Ashley Lobo is currently making waves as one of the three judges for the Indian reality dance talent show India’s Dancing Superstar on Star Plus. The Founder and Artistic Director of the The Danceworx Performing Arts Academy which has multiple locations in Delhi and Mumbai aims “create an awareness of dance everywhere in India” and has made giant strides in achieving his goal. Can-India talked to the much-in-demand choreographer about his latest venture, forthcoming projects and his rise to fame. Here are excerpts of the interview in his own words.

Why I decided to do India Dance Show?
For years people approached me to do reality shows but I always refused because I was too busy with Danceworx, my academy and choreography and I didn’t want to commit to anything new. We have 11 locations in Delhi and three in Mumbai which serve close to 5000 students. The reason I became a judge on this how was more to nurture Indian talent. We are trying to generate talent. In whatever I’ve done, I’ve always seen myself as a facilitator of dance. That is why my dance academy is called Danceworx and not Ashley Lobo academy. The reality show covers the gamut of styles and I am looking at widening the awareness of dance through this show. India is in its infancy as far as dancing goes. Dance is established in the West so we can’t compare the quality. On this show, so many of the dancers come from small towns and poor backgrounds so going for dance classes are out of the question. Thanks to Google, they have learnt dance off the internet, which is quite amazing. They’ve done so much with the limited resources available to them. There have been so many touching and heartwarming stories like this one boy who ran away from home in Bihar, studied dance in Delhi and came on IDS (India Dance Show) he was simply amazing, a natural dancer. On the show, I am the technician, Geeta Kapoor makes the emotional connection and Riteish Desmukh looks at the entertainment angle.

On choreography 
Over the years I have choreographed for many Bollywood films like “Dhoom 2″, “Rockstar”, “Jab We Met”, “Guzaarish”, “Rockstar” and “Cocktail”. Filmmakers come to me for my kind of work- international genre, the narrative based form. My strength is making the connection between emotion and translating it to music. I don’t do dance but screenplay as well. In the past three months I’ve signed on four films, one which I’m choreographing is for the movie “Bombay Velvet” produced by Anurag Kashyap’s starring Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma as onscreen lovers in the Mumbai of 1950s which will release later this year.

On Hindi
As a Catholic boy my Hindi was terrible, it got worse after living in Australia for ten years. When I opened Danceworx in Delhi, I could make myself understood and could communicate. Today too my Hindi isn’t great at all, but it didn’t matter to the producer who wanted me on the show because of my knowledge of dance rather than Hindi. But I have a confession-I have a Hindi tutor to help me improve my Hindi. I lived ten years in Sydney, Australia where I studied dance at the Bodenweiser Dance Centre and Sydney Dance Company. I visited Delhi on a vacation in 1994 and realized there were more and more television channels and there was potential for work. Delhi had no dance academy until I set up Danceworx in 1998. I would’ve done it in Mumbai but Shiamak Davar was already established there and I didn’t want to be in competition, he is a close friend. In Delhi I found there were lots of talented but untrained people.

On discipline and time management
I make a schedule for an entire year; I know exactly what I am doing at every hour for the next six months. I divide my time between films, my dance academy and my family. I block off three times in a year to go on family vacations. On a typical day I wake up at 7.30 and practice yoga till about 9.30, then leave for wherever I am scheduled to go. I am a certified yoga instructor and can teach in the UK and US. I got into yoga after a neck injury a couple of years ago, yoga can be applied with dance and I have included principles of yoga in my dance. I am usually home by 6 pm and spend a lot of time with my son and wife. I don’t party too much but I guess I will if it is work-related, otherwise I prefer spending time with a few close friends of mine.

Lisa Ray reveals the inspiration behind her new sari collection- The LisaRay4SatyaPaul limited line. A portion of proceeds from the sale of each sari goes to ‘Living with Cancer’, an organisation based in Delhi.

