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Dine in style
There are no free gifts for guessing that this year too belongs largely to food, with new restaurants opening and the old ones getting a facelift. Well, if on one hand we have African and Lebanese delicacies giving the noodles and pizzas a run for their money, the décor of the restaurants too is in competition.
Recently opened The Pewter Room is one example where the restaurant is more talked about for its interiors than food. Done in gold and silver, the restaurant spells sheer elegance. Rohit Chaturvedi, manager, says, "Interiors definitely make a place stand out and for our restaurant this is the USP. Done entirely by Annu Bains, we have the gold colour dominate the entire look along with silver and bronze for the chairs. And it was a thoughtful decision as nothing spells luxury better than gold. That's not all, the big mirrors, clocks, couches, lamps and even the cutlery that we serve with the food in is in sync with the colour scheme." Do the interiors really add to the foot-fall? "It's the concept that sells these days and our idea of fine dining is quite different from other restaurants. We are not only playing upon the interiors, but also presenting the fare differently. Unlike other restaurants, our dishes are individually portioned so that everyone can enjoy their choice rather than sharing it all." Well, we do agree that concept is the selling point these days and for the widely travelled customers, it is all the more important. "Thanks to the food channels, people know what they are eating and how it should be presented. And when you open a restaurant, you are catering to a knowledgeable consumer," says Vivek Bhasin from Forno, Panchkula. Hotel Altius is another joint that has interiors which would please the connoisseur. "Ours is a boutique hotel; every room is different from the other and has a separate theme," says Ginni Chawla, owner of the hotel. Talking about the interiors, he says, "When in the hotel business, you are selling a concept and to attract more customers, you have to be sure that it is the best and different from what people have already seen in the city. So, keeping this in mind we have built a hotel with varied themes for every section. Whereas on one hand we have a roof-top restaurant called 'Air' on the other, we have a lounge and banquet to please the customer who likes to sit indoors." The interiors and the cuisine have to gel with each other; keeping this in mind Hotel Icon in Sector 8 came up with a singular theme of serenity. "Our hotel space was central but we had to do a lot on the interiors to bring out the best. The interiors are built on a single theme: Buddha. Right from the paintings on the walls to small decorative pieces, everything has the Buddha on it. So, it makes the environs quite serene and gels with the food that we are serving (read Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Burmese and Singaporean)," says Neeta Sukhija.
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Figure it out
It's not easy throwing weight around, pun definitely intended. From among never-ending advice, plenty of sites and unabridged literature existing on the subject, it all simmers and boils down to the basics.
"I myself receive every patient at the door and see off every patient at the door, this is my way of incorporating exercising into the routine," Dr Sarvinder Gandhok, a consultant physician, would rather practice before preaching and penning down only the tried and tested formulas, howsoever clichéd they might sound. He continues, "Adopt a safe lifestyle, walk more, answer the doorbell…" Just a fraction of the steps discussed in his second book, Winning over Obesity. What follows is a warning sign and signals of the rampant unhealthy practices of losing weight. "You go on a crash diet, join one of the myriad slimming programmes or take pills that promise to make you slim, each of these have far reaching side effects." He adds, "That is why in this book I'm talking of the importance of preventive medicine." The book speaks of steps to detect and manage obesity. Divided into 24 chapters, it claims to be a one-stop and safe guide for losing weight permanently. Tackled in between are various myths that are a part of the subject. "Applying creams can never make you lose weight. Also it's a myth that avoiding certain food can help you shed those kilos. In fact, balanced diet is very important. There's a scientific reason behind the wholesome Indian thali system that our forefathers invented for us." A statistic for those still ignorant, "0.5 to 0.75 per cent is the maximum permissible weight loss limit within a week." That comes out to about 3 kg a month, beyond which, "the body starts using weight from the heart, brain and other vital organs." There's more than sufficient pictorial representation on each page and eight glasses of water figures on top of the list. "It decreases your appetite and flushes all the toxins from the body." On the cards is Winning over Hypertension, a book on how to overcome stress, a phenomenon everybody has experienced. While the justification for coming up with this one is just as obvious. "Around 15 to 20 per cent of the children that walk into my clinic are obese. Seventy five per cent of the reasons for obesity are medical problems, while 25 per cent cases are self induced." No wonder, there's no particular demographics of an obese. "I'm not much into movies or celebrities, but from the known figures I feel it is the renowned designer JJ Vallaya, who I feel, is a bit on the heavier side." manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Light on shades
