During his childhood days, little Shelly, now Shailendra Srivastava, used to declare very often Ham toh filim wala hero actor banega. None in the family took the boy seriously, but this boy lived his dream. The well-built, sharp-featured gusty guy measuring 6-2 inches was bearing an exceptional look while giving autographs to some of his Bhojpuri film fans at the Kala gram.

He looked romantic while smiling, laughing and sharing jokes with fans and friends at the function but at times when he turned sour or serious over a trivial matter his persona and gait suddenly turned villainous exuding a different aura. So here one finds in a face to face with the acclaimed actor and villain of about 41 TV serials and 14 feature films and an interaction follows.

How could you profess being a born actor?

Guided by the inner conscience, from the very childhood, I had been concentrating how best the things could be presented. Be it the lessons in the class, a role in school play or Ramlila, I attempted to imbibe and emulate the required actions close to perfection. Actors, no doubt, are born with a gifted attitude and aptitude for acting but their skills certainly embellish if gained under the touch of experts. See, there is a complete transformation of the film making concepts and processes as compared to the last century.

How helpful was your theatrical experience in carving a niche for you in the glamour world?

After my schooling from Balia and Honours in English Literature with fluency in seven languages I was all set to join National School of Drama but sudden demise of my father stalled it. Left to the care and guidance of my sister, I practiced theatre under stalwarts like Amitabh Das Gupta, Robin Das, Rajender Gupta of NSD. Than followed the offers from TV serials and films mostly the roles for villain characters now nearing sixty.

What roles, films or actors impressed you the most?

It was Sanjay Khan who gave me a break in Great Maratha and on his advice I shifted to Mumbai along with my wife Preeti. Roles in Ram Gopal Vermas D, R K Santoshi's Family, Ketan Mehta's Sardar, Shyam Benegal's The Forgotten Hero and Bhojpuri films like Bihari Mafia, Pan Singh Tomar, Aie Bhauji ki sister and many more religious films. Working with Amitabh Bachchan was really inspiring. He encourages and cares for junior artists. When playing a police officer I got injured in a direct encounter with him he stopped shooting till the doctor okayed my fitness.

With too many TV serials and Films the quality of cinema is deteriorating?

Film making today is patron oriented and inexorably ruled by market economy. Sometimes the commercial considerations of profit margins come into play making the socio- cultural or aesthetic criteria take the back seat. However, the flourishing TV channels have provided employment or work to artists like me who have no godfathers in the industry. 

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor wants to find out the truth behind reports that his Slumdog Millionaire young co-star Rubina Ali's father tried to sell her. Anil is in Hollywood, where he's being honoured at the seventh annual Indian Film Festival, and he admits he has lost contact with the kids in the hit film, reported contactmusic.com

But he is determined to return to the real-life slums in Mumbai and track down the young stars to make sure that they are fine after their brush with overnight success.

In the meantime, he's distressed whenever he hears the youngsters have been caught up in negative press stories - and can't believe the British tabloid reports that Rubina's father tried to sell her to a bogus Middle Eastern couple.

The police have failed to find any evidence to prove Rafiq Qureshi attempted to sell his young daughter for $300,000 (200,000 pounds).

Anil, who played the role of a quiz show host in the multiple oscar-winning film, says he always feared the child stars of Slumdog Millionaire would be exploited upon their return to India after a trip to the Oscars in February.

"That's the worry we always had. We all discussed that. When they're exposed to this kind of limelight, this is what is going to be the disadvantages," he said. — IANS

Born in Britain, speaks Hindi with an accent-Katrina Kaif is no close to the typical Bollywood actress but still she has made a mark in Indians' hearts. The former model from Finchley, north London, Katrina arrived in Mumbai in 2003 and has played the lead in 10 films till date.

After a disastrous start with Boom, she went on to give a string of hit films and has created her own niche in Bollywood. Earlier, she could not dance or sing and did not speak Hindi, but she reinvented herself to play girlfriends in commercial films.

"I'm the girl in the tank top and the short skirt who you could take home to meet your mother," Katrina was quoted as saying.

She added: "Becoming a film star in India has been a dream come true but you do always have to put on a performance, so sometimes it is good to get away. That's when I head back to London. I can walk down Finchley High Street and no one recognises me. I certainly can't do that in Mumbai or Delhi." But, after seven years of hard work she has no plans to leave it all behind to come back to Finchley.

