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Mahurat Muddle
Shaadi fever is in the air and so is confusion! A wait of six months before you say I do? THIS is confusion at its peak. The days when one looks forward to see women don gaudy suits and glittery jewels, men practice bhangra moves and go burraaah, children re-learn the tappas and dig into ladoos, have been clouded by uncertainty and insecurity. The disruption in merriment is this bit and piece of information — Marriages should not be solemnised till December. In other words, there is no shubh mahurat for weddings from May 3 to December 9. We try to gauge the situation and clear the clouds of confusion by speaking to city-based experts. “A series of changes in planets has prolonged this no-wedding period from May 3 to December 9,” tells astrologer Madan Gupta Spatu. He explains, ”Marriage stars, Venus and Jupiter, will not be visible till July 12. From July 13 the deities will go to sleep, a phenomenon called Devshayan. August will see a solar and lunar eclipse followed by shradhs that would continue till September 29. That brings us to November, but during the Bhishma Panchak period celebrations are not held.” Well, so that indeed does bring us to December! But then Spatu says the situation is not all that grim, “There are days in between when marriages can be arranged.” We hurry to take notes. “The days between July 17 and 29, August 3 and 31, September 1 and 14 and a few days in the last three months are auspicious,” he tells. Besides, he recommends pherey or lavaan between 11: 46 a.m. and 12:24 p.m. on any Sunday. Astrologer and tarot card reader P. K. Khurrana disagrees. “The inauspicious period is only between May 3 and July 11.“ Taara doobna in astrological jargon, this period is inauspicious for any fresh beginning. “But not to worry. Thiis period is not unlucky for all,” Khurrana is quick to add. “It is inauspicious for individuals born under the Aries, Scorpio, Libra and Taurus sunsigns, those whose name begins with B, V, R, T and persons born on 6, 9, 15, 18, 24 or 27 of any month.” Interestingly, during this very period, while the Pancham will be ruling out marriage, chances of falling in love are at an all-time high! Tells Khurrana, “This time is governed by feelings and not facts, which means greater attraction towards the opposite sex.” Chips in astrology and vastu specialist Dr Deepshiri, “The position of the stars spells a bad period. So, this is not the right time to enter into a life long relation.” He rules out marriages between May 3 and September 16. But then, not all believe in what is being predicted. Says tarot card reader Renu Mathur, “It’s not about these days. The combination of the date of birth of a boy and girl should be the foundation of these calculations.” Agrees numerologist N.D. Khetrapal, “The decision will depend on the name and date of birth of the individuals. Each number has a fixed value, so one cannot generalise the prediction.“ Phew, some good news at last! Well, if you believe in astrology, do get your calculations right before you tie the knot. And if you don’t, any day is a good day to get married once you have found the man or woman of your dreams. Here’s wishing you all good luck and a long and happy married life!
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Mouse vs Crown
Glam graphic designer & Miss India Earth Tanvi Vyas wants to do justice to career & crown
If grooming is synonymous with being politically correct, then our Femina Miss India 2008 Tanvi Vyas is the epitome of a groomed lady. Well, it was sheer luck that she won the crown of Femina Miss India Earth when its rightful owner, Harshita Saxena, had to return it due to her contract with another pageant. However, Tanvi is learning the ropes fast and preparing herself to do justice to her crown (or should we say lady luck) by winning the Miss Earth contest that will take place in Philippines this November. So how did it feel winning the crown after losing it by an inch, is the first question we journos shoot at her after the introductions are over at Global Retail School-8. Tanvi was here to launch a three-year BBA degree programme in retail management. “There were mixed feelings. I was sad and happy at the same time. I was called to Mumbai to be presented the crown. In fact, things were moving so fast, that there was no time for feelings,” says the Baroda girl. The rush-rush situation still continues for Tanvi. As brand ambassador of Flying Cats & Global Retail School, her life has become a series of packing and unpacking. “I am constantly travelling these days. But then this is what I love most — traveling and meeting people,” she says. No offer for films or modelling? “Right now, my total focus is on the forthcoming contest and being the brand ambassador for the academy,” she replies. And no, like so many others ‘for whom the glam industry just happened’, taking part in a beauty pageant was never on her agenda. “My friends used to encourage me to apply but it I took part on more of an impulse. But now that it has happened, I want to do justice to my crown as well as my profession, graphic designing.” Harbouring a secret desire to join her league in Bollywood? She rebuffs, “Right now I am busy doing what is expected of me. But it is not necessary that I will end up in Bollywood. Yes, there are many Miss Indias doing well there, but then there are others who are doing equally well as managers and CEOs in big companies. We do not know about them because the media does not write about them.” Well, as for Tanvi, only time will tell which will prove mightier in her career choice — the crown or the mouse!
