Raahon Par Manzilen Abhi Aur Bhi Hai

Singer Abhijeet Sawant shares his views with HT City while his visit to Lucknow Mahotsav.

How do you feel about the experience in Lucknow?

Lucknow is really good. I have been here many times. The audience is really supportive. Another reason behind coming here is that I have a whole lot of friends in Lucknow.

What is your favorite song for all moods?

Well, my favorite song is ‘Zindagi ka Safar’ by Kishore Da.

Who do you think was your toughest competitor in Indian Idol?

Amit Sana, I guess.

Do you think being married can decrease your fan following?

No, I don’t think so.

Which project of yours has been closest to your heart?

Mohabbatein Lutaunga being my first album will always be special to me.

Who is your favorite singer?

Kishore Kumar is my all time favorite singer.

Who was your favorite co-star?

Well, I have worked with a very few people. But, yes among them Shreya Ghoshal has been really good.

How does it feel from an Indian Idol Contestant to a Playback Singer?

It feels great. This was the only dream I used to see. But, “Raahon Par Manzilen Abhi Aur Bhi Hai”.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Mom-Made Dal and Rice.

Any future projects you are working on?

Yes, right now I am working on my new album which will be launched soon .

Any message to Lucknowites?

Yes, it is your love and support because of which I am here and do continue to give the same.

Chandni Gulati

I am Huge fan Of Lucknow

Singer Shreya Ghoshal gets in a Chatty Mood While her visit To Lucknow Mahotasav.

What do you like about Lucknow?

 I am a big fan of Lucknow. I have always received great welcome from Lucknowites. After coming to Lucknow, first and foremost thing which I did was to have ‘Lucknow Ke Kebabs’. And right now I am in a total Lucknowi mood.

Do you think you are getting typecast as a romantic singer?

Is that so, and if such is the case then that’s not even a problem. Yes, I agree that mostly all my songs are romantic. And I am happy with it.

Who is your favorite singer?

My favorite singer always has been Lata Mangeshkar.

Which movie has been your best project or something which is close to your heart?

Devdas being my first film will always be special to me.

And  your  favorite song from your movies?

It is difficult to say which one is the favorite because all of them are good.

How does it feel being a contestant in Saregamapa a reality show to a playback singer Shreya Ghoshal?

See, it is a gradual process. You do not get things all of a sudden. I still feel uneasy when I am asked to sit on the judge’s seat.

What do you want to say about reality shows in today’s time?

Today, reality shows have a pure level of competition. Due, to the increasing commercialization reality shows have reached to a really higher stage.

Chandni Gulati

        

Music can not be segmented

‘Wadali Bandhu’ Pooran Chand Wadali and PyareLal Wadali were in the city for a performance in Lucknow Mahotsav.

There's this perception that you don’t sing other singers songs? Why?

The reason behind this is that we don’t will to sing songs which are not our own. We are known for our originality and that is what keeps us connected to our roots.

Are folk songs losing steam? What future do you see?

There's nothing like that. Other music is like a sparkle which show its effects for a few minutes.But, Sufi Kalam is like worshipping the 'Almighty’. If one has dedication for music he has a great future lying ahead.

Are there less platforms for folk songs?

No, its just that we have to realize our potentials.

Is there a need for reality show in folk singing?

Yes, there is a huge need for a reality show meant for folk singing.

Your son Lakhwinder Wadali was in a reality show.Was he happy and should more singers come forward in folk singing?

See, firstly they asked him to sing folk songs but later on they insisted more on making him sing the song of their choice .Due to which he was a little bit unhappy. Definitely there is a need for talented singers in folk singing.

According to you who take folk more seriously Indians, foreigners or Indian abroad?

Actually everybody likes Sufi music. There is no bar of age, caste or nationality.

Comment on Folk and Bollywood.

Well, both are different streams. And even work patterns are entirely different from each other. Both, work at their own respective places.

What are the future plans for Gennext and their children?

