|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merry Mix I have come
up the rough way: Priyanka Ambassador
of Sikki grass art Divine
drapes
NEW RELEASE Sridevi to
judge Kaboom final Art at your
feet Film
& FASHION
TAROT TALK
|
|
Christmas celebrations today have the flavour of commercialisation. Like many, Joyshri Lobo misses the sweet little joys of traditional Christmas celebrations Christmas then—Granny, Norma Dutt,
would sit in a cane chair and supervise the cake making. Servants, children,
daughters-in-law- all had to lend a hand. Fifty years ago, dry fruit was bought
from sacks and had to be meticulously cleaned. Each stem and seed was removed.
The only blessing in this thankless task was sitting in our long, sunny
verandah, away from the frozen rooms inside. Monstrous, white pats of unsalted
butter from our own buffaloes, was put out in the sun to melt. Sugar was added
and then everyone pitched in to mix it. Warm hands melted the sugar and the
batter was ready when it became fluffy. (The process took time.) Eggs were
weighed (not counted!) in the shell and added one white at a time. Then the
mixing started again. As arms got tired and shoulders were dislocated, this was
done in relays so that the butter would not harden. In the mean time, Granny
sat and advised or shouted according to the quality and quantity of the work
put in. The target was approximately ten cakes of a kilogram each. Layers of
brown paper were oiled and frilled to fit into metal degchis. The fruit
was heavily floured to stop it sinking to the bottom, spices were added and the
batter was put into pans. For the children, the high point of the day was
licking the empty, mixing bowls. No wonder, most of us like a peg or two in the
evening to remind us of our cake making days. The baking was done over a coal
fire with burning charcoals placed on the lid of the pan to equalize the heat.
As the best cakes took a minimum of two hours, baking lasted the entire day.
Lunch and dinner was perfunctory and sparse. At night the cakes were put on the
round, marble table to cool. Next morning, they were carefully wrapped in cloth
and shifted into a steel trunk, which Granny would proceed to lock. It took
about a month for them to mature. The first slice was eaten early in the
morning, on December 25, as we opened our presents around the Christmas tree,
which was a decorated branch from the nearest Casurina tree. Baubles and
ping-pong ball angels adorned it. Each of us had the added excitement of a
stocking overflowing with sweets. The flurry of activity that followed was
chaotic. Everyone had to dress in their best and walk to the church built by my
great grandfather. The local choir would put up a magnificent choral rendition
in Urdu with accompaniments on the tabla and harmonium. This was followed by
our family, who sang solos while granny played the piano and uncle Julian (her
youngest brother) accompanied her on the violin. After the service, which was
in chaste Urdu, we mingled with the congregation. Soon after this, we went home
to wait for visitors, who came in a steady stream and had coffee and cake
accompanied by pleasantries. If the visitors were close friends, presents were
exchanged. This was the opportune moment when unwanted gifts were re-packed and
reallocated to others. Christmas also heralded the annual, community lunch. We
carried our stools and durries to the church compound and magnanimously
mixed with everyone from the congregation. My grandfather shook every hand and
deigned to eat pulao doled out of huge basins and doused with delicious
meat curry from polished brass buckets. This was the only function grandpa ever
attended in the year. After lunch we all played simple games like bursting
balloons; carrying lemons in spoons and running sack races. Prizes were simple
too as they were bought off contributions from the community. So I got a comb
and my sister was happy with a soap or hair pins. Christmas is more
commercialised today. The well-decorated shops are a delight. Many celebrate
the festival, irrespective of their faith. Wishes and cards fly across the
country. Christ’s birth is becoming a secular event, more in keeping with
Jesus’ message of love and compassion.
|
|
Arabian, Continental, Italian and Mexican cuisines are there to pick and choose from at the Athena restaurant and nightclub with the Indian kebab platter thrown in for good measure, says Nirupama Dutt
More meat Anyway, the world is now a little village and food
travels quickly enough from one place to another. Even in the ancient
times hunters would travel from one place to another and take along their
food habits. Food is certainly culture. But we live in multicultural times
and so it is best when there is a merry mix of different kinds of
cuisines. Ask Lalit Chhiber what were the reasons influencing the choice
of food at the city branch of their restaurant, "Although Athena
maintains similar standards all over, the choice of food varies from place
to place depending on the eating habits there. The major consideration in
the choice of food here was that the people are basically non-vegetarians.
