Time to feast
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Nothing spells Christmas better than jingle bells, carol singing and midnight mass. However, just like with other festivals, food plays the most important part and preparations start almost a month in advance. For the families who host a lavish spread of Christmas dinner, it is synonymous with traditional plum cake, turkey, rose cookies, kalkals and coconut patties.

Christmas is a time for having loads of fun and what better than savouring your favourite dishes

“Plum cake is one traditional recipe that is followed by every Christian family, but closer to the date we bake the cake; make rose cookies, kalkals and minced meat pies for the feast," says James Marcuis, a telecom professional from Mohali. He adds, “Although customs vary from family-to-family, food is an integral part of the day and some even make grape wine."

From lighting candles as well as attending Bible readings from the first Sunday of Advent up to Christmas, to preparing a complete Christmas meal, Glenda Nunes from Bachpan School and resident of Sector 15, shares more, “We believe in following all traditions. Right from attending the holy mass to celebrating Christmas with aplomb, we make sure we have some traditional dishes like kalakals, nayorsie, stuffed duck, chicken or turkey on the table. Apart from food, I have a garland of stars bedecking my complete house."

While dishes can vary from roast turkey to bread rolls, English Stew, ginger wine and pudding, every family has some speciality that they boast of for Christmas dinner. “We already have our plum cake ready with black currants, plums, raisins, cherries, ginger preserves and walnuts in rum - a recipe coming down the centuries in my family," says Lyndon Rodrigues who runs a printing press in Industrial Area, Chandigarh. He adds, “Although Christmas for me is more about cleansing the soul, as part of the tradition and the feast my favourite remains the plum cake. And I have learnt that the longer we soak the fruits, the better the cake tastes."

Adds Vandana Singh, principal, First Steps School, “Our specialty for the day includes rum cake, Christmas pudding and doughnuts, which we gift. Apart from that, we have the Chicken roast with vegetables, the special plum cake, meat and potatoes along with the quintessential chocolate cake." While customs are mostly the same, food varies from place to place.

Lyndon says, “Usually the sprucing up of the house and the festival fervour starts as soon as winter sets in. For every Christian family, hanging a star is an important part of the celebration as is the feast and prayer."

In keeping with the spirit of joy and the tradition, to quote Charles Dickens; Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. 

Yuletide notes
Manpriya Singh

Aren't Christmas carols more like songs that we've grown up with, while practicing for the school choir or singing right before the winter break or during school functions? The songs that remind of childhood and schooling years! Technically speaking, a carol is one whose theme or lyrics borders on Christmas, while the traditional ones celebrate the birth of Jesus, others speak of celebrations, winter vacations, merry making and Santa Claus.

Let's get rolling.

Hall of Fame

Majority might not know beyond a dozen from among hundreds of carols that exist in several languages, but everybody across all generations comes together on Jingle Bells. Need we spell out? Jingle Bells wins hands down among the favourite Christmas carols. The song commanding the bells to make noise can be heard everywhere. Those inclined towards high musical notes give their votes to Silent Night, Holy Night. Then there's Away in a Manger, history behind which is attributed to Martin Luther, though there's no conclusive piece of evidence that he wrote it. The ever hopeful Long Time Ago in Bethlehelm, like many others, just about misses the mark among top greatest classics.

Then there's the beautiful story of our adorable, favourite misfit reindeer in Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. A carol that's been a holiday hit ever since its creation in 1939. No wonder it has been sung by many singers over the years. Some still mention It's the Most Wonderful Time of The Year, the 1963 song by pop singer Andy Wiliams. Among the recent ones, All I want for Christmas by Mariah Carey remains the catchiest.

Youngster's take

This is one genre (if it can be called one) where classics win hands down among all age groups. Shares Kashish Bajaj, Class XII student, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is by far my favourite Christmas carol. It's catchy and since childhood we've related to it. Anybody with a red nose during the winter had to be called one."

