High notes! As the year comes to a close, here’s scanning some musical highlights of 2012…

High notes!

As the year comes to a close, here’s scanning some musical highlights of 2012…

We learnt the horse dance, thanks to Korean superstar Psy’s record making hit Gangnam Style. From Guns• Roses to Enrique Iglesias, Sean Paul, Korn, etc, we saw a plethora of international stars descend on Indian turf. Music festivals go big! NH7 weekender extended to three cities this year; Sunburn moved to territories beyond Goa; Live From The Console had its first Goa edition. Moreover, we saw myriad new festivals mushrooming such as Ragasthan, Windsong, etc. Musician Raghu Dixit played for the Queen of England as a part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra’s musical debut, In My City, in collaboration with will.i.am had everyone going gaga.

TV’s defining moments

TV’s defining moments

The 1000 episode club This will be a landmark year for TV because as many as four serials crossed 1000 episodes. In an era where serials are ruthlessly yanked off within a couple of months if they fail to garner ratings, it was no mean feat for Balika Vadhu, Uttaran, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah to reach the 1000 episode mark. Rajan Shahi producer of Yeh Rishta... has dubbed it the 1000-episode club and is proud to be part of it. “It’s a positive trend,” he beams. No ratings for two months From October 7 to December 19, Television Audience Measurement (TAM) had stopped releasing viewership data due to the process of digitisation in four metros. This was the first time that such a thing had happened and it created excitement and panic among the producers. Producer JD Majethia had said, “At least for two months, we don’t have to bother about ratings and will be free to concentrate on our creative conviction. We can experiment to our heart’s content. But two months later we will have to be prepared for a roller coaster ride because when the accumulative ratings come, I am sure serials that haven’t performed well will be axed within 15-20 days! I am also tightening my seat belt, but it sure will be an exciting journey!” And that’s exactly what happened. When the TRPs were out recently, it changed perceptions about the channel positioning and popularity of shows. Aamir’s TV debut After a lot of speculation Aamir Khan made his much-awaited debut on the small-screen with a socially relevant show Satyamev Jayate. It was undoubtedly the biggest thing to happen on TV this year. The issue-based show touched upon burning topics like female infanticide, child abuse, dowry and medical malpractices. Simulcast on Star network and Doordarshan, the show was highly acclaimed. Some of the issues like female infanticide had the Rajasthan government reacting adversely, while the topic of medical malpractices had the doctors up in arms. The show took superstar Aamir to another level as a social activist and had him featured on the cover of Time magazine. Mythology is back He came, he saw and he conquered. We are talking about Lord Shiv or rather the serial Devon Ka Dev Mahadev based on him. While it’s not the first mythological to trace the journey of Shiv — earlier there was Om Namah Shivay — it certainly clicked with the viewers in a big way. Producer Nikhil Sinha attributed it to the show looking and being shot in a contemporary way. Its success spawned the comeback of mythos on TV. Channel no bar The simulcast of Aamir Khan’s TV show set the ball rolling for others to follow suit. Sur Kshetra a muscial talent hunt was simulcast on Sahara One and Colors. Super Fight League was shown on Neo Sports and Zoom. Ramayan is being aired both on Zee and Doordarshan. As Dheeraj Kumar who has produced several serials on Doordarshan and satellite channels had said, “When cricket can be simulcast on various networks why not shows? It’s a positive step and augurs well for the viewers.” — Compiled by Chaya Unnikrishnan

Published Date:  Dec 31, 2012

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Bollywood rewind! Here’s taking a look at the B-Town buzz that grabbed headlines

Bollywood rewind!

