Fool your Friends Caller tones, funny cards, jack in the box and so many other surprise gifts are lining the aisles for making April the funniest month, says Saurabh Malik after taking a round of the arcades Caller tones are ringing in All Fools’ Day, astutely. Just subscribe to the service and make a fool out of your friends, this time without even picking up the phone. Instead of the boring tring-tring, your pals will hear the chirpy voice of an enthusiastic damsel asking them to speak louder. Ignoring their shouts and screams, the voice will ask them to step out in the open for clarity’s sake. Just as their knuckles turn white with holding the phone a bit too tight, she will blow up the entire thing. In a whisper, the voice will tell the callers that the message is per-recorded just to make an intelligent fool out of them. Panjab University Law student Chetan Kumar has already made so many of his friends feel unintelligent. You too can bamboozle your chums by contacting your mobile operator. FUNFARE: Props for the big day. Photo: Manoj Mahajan

Shiyamak’s shishyas
Back from dancing at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, these city youths tell Gayatri Rajwade that they would just love to dance when given a chance
Awesome is the most striking word they can come up with after all they forgot to breathe for three whole seconds at the time!

Let your emotional body bloom
The emotional body plays an important role in the evolution of the human soul. People entrenched in misery, past grief, emotional trauma have to rid themselves of these feelings to be able to flower within. Bhakti yoga is a practice to work at the manomaya kosh – the emotional body.

THE VERSATILE PALM
As India is blessed with one of the longest coastlines possible and a huge desert area, most of us have had the privilege to witness the dramatic, swaying silhouettes of palms. Besides being home to a numerous variety, our country offers tolerable weather for these exotic plants. It is one of the most adaptable, hardy acquisitions available for indoor or out door spaces.

The magic breed
I’d like to think I made a difference,” says Gulab Singh Grewal, founder of Walgre Kennel, an icon in the dog breeding world and more importantly a dog lover to the core of his heart. And there cannot be a bigger understatement. Grewal’s influence on the dog-breeding segment is profound.

COOL STUFF
Spray your tan away
To protect you from getting tanned this season, Lotus Herbals has launched the Intensive Sunbock Spray SPF-50, UVA Index-16 under its Safe Sun sub-brand. A first of its kind in India, the easy to use fine mist spray offers convenient and quick protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, providing a fresh and clean look.

Wedded to glamour
Mumbai’s Aarti Thakur is the latest to join the glamour world. Yes she was recently crowned ‘’NOMARKS Mrs India World 2006” in Mumbai. She will represent India in the Mrs World 2006 to be held at St Petersburg, Russia, on April 23 where women from over 50 countries will vie for the coveted title.

Root cause Romanchave—we are the sons of Rama. This is the uniqueness of every Roma, the root for their search for a lost identity. They were impressed with the vastness of India, the green fields, the warm people among whom they saw their brothers, their own children. After all they were coming home. For Bajram Haliti, Jovan Damjanovic and his wife Vera—Roma people from Serbia—here to attend the Writers Festival at Kurukshetra held between March 21 and 24 hosted by India Intercontinental Cultural Association, Chandigarh—India has been emotionally moving. IN SERACH: The group from Serbia serach for their roots in the city. Photo: Parvesh Chauhan

Spring in his steps
Lights, camera, action! As the spotlight floods on him, he sort of gets feverish by its overwhelming power. And this sets him breathlessly rocking. He swishes and swirls, twists and twirls— until every single person sitting in the audience falls madly in love with him.

FILM & FASHION
Mick Jagger to stick to rock
Fans of veteran British rocker Sir Mick Jagger may rest assured that even though his 18th century ancestor was a classical composer, he will not be turning his back on rock music. Rock critic Andy Gill, said Sir Mick was going to stick to the kind of music he knows best.

Fast food
You do not have to stand in front of the blue flame in the kitchen of your house for preparing Navrata-special food. For, restaurants and eating joints across the city are offering scrumptious “fast” food in a platter, says Saurabh Malik
Chicken is out of the special menu in so many restaurants and fast food joints across the city. Even Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is not depending upon cock-a-doodle-do for adding flavour to its list of choices these days. Courtesy Navratras, the joint — along with scores of other fast food haunts — is offering unique vegetarian dishes on a platter for the “fasting” residents, religiously and scrumptiously. Really folks, all you have to do is to hop on your jaunty jalopy and drive down the road meandering its way through the hustle and bustle of daily existence to gourmets’ delight.

