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It’s a sweet time
"Baklava is a carry forward trend from last year, but there are more flavours in it this season. We have introduced kaju, badam and pista baklava this Divali. Other than this, we have the almond doze; this is a special sweet meat that comes in chocolate wrapping. Almonds are a lot in demand, not the original ones but flavoured. And in this we have a variety like kali mirch, honey, red chilli, green chilli, chocolate et al. Sugar-free mithais, kaju kalash, besan burfi, anjeer barfi, kaju potla are some of the mithais that are always liked and most-wanted," says Priyanka Bajaj from Sindhi Sweets. "No doubt people have developed a taste for chocolates, sweets have their own market; nothing can replace them," says Gurpreet from Nanak Sweets in Sector 19. Talk of the variety they have and he says, "We are known for the traditional stuff, so our specialties include milk-cake, kalakand, kaju barfi, moong dal barfi in desi ghee, bikaneri barfi and Bengali cham-cham." There is an endless variety in Indian sweets to choose from. While on the one hand you have the barfis, on other you have ladoos, pakizas, cham-chams and galub jamuns. "Kaju katli is one item that has no competitor; lot of mithais have been added, but this is one item that has no match. And when it comes to Divali, people like traditional sweets like ghujjia, kesar cake, kaju samosa etc much more."
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Less calories, more fun
Now we are talking about resisting temptation — nice-looking, fresh-smelling sweets that entice you. And then comes the moment of contemplation — whether or not it is justified to break the vow of having less sugar this festival season! Oh c'mon, you can leave the thinking for the scientist while you buy the best mithais that you want. Just don't forget to watch out for the sugar-free tag!
Take your pick from sugar-free kalakand, besan barfi, moong ki barfi, imarti; this is not something new, but is sure becoming popular. They taste just as good as their sugary counterparts; these mithais can sure be gifted to diabetic patients and the ones for whom health always comes first! Bikanerwala Dhoda and sugar-free barfi not only sounds a healthy option, but a delectable one too. "Sugar-free mithai means a guilt-free trip. Divali means endless options for mithais and for once you don't feel like holding yourself back," says Sukriti Sharma, who makes sugar-free homemade mithais only for friends and relatives. Each Divali, she prepares kalakand in a total sugar-free style. "It means low calorie mithai; something that one wouldn't mind," she giggles. Sugar-free cookies and cakes are yet another option available in the market for the health freaks. Almost every small and big mithai shop in Chandigarh as well as Ludhiana is offering sugar-free sweets. Says Dhiman Chawla from Sweet Corner in Sector-37, "There is only a small difference in the prices of sugar-free mithais. We have options in anjeer, apricot barfi, pista choco rolls, which are healthy and good to taste."
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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On the brighter side
Cast a glow Candles are perfect to light up the house. And with numerous styles and aromas available in the market, candles are more 'designer' than anything else this festive season. Right from plain muti-hue to sophisticated and ornamental, there is an array of candles to choose from. You can pick from aromatic, dry-flower embedded designs, depicting animals, flowers, birds, popular figures or plain, fruit-fragrance candles. Check out: While the variety in candles is endless, you can check Dream Home Store-26, Rosebys, FabIndia, Big Bazaar (Zirakpur), Reliance Store, More-Sector 20 Panchkula, Peshwari-19. Price range:
Rs 10 to Rs 250 Dazzling diyas Diyas reflect an ancient way of lighting homes and right from the traditional mitti diyas in plain designs to the carved and embedded ones, you can pick zari, mirror and diyas filled with bright-coloured wax. In various shapes, sizes and designs, it's the shapes like leaves, Ganesha and rose that make them more stylish. For more, you can even pick jaduai deepak, ganesha diya stands, hanging diyas etc. Check out:
Harri Hyper store-26, Archies-22, Dollar shop-35 etc. Price range: Rs
25 onwards Electric spark Right from LED strip lights to rice-lights, there are dancing lights and even waterproof LED lights available in the market. Though Chinese options cannot be ignored and you can try varied shapes and designs like leaves, flowers, balls, T-lights to hanging ones, there are even piped-runners to light up your homes. That's not all; you can even buy decorative flowers, trees and plants! Check out: Sector-18 (opposite Tagore Theatre) and 35-D, Chandigarh, are the main hubs. Other than this, Shastri Market-22 to Rehri Market-19 and inner sector markets in Chandigarh can also be checked out. Price range: From a modest
Rs 25 to Rs 200.
