KONNECTING! Dear Readers,
THE TUBE
>>> 4
Dance India Dance The amazing and mid-boggling dance performances on Dance India Dance have become the rage among Indians worldwide. The show comes to a close on May 30, the Season Finale.
TINSEL TALK
>>> 8-23
Millionaire magic Just days after they were spotted kissing on a dinner date in Israel, Dev Patel's mom has spilled the beans about her son's affair with Freida Pinto.
COVER STORY
>>> 26
Sexiest vegan Kareena's fondness for vegetarian food has brought her the title of Sexiest Vegetarian by PETA beating contenders like Aditi Govitrikar, Hansika Motwani, Mallika Sherawat and Mahima Chaudhary.
HIT or MISS
>>> 28-30
99 See street smart Kunal Khemu and Cyrus Broacha getting into trouble after trouble in this hilarious movie about what could have been as against what really happened
GREAT ESCAPES
>>> 32-34
Hampi Although in ruins today, this 14th century city once boasted unimaginable riches. Protected by the tempestuous Tungabhadra and rocky granite ridges, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur, splendor and fabulous wealth
KHANA KHAZANA
Dance India Dance continues to make waves and we have got great response to the amazing performances, which reach a crescendo this month. New serial Agle Janam Mohe Bitia Hi Kijo has been a big rage too. Based on your feedback, we keep trying to improve the magazine and bring you more innovations. For updated schedules please log on to www.konnectv.com and for feedback on this issue and featuring something in future issues please write to abhishekn@konnectv.com
ABHISHEK NARANG CEO Publisher: KonnecTV Australia Suite 1B, 137-139 Silverwater Rd, Silverwater NSW 2128 Tel: 1300 797 012 Fax: 1300 794 210 Abhishekn@konnectv.com www.konnectv.com
Tasty specialties direct from the kitchen of Sanjeev Kapoor to tickle your taste buds! Turn your everyday meals into a lip smacking gourmet experience. Now you too can be a master chef!
DISCLAIMER
The battle between Bollywood film producers and multiplex owners continues affecting the release of new films. Still we have managed to get a peek at two and provided you with our take on 'Ek' & '99'. Notice how in these days of IPL and SMS, even the names of films come in shorthand!
>>> 36
Pineapple Mousse (Eggless)
KonnecTV does not guarantee the authenticity or take any responsibility (in any way) of the material in any advertisement or discount voucher.
F
eroz Khan, who died in Bangalore last month, was known as Clint Eastwood of the East for his flamboyant style, cowboyish swagger and cigar toting persona. In an otherwise conventional Bollywood, Feroz became style icon in the industry. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. We feature this month tributes from his leading ladies.
Highlighting programs for March 2009
>>> 30-38
Ad enquiries please contact: bandukwala@konnectv.com Design: DIP Media
May 2009
2
The Original Kids Singing Show, with Mind Blowing Talent and innocence to fall in love with! Flashback from the past: • Aditya Narayan
Year 2006: Thereafter, the splendor spread to the world…
• Year 2007: And talent, that not only received appreciation, but also earned the Promax award!
Now 2009!!! HOST: The show will be hosted by Aditya Narayan, a successful child artist and singer. Aditya Narayan began his hosting career at the age of 19. With his charm, he has become the young heartthrob of millions of Indians worldwide!
JUDGES:
Abhijeet
Alka Yagnik and Abhijeet, the famous singers need no introduction. These singing icons have judged SRGMP Liíl champs in previous seasons and their sweet small fights will surely be looked forward to in the up-coming season as well!
ABOUT LíIL CHAMPS: • Liíl Champs will hold true to its promise of delivering the best of kidsí singing talent, with the garb in 2009 being that of who is better - Boys or Girls. • The argument of who is better ñ Boys or Girls has been perennial since time undefined. It exists even more among children where they refuse to talk or play with the opposite sex. • This has been translated on screen in a cute fight among the kids as well as the judges, Alka Yagnik and Abhijeet. Alka Yagnik
May 2009
4
As established with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Lux Dance India Dance aims to unearth the best musical talent. The undisputed disco king Mithun Chakraborty is the grand master for the show. The show is judged by three masters made famous purely by their great work in Bollywood ñ Geeta Kapur, Remo Dísouza and Terrence Lewis. The Gujarati ëchokroí with the chocolate boy looks, Jay Bhanushali, and the gorgeous Saumya Tandon, of Jab We Met fame (who played Kareena Kapoorís sister) are the sutradhars. The event had Guest Stars Salman Khan (February 21) Kamlesh Patel (March 20), Prabhu Deva (March 27), Neil Nitin Mukesh (March 28) and Farah Khan (April 18).
