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Parineeti Chopra fears no Bollywood actress

Mumbai: Busy as a bee, Parineeti Chopra has a lot on her plate and says she is enjoying her work and doesn't feel threatened by her contemporaries.

"This is my fourth year in the industry. And I'm doing the work that I am really enjoying," said the actress who is rubbing shoulders with the likes of Anushka Sharma, Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha.

With seven films to her credit, Parineeti says she is far more alert and anxious.

"Initially, I had nothing to lose. But with every passing film there are more expectations to live up to... There is a checklist of directors and actors you want to work with. The dreams expand and so do the anxieties. I want to be known for being versatile. So I'll search now for the roles that take me to another level."

The spirited scene-stealer says she doesn't see any of her contemporaries as rivals.

"I don't really feel anyone is a threat. There is enough room for everybody. That's how I feel right now. Maybe two years down the line, I'll start peering anxiously over my shoulder. But at the moment I'm happy to be just doing the work that I am," said the actress who debuted with "Ladies Vs Ricky Behl".

Parineeti has no regrets about opting out of Shoojit Sircar's next film "Piku", in which she was to play Amitabh Bachchan's daughter.

"The dates clashed with another film. I was so looking forward to it because it gave me a chance to work with two of the finest actors we have - Bachchan saab and Irrfan," she said and added: "Maybe it was too early for me to work with these stalwarts. I'd have probably forgotten my lines and just stared at them."

As for losing out on the chance of doing a father-daughter film with the Big B, Parineeti said: "I have a very strong father-daughter bonding with Anupam Kher sir in 'Daawat-e-Ishq'. As for Bachchan saab, I'm sure I'll have other opportunities to work with him."

"The audiences saw a new me in 'Hasee Toh Phasee'. Now they'll see me in an entirely new avatar in Shaad Ali's 'Kill Dill'.

"I've lots on my plate. Till the release of 'Hasee Toh Phasee', I was shooting two films, dubbing and promoting. There was no time for myself. And I can't complain. Good scripts are coming my way. Obviously I can't say yes to every film and endorsement that comes my way."

About losing out on the popular awards this year, the pragmatic Parineeti said: "Deepika Padukone deserved them. It would have been odd if I or anyone else got them. But I was nominated. And I was very happy."

Having worked with Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput, Siddharth Malhotra and Aditya Roy Kapoor, Parineeti says she's close to all of them.

"But there is a special bonding with Arjun. We spent three months shooting together in Lucknow. Now I've spent a lot of time shooting with Aditya in Hyderabad. So these two are my favourites," said the actress.