So we have catered well to their tastes." It certainly is a meaty
affair there up on the top floor viewing the city lights and tapping feet
to the music mixed by DJ Bhavna Singh. So take your pick of ‘Moussaka
ala Greek’, which is delightful dish of eggplant layered with lamb mince
and assorted grilled vegetables topped with cheese and baked. It is served
with soft rolls at Rs 325 or ‘Skewered prawns’, laid out on a bed of
couscous and served with mint mayonise sauce at Rs 585. Veggies need not
be alarmed for they can have ‘Mushroom and spinach crepes’, served
with orange chee priced at Rs 275 and ‘Paneer shashlik’, served with
barbeque sauce on a bed of masala rice.
Soup du jour Wintertime one can
swallow soup by the gallon but if the stomachs be delicate a bowl-full
will do. Chicken-freaks have the Classical chicken broth with dices of
vegetable and just a hint of saffron and white at Rs 85. A tasty tomato
soup comes for ten rupees less for the vegetarians. It is called ‘Jasmine
flavoured spicy tomato soup’ and the flowery aroma is accompanied with
basil ravioli and the price is Rs 75. Nothing of course like the India ‘Harria
shorba’, a hearty lamb, lentil and vegetable shorba mix, at Rs 85. Ask
chef Alok Kumar, who is a multi-cuisine specialist, his favourite and it
is ‘Soup du jour’ and the recipe is a closely-guarded secret and it
comes for Rs 85 with a choice of either vegetarian or
non-vegetarian.
Wrapped up Of course, there are salads, grills and
kababs in different varieties as also the pastas but the place specializes
in wraps. Wondering what is being kept under wraps? Well, we will tell
you. You can go for ‘Chicken tikka wrap’, juliennes of roasted chicken
tikkas with onions, bell peppers, tomatoes wrapped in homemade roomalis at
Rs 145. The same price can fetch one a Mexican chicken or cheese wrap.
Charcoal grilled chicken or cottage cheese strips along with Mexican
salsa, sour cream and grated cheese are rolled in homemade roomalis. How
about a protein-rich ‘Humus wrap’ for Rs 115? Hummus, sun-dried
tomatoes, tabbouleh, olive and feta are wrapped in pita bread and served
with lettuce and tomatoes.
Sweet nothings Does one hear those
with a sweet tooth groaning? Stop it at once and try out ‘Cheery gateaux’
at Rs 145 or Chocolate Mousse with chocolate glaze at Rs 125. There is
morannge nut slice and walnut pie. Those who like their sweet egg less can
go in for apple crumble for Rs 95 or a Gulab Jamun Sunday at Rs 115. One
caution though—now that it is festive time, please do not eat yourself
sick. There is always another day to gobble goodies.
|
|
I have come up the rough way: Priyanka
Director Rohan Sippy’s first choices for the film were apparently Aishwarya Rai and Sanjay Dutt, but finally Priyanka and Abhishek Bachchan bagged the roles. “Rohan and Aishwarya are very close as friends. I think she is a very senior and great actress. I don’t know the reason why she couldn’t do the film,” Priyanka said. “I know one schedule of mine for ‘Krissh’ was cancelled and it was postponed to December, which is why I suddenly had one and a half months free. And when Rohan came to me I was able to do the film. It was a story that seemed to be a lot of fun.” She is upbeat about the film. “‘Bluffmaster’ is a very contemporary, new age film and it will be something which every age group will enjoy. It’s a very real story.” This is the first time she has worked with Abhishek and she plays his love interest. “It’s got two tracks in it. Abhishek is playing the title role called Bluffmaster and he is in love with me. I don’t know that he is a con-artiste. I find out and we break up and the story progresses. “Our love story goes on one track and another track is how he meets Dittu, which is Ritesh Deshmukh’s character, who wants him to be his ‘guru’. And how the guru-chela go together. “It was great working with Abhishek. He is a great actor and a very good
co-star.” Priyanka’s career has seen a meteoric rise in a very short time. Recently she was honoured with the Young Achievers Award by the Indo-American Society. “I feel good. I do consider myself lucky for achieving as much as I have. It’s just three years and I am very grateful
for that.” So, was it a smooth ride to stardom? “It’s not been smooth at all. I had a spate of flops and a lot of criticism from the press. I had started off with a blink-and-you-miss-it role in ‘Hero’. I have made mistakes. I have come up the rough way.” Priyanka has been appreciated for playing a negative role in “Aitraaz” but she is not interested in continuing to play bold characters. “I don’t know. It depends. I don’t think yet I am ready for it,” she said. But she doesn’t regret doing “Aitraaz” for which she received the Filmfare Best Villain award. “I don’t regret doing ‘Aitraaz’. I was 18 when I did it. I didn’t understand what I was doing. Whatever people said I did. I think I have grown up a bit and I have understood what the film industry is all about and I don’t think I will make