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Cut above
If your parents were fashion icons in their own respect, chances are that style and fashion sensibilities would come with genes. So, combine Vivian Richard’s sauve style with Neena Gupta’s perfect Indian elegance and we get Masaba Gupta, with her ‘I-give-a-damn’ style sense. No, we didn’t get it wrong but that’s how Masaba describes herself.
“I am no diva, my personal sense of style is black and white. I have at least 1,000 white tees. I don’t like to go over the top with my style. Instead a jeans ad tee will work just perfect for me.” Though her designs are way different than her own style, with a lot of colours and contrasts. The young designer was in city to interact with the students of INIFD-8 and she shares her experiences. “Well, I have just started in the industry, so I don’t want to sound like ‘miss-know-it-all’. But I feel that being a fresher in fashion can work to your advantage as you don’t get ripped apart by critics, but the challenge is to surprise everyone.” This she did with her first show at Lakme Fashion Week and by winning the most promising designer this year. “Honestly, people came to my show with zero expectations. Half of them were there just because I was Neena Gupta’s daughter and the other half came out of curiosity. And it worked.” A self-confessed “stuck up” when it comes to fashion, Masaba would have been busy dancing and singing, till she became a designer by fluke (it’s called genes). “In fact, I have just passed my diploma three days ago. Of course, my mentor Wendel Rodericks taught me to be expressive yet individualistic through my designs.” And of course, occasional guiding sessions from mother Neena. “Mom understands Indian women and their fashion requirements perfectly. With her around, I can skip my research and focus more on sampling,” she shares. Masaba is neither fussy nor laid back when it comes to fashion. A dump of raw pieces lying in her storeroom explains her trial and error method of designing. But even then she doesn’t find it hard to get inspired as she is totally in love with India and everything about it. Everything, but Bollywood. “It is the most horrible thing to get inspired from. If it’s not a wedding trousseau, the dresses you see on-screen are so very Roberto Cavalli or Chanel. Even magazine covers don’t offer beyond that. I do appreciate international brands, but where are the Indian designers.” But given a chance she can make an exception for Sonam Kapoor, “She is young, experimental and perfect to carry traditional as well as the western look.” Also she doesn’t get the Indian obsession with gowns. “Whether its Cannes or any desi red carpet event, our divas seem to be in awe of them. Why not stick to our own traditional, unexplored and unexploited designs? Why not flaunt a Rohit Bal, Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi and the likes? Indian fashion will never be respected until we start taking it seriously,” she emphasises. Well, can’t say about the home front but the west has already opened its eyes to Indian designs. “I think among contemporary designers Sabyasachi has been able to balance art and business well. Most of Indian designers are doing well in the international market and attracting buyers as well. But in the process, the focus should not shift from the Indian clients.” Talking about shifting focus, what’s her opinion on distributing regional slice of fashion weeks? “It’s not a healthy trend. For me Delhi will always be the fashion capital and Mumbai has Bollywood. No matter how hard small cities try, it will be difficult to find buyers. Also, not may designers can break into the regional markets as the small cities are not much exposed to trends and have a very rooted style sense.” Next, Masaba is working on her trousseau collection called Kaleera. “It’s very light, traditional with lot a of Kashmiri aari work and colours.” nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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Introducing "Oye Pudina!" — A mouth watering new variant from Bingo! in the potato chips category especially keeping in mind the North Indian palette. The new product offering from Bingo! takes the philosophy of 'combinations' with an unique blend of Bingo!'s characteristic crunchy potato chips with a sprinkle of fresh Pudina leafs ,which guarantees to stir your taste buds, and leaves you asking for more. According to Anubhuti Nath, branch manager, ITC Limited, "The product has been developed to cater to the latent consumer demand of the Pudina flavor after going through rigorous consumer panel tests. Aligned with positioning of being a youthful and innovative snack - Bingo! has for the first time introduced new and innovative metallic packaging thus giving a striking look to the product. Bingo!'s Oye Pudina has been launched exclusively for the Northern markets in price points of Rs 5, Rs 10 and Rs 20. The offering from Bingo! is now available in general and modern trade outlets in the northern markets. — TNS
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Atul Grover, managing director, Rock in Rio, says, "We've always overplayed the Indian fare while underplayed certain other cuisines. With this and a lot of similar things in mind, we thought of launching a North West Frontier Cuisine." He adds, "We have specially trained chefs for this menu, Manmohan and Rajiv, who'll be taking care of ingredients and the preparation." The latest menu from the frontier states of Pakistan and Afghanistan, though, dominated by non-veg cuisines, has a couple of green dots too. There's Kabuli Channa Chat, Afghani Mushrooms, Banjara Bhutta Kebabs, Paneer Nurani Seekh. The main course runs with items like Mixed Veg Baloochi, Afghani Mushroom Do Piaza. The ubiquitous kebabs include some of the staples and some of the originals. There's Tandoori Murg Lahori, Murg Baloochi Irani Fish Fry. In between the list, features a local staple, the Punjabi Butter Chicken. Says Grover, "We have almost 20 odd kebabs and for the main as many as six to seven kinds of biryani." Chips in chef Manmohan, "There'll be lot of experimentation with the spices and flavours to suit the local tastes. Some of the spices will be made, while others mixed…Pakhtoni Murg Seekh is a must try, in which, apart from mutton, there'll be lot of homemade spices." Over to World Cup and South African fare. Says Grover, "The Peri-Peri cuisine will be available during FIFA while the other is for all times to come and will be available all the while." Till the football fever lasts, on the platter is nine varieties to choose from. There's Peri chicken wings, Peri Peri Crostini Burger, Tangy Greek Salad, Peri wedges and creamy Peri dip, among others. — Manpriya Khurana