Reality Dance Show Finale on May 30
Remo DíSouza has choreographed for films like Rangeela, 36 China Town, Dhoom etc and was even part of the dance troupe for the title song of Rangeela. Geeta Kapoor has choreographed for films like Saathiya, Heyy Baby, Om Shanti Om and the recently released Dostana. Terence Lewis, the internationally trained choreographer specializes in Indian folk and contemporary dance forms, and he has been part of films like Lagaan, Jhankaar Beats.
T
he amazing and mid-boggling dance performances on Dance India Dance have become the rage among Indians worldwide. The show comes to a close on May 30, the Season Finale.
Geeta Kapurís friend, guide, mentor; the ace choreographer and director, the very special Farah Khan agreed to pay her a surprise visit on the sets of Dance India Dance. Geeta, her assistant of over 15 years, was blindfolded but she recognized Farah just by her touch. Such is the bond of a guru and a shishya.
Zee and UTVís biggest reality show has renowned choreographers to train the participants. Dance India Dance is all about picking raw talents throí a nationwide audition and putting them throí a training program where they are taught all dance forms by famous Bollywood choreographers. These participants then fight a dancing battle amongst themselves.
May 2009
5
C
onfusion, chaos and mistaken identities - that is what Hungama is full of. The film begins with a young village girl Anjali [Rimi Sen] coming to city looking desperately for a job. She gets a job after a 'young dreamer' named Jeetu [Akshaye Khanna] misunderstands her as the daughter of a business tycoon, Radheshyam Tiwari [Paresh Rawal]. Jeetu wants to take the easy route to riches. To get started in life, he begins with 'robbing' money from his miserly father. And now he is on the lookout for a rich girl to marry and become a millionaire himself. Cut to Nandu [Aftab Shivdasani], another local loser who dreams of becoming a famous singer against his parents' wishes. To get a cheap accommodation he is forced to chum up with Anjali, and the two have to pretend that they are married too. Things keep on getting more entangled and confusion and chaos take the front seat. Radhyasham suspects his wife (Shoma Anand) having an affair with Jeetu. While his wife when she comes in contact with Kachraseth (Shakti Kapoor) thinks that her husband has some illegitimate relationship with a lady. Their 'tu-tu, main-main' takes them to a divorce situation and Jeetu on the other hand thinks Anjali loves him. What happens next leads to a very funny climax.
Confusion, chaos and mistaken identities - that is what Hungama is full of May 2009
6
My family and Deepika know what the truth is (about his relationship with Katrina) and there is nothing to clarify to anyone
R
anbir Kapoor hasrubbished his sup posed tiffs with sassy girlfriend Deepika Padukone, due to his closeness with Salman Khan's girlfriend Katrina Kaif. The actor revealed that he and Deepika are going smooth, but admits that such gossips have bothered him. "It bothers me when my personal life is being spoken about, but I tell you that these are all rumors. My family and Deepika know what the truth is (about his relationship with Katrina) and there is nothing to clarify to anyone. Deepika and I are with each other. With her, the relationship is so effortless that it is really great to have her in my life," he says. Ask him about Katrina, his costar in two films Rajniti and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, and Ranbir shoots off, "She is a dear friend of mine and I think she is beautiful. I have seen how much work she puts in for her films. No wonder, she has reached where she is now. She is doing everything right." he ends.
May 2009
8
T
here're too many achievements in Katrina's kitty al ready. She's bagged the prize of being the actress who inspires most internets downloads. She is an ambassador of a leading jewellery brand. Katrina is also the Indian face of Barbie. And now according to a recent poll conducted by a website Katrina Kaif has got the hottest butt in the business. At 24 per cent Kat topped the poll where she was pitted against Jennifer Lopez who came a close second followed by Malaika Arora Khan, Beyonce Knowles, Yana Gupta, Jessica Biel, Mallika Sherawat and Cameron Diaz. However, when it comes to luscious lips, Katrina had to concede to Priyanka Chopra whose natural pout is as eye-grabbing as Kat's butt. According to another survey, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is the most powerful female actor racing ahead of the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and even Madhuri Dixit. She has also garnered over 98.8% of recognition as well as recall value which is at par with cinematic legends like Amitabh Bachchan and cricketing star Sachin Tendulkar.
