“I think I have a long way to go before I am considered anything close to a Youth Icon! But if you ask my advice I would say just be yourself and have faith and that is the image I would want the youth to know me by, I just want to be myself!”

“Anyone who inspires is a role model and for me that person is my dad. I learn something from him everyday.”

Recently Yash Raj Films’ new youth film studio released India’s first ever movie based on Social Networking called “Mughse Fraaandship Karoge”. The story entails a new era of love story where Facebook is the platform of falling in love. MFK tells a story of individuals named Vishal and Preity who use fake identities to impress their love choice. The story leading with series of miscommunication results in rib-tickling laughter riot which definitely keeps viewers interested in the film. The film marks the debut of four very talented actors, Saqib Saleem, Saba Azad, Tara D’Souza & Nishant Dahiya besides director, Nupur Asthana.

Generation Next got an opportunity to speak to Saqib Saleem and share his experience playing the character of Vishal in “Mughse Fraaandship Karoge”.

GN: What attracted you to the script of Mughse Fraaandship Karoge?

The freshness of the script along with the fact that it used Facebook as its backdrop appealed to me. Social networking is a very relevant subject- our lives are literally documented through it!  Also the character of Vishal was very relatable, as I believe we all have insecurities, which we need to overcome. Also the faith bestowed upon me by Yash Raj Films was overwhelming.

GN:  After the success of Mughse Fraaandship Karoge, you have now also established yourself as a youth icon? What kind of image do you want to portray for the youth and what advice would you give to them?

I think I have a long way to go before I am considered anything close to a Youth Icon! But if you ask my advice I would say just be yourself and have faith and that is the image I would want the youth to know me by, I just want to be myself!

GN: Mughse Fraaandship Karoge is made on backdrop of Facebook, how important do you think social networking is today?

Social networking is a great medium to connect and stay connected. However, one must not forget the fine line between the virtual and the real or else you know what happens in the movie

GN: Mughse Fraaandship Karoge is based on two people interacting with each other with hidden identities via social networking websites. This is very common in today’s society. So do you believe Facebook and twitter are good for youth?

I feel everything in life has its pros and cons and so does social networking. As long as the youth realizes that Social networking can be very interactive and fun.

5. How active are you on twitter and Facebook? Would you ever accept a “fraaand” through Facebook/twitter?

My day is not complete if I don’t access my Facebook or twitter account! I like to keep people around me updated and posted! And yes I might accept the friend request if it is interesting or has something different to it…

GN:  Today’s generation often feels a gap between their school of thought versus their parents. What are your views on that?

I think times have changed and therefore both the generations need to take a step forward to gain a better understanding and mend the gap.

GN:  Who do you consider your role model?

Anyone who inspires is a role model and for me that person is my dad. I learn something from him everyday.

GN:  You are not from filmy background, how did you become an actor? Furthermore how hard do you think is it for someone to make it to Bollywood without a family connection with the industry?

Acting happened by a twist of fate, modeling was my first step towards it. I realized very soon that I loved being in front of the camera and gave acting a serious thought and then Yash Raj happened. I definitely feel blessed and overwhelmed with all the love around me.

I think once you get past the intimidation of the industry anything is possible. You just have to put yourself out there and prove yourself and with time you will be rewarded

GN: How did your parents react when you told them that you want to be an actor for living?

Initially my parents thought that my wanting to be an actor was a crazy phase which would pass but soon they realized the passion I had towards it remained the same and since that day they have been nothing but supportive.

GN: Bollywood has evolved greatly overtime, do you think these changes are good for industry?

The very nature of art is to evolve and I think that change is important so yes I do appreciate the transformation in terms of the discipline, technology etc. We as an industry will only move forward from here.

GN: What are your future projects?

I am taking some time off after MFK… But yes I am being offered a few interesting projects, when anything becomes official, you all will know.

By Saurabh Agarwal

DJ Khushi, who has shot into fame with “Chhammak Challo” an item song of Ra.One. DJ Khushi chats up with Generation Next on what inspires him, his recent success and future plans.

His visits to nightclubs and parties inspired Khushi to become a DJ as “whenever I went to any nightclub or party, I would notice that the DJ is the one that sets the mood for any party. The DJ is the key person who ensures that people have a good time and forget about their everyday stress. This was something that really fascinated me towards this profession. Also the fact that a DJ can make you dance to his own tunes and get paid for it, is a win-win situation for me.”