"It is perhaps the best way to adorn your face," says Akriti, a student. Shades make a person look all the more attractive by concealing certain part of the face, says Ridhima. The unique thing about sunglasses is that these are increasingly turning into a unisex accessory. Earlier, there used to be a distinction between men's and women's sunglasses, but now such distinctions have blurred. "If men are wearing slightly broader frames, then women too are sporting the aviators, which would be frowned upon by fashionistas a decade ago," says Rahul, a fashion enthusiast. According to Gagandeep, a faculty member at INIFD, it's been some time when the transition from small, sleek sunglasses to large broad ones took place. But these are still going to be here for some time before the fashion cycle takes another turn. However, like all other fashion styles, this trend of glares too depends on individual face types of a person. For example, for a long face, oval shapes would remain the preferred choice. For a round face, medium-sized glasses and for a normal face, broad sunglasses could be the preferred glasses, she says. "Colours and design of frame are the basic considerations for picking up a pair. These days green, blues, mauve shades are very much in. Blacks have always been there, and now that extra bling like silver lining just does the trick," she says.
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Vidya, Farhan in Pyaar Ke Side Effects sequel
It’s official. The sequel of Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose starrer Pyaar Ke Side Effects (PKSE) is finally happening. However the sequel won’t star Sherawat and Bose, instead it will have Vidya Balan and Farhan Akhtar as the lead.
The sequel is titled Shaadi Ke Side Effects (SKSE) which will show what happens after the characters Sid and Trisha get married and how their love story goes forward. Producer Pritish Nandy says, “SKSE begins where PKSE ends. Except the lead pair, everyone, including director Saket Choudhary and music director Pritam remain. SKSE is a funny, clever, wild film full of the interesting ways love works before and after marriage. PKSE had four songs that became very well-liked, and the story had very strong connectivity with the audience, so we decided to make a sequel. Sadly, it took a while in writing. Saket is a brilliant director but a slow writer!”
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And the dirtbag goes to…
Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston has been awarded the best on-screen dirtbag for her role as a man-eating dentist in Horrible Bosses at the MTV Movie Awards. Aniston, 43, who has been staying out of the spotlight lately, accepted the award from Ted stars Mila Kunis and Mark Wahlberg, reported a magazine. “I would like to say thank you to the television show Friends for letting me unleash my inner-sweetheart, and here’s to Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses director) for letting me be a dirtbag,” she said.
Also nominated in the category were Bryce Dallas Howard for The Help, Colin Farrell for Horrible Bosses, Jon Hamm for Bridesmaids and Oliver Cooper for Project X. —PTI Award ceremony:
Jennifer Aniston
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Akshay’s take on martial arts...
Akshay Kumar is known for being fitness conscious and promoting martial arts in India. He still practices it everyday and has trained his son as well. He talks about karate and other form of martial arts. Where it is heading
Karate will one day be our national sport or at least in our top two. I want everybody to understand that karate is not just a combat sport, martial arts is what keeps me fit, agile, disciplined and punctual. It helps you control anger, negativity and enables you to focus during extremely stressful situations. Karate is more than just kicking and punching, it is an art. I would love to make karate compulsory in schools. Everyone — especially women — deserve to be taught self-defense in this country. You’ll be surprised to know that young girls at my karate tournament manage to throw around guys twice their height and weight and lock them to the ground. Women are powerful and I want them all to be protected in life. Indian origin
Some of the most incredible forms of martial arts trace their origins to India. They are practically secrets to the rest of the world. I want the world to see what India has to offer. We have techniques that even the Chinese don’t have, let’s be proud of our traditions and embrace what we are. My aim is to change the perception (of martial arts) in India. We have such talented individuals. We just need to find them and nurture them Not an art of killing
Martial arts mustn’t be misconstrued as violence. “I hate violence. I adore my art, but if it’s used in the wrong way, you might as well be a murderer. There’s a huge difference between a man who ‘can kill’ and ‘will kill’. Art it is not an excuse to go around thrashing people.