Tip Talk
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A complete artist
In Chandigarh, on Thursday, with her solo show Sadaf, this Ludhiana-based artist shares excerpts from her journey. Masters in clothing and textile, Kamaljeet started with designing t-shirts. Since then she has pursued various interests. Photography is one that started as a hobby and has turned into a profession. "Being a wedding photographer was a tough call. One needs intense stamina," admits Kamaljeet, who is happy she took up the challenge. "There is hardly anything more beautiful than a wedding. The beauty, bride, joyous celebrations… I absolutely love it." While this pretty woman is happy manning the camera, she does get 'surprised looks' when she goes around clicking pictures. She designs the albums as well! Calligraphy turned into a passion after she got stirred by beautiful inscriptions of Gurbani. Ek Onkar and popular shabads get way in her frames in mix-media. "Putting holy texts in beautiful strokes is very uplifting," she says. Black and white, golden, pastels an even three-dimensional, her works are beautiful play of fonts. "Art needs to be visually appealing and that is what I have tried. Even if someone does not read Gurmukhi, he or she can at least appreciate it." Kamaljeet's art is not limited to paintings alone. She has silk stoles, mugs and floor lamps that have English, Hindi and Gurmukhi fonts. "It is my humble effort to connect the youth to Punjabi language," says Kamaljeet. Her show Sadaf is on at the Punjab Kala Bhawan-16 till November 11. mona@tribunemail.com
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Celeb Point Divya Dutta
I feel in your daily life you can be normal, dress up the way you want to and just be yourself. The real you! And I normally do that. I love the contrast when at the shoot they say ‘Oh my god, you look so glamorous’ and when I am at home I love hearing ‘Oh my god, you look different!’ Yes I do! It’s tiring to be so tayyar and ready all the time! And as I literally live out of suitcases, I like to be comfy with the travel clothes. So I can squat my legs, stretch, just be comfy. In a strange obsessive way, me! Whenever I travel as me, people look, try recognizing and connecting me to my glam avatar and by then I whisk away. Some smile, some click pictures. But it’s very friendly and normal. And I like it. Because it’s, well yes, me! But my ‘me’ belief got a surprise. As always I was traveling and as always I had meetings lined up. But this particular meeting was a formal one, and I was in a mood to look super! So, I dressed up in a smart outfit with accessories to match, high stilettos, hair done beautifully and yes the sunglasses. Somehow, I am amused by the importance of sunglasses in our perception of glamour! Sar pe tel laga ke bhi, if you wear smart glasses, they think, koi cool dude star hai! Anyway, I had a great meeting, signed the film, but got late to catch my flight. I had kept my jeans and kurti to change at the airport. But I was so late that though I was uncomfy in these heels and that fitting outfit, but I thought, ‘chalo, just have to check in and sit in the flight!’ As I walked in my glam avatar, I wasn't prepared for what happened. Instant recognition, everyone turned around and looked back, some smiled, some crowded me for pictures saying that I looked stunning! I could not make my way till the airlines guy ushered me into the flight. Wow, I wondered, it’s the same me, it’s the same airport! What changed from an admiring normal reaction to the euphoric hysteria of sorts? Was it the glasses? But I realized that the profession I am in, the people can see me doing different roles, glam or simple, but in real life, they would want to meet a star, a heroine who epitomizes beauty! Where they just say ‘wow’! Sometimes that’s important too because that’s also is a part of me. As I get ready to pack my bag again, my maid says, “Didi kurti jeans nikalun?” Hmm… I take a pause and say, “Nah, take out that smart blue dress, my high heels and yes, my dark glasses.” And my maid looks like something has gone terribly wrong with me. Well, I discovered another aspect of me! (Dutta is a Bollywood actor)
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For traditional taste buds
Tricity has got its first pure vegetarian retro modern restaurant Kitchen Master Chef, which was launched recently.