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Dazzle like a diva
City fashion stylist launches a sensual & trendy trousseau line
RIOT of colours, intricate embroidery, rich fabrics, feminine cuts, and glittering embellishments. And imagine taking home this dazzling diva designer bridal outfit along with useful tips on how to carry the outfit with élan too. Yes, that’s what city-based fashion stylist Varsha Khanna has rolled in for you in her brand christened after her name. On Friday, Varsha launched the brand’s trousseau line in Panchkula. Bold, yet feminine, and trendy, yet personalised, is how she likes to describe the ensemble. “I’ve played with varied fabrics including georgettes, satins, nets, brocades, but it’s the silhouettes and the cuts that bring these fabrics alive,” says Varsha. Complimenting the fabrics is heavy sequin work in silver, combined with floral threadwork. Moving beyond saris in sheer fabric, she has brought in a dazzling range of sarongs too. “The sarongs are perfect for cocktails,” she says. The simple petticoat too has undergone a transformation. “I’ve used shimmer fabrics for the petticoats, this will bring out the charm of net saris better,” she says. The stylish outline is complete with traditional aari, zardosi work, combined with crystals, glass beads, sequins and satin ribbons. Her collection also lures you to bid goodbye to the oh-so-boring blouses and cholis and instead sport smart halters, sensuous spaghettis and bold backless! On the palette are soft pinks, off-whites, nudes, pale greens, peaches, and gold with splashes of hot pinks and bright blues, but that doesn’t mean the traditional bridal colours have been ignored. “You can choose from the all-time-fave tones of bridal reds too,” she tells. As for the fashion trends for this wedding season she says, “Anarkali suits, saris with heavy work and trendy blouses will rule.” And then quickly adds,” But, on the wedding day it is less about reigning trends and more about what goes with one’s personality.” So, under the Varsha Khanna brand you can get custom-made bridal outfits as well as tips to put together your trousseau, complete with shoes and bags.
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Telly Tales Main kahan hoon & Main kaun hoon — staple soapy situations defy medicine, annoy viewers & are in poor taste
Okie, let’s stop here, all we want to say that watching these soaps leaves us viewers fuming and flipping channels. Ever wondered what it does to the real men? The real competent men who are being made to witness the mockery of these crucial medical processes. Let’s get the facts right and hear city’s surgeons and experts speak out against these soapy situations. Head of cosmetic surgery department, Fortis Dr K. M. Kapoor says, “Twice or thrice I have had patients demanding a completely new face. And we had to counsel them on its impossibility.” He questions, “Isn’t it sad that telly’s lack of creativity is actually misleading viewers?” He explains: Plastic surgery is a broad term that includes cosmetic surgery. The former is corrective treatment performed in case of burnts, accidents, and injuries. It can change or improve just a particular feature or a part. Kapoor recalls the sole episode of Kasauti… he saw two years back, “They showed the protagonist getting the bad guy’s face through surgery. It was weird, funny, and implausible. I pity the viewers.” He also disapproves the negligence they show while shooting hospital scenes. “At times they show doctors in an OT without a mask,” he says. Okie, this was surgery, what about yaadash? Says scientist at neurology department, PGI, Akshay Anand, “Physiologically speaking, all this is impossible. But replacing lack of creativity with selective amnesia sends wrong signals.” Next, he makes us run through scientific research that has no record of memory reversal by an accident, as shown most commonly in soaps. Says another city’s leading neurologists, “It’s pure fiction and that’s what gives them the license to play around. Otherwise, no prolonged brain-related illness can be corrected so easily and in a spurt.” So, does all this drama annoy him? “As long as they don’t show doctors making wrong claims. Rest, it’s fiction and if the audience is entertained, I don’t see a grave problem.” Okie, creativity or lack of creativity put aside, still doesn’t all this challenge the intelligent audience? Say the docs in unison, “The intelligent viewer is not watching the dooh-daah soaps, anyways.” Well said docs! (This column appears weekly)
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Natural Décor
It’s oriental and it’s exotic. Even the base materials for this exquisite furniture is unheard of — water hyacinth, banana leaves, grass and Rattan. But one cannot help but marvel at the intricacy and finesses with which the expert craftsmen have shaped up the final products.