Gunday Review     

Film: "Gunday"; Cast: Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Irrfan Khan; Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar; Rating:** 1/2 (2 and a half stars) - Mindless, clueless crime porn.
Seriously, this is the funniest Yashraj film in the distinguished banner's range of existence. Tragically the humour is mostly unintended.... Like the gaffes and boo-boos that litter the decked-up garbage masquerading as a pseudo-historical depiction of Bangladeshi migrants in Kolkata post the 1971 Bangladeshi war of liberation .
Two boys, Bikram and Bala, crawl across the border into Kolkata and become some kind of messianic outlaws. Shamelessly, the film glorifies a life of crime to a level of embarrassing exultation until we see the two "heroes" (ha ha) constantly on the run from the "the law" (as represented by the insanely sane and sensible Irrfan).
But Bikram and Bala, who grow up to be two blobs of brainless brawn played by Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, are no ordinary criminals on the run. They run in slow-motion sometimes shirtless most time brainless, their biceps and 6-packs glistening in hairless glory. They are the Milkha Singhs of the internet generation, meant to eulogize wanton materialism by flaunting their physicality without inhibition or reservation.
They are the greedy generation from before greed was invented.
"Gunday" (Gun Day? Gun De? Gande???) is the kind of subverted cinema that reduces every incident, historical or fictional, to a dramatic distress. After the fairly impressive opening that seems to be shot and edited by a different director, there's no narrative structure, only a series of clumsily punctuated episodes meant to spotlight a kind of heightened yearning for a life freed of moral expectations and obligations.
The two heroes think they are cool when in fact the script highlights their stupidity in the clumsy conflicts of interests when they fight. Shirtless, of course. Chests waxed in the 1970s when wax was used only to make idols.
A major portion of the narrative is devoted to the triangular courtship with Bikram and Bala wooing Kolkata's hottest cabaret dancer (who isn't what she seems, but shhhhh!). Nandita(Priyanka Chopra) first meets her two sleazy suitors in a loo when they have their dhotis hitched up to their thighs to relieve themselves.
Yes, you heard right. That's acme of below-the-belt humour in this downright absurd and offensive crime drama. Priyanka Chopra's character is party a seductress partly Mata Hari and wholly preposterous in trying to be many thing in a script that isn't sure of what it wants to be.
Just why an actress of Priyanka's calibre should agree to be part of a film so wobbly and weird is beyond comprehension. Perhaps she really saw this film as an authentic chronicle of the wages of the Bangladesh war. There is no end to how optimistic an actress can get when she puts her heart where her mind should be and mistakes kitsch for art.
As for the two leading men it's a toss-up between Ranveer Singh and Arjun Singh as to who hams it more to the flashy finale where they both make a desperate run for their lives while we do the same in our own far less exciting world outside the ridiculous realm that this artificial film, lit up with fake bonhomie and bogus bravura, tries to create for our entertainment.
This is not the first time this film's director has made a royal hash of a potentially promising premise.He had messed up big-time in "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan". The damage done in "Gunday" is far more ominous and dangerous. It extols the illicit presence of across-the-borders migrants and attempts to sanction them with a kind of legitimacy, much in the same way that the film tries to glorify the two scummy protagonists as heroes of our times....rather, their times.
The film unfolds in Kolkata circa 1973. Periodicity is showily generated through a poster of the Big B's "Zanjeer" here and a snatch of R.D. Burman's "Keh doon tumhe ya chup rahoon" from "Deewaar" there. Beyond these the film doesn't make any pertinent point of periodicity.
Of course there Priyanka's low-cut blouses ending many inches above her waist in a neat bow.
Alas, Priyanka's blouses are the only neatly tied-up component in this anarchic world of guns goons, guffaws and gaffes. If I was a Bengali I'd be seriously offended by the loud caricatural ambience created in the name of Bangla culture. Of course the Howrah bridge looms up on location and as studio-props every once in a while. But the astounding amount of garish colours that Anil Mehta's cinematography is compelled to shoot just numbs the senses.
The dialogues range from the strange to the very strange. At one point while killing a friend-turned traitor Arjun Kapoor(making more faces in every frame than Sridevi did in her entire career) says, "Never trust a Bengali who doesn't like football."
Huh???
"Gunday" is a dumbed-down version of Yash Chopra's classic "Deewaar" where the boy from world of poverty grew up to a life of glamorized crime. There was strong matriarchal figure in "Deewaar" frowning deeply in disapproval of the anti-hero's anti-heroic antics.
In "Gunday", there are no moral obstacles as Bikram and Bala whoop it up in orgiastic rituals of disorganized crime. There is only the very talented Saurabh Shukla looking embarrassed uncertain and defeated trying to tell the heroes they've lost the plot. He probably saw what the makers of this film couldn't.
"Gunday" wastes acting talent as though it was available at discount rates. The very talented Victor Bannerjee and Pankaj Tripathi show up in walk-on parts and are hastily packed off to focus on the two studs on steroids in the 70s slithering in slippery motions across the railway tracks stealing koyla from the carriages.
How 'coal' is that!
Irrfan's voiceover tries to keep the plot together. Brilliant actors have their limitations.

