding that both are different but enjoyable.

Ace photographer Girish Mistry, who recently showcased his work in town, talks about what got him addicted to photography

Let the camera speak!

Ace photographer Girish Mistry, who recently showcased his work in town, talks about what got him addicted to photography

Tell us about your romance with the camera?
I was interested in sketching and painting. My first camera was given to me when my brother shifted to the US for further studies. In photography, I found that I could create images that satisfied the artist in me. So began the tryst to learn the art and craft of using the camera, and the medium as a lifetime romance to create images that made my heart warm and to a career spanning 27 years.

What inspires you?
Initially, I had no knowledge of the science behind photography and asked the local studio guy to load a film in my camera and to tell me how to click images. The result was disastrous, the film was so badly underexposed that it was practically blank. The bruised ego of a Virgo perfectionist inspired me to learn photography and started me on my journey with destiny to be an image-maker.

Did it begin as a hobby?
Yes, it started as a hobby. But, I finally found that this was my true calling in life.

Was there a defining moment when you decided to take up photography seriously?
When on a school assignment, I was told to shoot Indian handicraft. I made a deal with the cottage industry showroom at Colaba to shoot their handicraft on the condition that I will give them a print of whatever I shoot. On completion I handed them a set of prints, the manager was so impressed by the images that he gave me a professional assignment to shoot 30 handicrafts for an American client. I knew then that this was going to be my life path.


Any photo that you particularly hold close to your heart• why?
Photography is a realistic medium; the camera captures what it sees. Period. I experimented extensively the use of photographic camera techniques without the use of darkroom to create surrealistic images. One of the images "lost" is an image that still has a profound effect on me today. It is an image showing an Angkor Vat type statue in the foreground that is partially lit with another in the distant background being seen unlit. A Mayan calendar disc in the top of the frame is shown breaking apart and slowly disintegrating. The image depicts the rampant destruction and looting of our heritage and the slow and steady destruction of nature and our environment. Today, when I see that image it rings so true for today when you see the Bamiyan Buddha statues that were destroyed by the Taliban, the Taj Mahal turning yellow due to pollution, the 2012 apocalypse fear, the destruction of the ozone layer, the complete breakdown of law and order with violence and killing world wide.

What do you feel is the most challenging bit about photography?
With the advent of Digital photography, there is this tendency to take short cuts in creating an outstanding image. Youngsters now a-days lift image from the net, cut and paste and create an image where even a fool can see multiple shadows going in different directions and fir trees growing in the middle of the African desert.
The dependence on postproduction is more than the actual challenge to get the right image. Digital photography and the imaging software's have made life much simpler but explore what more you can do with this new media instead of abusing the media and creating garbage.

How do you define your style?
I get very easily bored with a genre or one style of image making. I experiment with a genre and then having used it creatively inside out, I take up another style. So, my style is "no style" which makes me evolve constantly.

artist Ayushman Mitra about his first solo show in the city that explores new meanings of names

'Metamorphosis of identity'

...says artist Ayushman Mitra about his first solo show in the city that explores new meanings of names

Kolkata-based artist Ayushman Mitra is not a graduate yet. However, his art works reflect highly on the deep understanding of names and the history behind them.
Ayushman, 21, was born in Kolkata and schooled from Mayo college, Ajmer. The rich and starkly contrasting culture of the two states of Bengal and Rajasthan are reflected in a seamless blend in his art works. "I am Bengali but my style is mixed. I studied in Rajasthan. And the art styles of Bengal and Rajasthan are totally different. And when people ask me about my style of painting, I just say that it has been influenced by these two states," he says.
A final year student of cinema, Ayushman has painted over 20 canvases over the last six months. In his first art show in Mumbai — titled Naam — this young artist has tried to present on the canvas a very intriguing idea. "I think Asian subcontinent is the only region where every name has a story and history behind it. You ask people what their name means and you're sure to hear some interesting narrative," says Ayushman.
"I dedicate this show to everyone who has been a part of my life and has inspired me in the last 21 years of my life. It depicts the metamorphosis of identity — an illustration of the Indian names… names of my family, friends, acquaintances, etc." he explains.
Ayushman's maternal grandfather Gosto Kumar is a renowned artist in Kolkata: "He is the one who inspired me. I was always fascinated by mythology. Even as a kid, I was never the one who'd be glued on to TV watching cartoons or car racings."

Artist Rithika Merchant, showcasing her works in town, talks about her artistic inspirations

Folklore on canvas

Artist Rithika Merchant, showcasing her works in town, talks about her artistic inspirations

What kind of folklore have you grown up on, since you mention that you paint characters from your personal folklore? My interest in folklore came mostly from books. One of my favorite books as a child was an illustrated book called Gwinna, which is about a girl with wings who is led by a small white owl who teaches her to fly. I also loved Golden Tales from the Arabian Nights. We had a version with these intricate illustrations by Gustaf Tenggren which were very inspiring to me. Both these books showed me how paintings can illustrate a whole story or concept, which is something I still think about when I am making art today. Will there be a theme for your upcoming exhibition? Is there a common thought running through the collection? Most of my creatures are hybrids. I love the idea of two creatures gently merging or emerging, embodying the duality that is within everything in nature. I also explore the idea of many selves in conversation with one another. Tell us about your hip-hop visual interpretation... It is a really challenging and interesting project to work on since it took me so far outside of the usual themes of my work. I have been selected as a contributor to an art book titled The Art Album. It is in collaboration with Art on Dekz and Russell Simmons. The book is about showcasing the art behind the lyrics of hip-hop. The contributors are mix of established artists, recent college graduates and art students. We were each assigned a song and asked to do a visual interpretation of the lyrics and feeling of the music. What do you think about the Indian art market? I am really new to the art market, so I am still learning a lot and exploring. I think it is growing at a really fast pace and the interest in contemporary art has grown so much in the last few years. I think there is so much varied talent out there especially among younger emerging artists who are working with new mediums, and it's really nice to see these newer artists getting the opportunity to show their work. What inspires you to paint? Who are your idols? Nature and animals mostly. The shapes and fluidity found in both are so inspiring. I also really like botanical illustrations. Artists who inspire me are Gond Artist Bhajju Shyam, and Salvador Dali — especially his early illustrations.