many more mistakes.” Last year, she was rumoured to be dating her married co-star Akshay Kumar and it was said she did “Aitraaz” at his behest. Priyanka, however, said, “I did ‘Aitraaz’ because it was a mind-blowing character. I got my second award for it. I don’t do any film because of anybody. I do it because I believe in it.” She doesn’t want to be typecast and would like to do a variety of roles. “I want to do different kinds of roles, and have always tried to do different kinds of roles. All my films are very different from each other. And that’s exactly what I aim for in the next few years.” One of the busiest newcomers in Bollywood, she defends her “glamour girl” image. “There is a difference between vulgarity, unnecessary exposure and today’s normal girl. I would like to be contemporary.” Priyanka was tight-lipped about her role in Rakesh Roshan’s “Krissh”. “I can’t tell you about my character. I can only tell you that ‘Krissh’ is a sequel to ‘Koi Mil Gaya’. And it is something I am looking forward to that will come in June
or July.” In future, she would like to sing as well. “I am waiting for the right film with the right song to come
along.” — IANS
|
|
|
Ambassador of Sikki grass art A visit to Meera Thakur’s little world of creative art that she has painstakingly created in a rented, two-room dwelling unit at Ram Darbar Chandigarh here, last week was like a pilgrimage. As we (our lens man Parvesh Chauhan and me) were ushered into a sun-lit living-cum-bedroom, housing a dazzling mosaic of colourful creations that Meera has winsomely woven out of the dry strands of Sikki grass, a genre of art she has grown up with, we found ourselves transported to God’s own country. Born and brought up at Umri, a sleepy outpost in Bihar, Meera made her debut into the fascinating world of Sikki grass genre of art when she was barely four. By the time Meera turned 11, this lissome little prodigy was a name to reckon with among the Sikki grass artists of the region. Meera, imbued with an indomitable spirit to reach out to the high and mighty skies, learnt her first lesson from her mother, Buchchi Devi, an exponent of Sikki grass art form. She honed the finer nuances of the art under her protective patronage. Meera, took a solemn vow to break the barrier of space and popularise the art which remained confined to the four walls of homes the fledgling artists of the region. Meera was decorated at the Suraj Kund Crafts Mela (1990), the Annual Science Exhibition on Women in India’s Development (1993), and the Young Craftsperson Competition (2004) organised by the World Craft Council for Asia Pacific region. And to cap it all, the UNESCO CCI-2005 seal of excellence was conferred on her for her signal contribution in the field. This rare honour that she earned for her exquisitely woven “Sikki Basket” has given her the hope to take the Sikki grass art form to a new high.
|
|
Divine drapes
Wraps have always been enticing. Be it the sensual sari’s nine-yard wrap, clinging sylphlike to the body beautiful or a flashy wrapper that veils your beloved’s Christmas gift, wraps always promise drama and romance. Cashing in on the perennial charm promised by wraps, there have been many exhibitions frequenting the city recently. The latest one, a shawl exhibition by Nadia Sood, brings an aroma of the old world charm meeting the spunk and sparkle of the prêt postmodern parties. Walk in at this exhibition and designer shawls and stoles welcome you, eager to make a svelte, sensual statement. The collection is zesty, yes, with party-wear shawls splashed all over. For the antique-look lovers, there are Jamewars, Suis and Dorukhas while for the compulsive innovators, there are Silk Pashminas with Swarovskis, Sequins, thread work and hand paintings. The price? Well, the price graph is not feverishly high too. It goes anywhere between 1500 to 4000.Claims Nadia who’s been holding such exhibitions in Europe and India for five consecutive years now, "The best part about my range is the exclusivity of designs and patterns. My shawls are richly textured and brimming with hues." And any accessory accompaniment she suggests along with her collection? "Couple my richly embellished shawls with chunky antique jewellery and add colour to your evening ensemble" comes the prompt reply. And since the heat of the wedding season is still warming up the chilly winters, there’s a treat for the soon-to-be’s and newly wed brides too. These are the heavily sequined shawls and stoles in colours like Reds and Fuchsias. So, the collection moves beyond boring blacks and browns to embrace rollicking reds and greens. The verdict? Well, works for its richness, though not any cutting-edge fashion. But with good quality and not-so-exhorbitant prices, the collection is definitely what the city girl next door would like to get wrapped in. All in all, the exhibition is definitely, worth a visit. The exhibition at Episode, #202, Sector 9, Chandigarh will conclude on December 16.
