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Malted Over!
Talking about the origin of the finest form of whisky, Vikram Achanta, co-founder and CEO Tulleeho, shares some facts, "Single malt was the original form of whisky made in Scotland and was overtaken later by blended scotch because the latter had a lighter style as compared to the more complex single malt. It was only in the 1960s that the connoisseurs went back to the single malt, starting with Glenfiddich, expanding to Glenlivet and finally moving to Glenmorangie, representing the early stages of the single malt trinity," he explains. The interest in single malt as a category has been growing and even youngsters have taken to it in a big manner. "A lot of youngsters prefer single malts due to the status symbol attached with it," he adds. Chandigarh is also not far behind. The very chic Single Malt Club, boasting of knowledgeable malt-owners and appreciators, gathers every now and then to talk about 'the passion' of their life. Established around three years back, the very elite Single Malt Club of Chandigarh boasts of 16 members, who organise high-end dinners every now and then. "The most important reason why single malts today are a fad is because the availability has gone up and people in Chandigarh are willing to spend on things of finer quality," says SPS Ghai, member of the Club. And the best way to enjoy your Malt is to take it on the rocks. "Water, in the form of ice or just otherwise, will release the bouquet, which is everything single malt is all about," Ghai adds. Sometimes, it is the affinity for the malt that tends to take the fans on a Whisky trail. Gogi Sibia, another member of the Club, shares his experience with us. "It was almost 20 years back that I was introduced to single malts. Since then I have been to several distilleries in Scotland and tried out different single malts," he says. Rohan Jelkie, Training Manager at Tulleeho, shares some more details with us. "The angel's share refers to the amount of spirit that escapes during the maturation period," he says. Malts also follow the rule of older the better. "Before bottling, the malt is transferred into smaller barrels that are sourced from the wine industry in Bordeaux or Madeira casks from Portugal," says Rohan. So the whisky spends the last leg of the maturation process in these barrels, thereby getting an extra element of character, flavour and aroma. If the regular beers and vodkas have stopped playing magic on your senses, move ahead, immerse yourself in the aroma of the malt. vasudha@tribunemail.com
A long story
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Let’s Rock
Saturday night fever is getting bigger and better in Chandigarh. And this time, it's Fashion Parade-cum-Models' Party@Zinc Lounge-26, which suggests the night is set to rock.
An event by M/S Creativatorss in association with Zinc has invited as many as 20 models from the region for the fashion show. "Our earlier events Chandigarh Got Talent 2010 and 60 Seconds for Fame 2011 clicked with the crowd. With this party we hope the same," says Prashant Bhardwaj, director, Creativatorss. Models, some young and old, are looking forward to the night to walk the ramp. Says Shyna, who has been walking the ramp and acting in reality shows, serials and movies, "It's going to be fun to mingle with the tribe." Echoes Rohan Pratap Singh, "Abroad, such events that mingle fashion shows with everyday life are popular, but here it's something new. So I am looking forward to the night." And it's DJ Niks who is ready to churn out fine music to pep up the scene. Entry is strictly with passes. —TNS
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Mystery Element
So, when the lead actor Avinesh Rekhi from Chandigarh maneuvers facts about the woman whom he claims as his wife, television audiences enjoy the nail-biting moments in the soap only wishing a saas or some 'returning-from-the-ashes' doesn't appear in Chhal! As of now everything is mysterious; our Chandigarh lad thinks the same, without wanting to reveal what's next? "My friends and family like the show; they keep asking me to tell them what will happen next, but who will watch the show if I reveal the mystery. Besides, we have worked so hard on Chhal that we want the audience to enjoy it thoroughly," Avinesh is gung-ho about his debut. This is a new world for him; he has often heard stories of someone dying and reappearing in the story and tons of glycerin used on the shows, but he wants to explore it all. "I know of the monotony people keep talking about in the TV industry, but this is my first serial and I am enjoying every bit of it. I have been struggling hard, gave a lot of auditions and finally Chhal happened," adds the actor who has grown up seeing a lot of psychological thrillers. "Chhal has an interesting storyline and all the elements of mystery; we have tried to give the audiences something different. Every episode brings in new twists and turns." With TV actors one can't help talking about competition and survival, given the script can change any minute. For Avinesh, however, things are fresh. "Competition is the order of the day, but hardwork and dedication is the key to succeed. As of now I don't want to think about any changes; I like Chhal and this is taking most of my time." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Gyan Zone
One hundred and twenty five women artists, an equal number of ideas given tangible forms with varied mediums make for the biggest all-women exhibition in Chandigarh. It’s sprawling in the huge Fine Arts Museum of Panjab University, every wall sporting at least five works, every work telling a different story and bearing a different name, each getting a suitable reaction from art-lovers.