Though he has been through numerous ups and downs, DJ Khushi never gave up and seized the opportunities that came his way. His persistence finally led him to the Bollywood and he has successfully completed remixes for films like ‘Tum Mile’, ‘Main aur Mrs Khanna’, ‘Kaminey’, ‘De Dana Dan’, ‘Always Kabhi Kabhi’ and ‘Chammak Challo’.

He recalls the challenge he faced in remixing “Chammak Challo” as he needed to produce a track that not just complemented the original, but had its distinct identity too.  “I gave in all I had,” he says. Vishal and Shekhar have made a brilliant song and Akon did an amazing job singing it.” The remix, he says, is intended for clubs and combines the sounds of Indian instruments like dholki along with electro.

Looking ahead, DJ Khushi is excited about some big-budget Bollywood movies he is currently working on. And following the success of “Chammak Challo”, he is also looking forward to collaborate with more international artists.

This highly successful Bollywood DJ has a few wise words as advice for others seeking to follow his path. “The way to success is dedication, consistency and patience. Be dedicated to your dream, be consistent with your work performance, and be patient for success to come to you at the right time. Even though DJing looks like fun (which it is), it still involves a lot of hard work and requires you to deliver your best,” he says.

By Saurabh Agarwal

Our body gets energy by making glucose (“sugar”) from our food.  To use this glucose, our body needs insulin, a hormone that helps our body to control the level of glucose in our blood. Diabetes is a disease in which our blood has high levels of circulating glucose.

An estimated 285 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes. This number is expected to hit 438 million by 2030. More than nine million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes.

By 2020, it is estimated that diabetes will cost the Canadian healthcare system $16.9 billion a year. Diabetes reduces the quality of life and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage, amputation and erectile dysfunction. There are three main types of diabetes – type 1, type 2, gestational. Life expectancy for people with type 1 diabetes may be shortened by as many as fifteen years. Life expectancy for people with type 2 diabetes may be shortened by five to ten years.

Gestational Diabetes

It is a temporary disease during pregnancy and affects about two to four percent of all pregnancies in the non-Aboriginal population.  There is an increased risk to the mother for developing type 2 diabetes in the future; at birth, the child will be at more risk for hypoglycemia (“low sugars”) and associated complications like seizures. Women who give birth to babies who weigh more than four kilograms are also at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.

Symptoms

People with diabetes may experience all or a few or none of the following symptoms, based on the stage of the disease:

(1)  Increased thirst and/or hunger

(2)  Frequent urination

(3)  Unusual weight gain or loss

(4)  Lack of energy

(5)  Changes in vision

(6)  Frequent infections

(7)  Slow healing of minor cuts and bruises

(8)  Tingling or numbness in the hands and/or feet

(9)  Erectile dysfunction

Prevention

Canadian clinical practice guidelines suggest screening for diabetes in people greater than or equal to forty years of age, every three years. However, any individual with risk factors or symptoms, as outlined above, should approach their physicians sooner.

Prevention is better than management.  However, people with diabetes can still have a quality life if they make a lifelong commitment to careful diabetes management, which includes the following:

• Education:

People with diabetes need to be informed about their condition.

• Physical Activity:

Regular physical activity helps to control blood glucose levels, achieve/maintain healthy weight, reduce stress and enhance overall fitness.

Both aerobic exercises (such as brisk walking, running, swimming, dancing) which improve circulation and resistance exercises (such as weight training), which increase muscle strength, are important.  The goal should be to get at least thirty minutes of exercise five times per week.

It is important to start slow and gradually build up to the goal.  Proper shoes are important. A Medical bracelet or necklace should be worn at all times.

It is important to monitor the blood glucose before, during and many hours after the activity to see how it affects the blood glucose.  In case hypoglycemia occurs, it is important to carry glucose tablets available over-the-counter.

• Nutrition:

Proper nutrition helps to regulate blood glucose levels.

• Medications as required.

• Blood Pressure: People with diabetes should try to maintain a blood pressure level at or below 130/80 with the help of physical activity, proper nutrition, and/or medications. The threshold for blood pressure is lower for people with diabetes complications.

• Regular visits to the dentist, eye care specialist, family doctor /endocrinologist (specialist) are important. This will help to be proactive regarding the risk of developing diabetes or of developing its complications.

• Stress Management: A positive state of mind is important; therefore, people should cultivate habits that help to deal with day-to-day stressors.

• It is important to address any feelings of depression or anxiety with the treating physician as these can affect diabetes control.