I have always been fascinated by stories. Most of my life- as far back as my memory goes- I have been drawn to story-telling in its various forms. From lying on the plush purple carpet of my childhood bedroom, reading anything I could lay my hands on to moving to India to enrich the narrative of my life, and then becoming an actress, celeb-model, spiritual seeker and blog writer during different phases, what has driven me is the variety ways to tell a story. Even my current television programme, ‘Top Chef Canada’ is  successful because the audience is engaged with the life stories of the chefs we feature. While I spent many years becoming different characters to share their lives on film, I also spent many years in the privileged world of many of India’s most renowned fashion designers, like Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahliani, Wendell Rodricks and Rohit Bal. Because of this, I found similarities in how they needed to express stories, just like an actor or director, only fabric and drape and colour was their medium. I loved listening to the inspiration behind each collection. One day, I thought, I will have the courage to express myself through a different canvas… When I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a rare blood cancer, in 2009 my entire life changed. From a care-free, nomadic existence, I had to move back to Canada and focus entirely on healing. Life was about living in the present moment, and less about the next project or travel plans. And slowly I started to explore my own personal story, and all the  adventures and choices which had brought me to where I was today. After years of becoming someone else in front of the camera, I started becoming curious about myself and about the qualities I would need to get through my cancer treatment, loss of hair, change of lifestyle and ultimately, living with an incurable condition. I could not have predicted that just three years later I would be preparing for a fantasy Wedding to my soulmate. I was feeling healthy, ecstastic, loved and…terrified. I believe life is about all shades of emotions co-existing and getting married was both the most exciting personal event of my life- and the scariest. Most change inspire complex reactions. I became a Satya Paul bride when Tami Esmail, who owns Satya Paul Canada, approached me with a custom designed SP sari so exquisite, and so ‘Me’, it felt like someone from the creative team must have invaded my dreams. It was subtly shaded- and perfect for the Napa Valley vineyard backdrop of our marriage and outdoor reception- and still had traditional touches like gota-patti work. It was a perfect expression of my global Indian sensibility. The pictures of my sari were so appreciated- I started thinking. So many people supported me through my cancer journey, why not share the joy I was experiencing after coming out of a challenging time. After all, my Wedding was not just a Wedding- it was a true celebration of life and a symbol of where positive thinking can take you. So I started working with the SP creative team in Delhi on an exclusive bridal line. First I was clear that we had to make my custom designed wedding sari available to more brides. Secondly, I am passionate about saris. They are the most exquisite ‘wearable art’. The contemporary fashion scene in India today is so exciting to myself because it’s all about mixing tradition with modern touches. Young designers like Gaurav Gupta and Masaba Gupta, are completely re-inventing the sari in a way that is fresh, modern and still respects the essence of this beautiful garment. If you think about it, those 9 yards are an excellent canvas to express oneself. Pallavi Das of SP and I were completely on the same page. I wanted to share the qualities I found in myself, which helped me overcome and led to celebration and zest for life. These are universal qualities every woman can relate to, but obviously the designs were a very personal expression of my feelings and life. From the ‘Hope’ sari, to ‘Faith’ to my favourite ‘Phoenix Rising’ we have come up with a ten piece collection which speaks to all the shades and emotions. Keeping in mind this is a bridal collection, I have not forgotten to include some pastel, feminine and dreamy pieces as well. However you will notice silver and gold finishes on these pieces which symbolises the blending of east and west- and what appears to be opposite comes together in a modern, harmonious way. So every element has been thought through. Ten percent from the sale of each sari will go to support Multiple Myeloma research in Canada. I don’t think of this as just supporting a charity, as much as an essential part of my ‘dharma’ which is to serve wherever possible and in unique ways. So you see, the LisaRay4SatyaPaul limited line is about the fact that the human spirit can overcome any obstacles. Fashion is about fun, beauty, feeling vibrant and alive and mixing those feelings with a message is my passion. As I have tried to do in my cinema and professional choices, I am sharing my values in the most enduring, gorgeous garment on the globe. These saris should stir your heart and make you feel beautiful, because we are blends of romantic and the realist. Celebrate both.

“The director wanted something very different and while searching for places, they found (Soha’s) Pataudi house apt for the scene,” said a source from the set.

