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Friends
& Lovers
Write
to Renee Animation
the next BIG industry!
Film
& FASHION Hard break
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Seafood crazy no longer have to pine for crabs, lobsters, prawns and more for Chettinad and Manglorian cuisine are here in full glory, reports Gayatri Rajwade Spiced Mughlai, zesty Chinese, peppery Chettinad and piquant Mangalorian seafood overwhelms with the aromas and selections to savour! The entrance is marked by crusty crabs sitting placidly on a mound of stones in a glass enclosure! In a soothingly spry ambience (think niches suffused with orange glow!), warm wood panelled pillars, dark beams, glassed serrations and funky ritzy lamps with cane and wooden chairs on white floor tiles enhance the spacious and airy feel. Seating 160 people, inside and outside—in the warmly drenched covered courtyard—the place is befitting for the long hearty meal that one is going to embark on! The ‘shuruwat’ (beginning) is a zesty jeera pani or a fresh, chilled delicious butter milk (Rs. 35) or then the uncommon Sol Kadi (Rs. 55) made from freshly procured kokum! Coconut gravy The Chettinad specials—the Urlai Rost (a sharp potato delicacy), the pepper chicken, prawns, rawas surmai ,mutton or Chicken Hyderabadi accompanied by the softest neer dosas or the moist fluffy excellent appams (Rs. 25) or then the delicious malabari parantha (Rs. 35) all make for an excellent meal. Not to be left out are the city staples—the tandoori salvers—crabs and lobsters, prawns and pomfret (sea-food being the divine inclusion!) along with the tandoori murgh, malai tikka, achari murgh tikka (Rs. 175) and the Pesawari Barrah Kabab (Rs. 185) make for a delectable feast. Even the ‘shakahari’ fare—the achari paneer tikka (Rs. 120), tandoori khumb (mushrooms) dazzles with its assortment. Handi cuisine This along with the usual handi cuisine—murgh makhani, machli masala (Rs. 245), kadai paneer (Rs. 125), kesari malai kofta, jeera aloo banarsi (Rs. 105) and the special Dal Gharwali, a combination of four lentils, simmered till it piques your taste-buds. A string of delicious appetisers—crispy vegetables, deliciously crunchy, drums of heaven (marinated spicy chicken sticks), golden fried prawns (Rs. 350), steamed wantons—a medley of soups, lamb, chicken vegetable, noodles and rice and the Swagath Chinese specialties Mandarin Fish or Honey Lemon Fish (Rs. 375) make for a delectable array. Moving from Delhi where it won the Times Food Award in the category of Best Coastal Restaurant for the 2004, the menu and the care and attention intact, young proprietor Manish Goel is enthusiastic about his venture in the city! “We are trying to ensure that we are the best at whatever we serve; everything can be customised; we can even do a Goan Fish Curry if you so desire!” All this with a well-stocked brightly lit bar, with an interesting selection of wines along with the ubiquitous alcoholic drinks, “for wines are the perfect accompaniment to the stimulating food we serve,” believes Manish. The aim is to please, to make sure that everyone goes back happy! But what makes a place like this tick? “Patience, lots of it” smiles Manish. He has reason to believe this; after all, he has brought seafood to the city known for its butter chicken and made a success of it too!