|
|
|
GREEN SPACE Women throughout India, adorn themselves with sweet smelling malas. Some get bouquets on their welcome and others get a rose at departure. Every VIP is weighed down with petals. Even God is draped with blooms and flowers are offered to God even if He is in a bus, taxi and temple. After one receives fresh flowers, one feels sad at their drying up and withering away. We want to preserve the flower, for it is an embodiment of beauty and sweet memories. Reason enough, that we learn to preserve our cut flowers. When a bouquet comes in, remove the cellophane wrapper immediately; cut any binding threads and place the stems in fresh water for an hour or so. Let the flowers recoup for they have faced hard conditions of sun, travel, car fumes and crowding. After an hour of soaking in water, scissor away extra or damaged foliage and arrange your flowers in a vase. See to it that no leaves touch the water as they will rot and cause bacteria. The water should have a pinch of sugar, a teaspoon of vinegar or lime and a pinch of bleach. This will make the blooms last longer. Every other day, remove dead flowers and leaves, shorten the stems and change the water. Even half an Asprin revives tired blooms. If you cannot arrange flowers immediately, put them in a large, plastic bag, tie the opening so that no air gets in and leave them in the vegetable crisper. To cut your own flowers from the garden, use sharp secateurs. The cutting should be done early in the morning, before the heat of the day sets in. Mature buds are preferable as they will open over a period of time. To facilitate maximum water utilization, cut stems at an angle. Remember that woody stems like that of roses soak up a lot of water which will have to be topped up when required. When buying flowers, choose the freshest. If on a shopping spree, buy the flowers last of all as a hot car can wilt them before they reach home. The vase or arrangement should be away from sunlight, fans, heaters or draughts. This is the Christmas season when poinsettias put on a vivid, flagrant display. The red “petals” are actually colored leaves while the flowers are insignificant, yellow centers. Poinsettias are perfect in arrangements provided the sap is dried. To do so, hold the cut ends over a candle till the white liquid stops oozing. These flowers can last overnight without water and can be used with decorative candles for a table arrangement.
|
|
NEW RELEASE The star cast of this movie has a story attached to it as it brings Abhishek Bachchan, Nana
Patekar, Riteish Deshmukh and Boman Irani together along with glamourous Priyanka Chopra. Earlier Sanjay Dutt and Aishwarya Rai were selected to play the lead roles. It will be first time that Junior B (Abhishek) will be pairing opposite Priyanka Chopra. The stage is now set for comical capers with spine chilling con-acts and this one too comes out in the series of con act thrillers. Abhishek Bachchan who has tasted success with ‘Yuva’, ‘Phir
Milenge’, ‘Dhoom’, ‘Bunty Aur Babli’ and ‘Dus’ plays the lead character of a conman in this film. It has generated a lot of interest with its promos in which Junior ‘B’ makes his debut as a singer and also stars in a special video “Right here right now” with models Pia Trivedi, Aanchal Kumar, Carol Gracias and Scherzade
Shroff. “Bluffmaster” has arranged for its music an international ensemble as it brings together music composers like Vishal Shekhar, UK band
Trickbaby, Arash, Aneela Mirza and Sameeruddin for the first time. “Bluffmaster” has thirteen tracks which are enthralling music compositions. The story is by Shridhar
Raghvan, action by Abbas Ali Moghul and choreography by Bosco-Caesar. “Bluffmaster” will be released today at Piccadily, Fun Republic and Suraj,
Panchkula. — DP
|
|
After “Malini Iyer” on SaharaOne, Sridevi is ready to make another appearance on television. She will be judging Star Plus’ dance competition Kaboom’s final episode on Saturday. Vivek Oberoi recently danced to the tunes of his film “Kyun Ho Gaya Na” and also was a judge in a episode. Sridevi will be judging the All-India finals along with Javed Jaffrey and dance maestro Prabhu Deva. “The entire competition was split into 16 episodes, where participants from all over India were auditioned and selected. The competition has seen some excellent performances and we will continue to present promising talents,” says Ravi Behl, producer,
Kaboom. — Dharam Pal
|
|