However, she has said she would consider the right British or American project, if offered. — ANI 

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty whose co-owned Indian Premier League (IPL) team Rajasthan Royals faces her friend and superstar Shah Rukh Khan's team Knight Riders in Cape Town Thursday, says "all's fair in love and cricket" despite it being a "difficult" match emotionally.

"We play on the 23rd in Cape Town against the Knight Riders, that will be a difficult one, not the match but the emotion... it's terrible to play against a friend's (Shah Rukh Khan) team but all's fair in love and cricket, I guess," Shilpa posted on her blog on Wednesday from South Africa.

"Hope we have luck on our side this time... I've realised winning in this format (Twenty20) of the game has a lot to do with luck as well," she added. — IANS

India failed to find a place in the list of movies competing for the coveted Palme d'Or as the official line-up for the 62nd Cannes Film Festival was announced. Indian filmmaker Manoj Srivastava's short film Hum Panchhi Ek Daal Ke, highlighting the life of street children in Delhi, was selected in the Short Film Corner section of the festival last year. Dev Anand's Guide and the Tamil film Billa were showcased in the Cannes Classic and marketing sections in 2008.

However, there is no word yet about any Indian film that might be screened in the commercial category at the festival.

The French film festival has been attracting Indian talent for sometime with actors like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Nandita Das having been a part of the festival jury.

This year's festival will see the return of old-timers such as Quentin Tarantino, Ang Lee and Johnny To, who are among the 20 others competing for the top honours at the festival, which begins from May 13.

Tarantino's much talked about World War II drama Inglorious Basterds, which traces the story of a bunch of soldiers fighting Nazis, will compete with 19 others for the coveted trophy. — PTI 

Bollywood heartthrob John Abraham is all set to venture into international cinema with gangster flick American Empire. Abraham, who earlier earned rave reviews in the Deepa Mehta's Oscar nominated film Water, is currently reading the script of the film.

"I am pretty excited about the film. Right now I am reading the script and dwelling into the details of my character. I am really glad to be a part of it," Abraham said.

The actor, however, did not disclose much about his role in the film which reportedly revolves around young woman and her hitman boyfriend.

The gangster drama will be directed by Director Andy Armstrong, who last made TV series The New Adventures of Robin Hood. Armstrong will portray a bizarre picture of underworld with eccentric characters, angst and violence.

The 36-year-old actor, who is riding high on the success of gay-comedy Dostana, hopes that the sequel of the film will also charm the audiences.

But Abraham did not confirm whether he would be a part of the sequel.

"Dostana-2 is definitely on. I really can't confirm if I am a part of it but I am hoping for the best," the actor said.

Abraham is also excited about his upcoming film New York, which is slated to hit the theatres in June.

The Bollywood hunk has stripped off for a sequence in the film where he is shown lying naked in the police custody screaming about his innocence.

New York revolves around three friends Abraham, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh whose lives go topsy turvy after 9/11 terrorist attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.

When asked that is this the new trend starting in Bollywood, Abraham jokingly remarked, "Oh really... I din't know everybody is doing it." Reminded about his good friend Neil Nitin Mukesh's doing a similar act in Jail, Abraham said, "I don't think any body is copying my act. It becomes necessary when it is the call of the director and demand of the script," he said.

The actor, who was reportedly planning to act in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Chenab Gandhi, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan, had bowed out of the project.

Rumours were abuzz that it was Abraham's girlfriend, Bipasha Basu, who did not want him to act opposite Balan.

Abraham had shared a sizzling chemistry with Balan when they were paired in Salaam-e-Ishq.

When asked was this the reason behind his exit, the actor declined to comment stating, "I would really not want to talk about it." — PTI 

On location shooting of forthcoming Bollywood film Total Ten is underway in Mumbai. The film would star Rajan Verma, who essays the role of Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone terrorist caught alive during the Mumbai terror attack in November 2008.

Produced by Hari Om Sharam, Anand Pandrey and Kumar, Total Ten is budgeted at a meagre Rs 3 crore and shows the journey of Kasab from Pakistan to the trial court in Mumbai.

The other actors performing the movie are Sudesh Berry, who plays Vijay Salaskar (former Senior Police officer and encounter specialist), Homi Wadia, who plays Hemant Karkare (former Chief of Mumbai anti-terrorist squad), Ashok Kulkarni, who plays Ashok Kamte (former Additional Commissioner of Mumbai police) and Ashish Vidyarthi, who plays Tukaram Ombale (former assistant sub-inspector of Mumbai Police).