Return of the desi dhaba People from ‘fine’ families in the city are no longer shuddering at the thought of actually going and eating in a dhaba, says Anandita Gupta No squeaky-clean pathways, no swanky ambience to appease your aesthetic sense and no huge glass swivel doors to lead you inside. No spacious-lounge- feel for you to laze around and no panoramic view outside either. And no attentive maitre d’ to greet you. What greets you here, instead, is a small boy in a vest and shorts, who comes and slaps water on to the rickety table. You already know the menu of the day (think heavily stuffed paronthas, a glassful of frothy lassi, dollops of butter and lush green chillies), but ask anyway – for the sheer pleasure of listening to it, plus there’s lots of time to kill. BROTHERS IN ARMS: The force behind the Swaran da Dhaba. — Photo by Parvesh Chauhan

Godly food
Cornflake pudding and Idpizza are some of the new-fangled entrants on the vegetarian menu, says Gayatri Rajwade
A ‘Godly Invitation’ to sup with the Supreme Being while simultaneously “bringing out the woman in you” was an offer hard to resist! So, off we went to be part of a program on women and family organised by the Women’s Wing of the Rajyog Education and Research Foundation and Brahma Kumaris at Manimajra, with an “added attraction”.

Fool your Friends

Caller tones, funny cards, jack in the box and so many other surprise gifts are lining the aisles for making April the funniest month, says Saurabh Malik after taking a round of the arcades

Caller tones are ringing in All Fools’ Day, astutely. Just subscribe to the service and make a fool out of your friends, this time without even picking up the phone. Instead of the boring tring-tring, your pals will hear the chirpy voice of an enthusiastic damsel asking them to speak louder.

Ignoring their shouts and screams, the voice will ask them to step out in the open for clarity’s sake. Just as their knuckles turn white with holding the phone a bit too tight, she will blow up the entire thing. In a whisper, the voice will tell the callers that the message is per-recorded just to make an intelligent fool out of them.

Panjab University Law student Chetan Kumar has already made so many of his friends feel unintelligent. You too can bamboozle your chums by contacting your mobile operator. Or else, you can forward those foolishly bright messages to your friends. One of them reads: “This is magic. Press down 12 times and you will become cute.” After you hit the backlit keys 12 times with tired fingers, the message says: “Remember I am the first one to fool you.”

So stupid!

In case the idea of forwarding foolish messages sounds stupid to you even on All Fools Day, do not worry. You can handover cards specially designed to send your friend on a fool’s errand. There is a card that says on the cover: “I see many surprises for you”. Open it up and find the word “surprise” scribbled at least 20 times all over the page.

Then there are hoards of other stuff you can pick up to take your pals for a ride without even pulling the car out of the garage. Go in for nice scrumptious looking burgers with cabbage and mayonnaise spilling out of it. As you pick up the stuff, the upper portion pops up to reveal a menacing spider.

The burger is obviously more expensive than the real one. In fact, you will have to pull out something like Rs 175 for taking home the stuff available across the counter in card and gift shops all over the city. But then instead of your gal humbugging you by eating your burger and going out with someone else, you will con her with the synthetic stuff.

Good bargain

If your idea of All Fools’ Day is to scare the wits out of your friends, go in for the harmless-looking ghost. As you touch it, the phantom’s glaring red eyes stare back at you. Dangling with a thread, it floats up and down in the air before letting out sinister laughter.

You can also drop a bombshell by gifting your girl rosebuds that bloom into surprise. Concealed amidst cheerful red petals is under linen. To a discerning ear, it may sound in poor taste. After all decent guys do not present undergarments kept under wraps in red flowers. Neither on St Valentines’ Day, nor on April 1. But the craze for the innermost secret is popping up like never before.

Costing just about Rs 120, the cute little flowers with small clothes bundled inside are finding their place in the markets, and the hearts of so many guys, after being ferried from China and other alien lands via Mumbai.

Easy trap

If you wish to practice on your friends’ credulity without pulling out hard currency notes from your wallet, devise your own pranks. Go to Sector 17 and offer the secret of becoming a multi-millionaire to the passersby for just Rs 5. After accepting the dough, ask the payer to do the same thing.