Being directed by Faraz Haider and produced by AOPL Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., “War Chod Na Yaar” also features Sharman Joshi, Jaaved Jaffrey and Mukul Dev. The team has also shot in Bikaner and Delhi.

Soha was happy to wrap up the shoot in Delhi because the heat was taking a toll on her.

“I am anxious to show my talent. I love to choreograph and I want to show my dancing abilities on the show,” the choreographer-actor told. .

Pathak has been part of the second season of dance reality show “Dance India Dance”, in which he ended up being the second runner-up. .

His “Jhalak…” partner Lauren Gottlieb had participated in the third season of “So you Think You Can Dance” and Pathak is excited to be teamed up with her again. .

“We are on the same page (where participating in reality shows is concerned). She is the artist and my role is to choreograph. It is amazing to choreograph someone who is so talented. I can think out of the box and try new things,” he said..

Pathak feels that “Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa” will be very different from “Dance India Dance”. .

“There I had Remo D’Sopuza (choreographer-director) sir as a mentor. Here I have to select the song, edit it, decide props and then choreograph. So everything, which a choreographer wants will be delivered in ‘Jhalak…’,” he said..

Punit, who started his career as a dancer on DID, acted in “ABCD” and now choreographing for ‘Jhalak…’, says the going has been good for him so far. .

“It is going good so far. I am so blessed to be part of the industry where I am getting so much exposure,” he said.

“If ‘CSI’ is remade in India – the real thing, I want to be a part of it. I have studied criminal psychology,” Preity said in a statement.

The actress, who portrayed strong female characters in “Kya Kehna” and “Sangharsh”, shared her thoughts about increasing crimes against women on BIG CBS PRIME’s “Super Crime Sundays”.

This Sunday, a two-hour special of the show focuses on the increasing number of crimes committed against women through special episodes of the investigative show, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”.

Preity believes it is important for everyone to make an effort to spread out the message and stop the increasing violence.

“Every nine seconds, a woman becomes a victim of crime. This woman could be anyone – one’s mother, daughter or sister.

Because of this, it is critical to respect and protect every woman and bring an end to all crimes committed against them. I want to be involved in initiatives that will help in stopping crimes against women,” she said.

“I don’t see anything unethical about the movie. It is purely entertainment. We do not make any film to spoil the society,” Kapoor told media persons at a promotional event for YJHD here.

Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the movie is produced by Dharma Productions.

Ranbir, the grandson of the legendary Raj Kapoor, explained that though the movie is youth-oriented, it is not meant to influence youngsters in a negative way.

“It is not meant to spoil the youngsters, but it is fully entertaining and is meant for them. The story is about four youngsters, their journey in life, their ambition, their first love and their first heartbreak,” said the actor who is here Thursday to promote his film in the city’s educational institutes.

“Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”, releasing May 31, also stars Deepika Padukone, Kalki Koechlin and Sidharth Roy Kapoor.

My fans are my report card

For Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor, appreciation by his fans is like a barometer of his success.

The actor, who is gearing up for the release of his next “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”, explained that when “we are travelling or we go for some promotional events, we meet some people who really want to meet us, take a picture with us, take an autograph… I love doing it”.

“I am standing here because of them. If I go somewhere and no one asks for a photograph or an autograph, then I would feel very bad. Fans are like my report card. The more fans you have means you are doing well at your job,” the 31-year-old told reporters at an event.

Though the son of Neetu and Rishi Kapoor had an unimpressive start with “Saawariya” in 2007, Ranbir later carved a niche for himself with his performances in “Rocket Singh – Salesman Of The Year”, “Wake Up Sid”, “Raajneeti”, “Rockstar” and “Barfi!”.

The actress, who earned fame with “Vicky Donor”, will be seen in the second episode of “Star In Your City”, which features celebrities taking viewers to a tour into their hometowns.

Yami, 24, went for a boat ride at the famous Sukhna Lake, and candidly spoke about how her life changed after the success of her debut film. She even visited the theatre where she watched “Maine Pyaar Kiya” 20 times.

