|
|
|
|
|
Bats to
bowls
Harbhajan Singh, a name that sells, not only in the world of spin tricks and googlies but also dal makhani and butter naans. At least that is what the flamboyant spinner from Punjab desires. The man, who loves controversy more than we love our butter chicken, is all set to open his chain of restaurants, Bhajji da Dhaba, across key cities in Punjab, starting from Chandigarh. (Now we at least know one reason he didn't bother to receive his Padma Shri).
With lots of A-listers in the world of cricket fast turning their passion for food into business, the appetite for some sportstar-quality food seems to be on the rise. The master blaster was the one leading the way here, by starting country's first celebrity restaurant. And so followed Saurav Ganguly (no, he wasn't out of captaincy and career options then), Virender Sehwag, S. Sreesanth and Robin Uthappa. And you thought only actors and models in their twilight zone get intimidated by the whole meal-deal thing! Though Bhajji Da Dhaba won't be the first star-restaurant in the city, we have had the taste of them long back when Kapil Dev opened The Kaptain's Retreat and recently, Dino Morea came to town with Crepe Station. The exclusive cuisine culture in food entertainment business has extended its palate to Punjab, after the litmus test of Delhi and Mumbai. After all, who loves food more than Punjabis. "In restaurant business, presentation matters. The high point of star restaurants is the ambience and menu that is unique and tailor-made for their fans. It varies from their favourite dishes in menu to their personal collection or memorabilia, and fans who come as guests feel more connected," says Rajesh Bali, general manager, The Kaptain's Retreat. This also means that you can cash in easily on your brand name. "The celeb quotient can help only to a certain extent, but at the end of the day the guests come to spend money on their food. It has to speak for itself," says Anthony, restaurant manager, Crepe Station-35, a food chain by brothers Dino and Nicolo Morea. It has three branches in Mumbai, one in Chandigarh. The idea of a food chain is lucrative, this is probably the only industry where recession takes a backseat. "Everyone loves to indulge in good food. Join food and celebrity together and you know that it makes for a good business," says Rajesh Bali. Cashing in on global taste for the Indian appetite, multi-cuisine is the word here. Sachin's restaurant serves his favourite dishes from Carribean to Continental to Marathi cuisine, Ganguly and Sehwag too opted for widespread menu. Sreesanth and Uthapa went a little easy with their café, Silly Point. "Initially when Kapil Dev started the restaurant, the concept of Pakistani and Thai food became popular," says Bali. Even with Crepe Station, continental and Indian fusion rules the menu card. With Bhajji Da Dhaba though, ethnic Punjabi tadka seems to be the flavour. Another temptation is to meet the stars themselves, who every now and then visit their joints to mingle with the crowd. But then, it can be a raw deal for some as well. Ajay Jadeja, who too tried a shift his interests from the pitch to the kitchen, didn't exactly cook a perfect meal. His joint venture, Senso, a restaurant in New Delhi got scathing reviews for its food. Similarly, Virender Sehwag's, Sehwag's Favorite, in Ludhiana, couldn't survive for long. But then, if one has to be attached to business alternatively, what better option than opening a restaurant. At least that's what our cricketers believe.
