Kahin haan kahin naa For us, no mushy talk this V-day. Just a little tickle 'n' tease. After all, in these times of recession it costs nothing to tweak some tales of love, writes Chetna Keer Banerjee. Here’s our honours list for the season... Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Award If there was one man out there who made us fall in love.....with love, it was none other than that charmer in the White House, Barack Obama. Much has been said about his charisma on the political stage but what really bowled many of us over was the spell he cast on the dance floor. Oooh, the way he serenaded Michelle at the inaugural ball, one minute the doting hubby, another minute the boyish lover, but never the flashy, in-the-face dude, we knew we'd got our romantic icon for the season. Maa Da Ladla Bigad Gaya Award This one's for you Sanju baba. For this son of Mother India, the much respected late actor-parliamentararian Nargis Dutt and Congressman Sunil Dutt, did much to uphold for the family name. So much so that he issued the Great Nomeclature Challenge to his own sister Priya Dutt, questioning her right to the Dutt surname. All this for the sake of his lady love. Though his famous Pali hill declaration, "If there's any Mrs Dutt in Pali Hill it's my wife Manyata," may not go down in romantic folklore, it sure can qualify for the un-Pally title, as far as sibling rivalry goes. Sorry Bhai Award Here was one love story that went on in circles, but certainly didn't follow The Circle of Reason. First, reality show Bigg Boss participant Rahul Mahajan was seen romancing actor and Abu Salem's former girlfriend, Monica Bedi, on the small screen. When she got out, he went chasing old friend Payal Rohtagi and just then, Monica made a wildcard entry and a love triangle is what we had. But the real twist came when this on-screen romancing had repercussions off screen. Bedi's ex-lover Salem came on the scene wearing his heart on his sleeve for Monica`85oh my darling. But Monica kind of suffered an amnesia attack ut her former love life, stilling all prospects for a sequel, Return of Don. Poor Bhai, he deserves an award, at least. Tauba Tera This certainly was the mother of all love stories this season and here was one man who didn't do much for the cause of love. From an act of faith (literally) to unfaithfully yours, the Chand-Fiza tale had a twist even before you could blink. Of course, it had all the makings of a Bollywood formula film. The first half of this masala script had the lovers Fiza, aka Anuradha, and Chand Mohammad, aka Chander Mohan, coming in the glare of flashbulbs after they tied the knot. They made for a perfect photo op: a cosy twosome who'd given all up for the sake of love---from faith to family. Then came the break. Then, after the break, the script went for a total toss. The male lead of Love Ke Liye Kucch Bhi Karega went rushing into the arms of Biwi No 1 and the popping flashbulbs captured a swooning and a single Fiza, not hand in hand with her Chand but flailing only a cellphone in hand. Bachna Ae Haseeno Award Recession doesn't seem to have touched celebrated writer Salman Rushdie with a barge pole. The age profile of his arm candy may show a recessionary tendencies, but as far as the number of choices go, there's no slowdown. Not once, but four times bitten, but this 61-year-old isn't shy at all. For, even four broken marriages later, the last one with TV actor-writer Padma Lakshmi, Rushdie will celebrate this Valentine's Day with his newest girlfriend Pia Glenn (32). Glenn plays former US secretary of state Condolezza Rice in a Broadway comedy. Seeing that this lanky lady towers over him, Rushdie can make tall claims about being a much-wanted lover boy! |
Thorns in the roses This Valentine’s is all about love, lifelong promises and lots of mush. Very usual. But its also about Sri Ram Sena (another one in the list of the so called culture bachao armies), open threats for the cupid worshippers and apprehending trouble. All those love birds are facing a wild hunt chase from the self styled moral brigades, threatening forcible disruptions in V-day celebrations. And while the police is on high alert, almost like a bomb scare, the pubs and restaurants offering special valentine’s treats are also in for a fortification of sorts. The day is high on love and high on alert as well. Most of the city pubs have made special security arrangements for the night in wake of the recent Mangalore controversy. And the first and the fieriest wall of defense will be the bouncers. The hip and happening Score-8, has doubled its bouncer strength, says Rahul Sharma, manager, “We have over 20 bouncers than the usual 10 or so for our V-day bash.” Same goes for Rock n Rio-43, “Apart from our two in-house bouncers we have hired 7-8 bouncers for keeping things in control,” says Sandeep Scahdeva, general manager. And it’s not only the pubs that are cashing in on the muscle strength. Karan Wahi of Wahi group, who is all set for a private bash on the day, has 50 bouncers watching for the safety of his gathering of around 400-500 people. The most severely hit ones are the single souls out there whose chances of getting lucky in love on the dance floor got crushed under the jagged edges of safety. “We have