“Look at the intricacy of the work,” says an onlooker about Transformation 2 by Rupa Rani. The response is justified since each part of the work, done in paper, cut and then weaved together, is something similar to the pixilated photographs. In such exhibitions where a deluge of colours is expected on the canvas, the artist has been able to put across the point as effectively in black ink. We expected to see a lot of women-oriented works in here and the artists make it evident. From award-winning True Love, a wood-cut work by Swati Mishra, Hope by Purbalakshmi Borha, Drawing V by Neha Jaiswal, an untitled sculpture by Joyshree Modak, to another untitled work in charcoal and acrylic by Sushmita Bhasin, every work has women figure as the central theme. The context, of course, changes. If Sushmita Bhasin’s work shows women body-bearing all the modern day symbols, F for facebook, smilies…Pratkriti by Suparna Dey chalks out similarities between the beauty of women and flowers. Need we say more about Girl With The Red Flower by Satwinder Kaur, in which case the only colour on the canvas is courtesy the red flower. Mythological figures seem to be another co-incidental similarity in the works. If it’s the obvious Shivling in Kala Ek Aradhana by Rajni Verma and Oh God! Hold Me by Sunita Panchal showing a man meditating, a photograph, Together We Pray, has towering trees all grouping at the top. The sensitive side of women’s thought-process becomes evident with Megha Patel’s work, Morning. The wrinkled skin of an old man, his protruding knee and skinny fingers make for a sensitive work. Shifting the focus to modern works, there are ample to quote. Journey Of Being is a digital painting that has small photographs in the backdrop and a huge figure is the focal point. The exhibition has something for every art-lover. Every medium, different subjects and the initiative is definitely worth it! (On till April 4)
Fine Strokes
The All-India Women Artists’ Contemporary Art Exhibition is an initiative taken by Artscapes. The winner of the exhibition is the work by Seema Kadam while Kanika Arvind Kumar Shah bagged the second prize.
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Movie Mete
Cast: Kunal Khemu, Amrita Puri, Manish Choudhary, Mia Uyeda Director: Vishal Mahadkar Rating: Below average A diamond merchant who is not ready to shell out two and a half crores for a solitaire ends up paying far more. Pray why… for the fresh from the B school MBA Graduate who has drive and ambition running in his veins is also blessed with innate salesmanship skills. If that is unpalatable there is more in store. And a big diamond conglomerate trying to sell a single solitaire is just one of its many inconsistencies. Success exacts a price…. we all know that and have seen it on the celluloid screen too umpteen number of times. But when the same good old theme reverberates across in a movie from the stable of Mahesh Bhatt one expects a better treatment of the middle class dreams turning sour. More so, when the film’s title as well as promos promise a thriller and films produced by Bhatt camp of the same genre have done fair justice to the subject hovering around underworld. Of course, this one is about the dark underbelly of the diamond trade and the ensuing links with mafia. Alas, despite the spine-chilling opening sequence, the film singularly lacks chills and thrills. Or, drama and emotions for that matter. The single-layered narrative has few high points and conjectures abound way too many. Even the anticlimax comes as more of a relief than revelation. Music, which is often the highpoint of Bhatt films, is not so delightful here though Tere Bina Mein Tanha Hoon is hummable. The film sadly doesn’t sing at any point not when the newly married couple land up in Cape Town, South Africa to start a new life. Nor when their marriage begins to fall apart. Nor for that matter when the ugly truths of the diamond company unfold bit by bit. Moving on a flat note, the film fails to build up a high at any point. The allegories like the Hansel and Gretel’s tale used in the film are amateurish if not outright childish. The lead couple (Kunal Khemu and Amrita Puri) look sweet but caught in an insipid storyline there is little that their acting abilities can achieve. Nevertheless, Manish Choudhary as the devious Zaveri has done a good job. Though much that he does remains a mystery. So, does the compulsion behind making an unexciting film that is (nonika@tribunemail.com)
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First-day-first show
Blood Money
Blood Money is about the story of Kunal (Kunal Khemu) and his wife Arzoo (Amrita Puri), who move to Cape Town after Kunal procures a job with a leading diamond export firm run by Zaveri (Manish Choudhary) and his brother (Sandiip Sikcand). The perks of the job includes a plush mansion, a swanky car and of course, all the opulence that money can procure. Gradually, Kunal finds himself trapped in the midst of a structured white collar crime conglomerate. How he struggles to get out is the remaining part of the story. Worthy character