|
|
|
Avoidable
Dus ka dum? Nah Mona
The opening scene takes you to 12th century tussle between Vaishnavites and Shaivites. Rangrajan Nambi (Kamal Hassan), draws ire of a local king, who is a strong believer of Shiva, for his Vishnu love. When Nambi refuses to remove a Narayana idol from the temple, he is punished and thrown into the sea along with the statue. Cut to 2004. Govind (role no 2) is an ace scientist developing a potent bio-weapon for the US president Bush (role no 3) (Laughs begin). However, when the scientist realises that his discovery could fall into bad hands, he steals it from the government facility. Hot on his heels is CIA rogue agent Fletcher (role no 4) and his sexy interpreter Mallika Sherawat. The vial containing the deadly virus is accidentally shipped to an elderly lady Amma (role no 5) in South India. Govind manages to trace the address, but not before Pranab Kundu (role no 6), an officer of the Indian intelligence agency, mistakes him for an international terrorist and launches a manhunt to nab him. Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game which sees Govind and Amma's kin (Asin), who also gets involved in the melee, dodging Fletcher's bullets and Kundu army, as the movie races towards a raging climax. In between, the duo meet an array of characters, including a Punjabi pop singer Avtar Singh (role no 7), who gets miraculously cured of cancer after a bullet flushes the tumour out of his body, a lanky patriotic Muslim Khalifullah Khan (role no 8), an environment activist (role no 9) and a Kung Fu expert (role no 10). Finally, when Fletcher threatens to unleash the virus on the mankind, it takes a divine design, read tsunami, to stop him. As this was not enough, the Lord Vishnu idol, which was lying submerged in the sea, also resurfaces. Playing ten different roles can be really demanding. Therefore, Hassan should have outsourced his role no 11 (that of a scriptwriter). But he didn't, and the effects are visible. There's no story in the first place. All the energy of the director, it seems, has been lost in bringing one Hassan after the another on the screen. The ludicrous screenplay flies off in every uninteresting direction even as the much-hyped make-up looks animated on several characters (Bush, Fletcher and Khalifullah). Barring the climax, rest of the SFXs are strictly average. While Hassan reels under acting overdose, Asin's terrible, even irritating at places. Add to it the mammoth runtime (185 minutes) which makes Dashavtar an unbearable experience. One on ten for this one. mona@tribunemail.com
|
|
Main khiladi tu khiladi
Stallone together in Bollywood comedy flick
Stallone has played lead role in four ultra-violent Rambo films. He will again play John Rambo, this time in an Indian production. Stallion's project, Kambakht Ishq (Incredible Love) is a romantic comedy that the producers claim is the first Bollywood movie to feature A-list Hollywood actors in proper roles. In his new incarnation Rambo is a successful Hollywood actor, not a misunderstood killing machine. The plot centres on his stuntman double who falls in love with a supermodel. The leads are played by Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, two of India's biggest stars. The film also features the former Bond girl Denise Richards and Brendon Routh, who played the latest incarnation of Superman. According to sources, Indian film-makers, hoping to tap new markets, are collaborating with some of the West's most feted talents. The Hollywood screenwriter Paul Schrader, whose credits include Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, is working with Anubhav Sinha, an Indian producer, for his next project Xtreme City. It will tell the story of a hapless American who gets sucked into the Mumbai underworld. Sinha said that he intends to cast both Hollywood and Bollywood stars in leading roles. For their part, the makers of Kambakht Ishq, which is set in Los Angeles, have promised that Stallone plays more than a cameo role. The trailer shows the Hollywood veteran uprooting a parking meter, which he uses as a weapon in a fight scene before delivering a payoff line in Hindi. |
|
Presenting Punjab
No doubt India is the World leader in the film production but the dominating unethical commercial considerations have stalled the making of meaningful and socially relevant pictures. The prevalent focus of Bollywood entirely entertainment oriented, may it be vulgar, antinational or antisocial needs to be checked,” opines former city mayor Harjinder Kaur president of Sikh Narimanch International. It is imperative to disseminate the rich religious, historical and cultural heritage among the new generation and the ongoing one-day festival on Punjabi Religious Films is a step forward in this direction, she added. The first ever film festival includes screening of feature films like Satsri Akal, Kamdi Kalai, Amar Khalsa and animation films Sunny – The Proud Sikh, Mai Bhago and Kab Gal Lavenga. The thematic content of these films is aimed at nourishing one’s soul, claimed Harjinder. An exhibition of paintings on Punjabi culture and Sikh Gurus by eminent artists and display of sculptures outside the Randhawa auditorium by acclaimed artist Parwinder Singh is the salient feature of the film festival. Born at the sleepy village of Batrela he was fascinated by the art and used to create replica of any object with clay. A scooter mechanic by profession he made a life size sculpture of a security guard which made him popular in the area. With a view to steal limelight and a fortune he spent his earnings and made a life size sculpture of Sardar Parkash Singh Badal with fibre glass and M-seal way back in 1990 at a cost of 55,000 rupees. “The venture added to my popularity for which I express my gratitude to media persons but my aesthetic potential, dedication and labour failed to catch the attention of the leader, I adored most,” rues Parwinder. But this frustration never failed to dampen my zeal and I decided to work on Singh Shaheeds and created historical works in the medium and my repertoire includes 38 classics valuing over ten lakhs today. These sculptures including that of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Banda Singh Bahadur, Baba Deep Singh, Bhai Mani Singh, Mati Dass are being shifted to my new studio at Balongi from Lukhnaur.