Art at your feet "A temple of new India...the first expression of our creative genius, flowering on our newly earned freedom...unfettered by the traditions of the past—reaching beyond the encumbrance of old towns and old traditions..." —Jawaharlal Nehru’s thoughts on Chandigarh
Most of his life, he worked under the shadow of his cousin, Le Courbusier. In the early fifties, Le Corbusier and Jeanneret started with the mammoth task of building a project called "Chandigarh". Corbusier left the project mid-way and Jeanneret became the Chief Architect and Urban Planning designer. He stayed in the city for fifteen years, seeing the city evolve as a symbol of modern architecture far removed from any resonance of India’s colonial past. Jeanneret became so deeply attached to Chandigarh that when he was leaving the city in 1965, he said to his friends "I feel that I am leaving my home, leaving for a foreign country". Two years later, he died. In accordance with his last wish, his ashes were scattered in the Sukhna Lake. All great artists have seen the inextricable relationship between art and craft. Jeanneret understood this intuitively and each object designed for this system carried his stamp for detail. Even the manhole cover designed by him had on it the plan of the city. No one needed to carry a city map to find his way around the city. Next time you walk on the road, look closely at that which lies beneath your feet—the art on which our cars grind their wheels. The specially designed manhole covers that once lay scattered all over the cityscape. Only a few are left at present.
The design brings forth the well-ordered road system, each residential sector, Corbusier Capitol Complex, city center and the meandering edge of Sukhna Lake and Patiala-Ki-Rao rivulets. "The Master Plan" as depicted on the manhole covers is analogous to a human body, with a well-placed head. The head is the Capitol Complex; the city center is sector 17, the hub of commercial activities and hardcore consumption this by the way is the heart; (poor heart!). The lungs are the Leisure Valley and the adjoining green area. The intellect where there are the cultural as well as educational institutes i.e. Punjab University. The intestines are the industrial area, and finally the circulatory system, which is the network of roads (the seven ways). This master plan is on the basis of five major functions: living, working, care of the body, spirit and circulation. These covers with the city plan embossed on it need to be valued and preserved. It is disturbing that marauders for small profit are stealing these manholes. It is imperative that the guardians of the city take cognition of these pieces of art and insures safety for these invaluable and precious elements that impart to a city its unique environment. On a lighter note, one does not wish to encounter the offal of last night’s dinner on ones morning walk so please do not try to uncover one of these. — Photos by the writer.
|
|
Film & FASHION British singer-songwriter James Blunt has dismissed as inaccurate his persona as a sensitive and emotional person. According to contactmusic. com, he insists that he is tougher than people think. He had served time in the British army in Kosovo and says the war experience has made him a tough man. He says, “I may be able to write emotional songs in the privacy of my own environment, but I’m not going to start crying out of the blue. Just because I had a guitar with me in Kosovo doesn’t mean I’m overly sensitive. “In fact, most people would say I’m not very sensitive.”
— IANS Jude and Cameron to star in ‘Holiday’
According to ananova.com, writer-director Nancy Meyers will start filming the movie for Columbia Pictures early next year. Law will star as Diaz’s love interest. Diaz plays a woman on the rebound who begins a friendship with Kate Winslett, who has also just been dumped. Jack Black will also star in the film, which will be shot in London and Los Angeles.
— IANS Christensen chases fan away
“Star Wars” actor Hayden Christensen had an encounter with a rude fan that ended with the star chasing him down the street. According to pagesix.com, Christensen, who is currently shooting “Awake” with actress Jessica Alba, was leaving his trailer to do a scene when he was approached by the fan. But instead of asking for a autograph, the fan yelled, “You ruined the ‘Star Wars’ movies!” Onlookers said Christensen later “chased the guy down the street and scared him away”.