Rani has strictly given up mutton, chicken and sugar. But the Bengali in her would hardly survive without non-vegetarian food
May 2009
9
A
fter nearly a year, Rani Mukerji came out of hibernation and made a public appearance at the launch of a spa, stunning everyone present. The now slim and svelte Rani took many by surprise. Gone is the behenji look from her last release, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, and thanks are due to her physical trainer Satyajeet Chaurasia for it. Known as Satya in the industry, he helped Rani lose the kilos she had piled on for Hadippa, where she is playing a cricketer. Rani has strictly given up mutton, chicken and sugar. But the Bengali in her would hardly survive without non-vegetarian food, and so, fish and eggs figure on the list of things she is allowed to have.
After a recent shopping binge at a 5 star Shopping Boulevard the stunning actresses were spotted pigging it out on sinful chocolate truffles at a gourmet cafĂŠ!
B
-Town can't ignore the growing dosti be tween two of the most attractive actresses of Bollywood - Celina Jaitley and Lara Dutta. After a recent shopping binge at a 5 star Shopping Boulevard the stunning actresses were spotted pigging it out on sinful chocolate truffles at a gourmet cafĂˆ! And after giving in to their pleasures, both were heard complaining of the extra calories that they had consumed! Well, you've got to gain some to lose some! Let's hope, this friendship is for keeps and both Celina and Lara have many more girly days out together!
A
fter enough scouting in B-Town, director Ken Ghosh has finally got an actress to replace Jiah Khan for his movie Yahoo . Now Genelia D'Souza will act in the flick. The bubbly actress of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na has reportedly been signed as Ghosh was apparently not so pleased with Jiah, and thus thought of dropping her from the film. Sources reveal that Katrina Kaif and Kangana Ranaut were also approached, but both the actress turned down the project.
Ken's favorite actor and pal Shahid Kapur, who plays the main lead in the film, also wasn't too fond of Jiah. Now, as Genelia's PR is getting stronger, the lady is seen everywhere. Not only she is walking the ramp as star attraction but is doing stage shows and also getting into endorsements. Genelia has two movies for now, one is Hook Ya Crook with John Abraham and another is It's My Life , the Hindi remake of her superhit Telugu film Bommarilu , opposite Harman Baweja .
May 2009 10
I
n Kaminey Priyanka gets to work with director Vishal Bhardwaj, a master story teller when it comes to real cinema, and known for giving his leading ladies an entirely different look. Her hardcore Marathi girl act has made people sit up and take notice of Kaminey that has Shahid Kapoor in the lead. Says Priyanka's close associate, "In the film, she plays the role of Sweety who is not only a bindaas girl but also someone who is traditional to the core (watch her doing those typical Maharashtrian dance steps and you will know). She is on a complete tangent if one remembers her ultra chic and glam avtar in the films that she has been seen in over the years. Agrees Priyanka for whom Kaminey will be her first release of 2009 as a leading lady: "Yes, there has been an effort to make Sweety look completely different. She had to be believable and someone who isn't ultra glamorous. Also, I have gone with a minimal make-up look in the film." Even Shahid Kapoor seems to be enjoying his double role stint in the film where one of the characters played by him not just stammers but also keeps an unkempt look.
‘The Delhi Horse Show is the toughest because I had to compete against horse riders who were Arjuna and Padma Shri winners’
R
andeep Hooda has taken a sabbatical from acting to focus on his other passion, horses. And the passion has paid off. At the recent Delhi Horse Show Randeep and his two horses Ranji and Johnny Walker won a silver medal in the national dressage category which is considered by equestrians to be the toughest category in the competition. Trying hard to be modest about it, Randeep says, "The Delhi Horse Show is the toughest because I had to compete against horse riders who were Arjuna and Padma Shri winners." Randeep is the only professional horse rider from the movie industry. There were no men from the industry at equestrian events. "Though I've seen some ladies like Diya Mirza and Lara Dutta at the race course. Women by the way, make superior horse riders," he said.
May 2009 12
T
hough they have stopped signing films together, reports have it that John Abraham will be seen opposite Vidya Balan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Chenab Gandhi'. The awesome duo shared wonderful chemistry in Nikhil Advani's flop flick Salaam-e-Ishq. The actors were seen as love-dovey couple in the film and their sparkling off-screen chemistry was talk of the town. Now, since Bhansali, who is producing, is not in a mood to sign Harman Baweja, he has roped in John to play one of the leads. And the film has Vidya Balan in a pivotal role. So again, the two actors could be seen sharing screen space in the film. But the rumours of John-Vidya liaison has troubled John's lovely girlfriend Bipasha Basu enough. Chenab Gandhi will be directed by Vibhu Puri who was Sanjay's assistant for many years. It's a period film tracing the life of legendary freedom fighter Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan who was famous by the name Chenab Gandhi. Amitabh Bachchan will essay the character of Chenab Gandhi in the film.
