|
|
|
|
|
Dish dash
It's strange that Indian editions of Masterchef border on the lines of melodramatic family soaps. You don't see contestants in the Australian counterpart sobbing each time somebody is eliminated! Celebrity chef Surjan Singh Jolly defends emotional outbursts on the Indian reality shows though; he believes it mirrors the close-knit Indian society. "Abroad, children have to fend for themselves at the age of sixteen. There is no such concept as a joint family and grandparents voluntarily move to old-age homes. Valuing relationships is inherent to us and at reality shows, besides other things, contestants automatically invest in relationships," says Jolly, who is the third judge in the Junior Masterchef India that airs on Star Plus. He was at Pashtun, Chandigarh, on Thursday to promote the show.
In Jolly's twenty years of experience in the food industry, he has witnessed many changes; he insists that they all helped the industry get better. "Cooking food is a part of our culture. If women cook for emotional reasons and to feed the family, men do it in to earn bread. We still attach a sentimental value to home-cooked food. No wonder, food industry has enjoyed exponential growth." Jolly is took to cooking by accident. "I took different entrance exams and cleared all, but the result of hotel management was better than engineering." Rest is history. He feels happy to see that parents welcome out-of-the-box career choices of their children nowadays. "My father always gave me the freedom to pick my profession but the only condition was that I had to be the best in whatever I did." His father, an Air Force officer, and mother, a doctor, never forced anything upon him, "I just wish every child gets a fair chance to decide." Jolly is thoroughly enjoying mentoring children on the show. "Children are like a sponge, they absorb whatever you teach them. They are ready to experiment and explore." At the same time, he finds adults reluctant to try their hand at new cuisines. The first season of Junior Masterchef has now reached the level where top eight contestants will outdo each other. Jolly is also the host of the show Ab Har Koi Chef, which airs on Khana Khazana. He firmly believes in the title of the show, "Anybody can cook. Right amount of ingredients and ensuring that the raw material is not stale are the only basics to cook a tasty dish." What helped him improve his culinary skills is also his love for travelling. He has learnt the tribal dishes of Rajasthan and even worked in the royal kitchens of the state "My interpretation of dishes has helped me come this far." From here when he looks backs, he feels, "I haven't worked for a single day." Some food for
thought!
City connect
Surjan Singh Jolly has a strong Chandigarh connect and takes pride in the fact that he was the head-boy of Shivalik Public School. He has done his twelfth standard from DAV College. After that he went to Jaipur to study hotel management. "I am delighted to be back here. I love to have authentic food of Punjab."
Junior recipe
Accompanying him were the two contestants of Junior Masterchef, Sanya Raheja and Pammi Singh, both eleven years of age. Both love to try their hands at different cuisines, "Be it Indian, Thai, Italian or Lebanese, we love to make it all." No wonder then, they are among the top eight contestants!
ashima@tribunemail.com
|
|
Direct act
Just when half-a-decade gap appeared threatening enough and could be mistaken for extinction, in walk the founder members and pull theatre group Manch Tantra from the temporary oblivion. Aviral Gupta is happy to be playing the rescue ranger while Tahira Kashyap is more than glad to be back in Chandigarh and sharing notes on her debut direction Souled Out.