Here’s taking a look at the B-Town buzz that grabbed headlines

Hit parade: This was easily one of the most profitable years for Bollywood with eight films crossing the Rs 100 crore mark. The year recorded an equally high number of hits and super hits too. And giving takkar to the commercial masala fare at the box office were surprise winners in hatke films like Barfi!, Vicky Donor, Paan Singh Tomar and Oh My God! among others. The year also saw character actors like Paresh Rawal and Nawazuddin Siddique being accepted in the lead roles. Women on top: Actresses stepped out of the shadows of their heroes to claim their own place under the sun. With films like Kahaani, English Vinglish, they proved that they don’t need a hero to draw footfalls in theatres. They even stepped out of their stereotypical avatars and broke away from playing the quintessential second fiddle roles. Several other films, even though not women-centric saw them take centrestage like Barfi, Raaz 3, Gangs of Wasseypur and Ishaqzaade. The year set the ball rolling for them and next year will only see their roles get bigger and better. Band, Baajaa, Baarat: The year saw three high-profile Bollywood weddings. Riteish Deshmukh tied the knot with girlfriend, actress Genelia D’Souza and Esha Deol got married to businessman Bharat Takhtani. Two of the Bollywood reigning beauties also got hitched in 2012. Vidya Balan married Siddharth Roy Kapur, while Kareena Kapoor married actor Saif Ali Khan. Bidding adieu: 2012 had several veterans bid adieu to the world. Superstar Rajesh Khanna, legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, sitar legend Pt Ravi Shankar, actors Dara Singh, Joy Mukherjee, Achala Sachdev, AK Hangal are some of the stalwarts industry will miss. ‘Brawl’ywood: Like every year, Bollywood had its share of controversies in 2012 too. But this time around, most of them centered around high-profile public spats, brawls and fall-outs. Right from Saif Ali Khan’s brawl at a hotel to Shah Rukh Khan-Shrish Kunder slapgate incident. It did not end there for SRK, who got into a tussle with a guard at Wankhede stadium. And more recently, his film Jab Tak Hai Jaan was in a legal wrangle with Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardaar. Priyanka Chopra’s fall-out and patch-up with Karan Johar also hogged much limelight. — Compiled by Aakanksha Naval-Shetye

Published Date:  Dec 31, 2012

A messy affair Get down and dirty as India holds its first mud rush in Kolad in February next year

A messy affair

Get down and dirty as India holds its first mud rush in Kolad in February next year

A common concept in the US and UK, a mud run is an obstacle course usually between 5-10 kms long that sees thousands of racers run, crawl and walk through a specially-designed muddy terrain. Soon India will have its very own – The Mud Rush – which will be held on February 9, 2013 in Kolad. The 7-km long run has been designed by the Indian Special Forces. Jay Goradia, marketing director says he and his friends wanted to hold an event for fitness enthusiasts. “While the course is physically tiring, it’s not just for sportspersons and is a lot about teamwork and building camaraderie. The different obstacles are designed by the military cadets helmed by Capt Swaminathan so while it may test your grit, it’s also a lot of fun,” he says, adding that one has the option to skip a few of the obstacles. Runners have to get past 30-foot stacks of hay, water bodies, a 10-foot wall, tires, fire and of course, much mud. Participants can enroll in teams and the course takes anywhere between one and a half to three hours to complete. “The sense of achievement after completing the course is incomparable. Further, everyone can warm-up with trainers beforehand and after the run, participants can relax at the party area by the lake that will have live bands, food stalls, a flea market and games,” he adds. The event that starts at 8 am will have runners in batches of 350 take part every hour. Also part of the proceeds from the run go towards an army related NGO. “People hardly ever give to the armed forces so we hope that what we collect will be able to help the war widows or Kargil heroes in some way,” says Jay.

I’d probably beat them to death! ...John Abraham reacts to the tragic death of the Delhi rape victim

I’d probably beat them to death!

...John Abraham reacts to the tragic death of the Delhi rape victim

I have never ever endorsed capital punishment in my life. But I think these rapists deserve to die. And if it were to me, I’d probably beat them to death with my bare hands. I worry that I may end up taking the law in my own hands if I see any woman being sexually harassed in front of me. I really fail to understand how many innocent souls should be lost to such rapists before the government takes the issue of safety for women seriously. I am appalled and I just don’t have the words that can convey the anger I am feeling about what happened. I am so distraught that I actually feel like crying. I had read somewhere that we are mere inhabitants and not civilians and I agree. I am angered, embarrassed and ashamed of what is happening in our country. I was recently in Kochi shooting for Madras Cafe, and there were a couple of foreigners on the sets. They said they won’t visit Delhi as they don’t want to be raped. The system needs to realise that women’s safety is not an option, it’s a basic right. Stricter laws and fast justice are the need of the hour. Self-empowerment for women is important, but we cannot shrug away our responsibility to ensure that women around us are protected. They need not be our family members, or acquaintances, but we are humans and should behave like one.