• Being part of peer-support groups (information available at the local Canadian Diabetes Association) is useful.
• Smoking cessation is important. The treating physician can prescribe medications for determined people who find it hard to quit on their own.

*For more information, go to CANADIAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION http://www.diabetes.ca/

Amitha  Mundenchira is a family physician.

Minister Moore, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Laureen Harper, Monica Virmani, Ajay Virmani (co-producer), Carolle Brabant, Michel Roy.

Prime Minister Harper, MPs, senators and other parliamentary dignitaries, attended a special screening of the feature film Breakaway in Ottawa.

The movie has made more than $550,000 at the box office.

“This bodes well for the film’s career,” says Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada. “This double triumph shows that Breakaway has all it takes to delight audiences, including a fantastic storyline that revolves around hockey—a passion of Canadians—as well as outstanding actors, among them the excellent Vinay Virmani, who co-wrote the movie and stars in the lead role.

Breakaway is a funny and touching film about cultural integration. It tells the eventful story of a young Sikh-Canadian man in Ontario, who, despite his strong belief in traditional family values, wants to become a hockey star. “This film is like our great country, it celebrates our differences as well as reflecting the Canadian immigrant story, in an entertaining way that is moving audiences all over the world. I truly believe this film only could have been in Canada. The way this country supports its arts and young filmmakers is truly remarkable,” says Vinay Virmani.

Breakaway is distributed in Canada by Alliance Films, and stars Vinay Virmani, Russell Peters, Anupam Kher, Gupreet Chuggi Singh, Sakina Jaffrey, Noureen Dewulf and Rob Lowe, with Camilla Belle. Cameos by Drake, Ludacris and Bollywood megastar Akshay Kumar.

Shahid Kapoor’s much awaited film Mausam written and directed by Pankaj Kapoor, entails a timeless story of star-crossed lovers, Harry an Air Force Officer and Aayat a Kashmiri refugee.

Harry and Aayat are both troubled by social, political and religious conflict. The movie was released on September 23^rd 2011 and was well received all over the globe.

Mausam’s box office collections on first day were over Rs. 90 million which is a decent opening for any film. The film encompasses all audience and is attracting good crowds at theatres.

The movie has got “thumbs-up” from viewers, despite the misconceptions amongst some critics. Komal Nahata, one of the leading critics in India quotes, “There’s a misconception in the industry that Mausam has cost Rs. 600 million to make, promote and release. The fact, however, is that the investment of Sheetal Talwar and Eros International in the film is not more than Rs.400 million. Given, this, the first day’s opening figures aren’t as bad as the trade is making it out to be”.

Furthermore, NDTV’s Saibal Chaterjee gave the film three out of five stars and said, ”ambitious film that seeks to blend the conventions of mass-oriented Mumbai entertainers with the style and substance of a more intimate and meaningful mode of storytelling.”

Mausam arrives with high expectations with high profile actors such as Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, written and directed by renowned actor Pankaj Kapoor who is considered a mastermind of acting with his performances in films such as Halla Bol and Maqbool.

Mausam is most definitely a must see film for this year is definitely a worthy investment.

By Saurabh Agarwal

Brampton

As the stars from across the globe fly down to arrive in Toronto, Vancouver’s own Sandy Sidhu gears up to launch Afternoon Tea. The film has been selected for this year’s Shorts Cut Canada Programme at the 36^th annual Toronto International Film Festival during September 8^th – 18^th, 2011. Afternoon Tea is among the 40 short films selected. The film has a running time of 13 minutes, was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, and stars the local actress along with other Vancouver talent.

“Afternoon Tea is a beautiful, sad, yet inspiring story that provokes self reflection.” says Sidhu.

Afternoon Tea is directed by Daljit Parmar (Bird Ad). Sidhu plays the role of Priya, in a film that is best described as a contemporary tale of generational and cultural differences with sensitivity and subtlety. Afternoon Tea follows an Indian grandfather, who has no family left and lives alone secluded from society. Unbeknownst to him, his life will change when a seemingly lost boy comes to his home asking to use his phone. He is unaware that this boy is not who he appears to be and holds a secret that will change him forever.

“Sandy brought true depth with a heart full of pain to her character.” says the director Parmar “She’s an exciting dynamic young actress, with wonderful sensitivity. She has a very long career ahead of her.”