"I am nervous like anything. I am not even very sure if one-act plays have been brought to the city before or whether the audience will be receptive," she sits cross-legged, a day before the production is to be staged, ready for a volley of questions that span a broad spectrum and comprise theatre, city and of course Ayushmann Khurrana. "He will be coming for one of the plays but I won't reveal the date," she shares. The production, also titled Souled Out, is a compilation of four stories taken from the book, which she has penned. "We have adapted the stories into four one-act plays…I am doing theatre after ten long years while it's been five years since the group staged its last production. We wanted to revive the theatre group and while doing so we wanted to stick to the core values of the group." She adds, "We are an amateur theatre group and we want to stay like that for the rest of our lives. The idea of doing theatre is to enjoy it; we have always tried to have writers, directors and actors from the group itself." It's been two months since work has been on towards the play. "Music has also been done by the group itself. There's this song Tere Mere Dil Ka in it." Being enacted by Aviral Gupta, Gourav Gandhi and Divyangna, the four stories include that of a prostitute desperate to control the fate of her unborn child, an eccentric watchman's ordeal, an athlete dealing with her fate and a lover who can't get Bollywood out of himself. She shares, "We've tried to establish a direct connection between the audience and the actor. We haven't emphasised too much on music or big sets and props. If the actor is good enough and the content is good enough, you don't need props." Coming up is a third book about which she would rather hide than reveal. "It's going to be published by one of the leading publishers but I really don't want to talk about it." Post Chandigarh, the play moves to Delhi. "We wanted to step out of our comfort zone, our own city."
Star power
It's about time queries on Ayushmann Khurrana came along. Someone quips on the status of a star wife. "Oh c'mon. I'm proud to be Ayushmann Khurrana's wife, whether he is a star or not. That's how I would like to be known." Like the proud better half, does she plans to follow in her husband's footsteps? A question she brushes aside with a shrug, "I would love to direct but amidst such talented people, I don't know if I'm ready. If my play is appreciated and acknowledged, that would boost my confidence. Let's see." (To be staged on September28 and 29 at the Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, from 7pm onwards)
manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
Tale within a tale!
How smoothly story-telling, as a performing art, establishes camaraderie with the audience makes it both intriguing as well as interesting! At the British Council, Nell Phoenix, who has been performing the art of story-telling for as many as fifteen years, stands true to the claim.
She talks rather fondly of the nuances, "Story telling is perhaps the only form of performing art where the brain waves of the listener are interpreted exactly in the same way as the performer translates it to them. Also, it is a unique art that allows the artist to use different material that they work with in order to relate to the people of all ages, depending upon the way that it is being delivered. The story-teller can use props like music, images, masks and puppetry to engage the audience." Nell, who was at the British Council to conduct a story-telling workshop, has been conducting several of these across UK, including Central St Martins College of Art and Design. Needless to say, her knowledge on the subject is indeed an immaculate understanding of theatre and narration. "I fancy acting very much due to my academic and practical association theatre, which I took to soon after graduating. I feel theatre helps you enact better, without getting your own self and personality into play. Storytelling allows one to take a step back and slip into the character semi-cautiously. In fact, story-telling permits the artist to bring his own personality into play. One can only make for a good story-teller, if one is comfortable with oneself," she shares. While English folk tales are the subject matter of most of Nell's stories, she plucks a few excerpts from reality and of anything that interests her from around the world. "I usually take to stories that are mentioned in a book called The Dictionary of English Folktale, which has been compiled by Katharine Briggs. I also have a special focus on the events of daily life as I conjure a performance that caters to the intellectual, moral and academic sensibilities of my audience as also keeps them entertained," adds Nell. Although this is Nell's first visit to India, she already loves the experience. Ask her what she misses the most and she skips the mention of her husband as well as two children! She quips, "Oh my cat and
i-Phone!" She adds later, "My kids can shop and cook, so that does not worry
me."
Story time
amarjot@tribunemail.com
|
||||
|
High on health
We are in a rush all the time, life slips from the normal lane to the Ferrari lane in matter of seconds. And then comes a moment when you want to freeze, slip into a chair, throw your feet up, take a deep breath and just relax!