May 2009 13
But the rumors of John-Vidya liaison havetroubled John's lovely girlfriend Bipasha Basu enough
H
e's B-town's favorite pin up boy and is one the fittest men out here. So it's nothing short of a surprise if he fights the extra kilos. But that's the truth as he's been asked to reduce his waistline for a commercial.
L
ara Dutta was quite at sea when it came to swimming, but she learnt it from scratch for the big budget film Blue- just like she mustered the courage to do some daredevil stunts. "Yes, I've done things that I've never done before. Akki (Akshay Kumar), who's a stunt master, coaxed me into doing these things. It's a completely new realm for me. I learnt to swimĂ– and also got a diver's license! I guess this is the first time that a film has added so much more to my personality, rather than me just being part of a film and then moving on," she says.
Reportedly the ad makers of a clothing line which Hrithik endorses wanted the super star to look fitter and best for an upcoming commercial that's aimed at the youth. They asked him to get leaner by a few inches and even shed the muscular look which he's sporting for his home production 'Kites'.
"Blue is fab. We've attempted something of this sort for the first time," she adds. And what about shooting with Kylie Minogue, who's done an AR Rahman-composed song for the film? "Kylie has a special song. Akki, Zayed (Khan), Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) and I are a part of it too. I have to say that Kylie's one of the most approachable international celebs I know," she says.
May 2009 14
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J
ust days after they were spotted kissing on a dinner date in Israel, Dev Patel's mom has spilled the beans about her son's affair with Freida Pinto. So, Anil Kapoor was right when he spoke about the "magical chemistry" between the young couple of Slumdog Millionaire - Dev Patel and Freida. Both Dev and Freida denied the speculation and claimed that they were only friends. But now, Dev's 45-yearold mom Anita has revealed the truth to a daily. "First it was the film and now everything else seems to have slotted into place...Life can't get any better for him (Dev). Freida is really beautiful and I am really happy for them. Yes, we knew he was flying to Israel to see her," Dev's mom is quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying. Dev's mother also added that she is proud of what her son has achieved at a young age. "Life can't get any better for him. Freida is really beautiful and I am really happy for them. Yes, we knew he was flying to Israel to see her," she added.
May 2009 16
B
arely having enjoyed a month of marital bliss with long time boyfriend, restaurateur Farhan Azmi, Ayesha Takia is back in action full-swing. That the much-hyped 8X10 Tasveer proved to be nothing short of a box-office disaster is proving to be no dampener to this bubbly beauty, who is looking at doing a balancing act between being an actress and a perfect bahu in the coming months. She was seen canvassing and doing road shows as part of the campaigning agenda for her father-in-law, Abu Azmi, who's contesting elections from the Mumbai Northwest seat. So, how does being part of politics really figure in her scheme of things? "Oh, it's not about my interest in politics. It's more about extending support to the family I'm now part of. And I'm happy about it." Talk about being the ideal bahu! "Marriage hasn't changed anything for me, she says. "In fact, having more people in your life actually proves to be an icing on the cake. That I'm doing so much post-marriage is such a booster. I'm acting, I'm handling business, then there's family to attend to, there's so much happening that I'm simply loving it," she says, the hint of excitement apparent in her voice.
Marriage hasn't changed anything for me, Ayesha says. ‘In fact, having more people in your life actually proves to be an icing on the cake’
Even though Ayesha's doing "selective roles", she's quick to add, "But that doesn't mean I'm doing just typically offbeat films. Let me say, that I just love those song and dance films."
May 2009 17
H
er experiences in Bollywood have only taught Dia Mirza to take both success and failure in her stride. Incidentally, her latest offering Jai Veeru tanked at the Box Office, but the perky actress is not letting that dampen the excitement of her forthcoming five films. "Success is good company, but failure's a good teacher," she says. And having tasted both in a short span has only made her that much more determined. Armed with gorgeous looks, what's keeping her from reaching the top. "That one solo hit to my credit," she smiles. "I strongly believe in talent. But that doesn't mean that the talent will always get the kind of film that it deserves," adds the actress. From a comedy Fruit-N-Nut, to a romantic comedy with Arshad Warsi to an issuebased Kisaan and from working with actors like Amitabh Bachchan in Johnny Mastaana to playing a femme fatale in Acid Factory, Dia's juggling all of it with great elan. Probe her further for any favorites and she says, "They all come with a mix of sugar and spice, so it's hard to pick any one." As forthcoming about her personal life as she's about her professional life, Dia admits that she's a die-hard romantic and waiting for 'my prince charming'.
Success is good company, but failure's a good teacher
DIA'S
JUGGLING
May 2009 18
BACK DANCER
N
eha Dhupia will be essaying the role of a back row dancer in her forthcoming film "Pappu Can't Dance Saala".