“To be a part of projects that push boundaries, break stereotypes, and aim to evolve film as an art form is incredibly rewarding.” says Sidhu “I hope that I can create work that an audience will connect to. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Akshay Kumar with Liberal leader McGuinty on his 44th birthday

Akshay Kumar is in high demand among Canadian politicians. First, it was Prime Minister Harper who had photo-ops with him. Now it’s Liberals who are courting South Asian youth voters through Akshay.

Liberal leader Dalton McGuinty met with Ajay Virmani, Akshay Kumar and Victor Loewy, Chairman and CEO, Alliance Films, about the growing Ontario-India film partnership that’s creating thousands of jobs for Ontarians.

“Ontario’s diversity provides a unique opportunity to be part of the rapid, global growth of the Indian film industry,” said McGuinty. “We have two things going for us — highly educated workers who can make state-of-the-art movies and special effects, and a diverse population that helps us connect with cultures throughout the world.”

Ontario-based entrepreneur and producer Ajay Virmani and Indian super-star actor-producer Akshay Kumar partnered with Alliance Films to create the movie, Breakaway. Set in Brampton, it tells a cross-cultural story about hockey, family and tradition.

“Only in Ontario could you make a movie like this — not only do we love hockey, but our people live this story every day,” said McGuinty. “We’ve built a province where we celebrate different cultures, while also working together — all of us — to build a great quality of life.”

In 2010, the Ontario Liberal government provided approximately $290 million in tax credits to support Ontario’s film and television industry, helping to create and sustain 23,000 direct and indirect jobs. Supporting Ontario home-grown productions brings Ontario talent to the forefront — such as Breakaway lead actor Vinay Virmani — opening the door to new partnerships with India’s film industry, which has a market size projected to reach $4 billion by 2014.

“When we make movies with Indian filmmakers, it does much more than create jobs in the film industry. It profiles Ontario’s diversity in India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, helping to open doors for businesses that create jobs in many industries,” said McGuinty.

Only Ontario Liberals are committed to attracting foreign investment, strengthening cultural ties, and growing stronger, together with our trading partners.

The Breakaway Buzz Mela was held this past Sunday in Brampton. The event was held at Chinguacousy Park. The park was packed with fans. The line up of stars consisted of the cast of the upcoming film Breakaway. The movie will be released on September 30^th.  The cast  included, Vinay Virmani, Noureen Dewulf, Camilla Belle, Russell Peters, Rob Lowe, Ludacris, Anupum Kher and of course, Akshay Kumar. There were also live performances by Josh, RDB, Jassi Sidhu, Bohemia, H Dhami and Veronica.

After the introduction of the main cast, Akshay Kumar was the main focus of the stage. As he came up on stage the crowd went wild. He made the crowd laugh and dance. He told the crowd about his inspirations and his beliefs. He told them about his reasons for being who he is today. He said it was because of his parents.

Along with talking to the cast of Breakaway were many performances by famous singers from all around the world.

All these stars in one day! What a day it was indeed. So many stars out in Brampton, all for one reason, the new movie, Breakaway!

I attended the mela and was pretty shocked to see the crazy turnout! The amount of people that were there was crazy. The place was packed with screaming fans. As Akshay arrived the crowd just went wild. There was pushing and shoving, everyone wanted to get a glimpse of Akshay and get pictures of this famous Bollywood star. Akshay has made this movie a great success, even before its release!

Watch out for this star studded movie. Coming soon to a theatre near you! Make sure you go check it out!

By Aabida Dhanji

Mississauga

Photos by:

Saurabh Agarwal

Shiamak Davar International’s dance extravaganza Stars of Bollywood – tribute to the bollywood stars, through dance played out to an audience bursting at the seams last night. The show meant to be a one-night-only event was held at Markham Theatre. Thanks to popular demand; Stars of Bollywood will be back! This time around the show will be held at Brampton’s Rose Theatre on October 16, 2011.                                                     .

This large scale stage ensemble produced by Bollywood’s most respected and globally renowned dancer and choreographer, Shiamak Davar, promised to bring a unique cultural experience to audiences in the GTA… The animated audiences were proof that it delivered right on point.

“Stars of Bollywood is a vibrant, high energy show that brings out the best of Bollywood’s essence”. Says Davar “Shiamak’s dance company has performed this ensemble all over the world including India, China, UK and USA; for this particular performance, the Toronto team put in hours and sleepless nights practicing and the exuberant response by our audiences today paid off”, adds Mitul kadakia, Manager for Shiamak Davar International – Toronto.

With the overwhelming response and rush for tickets for last nights show in mind, SDI is pleased to announce that the show will be back this October. “We will bring back the magic on October 16, 2011” Cheered the enthusiastic performers. SDI promises that the show will come back with a bigger bang later this fall. New costumes, props and even more fan-fare are in store.