Kunal Khemu’s character is quite convincing and he plays his role so well that it makes it more powerful. Amrita Puri’s acting is pleasant enough. Madhu Laali, housewife Off track
The movie is a package of drama, emotion, tragedy and steaming scenes but there are some scenes which are stretched and thus lose track. The dialogues are not that strong and the music is average. Preet Singh, student, PU Predictably boring
The storyline is interesting but is quite predictable. Kunal and Amrita being a fresh pair infuses some amount of excitement but the movie is slow-paced. Raghav Singla, student, GGDSD College (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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star track
I’m beautiful I believe I am beautiful and that is why the world thinks I am beautiful. I believe in being beautiful inside. Talk time I am a very interactive person and I love talking and listening. So press conferences and social networking and meeting my friends and fans give me a chance to do that. We must listen well to interact properly. On a high I love feeling happy and energetic and have a desire to feel that way. So if I am low, I somehow change my thoughts and energy to feel happy again. I love being so naturally high. My favourite things I love dancing, eating, talking, chatting, social networking, running, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with my family so all this makes me happy. I love coffee and I love my dogs and watching the rain. Dreams come true I love working but sometimes I go overboard. So taking breaks and resting is important. I have learnt that. I am so grateful that so many of my dreams have come true and so much more. I think gratitude helps us feel happy.
On track Dhoom 3, starts with it’s shooting in May 2012 and Aamir Khan joins the schedule in June as per the plan. Produced by Aditya Chopra, Dhoom 3 is written and directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, who has also written Dhoom and Dhoom 2. Apart from Aamir Khan, who plays the anti-hero in the film, and Katrina Kaif, there is Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra who will continue in their iconic roles of Jai Dixit and Ali. The film is slated for a release in 2013.
Bipasha loves to party and how!
Space talk I like having parties on weekends where I call about 40 friends over. I don’t like cooking in the kitchen because it is closed and I feel like a maid. I want a big house of around 6,000 square feet with a pool, a large open kitchen, and the like so I can cook in front of my friends. I do most of the cooking at my parties and I enjoy it. I love swimming and it would be great to swim in my own pool. I am also joining cooking classes to learn more cuisines. Home sweet home My current home is a 4 BHK converted to a 1 BHK. That is because I wanted one big room and one big bathroom. I will retain this house and stay here for some days in a month. Favourite destination I love Goa. I go there several times a year for work and pleasure. So, it makes sense to own property there.
Naked truth
“There are so many women who die just because they are unaware of the symptoms of the dreaded disease. Through my campaign to spread awareness about breast cancer, I want to inform and educate all to be cautious and careful,” says Rozlyn, almost giving a new meaning to nudity. “Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances of saving lives and that’s what I intend to achieve from this campaign. Even if I manage to spread the word to a few thousand, I’d be more than contended with it,” she adds with a glint in her eyes. To mount the awareness campaign on a large scale, the budding actress would be joining hands with a cancer association to promote the cause and will announce more details next week. We like it, girl. At least, there is someone who strips for a noble cause and not just to satisfy ogling Twitterati!
Car seva Is Mallika’s item-girl status limiting her options?
Mallika Sherawat, who is now based in LA, is apparently doing financially well. Nonetheless, the luxury car brand Rolls Royce reportedly refused to sell a car to her because of her item-girl image and to maintain a social standard, even when she allegedly has the money to buy it. But when a fan puzzled her on social-networking site Twitter if the reports are true, she replied: “Not true, pls don’t believe silly rumors:)” Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Sanjay Dutt are some of the proud owners of the luxury car.
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chatter box
Rumor has it that popular show Comedy Circus is being pulled off briefly. Comedy Circus is one of the strongest and longest running shows on Sony TV. Thus, it certainly comes as a shock with the news doing the rounds that the channel has decided to do away with the famous show all of a sudden.