See, Commercialization is necessary to build up a future in Sufi music.

Lucknow is a culture city but does it have a ear for folk singing?

Well you can see that. We are having such a lovely audience around.

Is there a need that folk singing should be blended with the nation's taste and not just a particular region?

Definitely, because music can not be segmented for a particular state or region. It should be made for all.

-Chandni Gulati

Songs are like instant coffee

Singer Shaan was in the city to for a performance in Lucknow Mahotsav.

If not a singer, what else would you have been?

Journalist, I guess.

According to you which star on silver screen suits your voice the most?

Doesn’t matter whoever the star is. Its my labor and efforts which matter.

Do you see a revival in lyrics? And less thoughts or depth in songs?

Definitely, there is a complete change. Either the song can be good or bad. Lyrics are the foundation for a good song. And now-a-days somehow I felt that depth is missing.

Songs in Bollywood are identified with the actors than the singers? Does that bother you?

I think the labor of any singer is just for a few hours. But an actor shoots for days and months. So, it doesn’t bother me.

What changes do you see in this field regarding the increase in reality shows?

Well now-a-days songs are getting like instant coffee. Various artists try to get instant popularity which vanishes in a few days.

What do you feel special about Lucknow?

Lucknow is great.Lucknowites have always given special welcome to me.

Any upcoming projects?

Yes, you’ll get to see my songs in upcoming releases like 3 Idiots and Chance Pe Dance.

Do you feel that a song receive more popularity because it is visually attractive?

Yes, I believe that a song will grab more attention if it is visually more appealing.

What’s your take on the comment of Abhijeet Bhattacharya saying ‘Shaan is the best’ during his visit to Lucknow Mahotsav?

Oh! Thanks if he said so. Its great to receive such a good comment from him.

As it is said that Lucknow is the city for Nazakat and Nafasat? Did you felt the same?

Definitely, I can see the same. The Nawabi culture I feel is still alive.

-CHANDNI GULATI

I am ahead of times

The singer who made us break the shells and put on our dancing shoes on TWIST gets in a chatty mood with HT City.

How has the transition been from a pop singer to a mainstream singer?

Not very different. When I started my career, the kind of songs and music I used to do never existed in bollywood earlier. So, you can say I am ahead of times.

What exactly happen to Bombay Vikings?

Bombay Vikings will always be there. We established our band in 1992 and till 1993 it became solid.But,our band used to be more of western music.But,later for earning bread everyone went our own way, Then finally we parted in 1995.

What’s your take on the views of certain political parties about Non-Maharashtrians living in Bombay?

See, there is nothing like being Maharashtrians or being of any other specific state. I respect the emotions which one has for its state or region.But,our first duty is to be an Indian.

Tell us something about your forthcoming projects?

Yes, I have a song in Dulha Mil Gaya which is picturised on Shahrukh Khan, a song in Chance Pe Dance and another in Houseful.

How is the connect you find with Lucknow?

I would have loved to be in Lucknow.The food culture here is very rich. The Indian delicacy is famous till far abroad. ‘Kaash main bhi yahin ka hota’ he says.

You being a Non Resident Indian, have you completely shifted to India?

Yes, I have shifted over here as there is better scope for career.

Your voice has improved by leaps and bounds and you have been giving one hit after the another in movies. Why do you think you’ve succeeded?

I never felt that if any song of mine is hit then I am a star and should be extremely proud of it. The Mantra for success definitely is Feel Good Approach.

Is there anything in your career you wish you would have done differently?

This I feel after six or ten months later of my songs release and think I could have done better.

Who do you give your credit for success?

My parents, simple as that. They have always understood me and have always helped me in each and sphere of life.

What is the mystery behind your name?

Well , there is nothing like mystery .My real name is Neeraj Sharma.But,one of my father’s friend did not had children. Then my father said to him that my children are yours too. His surname was Sridhar.So,from then onwards my father kept mine and my brother’s surname as Sridhar.

Why do you change your looks frequently?