"Neha did a thorough research on back dancers before embarking on the role. She met and interacted with them on a close level because she wanted to know the kind of lifestyle they had, "said a source. "Neha colored her hair red because she noticed that all those back dancers that she had met had that color. She also observed that most back row dancers had a habit of chewing gums while waiting for the shot on the sets. So, she adopted that style for her character too, "the source added.
Salman & politics
A
fter campaigning for friends in the Con gress, BJP and NCP contesting the general elections, Salman Khan isn't looking at a political career for himself. "However, I wouldn't say never. I don't know any boundaries. I'm involved in a lot of social work and that's the right way to serve the people," he says. Actually, it's pretty amazing that anybody could get the moody and unpredictable Salman to campaign for them at all. "Anything that you do from the heart is always right," he said smiling.
May 2009 22
E
ven though she may have be come a fashion diva and an actress on the professional front, at home Papa Anil Kapoor still reigns. And when daughter Sonam came home late, 4 a.m. too late, from a night out on the town with her friends, it seems that daddy-dearest was miffed and Sonam, grounded. Normally, Sonam and her siblings are known for being obedient which upset the veteran actor immensely. So when she returned home, she was told she was grounded for a whole month! Of course, that does not include her "professional commitments." Sonam took the penalty in great stride according to sources, "Ă–And the child has taken the punishment without any protest." It seems that Anil Kapoor knows the ways of the industry, insiders report, and although Sonam has two security guards with her at all times, he still expects her to abide by the rules that has been set for all his children.
May 2009 23
FEROZ KHAN, the stylish and
Zeenat Aman
suave actor passed away on April 26
H
e was an exceptional man! Not only debonair and charming, making girls go crazy, but a great professional too. He was so much ahead of his time, not just in terms of style, but also technically. His style expressed itself not just in his films, but also in the way he lived. It's my privilege to have known him. And I will cherish all the good memories of my interaction with him. I can never forget that he made me look so good in Qurbani. Till date people talk about that.
in Bangalore after a long fight against cancer at the age of 69. The actor was born to a father with Afghan roots and a mother of Iranian origin and brought up in Bangalore. He charmed generations of women from the 1960s to, well, almost the late 2000s, starting with films like the intense Apradh and ending two years
Hema Malini
ago with the hilarious Welcome.
H
e was not just an actor, a director and a fine human being, but a great style icon of his time. I was already seeing Dharamji then, but I must say that Feroz Khan had all the qualities for a girl to get attracted to. There was an air of arrogance in him which was very dashing. Agar itne handsome ho toh thoda rubab hona zaroori hai. It adds to your appeal. And he had this in abundance! He had a charming, flirtatious quality, but it was limited to the sets only. With his kind of looks and personality, he would always stand out in a crowd. I haven't seen a greater looker or western personality among today's heroes. Even though I was known as the Dream Girl, I never looked so pretty as I did in Dharmatma, the film Feroz acted in and directed.
Filmmakers say that Feroz was always keen to continue playing the devil-may-care, sex icon he did in films like DHARMATMA, QURBANI and, later, JAANBAAZ and YALGAAR. His leading ladies, top Bollywood actresses in their time, succumbed to the Killer Khan's charm. They all said he made them look beautiful and sensuous on screen.
May 2009 24
SriDevi
I
did Jaanbaz, one of my earlier films, with Feroz Khan. Initially I was very apprehensive, because he looked very western, and I was not so well versed with such a culture and language. But he surprised me. Throughout, he conversed with me in Tamil and made my life so easy and comfortable on the sets. I will remember him as a warm, down-to-earth man who made me look extremely beautiful!
Filmmakers say that Feroz was always keen to continue playing the devil-may-care, sex icon he did in films like Dharmatma, Qurbani and, later, Jaanbaaz and Yalgaar.
Neetu Singh
I
worked with Feroz Khan in one of my earlier films Chunouti, which didn't do well and nobody remembers. But our rapport was great. He was an absolutely charming man, and I have lots of fond memories of him.
Madhuri Dixit
F
eroz Khan directed me in Dayavaan. He was a wonderful director, much ahead of his time. His style quotient in real life was highly reflected in his films. He would shoot everything with great elan and style. He would allow the actors a lot of creative license, a rare quality I must say. He was a big-hearted Pathan, and I will miss him dearly.
May 2009 25
His leading ladies, top Bollywood actresses in their time, succumbed to the Killer Khan's charm
Celina Jaitley
I
n 2003, Feroz Khan launched me with Jaanasheen. Jaitley, (who was in Bangalore for the last rites), said: "Farewell my friend, my mentor my soulmate. The many things we talked about, the things I learned from you are with me as my courage. You have gone but the love and support you gave me remains as part of my heart."