The venue, Art Folio-9, takes an ornate look as Amritsar based Vinit Uppal and Jallandhar-based Tara Rana bring to the city a two-day exhibition of wooden furniture and artifacts from Thailand and Indonesia. To start with, there are sofa and sitting bars (Rs 1,800) weaved with fibres of water hyacinth, banana leaves and grass. Even the sturdy-looking, wood-finished divan (Rs 9,000) is crafted of banana leaves. Moving onto the products in wood , first thing we learn is the difference between the wood used by the craftsmen in the two countries — mango wood in Thailand and teak in Indonesia. Starting with platters in mango wood (Rs 300 onwards), the exhibition offers all sorts of home décor, both contemporary and traditional. There are consoles, tables, cabinets, and mirror frames with colourful mirrors etched to the metal-finished wood base. Good ol’ planters’ chairs are also available here. What stands out is the range of Buddha. Presented in many shapes and forms, Buddha statues come with an antique look. There are huge wall panels of Buddha in brown and beige colour too. Another range that catches one’s eyes are the lampshades. Made of coconut shells and also banana leaf fibre they add an oriental touch to any home décor. If you are wondering about durability of the products, Vinit gives you the assurance, “Rattan and water hyacinth are some of nature’s strongest materials and would not splinter or break in normal conditions.” And, of course, they are eco-friendly. Though the price is a bit towards the steep side, it is still worth a visit, only if it is to learn about the handicrafts of our neighbouring countries. |
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A happy song
WHEN his debut single Kangna Tera Ni hit the Punjabi music scene way back in 2003, people compared Master Rakesh to Sardool Sikander. Maybe true to certain extent because Rakesh learnt the nuances of singing from Sardool whom he considers as his guru. After fine tuning his skill for several years, Rakesh from Banga is now all set to make his come back and this time with a solo album Zakhmi.
“Though I had sung singles for various albums, this is my first solo. I have written and composed a couple of songs for the album too,” says Rakesh at the album launch on Friday. The songs are mostly dance-oriented with a couple of romantic numbers thrown in. “The people abroad mostly appreciate music with strong beats, just a few like sad numbers.” However, Rakesh’s personal choice is melody and sad lyrics. “Everyone says I can emote pain through my voice and I love singing as well as listening to sad songs,” he says. Any future plans? “Fly to Mumbai and try my luck as a playback singer,” comes the reply.