Says AS Nagpal, owner, "The concept of the restaurant is unique. We want to revive the traditional Punjabi pakwans with fresh
aromas to serve an altogether refreshing menu." Elaborating the concept Nagpal adds, "People in the tricity are savouring junk food like pizza or oily food like paranthas, but we are giving them healthy option of pakwans with 30 stuffings along with two types of chutneys and home-made pickle. The pakwans are grilled and made in olive oil only. The menu also has a wide range of curries and beverages, mocktails, smoothies and dessert." Besides, the take away options, Kitchen Master Chef also offers time-bound home delivery in tricity, which is an interesting option. — TNS
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star track
Cause and effect
Show stopper: Salman Khan
Cross over: Katrina Kaif
Jab Tak Hai Jaan vs Son Of Sardar: Tussle continues
The war between Shah Rukh Khan’s Jab Tak Hai Haan and Ajay Devgn’s Son Of Sardar is still going on as both the films are ready to release this Diwali. After the Competition Commission of India (CCI) rejected Devgn’s case against Yash Raj Films, the actor has approached Appellate Tribunal for the same.
Ajay says that he has been pushed to the wall to take legal recourse against
Ekta’s fresh move
Ekta Kapoor is launching newcomers in yet another movie. Bejoy Nambias has directed Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi which will launch Siddharth Gupta and Aman Sachdeva. Simran Kaur Mundi has joined the film too which will be released in February.
Three finalists
No Entry Mein Entry has 10 heroines out of which three have been finalised. Bipasha Basu, Celina Jaitley and Lara Dutta have agreed to do the movie and they have glamourous roles in it. The shooting will begin depending on Salman Khan's availability and the casting of seven more heroines.
Alone in LA
lonely heart: Priyanka Chopra
Not a loser
Vidya Balan gained weight for The Dirty Picture and has not bothered to lose any of it! Sujoy Ghosh has instructed her to slim down for the sequel of Kahaani because she has to be agile and fit to do the action scenes. She was going to lose weight after TDP but had to retain it for the role of a housewife in Ghanchakkar.
Obama again!
Now that Barack Obama has been elected for a second term as US President, Ashok Pander is keen on making a sequel to Phas Gaya Re Obama now. The script was ready and now the climax has been set too. We hope it is good!
Anushka envies buffalo!
Apparently Anushka Sharma is joking about the pink buffalo and pink mist getting more attention than her after the promos of Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola was aired! She is going to hold her own in the movie, that is for sure! She is versatile.
Ali plays Farooque’s role
Ali Zafar is playing Farooque Shaikh's role in David Dhawan's remake of Chashme Baddoor, which is a family entertainer and stars a mixed bag of actors.
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chatter box Festival of Divali is a time of celebration and though our TV stars might be very busy, they always make time for their family during Divali.
Family & fun
Artistic expression
Sweet gestures I love celebrating Divali with my family, the lighting of the mitti ke diye, smell of mustard oil in them, the yummy sweets that are exchanged. I look forward to Divali and will celebrate it with a lot of happiness.
Working period For me Divali is eating lots of sweets and burst a lot of crackers. I love to play pranks with the crackers but sadly this time I will be working. I will miss all this but I am surly going to burst crackers with the crew of my show.
Delhi circle I am going home to be with my family on Divali. I am eager to celebrate
it in Delhi. Looking forward to a wonderful Divali with my family and friends. Happy Diwali to everyone. Nia Sharma
Earthy touch
Javed Akhtar returns!
Following an overwhelming response to its first season, Zee Classic announces The Venetian Macao presents Classic Legends- Season 2, a series that familiarises lovers of cinema with the lives and careers of stalwarts who have left an indelible footprint in the world of Indian films.
The new season features gripping biographies of 12 more film luminaries. Narrated once again by India's master storyteller, Javed Akhtar in his inimitable style, each episode will regale viewers with novel insights and exciting anecdotes about each of these stalwarts. Viewers will get an opportunity to know these film luminaries like never before. Speaking of his role as the host of the show, Javed Akhtar said, "I was overwhelmed by the kind of response Classic Legends drew last December. While there are many Premiering at 7.30 on November 18, it will pay a tribute to Dilip Kumar, Pran, Meena Kumari, Dev Anand, Chetan Anand, Nasir Hussain, Hrishikesh Mukherji, Sunil Dutt, Mohd Rafi, Shailendra, Anand Bakshi and
SD Burman.
What's up with Aamir?