Renault Duster Adventure and Skoda Superb facelift launched
 
The new Renault Duster Adventure comes loaded with several new brownies like door side sill, smoked headlights, 'armouring' on headlamps, contours all around the body, cladding on wheel arches and side mouldings. It also features Adventure emblem on the tailgate D-pillar, while the alloy wheels have been changed to make it look different from regular model. This edition has been made available with 110 PS RxL model and is priced at Rs. 12.18 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

On the other hand, the flagship model of Skoda has undergone a facelift. The facelift Superb now gets a newly designed front grille with the new Skoda fascia and the rear has been changed too. On the inside what the Skoda Superb gets is push-start button and some changes to the instrument panel too.

A look back at 2014 Indian Auto Expo



The much-anticipated 2014 Indian Auto Expo has recently been concluded, which features some exciting new car launches, concepts and few existing vehicles in an all-new avatars. We brings you a brief overview of what carmakers brought at the Expo, which will soon going to rule the Indian roads.
Luxury cars- The three German luxury carmakers, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz revealed a series of new vehicles and upgraded existing vehicles at the Auto Expo. While Audi has unveiled the much-awaited A3 sedan, Mercedes-Benz showcased its CLA45 AMG.

Renault Duster Adventure Edition is now available at Rs. 12.18 lakh



French automaker Renault has introduces a special edition of its Duster SUV in India. It is the same special edition Duster which was showcased at the recently concluded Auto Expo'14. Christened as "Renault Duster Adventure Edition", the SUV sports cosmetic upgrades and some additional accessories. It has been made available with 110 PS RxL model and is priced at Rs. 12.18 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

BMW 2-Series Active Tourer MPV revealed- Official



German luxury carmaker BMW has officially unveiled its 2-Series Active Tourer ahead of its global debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show 2014. It will directly compete against the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. It is the company's first front-wheel drive five-seat MPV.

"To get the right product is one of the key goals" - Sudhir Rao, Managing Director, Skoda India




Jaipur: Recent launch of Skoda Superb into the Indian market has meant that currently in the D plus segment there are no real competitors since the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Passat are no longer available for sale in the country until their improvised or new editions are launched towards the later part of this year. CarDekho in a candid conversation with Sudhir Rao - Managing Director, Skoda India talk about various aspects concerning the Czech manufacturer and their plans for India as a whole.

Volkswagen Taigun and Tata Nexon to come in 2015



With the growing competition in the compact SUV segment, Volkswagen and Tata Motors has unveiled the Taigun and Nexon concept at the recently concluded Auto Expo'14. Both looks futuristic and is expected to be introduced in the country by 2015. Volkswagen India has been very selective with its new cars and didn't launched any new product last year. On the other hand, carmakers are regularly launching products in competitive sub-4 metre segment. With the new Taigun compact SUV, the German carmaker is surely aiming to explore the increasing popularity of small SUVs.

2015 Hyundai i20 Spied



Hyundai, the Japanese auto giant, is leaving no stone unturned in order to strengthen and consolidate its position as the second largest auto maker in India. It was reflected recently when the second generation of company's premium hatchback i20 was spied as test mule near Chennai.

Hyundai to launch the XCent in March/April



Hyundai has always been introducing two-three new products every year. This year, the Korean manufacturer has already got the Santa Fe for the Indian car market and now it is working on to introduce the XCent in the coming two months.

Mercedes-Benz GLA Crossover makes it Indian Debut



Mercedes-Benz was aggressive in 2013 and it launched a series of new products in the Indian car market. At the 2014 Auto Expo, the German luxury carmaker has unveiled the new GLA Crossover, which is likely to be launched by the end of this year or by early 2015. It will compete against the likes of Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

Mahindra Verito Electric Unveiled



Mahindra & Mahindra that showcased the Verito Electric at the 2012 Auto Expo, has finally unveiled the vehicle at the ongoing 12th edition of Pan-India motor show. Earlier, it was expected that the company could launch the vehicle by the end of 2013.  

The demand of armoured vehicles is growing in India - Markus



Markus Rubenbauer- Head of Mercedes-Benz Guard Division came down to India to share some information about the new M-Guard vehicle that got launched in India at the Auto Expo. Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest car makers to have armoured vehicles and we speak to the man you heads this division for the German luxury car maker.