Nav Bhatia Entertianment presents Breakaway

Nav Bhatia Entertainment is presenting a movie called Breakaway. Breakaway is targeted to youth that are products of immigration families whether they are first generation Indians or whether they are Jewish. “It’s the film you can identify with,” said Pauline, the Co-Producer of Breakaway.

Breakaway’s story is a journey of a young Punjabi boy who is trying to find himself in the adopted land, keeping his ties with his culture and religion. At the same time he tries to fit into the society where he goes to school to and wants to play ice hockey. The movie also addresses the discrimination pagri wearing sardars face in the modern society in sports such as ice hockey. The team of sardars plays against “hammerheads,” [gori teams] to win the prestigious Mississauga Hyundai’s Cup.

The movie has “a very diverse caste” with Vinay Virmani, the local Brampton boy as a lead character. Russell Peters who needs no introduction is cast in the secondary lead role. Vinay is a Punjabi boy who is in love with ice hockey, a sport not totally understood by Desi community. Then there is , a gori girl friend that “Indian parents are so nervous about.” Vinay and his sardar team players compete with other ice hockey teams, perhaps winning Nav Bhatia cup at the end.

Breakaway’s script was shared with the Prime Minister’s office. At PMO’s the script was so well-taken the Prime Minister’s Office wanted to hand the Hyundai Cup to the winning team. Does the PM hand over the Cup? You’ll have to watch the movie to know.

The movie also addresses the deep rooted mindset that is dominant in the South Asian community where parents want a better life for their kids to the extent of having a cushy good paying job only. These parents don’t want their kids to be integrated into the society.

Pauline Dhillon, Co-Producer of Breakaway

Mindful of the fact, Pauline says “I think our parents and our generations prior to us came with a certain mindset. And they want a better life for their children but they don’t let them understand and experience the dynamics this country has to offer…Breakaway is a good reflection for parents and youth to find a happy medium.”

Grateful to the government’s support, Pauline said “they [all levels of governments] are extremely supportive of films like these.”

At an individual level, Pauline says when in Rome you have to do as Romans do. “Your culture and your values are something that are instilled into you by your family. I was born and raised in Canada, but I am Indian at heart and I’ll always be an Indian at heart. I am blessed to have both these experiences and both these worlds in my life,” she said.

As a female producer, she doesn’t believe there are any glass ceilings. “I had no problem. I do not believe that there are glass ceilings for women. Your hard work, your determination, your dedication” gets you success, she says.

In conversation with South Asian media, Pauline and Mr. Nav Bhatia of Mississauga Hyundai briefed the South Asian media about the storyline of Breakaway and how South Asian families of Canada can especially relate to the movie.

In entertainment business for over 14 years, Mr. Bhatia applauded the local South Asian media “as my team in Ontario,” that has been “the backbone of my success.” He is also credited for mainstreaming Bollywood in Canada.

Pauline is encouraged by the response the Alliance trailer has gotten so far – 125,000 hits “supersede any Holloywood” movie, she said.

The movie is premiering at Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) at a prime spot on Saturday September 10^th. It will be released in Canada on September 30^th. In India, the movie will be released on September 23^rd and is titled Speedy Singhs. The producers are also working on subtitles in Hinglish.

Mr. Bhatia said that he decided to present the movie because he believed in the story line and “had seen Vinay as a kid who had grown up in front of his eyes.”

RDB, Jassi Sidhu, ludicurous add other local touches to the movie that is exclusively filmed in Toronto in six weeks’ time. The producers had consulted with various gurdwaras to ensure that religious sensitivities are responded to. The movie producers had gone as far as to hire four Sikh pagrai experts who were at the set for six weeks to make sure that turban is done in the right manner.

Cast

Vinay Virmani as Rajveer Singh
Anupam Kher as Darvesh Singh
Camilla Belle as Melissa Winters
Gurpreet Guggi as Uncle Sammy
Russell Peters as Sonu
Noureen Dewulf as Reena
Sakina Jaffrey as Livleen Singh
Rob Lowe as Coach Dan Winters

Cameo Appearances: Akshay Kumar, Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham (Music Feature), Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges (Music Feature)
Writers
Noel Barker, Vinay Virmani, Jeffrey Schechter And Matt Simmons

Songs by
RDB, Jassi Sidhu, Rishi Rich Productions, DRAKE