I never want life to be really boring. Not only I experiment on my looks but also on interior decoration for my house, the color of room’s wall and so on.

When do you believe was the turning point in your life?

When I launched , Kya Soorat Hai as a part of Bombay Vikings ,that phase I believe was the turning point in my life.

Do you believe you can match up to the singing in 60’s and 70’s?

Well not at all ! Legends will always be legends.

Have you ever been offered for acting in a movie?

Yes, I was offered a movie by Anees Bazmee.

You are said to be a Master Of Remix . What’s your comment on that?

Remix when made in a good way is appreciable. But , when it is more of nudity and exposure then I believe it is not worth.

Any message to the audience of Lucknow?

You have given me great love and support. And continue to give the same.

-Chandni Gulati.

Sexy Lady On The Floor

The Stage of the Lucknow Mahotsav 2009 was all set to welcome one of its most sensational playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan .The enthusiasm was clearly seen on the faces of the audience.

Before the performance started “Jo Chaho Ujiyar” a musical drama put the audience entertaining. Although the play was really good but still it was unable to hold back the patience of the audience who were eagerly waiting to see Sunidhi performing.

After arriving she swayed the audience with her popular number Aa Aa-Aashiqui Mein Teri from (36 China Town).After this she sang many of her songs like Chhaliya-Chhaliya(Tashan) and Pehli Baar Mohabbat Ki Hai(Kaminey).She made the audience spell bound after singing Crazy Kiya Re.

The people were madly shouting to cheer the most sensational singer cum youth icon. The reason behind such huge audience was that it was the last performance of the Mahotsav that on a weekend which mellowed as a cherry on the cake. As a result of which huge audience turned up to see their favorite singer performing live.

She made the audience take a Chance on Dance and also made them bounce to her tunes. The last song she sang was Aisa Jadoo Daala Re (Khakee) which spread a magic in the air. And by the end she thanked the audience for their love and support and was overwhelmed by such a warm welcome by the Lucknowites.

Freezing With Fashion

Hey all you hip and happening people. Are you prepared to rock the city with sizzling winter wear. Perhaps, it is the right time to change our wardrobes a little bit. As, you can see it is getting very chilly. So, how are you geared up to raise up the temperature.

With the chill in the air markets are all flooded with a variety of winter wear. Long coats, polo necks and short jackets are all set to a rage.

Smriti Gupta of Aliganj says, “I will buy a short denim jacket .So, I have already checked out a few shops. I will surely buy one if the range goes around 500 to 800”.

But, if Smriti is looking forward to jackets, the others prefer to dress trendy but something, which can keep them warm as well.

Neelu Sharma resident of Krishna Nagar says, “I am looking forward to buy a polo neck sweater, if I find the right colour; I will pep it up with an embroidered scarf”.

Adding up, to this Geeta owner of Miss& Miss Garments says “Bell sleeved sweater and short denim jacket with shrug are monopolizing the market this time”.

Everyone has a different choice and perception. Sweatshirts with hoodies are amongst the current flavors of the season. Divya Khanna resident of Mawaiyya adds, “I have already bought three sweatshirts this time and I am looking forward to buy a few more if I get some trendy designs with the color according to my preference”. Designers have done their jobs and now it is the time that we do ours.

So, what are you waiting for go and get one for yourself. And look trendy and elegant this winter season.

-Chandni Gulati…

Interview-Ravi Kant Tripathi

Ravi Kant Tripathi shared his views with HT City while his visit to Lucknow on Thursday evening .

• If not a singer then what else would have you been?

Doctor for Sure! Because I scored really well in my CPMT  exams.

• What are your Upcoming Projects?

My Upcoming album is “Ishq ki Dhun Mein” which will be released soon.

• Whom do you see as your idol?

Actually not one but I have four idols-Mohd.Rafi, Suresh Wadkar, Sonu Nigam and Lata Mangeshkar.

• You were also a part of the reality show. Whats your comment on the coming reality shows?