— TNS
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Say au revoir to huffing, puffing & snorting this summer, says Anandita Gupta. Gulp down a slice of health, a whiff of freshness or a scoop of calories! From humble thanda-thanda homemade drinks to fancy smoothies, here are some coolers that guarantee instantaneous relief to arid throats Of course, every house in town has to have its bottle of Rooh Afza and khus during the season. And how can one forget the humble shikanji or sipping sherbets of yore (that were uncomplicated as life those days). City-based baker and food expert Neeta Sukhija suggests kachey doodh ka sherbet or chaach — the thin, watery lassi without its natural butter. Another drink is thandai, served chilled with rose water and grated almonds. Nutrition and fitness expert Rangoli Sodhi advises that instead of flavoured sherbets, we should stick to natural, fruit sherbets and coolers prepared at home. Here’s a plethora of refreshing, simple and healthy drinks for you to indulge in… 50 gm black carrots Method: Wash, scrape and cut carrots into three-inch long pieces. Add the carrots and other ingredients to water. Mix well. Store in earthenware pots (or glass jars) for three days or more to sour. Serve over crushed ice. You can also substitute carrots by 100 gms of blanched cauliflowerlets or 200 gms of boiled sliced potato. Makes six glasses Mango panna 100 gm raw mango Method: Boil/ roast the mango till soft. Let it cool, soften it by rolling in palms and squeeze out the pulp in water. Add sugar and seasoning. Churn or blend till well mixed. Strain. Pour again over crushed ice. Chill. Serve garnished with mint leaves. Mint ade ½ cup water Method: Boil water, dissolve sugar in it. Clean wash mint, chop and put in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Add lemon juice. Keep covered and chill. Strain before serving. Pour over crushed ice and add soda to it. Garnish with a few mint leaves and a slice of lemon. Makes two glasses. Jal jeera 30 gm seedless tamarind Method: Soak the tamarind in about 1 cup water for 3 hours. Rub with fingers. Then add the remaining water and strain. Add ground ginger, mint leaves, green chilli, ground spices, black salt, common salt and sugar. Mix well and leave for two hours. Add lemon juice and strain. Adjust taste and serve chilled. Makes six glasses. So friends, the next time you gulp a cola to slake your parched throat, think of a healthy herbal alternative rather than that toxic drink, which certainly does not protect you from the sun’s heat!
Tropical Treat THINK pulpy fruits and tangy juices, add to it some appealing flavours, and top the concoction with crushed ice. And, voila a super-fruit smoothie fortified with natural antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber is ready. Simple and refreshingly tasty, these smoothies are sure a treat to the taste buds. At Backpackers Café-9, you can choose from chocolate or fruit smoothies. Priced at Rs 95, a must try here is the fruity smoothie, Tokyo. “A concoction of orange juice, diced banana, peeled oranges, yoghurt and vanilla essence, this is the ideal weight watchers drink,” confirms owner Priya Jagat. At Mocha-26, the summer-smoothies flavours are galore. For a tropical feel, try Tropical Smoothie, a combo of mango pulp and orange juice with crushed ice. Or how about a Berryblast? This one comes with a yummy mix of strawberry, raspberry and blueberry and is priced at Rs 70. Other enticing options include Black Current Cooler and Cool Californika. Informs food and beverage supervisor Mocha Arun Saini, “Our most popular smoothies are Country and Pink lemonade. Priced at Rs 60, these are basically regular fresh limes with orange juices and cranberry syrup.” Besides, Maimi Melon with guava juice and crushed watermelon also sells well in summers. Gehri lovers check out CCD-11 and relish Green Apple Strawberry and Triple Sec at Rs 48. Milky Way TALK health and can milk be far behind? Though less popular than the tangy-fruity ones, smoothies made with milk and curds are available in city too. The ones churned out of curd is also light on the stomach. Barista-11 offers a strawberry flavoured smoothie. Made out of fruit, milk and blended ice-cream, it comes for Rs 57. Another milky favourite here is the black current option with syrup and milk. Backpackers Café-9 has a creamy concoction of yoghurt, milk, mango, honey and lemon juice in Colombo. For chocolate lovers, there’s Helsinki with milk, cream, honey and chocolate. And the king of smoothies here is D.C., named after Washington D.C., it’s a blend of milk, curd, honey, peanut butter, sugar syrup and ice- cream. Fat