Actor Katrina Kaif, who has been termed 'lucky' by her co-stars and the industry, says it does disappoint her when her acting efforts are sidelined

Not just luck!

Actor Katrina Kaif, who has been termed 'lucky' by her co-stars and the industry, says it does disappoint her when her acting efforts are sidelined



It has been a while since actor Katrina Kaif made her entry in Bollywood and while a lot of things have changed, one word has stuck to her throughout. She has been the lucky mascot for all her co-stars and over the years has been termed as 'lucky' by most of the people she has worked with. While she doesn't mind the tag, she thinks it is more than just 'luck' that gets her going.
"It is a bit disappointing at times. I mean it is a meaningless word. Why would you discount my films doing well with something to do with just luck? Why just me, when other actors flops would be because it was a bad film, while my films are doing well is just because I am lucky? Everyone should be judged with the same parameters and standards", she states emphatically.
Clearly, Kat has been one of the lucky few to have had a great run, especially for someone who isn't even from the country. Explaining her dream run she says, "Everyone's destiny is different and everyone's career path is different. I can't speak for anyone else. All I would say is I have a sense of belonging. I do come from an Indian background and I have learnt the language. I guess those things are important if you want to eventually be here for a while. Obviously I have been blessed and I cannot complain. For where I am today, if I had to complain it would be very ungrateful of me. I have tried to do things honestly and to the best of my abilities. So it's good. As long as people praise me for the work that I do, it is all good."
While we are talking about her journey in Bollywood, we also remind her that she had not long ago said she would want to get married by 2012 and even before we can say anything, she shoots, "I am going to conveniently pretend to forget that I ever said that 'would get married by 2012'. Right now seeing myself at the end of this year is a big achievement for me, thinking about what I would be doing ten years down the line is way too far. Rather than overwhelming yourself with the thought of ten years , I'd take it one at a time. It is an unsettling lifestyle and I want to take it easy."

Crime takes centre stage as Bollywood gets ready to make films on current issues and courtroom dramas

Cashing in on the crime wave?

Crime takes centre stage as Bollywood gets ready to make films on current issues and courtroom dramas


Crime and politics are two most powerful subjects when it comes to pulling the crowds. And of late, Bollywood has once again been cashing in on crime based stories after a long interval.
While gangster films have borrowed a lot from the Dawood Ibrahim and Chota Shakeel's rivalry, courtroom dramas are now borrowing from real life incidents. A veteran film maker, opines, "These films have done well. I don't see why more films on issues of importance should not be made. The only thing to keep in mind here is the sensitivity of the issue. If that is handled well, people are willing to watch these films."
The year started on a high note for actor Rani Mukerji who's journalist act in No One Killed Jessica got her a lot of laurels. The film which was about the famous Jessica Lal shootout case, got the controversy back into the spotlight and it was around the same time that the case too was reopened. Ram Gopal Varma's Not A Love Story too is a story inspired by the real life Neeraj Grover murder case. Analysts say court room dramas have been around for a while.
Says trade analyst Amod Mehra, "The Nanavati case, where Commander Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati was accused of murdering his colleague, Prem Ahuja was made into a film, Yeh Raaste Hai Pyaar Ke. A lot of films have been made on Dawood's life. This isn't new, but the fact is that Bollywood is glorifying these issues when ideally it should not be doing it."
However, trade analyst Taran Adarsh has a different take on it. "Hollywood does it all the time, but when Bollywood attempts it, they get lambasted. People often complain that there is too much fluff in our films, but make an issue when films on real life issues are made."

Ash drops a new bomb and issues a notice to film Heroine's makers refraining them from leaking her photo-shoot pictures to promote the film

Ash drops a new bomb

…and issues a notice to film Heroine's makers refraining them from leaking her photo-shoot pictures to promote the film

Soumyadipta Banerjee
Actor Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan has sent a legal notice to her former producers warning them against leaking her photo-shoot to promote Heroine.
The producers and the director of the film Heroine won't be able to use Aishwarya's name, while promoting the film. The actor, who was unceremoniously sacked following the announcement of her pregnancy, has sent a letter through her lawyers that she will seek damages if the pictures that she has shot for the film earlier, gets leaked out.
"Aishwarya is wary about the extensive photo-shoot that she has done for the film. She was shot in numerous costumes. There were also a few shots that were canned as a test run. She is wary that those scenes might be leaked out as a promotion for the film," says source.
The letter that was sent through her lawyers, specifically addressed to Madhur, mentions that the actress will claim damages if any of those pictures or shots come out in the media.
"Ash has already returned her acting fees, so there's nothing that makes her liable to her director or producer. She is still upset with the way Madhur wrote a huge blog against her which basically called her a liar. She always wanted to come back and complete the movie, but the way things turned out, has left a bad taste in her mouth," the source adds.
Though UTV and Madhur didn't comment on the legal notice sent to them, sources in the production house confirm that such a notice has arrived.

"Madhur was not planning to use those stills, but we guess Ash didn't trust us. The photo-shoots that we have done with her for the promotions are really great pictures. We are sorry that these pictures won't be revealed ever to the world. Aishwarya is looking just awesome in the pictures. We are putting it in our safety vaults where it won't come out ever," says a source from the production house.