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I love you & I love meat!
What happens when creamy butter chicken & fresh lettuce leaves stand between lovers? The debate between tangri kebab and ghaas phoos continues… This two-year-old relation faces just one hitch and that too only twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A yellow tadka dal, dum aloo and a lacchha parantha qualify as the perfect meal for Smriti. As for Vikas, who’ll rather spend his life in the kitchen of Chawla’s Chicken, a meal is naturally incomplete without a bite into chicky delicacies. So what’s the arrangement between the two? “Leave aside the two days, she doesn’t object to what I’m eating. If she can respect my food cravings, I can respect her sentiments too,” says Vikas. That’s what we call a sensible foodie! A fight breaks up between Gaurav and Neha each time they’re out on a dinner date. Now, the problem is not so much with sacrificing food interests for each other, but with the fact that each one gets to enjoy only one dish at a time. Says hardcore non-vegetarian Neha, “We can’t let food and money go waste, so we just order a dish each that we can finish individually.” And what happens when you tie the knot and get caught in food fights for life? In Parul’s case she’s given up non-veg, but strictly at home! She stays in a joint family where uttering words like chicken, prawns, mutton or fish are an absolute no-no. So, how does she satiate her tummy and taste buds? Well, each time she goes out for dinner, it’s only non-veg on her plate. And she makes the most of it when out with friends. “As long as I don’t bring it home or don’t use the same serving spoon for the dishes, my family is fine with it,” says Parul. An interesting food transformation is that of Manju who turned non-vegetarian on tying the knot and that too within just five months of getting married. What are her fave dishes now? “Tandoori Manchurian and butter chicken,” she chuckles. Another ‘I’m loving it’ situation is that of Sameer. He remains content with his dose of mushrooms, paneer, broccoli and dal makhani while wifey gorges on spicy garlic chicken and chi xacuti. “As long as one keeps experimenting, veggie dishes too can be exciting,” he says. Married for 22 years now, Ritu gave up non-vegetarian fare back then. Does she regret it? “No, not all, I did it by choice,” comes the reply. Well, it seems that our foodie couples sure know how to peacefully and tastefully find their way about. All that’s needed is harmony between your growling tummy, beating heart and sensitive
mind!
purva@tribunemail.com
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Of Dreams, Destinations HER story sounds familiar. Never wanted to become an actor but circumstances (Dev Anand’s persuasion for his flick Gangster) pushed her into it. But Deepshikha has no regrets. Because this is a career that has given her a chance to live many shades of life, like playing a sex worker for her forthcoming film Pranali and a comic role in Dhoom Dharaka. “Pranali is a film based on the Devdasi system. I play Chanda, a parallel character to the lead,” says this Parveen Babi look-alike who was in town to take up the responsibilities as the director of the Storm Modeling and Finishing School. And playing a sex worker has helped her learn many real-life lessons too. “Pranali made me aware of the plight of these unfortunate women. Sets were depressing and shots so hard hitting that after finishing each, I wanted to run home,” she shares. It also made her an advocate of prostitution’s legalisation. Now that she’s come of the Chanda mode, Deepshikha is concentrating on other projects, Shashi Ranjan’s comedy Dhoom Dhadaka, a Bhojpuri film and her serial Dahhej in which she plays Maya, the status conscious woman. “For the first time I did a comic role and enjoyed it. Basically, I am a happy-go-lucky person and being funny comes naturally to me.” Quite a switch from the page3 journo she played in Bhram. And when she’s not busy being different persons at different sets, she is happy playing the perfect mom to her daughter Vedika and son Devan. “They are the motivation in my life,” says Deepshikha, introducing her daughter who accompanied her to the press meet. “It was because my daughter that I took part in Mrs India-2003 and went on to win the title of 1st runner-up as well as the Kohinoor Woman of the Year title.” And she remembers all that she learnt during her grooming sessions. “I always wanted to take part in Miss India contest but couldn’t muster the courage. I want to be the support system for my daughter,” she smiles. Any more unfulfilled dreams? “Well, I would like to act opposite Mr Bachchan and Aamir Khan. My mother wanted to see me act opposite Aamir but I guess I’m a little tall. But I can be cast opposite Big B.” Are our directors listening?