— IANS Indian stars may star in ‘90 mins’
A Malaysian film company is joining hands with an Indian production house to make a football movie that could feature action hero Jackie Chan, Hollywood biggie Danny Devito and Bollywood stars like Jackie Shroff, Jimmy Shergill and Juhi Chawla. The New Straits Times Wednesday said the movie, titled “90 mins”, will be released in July in conjunction with the World Cup 2006 in Germany. It is being co-produced by Rishi Creations, Sdn Bhd of Malaysia and India’s P.K. Productions. The action comedy will be directed by Bollywood’s Iqbaal Rizvi who will be assisted by local director Syed Azidi, the paper said. It said the producers were hopeful of getting Jackie Shroff, Juhi Chawla and Jimmy Shergill. Along with the expected Bollywood and Hollywood stars would be Malaysia’s Harith Iskander, Shamser, Nurfazura and Syanie. The film will be shot in locations in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and the Genting Highlands. The producers are hoping to release the film internationally and receive popular acclaim like “Bend it Like Beckham”. Bollywood movies and songs are extremely popular in Malaysia and entertainment functions have a generous dose of Bollywood songs and dances despite the fact that most Malaysians do not understand Hindi.
— IANS Kidman, Urban engaged, says Crowe According to Internet Movie Database, Kidman and Urban got engaged over the Thanksgiving weekend in Nashville where they celebrated the holiday with both their parents. He said, “I’ve spoken to Nicole a couple of times recently and it was clear she’s enjoying great happiness right now. Hanging out with Keith is giving her a lot of joy and I’m happy for her.” But Crowe also expressed concern about the media attention that could bring this relationship to a premature end. He added, “A relationship under that microscope doesn’t get the chance to evolve. It happened to me some years back. My summer was ruined as we were never left alone.” Crowe experienced this with actress Meg Ryan in
2000. — IANS Moss voted style icon According to ananova.com, she won 34 percent of the vote that proved she is at the cutting edge of fashion. She beats the likes of Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller and Gwen Stefani. Despite the drug scandal that surrounded her career this year, she has managed to inspire people to copy her looks — imitation military jackets, skinny jeans and ballet pumps. The best dressed list in the order of votes secured is Kate Moss, Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Aniston, Keira Knightley, Victoria Beckham.
— IANS
|
|
Keep moving: Elderly people undertaking long flights can experience swelling and pain in the calf muscles. This is due to a condition called deep vein thrombosis caused by immobility and dehydration that occurs in the plane. Get up periodically and take a walk and drink plenty of fluids during the flight. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.
|
|
TAROT TALK
 |
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Mailbag | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Christmas
celebrations today have the flavour of commercialisation. Like many, Joyshri
Lobo misses the sweet little joys of traditional Christmas
celebrations
GREEN
SPACE
When
my great-grandfather, Golaknath Chatterji, converted to Christianity under the
stern eye of the famous Scotsman Alexander Duff, he started a tradition of
Christmas activities which have carried on for almost two centuries. Come early
November and all seasonal recipes are reviewed and selected. Kilos of dry
fruits are bought, chopped and soaked in rum or brandy. We taste an occasional
spoonful to see if the fruit has imbibed enough liquid. Even the teetotaler
aunts are experts on adequate quantum of spirits required for a plum cake.
Every cake is judged on tasted merit and though no prizes are given, opinions
can make or break reputations.
When the young and busy
professionals thank God for Friday night, the newly opened Athena
restaurant at Fun Republic turns into a nightclub with young couples
partying like mad till the wee hours of the morning. Same is the scene on
Saturday night. But on weekdays, the joint is a restaurant like any other,
open from 11 in the morning to 11 in the evening. The difference is that
they are offering some offbeat choices in food gathered from all over the
world. Multi-cuisine is the keyword and there is a merry mix of soups and
salads, main courses and desserts to choose from different parts of the
world.
Priyanka Chopra says she didn’t know she was replacing Aishwarya Rai in the film “Bluffmaster”. “I didn’t know Aishwarya was supposed to be doing this film. I don’t think I replaced her at all,” Priyanka, who was here to promote the film that releases on Friday, said in an interview.