As reality shows are growing each day. The Competition is also growing more and more. We have to be better day by day  to survive in this industry.

• What changes do you see in the field of music in the last few years?

I believe changes are always mend for the betterment. Till the time we are alive we should keep learning.

• We have heard that you have established a music institute in Pratap garh?What are your plans  for Lucknow?

Definiatly,within the next 2 years we will come up with such an institute in Lucknow too.

• When are your plans to get married?

I already got married in December. But I haven’t disclosed this information yet.

GEARED UP FOR MY NEW LIFE

We all want to look and feel our best when it comes to looking happening on our first day in college. Talking to HT CITY Akriti Tandon a fresher of IT College shared her views and preparations for her first day in college.

According to Akriti, first impression is the last impression. So I have done a whole lot of shopping, bought a whole new range of stylish and funky bags. I even have changed my hair cut also.

It’s a whole new world after school, so I am really excited. No more of wearing uniforms, no more of making plaids. I can now dress up the way I want.

The other reason for updating my wardrobe is that I should look best in between the other girls. For this I have checked a whole range of magazines. I have bought everything from nail polishes to studs, shoes to capris, hot pants to halters and many more.

I also purchased three pairs of goggles that would make me stylish and also would protect my eyes. After leaving the school, now I have become more brand savvy.

Asking about her fashion Mantra Akriti says, “It is something in which you are comfortable and also which is in and could make you visible”.

FASHION IS EVER-CHANGING

I feel fashion is an ever-changing dynamic scenario. Whatever is in today shouldn’t be repeated again says Deepti Mehrotra a student of Awadh Girls Collegiate while sharing her wardrobe with HT City.

As per Armani’s funda (famous designer), I would not wear more than three colors at a time.

While talking about her shopping for her smashing appearance in college, she says I’ve brought a huge range of Kurtis and leggings from Biba.Around 3-4 denims in blacks and blues, some capris, hot pants and some cool and funky t-shirts.

Talking about her cosmetics she says I am not that much make-up savvy I just got a gloss, a kajal and a sunscreen. I also got sunglasses from Old Navy which cost me a huge amount of money.

Talking about brands I have bought some T-shirts from Edhardy too. I’ve got more than 10 white tops especially for the rains and the monsoon.

For accessories I have bought very funky necklaces-specially the one with chilies made on it, some colorful bags and more than 50 nail paints with every possible color. Adding to it I also got some bracelets, kadas, studs, earrings, danglers and yes three new foot wears.

So I am all set to compose myself stunning and happening.

WANTED TO KEEP UP WITH TRENDS

I want to keep up with trends, but at the same time, I want such clothes that shouldn’t unwearable next season says Sakshi Bajpayee a fresher of Awadh Girls Collegiate

For me Fashion is something which we wear, in which you are comfortable and also which suits your persona. And also something which fits a person in sync with the contemporary trend.

I don’t think about "fashion" but think about “style" which is less frightening psychologically and more "wearable".

So I have bought around 6 shirts from shoppers stop. Some really formal and some more jazzy outfits. I don’t put a lot of accessories so I just got some earrings, studs and some tick-tick clips.

I also got a 6000 Rupee saree from RajRatan for my Freshers Party. I generally avoid rains and wearing light colors in this season. So I’ll keep my whites for the days when it doesn’t rain.

I even got a nice new haircut from Lakme.As today was my first day in College, so I took one and a half hour to get ready. Before giving the final touch to my dress. I tried atleast 3-4 dresses and then finally I decided the one I am wearing now.

I got a few colorful eyeliners, some gloss and some cool eye appealing nail paints. So I am all set to get noticed in College.

FASHION FADES, STYLE IS ETERNAL

I feel fashion is something, which defines your personality. And more importantly it should give you comfort says,”Fazal Rasul a student of Amity University.

In my view fashion fades away soon, but style is something, which is eternal. I think life is too short, so I try to live it to the fullest. I change my entire look every three months including my hairstyle, wardrobe etc.