Then to close a caroling session, there's the inevitable classic, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

A golden voice
Famous playback singer of yesteryears Sharda has the enthusiasm of a youngster. The abiding charm of her voice still mesmerises…
Mona

FINE TUNE: Sharda

Evergreen hits — Titli udi ud jo chali, Chale jaana zara thehro, Duniya ki sair karlo — come from Sharda Rajan, the voice that regaled the masses during the ’60s and ’70s. A successful playback singer and director, who gave music to films such as Mandir Masjid, Maila Aanchal, Tu Meri Mai Tera, Kshhitij and more, she still charms with her mellifluous voice.

In Chandigarh for Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society’s event, Sharda, even at seventy plus, has the enthusiasm of a seven-year-old. As she croons some of her hits, her voice takes you back to the times of yore. The living legend shares on how life has unfolded since Titli udi made her a star.

Old is gold

In our times musicians were devoted, out to make masterpieces; to make songs that would not only entertain but also inspire, encourage and lend a hand in good times as well as bad. Money was not the priority. I have been lucky I worked with the best in the business – Shankar-Jaikishan, Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore and more.

Everlasting melodies

I do concerts around the world. I had a very successful one around the USA last year; I am going there soon. Wherever I go, people flood me with requests… Titli udi is the all-time favourite. Chale jaana zara thehro is my favourite though. I am amazed how these songs still delight people from across generations.

Living with legends

Rafi Saheb’s songs had a soul. It was as if it’s the hero was singing — only he could master that art. Mukeshji’s voice had dard that would touch your soul. As for Kishore, he could bring comedy, nakhra and everything else alive in one song.

Hopeless situation

I don’t think today’s movies need music; they just need sound to jump up and down. To earn money, people today are selling anything — even poison to the young crowd. Not only is it eating away our rich ragas and folk music, but also impacting the youngsters negatively. How can they ever forget — hero and heroines are role models for impressionable minds and that means huge responsibility on everyone who is in showbiz.

No competitions

I am all against competitions for children. They should all be treated as equals. Winners feel proud, others jealous, which is not healthy for growing kids. Just like gurukuls, where king’s sons were treated on par with regular students - I am for no exposure till they master their craft.

Doing my bit

There is hardly any appropriate song for kids today. I am running interactive classes for children wherein they learn, sing and dance. I write, do shows and meditate. Next, I want to work on voice culture lessons that can help budding singers!

mona@tribunemail.com

Foot loose
Designer Swati Mehrotra saw potential in the footwear industry early and she has now carved a niche with her designs
Ashima Batish

head over heels: Swati Mehrotra

If there was ever a ‘shoe-cause notice’, by now the Indian fashion industry would have been directed to get over its obsession with fabrics as well as embellishments and focus on footwear. How many shoe designers do we have in a country that boasts of a growing fashion industry? How many shoe-designing institutes are there in comparison to fashion schools? The designer shoes’ industry is untapped and people who swear by labels have no choice but to rely on top-of-the-line European brands. Delhi-based shoe designer Swati Mehrotra realised this gap and decided to fill it up with her bespoke designs.

“The most fashion-conscious people also overlook footwear,” says Swati, who is all set to bring her shoe label Swatimodo to Ludhiana, followed by Amritsar and Jalandhar. Except for stilettos, people do not bother much. “No doubt they are the sexiest footwear for women, but one must consider other options. Try out wedges, platforms, block heels, pumps etc.”

It is bespoke fashion that she now wants to introduce to people, which means that designs once sold won’t be replicated, promising the client exclusivity. She also wants to do away with the myth that bespoke fashion in shoes is only for people who have an issue with fittings. Swati also exports her designs to Japan and the US, where she says her clients give more importance to comfort rather than the design. “In India, it’s the opposite. Women only bother about how much height they can gain with a pair of heels even if that is uncomfortable.”

She believes that trends are for women who blindly follow them. “I don’t believe in trends or what’s in or out of fashion. Any design can look good, provided the material and craft is up to the mark.” Besides bespoke fashion, the USP of her label is that all shoes are hand-crafted; the range begins from a reasonable Rs 2,000 and goes up to Rs 30,000.