In the final of our year-end series, here’s presenting the big screen heroes who kept the cash registers ringing all year through

Moolah-makers ahoy!

In the final of our year-end series, here’s presenting the big screen heroes who kept the cash registers ringing all year through

Despite small-ticket films and actresses claiming their stake at the box-office, apna heroes continued to reign as the moolah-makers of Bollywood. So, while Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgn continued with their Rs 100-crore runs at the box-office, Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor too stepped into the ring this year speeding up their climb in the top five. And though Aamir Khan is off the top-five list as a money churner this year despite a hit Talaash, trade insists that his star power remains untouched and he continues to command a high ranking when it comes to star status. Emraan ‘hitman’ Hashmi (Shanghai, Jannat 2, Raaz 3, Rush) finds his way in the top 10, as do Saif Ali Khan (Agent Vinod, Cocktail) Abhishek Bachchan (Bol Bachchan, Players) and John Abraham (Housefull 2). Apart from the regulars, claiming his place among these stars on sheer talent was Irrfan Khan who proved his market mettle with Paan Singh Tomar in the domestic market and then with Life of Pi internationally. Here’s taking a look at the top money spinners at the box office this year: Ranbir Kapoor Barfi (Super Hit) Trade sez: Prince of hearts Ranbir’s a natural alright. The box-office result apart, the young actor has managed to make an impactful presence in each of his films and is growing from strength to strength. His film Barfi may not have made the Oscar cut, but his performance has catapulted him into the Rs 100-crore league as well as in our top five list. “From being a darling of the classes with the films in hand, he is all set to assert his star status among the masses too. He is our star to bet on,” shares Komal. SalmanKhan Ek Tha Tiger (Blockbuster), Dabangg 2 (Blockbuster) Trade sez: Most profitable Blockbuster Khan’s superhit run at the box-office continued this year too. After a Rs 200 crore ETT mid-year, he ended it with a Rs 100 crore plus ‘bang’. “Salman is at the peak of stardom and seems that nothing can shake him off the top. The epitome of herogiri and style, the audience can’t seem to get enough of his Chulbul ways. When it comes to cost versus revenue, he has easily proven to be the most profitable hero this year,” says Komal Nahta. Akshay Kumar Housefull 2 (Blockbuster), Rowdy Rathore (Blockbuster), Joker (Flop), Oh My God! (Super hit), Khiladi 786 (Average) Trade sez: Highest grosser At Rs 400 crore plus this year, the action king has proven that when it comes to the box-office figures, he is a true Khiladi. “With two blockbusters and one super hit, Akshay continues to reign at the BO. When it comes to money, he is the highest grosser this year and one of the most bankable names in the industry,” says Komal. Shah Rukh Khan Jab Tak Hai Jaan (Super Hit) Trade sez: Badshah of romance Though it was a tug of war between SRK’s romantic outing JTHJ and Hrithik’s action Agneepath in domestic markets, the Badshah took the lead overseas. “Shah Rukh proved yet again that no one romances like he does. And whatever the outcome of his film, he continues to reign as the king of hearts,” says Komal. Hrithik Roshan Agneepath (Super Hit) Trade sez: Power-packed! Hrithik may be known for being rather choosy when it comes to his films, but his exclusivity has proven to be one of his biggest strengths in the past few years. “With Agneepath, he has proven to be a strong contender for the numero uno crown at the BO in the long run. Now his Krissh 3 is one of the most-awaited films,” informs Komal. Ajay Devgn Tezz (Flop), Bol Bachchan (Hit), Son of Sardaar (Hit) Trade sez: Steady performer Ajay’s churned out two Rs 100 crore hits this year. Despite a dud Tezz, his stocks continue to remain steady at the box-office. “In comparison to the previous years, this was not the best year for Ajay, but his trade figures do the talking and he’s still a force to reckon with,” says Komal. Aamir Khan Talaash (Semi-hit)  Trade sez: In‘credible’ star! Aamir is one star whose stardom, say trade gurus, exceeds his film’s business. Though his film hasn’t proven to be the biggest money churner this year, his name brings credibility. “His star power commands a respect that not many can boast of. Depending on the outing — commercial masala or fine cinema — Aamir can make himself fit the bill. His Dhoom 3 will see him at his commercial best, let’s talk numbers then,” adds Komal.