|
|
Hair to stay
Hair’ they come! To cut, care, colour, form, refine and deal with all the ‘mane’ issues. (Pun, definitely intended). An era when person’s happiness index stands directly proportional to the present state of hair, it makes sense to launch institutions where fashion conscious individuals can catch up with what’s latest. Exactly the idea behind Schwarzkopf Professional’s Hair Masters—44, coming to city on Saturday. “Education Schwarzkopf Professional comes out with seasonal collections—spring summer and autumn winter wherein we also provide knowledge and education for the seasonal fashion trends,” apprises Najeeb Ur Rehman, technical head for Schwarzkopf Professional, while handing out his card. “Summer trends the world over are bigger than the winter trends,” he adds. Speaking of the world over, he’s conducted workshops on international trends in Germany, London, Thailand, among others. “There’s quite a difference between Indian skin tones and their European counterparts, for instance if we use light blonde out there, it’s the dark blonde version here.” The customisation does not end with the dilution of colour, “If it’s very short hair we are experimenting with, we combine the technique with the traditional look over here. The challenge lies in being the bridge.” The bridge that also evens the gap between runaway trends to daily hair dos. “Schwarzkopf Professional’s Essential Look is driven by the trends…the vision is to bring catwalk to salons.” So what trends to look forward to this season? “In colours, subtle tones, beige, violetish red…” Violetish red? “That’s more of violet and less of red and for men the focus will be enhancing the look, the texture, giving it a muscular appearance, use soft browns.” The chief colour and styling consultant for the Miss India pageant 2009, besides fourteen years into industry sound sufficient to qualify anybody for nomenclature ‘fashion encyclopedia’, “There has been a phenomenal change, people are much more fashion conscious now, trendy and experimenting as well, because of globalization everybody’s in tune with things, the market’s growing each day, 30 per cent annually.” No wonder, the world’s rolling down with recession but not the beauty industry, they being a case in point. He says, “Frills and flares have gone, big spas, luxuries can be affected but not the grooming services. Since the time of launch, we’ve come a long way in terms of education, plan to open up in Chennai, Calcutta next.” manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
Old tunes
In the modern times, as in the past, the music, undeniably, remains a progressive and dynamic art especially the Indian film music which with its aesthetic appeal has largely influenced the social and cultural life of people from all segments of society in India. “ With this perception in mind we, the members of Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association Chapter Six have ventured to use the musical Antakshri as a tool for social unification and bridge the widening generation gap,” disclosed its president S.S Lamba, while leading us to the huge improvised stage. The whole environment at the Guru Nanak Public school-36, which teamed up for the first ever such venture of senior citizens, was charged with enthusiasm, affection and excitement on Saturday. “Such interesting interactive session in an altogether modern musical format not only promotes reverence but also inculcates social values among the young students,” added Gurnam Kaur Grewal, principal GNPS. Battle lines for the film musical Olympiad final as both the young students and the old senior citizen locked in a competition of musical Antakshri struggled to score over the others. The inquisitive and receptive audience of Association members waited anxiously to get a chance to dole out some ‘mukhras’ of any popular film song.Senior citizens added charm with renditions of old and new romantic hits from Mera dil ye pukaare to Didi tera devar deevana and many more. lifestyle@tribunemail.com
|
|