Talking about his shopping Fazal says I got 7-8 new T-shirts from Globus, Edhardy and Benetton. Along with it 2 new denims from Spykar and Levis. Some new bracelets , 4-5 new studs,new watch from Reebok and yes a lot more of shopping is even left.

As I feel my eyes are too appealing I got very stylish goggles from Shoppers Stop. My new haircut from Habibs, which is adding a bit more to my persona.

Most importantly my New Suzuki Bike, which I personally got designed from Dileep Chabaria. My new adidas shoes are also a part of my shopping. I believe I set my own trends; I don’t like to imitate others.

According to me fashion is something, which has a feel good approach. And your personality is not just defined by your clothes and style but by your attitude, your approach to others. That’s what makes you stylish and part of the crowd.

ARTIFICIAL CANNOT REPLACE THE REAL

Elegance is a question of personality, more than one’s clothing says Himanshi Srivastav a student of Awadh Girls Collegiate.

This college has been a prestigious college in the city and I am happy to be a part of it.I believe this college Awadh is a complete package of Fashion and Studies. And Yes after coming here I am learning to be Bindass like the people here(Carefree and tension free)

Before coming to college I didn’t slept the whole night as I was so eager to join college and make friends.

I went for shopping the day before, and brought so many dresses like Capris, tops, skirts, halters and hot pants.

But yes I am a big maniac about nail paints in all jazzy and funky colors. As I don’t do a lot of make-up so I just got a gloss, kajal and a deodorant which can suffice my necessity.

I also got a new saree for my fresher party. I got a little bit of earrings for myself and not a whole bunch of accessories because I think that artificial can not replace the real one.

Asking about her fashion Mantra, Himanshi says, “The only rule is don’t be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.”

So I am to totally geared up to make my day awesome in college.

I WILL GET RAPCHIK NOW

I've always thought of the T-shirt and Jeans as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet. But now the meaning is totally changed for me says Vishesh Khanna a fresher of Amity University while sharing his wardrobe with HT CITY.

But only being fashionable is not the key to look stylish. You need to be sensible enough while dressing up for the same.

As boys have limited stuff in fashion, I got 6 pair of denims-4 from Mufti and the other 2 from Levis. Pepping them up with 11 new T-shirts from Levis and Globus, some boxers, short cargo pants and a pair of rugged jeans. As it is the fashion now-a-days to wear this kind of stuff.

I also got a new haircut from Varanasi my native place before coming here. And yes I bought a whole new range of footwears that is 4 Canvas, 2 Sports shoes-1 Nike and 1 Reebok.

I also bought a new watch from Reebok to match up with the style. And most importantly I got a new cell phone. Talking about what he bought for accessories Vishesh says, not really much but a little but of studs and bracelets I have bought would suffice my needs.

This much style is really necessary here because the students here are totally Rapchik (Awesome and Stylish looking) so I will have to match up with them accordingly.

COOL AND TRENDY RAINS

We all want to look and feel our best, especially when it comes to parties and that to rain dance parties but sometimes the elements prevent us from being fashion trendy. But thanks to our designers who are making trendy clothes for every possible season.

You can wear clothes which are hassle free and can also experiment with fresh and bright colors. So here are some tips which you can choose from for a rain dance party.

Shades to wear-While going for a rain dance party we should wear colors such as lime,aqua,sky blue,yellow,Turquoise,light green ,tan etc which should gel with the season.

Clothing-Girls can wear halters, Tupe- tops, hot pants, short skirts, gypsy skirts, bubble skirts, knee capris while guys can opt for sporty and funky t-shirts, check boxers, shorts army cargo pants or a pair of denim or rugged jeans.

Footwear-Nowadays the market is all flooded with cool and funky chappals, rainboots and bright colored flotters with butterfly and flowers on it would do great for both guys and girls.

Make-Up-Doing lots of make up on a rain dance party can spoil your face. You can use a light base of waterproof make up with a lighter lip shade or lip gloss along with kajal.