Feast LIKE it or spike it. But, the fact remains that though smoothies are meant to be health inducing and nutrition rich drinks, city people prefer the variation made by adding hearty scoops of ice-cream. Thick, frothy and full of calories, these smoothies are on most menus in town. While CCD-11 offers strawberry, Barista and Java Daves-10 offer flavours like litchi, mango, pineapple, banana and even kiwi for somewhere between Rs 50 and 70. Informs brew master operations Barista-11 Rahul Saini, “City youth prefer ice cream based smoothies to the fruits and juices one.” Season’s best picks flavours here include strawberry, mango and black current priced between Rs 50 and 80. If you want something that tempts your eyes and your palate, try the litchi flavour for Rs 83. This one comes with generous scoops of vanilla ice-cream, topped with litchi juice and cherries! Iced tea 3/4 cup water Method: Boil the water, remove from heat and stir in the tealeaves. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture. Add sugar and dissolve. Add the cold water and lemon juice and slices. Stir well. Squeeze the juice out of the slices and pour tea over ice cubes in tall glasses. In case, there is cloudiness, sprinkle a little hot water before pouring over ice. Serves 2 Fruit punch with fresh juice Method: Mix cold, strained tea with the fruit juice. Stir in sugar. Chill. Mix ginger extract just before serving. For ginger extract, crush 10 gm ginger and boil with ½ cup water for 10 minutes and strain. Pour in tall glasses over crushed ice and garnish with mint and lemon. Soda may be added at the time of serving to give a sharp taste. Fruit punch can be made with squash too. Makes two glasses. |
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Bon apetit MANY years ago, I noticed that my family never went gaga when cabbage in any form was on the dinner table. I rolled up my sleeves, unrolled the scroll of the recipe repertoire in my head, and decided to rectify that. Cabbage has an exceptionally high vitamin C content and is rich in cancer-fighting compounds. We need it on our menu now, don’t we? I shall attempt to round up an assortment of cabbage delights, simple as well as complicated, from the world over. Käälikääryleet These delicious cabbage rolls are from Finland. Serve them to your guests, introduce them graciously and ask them to pronounce the name correctly. You won’t have a dull moment at your table while they try! For the sauce 1 small onion, minced Method (More cabbage recipes next time) |
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Opening night chaos
Kylie Minogue almost called off her show on the opening night of X2008- France because of throat infection, technical snag, show’s long duration and more. Fortunately all issues got ironed in the end.
—ANI
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YIPPIE, the original Virani bahu is back! Smriti Irani in the patent sari and sindoor is all smiling again, after all Thakurji has answered her prayers. But wait, that doesn’t mean that the slimmer Tulsi, aka Gautami Kapoor, has left the Ekta camp. In fact, she has teamed up with Mandira, aka Achint Kaur, to fight the original Tulsi. A little flashback, Tulsi has previously had a memory loss, and as for Mandira, she has been through psychiatric treatment and plastic surgeries quite a number of times, and gained a few inches of height in the process. And there we see Om of Kahani Ghar Ghar…back after his share of yadaash kho jana phase. Confused? Okie, flip the channel. Oops Bani of Kasamh Se too is back post-surgery, as Gurdeep Kohli. Why? Coz the original Bani has left for tinsel town. 
THE throat’s getting parched, the water jug perched on the bedside table isn’t enough for the night and we’re getting bowled over by the fizz of bottled drinks. Yet again, it’s that time of the year, when we want to gulp some thanda thanda cool cool drinks and slurp our heat woes away. 
IT’S that time of the year again when we head to the refrigerator every half an hour. While awake, all we can think of is grabbing a bottle of a chilled beverage. And considering how health-freak you and me are getting by the day, we sure want a slice of health in our desire-drinks too. Besides quenching our parched throats, the beverages we wanna gulp 24x7 should come packed with a punch of energy, hydration, vitamins and minerals, in addition to a mouth-watering taste. Wondering where will you get this tempting combo? Well, head to city’s cafes and eateries for absolutely irresistible smoothies in refreshing flavours. We tried some and got you a few of our favourites. 
1/2 cup black tea
1 large cabbage