Or else, hide behind a pillar and pull the thread glued to Rs 100 currency note just as someone tries to pick it up. Super glue coins on to a sidewalk. This works best on a rather worn out sidewalk.

You can also raise suspicion by staring at some part of a building. Else, call someone over for dinner and ask the guest to take you out for treat. Offer sweets to friends and simply disappear. Take your friends out for shopping, but “forget” your wallet.

Serious fun

Here’s something serious about the “funny” day picked up from the net just for you: In the 16th century, France began to celebrate the New Year on April 1. People joined in the celebrations by throwing parties and dancing into the wee hours. In 1562, Pope Gregory changed the calendar to celebrate New Year on January 1. Those sticking to the tradition of celebrating the big day on April 1 became first ones to be called April fools

Shiyamak’s shishyas

Back from dancing at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, these city youths tell Gayatri Rajwade that they would just love to dance when given a chance

DANCE DANCE. — Photo by Parvesh Chauhan

Awesome is the most striking word they can come up with after all they forgot to breathe for three whole seconds at the time!

For the six youngsters from Chandigarh who got an exceptional opportunity to perform at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at Melbourne, Australia, recently, time literally stopped still.

For Aviral Gupta, Chirag Sethi, Kamal Dhupar, Ishav Mehta, Deepa Kanwar and Puneet Jewandah it was the chance of a lifetime, performing for India.

What did these young boys and girls have in common? Shiamak Davar they echo!

Indeed, it all started with the Summer and Winter Funk classes held in the city twice a year by SDIPA (Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts) where these young people has enrolled. On spot auditions in December for the closing ceremony performance resulted in ten making it to the short list and the chosen six of them finally going Down Under. All in all there were 250 youngsters chosen from all over the country to be a part of this “awesome” process.

Despite the “royal treatment” it was not all fun and games.

For six weeks, the ‘troupe’ went over to Delhi on Sundays to practice and finally in the beginning of March had a rigorous weeklong session to get their moves right. Then it was off to Melbourne on March 12, for 18 long glorious days.

With practice sessions from 10:00 am every morning to 6:00 pm every evening, dance was the cynosure of all activity.

When the moment to perform finally came, it was worth all the effort, the body aches, the muscle breaks and the stomach and throat infections (“because Melbourne has four weather changes a day!”).

Entering the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, “The blue lights, the hundred thousand strong people, the spectators all shaking our hands as we walked the length to the performing arena, it makes you lose your breath,” says Aviral his eyes shining at the memory.

“We were not nervous just full of energy,” smiles Kamal, “it was after all for our country,” adds Puneet.

With over 700 performers which included 400 dancers from Australia and India, Saif Ali Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherjee, Sonu Nigam and hosts of other singers, it was a night to remember!

While the feeling is splendid, their hearts rock for Shiamak no less!

“He is our Guru.”

“His dance is all about connecting to God.”

“He is deeply spiritual, down to earth and warm and what is more, he remembers every person.”

The accolades flow as did the sunscreen!

“We played holi there with sunscreen lotion, rubbing it all over each other,” laughs Puneet.

Did they miss anything? “The food,” they cry in unison. Aviral in fact went looking for a Punjabi restaurant just to drink lassi!

Ah you cannot separate a butter chicken from a Punjabi, no matter how much Kangaroo meat there is to eat!

And finally the dreams? To dance and dance whenever the chance comes again.

Let your emotional body bloom
Jyotii Subramanian

The emotional body plays an important role in the evolution of the human soul. People entrenched in misery, past grief, emotional trauma have to rid themselves of these feelings to be able to flower within. Bhakti yoga is a practice to work at the manomaya kosh – the emotional body. Science has proved the therapeutic use of music to soothe passions and this particular form of yoga uses music as one of the techniques to open out the anahata, the chakra concerned with emotions. Indian classical music has perfected this with different ragas for different periods of the day and for different seasons since both effect mood swings in a person. The various notes of music can influence the chakras of receptive listeners. The beauty of this technique is the same music may work to elevate the mood of the depressed while soothe the nerves of an agitated listener balancing two opposite emotions. Whether personally singing or playing an instrument or merely listening to others the soul of the practitioner expresses its yearning for the divine to purify itself.