Sonakshi unplugged The actor reveals how 2013 will see her break free of her desi girl avatar

Sonakshi unplugged

The actor reveals how 2013 will see her break free of her desi girl avatar

With Dabangg 2 having crossed the Rs 100- crore mark, Sonakshi Sinha now has three hits in her kitty. Unabashed about having played second fiddle to super stars, Sonakshi in a celebratory mood reveals, “I have worked like a dog this year and that in itself calls for celebration.” She also talks about her plans for the year ahead. In all your movies you have played the desi girl and they have been male-dominated action films. Don’t you want to experiment with your roles? You want to break out of a mould, only if it does not work for you. I feel I have made a place for myself despite being paired opposite Salman Khan or Ajay Devgn or Akshay Kumar. I have been fortunate as I got to learn so much from just observing them. I like being part of mass entertainers that have gone on to do well at the box-office. I don’t choose roles based on the kind of clothes that I have to wear, it’s been a pleasant coincidence so far that I am the first girl that comes to a director’s mind when it comes to playing the desi girl. There have been talks about you replacing Priyanka Chopra in Milan Talkies as PC has not been able to match her dates with Imran Khan... Who will match my dates? 2013 is going to be a busy year for me. I am already doing Bullet Raja with Tigmanshu Dhulia and I am not going to take more on my hands right now. In the year ahead, will the audience see you in a different avatar? The remake of Tamil hit, Thuppaki for which I have already started shooting has a western feel to it and even in Bullet Raja, there is a Indo-western look to the film. I select my movies by putting myself in the audience’s shoes and how they would react. So with Lootera, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 2 and Prabhudheva’s Rambo Rajkumar, I have an exciting year ahead. So, what are your plans to usher in the new year? I have worked like a dog this year. I will be celebrating New Year’s with my family but unfortunately dad won’t be in town. Then I have a 10-day break between shoots and I will be going on a vacation. But, I am definitely not going to disclose the location. Now that you have come into your own as an actress, do you still go back to dad (Shatrughan Sinha) for advice? Dad has a wealth of experience and I always take his inputs about co-stars and directors into consideration before signing a film. I guess, I will never outgrow the need to turn to him as he has been in the film industry longer than me.

Keep your spirits high without losing your head

Keep your spirits high without losing your head

Today is all about partying and making merry as we bid adieu to the year 2012! While spirits are high, it is important to ensure safety in the midst of all the revelry. Here are a few quick tips to make sure you have a good time and not compromise on your safety:
If you are planning to go out, do grab a bite. Alcohol on an empty stomach might make you ill. Make sure that you have a designated driver, if you plan to drink on your night out. Don’t give in to peer pressure — drink slowly and only as much as you are comfortable with. Also make sure you are not tired or upset before you go out to drink. Have a lot of water and alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages if you plan to have a long night.
Men and women have different capacities, keep that in mind!
You can also download mobile applications that will help connect with friends and stay safe and prevent violence before it happens. The Circle of 6 application makes it quick and easy to reach the six friends you choose. FightBack is a women’s safety application and other similar applications like SOS Whistle, Life360 Family Locator and Bsafe can help turn your phone into a safety device while you enjoy.
Have fun but stay responsible. Stay in high spirits metaphorically not literally. Wish you a Happy New Year!