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Brad Pitt producing Marilyn Monroe biopic
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt has stepped in as a producer to help
director Andrew Dominik on his long delayed Marilyn Monroe biopic. Naomi
Watts was to play the iconic bombshell in Dominik’s biopic Blonde,
which stalled before shooting was scheduled to begin in January 2011,
reported a website.
However, Pitt, 48, is planning to give a new life
to the Monroe film by producing the movie through his Plan B production
company. “We’re going to get this one done,” Pitt said. The actor
has worked with Dominik in gangster thriller Killing Them Softly and The
Assassination of Jesse James. —PTI
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Getting personal
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian says she does not like to reveal everything about her life despite being a part of a reality show on her family. The 31-year-old, who shot to fame with her sex tape and has since been the queen of reality TV with her show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, says she now wants to live a more private life, reported a website.
“I’ve kind of tried to adjust my life to have a little more private life. My life is very public and so I get that, but if you can choose to have a little bit of a private life, I would choose that over other things now, which I probably wouldn’t have before,” she said. Kardashian, 31, is currently dating rapper Kanye West, 34. She was earlier in news for
ending her 72-day-old marriage to Kris Humphries. —PTI
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For granny’s sake
R&B star Rihanna jetted into New York to visit her beloved grandmother in hospital. The Umbrella singer, 24, took the plane from New Orleans, Louisiana just to visit her maternal grandmother Clara ‘Dolly’ Braithwaite, who is currently being treated for cancer in the Big Apple.
“Came to NY, just for this moment right here!” she tweeted on Saturday, sharing an emotional black-and-white photo of herself hugging Braithwaite in her hospital bed. “Bye NY. From NO to NY to LA in less than 24 hrs. Roc (sic) star,” she added, while hopping back into the flight to Los Angeles.
—PTI
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Mistakes of my life
Divya Dutta Sometimes we do end up doing things we thought we would never do! I am known for being punctual in the industry. Three people are —Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and me. So to do something unlike my basic nature is unlikely but not impossible. And I did it for the first time in my life, I missed a flight. From one outdoor to the other, I've been living out of suitcases and totally loving it. I like this life but sometimes, just sometimes, you goof up. I was all packed to leave for Dalhousie for my next film. Punctual as I am, I left on time. Quickly I glanced through the ticket again to re-confirm the time. The timing said 9.30. I was at the airport at 8 to board for Amritsar and then four hours ahead by road. My hairdresser was 10 minutes late and I got pissed off! Please come on time, I reprimanded her. As I showed my tickets to the lady at the counter, she asked me alarmed, “Are you going to Delhi?” I said, “No, Amritsar. And make it quick. She told me apologetically, “Madam, I am sorry. Your flight was at 5.55am. I was shocked! “But it says 9.30,” I argued. “Madam that’s the arrival time!” I felt so silly! How did I do this! I saw the ticket again, the arrival time was written before the departure. Strange, but I should have read it carefully. Anyway there was no time to brood. I asked them for an alternative. The in charge was very sweet. I told her I had a shoot to report to. She booked me quickly on the Chandigrh flight which was just boarding. Going to Chandigarh meant eight hours of road travel. Phew! But not that I could do much about it! I had to reach that day. So after rushing and boarding a flight me and my staff took the car the production unit had sent. I was strangely very calm, unlike my hyper self. We stopped by at a dhaba, had my favourite daal roti and lassi, picked up some good music for the road and it did become a joyride! Shooting today in time. That one was a goof up adventure, but I learnt when you laugh it off, it is a joyride. So is life. We make mistakes and either we mull over it or we just laugh it off. I chose the latter and I look back and smile at all my mistakes, goof-ups, stupidities, everything! Because they are mine and they make me unique. I learn from them to move on but I accept them proudly as a part of me. (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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In a league of his own