As the emotional body expands the practitioner is able to forgive others and one-self for real or perceived wrongdoings. Able truly to now surrender to divine will the yogi can be said to have crossed a difficult hurdle on the path of yoga. Ridding the psyche of restrictive passions the yogi steeped in devotion moves on to higher spiritual pursuits.

THE VERSATILE PALM
Joyshri Lobo

As India is blessed with one of the longest coastlines possible and a huge desert area, most of us have had the privilege to witness the dramatic, swaying silhouettes of palms. Besides being home to a numerous variety, our country offers tolerable weather for these exotic plants. It is one of the most adaptable, hardy acquisitions available for indoor or out door spaces. The initial investment maybe a little high but the satisfaction it provides is worth the price. Make use of its generous nature to adorn your garden, apartment or office!

The greatest attribute of a palm is its longevity. Take a short holiday; occasionally forget to water or feed it; leave it out in the sun too long- your palm’s forgiving silhouette will still be smiling and swaying before you. However, do not neglect it too much.

Palms can tolerate high temperatures and bear up with cold from 12 to 13 degrees C. This variation makes them comfortable in Chandigarh. Light is essential, whether natural or artificial. Therefore place the plant near a window, balcony or terrace.

Being a tropical plant, the palm requires humidity. While using the air conditioner in summer or the heater in winter, be sure to mist the fronds daily. If this is a problem indoors, use a damp sponge with slightly soapy water (no detergents please!) to remove dust and deter pests. Abundant, weekly watering is advised for potted palms, rather than frequent, minimal quantities. Soft water should be used. As Chandigarh water has a lot of calcium, store it for 24 hours before application. Every month, leach out the salts by letting water flow freely through the soil for a few minutes in an open space.

The nature of the palm demands porous soil. Therefore a base of sand, enriched with sanitized manure, loam and a little charcoal and bajri, is a good mix. Monthly feedings with chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium and magnesium are advisable. If the pot and plant are largish, use 2 level tablespoons of the mix, dug into the soil and watered liberally and immediately. Your seed shop will provide the necessary fertilizer mix. Don’t forget to add micronutrients through vegetable/ meat washings and used tea leaves.

Potting, dwarfs most palms. However, it is advisable to choose types which do not grow too tall. Kentia palms are delicate looking and take six to eight years to reach nine feet-indoors. They can grow in smaller containers. Lady palms sucker out and form clumps. They should not be over-fertilized. Their maximum height is six feet. Chamaedorea or bamboo palms are beautiful and some varieties throw out orange seeds. Fish tail palms and Cycads are other popular varieties. In Goa, a friend has grown a coconut palm in foundational space, in the sitting room. As it is about 12’ tall, a fibre-glass window has been provided in the roof for light. I hope you will honour your palm in the same manner!

The magic breed
Dr Jaspreet Singh

I’d like to think I made a difference,” says Gulab Singh Grewal, founder of Walgre Kennel, an icon in the dog breeding world and more importantly a dog lover to the core of his heart. And there cannot be a bigger understatement. Grewal’s influence on the dog-breeding segment is profound.

He has been passionate for dogs all his life and is actively breeding dogs for 20 years. He started Walgre Kennel 18 years ago with the aim of creating a better boxer. Today he is responsible for producing more than 40 champions from his breeding. And all his hard work and perseverance has paid as it is the first time in the Indian history that a single kennel won four of the most prestigious awards, including “Breeder of the Year- 2006” in a single show calendar.

Black Tornado or “magic”, as his top wining boxer is lovingly called, has won the Southern Pride trophy, “Knock out trophy for best boxer bred in India” and “Golden Glove” for best boxer in India, all in a single year. In doing so he not only beat the Indian champions but also the imported champions all over the world.

All this was made possible by the hard work of a person whose main aim for breeding boxers is not making money but the love of the breed. He breeds with a purpose, a purpose to excel and to breed a litter better than his last.

Instead of choosing the easy option of buying expensive imported dogs and winning prizes from them with the aim to sell puppies and make money, Gulab choose the hard path to loose sleep, money and invest time and breed the best boxer in India.

“It isn’t money I am looking for but honest dedication. Only a true boxer enthusiast is considered by me for being the parent of my boxers,” says Grewal.

Whenever I think what makes a “responsible breeder” I have my own opinion. Of the breeders I know, I think some are terrific, I think some are worthless, and there are a few that are so pitiful I would not include them at all. But in my list on the top stands a legend named Gulab Singh Grewal, who always puts the best interests of the breed and of individual dogs first, above any consideration of profit, trendiness, or personal ambition.