All these brave men were killed while fighting the terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Describing the theme of his movie, Surendar Suri said that Total Ten was a tribute to these Mumbai police officers who paid the ultimate price while fighting for their countrymen.

"The title of the film Total Ten if you read then you will come to know that there were only ten Mumbai police officers who got Ashok Chakra (bravery awards) and only those people get Ashok Chakra who have performed some heroic deeds. So this film is my tribute to their bravery," said Suri.

Rajan Verma said he believes that the movie will give a message to those youngsters who have gone off track but not to trod the path of terrorism.

"This is not a mere film, but it's a message from those terrorists who are churned out of so called terror factories. We don't have to finish one terrorist but we have to close those terror factories. And these terror factories will stop when the raw material (the youngsters) supplied to them is stopped. Through this film I have to give a message to those youngsters who have gone astray not to become terrorists," said Verma.

Kasab was one of 10 gunmen who arrived in Mumbai last November via sea route from Pakistan to terrorise the city, killing 166 people. —ANI 

For the new Indian global gourmet who eats as much at home as outside, restaurants have become a second home. Creating an ambience worth visiting, Hotel Western Court, Panchkula kick-started its ten-day Hyderabadi Food Festival.

Done up in vibrant green the restaurant spells— Nizami décor with an Urdu qulam welcoming you and mogra and marigold spreading a whiff of flowery aroma.

Into the restaurant, and it’s the delicate Hyderabadi flavour that overwhelms your savory senses. Creating a perfect Hyderabadi cuisine, Chef Manju Sachdeva believes in nazakat of cooking, then be it the greens, red or white meat.

Blending the finest of ingredients, Rajeev Kakar, group general manager, says, “There are number of food fests happening, but Hyderabadi cuisine is about balance of spices and herbs, and our food fest is offering the best of Nizami flavours.”

Talking about cooking the perfect Hyderabadi cuisine, Manju says, “Everything is cooked on slow fire with every herb and spice blended in a perfect manner. In fact its not an hour or minutes that go in this food preparation, but it’s an overnight cooking, where everything is simmered till it is blended perfectly.” She adds, “The cuisine is absolutely different from our Punjabi khana, ours is jhat pat khana, but Nizami cuisine is ithmenaam se.”

While importance is laid on herbs and spices, Manju says, “ Apart from perfection this cuisine is very scientific.” Citing example she says, “If we are cooking mutton than we add a gulab ki pati in it. Reason, “mutton ki tehseer garam hoti hai.” That’s sure science of cooking.

With 15 years of culinary experience, for the food fest Manju is cooking, Murg nizam shahi, dum ke ande, mahi gosht, dum ka keema, dalcha— a mutton dish that is prepared with lentils. For veggies she has, Panner nizam shahi, mirchi ka salan, achaar ke alu, khaddi dal and more.

Well, food is not the only enticement, here you can enjoy ghazals by Ustad Abdul Hafiz and tabla by his son Ustad Fida Hussain.

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Wish to have Idli Samber with Shahi Paneer and Manchurian? We know the combination is pretty odd but you rarely get so many options at a go. Here is an opportunity to indulge in authentic South Indian, spicy Punjabi and tangy Chinese cuisine under one roof. Sundarams, sector 26 popular for south Indian delicacies has recently introduced the Punjabi and Chinese menu considering people’s love for these cuisines.

“There is something for everybody here. Through this, we wanted to give our clients all the food options that are available at other food joints in the city,” says S. Sundaram, owner of the food joint. About the menu, he says, “We have all the popular Punjabi and Chinese dishes on the platter here. Our focus remains on the authenticity of food that we serve, since Sundarams is known for that.” The vegetarian restaurant serves various paneer dishes, pulaos, chowmein, Thai red curry among the other dishes.

“Now we have a complete La Carte menu where in delicacies from appetisers, main course and desserts will be served,” adds Sundaram. He next talks about the reason behind his introducing other menus in his speciality cuisine restaurant, “I realised children and youngsters are fond of Chinese cuisine. Middle age people prefer to eat proper Punjabi food and the people from the older age group like to have lighter, non-oily food. 