a limited entry of 75, couples only, to make things easier and safer,” says Sandeep. Even Score works on the funda of less is more, with no singles entry. Ask them if the v-day spirits are going to be hampered by these talibanised attempts and here’s what they have to say, “Not really, this generation doesn’t believe in forced ideologies, so the spirits are going to be high,” says Puneet Sharma, General manager of Peninsula. For Rock n Rio, its hatke concept works in its favour., “We already have a segregated crowd, and with live rock performances throughout the evening, there is no reason why people won’t turn up,” says Sandeep. But Rahul Sharma of Score chooses to differ, “There are going to be certain apprehensions, yes, but nothing with much effect or not necessarily because of certain threats.” So, get inspired not only by love but also by the Pub-bharo andolan! |
The country capital is becoming the focus of an increasing number of films Away from the grime and
glamour of tinsel town Mumbai, the halcyon life and the middle class
existence in the alleys and bylanes of Delhi is becoming the focus of an
increasing number of Bollywood films.With films based on real-life
issues concerning the common man and the middle-class fast becoming the
order of the day in the Mumbai film industry, the Capital city of Delhi,
a home to people from diverse regions, classes and castes, is the
backdrop of many a film coming out of the Bollywood stable this
year. From the Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone-starrer Chandni Chowk
To China, which follows a Delhi-based simpleton’s thrilling,
madcap journey from a simple cook to Kung Fu fighter, from the by-lanes
of Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to the grandeur of the Great Wall of China
and beyond, Anurag Kashyap’s Dev D, a modern interpretation of
Sarat Chandra Chatterjee’s Devdas, to the Abhishek Bachchan
Sonam Kapoor-starrer Dilli-6, which captures life in the narrow
bylanes of Chandni Chowk, to the Manoj Bajpai-starrer Jugaad, set
in the backdrop of the sealing drive, Delhi seems to be the centre of
focus of several films slated for release in the coming months. After
last month’s Chandni Chowk to China, the story of Sidhu, a
vegetable-cutter and apprentice to the chef of a roadside food stall in
Chandni Chowk in Delhi, and his journey to China, Anurag Kashyap’s Dev
D, released last week, is another film set in the backdrop of Delhi
and based on Delhi MMS case. After Dev D, this week’s release Jugaad
also has Delhi as its backdrop. Directed by Anand Kumar, who earlier
made Delhi Heights, Jugaad brings alive on the silver
screen the real life trauma and upheaval caused in the life of
Delhi-based businessman Sandip Kapur after his business establishment
was sealed by the authorities during the sealing drive in the Capital
last year. Featuring Manoj Bajpai, Hrishita Bhatt and Vijay Raaz in key
roles, Jugaad is the real life first hand experience of Sandip
Kapur, a successful CEO of an advertising agency, whose life fell apart
when the Municipal Corporation of Delhi locked the doors of his
advertising agency. Jugaad will be closely followed by Rakeysh
Omprakash Mehra’s Dilli 6, a film said to be based on the
filmmaker’s growing up years in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. Dilli 6
stars Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Om Puri, Atul Kulkarni and Divya
Dutta. Scheduled to hit the silver screen on February 20, this film is
Mehra’s third directorial venture after the critically acclaimed Aks
and Rang De Basanti, which was India’s official entry to the
Oscars. It is a story of American-born Indian, Roshan (Abhishek Bachchan)
who brings his ailing grandmother back to India. Little does he know
that the quick trip will turn into the longest journey of his life - a
journey within. The backdrop of the story is Chandni Chowk, the ancient
walled city of Delhi. Infact, trade sources say that in Rakeysh Mehra’s
film, Chandni Chowk is a character in herself. It represents the chaos,
religion, beliefs and ethos of the people. The film also features
Amitabh Bachchan, as the grandfather of Roshan. Infact, the official
trailer for the movie, released on January 4, featured scenes from Delhi
along with Jama Masjid, theatre groups, Red Fort at night, Sonam Kapoor
in an unknown city and finally Abhishek watching Sonam dance with the
pigeon "Masakalli" on her head. Also slated for release later
this year is Delhi Belly, featuring newcomer Imran Khan in the
lead role. A comedy film revolving around several characters in Delhi, Delhi
Belly is being produced by Aamir Khan, who is also said to be doing
a cameo role in the movie, under his banner Aamir Khan Productions in
association with UTV Motion Pictures.The film is being directed by ad
filmmaker Abhinay Deo, who was roped in after Swedish director Robert
Nylund withdrew from the film. The film also has well known Indian
comedian Vir Das in a key role. Delhi has formed the backdrop of many a
film in recent times. The films where it has featured prominently
include Dibakar Banerjee’s Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, Rakeysh Mehra’s
Rang De basanti, Anand Kumar’s Delhi Heights and Subhash
Ghai’s Black and White. — UNI |
Hollywood Ho!