Our this week’s face in the crowd Sahil Sharma, first runner-up, Pantaloon’s fresh face, fits into the definition of a trendsetter, to the core. Your sense of style is… I don’t follow trends blindly. I believe in being comfortable and in carrying well whatever I wear. Keeping it simple is rather difficult. Latest addition in the wardrobe… Pair of dark blue and beige khakis. A pair of blue and black loafers. And some slim-fit V-neck shirts. Brand freak or street smart? I'd rather buy something cheaper if it looks good on me. No point in spending extra cash just for the name. Choose one—sporty, glamorous or chic I’m quite comfortable in sporty look but at the same time I’d go chic when stepping out on weekends. After all, you gotta look good when going out to parties. Your style icon? That would have to be Johnny Depp. Because he looks good in everything. Who’s the worst-dressed celebrity around? If I had to pick one I would say Bobby Deol. One fashion trend you don’t understand… I don’t like wearing tight jeans with huge boots. Your take on accessories My iphone for sure. My kada is always on and a silver bracelet. And I can’t do without my sunglasses . One thing that boosts your confidence My ability to make friends with anyone I meet within minutes. (As told to Manpriya Singh)
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Mushroom magic!
Kandla Nijhowne There are fungi lovers and fungi haters. We love mushrooms, though I admit that they really are a mouldy fungus growth! Sounds terrible, doesn't it? It’s strange to eat a veggie which has no green leaves or shoots that we would normally associate with vegetables! Mushrooms are superb, whether they are sauted, curried or stir fried; cooked Indian style, Chinese or Italian. They have a delicate flavour which should not be cloaked with excessive spices. While washing, do not soak mushrooms in water for too long. They are little sponges which will gladly drink up the water and consequently become squishy later! While buying mushrooms, don't get taken in with the milky white ones that appear cleaner. Settle for the speckled, muddy ones instead. At least they have not been dunked in a vat full of chemical-scrub! In the following recipe, grilling mushrooms infuses a unique smoky flavour to them. This dish makes a perfect snack or even an attractive accompaniment to a main meal. Method
Dry-roast the red chili, dhaniya seeds and fennel till fragrant. Grind to a fine powder. Mix the ground masala with ginger-garlic paste, hung yoghurt and salt and pepper. Wash, wipe dry the mushrooms and snap off the stems. The latter can be used to make a soup stock. Marinate the mushroom caps in the yoghurt mixture. Keep covered and refrigerated for 20 minutes. Grill the mushrooms on high heat till brown, basting frequently. You can even use a non-stick fry pan to do so. To prepare the chutney, peel and chop the ginger and garlic. Chop the green chili. Blend all the ingredients till pureed into a smooth chutney. Top each grilled mushroom, straight off the grill, with a dollop of chutney and serve immediately!
Grilled mushrooms with green-peas chutney
For mushrooms
For chutney (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based
culinary expert)
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Asin will work with Akshay Kumar again in Khiladi 786. She has replaced Nargis Fakhri and will play Mithun’s sister. Nargis is not playing Mithun’s sister because she doesn’t look like him and is super hot for the role.
Fitting in: Asin
Shahid Kapoor attended his mentor Shiamak Davar’s summer funk programme along with his mother Neelima Azim. SRK was also there with Gauri. Shahid was felicitated at the event. He used to be a trainer with Shiamak’s troupe.
Sunny Leone, Randeep Hooda, and Arunoday Singh have worn plenty of lingerie in Jism 2 and few other clothes. Everything will be auctioned for charitable purposes.