South Indian food aptly served this cause. Hence Punjabi and Chinese cuisine were incorporated in the menu.” Some of the must have dishes here are Honey chilli potato, mix veg in black bean sauce, mushroom peas and navrattan pullao.

As a promotional activity, there will be a discount of 15 per cent on food from 4 to 11 pm. The USP of the eating joint is the very nominal prices; “Though it is a family restaurant, we have also targeted this time the college going lot. It won’t cost more than Rs 400 for three people to dine here.”

ashima@tribunemail.com

The melodious Beatles number reflects a lazy countryside mood, somewhat alien to our own culture but the truth of the matter is that few foods reflect summer’s glory more than the fragrant, succulent and irresistibly seductive strawberry.

Indeed, British writer William Butler said, “Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did”, implying that strawberries are not really the ultimate for taste. To savour the flavour, we need to spruce them up a bit with our imagination. With numerous health benefits, Strawberry also makes wonderful recepies. So make for most, during their short stint.

Strawberry Margarita Mousse
4 Cups whole strawberries, hulled
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons gelatin
1 tsp vanilla
¼ cup tequila
1cup yogurt
1 cup whipped cream
4-5 tbsp powdered sugar

Method
Place strawberries in a blender, keeping aside a few for garnishing and process until smooth. Pour into a large bowl; stir in sugar. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes so the bubbles subside. Combine three tablespoons of water and gelatin in a small bowl. Let stand for five minutes and then stir holding the bowl over hot water until gelatin dissolves. Add the tequila and stir well.

Stir the gelatin mixture and vanilla into the strawberry mixture. Cover and chill for 10 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken. Add yogurt (at room temperature), stirring with a wire whisk until well-blended. Whip the sugar and cream together to a soft peak stage and fold into the prior mixture. Divide the mousse evenly among margarita glasses or large stemmed glasses; cover and chill at least 4 hours or until set.

Strawberry Shortcake
2 cups flour
3 Tbs. sugar 
3 tsp. baking powder 
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp salt
8 Tbs. butter, chilled 
¾ cup lassi

Filling
1 packet fresh strawberries 
2-3 Tbs. powdered sugar 
300 gm cream, whipped 
2 Tbs. powdered sugar, for garnishing

Method

Preheat oven to 450F. Grease an 8-inch cake tin. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Cut the butter into small cubes and rub into the dry ingredients until the flour looks like a coarse porridge. Slowly stir in the lassi with a fork until mixture forms a dough that leaves the sides of the bowl.

Gently knead the dough on a lightly floured board about five to six times until the dough holds together. It should not be too firm. With a lightly floured hand, pat to one-inch thickness and press into the tin. Bake about 18 to 20 minutes or until golden. Remove to rack to cool for 5 minutes, then invert from pan onto another wire rack, baked bottom side up. Allow it to cool.

Filling: Hull, then slice the berries in half. Sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, depending on their tartness and allow to macerate for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove half the strawberries to another bowl and coarsely with a fork. 

When cool, set the shortcake on a serving plate and carefully slice it into two layers. Remove the upper slice and set aside. Spoon the mashed berries with their juice over the biscuit bottom, spread the lightly whipped cream on top of the berries, and then arrange the berry halves on top of the cream. Set the second layer of shortcake on top. Sprinkle the powdered sugar lightly over the top. Chill for at least an hour before serving.

Shakti Bhog Foods Ltd is all set to introduce a new range of Basmati Rice with handy and re-sealable packaging in the market. The Company is already a pioneer in manufacturing, branding and packaging items of daily consumption like Aata, Besan, Dalia, Pickles, etc to name a few. Shakti Bhog Foods is one of the most reputed brands in the field of food products not only in India but, in 40 other countries where its products are exported.  

The new range of Shakti Bhog Basmati Rice leaves others; including the noted Rice brands, miles behind in aroma, fragrance and rich flavor - the three most vital attributes of great quality Rice. The most unique feature of its new range of Basmati Rice is that every grain is machine-picked and thus, completely eliminating any chance of touch by human-hand.

Another interesting feature lies in its consumer-friendly packaging. With a view to catering to the needs of every taste-buds the new range of Shakti Bhog Basmati Rice is being offered in four different varieties i.e. Gold Basmati Rice, Gold Premium Basmati Rice, Long Grain Basmati Rice and Golden Sella Basmati Rice in packaging right from a 1 kg pack to a 25 kg pack. — TNS