parbina@tribunemail.com |
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Turn it
off! THE bite of garam chapatti stays hanging in the air for minutes, till the number of SMS votes by which your son’s fave reality star wins the title is announced. And once announced, the jubilance sends the bowl of dal flying! Gorging on healthy palak ka soup and fresh green salad is not doing any good to the iron intake of mommy, who eats the leafy preparations between sobbing sessions for Kumkum, whose facing troubled times yet again. Daddy darling leaves his food midway when Aaj Tak announces breaking news. Intersperse all this with fight for the remote control, comments over the righteous Tulsi, discussions on the stock exchange and of course, the talk over healthy eating habits and changing lifestyles. Does this scene remind you of your dinnertime at home? Well, if it does, then it’s the time to take note and act now, tell city families and experts. Okie, now kids are busy becoming toppers via activity classes, youngsters partying and studying and parents making money for all this! The only rare time the family gets together is mealtime. “There can be no better platform than a dining table to bring the family closer. Also, any cracks between the members can be dealt with it here,” says psychologist Rajshree Sarda. Chips in Rita who ensures that her family sits down together for dinner, ”It’s a pleasant experience to share the daily activities with each other and unwind in the process.” And what about eating habits? “Well, the food is appreciated more when paid attention too,” she smiles. But with appreciation comes the realisation that you’re actually being served yellow daal and saag! Says director Smartkids Ravinder Singh,” It’s easy to play a role model on the dining table. You can also apprise kids on the health quotient of the preparation.” She adds,” It’s not possible for parents, specially a father to take his kid for an outing each evening, he can make up for it by spending quality time over the meal.” Now, did you think this habit is harmful only for kids? Have you noticed how dad, when glued to a cricket match, fails to keep count of the number of paranthas he has had? Yes, watching TV while eating is one of the prime causes of obesity. Says Rajshree, “The mind is not 100 per cent alert to what and how much is going inside the mouth when in front of telly.” Says Deepa, living in a joint family set up, “When you have the television on, people are essentially eating alone, engrossed in the SRK, news, Pokeman or saas-
bahu saga.” Well that’s quite true. So get up, turn off that TV now and, in turn, talk to each other and also walk the healthy path. |
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Telly
Tales The trend started with Punjabi belle Mona Singh being asked by the producers of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin to dress up like Jassi wherever she went. “Initially, I wasn’t allowed to take off my ugly braces and thick-rimmed spectacles even at press meets,” says Mona. However, it helped in the long run by building people’s curiosity. Recently we saw the star cast of Mera Sasural in town. Sudhir Pandey who plays a jagrata singer in this soap was all decked up in Rin-blue kurta-pyjama, jewellery and unkempt long tresses. The other characters looked living and breathing their parts in the serial too. Even on telly, these famous characters are stepping out of their respective soaps and walking into other soaps. Like Star recently came up with their concept called Crossover, where characters make guest appearances in other serials. The mega-episodes of Kahaani, Kayamath and Kyunki, for example, had characters from all the three serials getting together at a party. Even Zee’s Saloni (with obedient hubby Nahar in tow) keeps attending various weddings and pujas in other serials. Talking about reality shows, the Republic Day Special of Chotte Ustaad had the contestants from Voice of India performing. Further, the fave query on TV or off it (it could be on a busy traffic signal on the street!) seems to be, “Agar Aap iski jagah hote to kya karte?” The decent ‘any further suggestions for the story’ has been replaced by this dramatic query. Recently, printed handouts and pamphlets were distributed at a street, asking the viewers on the street to decide the future of the characters of a soap. And yes, how can we not talk about our telly parivaar’s foray into fashion? Our soaps may be absolute tearjerkers, but they believe themselves to be trendsetters. No doubt, you can now dress up like Tulsi, Parvati, Kumkum, Prerna, Bani, and more by delving into the world of Star Parivaar at the Big Bazaar outlets. Starting from Rs 799, the range comprises 250 unique styles, characteristic to ten of the channel’s leading ladies including Tulsi and Nandini, Parvati, Kumkum, Prerna, Kasturi and Roshni. You can take your pick from sarees, salwaar-kurtas and ready-to-stitch suits depending upon your fave protagonist. So tele-viewers, marketing gimmicks on telly are definitely getting bigger, if not better!