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I love you too much to ever start liking you, so do not expect me to be your friend. It was Lobo in the seventies. His songs are still sought after, but his sentiment has lost fervour with the young. ‘If you can be lovers, you can be friends’ is the attitude that rules today. Reema and Raj (names changed) met in college and their friendship soon blossomed into love. As they sailed through the university together, it was taken for granted that their relationship would culminate in marriage. But it was not meant to be. Reema got married and settled abroad. But her commitment to her husband or the distance between them did not stop her from carrying on her friendship with Raj. They communicated through e-mail or over the phone. The love had gone, but friendship remained. Sudhir and Joy were going on as a couple for a long time till Sudhir’s best friend Kuldeep stepped into the picture. Joy’s affection shifted towards Kuldeep and two finally got engaged. But three of them remained friends. Is it an overdose of the “Bold and the Beautiful”? Maybe. Or maybe, it’s just that our young adults today see things with a wider angle. “I call it being truthful to oneself. People change and so do emotions. Maybe today I can relate to someone and fall in love with him, but I may grow up to be a different person tomorrow and then things would be different. There is no point hanging on to something, which isn’t there any more “ says Azalea Liberty Singh. “With horizons getting wider and wider, people are living through phase to phase. If a couple does not evolve together, it is hard to get through a relationship,” she explains. But is the dimension of relationship too undergoing a change? “Certainly,” says this young designer. “Earlier relationship evolved around just love, but today’s generation wants friendship too. So even when the chemistry fizzles out, the bond of friendship remains, she adds. She is right. Renee, a city-based counselor, agrees with her. “Today youngsters look at relationships with a lot more maturity. Earlier it was either love or nothing. So when relationships fell apart, there was nothing to bind them together. But now a relationship starts with friendship and gradually it grows into something more meaningful.” Maybe, our society is still not permissive enough to encourage this trend, but you do not have to look the other way once you fall out with your partner. Isn’t there some old saying like ex-lovers making good friends? |
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Wither Punjabi Culture? Gone are the days when one could sit glued to a TV set for hours and watch a surfeit of programmes in the company of his or her kids or an elderly kin. You can’t now replay the act as almost all TV channels are blatantly indulging in selling vulgarity. Tune in any channel at random and you are face-to-face with twirling teen queens in their skimpies, all set to set ablaze the small screen. Helpless, one is left to sulk in silence. Spearheading the mad race to sell vulgarity on the air, Punjabi channels have thrown all parameters of decency to winds with a sole motive of spinning money. Earlier, Punjabi channels would devote a whale of a time to depict Punjab, the land of five rivers, in its true colours. One would love to watch their own channels depicting docile Punjabi damsels donning dazzling salwar-kameez ensembles, their multi-hued ‘dupattas’ fluttering aloft and crooning a vibrant ‘Jaago’ number at the break of dawn. Special slots announcing the advent of harvesting season would be a wonderful visual treat. Now the racy, raunchy, rock-on-roll numbers rule the roost on these channels. In the olden times, only those whom Ma Saraswati had gifted with a ‘golden’ voice would opt to pursue a career in singing. His or her singing prowess could be judged, as he or she would create a surreal rural metaphor through the theme lyrical melodies that they would render in their well-modulated voice. Today, TV channels in league with the music-composers and unscrupulous music companies offer safe launching pad for a greenhorn, whom they fleece at will. The new breed of singers has stormed the Punjabi folk-singing scene that once spread the fragrance of divine music of the bygone era. Even newest amongst the brood could be seen gyrating along with the semi-nude nymphets thrown in as bait to nail the voyeuristic audience. Another core factor that has significantly contributed to the spread of deadly virus of vulgarity is the dominant NRI factor. A sizeable chunk of these ‘hot’ videos are shot on the alien lands and the footage conceptualized by the ‘hawks’ has its bearings on the home turf luring the local lads to follow suit. Mr Shamsher Singh Sandhu, a noted lyricist, holds the entire society responsible for the vertical decadence of the moral values that every proud Punjabi once bragged about. “Video albums sell because there is a demand for steamy stuff. Soulful music, melody and music were the lifeline of a lyrical composition of the days gone by. Music nowadays is scored and lyrics are composed to offer a safe platter for exposure to ‘jism’ (body). Does our morality allow the baring of bodies under the garb of ‘fashion shows? Why put the sole blame on the video culture? Why not the print media or, for that matter, the frequently-held fashion shows?” |
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Write to Renee Renee has an array of degrees to add to her experience of dealing with peoples’ problems. Her canvas has been wide, as apart from qualifying as an astrologer and a Gemmology expert, she has run an international business successfully for years. Being a psychotherapist has been major passion and having people for large corporates has been one of her stints. So, rush in your queries to Renee at lifestyle@tribunemail.com or care of Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29-C, Chandigarh-160030 I read your articles on various problems faced by different age groups and really appreciate your good work. I am a 24-year-young student. I am very reserved by nature and also very shy. I have never been physically involved with anyone, nor have I been out with any girl. This is killing me. The moment I see a girl, I get all sorts of ideas in my head that are totally incoherent. I feel very ashamed of myself. Impure thoughts come to my mind because I do not have a girlfriend. This is driving me crazy. Should I just keep pondering over this or actually do something about it. —
Rohit Sharma, Ambala City I can quite understand your plight and believe me, you are not the only one suffering from this ailment. There are plenty of youngsters in our country facing similar problems but they don’t have the courage to accept it. Be gentle with yourself and don’t criticise yourself. The problem lies in our cultural environment and not only you. After all, you are a product of all that is around you and the feedback you’ve got from your parents, peer group and teachers etc. Also, traits such as being reserved or shy are inherent traits which you can learn to work upon. Try stepping out of your inner world and learn to mix around in a group of boys and girls. As you open up and make friends, you’ll definitely find someone who understands you and wants to be with you. No girl wants an aggressive man but every girl would love to be with an understanding one!