The online contest, conducted by PETA India's youth arm, petaDishoom, had Kareena scoring over other contenders
S
he has shed the size-zero frame and regained her curves. But that's not why Kareena has been voted the sexiest vegetarian by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The primary reason is Kareena's fondness for vegetarian food. She has been named the sexiest vegetarian of 2009 along with cricketer S Sreesanth. The online contest, conducted by PETA India's youth arm, petaDishoom, had Kareena scoring over other contenders like Aditi Govitrikar, Hansika Motwani, Mallika Sherawat and Mahima Chaudhary. The title is yet another achievement for Kareena who has already won the Youth Icon and Woman Achiever awards. Her spunk is what separates her from rest of the glam brigade. The supremely confident girl is now set to play Jessica. Rajkumar Gupta, the director of the hardhitting film A a m i r , w a n t s Kareena to play Jessica Lal in his next film. Jessica, as most of you know, was shot point blank in a Delhi restaurant in 1999 and her case dragged in the courts for years during which many witnesses turned hostile and the accused were acquitted. Finally, after much outcry by the media and the public, the case reopened and the accused, son of a former minister, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
May 2009 26
E
k - The Power of One is the kind of movie that would have been very successful in the 1980s. That being said it is obvious the kind of fate the movie will encounter in the year 2009. The movie, a Hindi remake of ATHADU, a successful Tamil cops and robbers film, tries to be a massentertainer by stuffing in every possible clichĂˆ in the book. (Action/Romance/Drama/Comedy/ Crying Family etc) Ek stars Bobby Deol as Nandu - an orphan hired by a politician to commit an assassination which ends up going horribly wrong with someone else claiming the target before Nandu. Nandu manages to escape via a nearby train but the police continues to stay hot on his heels. On the train Nandu meets Puran (Akshay Kapoor), who narrates his entire life history to Nandu in his excitement of meeting his family after so long. As destiny would have it however Puran gets shot by the cops at the next train station and Nandu disappears. Nandu then gets mistaken for Puran when he visits his village to break the news to the family. Having a change of heart and wanting to reform his ways he starts living with Puran's family and eventually falls in falls in love with Preet (Shriya Saran). Enter CBI inspector Rane (Nana Patekar) who has been assigned to find the assassin. His investigations lead him to Punjab and to encounter Nandu. The rest of the movie is dedicated to the game of cat and mouse and exposing the truth behind the murder. Ek - The power of One had launched an advertising campaign saying they would give the audience's money back in case they didn't like the film. But
when one patron in Mumbai requested the producers keep their word they responded by saying that they aren't going to make a different film just because he said so. So much for sticking to promises. The good thing about the movie however is the action sequences. Scenes have
been shot and edited well and not cheesily done like most other Bollywood movies. Bobby Deol's acting however leaves a lot to be desired. It seems he has sleepwalked through another role that doesn't require him to give any expressions. This also leads the romantic and dramatic tracks of the movie to suffer. Nana Patekar is the only one who keeps the acting alive through his portrayal of the witty and crude CBI inspector. The film also has Jackie Shroff, Chunkey Pandey, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and Zareena Wahab who don't seem to get much scope at all. One wonders if they did the movie just to do the producers a favour or return an I O U. Just when you think Bollywood is evolving movies like EK come along and seem to disrupt the progressive flow. If you liked masala movies of yesteryear you might like it - otherwise give it a miss.
KonnecTV gives the movie 1.5 / 5 May 2009 28
9
9' is Pure Fun. It is a movie about life stuck at 99 which is just one short of a century. It is much about 'What could have been' as against 'What really happened'
Set to hit theatres in May, it is inspired by real events with an interesting tag line - Part Fact, Part Fiction, Pure Fun. 99 stars Kunal Khemu as Sachin, Boman Irani as Rahul, Cyrus Broacha as Zaramud, Vinod Khanna as JC, Soha Ali Khan as Pooja, Mahesh Manjrekar as 'AGM, Amit Mistry as 'Kuber, Simone Singh as 'Jahanvi' Sachin and Zaramud who are street smart, end up in stealing the one car they shouldn't have stolen. Not only that. They end up crashing the car as well. The car belongs to 'AGM' who is a small time bookie who runs a cyber cafe as a front for his operations. He takes
Set to hit theatres in May, it is inspired by real events with an interesting tag line - Part Fact, Part Fiction, Pure Fun
both on to do his dirty work until they work off the car that they crashed which is going to take long time paying. Rahul in Delhi is an ordinary man, working as a bank manager but with an extraordinary quality of gambling. With such talent, he never loses on any bet. He places an important bet on India-New Zealand one day match in November 1999 and he is not aware that the match was determined already even before the first ball was bowled. Rahul loses the bet and ends up owing money to 'AGM' and he has got just three months to pay up. How do Sachin, Zaramud and Rahul overcome their problems in their own ways is the twist in the movies. '99' is filled with budding romance, car crashes, comedy and conspiracies with colorful characters around.
