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Cookers FLIP through the pages of Bachelor’s Cook Book, and it reinforces our belief how lost a man is in the kitchen. The recipes are meant for a child that involve no more than three steps — pick up an egg, break it on a heated pan and serve hot. Well, what else do you expect from the species that seldom ventures into the kitchen? But no, there’s an off-beat genus in the same species that isn’t totally lost when it comes to differentiating cardamom from cinnamon or tamarind from turmeric. We aren’t talking about chefs or those studying in the Food Craft Institute-42. They are professionals, who take time out to indulge in cooking. Royal challenge
Chicken Andaz Liquor guy
Tangerine Liquor However, don’t expect miracle on your first attempt, because according to
Vishwaneet, it is a matter of trial and error. And by the time your errors are eliminated from your recipe, you would know just by looking at the texture that you got it right. Lure of the Green Art of cooking
Besan Kada
New-age cook
Spicy Mutton |
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“English still’s a hundicap for the powers that be in Chandigarh,” affirms Sunidhi publicly before passing on a bowl of noodles. “They really need to do something about it.” “They? I think you need to do something about it,” Priyanka cuts in. “Dear, it’s handicap not hundicap. You sound so raw, they way you assert it. It’s just like rehri-market vendors painting with black colour ‘tamato soup Rs 5’ on their kiosk walls.” As they duo at Stop ‘n’ Stare-10 talk about parlance dictating the spellings of commonly used words, you cannot help but snoop. After all, a kind of co-relationship between the authorities and rehri-market vendors seems to be emerging. And, the temptation to find out the common thread is undoubtedly too hard to resist. So, you sit back and listen to the two English Literature undergrads you know since they were kiddos. After straining your ears, you hear Sunidhi say: “No, really! They are no better than the roadside vendors when it comes to English. And, if you have any doubts, just drive down to the recently constructed kiosks in the Sector 7 market. You will find ‘way for hundicaps’ painted in bold letters just near a ramp.” Now, that’s shocking, folks. The issue out here is not just of spellings, but also of propriety. You have a Municipal Corporation that’s run by responsible people duly elected by the masses. And, then you have so many thinkers in the administration sent to the city on unending deputation for its advancement. Don’t they know it’s improper to even mention the word handicap and it has long been replaced by ‘physically challenged’? Now, you can’t say the corporation is to be blamed, or it is the administration’s responsibility. You have officers from both functioning for the betterment of the city and its residents. They ought to be more vigilant. Cutting into your thoughts, Sunidhi, with a mouthful of noodles, adds: This is not the only spelling mistake you see on city roads and streets. Anyone belonging to the city knows for sure it’s Panjab University and not Punjab University. The name, of course, belongs to the time when the varsity was established at Lahore in 1882 and Punjab was Panjab. But the authorities make it a point to commit the mistake.” (see photo) “Now don’t tell me they have been writing Punjab University! I find it so hard to believe it. The local authorities cannot be that dumb,” says Priyanka. “Dumb or not, the signboard on the Madhya Marg cutting through the heart of the city reads Punjab University,” asserts Sunidhi. “Another thing! The same signboard says Capital Complex. Gosh… it’s not capital, but Capitol Complex”. Exasperated, she adds: “Even the tourism website says the Capitol Complex is Le Corbusier’s most spectacular work. The magnificent edifices, set against the Shivalik peaks, stand as massive concrete sculptures representing the monumental character authority that the complex represents. It is the seat of the government of Punjab and Haryana and comprises three epoch-making masterpieces: the Secretariat, the High Court and the Legislative Assembly. Separated by large piazzas, the subtle and most evocative grouping of these buildings is of breathtaking beauty. “The spelling mistake either shows complete indifference of the authorities towards accuracy, or else lack of knowledge”. Sitting there, you put down your coffee and are forced to think maybe the authorities do need another foreign trip. This time not to study the sanitation system and the functioning of road sweeping machines, but to learn their a, b, c… Who knows when they come back they really know the spellings of handicap and also the difference between tamato and tomato, besides liver and lever. All the best to them!