Swati refers to the history of shoes in India that led to a couple of designs that are popular today. “The heels that have their front closed or ballerinas are a contemporary version of Punjabi jutties. The Khadau that people used to wear during ancient times have now become thong chappals.” The reason, she says, is that fashion has mostly evolved and rarely invented. Swati hopes that the fashionable people in Ludhiana and Amritsar will now understand the importance of bespoke fashion.

ashima@tribunemail.com

Fun-filled cafe

Described by Navneet Choujar, writer, director and event manager, as 'Fun Cafe', Hakoona Matata, in Panchkula, aims to provide a platform for budding artists to showcase their talent to a captive, informal audience. Navneet wants the venue to be known for its ambience, events and the unique experience it will offer. The cafe provides various musical instruments for performance, an easel for painting, and a venue for exhibiting amateur works. Apart from that, customers have the option of playing board games like chess, carrom, scrabble etc or just chill out with a book or a comic.

Gaurja, the youngest partner, is a musician who plays the drums and also paints and writes, describes the menu as going back to childhood. She plans to offer simple delights like Nutella sandwiches, bread and jam, and Maggi noodles. Coffee pots are available to mix your own favourite blend of coffee. Derived from an African dialect, Hakoona Matata literally means 'no worries', therefore the menu is easy on the pocket.

Anju, another partner, is a seasoned entrepreneur running a premium salon at the same address. She has plans to host regular 'style shows' to share her expertise on the latest trends in fashion and beauty. She also wants to reach out to under-privileged women and children, and help them discover their latent talent. Regular comedy, music and style performances are planned and audience is invited to participate. Hakoona Matata is also visiting various schools and colleges in the tricity to search for stand-up comedians to be a part of their 'Hakoona Matata Stress Busters' team.

— TNS

Par Excellence
Monitor your short game practice
Jesse Grewal

The short game is one of the most important contributors to good scoring. While we practice the long game to improve our swing, the short game and putting are what make a good score. Many golfers practice putting and short game for hours but are not able to get the results on the golf course. The level of confidence does not seem to improve despite the practice.

To improve the confidence around the greens we must -

• Practice a lot.
• Monitor the practice (measure and evaluate).
• Variable practice (do not hit two shots to the same target)
• Do not create a good lie (scatter the balls so you get different lies instead of placing them ).
• Use different clubs.
• Vary the trajectory (height of the shot) with the same club.
• Practice putting from off the green.

Master Chef
Plum share
Manju Dewan

Yummy treats are in store for the coming festive season and what is Christmas without a plum cake and that too a home-made one! Gone are the days when we needed one month to prepare for such a cake, now you can get it right easily and hear the jingle bells with each mouthful.

Method

• Mix maida, baking powder and baking soda and sieve it.
• Mix together sugar and butter. Beat till fluffy.
• Add milkmaid and beat well.
• Gradually add maida mixture and plum juice and keep beating.
• Add prune juice and mix well.
• Pour it in a greased baking dish and sprinkle dry fruits over it.
• Bake it in a pre-heated oven for 40-45 minutes at 180 degree.

star track
Showtime for Divyanka, Mrunal

Buzz is that Divyanka Tripathi and Mrunal Jain have been signed for Endemol India's upcoming show Devki. Sources claim Divyanka’s role will be of a confident family oriented girl. While Divyanka has confirmed being in the show. Mrunal’s part is still a bit doubtful.

                              star attractions:Divyanka Tripathi & Mrunal Jain 

I wish I were part of Rockstar: Deepika

Deepika Padukone

If Deepika Padukone is satisfied after doing romantic comedy Cocktail in 2012, she wishes she had been part of the Ranbir Kapoor starrer 2011 musical hit Rockstar.

“I am more than happy that I was part of Cocktail. It was the most satisfying experience to do the film. The audience really appreciated me a lot in Cocktail," Deepika said.

“So this year, I am extremely happy about Cocktail and have no regrets. But if you ask me about last year, then yes, I would say, I wish I were part of Rockstar." She had dated Ranbir for some time and even featured with him in the hit movie Bachna Ae Haseeno before parting ways.

Rockstar, a musical extravaganza that rocked the box-office, was helmed by Imtiaz Ali who roped in Pakistani American Nargis Fakhri as Ranbir’s love interest in the movie. If Deepika pats herself for doing Cocktail, she candidly admits that some of her films disappointed her. :I don’t regret anything but, yes, I have been disappointed with two to three films that I did in the last two years," she says.