This sounds too good to be true? But not impossible! Chandigarh-based entrepreneur Munish Bajaj opens a one of its kind Wellness Lounge at Hotel ShivalikView-17. This is where the health buffet, which includes a swimming pool, a gym called Oxy Gym, a spa and a saloon are laid out for customers who consciously and religiously take out time to look after themselves. The lounge is packed with state-of-the art facilities that touch luxury and comfort. Says Munish Bajaj, chairman, "Going to a gymnasium is not enough, one needs to relax ones mind and body too. We have tried to lay a complete health buffet for the customers." The newly opened Oxy Gym is part of the wellness lounge. Packed with international standard gymming equipment, it has 4-5 trained instructors who give personal attention to each person. So, after you have sweated out in the gym, you can head for a steam bath. The spa facility on the other hand gives the customers different types of spas to choose from— aroma, natural oil, rose and milk. "We have a physiotherapist on board who will make sure that the customer does not go for any wrong exercise and also if there is any muscle problem, it can be taken care of," adds Munish Bajaj. On your way out from the gym, you can drop by at the saloon that offers all kinds of beauty treatments. The wellness lounge is opened from 6-10 pm, and the membership depends on the requirement of the customers.
|
||||
|
Natural strokes
At her painting exhibition at the Virgin Courtyard, Kajal Nalwa, a Delhi-based artist, who has been romancing nature, elaborates the relationship between nature and its elements. While she justifies the content of her canvas, she makes a detailed mention of her journey towards becoming an artist. "I have been painting ever since I was a child, but I only took to it professionally in 2001, when I exhibited my works for the first time," she begins.
Having exhibited her paintings in India, Saudi Arabia and Canada, Kajal also participated in the SAARC artist workshop, Delhi and has exhibited her works at several art festivals, including India Art Festival, Mumbai. At her 14th solo exhibition, which is being curated by Neepa Sharma, the artist speaks volumes about nature, which has been her prime source of inspiration. "I use a palette knife as I paint oil on canvas and water colour and charcoal on paper. While in most of the paintings I use woman as a subject, which are placed in the backdrop of nature, I aim at creating a relationship between the two, since both are the 'givers of life'," she says. As the Born Free series elucidate heavily on the emancipation of women, who seem to break free from the shackles, which were possibly a hindrance to their happy existence, they walk towards the nature to become one with it. Also, the charcoal portraits of woman faces, border along the artist's interpretation of the beauty of women. Meanwhile, her water colour paintings on different flowers and plants that catch her fancy as she gives in to the sweet languor in the gardens demonstrate her love for nature. Kajal treads on the lines of impressionalism, realism, and abstract. On till 27th sept. amarjot@tribunemail.com
|
||||
|
Easy and exotic!
Kandla Nijhowne
The British carried it several steps further and created the famous Mulligatawny, which is an exotic interpretation of the original soup. This soup, apart from bits of chicken and turmeric has apples, plenty of spice and a touch of coconut milk. Sometimes it even has some rice! All said and done, it's the pepper that makes it come vividly to life. Admittedly the list of ingredients is long, but they are all easy to find in your kitchen or in the market!
Mulligatawny soup
Method
(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
|
||||
|
All about acne
Dr Alka Dogra
In 1948, Sulzberger and Zaldems wrote, "There is no single disease, which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feeling of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris. Despite its ubiquity, acne is poorly understood and often sub-optimally treated. New treatments are targeting the cause of acne and helping patients keep their skin healthy and clear. The availability of these new options to complement the existing ones should greatly facilitate the successful treatment of greater number of patients with improved tolerability and patient satisfaction. Problem area
Acne is defined as a chronic inflammatory dermatoses that results from the formation of a plug composed of skin cells and sebum in sebaceous follicles. In a normal follicle, the same components are found as in an acne follicle. However, in a normal follicle, the presence of these components does not result in changes that cause the cells of the follicle to shed more rapidly and to stick together. This abnormal keratinisation occurs in acne. Acne is not altogether preventable, as it is an inherited condition that usually accompanies pubertal maturation. The pathogenesis of acne is complex with strong evidence supporting the involvement of sebaceous hyperplasia, follicular hyperkeratinization, bacterial hypercolonization as well as immunoreactions. The pathogenesis of acne is multi-factorial and involves:
