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On a serious note!
This is nothing less than a comedy of errors. First, they struggle to make people believe in the diligence of their art, and then they work equally hard to come out of the 'diligent pigeonhole', and prove to the world that they are better with other arts as well!
We simplify - Khyali (in city to perform at Jalsa Youth Festival 2010), and Gurpreet Ghuggi (shooting for Ik Kudi Punjab di), with great effort carved a niche in the 'world of comedy'. And now they are trying harder to break the pigeonhole and prove to the world that they are good with other genres as well. But why a sudden change of mind - a conscious effort or need of the hour? We scrape. More than a comedian
Both the stand up comedians, Khyali and Gurpeet, have dabbled in theatre and are good with different genres of acting. However, now they want to get back to the roots and experiment.
Khyali: I am an artiste and like performing irrespective of the fact whether the genre is comedy, serious or romantic. I am the only comedian who already has four releases. I want to excel in other genres as well, for which I have to work hard. I want the audiences to believe that I am good with other stuff as well. This is not the need of the hour, but a desire to excel as an actor. Gurpreet Ghuggi: I have done a lot of theatre and all pretty serious kinds of roles. I was my decision to shift to comedy. In Ik Kudi Punjabi Di I have a substantial 'serious' kind of a role, which will remind the audiences of the old times. I might not do serious roles again, but I would do it once for Mannji and for myself. Manmohan Singh believes in my work and he knows me as an actor inside out. Something other than comedy gives me immense satisfaction. Dripping comic flavours
Television or films, everybody seems to be gung ho on comedy. Khyali: Its time the industry and the audiences realise that stand up comedy is also a form of entertainment. Comedy shows like Laughter Key Phatkey, Comedy Circus Mahasangram and Comedy Circus are popularising the genre in a nice and decent manner. You must have heard it time and again, comedy is not easy. Gurpreet Ghuggi: Yes, there is an overdose of comedy just like there was an overdose of drama once. We do see an influx of comedy shows on television, high on quantity and low on quality. Some time ago, a comedian was portrayed as someone ugly, with stupid mannerisms and dialogues. The scene has obviously changed for good. A comedian is now the backbone of any film. Divine gratification
For some, entertainment is a business while for others it a source of creative satisfaction. Khyali: I don't do comedy for money; 100 per cent of my earnings from films and TV go to a trust. I am planning to make an educational programme for my people back home in Rajasthan. Gurpreet Ghuggi: Comedy is a business for some; for me it is a form of gratification. It connects me to myself. Besides, when I feel the need to do something different, I look at Mannji. jasmine@tribunemail.com |
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Stone AGE
Your wardrobe, shoe-rack, vanity case, bag…almost everything that falls under the umbrella of fashion receives an update command every three months. Everything, but jewellery!
Not that it remains in the dark ages of fashion, but the word seasonal doesn't exactly hold meaning when it comes to
jewellery.
Indians and jewellery have a bonding of a lifetime, but if you want to keep up with the latest trends there is a choice between the two. "Traditional jewellery will always be gold. Fashion jewellery is all about adding value. Wedding jewellery remains ethnic, royal with big polkis, gold designs in patterns like single or multiple lines, chokar style necklaces, designer gold jhumkis, and chandelier earrings," says Deepika Gupta, jewellery designer from Noida who has her own brand Karrat 22. Deepika recently participated in Chandigarh Fashion Week. "Kundan is no more a waste of money, but a big fashion statement." Her specialisation is in wedding jewellery. "Emeralds and ruby work the best with gold. They give a royal yet trendy look. Pearls are another fashion statement, classy and elegant, especially shell pearls." Her advice: When in doubt, wear your pearls! Luxurious Tahitian and South Sea pearls have been brought to life this season. Strands and strands of rare white, pink and black, oversized pearl studs with tiny diamonds and diamond rings. From giant metal flowers to big rocks and stones, jewellery trends lean towards necklaces that make a big statement. Another one who adds her creative streak to gold jewellery with stones is Anmol Sandhu. The city-based designer, who is back from the 'Bahrain Jewellery Arabia' show where her designs captivated the Muslim style of elegance, too believes in the charm of polkis andkundan.The latest look in chokers, necklaces and bracelets is soft, composed of webs of fine chain, interlocking links or rings in sterling silver. The trendiest new earring style is an old favorite: the hoop. The new hoops are smaller in diameter, hugging the ear, also popularly termed as huggies in the west. A sprinkling of diamonds and white metal makes them timeless.
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Delight the palate
There’s something about food, especially snacks, that is always alluring, compulsive to say the least. And when the food is served piping hot, the aroma gets us salivating each time. And at Emm Ell’s Hot Stoppers in Sector 17, one can hardly miss out!