The recurring mythological themes in Meera’s works are candid reflections of her religious moorings. The mythological figures that lie in check-by-jowl in her showroom include those of Ganesha, Ma Saraswati, Ma Kali, Radha-Krishna, Sita-Rama, Lord Shiva. Meera has randomly captured vivid pastoral scenes and created alluring images of the wild neighbours; the lion, elephant and deer, to be precise. The fascinating figures of the feathered friends, including dove, pigeon, sparrow, parrot, parakeet and peacock in vibrant shades bear the stamp of perfection. Amongst the tantalizing range of collectors’ items that Meera has deftly knitted out of the dry strands of Sikki grass are earings, bangles, bracelets, clips, garlands et al. Meera’s decoration pieces that adorn one corner of the room include ethnic hats, bangle-boxes, flower vases, chapatti - boxes and file-covers.
Meera created a history of sorts when she participated in the yearly handicrafts exhibition-cum-mela at Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. Her fingers weaving a web of magic earned her admiration from countless lovers of art. She bagged the first prize at the exhibition. Then there was no looking back for her in terms of awards and accolades that trickled in one after the other. She romped home with the coveted ‘Bal Shilpi Artist’ award conferred on her by the Delhi Crafts Council in 1988. The award carried a cash prize of Rs 300. A special stipend was given to her by the Cultural and Educational Training Centre, New Delhi, to pursue her studies, which that avail of up to her intermediate level. 
After the debacle of ‘Kuchh Na Kaho’, Rohan Sippy is all set to take the centre stage with his con-act thriller
‘Bluffmaster’. Shot as quickie, this one is Ramesh Sippy’s production.
An
architect and a furniture designer; the year 1896; the country,
Switzerland. The name that rings a bell is Pierre Jeanneret.
These manholes covers
from a distance do not catch our fancy. After all, why should they? A hole
with a cover for the sewage system, drainage et al. As you go close to one
of these handcrafted, cast iron manholes cover design by Pierre Jeanneret
you canhelp but notice the major elements of the Chandigarh "Master
Plan".
Actor Jude Law will play the lead opposite Cameron Diaz in a new romantic comedy titled “Holiday”.
Oscar winning actor Russell Crowe has revealed that Nicole Kidman is in love with singer Keith Urban.
Kate Moss has been voted the style icon of 2005 by Grazia magazine.
ARIES : "The Priestess" infuses pure and exalted influences in your life. Love leads to commitment. Excitement is paramount when you are on the verge of change. Lucky Number: 16. Lucky colour: Crimson.
LIBRA : You have lots of confidence, courage and a really dynamic vitality. Maybe you will feel slightly highly-strung, but let yourself sparkle all the same. Lucky Number: 12. Lucky colour: White.
TAURUS : Some emotional experience from the past may trigger a feeling of nostalgia. Tremendous energy you draw from "the Hermit" enables you to start professional ventures. Lucky Number: 3. Lucky colour: Red.
SCORPIO:
You will find yourself in the top slot while others are still on the starting line. Master your skills and live in the moment; then you will believe in the unknown. Lucky Number: 3. Lucky colour: Lemon.
GEMINI : You are creative and organise things brilliantly in business. You feel unburdened, expansive and happy like "The Fool". A Taurean person is helpful and dependable. Lucky Number: 5. Lucky colour: White.
SAGITTARIUS : "The Wheel of Fortune" spins in some good fortune. Too much work can weaken your relationships, but too much relationships can threaten your work. Lucky Number:12. Lucky colour: Blue.
CANCER : The past needs to be draped so you can make a fresh beginning and new connections. Interesting personal encounters and positive professional changes are on the cards. Lucky Number: 13. Lucky colour: Red.
CAPRICORN : Things happen very quickly and you need to make snap decisions and avail opportunities. You must focus well to see the reality. Focus on fitness and diet. Lucky Number: 10. Lucky colour: Ruby. 
LEO : Financially, a hard-pressed day. Like "King Midas" you too have the golden touch. The time is ripe. The fruits of your labors are ready to be plucked. Lucky Number: 15. Lucky colour: Bottle green.
AQUARIUS : You meditate and come face to face with your political mind and see how you may have been manipulating situations and people to get what you want in professional life. Lucky Number: 16. Lucky colour: Blue.
VIRGO : Time has arrived when you can expect a hard task master to behave like putty in your hands. Inner transformation and outer changes are on the cards. Lucky Number: 9. Lucky colour: Blue.
PISCES:
In love, you are just nearing your goals. Keep other peoples secret well guarded with you. Laugh and celebrate life. Patience, especially with family members, is in short supply. Lucky Number: 5. Lucky colour: Pink.