COOL STUFF
Spray your tan away

To protect you from getting tanned this season, Lotus Herbals has launched the Intensive Sunbock Spray SPF-50, UVA Index-16 under its Safe Sun sub-brand. A first of its kind in India, the easy to use fine mist spray offers convenient and quick protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, providing a fresh and clean look.

The Intensive Sunblock Spray contains natural extracts of sage, chamomile and thyme. Sage provides natural suncreen properties, while thyme protects the skin from environmental damage. Chamomile is an excellent skin smoother and moisturizer.

Safe Sun Intensive Sunblock Spray is available in 80 ml spray bottles for Rs 195 at select outlets throughout the country.

Embellished footwear

Mochi has launched its yet another sleek and exotic range of embellished footwear collection, which is perfect to make a unique fashion statement for young ladies.

The beaded slippers are accentuated with colourful handcrafted glass beads, sequins, crystals and embroidery. Covered with shimmering crystals and ethnic detail, these stylish and dressy sandals come in a range of stunning colours like red, blue, green, pink and camel.

Priced at Rs 599 onwards, this collection is available at all exclusive Mochi showrooms all over the country.

Spray for tomorrow

Avon celebrates the essence of a woman by launching the second scent of a trilogy—Today, Tomorrow and Always.

In India Avon Tomorrow has been launched. It is a fragrance of romance at dusk, gathered from the romantic profusion of Indian jasmine, African Violet and Orange flower while other rich exotic woods and musks gives it a warm aura.

This spring special, priced at Rs 1,800 for 50 ml, is packaged in beautiful pink hued bottle.

Trousers for the young

Gangotri Textiles, manufacturers of ‘Tibre’ range of trousers that targets both working executives as well as the younger generation, has launched their complete range of products in city.

Tibre is made from an ensemble of the purest fabrics and worked upon by prized craftmen. It was first launched in 1999 and ever since has expanded all across the south, west and select eastern markets. The trousers are available from Rs 745 and goes up to Rs 1595.

Shampoo for stronger hair

Garnier Fructis announces the introduction of Garnier Fructis Long & Strong, an ever specialised system for longer and stronger hair.

This shampoo and conditioner variant caters to those who have always aspired for long, shining and healthy hair. Garnier Long and Strong has an anti-breakage, anti-split ends and anti-dullness system, which works on weak and severely split ended hair. Its unique formula with active fruit concentrate strengthens hair from within- right down to the tip.

It is available in 200 ml and 100 ml packs, priced at Rs 115 and Rs 59 for the shampoo and Rs 125 and Rs 65 for the conditioner, respectively

Control age with soap

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. Has launched EVITA Age Control Soap. It comes with quick absorb AHA that penetrates into the skin, rejuvenates it from within and reduces fine lines thus making the skin supple and glowing.

EVITA is a quality soap with 76 per cent TFM. The company claims that regular usage for five weeks helps in reducing fine lines.

The all new EVITA is a white soap with a soothing fragrance and comes in an attractive pack. It is available in two SKUs of 75 gms and 125 gms for MRP of Rs 14 and Rs 21 respectively. It is being launched with special introductory offers.

Cutting edge technology

Motorola has launched the Motorola RAZR V3i, a lean mean and powerful mobile device. Designed for an enhanced imaging experience, this sleek handset comes complete with an integrated 1.23 megapixel digital camera, a full screen view-finder, zoom, video capture and playback.

It comes with the price tag of Rs 14,495.

Wedded to glamour

Mumbai’s Aarti Thakur is the latest to join the glamour world. Yes she was recently crowned ‘’NOMARKS Mrs India World 2006” in Mumbai. She will represent India in the Mrs World 2006 to be held at St Petersburg, Russia, on April 23 where women from over 50 countries will vie for the coveted title.

The petite and exquisite beauty, Aarti is a fitness trainer for Terrence Lewis. A mother of two, Aarthi is a simple girl who wants to live her life on her own terms. She has choreographed ‘Oliver’ the stage play.

How does it feel to represent India for the Mrs World 2006?

I am honored that the judges have acknowledged my capability and awarded me the title. I feel that I shoulder a big responsibility as the representative for India at the international pageant. Even though I knew that I had what it takes to be Mrs India World 2006, it still feels like a fairy tale to have actually won.

