Hum haal-e-dil sunayenge
Hard times have not robbed Mubarak Begum's voice of its haunting vigour
Kabhi tanhaiyan mein yoon, hamari yaad aayegi....
The song certainly haunts lovers of old film music even now. So does the voice of this 1961 song composed by Snehal Bhatkar for Kidar Sharma's Hamari Yaad Aayegi, which starred Tanuja (better known as the mother of present-day actor Kajol). The melodious song was sung in the distinctive voice of Mubarak Begum. It also turned out to be the biggest hit of her chequered career.
Photo: S.Chandan

Sufi alfaaz
For Barkat Sidhu, music is ibaadat, which he likes to protect from commercialisation
"Mainu mere musrhid wallon izaazat nahin hai ki main usdi ibaadat to bina kuch hor karan." Heartfelt words of a sufi singer who lives a life that has no influence of the 'fast', a life that has not heard of commercialisation and a life that does not thrive on accolades from journos. Rather, his is a world safeguarded by his murshid and then his wife Hanso. He sings not for the kiss of limelight, but for ibaadat.

Bon Appetit
Little gifts in a jar!
The idea of exchanging gifts at Christmas time originated with the birth of Jesus, when three wise men traveled to deliver gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn baby. Christmas is a time for friends and family to come together for fun and fellowship. Giving gifts to show love and caring is an extension of our affection and Santa Clause with a bag bursting with gifts has become the human face of Christmas. There is immense joy in giving gifts and even more so if you yourself have turned out something delectable.

Cheers to Christmas
Christmas is knocking at the door and with parties and get-togethers setting the tone for the festive mood, hosts will be wondering what drink to serve this season. We get for you some easy-to-concoct colourful cocktails

Destination Bollywood
Miss World runner-up Parvathy open to film offers
Miss World runner-up Parvathy Omankuttan is open to good offers in Bollywood but right now she wants to go on a long vacation to "calm myself".

Pray for all
Aamir and I share an extremely cordial relationship: Shah Rukh
The cold war between the two reigning Bollywood Khans, Shah Rukh and Aamir seems set for a thaw with Shah Rukh appealing to everyone to watch Aamir's film Ghajini that releases December 25.

Wardrobe Waterloo
Vogue editor tops the list of fashion faux pas in 2008
The futuristic Chanel gown worn by Vogue editor and style icon Anna Wintour has topped the Time magazine's list of biggest faux pas of this year.

Blessed with Johnny family
Sudhir Mishra to take TKHJ story forward
Have you heard of a sequel being planned because the director has fallen in love with the cast? This is precisely what has happened with director Sudhir Mishra during the making of Tera Kya Hoga Johnny. Mishra is so enamoured of his Johnny family that he doesn't want to let go.                                                   Sudhir Mishra