Chuck MCs, BCs out of the lexicon Campaign urges students not to use expletives about women

Chuck MCs, BCs out of the lexicon

Campaign urges students not to use expletives about women

It is ironical that a country which worships a large number of goddesses also has a series of expletives denigrating women. The choicest of abuses are about mothers and sisters. To end such open abuse of women, a city-based NGO has decided to start a Gaali Bandh campaign in colleges. “During a fight or an argument, people use abusive words with offensive references to women. This should stop; people must learn to respect women instead of using abusive words against them or depicting them in a bad way. The campaign will start once colleges reopen in a few days,” said Nandita Shah, coordinator, Akshara Centre. There have been protests across the country condemning the rape of a 23-year-old student in Delhi and demanding measures to ensure the safety of women. Akshara’s campaign aims to stem the rot early. “We have taken the help of an experimental theatre where we will enact a 10-15-minute play on the issue. We have tied up with most colleges and have also approached the college unit of the National Service Scheme,” Shah told DNA. The Gaali Bandh campaign is a good idea to shape impressionable minds, said educationists. “Looking at the current scenario, it is a very good idea to run such a campaign. Whenever people abuse, the words make a derogatory reference to mothers and sisters which is not good. We support the campaign,” said Dr Rajpal Hande, director, board of college and university department. Sunny Chakor, an FYJC student at Sydneham college, Churchgate, says: “It is relevant for today’s generation. I will support the campaign and also ask my friends not to use abusive words with references to women.”

Great escape Rajeev Khandelwal recalls when his fun evening got out of hand...

Great escape

Rajeev Khandelwal recalls when his fun evening got out of hand...

A night out can easily turn into an embarrassing affair when the person in question is a star. During the shoot of Table 21 in Fiji when Rajeev Khandelwal and director Aditya Datt were out for dinner, they were accosted by a gang of girls looking out for some fun. This is how they made their lucky escape. Aditya narrates the whole incident and recalls, “It was actually a funny incident. We had gone out for a regular dinner one night after the shoot and a group of girls were sitting there. I think they were on a girls night out and started fooling around with us. Describing when the situation got out of hand, Aditya confides, “Initially we took it in good spirit but after a point, it got embarrassing for us. They were high and were getting really loud and aggressive and soon people started looking our way. Even when we wanted to leave they had almost cornered us. So making an excuse to go to the wash room, Rajeev and I went to our car and left the place!” Rajeev who is not a party person, joined in the celebratory dinner at the crew’s insistence. Recalling that incident still leaves him red-faced and he says jovially, “That was one helluva night! We still go red in the face and just can’t stop laughing whenever me and Adi recall our great escape!’’

Parvez Lakdawala hosted his daughter Neha’s wedding with Faraaz

Winter wedding

    Parvez Lakdawala hosted his daughter Neha’s wedding with Faraaz in a grand manner. Neha’s brother Nadim Lakdawala made sure that all the guests were well looked after. Keeping the season (winter) in mind, snow was chosen as the theme for the reception. The celebration was attended by close friends and family members. The guest list had many politicians including Nasim Khan in attendance. From B-Town, we spotted Dalip Tahil, Rakesh Bedi, Johnny Lever, Harish and Pragati Mehra mingling with the guests.

Nadim Lakdawala and Abu Azmi

Dr Deependra Singh Shekhawat

Ravi Kishan

Parvez Lakdawala

Faraaz, Neha and Hafiza Lakdawala

Nawab Malik

Aslam Shaikh and Kripashankar Singh

Bunty Walia ties the knot again

Bunty Walia ties the knot again

    Bunty Walia married his girlfriend Vanessa Parmar on December 28. He had his friends from the industry joining in for the celebration that was held later that evening at a restaurant in Bandra. Bunty was earlier married to actress Suman Ranganathan. Sanjay Dutt’s sister Namrata and hubby Kumar Gaurav were also present for the post-wedding party. We also spotted Chunky Pandey, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Kunal Kohli, Apurva Lakia and Tusshar Kapoor.

Vanessa Parmar and Bunty Walia

Abhishek Bachchan
To follo Abhishek, visit www.follo.co.in/abhishek on your mobile.