After working with Pete
Lockett, the music composer of Bond films, in his new album, top Indian
percussionist Bickram Ghosh is now looking forward to a future in
Hollywood. Ghosh’s latest album The Kingdom of Rhythm, which is
poised for release this month, features Lockett who has composed the
background score for many Bond films. Hollywood is a better place to be
in as a percussionist as you get recognition there. In Bollywood that
doesn’t happen," he said. Citing the example of Lockett, he said,
"Pete plays on the Bond soundtracks and gets screen credit which
does not happen in India," he pointed out. Ghosh shot to limelight
after he worked in Pandit Ravi Shankar’s album Full Circle that
won the Grammy Award for 2004. Known for his collaborations with
international musicians, including ex-Beatle George Harrison, Yosi Levy,
Ilan Salem, Khaled Kouen and Mstilav Rostropovich, Ghosh also played for
Harrison’s Grammy nominated album Brainwashed. He is the first
tabla maestro-ever to be offered an endorsement by ‘Remo’, the
biggest drum-heads company in the world. Explaining why he prefers
Hollywood, Ghosh said, "Hollywood’s music is background-score
driven while it is song-driven in Bollywood. In India we are still to
take the background very seriously. However, this is changing."
"Here, if you play background music, you remain in the background
forever," he said. Asked if he is now looking forward to working in
Hollywood films, he said, "Yes, if the offer is good." Ghosh
has composed music for Little Zizou, an upcoming Mira Nair
production that stars Boman Irani and John Abraham. He is now working on
the score for a mystery thriller in Hindi based on a Sherlock Holmes
story, The Diamond Murders. Talking about his latest work, Kingdom
of Rhythm, he said the album is unique because it is modern and at
the same time retains its tribal influences. Describing the album as an
extensive work on drumming, he said, he has tried to cover the whole
expanse of drumming in it. "It is one of the most eclectic and
extensive rhythm-driven projects in modern times, breaking new ground
with a diverse creative mix of contemporary and traditional rhythms as
you have never heard them before." — PTI |
Gimme a thriller Aftab Shivdasani has starred in hit comedies like Masti, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega and Hungama, but says comedy is not his favourite genre. "It’s a misconception that comedy is my favourite genre. No, it’s not. It’s just that I am most comfortable with doing comedy. Also, it is a safer genre", said Aftab who would be beginning 2009 with the comedy Aloo Chaat. His continued presence in thrillers and dramatic movies like Kasoor, Pyaasa, Footpath, Jaane Hoga Kya, Red and Speed does indicate his affinity towards the darker side of things as well. "That’s true, I actually love thrillers. Give me an intense love story and I would love to do that. And why just a love story or a thriller? I would be happy doing a full-on action flick as well", Aftab said. His upcoming films like Acid Factory and Kambakht Ishq have a fair dose of action as well. Aftab, who is looking at a busy year ahead with yet another comedy, Daddy Cool, being one of his four major releases, wants himself to be considered as a versatile actor. "As an actor, I like doing different things and this is the reason why I keep juggling around with genres. Though both my releases of 2008, Money Hai Toh Honey Hai and De Taali, were comedies, a year before that there was quite some variety in the form of Speed, Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee, Red and a short story in Dus Kahaniyaan", said Aftab. However, for the moment he is looking forward to the release of Aloo Chaat, which is directed by Robby Grewal, who has earlier made Samay - When Time Strikes and Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar. "Aloo Chaat is a good film to be a part of", he said. "It is a very clean family entertainer. A fun film, it is quite character-driven. In fact, I can assure that you can take your entire family along without feeling awkward even once during the screening. It is a perfect recipe for feel good cinema. Robby has really made the film quite well and I am very much looking forward to the audience response." All set to release March 13, Aloo Chaat stars popular TV actress Aamna Shariff and Linda Arsenio as Aftab’s leading ladies. Also starring Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Manoj Pahwa and Sanjay Mishra in principal roles, Aloo Chaat should see a start in its satellite and web promotions by the coming weekend. — IANS |
Wishful thinking The unique concept and the
realistic approach of his forthcoming film The Stoneman Murders, slated
for release this week, tempted Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan to do the
movie. "I have played a cop on a killer’s trail in many
movies.But there is a difference in the portrayal of the character in a