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Bon Appetit
Every now and then we all have days when 'daal roti' seems mundane and boring. Our tummies belt out an "Inqalaab Zindabaad", wanting something more exciting and different. Steaming hot chappaties just don't go down well when the weather is steaming hot too! Maharashtra's street food, namely 'Paav-bhaji; and 'bhel-puri' are phenomenal hits, well beyond the state's borders. They are delicious with a kick quite their own and are unique in their flavour. The very word 'bhel' is synonymous with Bombay, so much so that roadside carts selling this delightful street food will display a board, announcing "Bombay Bhel", even in the midst of Chandni Chowk or Sector 17! Bhel puri also is a snack with almost iconic status in Western India. It is low-fat, nutritious and delicious! What more can one ask for? When kids and grown ups want a change from the ordinary, wave the spatula and dish out these Mumbai-delights. They are effortless once you have gathered the ingredients along with a will to create! The butter could spell doom for your waistline,but don't go into frugal-mode on its quantities. It will affect the final flavour for the worse! You are not indulging in this every day, so tuck in, "makkhan maar ke!"
Paav Bhaji l
1 capsicum, medium sized l 2 onions l
2 large ripe tomatoes l 2 ½ cups chopped vegetables (beans, carrots, cauliflower, potato) l
½ cup shelled peas l 2-4 tbsp. Butter l
2 tsp. pavbhaji masala l Chilli powder to taste l
¼ tsp. turmeric powder l ½ tsp. Sugar l
salt to taste l 1 tsp. each grated ginger and crushed garlic lemon juice to taste Method Using a minimal quantity of water, pressure cook mixed vegetables and peas till well done. Mash them coarsely after draining. Reserve the vegetable stock for later. Heat butter in a pan and add ginger and garlic. Stir briefly and add capsicum, onion and tomatoes. Fry till they are quite soft. Add paav bhaji masala, turmeric, salt, and sugar and fry for another 2-3 minutes. If you are fond of more heat, add extra chilli powder at this stage. Remember, the paav bhaji masala already has a fair deal of chilli. Pour in some of the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Simmer till a thick, even consistency is reached stirring and mashing the bhaji all along. Add lemon juice, stir and serve garnished with chopped coriander and a block of butter. Slit paavs horizontally leaving one edge attached. Smear generously with butter and roast on a tava till hot and soft with the surface crisp on both sides. Serve hot with bhaji, a piece of lemon and chopped onion. Bhel-puri Assemble bhel puri just before serving it, as it becomes soggy if its prepared in advance. l
2 cups puffed rice (murrmure) l 1cup bhel mixture l
A handful of roasted and salted peanuts l
2 potatoes l 1 large onion l
1large tomato l A bunch of coriander l
2 green chillies l Tamarind chutney to taste
(Imli saunth) l Mint-coriander chutney to taste l
A handful of coarsely crushed papdi Method Boil, peel and cube the potatoes. Finely chop the onion, tomato, coriander and chillies. In a deep bowl, mix together the puffed rice, bhel mix, and the chopped ingredients. Pour the chutneys over it, toss gently and check seasoning. Finally scatter the peanuts and broken paapris on the top, along with the coriander leaves. Note: For added nourishment, add chopped cucumber or cabbage in small quantities. But, it won't be bhel puri then! |
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"Aamir Khan has a strange problem on his hand… his office is flooded with scripts and he does not know what to do. His acumen as a producer can be seen with the kind of films he has produced... people are now keen to get him to produce their films," said a source close to the actor. The 45-year-old's banner Aamir Khan Productions is getting around eight to 10 scripts everyday. And Aamir is making sure all the scripts get enough attention from him and his team. "His past films are a testimonial of this fact... He has now asked his script department to start reading the scripts for him and get him the ones that they'd like him to read. As a mark of respect to the writers, the production doesn't turn away any script," the source added. Aamir, who turned producer with Academy award nominated Lagaan in 2001, is taking his role as a producer so seriously that he has taken a break from acting until early next year to concentrate on his three home productions - "Delhi Belly, Dhobi Ghaat and Peepli Live. — IANS