If the rumour is to be believed, this is the last leg of Comedy Circus and the show will go off air after that. The show has been running successfully for more than half a decade now with multiple seasons coming back to back. They never took a break between any two seasons either. However, fans of the standup comedy show need not be upset as the show is going off air only for a short time. Apparently, the show is taking a three month break after which it shall come back with recharged energy. The reason being cited is that over the period the acts were getting kind of monotonous and without any break, originality wasn’t getting the liberty. In that case the break should only prove useful to the comedians. Despite the fact that the channel hasn’t issued any confirmation on the progress yet, in most possibility, the new season of Indian Idol is likely replace the Comedy Circus slot.
Happy with the ex
Love in the air In Life Ok's Tum Dena Saath Mera, Ria is falling in love with Manan unaware that he is married. The show is not depicting the other woman as a vamp but as a person stuck in an emotional situation. Ria will propose to Manan on his birthday in a lavish manner totally surprising him. Retired hurt While shooting a scene for Life Ok's Amrit Manthan, lead actors Waseem Sheikh and Navi Bangu got hurt. They had to run and climb a tree and get a kite stuck in the branches. But when the shot began, they ran and climbed the tree but soon fell down.
Admiration society
Return mission In Star Plus' Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya, Kesar (Alaika Sheikh) will return to Thakur Niwas in a sexy avatar to take revenge from Menaka (Soni Singh) and Shakti (Jaswant Manaria). Pratigya (Pooja Gor) will feel helpless and will bring back Kesar who got cured of her mentally imbalanced to avenge her family. Moving to greener pastures Doing well: Karan Mehra
Makeover for Gokuldham
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Someone at office may try to harm your reputation. Call friends you haven’t seen for a long time. Socially, there may be quite a few rumours. Keep an open mind and don’t make hasty judgments. Tarot message: You have well-wishers around at the time who will give advice. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Lucky number: 60
TAURUS: Financial matter will take up a major chunk of your time today. This is also, a good time to deal with loans and credits. The planets indicate that this is a favourable time for speculation. Tarot message: Take limited risks and don’t jeopardise your long term capitals. Lucky colour: Aqua. Lucky number: 52 GEMINI: Those facing a cash crunch may be helped out by a friend. Professionally, you may face a conflict at work and deal with it with tact and sensitivity. Look after your health today. Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home will need looking after.
Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Lucky number: 46 CANCER: This may be quite a surprising and rewarding day. Many of you may receive bonuses or pay hikes, which were unexpected. You may have to balance the demands of work with personal commitments. Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 39 LEO: The day would be busy yet happy in which you would be able to achieve a lot in your personal and professional life. At work, your labour will be appreciated. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Sea green. Lucky number: 28 VIRGO: A special someone may not have enough time for you and may make you feel a bit neglected. However, with patience and tolerance you would be able to improve the situation. Tarot message: Wait a while everything will get sorted out on its own.
Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 63
LIBRA: Most of you would be craving for something stimulating and entertaining today. Certain complications at work may be getting trickier and you may have to adopt a detached stance so as to watch it resolve itself. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Deep red. Lucky number: 41. SCORPIO: Manage personal relationships with diplomacy. This would be a day in which you would need to think with your heart. Being vulnerable towards your partner would not make you weaker; it would bring you closer. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 32 SAGITTARIUS: Single would receive good proposals and should consider them. Health may be weak. At work, you would be open to feedback and some of you would also plan promotions. Keep a close eye on your diet. Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Mauve. Lucky number: 30 CAPRICORN: Married will bring the spark back into their relationship. Singles will experience a deepening of a friendship. This may be a confusing day. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 64 AQUARIUS: Travelling and communication would be a part of day and so would an interest in religion and spirituality. Some of you may also, be philosophical and spiritually inclined. Stomachache, backache and the like may bother you. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 50 PISCES: Adventure, fun, entertainment would be on the top of your mind today and you may spend a good deal of time partying. Most of you would also, feel a strong desire to become more efficient. Tarot message: Be sure involving yourself as much as possible in new project. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 25
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The Year Ahead
If your birthday is March 31...