(This column appears weekly) |
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Minimum fuss,
Maximum style
WITH summer here, it’s time to brave scorching noons and unpleasantly warm evenings. So stop ‘hiding behind much’, be it clothes or your crowning glory! Yup, you read it right. For, those flowing, wispy curls or lovely long locks may be your style staple during winters, but not in this weather. With these high-maintenance styles, you may tiptoe out of the parlour looking like a goddess, but will feel oh-so-hot the very next day. So, trade off those fancy hairstyles for fuss-free, low-maintenance and tied-up hairdos this summer. City’s hair pros tell you how… Tail of Style WE’VE been doing it since our schooldays. And now, long after we’ve left high school (even college) and given it up as kiddo fashion, it’s time to go nuts about it again. Yes, the sky-high ponytail that everybody from Raveena and Karishma to Kats sported while jumping around trees. What’s more, the sassy style’s bounced back! Smiles Headmasters-8 chief stylist Parveen Kumar, “Though short and sweet hairstyles are summer’s favourites, you can’t clip those long, lustrous locks. Rather funk up your look with a cute ponytail.” Expertspeak:
Suggests Zahid Khan, Makeover-8: Pull up your hair and secure with an elastic band. If you don’t want the band to be seen, pick out a few strands and wrap around it. To add volume, wash and towel dry your hair first. Comb with a vent brush with your head hanging down. Now, make a ponytail. Twist in the tail! THIS interesting variant of the ponytail can be styled in five minutes. Convenient and fun, it’s neat and ideal for office meetings and formal dos. Expertspeak: Suggests Sameer Alvi, Vidya Tikari-10: “For a sophisticated and slightly formal look, pull up your hair into a ponytail. Then twist and secure the pony’s loose ends with bobby pins. Ensure that the pins are the same color as your hair. Pull out a few strands and let them dangle at the sides of your face. Use a little hairspray for that formal look. For added bounce at the front, backcomb first. Half Up, Half Down Lots of women like to let their hair down, a formidable thought in summer. But this style allows for a ‘down’ look while keeping the hair out of the face. Expertspeak:
Ritu Kolentine, Cleopatra-8: “Pull the top portion of the hair into a ponytail, clip, or barrette and secure it. The bottom portion of the hair should be left loose. This look is fun, flirty, and summer cool.” The easiest hairstyle to do, a fountain gives you a casual and unkempt, yet sassy, stylish look. Some strategically placed highlights can further enhance this style. Expertspeak: Suggests Rewa Dharni, Personna-Swastic Vihar: Tie your hair in a pony and twist it tightly into a knot. Pull out some loose ends. Use a banana clip to hold the knotted hair and spread the loose ends like a fountain over your crown area. For bounce, first create natural waves using medium and small curlers. Add-ons Spice up styles with colourful headbands, chunky loops or bandanas in acid colours. Pretty clips and little clutchers, besides dramatic eye make-up and several mascara strokes look great. Fresh flowers, sparkle and swarovsky pins are ideal for the party look.
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Little Interview HE might have given Bollywood rebellious numbers like Chota Bachcha Jaan Ke or whacky ones like Tukur Tukur Dekhte Ho Kya or peppy ones like Ik Uncha Lamba, his heart purely beats for Sufi and folk music. And this is what has motivated singer, composer and music director Anand Raj Anand to play mentor for NDTV Imagine’s new talent hunt show Junoon…Kuch kar dikhane Ka, based on folk, Sufi and filmi music. n
Why a reality show? This is a show, which captures the roots and fruits of music. Had it been just Bollywood music, I wouldn’t have been interested. But this show has all three, which makes it a right blend. Bollywood plays an important role in taking folk or Sufi music from the possession of a few to many in the world. n
Tell us about your music album… This album will be more of Anandisation. It’s actually the real me. This is result of 15 years of my frustration, that I couldn’t be a singer first, and ended up being a composer and music director instead. n
Is playback singing not a gratifying experience in terms of creative fulfillment? Well, filmi songs are based on a particular situation. But for this album I am singing from my heart. No situation, no restriction, simple and pure feelings.” Well, he will be making an appearance in his debut album too. n
What’s in your kitty? Just Punjabi, Anis Bazmi’s untitled movie and Balaji’s C Company to name a few. I am also doing three films of Kumar Mangat and Sanjay Gupta’s Kaante II. |