I’m writing on behalf of a friend who is very confused. For many years, she was in love with a boy and it was a platonic relationship. They went on their own ways but as fate would have it, they met again. Now, she feels hopelessly in love with him and he’s now started insisting on a physical relationship, while she feels she’s not yet prepared for it. Please guide her. —
Kavita, Sector 27, Chandigarh My dear girl, you’ve already answered your question. If your friend does not want a physical relationship with this bay, she should clearly discuss this with him. There’s no point being shy about these issues. But post discussion, if he still insists on his point, she must definitely leave. Remember, we are never happy living other peoples lives for them. Each one of us has his or her own unique identity with our own set of values and principles. It is very important to be true to ourselves. Moreover, if he truly loves her, he’ll come to her despite differing view points. So, just throw the dice and wait for the answer. It will come.
I’m an M.Sc in Computer Science and working in a Marketing Research company. But whenever I talk with my boss, I loose all my confidence. Even my English, which is otherwise very good, seems to go all wrong in front of my boss. Why is this happening and how can I build my confidence? —
Prabhjot Singh, Chandigarh Prabhjot, everyone goes through this phase of feeling nervous in front of the boss initially. Its because as children, our minds are conditioned to be scared of our parents and teachers. Firstly, you must have a thorough understanding of everything related to your job. If you know your facts well, your confidence will naturally remain strong. Also, as an exercise, stand in front of the mirror and talk to your image for five minutes daily as if you were talking to your boss. You will slowly shed your natural inhibitions and come out as a more resilient and confident young man. |
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Animation the next BIG industry! Well, the industry of animations has made a mark for itself amongst the Indian audiences by making Hanuman which indeed was not only appreciated by the kids but also the adults. There were few moms and dads who had reasons, kids, to come for the movie but our Chandigarh theatres did see a lot of adults to have specially come for this animation show. They believe it’s an interesting way of learning about Hindu mythology. Animations, as we all know, came with Mickey Mouse who was given to us by the king of animation Walt Disney. He also made the first cartoon movie which was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937 , followed by his classics, Pinnochio, Dumbo, Cinderella, which I believe, gave rise to our taste buds for animations and the more recent Star Wars, Shrek and Chicken Run have successfully cultivated those buds. This technology which so enthralls us is not only limited to cartoon films but is also used extensively in news channels, advertising and entertainment industry. We can also notice animation being used vicariously in music videos. Who can forget the ‘famous infamous’ number of Negar Khan ( who plans to make a come back …not in movies…in India first!), “Chal hutt”. This was one song where we could view weird animated characters popping out and around Negar Khan. The popularity of animations in Indian context can be easily measured after watching the Hindi version of The Incredibles where we get to listen to the one and only awesome King Khan’s voice and also that of Jr. Khan’s, Aryan’s, his son. This convergence of animations plus Bollywood is proof enough of the vast scope that this new medium has for itself. 3D animation became a rage in America in the early 1950’s although its still a new phenomenon in India. According to an independent trade survey, the Indian animation industry is expected to grow at 30 percent annually in the next couple of years. India is proving to be a place better for the US based production companies to outsource their work to, giving its other Asian counterparts a little competition. Lets hope even our Indian industry can make something as funny as Madagascar or even better. The ball is certainly in the Indian film makers’ court. The trend is on, the producers are more than willing, the tickets are sold, audience is seated, lights are shut, popcorn is ready, mobiles switched off, the screen blank. Animation makers, are you listening? —
Tahira Kashyap |
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Film
& FASHION It may be recalled that Raveena Tandon had earlier filed a suit in Bombay High Court alleging that her wedding photographs and images were unauthorisedly used by People Interactive India Private Limited on its website ‘Shaadi.com’ in an attempt to promote their matrimonial services. She had also alleged that the portal claimed that she met her husband over the said website. People Interactive also denied that ‘Shaadi.com’ had ever made a claim that Raveena Tandon met her husband over their website. In fact, the High Court observed that the interview which has been carried by ShaadiTimes clearly states that it was ‘’destiny’’ which made them meet and it was a ‘’work-oriented meeting’’ which made them meet. Her allegation therefore that Shaadi.com was responsible for her meeting her husband is shocking, it said.