chowk Jaago re! Sreedhara Bhasin Now that the election heat is building up along with the seasonal heat – it is a good time to remember the promises netas make when they ask for our votes. This election has a new flavour— a slow spreading awareness that every vote counts and the target audience for this message is the apathetic and educated urban mass that has lost all hopes in political parties a long time ago. The Jago Re campaign has been launched with a flourish in a symbolic gesture of waking people up with Tata tea – a trusted name brand – that still symbolizes effectiveness, success and clean business in the new India. Chandigarh has a lot to ask for from the netas in this election. We want to retain our status as a pristine and beautiful city. We need our air protected and left breathable. We need to save the land from the long arm of the builders that seem ubiquitously present everywhere you look. We need to be able to keep the municipal corporation as effective as it always has been. In some of the bigger cities, it may take a lifetime to get a pothole filled or get a defunct streetlight to shine again. matkachowk@gmail.com
|
|
Cheers to summer
The neon sign caught my eyes as we were driving by. We decided to stop in and check out the bar in Sector 27. We were practically surprised to see the volume of people. I was personally scrutinising every table, to check out the drinks people had ordered. And clearly, the summer drink, beer, ruled the roost, followed by summer coolers, mocktails. So, every table had a small and large jug of the ‘divine medicine.’ Everyone wanted to beat the sweltering sun creating havoc outside. All the same, we wonder, what makes it the most popular drink? And what’s happened to the whiskies, martinis, gin…. “Summers and beer make for a fantabulous combination, feels Vipul Dua, managing director, Purple Rice-35. “The feeling of a chilled beer going down a parched throat on a sunny afternoon is simply wow. Scientifically also, beer is cold in nature as compared to whisky or vodka, which are hot in nature. Also, the fermentation process of beer is pretty different from other drinks that makes it an ideal drink for summers.” As per Vipul, beer is ‘the’ drink of summers in the European countries. “Summer, sports and beer, is the ideal set-up in these countries,” he adds. “The second season of IPL will increase the free flow of beer,” predicts the young guy. With too many takers and supporters, beer picks up as the favourite drink for youngsters, and amongst people who are above the young parameter. Beer and its counterparts like shindy (beer mixed with fresh lime) picks up in a big way during summers,” says Aman Aggarwal, proprietor, Sip n Dine-7. “Beer with chilled ice or lemon goes down well with Indian snacks and cuisines.” Wanting to try something different? Here is something Aman has to offer. “Bar syrups in different flavours are something new this summer,” he adds. And how can we forget the good old cocktails whipped up in some new combinations. Guava syrup, lot of crushed ice and Vodka being the oldest and pretty enjoyed one. Bloody Marry, Long Island Ice Tea, Sex on the Beach, are some of the cool picks. Gaurav Dhanwal, general manager, Blue Ice-17, finds beer and mocktails as the ideal stuff for winters. He offers, “Virgin Mary, Tropical Colada, Virgin Mango Bellini, Cinderella are some mocktails that are popular with box the sexes. All these drinks are served chilled with ice. But nothing can beat the frothy and chilled beer. Now, available in a lot of imported brands.” In summers what else would you want- a cool refreshing drink that will help you give two hoots to the blazing sun! jasmine@tribuenmail.com
|
|
TAROT TALK ARIES: Your card The Sword represents light and clarity. You have the courage to express your true feelings and emotions in a romantic involvement. Avoid mental stress to avert a health problem. A celebration or travel is just on the cards. You are likely to go on shopping spree on Monday. Tip of the week: Take responsibility for your own action. Lucky colour: Black. TAURUS: The Queen of Cups brings love and romance back in personal relationship and friendship flowers. Business needs your attention on Tuesday. Make sure that you are in the right place at the right time else a fleeting opportunity might pass by you. An Aries can offer you some sound advice. Tip: Don't get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a large period of time. Lucky colour: Burgundy GEMINI: The Princes of Wands spins gracious influence in your personal relationship. You are relaxed at work and content at home. You may indulge in shopping for presents, elegant clothes and luxuries, which dislodges your budget. Remain receptive and flexible on Thursday. Do not let yourself be upset by bad tongue. Tip: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Ebony CANCER: Nine of Pentacles reveal family pressure and