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Astro turf
ARIES: Don't be amazed at your good luck today. Taking a break from work or pleasure is needed. That recent burst of enthusiasm in you has run out of steam. Make this an easy day. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and
conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Magic number: 31
TAURUS: Parents can experience a degree of stress and tension involving their children. Combining business with pleasure is not a good idea now. Stick to earning your living and leave entertainment for later. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 21 GEMINI: Sweet moments are in store. Shopping for a gift as a token of affection is delightful way to spend money. You will find it difficult to pin down someone. Do not bury disturbing emotions but work through them. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 61 CANCER: Fashion accessories enhance your look at little cost. Spending on health makes sense. Endearing relationships will be formed with a new person who live at a distance. Stick to your regular job. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 55 LEO: Do not get involved in any joint venture blindly without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Give your creative talent an outlet. Hobbies will give you satisfaction. Tarot message: You must share responsibilities with others.
Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 26 VIRGO: Anticipate a bit of craziness today. Avoid gossiping; because it can spoil your chances of success. Sportsmen: get more exercise to keep fit. Think long term. Do not try to rush others. You may attend a formal event or a conference. Tarot message: Think positive. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 28
LIBRA: Plans for a romantic rendezvous will be disrupted by a call from work. Do not be afraid to get things off your chest. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Frank discussion will clear the air in the evening. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 64 SCORPIO: If single, you will find an attractive candidate for dating. Pay attention to health. Do not take on chores that will drain you physically. Keep your sense of humour alive. Tarot message: Focus on your emotional and spiritual place. Lucky
colour: Forest green. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Your card Three of Cups suggests that emotions have to be controlled. Compassion and forgiveness are needed for love to keep growing. Partners may not agree with your plans. Tarot message: At work, don't hold back anything from your employer.
Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Rise early to greet the day with morning exercise to get your energy flowing. Yoga or meditation may appeal to some of you. Expect a guest or an important news. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build great success.
Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 59 AQUARIUS: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long term decisions. Personal expression through art and craft or other hobbies is a highlight. You will have to modify your plans. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 33 PISCES: You should be satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon enough you will be ready to show the world what you have been working on. For now, stay with the task in hand. Hopes fill your heart. Tarot message: You have to push yourself to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 10...
Someone will try to take advantage of your goodness, but you'll be really proud of yourself as things will go well. Your relationship will be harmonious and balanced. Self-improvement projects will pay off in more than one way, you will feel better and confident about yourself. Someone you trust might not tell you the complete truth, so a little probing will be important to get all the facts out. Listen to the advice given by others, if you really want to be benefited. This date 10 under Scorpio sign indicates that you are on an eternal quest to get to the very heart of any matter. The moon shines in your fourth house of home and family, encouraging you to dream about the perfect home and family. Some of you might be feeling nostalgic, so take a walk down memory lane. Paperwork and discussions are likely to involve finances. Resist the urge to splurge. The Moon and Mercury blend well, aiding those who enjoy writing. Words come more easily and your wicked sense of humour is evident; you can be the life of the party. You are blessed (or cursed, depending on how you want to look at it) with the observation skills of a surveillance camera, seeming to just see all and know all. You detest superficiality. It's when your ambitions dovetail with the goals of others and the mission as a whole that it all comes together, and the stars are promoting this synergy. With work under control and your financial position stable, you may afford to relax for a while. Money matters are likely to take a positive change and a marked improvement in financial resources is indicated. You are prone to 'biting off more than you can chew' as far as projects are cancelled. Those of you suffering from general weakness and headaches will find marked relief. Routine jobs may bore you right now. If you're struck by a creative idea, follow through with it by all means. You could even develop this concept into a profitable business venture if you want. Mood: Eager to invest. Compatible signs: Cancer, Aries. Lucky colours: Red, Antique-white. Lucky days: Monday and Thursday. Lucky numbers: 4, 8, 9, 23, 48.
You share your birthday with Ashutosh Rana (November10, 1964, Gadarwara, MP), who started his career with the popular TV serial Swabhimaan and followed it up with serials like Farz, Sazish, Kabhi Kabhi and Waris. He also anchored the TV show Baazi Kiski. He is currently playing the role of Sarkaar in Sarkaar Ki Duniya, a reality show. Ashutosh gained prominence with his super-hit movie Dushman, where he played a cold-blooded murderer.