Sanjay and Maanayata Dutt

Dino Morea

Neil Nitin Mukesh

Tusshar Kapoor

Goldie Behl joined the celebrations despite an injury to his foot. Wife Sonali Bendre gave him company

Sophie Choudry

Kainaat Arora

Comedy Circus gets jhakaas for New Year

Comedy Circus gets jhakaas for New Year

    Sony Entertainment Television’s Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe is all set to usher in 2013 with a celebrity guest — Anil Kapoor. The special episode will see the actor opening the show — with a comic act — along with Shruti. He will also deliver some of his ‘jhakaas’ dialogues.
    The episode will take off with the trio of Krushna, Sudesh and Siddharth, who will present the story of a clock that doesn’t want to enter the New Year. Bharti, Siddharth and Kiku will show the plight of a famous airline owner, whose business is down in the dumps.
    Seal your Sunday with yet another ‘highvoltage hilarious’ episode of Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe. All this and much more on December 30, 2012, at 10pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Krushna Abhishek, Sohail Khan, Anil Kapoor and Sudesh Lehri

Salman Khan makes telly stars dance to his tunes

Salman Khan makes telly stars dance to his tunes

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan got three generations of the Colors family together during a performance at the Colors Golden Petal Awards.
While he took Mataji (Jayati Bhatia) and Imarti (Hema Singh) on a walk around ‘Aksa beach’, he got Shiv (Siddharth Shukla) and RK (Vivian D’sena) to groove to his popular number, O O Jaane Jaana.
    We hear that initially, Siddharth and Vivian were taught different steps. But Salman insisted that their choreography should be the same. While Tapasya (Rashami Desai Sandhu) and Anandi (Pratyusha Banerjee) fought over whose heartthrob Salman was, the actor did a ‘chance-pe-dance’ by romancing both.
    Tune into Colors Golden Petal Awards Monday, December 31, at 9pm on Colors.

Salman Khan with the telly actors at the event

Rashami almost faints on the sets

Rashami almost faints on the sets

    Rashami Desai Sandhu aka Tapasya of Uttaran has not been keeping well of late. The actress has been down with a bad throat and viral fever. But since the current track is focused on her, she cannot afford to take off. Rashami almost fainted on the sets a few days ago due to the high dose of antibiotics and constant work that took a toll on her health. Luckily, the crew was quick to act and the actress received medical attention. We have been informed that the actress doesn’t take calls as much as possible. She also has problems with dialogue delivery because of sore throat. Says Rashami, “I’ve been unwell for the last few days. I have severe throat infection and am suffering from bouts of viral. I have not been taking adequate rest, which could also be one of the causes. I hope to recover soon.”

Rashami Desai Sandhu

Saubhagyavati Bhava to end

Saubhagyavati Bhava to end

    After exit of the lead couple Harshad Chopra and Sriti Jha and addition of a fresh track, Dil Se Di Dua... Saubhagyavati Bhava is now set to end on January 18 next year. The show couldn’t regain its lost glory and the TRPs kept plummeting even after the new storyline with new lead couple — Vinay Rohrra and Mala Salariya — was introduced.
    Informs a source, “The show starring Angad Hasija and Riddhi Dogra is tipped to replace Saubhagyavati…. It was once among the top-rated shows on the channel but has started dipping on the TRP scale of late. The channel has decided to do away with the show.”

Sriti Jha and Karanvir Bohra in a still from the show

WHY RONALDINHO COULD NOT ATTEND SALMAN’S BIRTHDAY

WHY RONALDINHO COULD NOT ATTEND SALMAN’S BIRTHDAY
PUNE’S been in a tizzy ever since Brazilian soccer player Ronaldinho landed recently. Ronaldinho spoke about Bollywood and his love for India at a press meet in the city on Friday. “I follow Bollywood. In fact, it’s widely followed in Brazil,” he said. When asked who his favourite Bollywood actors are, he said, “It’s hard to pronounce their names. But Salman is a big star! He invited me for his birthday in Mumbai. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend it because of a hectic schedule.” Ronaldinho will be part of an Indian animation film. “It’s a dream come true to be on the silver screen,” he said.