What is the first thing you want to do now that you aren’t restricted by any contest rules?

I want to meet my husband, go home and hug two babies of mine- my dogs- Tyson and Fabio. I have missed my family so much in last few days that I feel as if there is a void that I need to fill now by spending lots of time with them.

How was your experience with the fitness regime that was introduced in your life in past few days?

It has been great…very frenzied…but a great learning experience. Besides energising and rejuvenating my whole biological system the fitness training is also helped me professionally. I am a fitness trainer and I have learnt so many new techniques during the grooming sessions, it will help me in my profession.

How about ramp walk training?

Nayonika is an amazing teacher. She has been firm but patient with all of us. She kept us all on our toes but considering the immense honor associated with the crown that each of us had been vying for, I believe that rigorous training was essential.

What are going to miss most about the last few weeks?

Nayonika and my fellow contestants. Last few weeks have been very taxing and I can’t imagine what it would have been like if the group hadn’t been supportive and motivating to each other.

Were you excited about the makeover?

Yes, I sure was. It has been fun to watch the transformation in myself into someone I couldn’t imagine I could be (winks)

Has your family been supportive?

Yes they have been very supportive. My husband my in-laws have been very cool about my ambition to participate in Mrs India World 2006 and have encouraged and supported me at each and every step.

How has the overall experience with Mrs India World 2006 been?

I won’t lie, when I entered I thought of this as an easy and a glamorous task. But now I realise how much of hard work it is.

What if you hadn’t won?

Like I said, even if I hadn’t won I still would have ended a better professional trainer after this experience. I would have continued with my normal routine and hoped for the best for future. — D.P.

Root cause
Gayatri Rajwade

Romanchave—we are the sons of Rama. This is the uniqueness of every Roma, the root for their search for a lost identity.

They were impressed with the vastness of India, the green fields, the warm people among whom they saw their brothers, their own children. After all they were coming home.

With so much history and culture defining their appeal to this land, it is no wonder they are vociferous when they say, “Please do not call us gypsies.” For Lord Rama is their guide.

Spring in his steps
Anandita Gupta

BALLE BALLE BOY: Govind Arora

And as one wonders how the child and the achiever in him play hide and seek in manifesting themselves, the child takes over again and he mutters the song, “Mein aisa Kyun hoon?” Well Govind, we don’t know why are you made like this. But whatever you are kiddo, you are an amazing performer and we love you for that.

FILM & FASHION
Mick Jagger to stick to rock

Fans of veteran British rocker Sir Mick Jagger may rest assured that even though his 18th century ancestor was a classical composer, he will not be turning his back on rock music. Rock critic Andy Gill, said Sir Mick was going to stick to the kind of music he knows best. “To their honour they have never bothered with it. They know what they are good at and they stick to it,” Contactmusic quoted him, as saying. — ANI

Kate’s mother furious

Supermodel Kate Moss may be happy about getting back together with troubled rocker Pete Doherty, but her mother, on the other hand, is said to be furious that she has rekindled her romance with the singer. A friend of Kate’s mum Linda said she had gone ‘loopy’ when she heard that her daughter had let Doherty walk back into her life because she blames Pete for Kate’s drug problems. — ANI

Pamela in love with LA

She may have bought a house in the gambling capital of world - Las Vegas, but former ‘Baywatch’ babe Pamela Anderson insists that she would never leave her ‘dream place’ LA. The buxom blonde said she had always wanted to live in Los Angeles, and now that her dream had finally come true, wild horses couldn’t drag her away from the city. — ANI

Nicole Richie loves fast food

‘The Simple Life’ star Nicole Richie has revealed that she just can’t resist fast food - especially the Mexican kind.
Richie, who has dodged reports of an eating disorder for months, said that when it came to fast food, she would pretty much eat everything - especially tacos. “I’ll pretty much eat anything. I’m a big Taco Bell fan, a real fast-food eater. I don’t have the highest standards when it comes to food,” Femalefirst quoted her, as telling Tatler magazine. She also revealed that as no one in her family could cook, dining out was a daily affair. — ANI

Fast food

You do not have to stand in front of the blue flame in the kitchen of your house for preparing Navrata-special food. For, restaurants and eating joints across the city are offering scrumptious “fast” food in a platter, says Saurabh Malik

DELIGHTFUL PLATTER: Navraratra thalis are all ready for the take. — Photo by Parvesh Chauhan

Chicken is out of the special menu in so many restaurants and fast food joints across the city. Even Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is not depending upon cock-a-doodle-do for adding flavour to its list of choices these days. Courtesy Navratras, the joint — along with scores of other fast food haunts — is offering unique vegetarian dishes on a platter for the “fasting” residents, religiously and scrumptiously.