— IANS

Moore moves on

looking ahead: Demi Moore

Actress Demi Moore reportedly wanted to file for divorce from Ashton Kutcher the day she left him in November but financial issues between them stopped her from doing so.

Kutcher, 34, who cheated on Moore, wanted to give her time to move on before filing for legal procedure. But finally he got tired of waiting and filed for divorce December 22. Moore and Kutcher were married for six years but ended it after the latter was caught cheating on their marriage anniversary.

Sources claim Moore is ‘genuinely happy’ and has no regrets about moving on.

— IANS

Adele trademarks her name

name game: Adele

Singer Adele has trademarked her name in order to prevent it from being used as a brand name for perfumes or jewellery. The Rolling in the Deep singer, 24, is said to not want people to cash-in on her fame and sell items, which are genuinely not endorsed by the star using her moniker. “She doesn’t want anyone exploiting her name by using it on products that may trick punters into thinking she’s involved with it," said a source.

Having a trademark would enable Adele to take legal action against anyone that tries to sell products in her name which are not approved by her. — PTI

Ayushmann’s dream role

musical note: Ayushmann

After displaying his vocal abilities with hit song Paani da rang in his debut movie Vicky Donor, actor Ayushmann Khurrana is keen to play a singer on-screen and sing for himself.

The 28-year-old, who played a sperm donor in his first film, said, “I would love to play a singer in a film. Something like what Ranbir Kapoor played in Rockstar. If I get to sing in a movie for myself and get to exploit my talent, then why not?" “I used to take Indian classical music training. I never took it seriously, though I regret it now," he added.

An actor-singer combo increases one’s credibility as a performer, says the youngster. “If you are lending your voice to your character, it shows your credibility as a performer. If you have a talent to sing, then you should sing for yourself," Ayushmann said.

A VJ-turned actor, he feels his acting skills are more powerful than anything. :I always felt I was more of an actor than a VJ. I have done theatre from childhood. I have formed two theatre groups in Chandigarh and gave music to it. I have nurtured myself over the years and invested a lot of time and effort in the craft," he said.

Ayushmann has started working on Shoojit Sircar’s Hamara Bajaj, in which he plays a tourist guide, who aspires to become an actor.

In future, Ayushmann wants to do some power-packed roles and said: “I get inspired by certain roles like Shah Rukh Khan in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Aamir Khan of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar and Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak or maybe Amitabh Bachchan of Shakti." — IANS

Violent impact

In Peace: Jamie Foxx

Actor Jamie Foxx feels Hollywood can’t ignore the harsh reality that violence in movies influences real-life attacks. “We cannot turn our back and say that violence in films or anything that we do doesn’t have that sort of influence because it does," Foxx said.

The actor was among many celebrities who have come together for an ad demanding a plan against gun attacks following the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in which a gunman killed 20 students, all six or seven years old, and six adults. — IANS

All work, no play

Doing a daily soap hardly leaves Samir Kochhar with enough time to spend with family. He recently shifted to his new house, but hasn’t got time to enjoy it. Done up by his wife, Samir says he loves the interiors. 

Fear factor

Spooky tale: Ashish Sharma

Ashish Sharma aka Ranveer of Rab Se Sohna Isshq was recently shooting in Mukesh Mills, Mumbai which is known to be haunted. When he was relaxing in his vanity van, he had a supernatural experience. He took a nap and when a phone call woke him up, he was unable to get up. He felt like someone was crushing him. But this apparently lasted a minute. Everyone on the set was shocked to hear about the spooky experience. 

Balancing act

Vinay Rohrra seen in Saubhagyavati Bhav enjoyed a vacation before he took on this new role. He went to Spain and Switzerland with his wife Pooja and had a blast there. He believes holidays are a must to feel rejuvenated.

On a friendly note 

Friends again: Kushal Tandon & Karan Tacker

After reports of their fight for footage in their show Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, buzz is that Kushal Tandon and Karan Tacker now are back to being friends. Kushal feels too much has been made out of their fights but people hardly know the truth.