Acne is generally classified as either non-inflammatory or inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne involves mainly black head or comedones with little or no redness whereas inflammatory acne involves erythematous papules, pustules and sometimes nodules. Control it
Successful management of acne requires careful patient evaluation before choosing a particular therapeutic regimen. A thorough patient evaluation takes into account acne severity and predominant lesion type, lifestyle, motivation and the presence of coexisting conditions. A variety of treatment options are available for treating acne, including topical medications, systemic treatments and to a lesser extent, laser and light based treatments. Topical treatments are generally recommended for mild to moderate acne. Many types of topical drugs are used, some being available over-the counter in certain countries. The most frequently used topical products for acne are
Antibiotic such as tetracyclines and macrolide antibiotics have been used for severe, treatment resistant forms of inflammatory acne for more than 30 years. The most important advantage of topical antibiotics is their very low irritative profile. The disadvantage is that the use of antibiotics may result in an increase in resistance of P. acnes and an increase in the pool of resistant organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus. As a result, combination products with retinoids are now being marketed. (Dr Dogra is a Ludhiana-based
skin specialist)
|
||||
|
Essentially for you
The latest on the anvil and as launched by the company Forest Essentials is a 'Made to Order' ayurvedic beauty cream. Made according to traditional ayurvedic formulations, it is an intensely moisturising natural facial cream that can be applied during the day and night. This customised beauty cream, curated by Forest Essentials Research & Development and their team of ayurvedic doctors, will combine the knowledge of one's skin type and dosha, matched to an individual preference of fragrance, beauty regime and skin concerns. Formulated with a base of hydrating ingredients, including cold pressed organic oils, kokum butter, blended with renowned ayurvedic herbs for individual concerns, this cream will be unique and one of its kind. This delicately textured cream will reflect ones signature fragrance that could range from fresh tangy scents of lemons and grape fruit to the muskiness of pure sandalwood or the inimitable aroma of full bodied Indian roses. Adding to the uniqueness of this customised beauty cream, Forest Essentials formulations will use some original and personalised ingredients, unused in the existing collections of facial care of the brand, widely available in its retail stores. The brand will also create individual labelling in a signature Forest Essentials 50 gm jar, made to order with the users name and special ingredients used.
|
||||
|
Welcome back
Sushant Singh Rajput has bagged one more film. He has been signed opposite Sonakshi Sinha by Subhash Ghai for his next film. Ghai's priority at the moment is Kaanchi which will release in December.
Shraddha Kapoor has been gifted with a beautiful voice. She will restart her singing lessons as she is a trained singer. She played a singer called Aarohi in Aashiqui 2 and realised she wanted to start singing again.
Honey Singh has become fast friends with Shah Rukh Khan. The rapper-singer will be accompanying the star and some more stars like Rani Mukerji, Meiyang Chang, Jacqueline Fernandez and Madhuri Dixit on an Australian tour.
Dilip Kumar ready to go home
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who suffered a mild heart attack last week, is doing well.
Goan break
Shahid Kapoor has gone to Goa post the release of Phata Poster Nikla Hero along with his producer friend Madhu Mantena. He goes there regularly for short
breaks.
|
||||
|
Karan to direct Salman?
Filmmaker Karan Johar will direct Salman Khan in his next film. Way back in 1998, Karan Johar directed Salman Khan in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai but when Karan's friendship with Shah Rukh Khan grew stronger, he maintained a distance from Salman. According to the grapevine, the announcement of Karan's production house is doing a film with Salman which is yet to be made. This development came right after the rumours of Salman possibly appearing on Karan's chat show Koffee with Karan started doing the rounds.
This closeness and crossing of long-established borders is a fresh development. In fact, reports also claim that Salman Khan's business manager Reshma Shetty is managing Karan Johar's account. The last time the three bigwigs were together was in Karan's movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that stars both Khans, and Kajol.
|
||||
|
SRK the showstopper
Bollywood divas will walk the ramp to pay tribute to the late filmmaker Yash Chopra on his birthday (September 27). Now the Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan will also be joining them.