Though your birthday every year is called April fool’s day but today in it falls on Ram Navmi, which indicates the brightness of your new year commencing today. Though the year will begin on a low profile, you will eventually achieve your business goals. You may however need to delve deep into your business affairs in order to plan out strategies. You will enjoy at your workplace. Support from colleagues as well as romantic overtures may turn this into a thoroughly enjoyable for you. Indications are that it is also an energetic period for you. However, dualism is something you need to guard against. You will be able to rely on a freelancer who will protect you from the negativity of someone in your firm. You’ll listen to partner’s criticisms of how you run your life but this will irritate you somewhat as you will not appreciate such interference in your affairs. You must learn how to evaluate every situation with the correct amount of modesty. Don’t drink alcohol as it may upset your sleep and prevent you from rest. Finances will definitely get a boost- but at the same time expenditures will be on the rise. Social activities will be fun but you should avoid sharing your secrets with others. By clearly understanding you can give emotional support to your wife. Seminars and exhibitions will provide you with new knowledge and contacts. A disagreement over a youngster’s education puts strain on a close relationship. Be willing to listen to a critic’s advice, but then make your own decision. Mood: Vulnerable. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Cancer. Lucky colours: Dark green and Brown. Lucky days: Monday and Wednesday. Lucky numbers: 2, 11, 17, 80, 87. Lucky gem: Ruby. Lucky flower: Red rose. Suggestion on birthday: Donate blood to needy if medically fit
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No matter what kind of luxury brands you like, the very essence of opulence lies in understanding the food and drinks menu. And nothing is better than discussing the finest malts, which line your at-home teak bar. If you have been wondering how a Glenfiddich is different from a Jura, read on.
Talking about the basics of single malt, Vikram Achanta says, "True malt is made from three basic ingredients - barley, water and yeast." Barley undergoes the process of malting to help release the starch. "During this process, if it is considered essential to the character of the malt, then peat, a vegetative matter found in Scotland, is added to the kiln," he adds. Peat gives scotch whiskies its distinct smoky aroma and taste. The next step is known as mashing. "Here the barley is mixed with hot water, which converts the starch to sugar," Vikram shares with us. Following this, the yeast is added to the liquid and the process of fermentation begins. The liquid emerging post this, known as wash, is distilled twice in a pot — still. The liquid is then left to age in oak casks.
Whether it is Saif Ali Khan going full on the mysterious element in his movie Agent Vinod or audiences trying to decode the 'oh my god' factor in Vidya Balan's Kahani — everyone seems to enjoy a little mystery. Colors' new show Chhal Sheh Aur Mat falls in line with the same.
Movie: Blood Money
Priyanka Chopra is known for her interactive and friendly ways. PC is popular and happy-go-lucky and has an insatiable zest for life! She shares tips for living fully.
If you want to throw a party, you call your friends, caterers, decide decorations. If you are Bipasha Basu and want to throw a party for your large group of friends, then you start looking for a plush new penthouse. Yes, that is right! Bipasha is looking for a spacious new apartment to entertain her friends.
Move over Poonam Pandey, Sherlyn Chopra, Sunny Leone and starlet Veena Malik! Actress Rozlyn Khan is here!
While Poonam, Sunny, Veena and Sherlyn strip mostly to titillate, the new glam sensation Rozlyn has gone topless this week; all for a cause. Spreading awareness for the early detection and cure of a serious malady like breast cancer, Rozlyn has proved that she can beat the exposure girls by being a woman of substance.
When it comes to luxury, you can’t beat Bollywood. From food and clothes to posh cars and apartments, Bollywood stars have it all.
Ali Merchant and Sara Khan made news with their controversial marriage on Bigg Boss and a divorce later. Recently Ali went on Life OK's Sach Ka Saamna and revealed his secrets thereby winning 10 lakhs. Later Sara commented on his Facebook page that she liked the way he spoke about the whole deal in a dignified
way.
Dimple Jhangiani aka Nimrit in Rajan Shahi's Amrit Manthan on Life Ok, recently shot for a Bollywood party in her show. While Amrit (Adaa Khan) went dressed as a princess, Dimple dressed up like Sridevi of Chandni. She is a die hard fan of Sridevi and says, "I just adore her. She looks stunning in whatever she wears. Though I have never met her, she is my
favourite."
Karan Mehra, who did a short role in No One Killed Jessica, has played a crucial role in Mahesh Bhatt's Blood Money. He has also signed Arup Dutta's Bloody Ishq and is enjoying playing various roles. Karan Mehra has earlier done TV shows like Behnein on Star Plus.
Gokuldham Society in Sab TVs Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has undergone renovation. The makers didn't want the look to be revealed and it has been kept under wraps. Gokuldham has had a complete makeover and idol of Krishna on top.
Ayaz Khan