DAVID DHAWAN HOSPITALISED DIRECTOR

DAVID DHAWAN HOSPITALISED
DIRECTOR David Dhawan suddenly fainted while chatting with his actor friends Sanjay Dutt and Abhishek Bachchan. The trio were at a party hosted at a Bandra restobar by common friend, producer Bunty Walia to celebrate his recent wedding to Vanessa Parmar. It is learnt that Sanjay and Abhishek tried to revive him, but he wouldn’t move. The two actors are said to have called for an ambulance and had David rushed to the nearby Lilavati Hospital. Sources say that tests revealed that the director’s blood sugar had dipped below the normal level and he went into what is called a ‘diabetic coma’. Doctors attending to him have declared him to be out of danger and his health and diet are being closely monitored. David’s elder son Rohit, is staying by his father’s side. His younger son Varun, who’s shooting in Bangkok, is expected to return soon.

Mira Nair’s on Naomi Watts’ wishlist!

Mira Nair’s on Naomi Watts’ wishlist!

Hollywood actress Naomi Watts, who was in India last year with her beau Liev Schreiber, is all praises for filmmaker Mira Nair. So much so, that she even hinted at wanting to work with Mira in future. Naomi met Nair when she was shooting with Liev for her movie The Reluctant Fundamentalist in Delhi. Recalling her meeting, Naomi said, “Mira is really a humble person and such a great director. I have seen her movies like The Namesake and Mississippi Masala. I think she is definitely on my list of directors to work with.” Naomi, who will soon be seen in The Impossible, also shared that she was extremely thrilled to spot a peacock in Jaipur during her trip. “On my way to Jal Mahal, I saw this beautiful large majestic bird with attractive colours. There was something very naturally appealing about it. Its feathers were so... beautiful! The tour guide informed us that it is also the national bird of India, the peacock.”

5 things that we don’t want to see on TV next year

5 things that we don’t want to see on TV next year

Continuing our year-end series, we bring to you the TV trends that we’ve had enough of!

Generation leaps When a serial runs out of story, it promptly goes in for a leap. It doesn’t matter if the serial’s been on air for three years or three months. Leaps are a tried and tested formula and every maker tries it before winding up. But it’s become so trite that the novelty has gone. This year several serials including Uttaran, Parichay, Bade Acche Laggte Hai, Hitler Didi and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai fast forwarded. But, instead of leaps, wouldn’t it be better if the serial go in for seasonal breaks and return with a fresh storyline, just like they do abroad. That would be much interesting, what say? Comedy Circus needs a gag Nothing wrong with the concept but the jokes in this one are increasingly bordering towards vulgarity and most of the time at the expense of women. Also, could we please do away with the sameness on the show whether it’s in the form of participants or judges. We love Archana Puran Singh but can we get a break from her laughter? For that matter even the likes of Krushna Abhishek and VIP, who have become permanent faces of the show. We need a fresh dose of humour. Crime-based reality shows The success of Crime Patrol has spinned-off several me-toos. Already, there’s Savdhaan India and Shaitaan, any more and we will be ready to put up a red alert in our house. Honestly, there’s so much crime happening around us in reality that watching a show based on that seems criminal. Bigg Boss needs a break Salman Khan kept saying that season 6 of the show is parivarik. The goings-on are anything but that. From Imam Siddique’s full monty to Aashka Goradia and Sana Khan’s overtly friendly gestures, the show has scandal written on it. That could well be the format of the show but family show it’s not. So, let’s give Bigg Boss a break next year. He deserves it and so do we. Ram-Priya’s ‘consummation’ scene We shudder to think of another intimate scene between the two ‘mature’ characters Ram and Priya of Bade Acche Laggte Hai Ram. News is that they are all set to get intimate again on screen. The first consummation scene between the pot-bellied Ram Kapoor and the demure Sakshi Tanwar early this year had sent us into a frenzy. The jury is still out on whether the bold scene sizzled or fizzled...So, please not again.