mainstream commercial movie and a realistic film. The element of
conflict in the police department is handled very subtly in this
film," Arbaaz said. "The film is a dramatised version of a
true incident.There is detailed research work involved," the actor
said. Arbaaz plays the role of sub-inspector Kedar Phadke, a laid back
officer, whose rivalry with the suspended SI Sanjay Shelar, played by
Kay Kay Menon, motivates him more than his sense of duty. "He is
the official investigator of a mysterious serial murder case and is
unaware that Menon has also been assigned to unofficially investigate
the case by his superiors," the actor said. Arbaaz, whose was seen
in Fashion opposite Priyanka Chopra and recently in Mere
Khwabon Mein Jo Aayein with Raima Sen and Randeep Hooda, hopes the
film will perform well at the box office. — PTI |
Food for love Set the perfect victuals for Valentine’s Day with simple dishes that will leave your partner hungry for more
Mmmm food. Well, that sure spices up our oft so dull and dreary life of work and stress. Ah! Forget that, lets talk about love as we celebrate Valentine's Day. They say a way to man's heart is through his stomach and we agree completely. So on this day of love lets talk about food for love. Wondering what? Well, history too is rife with the human pursuit of aphrodisiacs and scientific tests too have proven that some aromas can cause a greater effect on the body than the actual ingestion of foods. And we at Lifestyle search out for such foods that make a difference to love.
"We all know anything that is sweet is related to love. Though chocolates are symbol of love and contain both a sedative, which relaxes and lowers inhibitions but other than that its about innovation and when it comes to food for love, innovation is the key to your sweetheart's heart," says Vipul Dua, proprietor Purple Rice-35. Ask him about the food that infuses a dash of love and he says, "Red wine definitely tops the list." Why? "It is sweet nature and its colour definitely gives a high. Apart from that everything that is sweet is part of love. Chocolate spring roles, crispy honey chicken, cherry chicken, date pancakes, steamed fish are good options," he says. Dimpy Anand, who runs cooking classes in sector 35 says, "Honey is one of the love foods. Its soft texture and its wonderful colour makes it's a symbol of love. Rose water, black currants, wine, figs, walnuts, asparagus too are considered to be love foods. " Ask her why are they considered as food for love and she says, "They are rich in flavour and soft in texture and it is this quality that categorises them in love food." Well, what are ladies cooking this valentine and Dimpy says, "Cake tops the charts but unlike yesteryears the trend these days is of low cal and light, then whatever may be the occasion." Priya, Director, Ovenfresh says, "Strawberries are great aphrodisiacs. But on Valentines Day more than what you eat it's about sharing a meal together. Well-presented, lightly flirtatious finger food followed by lip smacking main course and a decadent fondue will be a sure hit." Last but not the least we say your date should feel special but not stifled, so its better to cook one delicious and edible course than three flamboyant flops. jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
Sweets for my sweetheart Kandla Nijhowne It's Valentine's Day and this is the moment to go over the top and convey your feelings to your dear ones! This day is not just about sweethearts and spouses; it's also a time to express love for ones parents, friends and even teachers! When I was teaching in Delhi, my young pupils would draw and colour, through the break time, while munching on their snacks. The resulting Valentine cards that were piled onto my table by their butter and ketchup smeared hands were messy masterpieces indeed! In the middle ages, people believed that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex you met on the morning of St. Valentine's Day would become your spouse. Had this theory held weight in this century, I'd have married my milkman by now or worse still, the garbage collector doing the early morning rounds! We aren't culturally connected to its origin but we have certainly made a contribution towards Valentine's Day. It's accepted worldwide that the Taj Mahal is perhaps the most splendid gift of love ever given by a man to his lady love. Not bad, eh? Why not have a date with your kitchen counter and do a batch of home made dainties? Believe me, the special ingredient called love will add phenomenally to the taste! Valentine Cookies Ingredients
½ cup butter Method Beat the butter and sugar till well combined and fluffy. Add the rest of the ingredients, leaving aside the icing list. Rest the dough for 20 minutes, then roll out, using a little dusting of flour to prevent sticking. Stamp out with heart shaped cookie cutters and place carefully on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 6-7 minutes. Mix together the icing ingredients till there are no lumps. Colour as desired and coat the cookies while the icing is still soft and pliable. Allow to dry for 2-3 hours. Decorate with a slightly more runny icing of another colour. Sachertorte