— UNI Paris Hilton wants lots of kids! Socialite Paris Hilton may have broken up from Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis, but that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about having lots of kids. The hotel heiress, who is now reported to be dating another Greek shipping billionaire Stavros Niarchos III, recently revealed that she wants lots of children. “I keep imagining that I’ll have a boy first and then a girl. And then I don’t know,” The Sun quoted Hilton as telling America’s OK magazine. Hilton got engaged to fiance Latsis in May this year. But the two ended their engagement in August, saying that they were too young to get married. Ironically, Hilton’s latest beau Niarchos is just 19-year-old, and is even richer than Latsis.
— ANI Jolie to confess her love for Pitt on TV! It seems that Hollywood beauty Angelina Jolie is finally ready to come out in the open about her relationship with Brad Pitt. The actress is said to be so fed-up with the rumours and gossip surrounding their romance, she wants to set the record straight. “Angelina has told Brad it is time they came clean about their relationship on TV. She’s just looking for the right show to set the record straight,” a source was quoted in Britain’s Daily Star newspaper as saying. Earlier this week it was revealed Brad is desperate for Angelina to reunite with her estranged father - so he can walk her down the aisle when they marry. The heartthrob actor is a true family man and wants to end the feud between his girlfriend and her father, actor Jon Voight. Angelina has not spoken to her dad since he accused her of having “mental problems” shortly after her split from Billy Bob Thornton in 2002. Brad reportedly now wants Angelina to put the past behind them so they can concentrate on being a real family, according to America’s Life and Style magazine.
— ANI Saif has a ball at Marrakech festival “It is pretty awesome,” says Saif, getting his first whiff of festival adulation at Marrakech. “Yash Chopra and I are the only representatives from Bollywood. I’m representing Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta for ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’,” Saif said. “It’s quite an honour to have dinner with Martin Scorsese. I haven’t really been part of the festival circuit. First the National award back home, now this...I feel extremely proud and Indian wearing all the achkans, sherwanis and kurtas. It feels...cool!” Saif has been on an extended vacation for the last three weeks. Dividing his time between his ladylove Rosa’s family in Zurich and his own parents in London, he’s all charged and ready to come back to India.
— IANS |
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Life is all about loving, losing and learning. Young Manmeet Kaur Sodhi speaks from the heart “Come out of it” was something I ordered myself each day, only to find out that it was an unachievable task. Days and months passed and my world shrank unimaginably. I had stopped making friends and getting involved in any relationship that demanded emotional inputs from my side. There was fear of history repeating itself. I knew well that I wasn’t accepting reality, but how could I? After a close companionship of five years, I couldn’t imagine living a life all by myself. I lived on the tomb of the memories of my lost love. Slowly, time went by and I realised that I was not the only one who had been through such a phase in life. Millions lived each day in the agony of being jilted. Life did become meaningless and commitments did sound shallow… but for how long? Time is indeed the best healer and one has every right to live one’s life one’s own way. Life appears beautiful, there’s spring everywhere. And then love falls and fades away like autumn leaves. Yet, the fear of losing people must not stop you from developing and nurturing new relationships. |
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Health and Fitness It is very important to eat balanced food. If we carefully balance the amount and type of food that we eat, our body will function smoothly and work
efficiently. So folks, go ahead and grab all those green veggies, fruits, nuts and carbohydrates and take a step towards good health. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali. |
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Seafood crazy no longer have to
pine for crabs, lobsters, prawns and more for Chettinad and Manglorian
cuisine are here in full glory, reports Gayatri
Rajwade
It is a fiesta to please your palate; a sprinkling of tang, a sparkle of flavour; a delicious reverie of food! As the city’s taste buds yearn for ‘something more’—three month old ‘Swagath’, on Madhya Marg, Sector 26, a multi-cuisine eatery, delights with a wide array of delectable eats and a startlingly generous menu! 