responsibilities; be careful, as you are sufficiently distracted to run into trouble if you don't pay attention on Tuesday. Do not get tangled with an idle and superficially attractive person. Timely support from an Aquarian friend surprises you. Fitness routines and healthy diets are prescribed for your well-being. Tip: Don't reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels LEO: The card The Devil reveals that you will be running late on everything you do this week; as a result you don't have any time to spare. Domestic unrest can be avoided if you watch your steps. Some career choices have to be made before an important opportunity passes you by. Family members may seem critical on Thursday, but they are being much more objective than you think. You could be in for a dose of your own medicine. Tip: Don't try to end the entire deadlock at one go. Lucky colour: Creamy white. VIRGO: The Temperance inspires you to climb new heights and actualise creative ideas. A small sum spent now will allow you to make big profits later. Don't make financial decisions impulsively to avoid disappointment with the outcome. Make an effort to reach out to your partner. Tip: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Magenta. LIBRA: Five of Cups takes you through difficult speculative situation. Emotional relationships are temporary as you come out of them. There could be several disruptions and this could leave you feeling irritated and on edge. Be careful, as you are prone to losing your temper with loved ones. Spending time with your partner is a priority. Tip: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Wine red SCORPIO: The King of Pentacles blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities inside and outside. You will be in a cheerful and optimistic frame of mind and will want to spend time with family and close friends. Romantic relationships will bring fulfillment and moments of tenderness. Medical benefits are indicated. Tip: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Golden. SAGITTARIUS: You draw The World so this is a good time for relaxing and rejuvenating yourself and do the things you most enjoy. Be careful not to do anything that might get you into trouble. Lady Luck walks with you, so make the most of her. A land deal may come your way on Tuesday. Tip: Watch your action at work and polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: White. CAPRICORN: Your card Ace of Swords shows overall prosperity and good fortune. You will be especially attracted to things of beauty and may have a yen to travel distant places. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. Do your things with friends, even if someone wants to ruin your plans. Stay calm and refuse to let anyone get the better of you. Be true to yourself. Tip: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. AQUARIUS: Ace of Pentacles opens up horizons in business and personal attains. You are thinking seriously about important relationship on Tuesday. You will be discussing expansion plans but try to resolve disputes, if any, amicably. You may be concerned about your mate or beloved who has not been keeping well or may be depressed. Tip: Don't let opposition faze you when you decide to walk the path you wanted to. Lucky colour: Purple. PISCES: Your draw The Moon that magnifies love, romance and excitement. Though not everything is perfect for you right now, stay cool. Do not get tied down by any promises, especially regarding money matters. Someone will borrow money and not return it at all. Temptation to criticise a family member must be avoided. Tip: Allow a sick situation blow over before starting new. Lucky colour: Peacock blue.
|
||
|
|
||
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Ever wondered why the Indian coastline was battered by a huge tsunami in 2004? What's the latest in cancer cure? Well, the answers to these and many more such 'brain-teasers' lie in Kamal Hassan's magnum opus Dashavtar, wherein he amateurishly attempts to marry science with mythology. It's good to be versatile. But it doesn't give you a right to take your viewers for a ride. However, the veteran actor falls for the temptation. Result: Dashavtar becomes a shoddy showcase of Hassan's multiple role-playing ability, which, strangely, needs no introduction (Chachi 420, Indian).
Hollywood's action hero Sylvester Stallone and stunt king Akshay Kumar are teaming in a Bollywood romantic comedy flick, the first for the American star.