(pronounced Zaaker-tort)
Method |
Launch PAD Feminine, sexy, elegant and seductive: a delicate fragrance that exudes sensuality. A fresh fragrance, full of life. Devised for the independent woman who lives each new moment with intensity and likes surprises. Blue Seduction for Woman is the result of a feminization and reinterpretation process of the men's fragrance. It is a highly feminine fragrance marked by a special Blue Freshness and a clearly sensual touch. Citrus notes, combined with the juicy qualities of water-based fruits and violet leaves infuse a soft sensation of freshness and purity in the fragrance. The feminine universe is surrounded by a blend of floral notes enriched by the voluptuous quality of natural rose and jasmine petals in subtle harmony with fruity notes of raspberry. Baubles for your love Pliny the Elder, a great Roman historian, announced that diamonds are 'Gifts of God', and few kings were worthy of them. The power and indomitable force of a diamond came to be acknowledged as the perfect symbol of love hence becoming the ideal gem to be set in a ring of betrothal. Today, centuries later, Diamond is still considered a manifestation the power of love. This Valentine gift your loved one a Nirvana 'Temptations'`85 an exquisite range of diamond jewellery. Temptations is an intriguing interplay of black and white diamonds resulting in a line of most dazzling collection of diamond jewellery for the very special woman in your life. Specially designed for the contemporary and chic Indian woman, the Temptations with a range of diamond earrings, pendants, rings set in white gold is priced at Rs 8000 onwards. Black colour is full of energy of mystery and sophistication, adding depth and strength to the jewellery. The eternal beauty of black accentuates the pureness of the white diamonds making it an interesting combination for a special occasion. Besides Temptations, Nirvana offers a collection of heart shapes studded with diamonds in 18k white gold symbolizing the quintessential bond of love. The collection comprises of many different diamond pendants, earring and rings that are delicate and romantic. This collection is priced at Rs 4500 onwards. Skin deep Nature's Essence has introduced Aromatic Facial to make you look special on this Valentine's Day. The gift pack contains Mint Cleanser, Lacto Tan Clear, Apricot Scrub, Gold Bleach and Nature's Gold Pack. Mint cleanser - An antiseptic face cleanser, which offers thorough cleansing by removing pollutants without depleting natural moisture level of the skin. Lacto Tan Clear - Milk proteins and honey enriched special tan cream helps to remove epidermal suntan, thereby restoring the natural fairness of the skin and also preventing pigmentation due to harmful sun. Its matt effect is ideal for hot climates and the cream also helps enhance after facial glow and nature fairness of the skin. Apricot Scrub: Sun exposure, pollution and weather changes make the skin layer dull and lifeless. Apart from regular cleansing, it is essential to clean the dead skin. Nature's apricot scrub is based on the properties of apricot peal which deep cleanses the skin, pores and dislodges the skin. It makes the skin more, radiant, clean and youthful. Nature's Gold Pack: Gold pack is a moisturizing face pack which improves the skin texture, boosts the skin renewal and hydration. Added aroma oils soften the skin and add shine and luster to the skin. Also, counteracts aging skin to the dry skin. Nature's Gold Bleach: It lightens hair to match the hair color and makes the skin fair and glow. Its mild formula given more natural texture with no irritation to the skin. Trendy Titan Titan Eye+, the third major line of business from Titan Industries today announced the launch of their first Titan Eye+ showroom in city. The exclusive eyewear store offers end-to-end eyecare solutions, a great in-store experience, outstanding ambience and wide assortment of eyewear in sync with latest fashion, style and comfort. The store will carry frames bearing the brands Titan, Eye+ and Dash (for children) brands. Titan Eye+ stores will also sell a host of international brands of frames and sunglasses. Conforming to Titan's exacting quality standards, the stores offer warranty upto one year on Titan products. In terms of optical lenses, the company offers three brands - Essilor, Kodak and Titan lenses. To ensure Titan lenses are of world class standards, they are produced in collaboration with Essilor, the world's largest lens manufacturer. In addition, the stores offer a six-month warranty with the Titan brand lenses. — TNS |
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