Really folks, all you have to do is to hop on your jaunty jalopy and drive down the road meandering its way through the hustle and bustle of daily existence to gourmets’ delight. For, Navratras no longer mean staying at home in the evenings away from the appetizing world of fast food.

As you cross the joints, the whiff of deep fried singhara-atta purees mingles with the aroma of raw banana vegetable and jeera aloo to give you the taste of religious delight. This is not the end of the menu. For, sweet dish is included in it. In fact, you can even savour 100 per cent vegetarian ice cream pulled out of the deep freezer just for you. Or else, you can try cholai kheer. Oh, yes! You can also go in for raj bhog and rabri. The choice is yours, entirely.

So forget all abstinence, self-denial and starving. Push all the thoughts of loathsome calories and weight gain into the recycle bin of your memory and place the order now. After all, some of the dishes are not available throughout the year. They are prepared with clean hands just for the occasion and disappear from the shelves soon after.

Go ahead! Try paneer and potato dishes prepared just for you without using onions and garlic. Savour the taste of aloo chaat and tikki. Or else order complete Navratra thali. Compared to “normal” food prices, the thalis are not very expensive either.

A word of caution here: Though all the restaurants and fast food joints claim extra care while preparing food during Navratras, in a few joints same waiters serve non-vegetarian as well. If you believe in handling of food by “pure” hands, just make sure separate waiters serve veg’ and non-veg’ food.

In case you are going to Sector 17, remember to check Sindhi sweets. Their Navratra special menu includes aloo ki tikki, fruit chat, paneer, rice, aloo raita and kheer. The plate is costing just Rs 80. You can pick up items individually as well.

You can also go to Sagar Ratna in the same sector or visit their branch in Panchkula for savouring special Navratra thali full of purees, three vegetables including paneer, samak rice, cholai or saboodana kheer and a host of other things for just Rs 90, plus taxes. It’s scrumptious. Sagar management claims that it daily caters to almost 100 to 150 requests for the thali.

Chicken may be the joint’s last name, but you can still have pulao and makhni curry, along with vegi’ fingers, regular fries and cold drink in the vegetable thali at KFC. You can also taste vegi’ feast burger, along with regular fries and cold drink, if you order vegi’ feast meal. Both the combo’ packs are costing Rs 75, plus taxes. Also, you need not worry as the kitchen preparing Navratra special stuff has separate cooling equipment and cooking oil. Even the crew handling vegetarian food is separate. Happy fasting!

Return of the desi dhaba

People from ‘fine’ families in the city are no longer shuddering at the thought of actually going and eating in a dhaba, says Anandita Gupta

No squeaky-clean pathways, no swanky ambience to appease your aesthetic sense and no huge glass swivel doors to lead you inside. No spacious-lounge- feel for you to laze around and no panoramic view outside either. And no attentive maitre d’ to greet you.

What greets you here, instead, is a small boy in a vest and shorts, who comes and slaps water on to the rickety table. You already know the menu of the day (think heavily stuffed paronthas, a glassful of frothy lassi, dollops of butter and lush green chillies), but ask anyway – for the sheer pleasure of listening to it, plus there’s lots of time to kill. The boy rattles off without pausing for breath: ‘muttar-pulao shahi-paneer kaali daal fry cholle mushroom matar …’

Well, you might have guessed by now. It’s none other than the eternal favourite we all never get tired of— a dhaba. In fact, ask any Chandigarian about eating out without blowing off those mega bucks and with a wistful gleam in his eye, he’ll tell you that there’s nothing quite like the dhaba.

Originally located on major highways, where they were supposed to cater to truck drivers on long distance travels, dhabas in the city have now become a popular option with students, professionals and even families. Almost everybody in the city is frequenting them for good, cheap food.