KonnecTV gives the movie 2.5 / 5
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S
aint Vidyaranya established the seat of Vijayanagara empire in 1336 A.D, with the help of his devotee disciples Hakka and Bukka. The empire later became famous for its support towards renovation/reconstruction of temples throughout India. It also became renowned for re-establishment of Indian culture, its support for music, art and literature. With the prime purpose of caring for the people and their welfare, this empire stretched physically covering Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra and became a by-word for golden rule. Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara Empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Mughul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description. Although in ruins today, this capital city once boasted riches known far beyond the shores of India. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lie scattered in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins silently narrate the story of grandeur, splendor and fabulous wealth. The splendid remains of palaces and gateways of the broken city tell a tale of men of infinite talent and power of creativity. Strewn over a large area (about nine square miles) the ruins at Hampi offer to the tourist a remainder of the greatest land in the whole world. Every rock, every path and every monument at Hampi speak the same language; a language of glory and beauty.
international destination centre. The State Government will constitute a Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority for integrated development and conservation of Hampi. Hampi is a World Heritage Centre Hospet is the main town providing the getaway for Hampi. In April 2002, Karnataka officially set up the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority with wide-ranging powers, as well as a State Level Advisory Committee. Local Sights Most of the ruins are along the road leading from Kamalapura to Hampi. Three kms down the road, on a commanding site, stands the temple of Malyavanta Raghunathaswamy. It is built in the Dravidian style. Strange-looking fishes and marine monsters carved along its outer walls are worth noticing.
In March 2002, the Government of India had announced that Hampi would be developed as an
May 2009 32
A
special charm lies in the scenic hill station of Mukteshwar in Uttaranchal. Sitting high in the Kumaon region at an altitude of 2286 meters, Mukteshwar is all about beauty and panorama. The major activity that one can indulge in Mukteshwar is leisure. Take a walk in the nearby forest trails, or climb to reach the famous temple in Mukteshwar, the landscape beauty of Himalayas that you will greet in this part of Uttaranchal, is impeccable. Tourist Attractions Mukteshwar has many popular attractions, chief of them being the Mukteshwar temple, at an altitude of 2,315. To reach this temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one needs to climb the stone stairs. This temple is consecrated with a white Lingam that is surrounded by the idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi and Hanuman. Next to this temple is the Chauli Jal, which has a natural latticework on the rock. It is said that barren women are blessed with a child if they touch this Jal. To add to the list of famous attractions, there is the Indian Veterinary Research Institute that was established in the year 1898. In the campus of the institute tourists can see various departments for Research, Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Bacteriology along with a library and a museum. This institute is surrounded by dense forests that have some of the most ferocious beings. Be patient and you can catch a glimpse of the snow leopard or Himalayan black bear.
Mukteshwar has many popular attractions, chief of them being the Mukteshwar temple, at an altitude of 2,315. To reach this temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one needs to climb the stone stairs
Adventure Options In this idyllic hill station, one can enjoy adventure in every nook and corner. The narrow winding paths on the hills that lead to the penetrable jungles are the perfect places to enjoy short walks. Enjoying the natural views while treading these paths is an experience you cannot savor anywhere else. The small streams that keep popping out of every rock seem to have emerged from a picture postcard. Other options of adventure in Mukteshwar are Rock Climbing and Rappelling. Thanks to the Chauli Jali that offers high and straight rock faces. Mukteshwar is an important camping base and many treks can also be enjoyed along with river crossing and night hiking. How to Reach By Air: The nearest airport is at Pantnagar.
May 2009 34
By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam at a distance of 35 km from Mukteshwar. By Road: Mukteshwar is well connected by surface network with important town and cities like Haldwani, Kathgodam, Nainital, Moradabad, Delhi. Best Time: All round the year except monsoons (During August and September).