saurabh@tribunemail.com |
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For the girl’s sake THE online, wired generation is logging on to more than just pleasure on the Internet. Opening a new file on the protection of the girl child on the International Women’s Day, it has launched a blog to generate opinion against deadly issues like female foeticide. Ask the members of the Rajdulari Foundation, the organisation behind the blog, and they say it’s in all fairness to the fair sex. “The blog http://girlchildblog.blogspot. com/ is aimed at providing a platform to the youth in this part of the region for openly discussing ideas and reactions. It actually helps them break silence on the girl child issue,” says Dr Navita Mahajan, the young lecturer in Dev Samaj College of Education, who is actively associated with the blog and the save-the-girl-child project. Others actively associated with the blog and the mission are renowned citizens like senior Punjab and Haryana High Court advocate Manmohan Lal Sarin. “Laws alone, and even ban on sex-determination tests, can’t curb the problem,” he asserts. “The need of the hour is to generate awareness and opinion against the hazard by involving the youth, as there is no point in talking to the elders at this stage. As the blog addresses the youngsters and speaks to them in their own language, its effectiveness can’t be doubted.” The intention is to find working solutions to systematic gender discrimination in the region in general; and Punjab in particular. Well, the organisation has also shot of a communiqué to Chief Justice Vijender Jain of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as its crusade to end the menace is not unknown. The best thing about the blog or the discussion forum is that you can help bring about a change without even stepping into the limelight, if you so desire. The anonymity angle proves predominantly beneficial for girls eager to share harrowing experiences of discrimination without being identified, and targeted. Poll option on the blog makes it completely interactive and helps you prove your point of view statistically. It also makes the blog thought provoking and calls for reaction from your side. As it is constantly updated, a fresh question is asked every second or third week. “As Rajdulari Foundation is not so strong financially, we have made a modest beginning with blog campaign,” says Parul Sharma, the brain behind the blog. The Sweden-based non-resident Indian with roots in this part of the region adds, “Eventually, we plan to come up with a girl child project in the state that will go a long way in empowering the not-so-fair sex through academic scholarships and micro-credit schemes for women. You see, our slogan is, Today I’ll make a difference, and tomorrow my daughter will.” If you are wondering why all this is so important, Parul tells you all about it: A recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says up to 50 million girls and women are missing from India’s population as a result of systematic gender discrimination. Otherwise also, there are 775 females per 1,000 males at birth in Punjab. The immense problem needs to be tackled in infancy. Makes sense Parul! Let’s hope the project helps in improving the sex ratio and ending discrimination against women. |
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Making Lives Saral Immaculate in their gray and white uniform, they exuberate confidence as they march into the principal’s office. The talk revolves around their own ambition (they all want to be doctors) but they have another important issue to discuss today – how to prepare their siblings and neighbourhood kids, who are soon going to join the junior classes at Saral Ehsas, the special wing of KB DAV Senior Secondary School-7, meant for underprivileged children of the Bapu Dham colony. There are 50 such students studying in different classes. But the family is going to grow as 200 more children from the same colony have already been admitted. Their classes will commence from April 3. The authority has picked and chosen those who have not crossed the age limit of six and are not attending any kind of schools — anganwari or any evening schools. The concept began with 50 students in 2005 and by providing everything free — education, stationery, uniform and free transport. “The experiment paid off and now we are expanding it,” says principal Madhu Bahl. But as educating slum children also means educating their parents, the school is taking its role of a social reformer seriously. “From March 8, we are going to interact with the parents of the children on a regular basis because we want them to learn the basic hygiene and how to prepare their children for classes,” says Bahl. But what happens once they leave school? “We have formed groups of 4-5 students and the eldest one is given the responsibility of visiting his fellow members after school and ensure that they complete their homework and come properly dressed to school,” she adds. An inspiring story, but what touches one’s heart the most is the determination on those innocent faces, ready to give their cent percent to make it a success story. |