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Koffee break Manisha Koirala who was last seen in Rituparno Ghosh's Bangla movie Khela continues to be an enigma. Now, she excited about her new movie Ek Second Jo Zinadagi Badal De, directed by Partho Ghosh. She plays a complex role in the film, which stars Jackie Shroff, Rosa Catalano, Nikita Anand and new comer Suniiel Singh. After Mann, Grahan, Hindustan Ki Kasam, 1942- A Love Story, Agni Sakshi, Lajja, Khamoshi and Bombay, with Ek Second…, Manisha sees another turning point coming. Lifestyle gets talking to her. Are you happy with how your career is shaping up? I guess I am. Right now, I have Ek Second…', which is a good role that shows two characters within a single person. You have not been able to go beyond Khamoshi and Khela. Both are significant films? I do not find anything more challenging than Khamoshi and Khela to drive me beyond what I had achieved. How do you judge the scripts? I do not think that I can judge the commercial aspects of a movie. But, I can decide what kind of films I want to do. What is different about 'Ek Second…'? It is a fast paced entertaining thriller shot in Malaysia. It is totally different and has beautiful locations of Malaysia. What is your role in the film? I am playing two shades of the same character, something really complex. Are you driven by creativity? It depends on the kind of the film I get to do. I am a strange person. If I sense that a role is worth my while, I go all out. What is a great film according to you? No film is great until it is a commercial success. For me, a good film is one, which is hit film, a flop film is a bad film. — Dharam Pal
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"I didn't skip the IIFA awards. I have been shooting in Istanbul for my film Game, so unfortunately I couldn't attend it," Abhishek said via live chat. Abhishek was on live chat on http://raavan.zapak.com/ with over 40,000 fans for almost an hour, to promote his upcoming movie Raavan. Many Bollywood stars skipped IIFA this year, including its brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan as well as superstar Shah Rukh Khan, and according to reports, they gave it a miss following a boycott call from the south Indian film industry. A statement issued by the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce had said that southern stars and filmmakers would boycott all Bollywood stars who attend the IIFA in Colombo from June 3-5. They have been campaigning against the island government and the alleged killing of civilian Tamils during the conflict between Sri Lankan army and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Releasing June 18, Raavan is a bilingual and has been directed by Mani Ratnam. Co-produced by Reliance Big Pictures and Madras Talkies, the movie also stars Aishwarya Rai and Tamil superstar Vikram, who makes his Bollywood debut with the movie. — IANS
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Hollywood actor Angelina Jolie is reportedly set to portray legendary Egyptian ruler Cleopatra in a new biopic.With the 35-year-old beauty in mind, film producer Scott Rudin has purchased the film rights to upcoming biography Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra: A Life."The movie is being developed for and with Jolie," the producer's office said in a statement. Stacy Schiff, who wrote the new biography, which is set to come out this November, admits that the superstar would be ideal in the role. "Physically, she has the perfect look," the author said of Jolie. Cleopatra has previously been played by Elizabeth Taylor, among others, in a lavish 1963 film where her Roman lover Marc Anthony was played by Taylor's real-life love Richard Burton.— PTI
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"I am indeed doing season three of Koffee With Karan, hopefully, with new lovers, new enemies and new questions. I am doing it and I am very excited. It will be on air in August or September," Karan said. Koffee With Karan was first aired in 2004, followed by the second season in 2007. The show saw Karan in some candid conversations with celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra - most of whom are his friends. The filmmaker, who is looking forward to the release of his home production I Hate Luv Storys on July 2, was in the capital Wednesday to host Chivas Studio Spotlight as the brand ambassador of Chivas Regal. — IANS
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Hollywood actor Cameron Diaz has revealed that she is keen on adopting children in the future."I never say never (to having children). I could end up adopting half a dozen kids… who knows! Or I might make my nieces and nephews take care of me when I'm 80," said Diaz. Meanwhile, Charlie's Angels star will be seen in yet another action-packed role in the new movie Knight and Day opposite Tom Cruise. — IANS
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After browsing for two hours, the Jerry Maguire star left with a garment bag. "She just kept smiling when asked if she's getting married," the New York Post quoted the weekly as reporting. And then on June 9 she and Cooper, 35, were seen having lunch with her parents at the Tribeca Grand. — ANI
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A more or less accepted fact — one doesn’t have to understand music to enjoy it. When DJ Shay from Israel and DJ Harry from Manali tell us that trance Full On is the most popular form of music across the world, with Israelis, Japanese, Indians, South Africans…we weren’t surprised, not even a bit.
Their menu's quite an assortment of sorts with Italian sharing space with Frontier Cuisine. Thrown in is the Peri-Peri, the fare from South Africa and here's welcoming the FIFA fever!
After the success of his production ventures Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has been flooded with scripts, so much so that he had to set up a new section to take care of them.
Abhishek Bachchan, who missed the 11th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) event in Sri Lanka, defended his absence from the gala due to work commitments.
Ace Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has confirmed that he is coming back to the small screen with the third season of his popular celebrity chat show Koffee With Karan.
It looks like actress Renee Zellwegger is getting ready to tie the knot with her boyfriend Bradley Cooper. The rumours of a wedding looming ahead started after Zellwegger, 41, was photographed last week by Star magazine at the Carolina Herrera boutique in West Hollywood, where a big rack of wedding gowns was wheeled by.