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Albeit chocolates have become the new 'mithai' this Divali season, a box of liquor or flavoured chocolates can never replace the sugary sweetness of kaju katli or anjeer barfi. So, as people swarm sweet shops, we check out some sweet flavours.
Nothing quite says 'Happy Diwali than the glow of a candle, the flicker of a diya or the twinkling of multi-hue electric lights. Creating warmth, hope and comfort, it's the lights that give Diwali its true meaning — 'festival of lights'. We check out what options are available in the market.
Don't over-do the lights or your house will look tacky.
One can play with words in myriad ways and so does Kamaljeet Kaur. A freelance artist, she really took to calligraphy a few years back. Ever since, she has poured over Gurmukhi and Gurbani each single day.
It’s a glam, glam world! The film world I mean. But people like me think that glamour is only for the screen or for events where you are supposed to doll up, where you should look like a heroine, a glam gal, where you hear people say ‘wow’!
Actresses do not get along with their own ilk. Some actors also avoid each other. We tell you who is avoiding whom.
This could become a fun series, let us warn you
Close shave
All said and done
Just friends
dominant release practices within the industry and he isn’t doing this to create a controversy. Supporting him, filmmaker Hansal Mehta said, “I have no idea about the personal rivalry but I fully support Ajay Devgn's battle. This unfair practice needed a 'star' advocate. Anybody else complaining about not being allowed a fair release is either not heard or dismissed as sour grapes… Many good films never get a fair chance at reaching the audiences, while many terrible films are forced down their throats!” Actor Siddharth tweeted: “If Ajay Devgn says he can’t get screens for his massive film blaming it on powerful distribution mafias, then what of smaller films. Sad!” While filmmaker Pritish Nandy tweeted: “Now wait for the next big confrontation: YRF versus SOS. The big Diwali battle.” The buzz is that the two actors might come face-to-face at Rohit Shetty’s sister's wedding reception at a Mumbai five star hotel on November 11. Meanwhile, Rituparna Sengupta wishes Ajay Devgn, the very best. She shares, “Ajay was a great co-actor from whom I have learnt a lot. I can say that his Son of Sardar will be a huge success.”
Priyanka Chopra will be in New York and LA this Divali because she is working hard to complete work on her music album. She will not be around to decorate her home on her favourite festival. She will miss her family.
Divali brings out the hidden artist in me. I love making Rangoli. From designs to patterns to vivid pictures depicting scenes of Divali, I enjoy getting my hands mixed with the colorful soil, watching it slip through my fingers, onto the floor and turn into a beautiful picture. Once, as a housewarming present to one of my friends, I even made a welcome message on the porch with the rangoli sand. May the warmth, colour and splendour, that are part of this auspicious occasion, fill your life with happiness and bring to you joy and prosperity, for the whole year.
Karan Tacker
Devoleena Bhattacharjee
Nia Sharma
This
Divali, I have illuminated my house with rows of clay lamps and decorated it with rangoli and aakash kandils which are decorative lanterns of different shapes and sizes. It is believed that Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, visits every house in the evening of the new Moon. So I'm going to stay at home. In my family, Divali is celebrated with spectacular firecrackers and a variety of sweets in the company of family and friends. Wishing all my fans and followers a happy and prosperous
Divali.
movie channels on air, it is only Zee Classic that acquaints today's generation with all-time favourite cinematic gems. Classic Legends goes one step further and gets the audience up close and personal with the great men and women who have sculpted the personality of Indian cinema over the years. I believe familiarising oneself with the lives and careers of film prodigies holds immense learning for any true lover of cinema." 
Sri Adhikari Brothers' Hongey Judaa Na Hum, on Sony Entertainment Television, is currently witnessing a love-hate angle wherein Aniruddh (Aamir Ali) is jealous of Muskan (Aamna Shariff) and Rohan (Raqesh Vashisth). But this won't continue for long. Our source informs us that in the upcoming episodes, Aniruddh will unite Rohan and Muskan as he feels that they should be together as they sincerely love each other. He will leave after sacrificing his love for them. When contacted, Aamir Ali said, "I am planning to unite Muskan and Rohan and hopefully it's an end to my track."