Located in one prime corner in the sector opposite the Neelam Theatre, this is a joint one can seldom miss. Emm Ell’s Hot Stoppers was established in 1995 and has since then been serving delectable food items.
“We started this joint with pizza, burger and kathi rolls,” says Raghuvir Singh, an employee. He adds, “Back in that time our outlet was the only one that had the takeaway variety and we never had this small sitting arrangement inside. We only had the display counter and would serve only four-five dishes.” Having extended the display counters and made some sitting arrangements now, Raghuvir says, “We have made the best possible use of the space we have. Although our customers ask for more, due to space constraint we cannot do anything. We only have four tables inside and that’s the maximum we can do.” Let’s move on to the food then. Most of the items from kathi rolls to patties, burgers, sandwiches, noodles and kebabs are available and now one can even savour momos, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Softies, cold drinks and popcorns can also be relished. The joint is more known for its takeaway variety, but if you decide to sit ‘n’ eat then a separate menu is available. Here you can order a few Chinese dishes and even pizzas. A team of new and old, Raghuvir says, “Some of our cooks are quite old, but rest of the staff keeps changing with time.” Any extension plans? “We and our customers want that, but we have no space to extend.” And what additions do people want? “South Indian and Chinese top the list.” Any favourites? “Kathi rolls, sandwiches and vegetarian patties are in a big hit.” So, next time when you visit Sector 17 don’t miss to grab at bite at Emm Ell’s Hot Stoppers! jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com |
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Soy that tastes like chicken
University of Missouri scientists have developed a soy substitute for chicken which is much like the real thing and also has health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and maintaining healthy bones. To create the soy chicken, lead researcher Fu-Hung Hsieh, an MU professor of biological engineering and food science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering, extracts soy protein extracted from soy flour.
The soy then goes through an extrusion cooking process that uses water, heat and pressure while pushing the mixture through a cylinder with two augers. "Early tests provided some of the fibrous texture to the final product, but it tasted more like turkey," Hsieh said. "In order to produce a more realistic product, we had to tweak the process and add extra fibre to give the soy a stringy feeling that tears into irregular, coarse fibers similar to chicken. "This particular soy substitute is different because we are working with a higher moisture content, which is up to 75 percent. "The high moisture content is what gives the soy a very similar texture to chicken - in addition to the appearance," Hsieh added. The soy chicken provides health benefits for consumers. Soy foods contain important nutrition components, some of which help maintain healthy bones and prevent prostate, breast and colorectal cancers. Soy foods also are a good source of essential fatty acids and contain no cholesterol. The findings are published in the Journal of Food and Agricultural Chemistry, Journal of Food Science, and Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. —
ANI
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Advantage acid
Falling fatty acid DHA levels in brain cells activates the rise of zinc levels, killing the cells, says a new study.Researchers at Deakin University believe they have discovered how the omega-3 fatty acid DHA can help prevent brain cells from dying.
This finding could have implications for reducing the risk of brain function loss associated with Alzheimer's. "Previous research has suggested that there is a link between low levels in the brain of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA and Alzheimer's disease," explained Deakin University cellular biologist and project leader, Leigh Ackland, a professor. "Also, the incidence of neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's appears to be reduced in populations with a high omega-3 fatty acid diet." Ackland said she and her colleagues looked specifically at the relationship between DHA and zinc in the brain's neuronal cells - the cells responsible for transmitting signals in the brain. "We found that when the level of DHA in neuronal cells drops, the level of zinc rises. The higher levels of zinc can be toxic, resulting in cell death. This type of cell death is a key feature of neuro-degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. "We believe that having omega-3 fatty acids in the diet helps keep the levels of zinc in the brain in balance and helps prevents the increase in levels that triggers cell death," Ackland said, according to a university release. —
IANS |
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Eating about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day for two weeks can reduce levels of stress hormones in the bodies of people feeling highly stressed, a new study has found. Published online in ACS’ Journal of Proteome Research, the trial also found that the sweet treat partially corrected other stress-related biochemical imbalances. In the study, Sunil Kochhar and colleagues identified reductions in stress hormones and other stress-related biochemical changes in volunteers who rated themselves as highly stressed and ate dark chocolate for two weeks. “The study provides strong evidence that a daily consumption of 40 grams [1.4 ounces] during a period of 2 weeks is sufficient to modify the metabolism of healthy human volunteers,” the scientists say. — ANI
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Chutney chatters
Kandla Nijhowne Chandu ke chacha ne, Chandu ki chachi ko Chandni Chowk mei, chandi ke chammach se Chaar-aaney ki chatni chataayi!