All the actresses have been a part of Yashji's movies. Joining this list that currently includes the likes of Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and Katrina Kaif, is none other than Shah Rukh Khan. The star will be the only male actor who will walk the ramp with nine Bollywood leading ladies at a fashion show that has been organised in the memory of Chopra. "Shah Rukh has agreed to do the honours. He will be the showstopper at the event. It was Pamelaji's (Yash Chopra's wife) idea and he was more than happy to oblige," says an insider. On his 80th birthday last year, SRK had interviewed Chopra in front of a live audience comprising industry members and journalists at a grand event in the city. For the uninitiated, SRK starred in the last four films Chopra directed—Darr (1993), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Veer-Zara (2004) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012). Chopra breathed his last on October 21, 2012. While Pamela Chopra couldn't be reached for a comment, Rafiq Gangjee, the official spokesperson of the filmmaker's production house, confirms the news, saying, "Pamelaji requested Shah Rukh to be part of this tribute to Yashji and he happily agreed to walk with all the divas as part of the grand finale."
|
||||
|
Talking point
Jacqueline Fernandez talks about growing up with parents from different cultures, her career plans, her values and more.
Multi-ethnic background
It helped me understand different cultures and more importantly how they can beautifully co-exist under one roof. I love exploring different languages and cultures and that is why I feel very comfortable in India, which is a splendid collage of diverse ethnicities. Career graph
Initially the plan was to make a career in Sri Lanka. Since I majored in journalism, for a brief period of time, I worked as a scribe. The experience taught me a lot. My aunt, Frederica Janz, is a renowned journalist in Sri Lanka and I began my career interning under her. However, destiny had other plans! Valuable qualities
Punctuality! I hate people who do not value time. Over the years, it has become a habit to be on time. This surprises a lot of people here, as the industry is not really known for its punctuality. OCD!
I'm extremely finicky about cleanliness. When I go to my friends' house, I end up cleaning their wardrobes. It's such an unnecessary stress to worry about other people's mess! Marriage & babies
I have my doubts. We live in times where the divorce rates are higher than marriage rates (laughs). So, to an extent, it challenges your notions of a happily-ever-after, and puts you off the entire idea. My parents have been married for over 30 years now, and I honestly would like mine to be similar. But, at the same time, I think in today's time, it is a long shot. However, marriage or no marriage, I am definitely having babies!
|
||||
What a drive!
Unlike her other roles in the past, Sangeeta Ghosh, as a self-made independent woman, is seen vrooming around in a jeep on Sony TV's Jee Le Zara. Looking at the confidence with which she drives around on screen, no one would say that she's new to it! "I know how to drive, but I am not that good at it. Personally, I hate driving! So for this show, I had my driver help me polish my skills. It took me two days to take control of the vehicle," says the actress. Sangeeta has now begun enjoying it and often takes her jeep for a spin on the sets. "Whenever I get free time, I catch someone from the sets and drive around the shooting area." Meanwhile, Ghosh is also brushing up her Marathi language while shooting for the show. Since she's a fan of veteran Marathi actress Sulbha Deshpande, who plays her aaji (grandmother) on the show, Ghosh doesn't leave a chance to talk to her in Marathi. "Since I am from Mumbai, I know how to speak Marathi, but not that fluently. So I make it a point to chat and talk with Sulbhaji in Marathi; I get to learn a lot of new words from her," says Ghosh.
Playing lead
The team of soon-to-be-aired daily soap Desh Ki Beti Nandini was in Bhopal for a week-long shooting schedule. After Indore's Paridhi Sharma bagged the lead role in a costume drama, the latest news from the state is that Bhopal-born Rafi Malik has been chosen to play the lead in the serial. Earlier, actor Ravi Dubey was being touted as the central character of the show. But our source from the show confirmed, "We finalised Rafi for the lead role as we were looking for a fresh face."