Home is where good food is:
I
believe in one thing. It is food that can keep us fit and healthy. It is food that can make us unfit and unhealthy. So why not stick to the first type of food so that we can actually experience longevity? And this first type of food is clearly defined by me as home cooked. It could be hot rotis straight from the flame with a light drizzle of fragrant ghee, the long grains of dazzling white basmati grains that somehow make rajma or kadhi as precious as caviar or those spongy wadas that soak up the sambhar. Well, be it a pulao, or a khichdi, maybe a stew or dal rice, it could be some dry vegetable with roti, but traditional home recipes do wonders for the spirit. These recipes keep the heart ticking ensconced in warmth of tradition and cultural riches. Food eaten together keeps the family together and even if there are major time constraints I am sure something can be done to get hot food onto the table once a day ĂŹthe more Indian it is the betterĂŽ the more traditional Indian it is the best!
Pineapple Mousse (Eggless)
Ingredients 6 slices canned pineapple (annanas), at room temperature 2 teaspoons gelatin tin (200 grams) sweetened condensed milk 3 teaspoons lemon juice 250 grams cream A few drops pineapple essence A few drops of edible yellow colour 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Glace cherries, as required
Method
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PARTY COOKING by logging onto www.sanjeevkapoor.com
1. Mix gelatine with half cup water in a small pan. Heat on low heat, stirring continuously, till it dissolves. 2. Take condensed milk in a bowl and beat till light and creamy. In another bowl mix lemon juice with half a cup of pineapple syrup from the tin. 3. Chop five slices of pineapple. Add the pineapple syrup and pineapple to the condensed milk. 4. Pour the gelatine solution into the condensed milk mixture stirring continuously. Freeze the mixture for half an hour till it is thick. 5. Remove from freezer and beat till smooth. Add two hundred grams of cream and set remaining cream aside for decoration. 6. Add pineapple essence and yellow colour and beat well and put it back in the freezer for fifteen to twenty minutes. 7. Remove from freezer and beat again till smooth. Pour into a serving dish and freeze for one hour or till set. 8. Whip the reserved cream with powdered sugar. 9. Remove the mousse from the freezer. Put the whipped cream in a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and form rosettes on the surface of the mousse. Place a glace cherry on each rosette and serve immediately.
May 2009 36
Crossword
Horoscope ARIES: Chances of finding a dream job keep improving. Some of you will launch a major project in association with some friends or colleagues. You have some more easy money coming from unexpected source. TAURUS: Most of the things will start to happen the way you want. favorable planets in angle will make you feel confident and lucky again. You will be in touch with a learned person to clear some confusions. GEMINI: There will be major changes in career soon. Some of you will be offered a very lucrative position in a nice environment. You will twist some facts and save lots of money in long term. Idea of going on an overseas trip will continue to occupy your mind. CANCER: Penalty will be severe if you give in easily, do not underestimate the opponents and try to delay as much as possible. Saturn's entry into house of finances will be very tricky for next couple of months. LEO: You will almost finalize to get out of an stressful situation and accept the loss. Advice from an expert will show you the easier way out without getting hurt. Soon you will be leaving on an long distance trip. VIRGO: You will spend money on legal matters. Be careful when dealing with a government agency. Concentration of planets helps people connected with high tech industry.
Across 6. Shahrukh acted as deva in which film? (6) 8. Kareena's new boyfriend (11) 9. Amitabh-Rakhi's film (10) 10. Ajay Devgan's film with Arshad Varsi? (6) 12. JP Dutta's film on India-Pak war (6) 13. Raja Babu (7) 14. ''Koyal'' of Indian bollywood (13) Down 1. Imran Hashmi's first film as side hero with Aftab (8) 2. in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai- Kajol's name? (6) 3. Rangeela girl (6) 4. Baaziger (12) 5. Karz {1980}'s hero? (11) 6. Amitabh's original film which Shah Rukh made remix? (3) 7. Amitabh's name in film Deewar? (5) 11. Karishma Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit's film? (12)
LIBRA: There will be some confusion and you may have to change your plans on the last minute. Issues related to career and finances will cause concerns. You may have no choice but to accept a less paying offer. SCORPIO: Jupiter in first will give the understanding and you will try to settle some pending headaches. Lack of confidence will only delay the inevitable, so be aggressive. SAGITTARIUS: Planets in eleventh will cause big sensation in life. Suddenly you will be full of energy. Opportunities will keep knocking at your door one after another. You will visit a holy place and have special prayers performed. CAPRICORN: Career related issues will finally get resolved. Wait will be over and the opportunity you had been working on for long time, will be in your hands in black and white. AQUARIUS: You will be tempted to grab the offer. Additional work will be assigned to you. Spouse will be little shaky but will make a courageous move. You will spend lots of time with political leaders and participate actively. PISCES: At last the business will pick up suddenly, renewing hopes one more time. this is the right time to accept and start new job. Ignore the person trying to give useless ideas and trying to create rift in the family.
By "Pandit Parashar"
May 2009 40
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