Hairstyle-How can we forget our hairs when it comes to looking fab.Girls can go with open hairs or a pair of tick-tick clips, while boys can go for a little bit of gelling or spikes etc.

Acessories-Acessories are the latest style statement of one’s persona these days. Any accessory which is light in weight would be great for a rain dance party. Like anklets, armlets, light weight necklaces, chunky bracelets, funky silver chains can be good.

Divya Khanna a student of BDS says, “I prefer light, cool and funky colors. So that I should look happening and stylish accordingly”.

So go for these funky trends and look smashing for the coming rain dance parties.

-CHANDNI GULATI

STYLE IS DESIRABLE

If you are not in fashion, you are nobody says Noopur Tiwari a fresher of I.T.College.

But that’s not enough, comfort is also necessary. And most importantly you should be confident enough on whatever you wear at the end of the day.

For me being stylish is wearing trendy and latest clothes, and every other thing which is in fashion.

For that I have brought 2 new denims from Levis, 2 formal shirts from Pantaloons and another shirt from Madame which is my favorite store in terms of fashion.

I also brought a new change in my look by getting a new hairstyle done from the outlet in Clarks Awadh.

As I concentrate too much on being fashionable I bought a whole new range of accessories like 2 new kadas, 4 bracelets, some long silver colored chains, earrings and studs. And yes how can I forget my new toe ring, which is really in now-a-days.

And how can I forget my cosmetics. I got some new eye shadows, new eyeliners in different colors, some cool lip gloss, mascara, kajal and a pair of new goggles. Some really dark gothic color nail paints which are all really jazzy and in.

For footwears I bought a really funky chunky set of shoes and a pair of flippers. And a lot of shopping is even left, which I will be doing soon. All this I do because I really believe that style is the only real luxury that is really desirable.

FASHION IS BOUGHT, BUT STYLE IS POSSESSED

Fashion can be bought but style is possessed by the person says Zaid Binshahab a fresher of Amity University.

Fashion is not only your dressing sense but your body language, behavior and your positive attitude as well. And also about making yourself presentable, adorable and also makes me feel proud when 10 people turn around and look at me.

For looking trendy and funky your personality should be appealing as well. I have got a whole new range of things to make myself look hip and happening in college.

I have got 6 new shirts from Mufti, 3 Jeans which are 2 blue and 1 black. And yes very stylish pair of shoes from woodland.

Also a new fastrack watch, with 2 new belts from pantaloons. I also rejoined my gym to bring back my muscles In shape and to impress the other girls In the campus.

For my accessories I have got around 5 new bracelets, some rings, studs and some really funky lockets.

I believe to attract others you should always smell good. So I have bought around a bunch of deodorants from Axe with a different variety of fragrances to appeal everyone.

HAPPINESS IS THE SECRET OF MY BEAUTY

When people you don’t even know ,hate you ,then you must know that you are the best says Divya Suri a student of Modern Girls College of Professional Studies while sharing her wardrobe with HT City.

For Being and looking good one needs to be happy from inside. Because I believe that happiness is the secret to beauty and there is no beauty that is attractive without happiness.

I try to follow everything which is latest in fashion and something which makes me look cool.

While asking about her preparations for her first day in college Divya says I have bought two capris from Shoppers Stop, four really funky tops from Pantaloons and another top which you can see I am wearing now.

I also got two new footwears, one stilettos and one flat sandal. For accessories I got some new studs, and some chunky bracelets.

I also got my makeover done like a new haircut and face cleaning etc to make an impression for myself.

I also bought some cosmetics mascara, eye shadow, lip gloss, nail paints all in light colors like pink, peach and all the other soothing shades.

She further adds that she is crazy about nail art. She always makes wonderful and funky designs on her nails. For that she even had bought a new nail art kit from Archies which would make her more sexy and appealing.

Because I feel Style is knowing who you are, what to say, and always giving your best at the end.