Amitabh Bachchan's untitled television series is progressing real fast. The series directed by filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is being shot at a rapid speed and will have twenty episodes. The show, which is likely to begin at the end of this year, will see Bachchan playing the role of a construction king.
A fire broke out on the sets of comedian Kapil Sharma's hit show Comedy Nights with Kapil. It has caused a lot of damage. The producers rushed to the sets to check out the damage, which was said to be extensive. They are trying to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Reel meets real
Crosswords at Kemps Corner witnessed an action-packed Friday evening when acclaimed author Ravi Subramanian along with super-stud Shaleen Malhotra aka ACP Arjun from STAR Plus' thriller show Arjun launched the former's latest book Bankerupt. Shaleen Malhotra aka ACP Arjun with his emergency task force team enacted a reel life scene during the launch, which was the first-of-its-kind association between a publisher and a character from the television world. Actor Nagesh Kukunoor was also present along with author Ravi Subramanian and actor Shaleen Malhotra. Hemali Sodhi, vice-president, marketing and promotions, Penguin Books India, said, "We are delighted to share with you that we have entered into an interesting alliance with Star Plus for the launch of our new book Bankerupt by Ravi Subramanian. Through this tie-up we hope to reach and connect with a wider audience. Nikhil Madhok, senior vice-president, marketing, Star Plus, said, "Arjun & his ETF team have established themselves as protectors who fight crime. This association is a perfect brand fit for the book as well as our show. We would like to congratulate Ravi Subramanian on his new book and wish
him success."
Reality byte
Instead they end up living dual lives for the fear of being judged and rejected. This episode brings stories of those gays, eunuchs and trans-genders who fought all odds, came out of the closet and openly proclaimed as well as celebrated their sexuality.
|
||||
|
Warning
Producer: Anubhav Sinha Director: Gurmeet Singh Anubhav Sinha's 3D production venture, shot underwater, is all set to hit the silver screens today. The Ra.One director's film stars Manjari Fadnis and debutants such as Santosh
Barmola, Madhurima Tuli, Varun Sharma, Susana Rodriques et al.
Prague
Producer: Rohit Khaitan, Sunil Pathare Director: Ashish R Shukla Prague is a romantic film directed by debutant Ashish R
Shukla. The film stars Chandan Roy Sanyal who plays a student of architecture. He goes to Prague to explore and studying the chapel there is one of his assignments. The other stars in the film are Elena
Kazan, Arfi Lamba and Kumar Mayank. Super Model
Producer: Ravi Ahlawat, Prem Chopra Director: Navin
Batra Veena Malik features in this drama full of love, affection, romance, thrill and comedy. The movie also stars Ashmit Patel, Harsh Chhaya and Jackie Shroff in pivotal roles. The film showcases the real life of a supermodel. The film has been
produced by Eye Telegilms Pvt Ltd. DJ Sherwood has composed the music. —
Dharam Pal
|
||||
|
Astro turf
ARIES: Your spouse can complain of back-ache. Deal with paperwork that has been building up. It is time to slow down; recharge your physical as well as spiritual batteries. TAURUS: Postpone work that requires concentration and physical efforts. Be diligent about sticking to your exercise routine today; you need to pay attention to your body's health needs. GEMINI: You can be destined for better things than you can imagine. An authority figure is on your side, so use their support to your advantage. CANCER: A restless night's sleep can result in irritability. A love affair can go wrong. Anxiety will be at an all-time high and you might snap, so be careful. Co-operation is unlikely from lawyers. LEO: You should not do anything that damages your reputation. It will be difficult to avoid conflict between home life and employment affairs. It will be best to deal with minor issues. VIRGO: Romance is your forte this morning. Everybody will love you and pretty grievances will disappear. Love on the home front will renew your hopes and wishes. LIBRA: Confidence and good feelings are in abundance. Trust your own instincts. Don't listen to other people as they can have hidden agendas. Plans for a business merger will be successful. SCORPIO: New contracts are likely to prove most valuable. Communicating with people at a distance will be extremely helpful. You need to be on your toes to take advantage of opportunities. SAGITTARIUS: The day starts on a jarring note. You will not be able to keep to schedule. Do not rush jobs that require careful handling. It will be best to do one thing at a time. Avoid a social gathering. CAPRICORN: Do not project yourself too far into the futures. New career, overseas travel, change of relationship or a residential move are all possibilities today. AQUARIUS: Today you will get money from an unexpected source. Important business matters can be handled carefully. Students: fun on the campus is foreseen. Lovers are in a cheerful mood. PISCES: A house or office move is unlikely. In public meetings you will feel forceful or aggressive; control your temper. If you are one of those people who can't say no, you are about to learn. |
||||
|
The year ahead
If your birthday is September 27...