“No one had any qualms about ordering take-out meals from my dhaba earlier too, though the rich in the city seldom frequented us with their families. But now, we have all kinds of families coming here for lunch and dinner,” beams Mr. Anil Malhotra, owner of the famous Bhola ka dhaba, sector 32-D, Chandigarh. “Most people say that dhabas are a hit because they serve non-veg, but we just serve vegetarian dishes. Still, we are doing so well despite serving just vegetarian dishes, “ he smiles a happy smile.

Then, there’s the very famous Swaran da Dhaba in Sector 30 that has crowds thronging it the whole day. “Most of the high court judges, ministers and government officials who sit in the secretariat are my regular customers,” says Parvinder Singh, the proud owner of the dhaba. The dhaba famous for its meat, chicken, Shahi paneer, bhartha and mushrooms is the favourite eating hub of many including Mr. Vinay Mittal and Mr. Ajay Lamba, Chief Judges in High Court!

And the reason for this growing popularity? Explains Manpreet Gill, a PU student who is an ardent fan of dhabas,” The reason is simple: these modest ‘restaurants’ turn out surprisingly good Punjabi food and the advantage is that it is fresh and cheap.’

Reasons Archana Sood, a housewife, “ With time, the dhabas have gone hip and now also include ‘butter toast’, sandwiches, fries, Chinese food and much more, though of course they are still best at Punjabi cuisine. Moreover, they somehow make you feel very connected with your roots.”

Reasons Nitin Sharma, a software professional from Mohali, “With Chandigarh and Mohali becoming a corporate hub, there are offices coming up all around and the employees love the dhaba food for its taste, variety and low price. After all, who can afford an expensive hotel or eat-out daily?”

“My personal faves are Pal dhaba in Sector 28 and nukkad dhaba in sector 22,” exclaims Dr. Rashmi Dhir from Panchkula. The non-veg dishes they serve are irresistible.”

So if you are tired of sitting tight-lipped, legs crossed and all that, in a plush and expensive restaurant, let yourself loose. Drive down to a local dhaba, occupy a modest looking chair and wait for the boy in baniyan and shorts who’ll rattle off without pausing for breath: ‘muttar-pulao shahi-paneer kaali daal fry cholle mushroom matar …’

Godly food

Cornflake pudding and Idpizza are some of the new-fangled entrants on the vegetarian menu, says Gayatri Rajwade

A ‘Godly Invitation’ to sup with the Supreme Being while simultaneously “bringing out the woman in you” was an offer hard to resist! So, off we went to be part of a program on women and family organised by the Women’s Wing of the Rajyog Education and Research Foundation and Brahma Kumaris at Manimajra, with an “added attraction”.

A delicious little sideshow —a cookery competition—with homely fripperies was on offer. The repast, only vegetarian, was to be judged on the basis of three categories, snacks, desserts and main dishes.

A peek under the cover of the white tenting in the garden revealed vignettes of recipes ranging from a low calorie Cornflake Pudding to a new-fangled Idpizza (Pizza made from Idli batter!) to cream with orange sauce to name just a few.

Organised by an utterly modest and charming Sarita Khurana who insisted she had nothing to do with anything, “because this is a Godly invitation” she could not wave away the fact that she is a judge at the event.

A gourmet chef in her own right, (she has written a cookery book, has had her recipes featured on Zee TV’s Khana Khazana and has had her recipe being adjudged the best out of 13,000 entries for a cookery show three years ago in the city!) she now spends her time teaching poor children ice-creaming making for free.

The Main Course on offer varied from retired principal Urmil Dhingra’s and local teacher Sunita Mehta’s Malai Koftas (both a different colour!) to Neeru Lamba’s Chinese Hoopla—a spread of Chinese fare to Darshan Brar’s Amritsari koftas made of paneer and potatoes.

Saaga-e-Sarhad—Bus from India to Pakistan—vegetable baskets decorated as a journey between the two countries brought up the rather imaginative Snacks segment combined with Monita Canapés, Potato Fish, Vegetarian Asharfis (coins)

The Desserts were an assorted delight of beautifully decorated matka mithaas ka (kheer with jalebi) in an earthen pot, the ever-appetising gajar ka halwa and a lusciously pink strawberry nut cream. The rohri wala halwa (a different version of sooji ka halwa where the sooji and sugar are soaked in water for two hours before the preparation starts) brought up the delectable rear.

Hurrah for cookery shows for these are truly the delight of the Gods!