This sets the tone, in this dappled abundance of food, for the top-notch South Indian Chettinad and Mangalorian fare! Delicacies that melt in the mouth! Prawns Koliwada, surmai, butter pepper garlic crab or lobsters, even paneer butter pepper garlic for the vegetarians is simply the tip of the iceberg! Fish marinated in Mangalorian spices, cooked in tamarind red chilly paste or the Bombay Duck (Bombil) (Rs. 150), the Fish Gassi cooked in an authentic coconut gravy or cooked in green masala (Rs. 165) are just some of the servings, all sea-food being brought in fresh daily! 
Love waning does not mean the end of a relationship these days. Ex-lovers make good friends, says
Parbina Rashid
Kareena Kapoor, Kajol, Abhishek Bacchan, Shrek, Ayesha Takia, Zayed Khan, Nemo, Amitabh Bacchan, Lion King, Hrithik Roshan, Hanuman—hey, hang on. I know what everyone must be wondering about. How come these animated characters figure in our list of favourites? But that’s the latest adored thing by the people. Yes ‘after’ Amitabh people do like Hanuman, ‘after’ Kareena people do like Snow White and with this strong emerging trend, the day is not far when this ‘after’ becomes ‘before’, that is to say, before our Bollywood heroes, people would prefer our animation heroes.
People Interactive India Private Ltd, owner of ‘Shaadi.com’ and ‘ShaadiTimes’, has filed a criminal complaint against film star Raveena Tandon Thadani for making defamatory remarks in the media about the portal.
Adulation by fans in Morocco, a dinner with Martin Scorsese and the best of ethnic Indian clothes— could Saif Ali Khan have asked for more!
I was just 18 when I fell in love. The entire world seemed beautiful, loving and special. We talked for hours over the telephone and told each other the minutest detail of our lives. We met, and parted to meet again. He, an army officer was posted in the field.. Love blossomed and every letter we wrote was a rosy proof of that. But nothing in life stays constant. He left me for another woman one day. I thought I could neither forgive nor forget him.
ARIES : Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. Give a thought to travel plans. You won't impress anyone by being over-generous. Lucky number: 12 Lucky colour: Blue. 
LIBRA : Frequent changes in mood are likely. At the same time, you have more phone calls and correspondence than usual to cope with at the moment. Lucky number: 16 Lucky colour: Earthy brown. 
TAURUS : Love ties grow stronger and hotter! Children may be annoyed if they feel restricted. You will have excellent ideas for changing or renovating your home. Lucky number:17 Lucky colour: Golden. 
SCORPIO :
You will be able to spot and correct mistakes on important projects. Your love life will be good and spending time socialising will help you relax. Lucky number: 5. Lucky colour: Golden yellow.
GEMINI : Some information that you will accidently discover can give you sorrow. You can have a romantic adventure if you take time to get to know your mate all over again. Lucky number: 1 Lucky colour: Pink 
SAGITTARIUS : You could be in a restless and irritable mood and loved ones may bear the brunt of your temper. Monetary gains are indicated. Focus on diet and exercise. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: White. 
CANCER : You need some help today. Try to get away with your mate. Changes in your home are apparent. You must be willing to bend if you don't want to find yourself alone. Lucky number: 15 Lucky colour: Purple. 
CAPRICORN : There could be lots of activity at work and this may lead to additional job responsibilities or new assignments that will help enhance your career prospects. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Pink. 
LEO : The biggest plans require attention to the tiniest details to turn them into reality. You are most effective now by dealing with the little things, even if their triviality annoys you. Lucky number: 3 Lucky colour: Red. 
AQUARIUS : A new approach to an old problem can lead to the ultimate solution. Networking is more your style than team playing, since you want your corner to yourself. Lucky number: 18. Lucky colour: Ebony 
VIRGO : Your card today is the "Five of Pentacles". So friends could get on your nerves today. Mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Lucky number: 16 Lucky colour: Chocolate brown. 
PISCES: Time to compete for a position of power. A feeling of dissatisfaction lingers throughout the day. Your health is buoyant making it possible for you to work hard. Lucky number: 1. Lucky colour: Orange.