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Breezy Style THE harsh sun is scorching us mortals. Ideally, it’s time to soak ourselves in sea, sands and everything breezy in between. Now, while our lifestyles don’t really permit that, the city’s stylo-meter are sure making up for it. How? Well, by letting in the
Mediter- ranean influences. So forget tugging your sweaty legs into trousers and jeans. Instead, enjoy the season with comfy and airy muslin Turkish pants– Harems and Jodhpurs. We cue you in to this resolutely chic summer-staple and its playful variants available in town. The ah-so-casual harems have been here, done that. They ruled the city streets last season too. So aren’t youngsters tired of them? “Not really. Flowing and cucumber cool, these billowy pants are ideal to beat the heat. Besides, they look quite stunning,” says student Bani Vaid. Agrees designer Mickey Chhabra,“ Soon after harems hit the local stores last season, rehri markets around town were flooded with their cheap variants, making them common. However, these pants are no longer worn just for style. Thanks to their amazing comfort-level, they are considered a perfect summer staple. Like denims, everyone wants to have a pair of these.” Chips in 20-something Akriti,“Harems have been big in Mumbai and Delhi for quite some time. However, it was only last year that they arrived in town. The pleated lycra ones in stunning solids have been quite popular.” Designer Priyaranjan has rustled up formal, dressy harem pants, “We’ve played with sinuous satins and juicy colours for party-wear harems. You can take your pick from leafy greens, shocking pinks and grape purples for Rs 700.” Polka-8 offers earthy coloured harems in checks (Rs 1,150). For fashionholics who won’t compromise on the latest trends, Ten West-10, stocks Jodhpurs in viscose lycras and cottons. While the lycra ones (Rs 900) come in neon colours like fuchsia, turquoise and orange, the cotton ones come in flowing botanical prints. For splashing some more style designer Niharika Laul advises, “Team them up with ganjis and fitted lycra tees for a casual look. For a dressy look, wear Jodhpurs with embellished belts, juttis, beaded neckpieces, spaghettis and jazzy
halters.”
anandita@tribunemail.com |
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Spice up A HAIR rinse provides a conditioning treatment to the hair, helping it settle and giving it body and bounce. It is particularly useful during summer and for oily hair, although some rinses can be used for dry hair. Hair should be washed well with water after shampoo, followed by a hair rinse. Actually, it is important to wash the hair thoroughly with water after shampoo, to get rid of all soapy residues and the last traces of grime. Each hair is made up of very delicate fibre and must be protected if its natural beauty is to be maintained. Help yourself to the ingredients provided by nature and keep your hair in top condition. Here are some rinse options from your kitchen shelves. Lemon: Add the juice of one lemon to a mug of water and use it as the last rinse. It is ideal for oily hair, reducing oil and restoring the normal acid-alkaline balance. Vinegar: Add one part of vinegar to eight parts of water and use it as a final rinse after washing the hair. It helps to restore the normal acid-alkaline balance and keeps the scalp healthy. Apple cider vinegar is the best. Honey: Add one-tablespoon honey to a mug of water and use it as the last rinse. It benefits dry hair, making it soft and smooth. Marigold (Gainda flowers):
Add a handful of fresh or dried marigold flowers to three cups of hot water. Allow it to stand for an hour. Strain and cool the water and use as the final rinse. It benefits oily hair with dandruff. Rosemary Essential Oil: For limp hair in humid weather, add 10 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil to 50 ml water. Shake well and keep in a glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. Apply this to the hair, after shampoo and leave it on. Fenugreek (methi) seeds: Grind one tablespoon of methi seeds coarsely and soak in two cups of cool water. Leave it overnight. Strain and use the water as a last rinse. It helps to condition the hair and keep the scalp free from infections and lice infestations. Neem leaves: Add two handfuls of neem leaves to four cups of hot water. Let it stand overnight. Next morning, strain the liquid and use it to rinse the hair. It relieves itching and keeps the scalp healthy and infection-free. It is useful in dandruff. A paste can also be made of the soaked neem leaves and applied on the scalp, rinsing off with water after half an hour. Tea: Take used tealeaves and boil them again in 4 to 5 cups of water. The amount of water depends on the length of the hair. Strain and cool the water. Use the tea-water as a final rinse after shampoo. Tea contains tannin, which adds shine to the hair and makes it silky. It suits all hair types. Beer: Rinsing the hair with beer helps to add shine and body. Beer contains glycerin and is particularly suited to dry hair.