2014 Skoda Superb Facelift launched



Czech automaker Skoda has introduced the updated version of its flagship sedan, Superb. The sedan has already been unveiled at the currently rolling 2014 Auto Expo. It received changes to both the front and rear, while the company has added several new features has been added. It has been priced at Rs. 18.87 lakh (ex-showroom- Delhi).

Hyundai Xcent, Tata Zest and Ford Figo concept- New Additions in Compact sedan segment



Considering the fact, the compact sedan segment in the Indian car market has been rapidly expanding, and so, we are observing many new cars coming up in this particular segment. The currently running Auto Event- Auto Expo’14, has observed many new sub-4 metre sedans unveiled. The major cars include- Tata Zest, Ford Figo concept and Hyundai Xcent. Let’s discuss in detail these newly unveiled models.

Audi Q3S Expert Review



Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volvo have chosen the hatchback route for the entry-level car for their brands, while Audi has chosen the other route. The Ingolstadt-based German manufacturer believes that the luxury car segment isn’t about hatchback atleast for the Indian market and it has introduced a stripped-down or corporate edition of its existing Q3. We get our hands on this new variant from Audi and tell you, whether it is worth considering or should you stick to luxury hatchbacks. Read further as we share our detailed review.




Tollywood films again turning to literarure


Kolkata, Feb 16 (PTI) Ghost stories have become the flavor of this season and this shows how our film industry is going back to the tradition of rich, content-driven cinema, popular writer Sirshendu Mukhopadhyay says.

"Three of my stories ? Gosaibaganer Bhoot, Chhaymamoy and Goynar Bakso ? have been filmed already and I heard got audience backing. Works of my contemporary writers including late Sunil Gangopadhyay are being taken up for scripting by present day directors


Acting not in my genes so turned down film offer

Kolkata, Feb 16 (PTI) Despite being sounded for an important role in Radhika Apre-starrer Pendulum, where she renders a melodious track, the first Bengali thriller themed on timelessness of time, popular contemporary singer Somlata Acharya asserts she is not okay with facing the camera and not even in a cameo.

"Acting is not in my genes. Yes Pendulum director ?Soukaryo (Ghosal) had sounded me for the role. I had got similar offers in past.

Bebo becomes face of Magnum ice-cream in India      

   

Washington, Feb. 16: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has been chosen as the brand ambassador of one of the world's most luxurious ice cream brands Magnum Ice-cream in India.
"It's quite a special moment and an extra sweet moment for me because, ever since I was 16, I have always been wanting to and whenever I was in Europe or any international country I was like I have to have Magnum classic and I can't leave without having that and today to stand in front and be a pleasure ambassador and the face of Magnum here in India, I think is a big moment for me and the sweetest moment of my life this month, more than Valentines Day," the actress said.
Starting from1st March, Magnum will be available in three delicious flavours- Classic, Almond and Chocolate Truffle in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The ice cream has been priced at Rs.85 per bar.

Bhopal man commits suicide after a tiff with wife over cricket match

Bhopal: In a shocking incident, a man ended his life by hanging himself after his wife asked him to look after their infant child interrupting the cricket match which he was watching on television. Although his wife tried to stop him from taking the extreme step but he did not pay any heed and hung himself.

The 39-year old Saket Dikshit was a resident of N-5 sector of Govindpuri area. On Thursday evening while Saket was watching a cricket match on TV, his wife Sunita asked him to feed their 1-year old son Yashwardhan. The couple entered into an argument over this and consequently Saket hung himself. Thinking that he was not serious, Sunita asked him to stop fooling around.

Allegedly, Saket became upset over this and hung himself. Saket had purchased a house in Awadhpuri recently and the family was in the process of shifting their stuff. 

 

According to sources, as soon as Saket hung himself from the ceiling, his wife Sunita immediately rushed to take him off the noose but could not succeed. Relatives were called who took Saket to the hospital where he was declared dead.

 

On Friday the dead body was handed over to Saket’s parents after post-mortem after which the family left for Gwalior.