Riteish Deshmukh is known for his comic timing and comedy movies. He now wants to do more serious roles as he has done in Ram Gopal Varma’s films like Rann and Naach. Good luck to him!
Moved on: Riteish Deshmukh
Boman Irani’s son Kayoze will make his Bollywood debut in Karan Johar’s Student of the Year. He has been assisting several directors over the past few years.
Friends indeed
Anurag Kashyap and Tigmanshu Dhulia have been friends for a very long time. Anurag found him to be perfect of a mafia leader because of his built and cast him in Gangs of Wasseypur, his most ambitious film ever!
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Marriage on the cards
Waiting for Mr Right
The tall and beautiful Karishma Tanna has made her mark in the television industry in the last eight years. She will soon be seen in Yashraj Film's next project, Gollu Pappu, which is being directed by Kabir Sadanand. The other lead actors are Sandeep Dhar, Kunal Roy and Veer
Das.
Ashish's got talent
Nikki turns two...
Disney Channel has premiered the second season of its hit family comedy Best of Luck Nikki. The first season launched with unprecedented ratings, making it the most successful launch of a live action series (since 2005) in the kid's genre in India. This family comedy centres around the everyday trials, tribulations and triumphs of a busy family of six. This season viewers will witness what happens in the Singh household when Nikki turns two, begins potty training, goes to school and inadvertently causes hiccups and hurdles in the lives of her siblings, Dolly, Rohan and Sunny and her parents Himani and Avatar Singh. Season two will bring back the fun-filled madness with the adorable two-year old. "Season two of Best of Luck Nikki will take the fun to the next level,” says Devika Prabhu, director, Programming, Walt Disney Television International India.
Dancing with the stars, literally!
Role of honour
Good going
Kushal Tandon won the Fresh New Face Male for Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, which airs on Star Plus, at the
11th Indian Telly Awards. He was quite happy after receiving this honour and is inspired to put in more efforts in the future.
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the year ahead
If your birthday is June 6...
Do not waste your time in criticising others as it may affect your health. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented to you today. Watch out what you say when you are in a group. You could be severely criticised for your impulsive remarks. Love life could be a little tough. Think twice before you take on any new project. If you run from a situation, it will follow you in the worst possible way. Avoid oily and spicy food. Don't spend too much on entertainment. Guests occupy your evenings. Without the company of your beloved, you are likely to experience solitude. Don't mix business with pleasure. Take care of your action and words as your boss will be less understanding, if you commit a mistake. Your impulsive nature may cause you serious health problems. Certain important work will come to a halt due to bleak financial position. Be careful not to pickup an argument with someone you love. Conflicting issues if any should be solved amicably. Don't be aggressive while going out for shopping. Watch out for individuals who might try to mislead you. Those born between 1990-2005 will have better concentration levels by casting aside anxiety and not rushing into things. They should also try to lighten their work load. Students will receive admission to institutions of their choice. Control your emotions. You must remember your history if you want to avoid repeating destructive mistakes. A situation appears to work out in your favour. Mood : Distracted frequently; fight it. Compatible signs: Leo, Taurus Lucky colours: Cream, Blue Lucky days: Thursday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 2, 9, 14, 24, 55 Lucky gem: Solitaire, Firoza Lucky flower: Blue lotus. Suggestion on birthday: Donate green vegetables to poor.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Do not let ego clashes spoil your family life. You will have to watch your emotions. Work today with the future in mind. Cupid may strike you. A strong focus on social activities suggests fun and romance. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs.
Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 28 TAURUS: You could be feeling a little irritable early in the day, so don't seek company of people. Enjoy your day with friends. Property dealers will have to stay a little conscious to avoid problems later on. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.
Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 63 GEMINI: Mental and physical energy can be successfully combined today. Property matters must also be handled care. When meeting new people especially possible lovers, take everything you are told with a pinch of salt. Tarot message: Do not invest in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Sky Blue. Magic number: 48 CANCER: This will be a peaceful day. Women should go for shopping before lunch time. Your power of concentration and your attention for detail are in the top form then. Work from home for better results. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 39 LEO: This is a good business day. Your personal and public life is likely to clash. This Venus transit is quite favorable for financial negotiations and borrowing money should not be a problem. Do watch extravagance. Tarot message: Don't ignore advice from someone junior to you. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 25 VIRGO: There is a chaotic energy in the celestial sphere this morning. All sorts of accidents could occur. Think before you act and this time should pass without too much trouble. Relationships are on your mind. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 46
LIBRA: Your card suggests a certain amount of tension in your personal and professional relationships. Stay detached. Use this opportunity to identify problems and resolve your differences. Tarot message: Don't get affected by a few unpleasant happenings. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 35 SCORPIO: This is a good day for completing neglected work. Your spouse might be feeling a little emotional and overly sentimental. Avoid arguments.
Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky color: Silver Grey.
Magic number: 44 SAGITTARIUS: A tricky day. You are unlikely to get much time to relax. Children's demands may be neglected. This is a difficult day for the important business moves. Thoughts of generosity dominate. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50 CAPRICORN: Be delicate while handling other people's money today. If you have an appointment with the bank or a financier to borrow money, double check all the details before signing. Tarot message: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number 5 AQUARIUS: This is certainly not the day to go shopping if saving money is your objective, as you will end up spending a lot. Feed your intellectual interests surfing the Net. A political gathering could attract your attention. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 27 PISCES: Let people know if you are going to be late for important appointments. Trouble contacting a friend or sibling who is traveling overseas might consume a bit of time. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride.
Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56
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As the sun shines bright, it's time to don a pair of shades. What bliss sunglasses are when the sun is at its peak in the summer! And what's more; it adds to one's style quotient too!
Sister concern
Shahid marks his attendance
Less is more
Serious turn
Bollywood debut
Piyush Sahdev, the main lead in Hum Ne Li Hai Shapath on Life OK, and actress Akangsha Rawat are reported to tie the knot on June 25. Piyush didn't want to marry an actress but fell in love with Akangsha's way of living and thinking. The wedding will take place at the Iskcon Temple in Mumbai followed by a reception in Delhi, home town of both Piyush and
Akangsha.
Leena Jumani, who plays Mala in Colors' show Kairi, has to fight for love in her show and she's ready to do it in her real life as well. The 21-year-old says that her Mr. Right has to be good natured and need not look like Salman Khan. He should be responsible and respectful to all. She is quite sure that the kind of boy she will eventually choose, her parents will not have an issue like her on-screen in-laws.
Karishma moves ahead
Everyone knows Ashish Kapoor for his performance as Udayveer in Dekha Ek Khwab on Sony but very few people know that he is also an interior designer. He has decked up houses in Delhi and also designed his own house in Mumbai. He says that if he were not an actor, he would have opened his restaurant and done its interior.
TV stars Rithwik Dhanjani, Karan V Grover, Avinash Sachdev and Hiten Tejwani will perform together at an event in South Africa. They will perform in Durban on 9 and 10 in Johannesburg. Rithwik and Hiten will be performing on Shahid Kapoor's and Shah Rukh's songs, respectively. Karan will dance on Salman Khan's tracks and Avinash will shake a leg on Amitabh Bachchan's numbers. Singer Mamta Sharma will also perform at the event.
Dil Dostii Dance, produced by Cinevistaas Limited on Channel V won the award for the Best Youth Show Fiction at the 11th Indian Telly Awards held recently. This is the second award that D3 has received for being the Best Youth Show.
adesh Srivastava (June 6, 1966) who shares his birthday with you is a singer and music composer. His wife Vijeta Pandit and sister Sulakshana Pandit were heroines and brothers Jatin - Lalit are also music composers. Aadesh also sang a number of songs and rendered hit songs such as Sona sona, Shava shava, Gustakhiyaan and one of his career best Gur nalon ishq mitha. The year 2013 has good vibrations with his prime number six and ensures remarkable contribution to music world next year.