‘I do not obsess with numbers’ ...reveals Bolly hottie Katrina Kaif as she talks about her successful innings at the box-office

‘I do not obsess with numbers’

...reveals Bolly hottie Katrina Kaif as she talks about her successful innings at the box-office

Despite being in heavy demand to perform for New Year’s bashes not just here, but abroad too, actress Katrina Kaif has shunned the moolah, opting instead to bring in her New Year with family back in London. This will also be a break for the actress who’s been busy all year with films and endorsements. In an exclusive interview with After Hrs, the Bollywood star talks about her hit run at the box-office... Do you feel the pressure of giving a hit increase with each success? I’ve learnt to not let it get the best of me. How much does success matter to you? It feels great to know that your films are doing well at the box-office and that audiences are appreciating it. However, on a personal front, I do not obsess with numbers. At this point, what is it that you look for in your roles? I look at doing good films that my audience would enjoy watching. Is making that choice easier or more difficult now? It’s both. Easier because you know what works for you as an actor and what doesn’t, and difficult since your fans expect you to surpass your previous success. For a long time, you were the only A-lister who didn’t have a single `100-crore film. And now, you have a Rs 200-crore film Ek Tha Tiger and a `100-crore film Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Is it a pat on the back? A film is a collaborative effort, so it’s a pat, not just for me but for the entire team involved with the film. How do you look at competition and does it affect your personal relationships in the industry? We look at our profession at face value! Once the camera says cut, you go back to being like any other person. As for competition, as clichéd as it sounds… I only compete with myself, aiming to do better with each film. You have worked beyond camps and cliques... How I look at it is that, I’m just happy to have worked with some of the most talented actors, producers and directors. You will be seen in an action film again (Dhoom 3), after a romantic one, how’s the switch for you and what is it that you can relate to more easily? I love challenging myself and being a part of different genres. I try not to get too comfortable in a certain category, so the switch was fairly easy since it was something I was very excited to do.

Kushal’s special christmas with Bulgarian girlfriend

Kushal’s special christmas with Bulgarian girlfriend

This Christmas, TV actor Kushal Tandon is getting a chance to enjoy the festivities with his family and partner Elena. While his family is specially flying in for the occasion, Elena is here to participate with him in the dance reality show Nach Baliye. Kushal and Elena are very excited to be together for this day and he is going all out to ensure Elena feels at home here. Apart, from the tradition of setting up their own Christmas Tree, Kushal will also take time off to help Elena prepare 11 delectable dishes following in the popular Bulgarian tradition. The most important dish is the Christmas bread. Elena will prepare a round loaf in which she will put a silver coin. It is commonly believed that the person who finds the coin will be rewarded with good fortune in the coming year. Says Kushal, “Christmas is a lot more special this time as Elena is here with me. My family is also coming to Mumbai. I will break bread with Elena as per her tradition. I enjoyed shopping, stuffing stockings and being Elena’s Secret Santa!”

Neeta Shah discloses how her personal experience became her inspiration for maiden book that is being made into a Bollywood film

Bollywood unmasked
Neeta Shah discloses how her personal experience became her inspiration for maiden book that is being made into a Bollywood film
Neeta Shah

Fate has a strange way of taking a detour. Neeta Shah, a chartered accountant by profession, overnight quit her job when the Bollywood bug bit her. She moved to her dream city and along with aspiring to be a Bollywood star, she also became a model. This book happened by chance in which she has fictionalised her struggles for getting her dream role.
When asked why the name Bollywood Striptease, she quips, “Because it strips Bollywood naked and highlights its good side as well as its underbelly.” She explains further, “Along with the casting couch wherein both male and female actors are exploited, there are people who are out there to fleece you. But if you have the talent, there are people who will give you a chance.” She says that this is a taste of what lies ahead for people want to make it big in Bollywood.
The book is also slated to be turned into a Bollywood film. “It’s going to be more of Charlie’s Angles meets the Bollywood zone kind of movie rather than Page 3 or Dirty Picture that underlines only the dark side. Currently the scripting is going on,” she adds that the book has opened up new avenues that she had never dreamt of before.