The actress also tried her hand at farming and rode a tractor for the first time. And while she was in the fields, she even gave the classic Mother India pose for shutterbugs. She even tried tying a turban.

Catch Yami reliving her memories on the UTV Stars’ show Sunday.

The veteran actor Vinod Khanna’s younger son Sakshi will soon be acting in a film

While two of veteran actor Vinod Khanna‘s sons joined the industry years ago, sources say Vinod’s third son Sakshi is all set to make his B-Town debut. According to sources Milan Luthria will be launching the Khanna scion in a romantic film produced by him.

Our source says, `Ever since the word has spread that Khanna’s youngest son Sakshi is open to making his acting debut, many bigwigs of the industry have tried to rope him in for their projects.

In fact Mukesh Bhatt had also approached him for Aashiqui 2, but for some reason it did not work out. Milan, who shares a great relationship with the Khannas was impressed by Sakshi while he was assisting him on the sets of Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai 2.`

The film is said to go on the floors by August-end and Milan is believed to be quite kicked about it. `A new girl too is being launched with the film.

Also, Milan will finally start his production house with the film and a major announcement is on the cards.` Milan, however, refused to comment. Khanna’s older sons, Akshaye and Rahul have not been able to really make it big in Bollywood. Now it’s Sakshi’s turn to prove his mettle.

Sakshi’s run-in with the law

Sakshi was in the news a couple of years ago when his name cropped up in a raided rave party case. Cops had pounced on a rave party in Khalapur outside Mumbai and confirmed that Sakshi was one of the 300 youngsters detained at the event.

“I am looking to stretch myself. To come across the world and take projects in different languages is a big challenge. I want to make sure that I am growing. I have been in India for five months and it has taught me so much. Project-wise, I want to take something which stretches me. I would love to be the Angelina Jolie of India,” Lauren told.

In terms of projects, if she is looking for action-based films, she also hopes to work with Hindi film superstar Salman.

“I would want to be with Salman Khan. He is like the Tom cruise of India… I am waiting to see what happens,” she said.

Meanwhile, she has put her dancing shoes on to participate in “Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa” and said that reality shows provide a great platform for artists like her.

“‘Jhalak…’ came at a perfect time. I am excited to see where this goes. I saw how ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ pushed my career and got Bollywood looking at me. I know what this platform (reality shows) can do for you,” she said.

The actress revealed that “I have got a couple of offers for films, but I can’t speak about it now”.

Cops says many people want to meet the tainted Rajasthan Royals pacer, get pics clicked with him

Tainted India & Rajasthan Royals pacer still has many fans in custody, claims interrogator in spot fixing case

India and Rajasthan Royals‘ cricketer S Sreesanth, who in police custody since a week for his alleged role in spot fixing, is a still a star in custody.

`Many people here want to have their picture taken with Sreesanth and are clamouring to talk to him. Even outsiders who come to our special cell keep requesting us to introduce them to the cricketer,` Inspector Lalit Mohan Negi, one of the interrogators in the case told.

While Sreesanth’s career has never been short of controversy, the current phase must rank as his toughest. However, the cricketer has been unusually composed, according to Negi.

`Sreesanth has been cooperating with us. His demeanour has been very calm and composed like others. However, the first two- three days were very difficult for the three cricketers, especially Sreesanth, because they have never faced such adversity.

`With the facts stacked up against the (three) cricketers, they know they are not in a position to deny the allegations,` added Negi, an encounter specialist.

Trio not in a cell

He also revealed that, at the moment, the players were staying in officer accommodation and were using all their facilities.

`Keeping them in a cell here was not possible as it is very small. Work is underway to enlarge it. At the moment, we are keeping them in rooms that our fellow officers use to sleep.

These have coolers and a fan,` said Negi, who was a part of the investigation team which probed the Parliament attack case.

`The trio are also given newspapers daily. If somebody wants to read newspapers, we can’t deny them this as they have some rights and they (the trio) are making full use of it,` added Negi, who has cracked criminal and terrorism cases in the past.