(This column appears fortnightly) |
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AS the soaring mercury forces us to slip into crisp cottons, Fabindia comes to our rescue. Beginning from April 25, the store showcases its special collection of Summer Garments and Home Linen at its Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali outlets. Promising a beautiful confluence of soft colours, prints and embellishments to complement the season, the range (Rs 500 & Rs 3000) boasts of cottons in traditional Luckhnavi, Mangalagiri and Chanderi weaves. For those looking for soothing colours, the three-day exhibition has a breathtaking collection for men, women and children in cool pastels and whites, the foremost colours of the season. The display boasts of the evergreen mulmul kurtas from Gujarat with appliqué work as well as various prints in long, medium and short lengths. The printed dupattas with crochet work and matching Patiala salwars in both prints and plain are on display. Apart from these are the Andhra Pradesh Mangalgiris to add to your summer wardrobe. Renowned for their fine gossamer quality, placement of motifs and design from Madhya Pradesh the Chanderi cotton suits, intricately woven using cotton thread and mukaish and other embellishments also are being presented during the exhibition. The Home section has a fine display of appliqué work bedcovers and tablecloths in whites and pastel colours.
On till April 27
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POP superstar Madonna prefers her new role as a director to singer because she gets asked questions about her work and not her personal life. Madonna is doing promotional work for her upcoming album Hard Candy, but is not happy with the personal questions she is being asked sometimes. However, she is enjoying doing promotional work for her directorial debut Filth and Wisdom. She said, “I have a record to promote and that is great, but I loved going to the Berlin Film Festival, it was the first time in my career that no one asked me a personal question.” The real JLo MUM Jennifer Lopez is set to co-produce and star in a reality show, showcasing her personal life as a singer, actress and motherhood. Lopez will produce, co-create and star in the docu-series, on how she adjusts her career with motherhood- including launching a new fragrance. “I’m looking forward to sharing this exciting journey together,” she said. The series is under production, however, the launch date has not yet been fixed. Racer to actor A HOLLYWOOD producer is set to take F1 icon Michael Schumacher’s glorious life to the silver screen. Schumacher’s agent, Willi Weber revealed that the Hollywood producer is willing to make a film on the legend’s victorious life. He has also asked the 39-year-old star to play himself in the movie. “A Hollywood producer is interested in the life of Michael Schumacher and a film would be called The Michael Schumacher Story with him as the main actor,” said Weber. Schumacher had retired from the sport in 2006 and after winning 91 Grand Prix.
— Agencies |
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Health Tip Benefits: Swimming entails low risk of injury, as it doesn’t put excessive load on the joints and muscles because therae is significant reduction of body weight due to buoyancy of water. Water provides natural resistance, thereby strengthening the body muscles. Due to the cool water, workout is less tiring and one feels refreshed. Pregnant ladies and old people who cannot undertake other aerobic activities can exercise in water. Precautions: People suffering from skin and ear infections should refrain from swimming. People who are not strong can have shoulder and lower limb injuries while swimming. It is, therefore, advisable to undertake strengthening exercises like bicep curls, triceps dips, shoulder press and calf raises so as to avoid injuries.
— Dr Ravinder Chadha
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A GORGEOUS, sexy girl in the neighbourhood, a terror father, a spying sibling, an alert landlord, an over friendly colleague, indefinite working hours and so on and on. Almost anything can stand in the way of a lovey-dovey relationship. Right? But, then never did we think that relations could go sour over a debate of paneer vs chicken! So, when we saw sweet nothings being exchanged on the next table transforming into sighs and moans as the menu arrived, we found ourselves wondering, bemusing and even smiling! To probe further, we spoke to a few individuals who are braving, adjusting, cribbing, eating, tolerating in a vegetarian vs non-vegetarian relationship!
IT’S all about ‘loving your parents…oops telly (Sorry Karan!). As the Indian cinema gets more urbane ala restricted to the upper segment of the multiplex-metros, TV’s getting more masses-friendly and masala-driven. No wonder, telly’s marketing activities are packing a punch too. Think chutzpah, cheeky humour and a pinch of innovation, and what pops in front of the eyes is our kaleidoscopic tele brigade. All decked up in gaudy saris, flashy jewels, heavy eye-makeup (with the most dramatic shadows and mascaras) and a pinch of sindhoor thrown into their blow-dried hair, our Parvatis, Tulsis and ghar ki laxmis are everywhere. For, the bahu-beti brigade is now stepping into our lives, literally.
Swimming in the pool integrates all aspects of fitness including speed, stamina and flexibility. Compared to aerobic activities like jogging, running and cycling, swimming is more enjoyable during the summers.