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First Day First Show SUBHASH Ghai believes in the innate goodness of human beings. His belief leads him to explore the psyche of a potential suicide bomber who, though a ruthless terrorist, is nevertheless, not beyond redemption. His parents having been killed in the Gujarat riots, his world is now torn between good and bad, right and wrong and evil and divine. His angst might be driving him to a point of no-return but his spirit does not let him go beyond the edge and ultimately triumphs. In a recent interview, Subhash requested audiences to watch his latest offering, Black and White, without the baggage of his past films. He has a point. From Kaalicharan to Kisna, the FTII diploma holder-turned film director has delivered mostly at the spectacle level in the past 31 years. His image is that of a showman. Going to watch Black…while assuming it to be another Ghai extravaganza can come as a rude shock. Gone is the grandeur of the earlier Mukta Arts Films. Missing are the larger –than-life protagonists. In their place are innocuous settings and down-to-earth characters. The movie, which reminds you of Hollywood blockbuster Devil’s Own, is a perfect launch vehicle for debutant Anurag Sinha, a Pune Film Institute diploma holder like Ghai. Sinha’s intensity and consistency are the hallmarks of the film. His baritone enhances the strength of his character. Playing a would-be suicide bomber, who is a victim of circumstances but not beyond reformation, Anurag pitches in an impressive portrayal. Anil Kapoor leaves an indelible mark as a professor of Urdu who is unaware of Anurag’s designs and gives him shelter after the terrorist saves the life of his daughter. The sequences featuring Kapoor and his wife, Shefali Shah, are lively.Moving around in a rickshaw and spreading communal harmony, Shefali gives a heart-warming performance. How the couple change Anurag’s outlook by spreading goodness is a treat to watch. Newcomer Aditi Sharma has an insignificant role. Habib Tanvir, who enacts the role of a poet with panache, lends grace to the proceedings. Sukhwinder Singh’s music is melodious and one of the songs, Jogi aaya, has the potential of being immensely popular. However, the denouement lets you down. It leaves many questions unanswered. What happens to Anil Kapoor after he is arrested for allegedly harbouring the terrorist is not shown. Moreover, the fate of Anurag, who abandons the idea of exploding the bomb following a change of heart, is also not known at the end. Though certainly not in the league of Devil’s Own, the film holds your interest due to its freshness. Showing at: Fun Republic, |
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I am 24. My boyfriend is 20 and we have been dating for the past one-and-a-half years. My parents know about us and they even met his parents. My father wants us to get married by December but his parents want us to wait for a while as they feel he may have a change of heart . Now my parents want us to part ways as they feel the boy will eventually leave me. We do not want to marry against their wishes. We have stopped meeting but talk regularly. We cannot decide what to do. Please help. Bhavna Sehgal, Well, just hang on there. You cannot be in two minds. If you are convinced that this is the right guy for you, half the battle is won. But remember he is only 20 and really not mature enough to take a big decision like marriage. It is not only about being in love. It is also about sharing, caring and being part of a social structure. Give yourselves time. Let your boyfriend complete his studies and find himself a job. If your feelings are genuine, you will be together. Channelise your thoughts and energies towards some creative.
n I am a computer engineer and now studying management with no job experience. I have a fair knowledge of things but I am shy and also not fluent in English. I lack the confidence while making presentations and cannot take up initiatives. I am also an introvert . It is vital for me to overcome my problems to become a successful manager. Please guide. Shallu Sharma, It’s great to know that you are so well qualified. With all these assets there is absolutely no reason for you to be shy. English should never be a hindrance in one’s interactions. These days we have such wonderful courses for spoken English. Apart from that I think you would do well by taking a course in personality development and even one in motivation. This would chisel your talents and your managerial skills. Don’t worry, you will definitely get though life with flying colors. Believe in yourself and keep a positive attitude.
n My boyfriend of 4 years went abroad and married the girl of his parents choice as we belong to different castes. Though he says he is happy, he says he truly loved me and he wants to keep in touch, which I don’t want. He says I don’t talk to him because I was after his money. Though I have overcome the trauma but keep rejecting marriage proposals. I don’t know what to do. Please help. Anshu Gupta, Please do not be an emotional fool. Life is too precious to be in such an emotional doldrums. You must be strong. Have the strength to stand up for yourself. How can you allow his remarks get to you? This is just an emotional blackmail. If he feels so strongly for you, he should stand up for it. Let him come and speak out his feelings for you and ask for your hand in marriage. He cannot simply keep you hanging on the side when he is already married. Ask him to be clear about his feelings and only then put any more stake on this relationship. Once you have clarity from his side you can move on with your life without guilt.
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Little Interview Variety, for Roshni Chopra, is not just the spice of life, but life itself. So, while she was riding high on popularity as Pia of Kasam Se, came along Jhoom India, that gave her own fan club . The latest in her kitty is Chak De
Bachche, a talent hunt for kids. And Roshni is ecstatic to co-host the show, for the show is different. Well, to see that, we ‘ll have to wait till 9X brings it on air. Till then we learn a little about it from her.
n How do you feel about the show? Hosting a show is not new to me, Istarted my career with a cricket-based show with Charu Sharma on Doordarshan. This one is special because it involves kids that lends honesty to the show.
n Another reality show? The cast itself is totally different. We are two people, who represent two different worlds. Manoj brings out the small town aura and I, the metro connection.
n What happened post Jhoom India? I realised my talent for singing and the offers that followed confirmed it too. I might train myself as a singer.
n What else is happening? I play a love-struck girl in Bhram, opposite Dino Morea.