Being a Libra born on September 27, you are diplomatic, urbane, romantic and charming. Mars makes you strong, determined, courageous, enthusiastic, intelligent, ambitious and motivated. You dislike demonstrative, extravagant people and cosmetic emotions. You should not ignore your healthy diet plan to remain in shape. If planning a career, some suitable options for you are diplomat, judge, umpire, counsellor, psychologist, artist, architect, art dealer et al. Avoid extravagant spending during festivals. Marriage proposals will mature after May 2014. Positive colours: Chocolate, Coral, Beige. Select days: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Favourable numbers: Series of 3. Gems recommended: Red or White Coral, Yellow Sapphire. Charity on Birthday: On Mahalakshmi Vrat today,
you can observe fast and donate white dresses to the needy.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
I can sniff winter in the air! The cooler evenings are conducive to a switch over in terms of our meals too. A hearty, well flavoured soup with energy giving chunks of chicken is easy yet exotic. In Tamil, millagu is pepper, and thanni is water. The resulting 'rasam' like soup is called Mullagathanni, known for its pepper and curry powder flavour.
Acne vulgaris or pimple is the most common skin disorder. Acne affects 85 per cent of adolescents, 12 per cent of adult women and 3 per cent of adult men. Although acne is not a life threatening disease, it has significant physical and psychological ramifications such as permanent scarring, poor self-image, and depression.
For fashionistas of Ludhiana there is a new avenue to help them look even more beautiful and gorgeous. Forest Essentials, an authentic traditional yet luxury ayurvedic skin care brand with its foundations in the ancient science of Ayurveda, opened its outlet in the MBD mall. It was inaugurated by socialite and make-up expert Gunita Thukral. In the year 2008, Estee Lauder and Forest Essentials formed a strategic partnership where Estee Lauder Group acquired a minority stake in the brand making Forest Essentials the first Indian brand in their prestigious roster of global players. The company has expanded the repertoire of its offerings in the facial care, body care, hair care, and wellness.
Kareena Kapoor Khan is back in Mumbai from London where she celebrated her birthday. The team of Happy New Year is also back and Shah Rukh Khan, Farah Khan, Vivaan and Boman Irani got a warm welcome at the Mumbai airport.
Sushant in Ghai’s film
Back to music
Starry bonding
He took to Twitter to update his fans about his health. 'Monsoon is reluctant to leave Mumbai; I am eager to go home. Thank you all doctors, nurses and staff of Lilavati,' the 90-year-old actor. Kumar, who is currently in Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, is expected to get discharged soon.
Big news
Fire fighting
This week, IBN7's award-winning reality show Zindagi Live talks about the issue of identity crisis faced by many in India. In a country like ours where gay marriages, changing gender preferences etc are still taboo subjects, it's a challenge for people with alternative sexuality to lead normal lives. 
You share your birthday with Rahul Dev Samra, who is known for his unconventional, rugged look and chiselled features. He has played villain and supporting actor roles. He has also played the villain in the Punjabi movies Dharti in 2011. According to his stars, he will excel in Bollywood after 2016.