As kids, how we loved rolling this tongue twister around our mouths! It even turned into a contest with a stopwatch, where everyone was timed to see who possessed the galloping tongue! Of course, you were disqualified if you faltered or stuttered at any point! Did I not I talk pickles just the other day? Well then... can chutney-chatter be far behind? Chandni Chowk most definitely offers an assortment of tangy chutneys accompanying the various treats available. On the other hand, home-made chutneys too have a place of pride, all their own! When faced with an ordinary meal, a mere spoonful of a tart, fiery chutney is guaranteed to put the zing back into every morsel. Needless to say, it should also put you in a buoyant mood! Red chilli and garlic chutney
Although an innocuous-looking red purée, this chutney should be eaten in small doses, unless you have a hearty constitution. It is indispensable with bhel-puri, dhokla and other savoury street snacks. It is also lovely drizzled on pizzas, or as a rub for marinating meats 30 Red chillis washed and stems removed Method Chop the peppers and garlic bulbs and roast them in a karhai with 1 tbsp oil. Cool and pound to a coarse paste adding salt as required. You can use a mortar and pestle of you can coarsely grind them in a mixer. Cool and transfer to a bowl and add lemon juice. Mix properly and adjust the seasoning. Add the prepared tadka of mustard seeds and oil. This chutney will remain fresh in the refrigerator for 20-30 days and can also be frozen for up to six months. For longer shelf life at room temperature, you need to substantially increase the quantity of oil used. Tomato chutney
4 cup chopped ripe red tomatoes Method |
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Wedded to work
Abhishek to spend 34th birthday at work Heir to the first family of Bollywood, married to one of the most beautiful women in the world and with a kitty full of projects, actor Abhishek Bachchan has no complaints spending his 34th birthday Friday quietly shooting for his next film.
“I’ll be shooting for my film Crooked in Mumbai, something I do every year on my birthday,” said Abhishek.
Asked if wife Aishwarya Rai would be joining him on the sets, as she has famously done in the past, he said: “If she is free, she’ll come and join me. If not, I’ll meet her at night after I finish working.” —IANS
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Shams Patel, the winner of the National award as best child artiste for his role in Thanks Maa, would not be able to watch it in a theatre as the movie has been awarded ‘A’ certificate by the Censor Board. “According to the Censor Board, the language used in the movie, incidentally by the children, is abusive and profane. Therefore, they have categorised it as an adult movie,” says director Irfan Kamal. The director, who doubled up as the scriptwriter for the movie, said that he had anticipated this categorisation. “I had anticipated a lot of problems including this. The Censor Board was lenient on many other accounts, except for giving the ‘A’ certificate,” said Irfan, adding that this is the kind of language children living in slums use. Meanwhile, the 13-year-old award-winning child artiste is dejected that he would have to wait for at least five more years to watch the movie on the big screen. “I am very disappointed that I cannot watch the movie in a theatre along with my friends. I have not watched it at all,” Shams said. — Agency
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Jalsa DAY-2
Fun and unlimited josh in place, day two of Jalsa Youth Festival 2010 was one rocking affair! The style statements in place, the excited students went around taking part in various competitions.
Highlight of the day was the street play in which eight different teams took part and sent out messages on different themes such as consumer awareness, youth awakening and India pride. While some girls chuckled (because they could not gather enough courage to face the audiences), others admired the themes.
Nipun Saklani from Government College of Business and Administration wants to be associated with an NGO one day. "This will provide me a platform to make a difference to the society and also to spread awareness." In addition to the street play, toggle, extempore, singing, B-quiz, concert and fashion show were other activities that kept the participants busy. B-quiz scrapped the grey cells of students while the concert had them banging their head to various beats. The fashion show was the major event of the evening. Based on traditional, modern art, junkyard and sports themes, the students were revved up for the event they had been practicing for long. But walking the ramp is no Herculean task. We all could do it, just make us slip into the right clothes. What say people! —
Jasmine Singh |
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Making waves
Wavezzzzz (yes that is how it is spelt!) is a delightful exhibition of paintings and sculptures put together by six spirited girls, all students of art.
Combination of different media and experiment with form has resulted in wide array of works - a painting on rexene that doubles up as seat; a mathematics book that stands as devils' book; an apple made of aluminium foil and nail paints; a collage made of newspaper cuttings and landscapes made of egg shells, cotton and twigs! Seema's life experiences translate into her paintings and have human nature as the theme. Couples dominate Vanshika Sharma's paintings. Basically a sculptor, Vanshika's Slumdog Millionaire has three dogs, one of them all coin-studded. Apples rule Manmeet Kaur's works that are done with sponge, aluminum foil, nail paints, metal, apart from paper and paint. Sunita Rai works on the theme 'life' and has a pencil sketch running across a full roll of paper. Geetika Patahnia's innovation runs into experimenting with cotton, twigs and metal. Her theme is 'inhumane'. Anubha brings forth 'five elements' of her life -parents, nature, sun, air and water. Concludes
today. mona@tribunemail.com |
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