n Not really. Every role is a dream role for me because |
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Kya Family Hai
ATTENTION dadi-dada, mummy-papa and the forever-hyper bachcha brigade! If you’re in the middle of a TV watching session then stop fidgeting with that remote, stop spilling biryani on the bedsheet and stop quarrelling over soaps and cricket matches. Instead, get your act together to groove on Friday-Saturday evenings. For, Airtel Rock ‘N’ Roll Family is about to hit your soapboxes soon. A family affair, indeed, for this show will see three generations of the families come together and battle it out for the Rock-N-Roll Family title. Avers the show’s director Satish Datt, “Most dance and reality shows on air revolve around kids/ young performers, ignoring the elderly members of the family. Here, three generations of the families are going to jive and have a blast together. It would be both wholesome song n’ dance entertainment and a rebonding exercise for the families.” Rebonding? “Yes, picture a saas shaking a leg with her bahu!” So what kind of training is being imparted to the shortlisted finalists? “The participants will get four days to practice before each episode. They’re already in the middle of a month-long training session including exercises, yoga and of course, dancing.” The shortlisted families are from different parts of the country and will perform on their state-specific music for the first two episodes. Avers business head Zee Tarun Mehra, “The show is a perfect combination of grit, determination, emotions and most importantly, family bonding.” And, the jury too are members of an interesting family. We have the effervescent Kajol, the indomitable Ajay Devgan and the beautiful Tanuja. The channel’s roped in Sharad Kelkar (remember Nahar of Saat Phere fame?) as the anchor of the show. So, get ready to rock-n-roll, for the show goes on air from March 14. |
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BOLLYWOOD diva Shilpa Shetty shared ramp space with filmmaker Sofia Coppola, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and American burlesque star Dita Von Teese in Paris as she represented Louis Vuitton for a show put up by American designer Mark Jacobs. “I’ve been closely associated with this brand for some time now. And much as I had decided to stay in Mumbai for a few months to put my film production plans in place, there was no way I could get away from this engagement...and you know what? I don’t regret it one bit. Paris sure is exhilarating any time. “What I can’t come to terms with is the different ways of greeting in different parts of Europe. In Brussels, you’ve to plant three kisses, while elsewhere it’s just two. It’s very difficult to keep track of how many kisses is correct in which city. Maybe, I should maintain a ‘cheek’ list.
— IANS |
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Health Tip
Exercises: Brisk walking, jogging, swimming and cycling can burn fat. The fat reduction affects all parts of the body and not any particluar part.Exercises help giving better shape to hips by increasing the tone of the muscles. — Dr Ravinder Chadha
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HERE is Sumant Vadhera. He cooks and even teaches cooking. “My interest started when I left my family at the age of 14. Those days, I couldn’t afford to eat out, so I started experimenting,” says Vadhera. So, the little experiments with eggs and chai germinated the seeds of this cook. Vadhera hailing from a royal family found that Indian cooking is permutations and combinations of species – coriander, cloves, cinnamon, fenugreek and hing. “And if you make one strong base out of these five, the dish gets a distinctive aroma,” Vadhera shares. However, here’s a piece of warning, “Cooking and fine art should be taken up by only those who really enjoy it. If your heart isn’t in the kitchen, then things are bound to go wrong.”
Here’s what this cook loves to rustle up: Tribune
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AS a practicing physician, Vishwaneet Singh prescribes medicine to his patients but when it comes to unwinding, he runs to the kitchen. “My romance with the kitchen started when I was a school student and it continued throughout,” says the doc. But no, not the usual dal-chawal would do for him. He’s drawn to western cuisines. And keeping him occupied nowadays is his Tangerine Liquor. A simply irresistible recipe from this doc’s kitchen:
Tribune photo
MEET artist-sculptor Shiv Singh. If you happen to visit him on a Sunday morning, chances are that you’ll find him in his kitchen cooking a puda or kada. “I love to cook, but I cook only for myself,” says Singh. “I love shopping for vegetables too,” he smiles. How did he learn the art, we are persistent. “If you want, you can even fly,” he signs off. A recipe our pan-wielding man readily shares:
Tribune photo
IF Shiv Singh and Vadhera represent the Gen Past, we have youngsters too who are passionate cooks. For 26-year-old Sameer Jhawar, it was the colour of vegetable that attracted him. An engineer by qualification, Sameer frequents the kitchen to cook non-vegetarian dishes, besides chocolate chip and butter cookies. And he cooks because’ it’s creative, therapeutic and gives an immense sense of satisfaction. A spicy concoction by our Gen Y cook:
Tribune photo
Bulges around the hips and thighs are a battle most ladies confront to. Women have almost twice the amount of body fat as compared to men. They tend to store fat on the hips and thighs till menopause, after which the fat accumulates around the middle of the body. It is usually after delivery that females gain weight due to prolonged rest, consumption of fat products and loosening of ligaments around the pelvis. An average woman loses about five pounds of muscles and adds about 15 pounds of fat every decade of adult life. Muscles that give a firm and toned appearance to the hips become soft.