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Eat and make merry!
The time of festivities and treats is right here. Christmas calls for its own share of food fare and Chandigarh folks are doling out sumptuous spread.
For the Francis household, Christmas is a big occasion and Gaity Francis takes upon herself the task of preparing everything. "My parents are from South India. So we have traditional Southern food with a Western touch. There are kalkal and murkoos; all the stuff my Mom makes at home. Her chicken full roast has a filling of beans, carrots, raisins and almonds, which lend it a rich flavour," says Michael Angelo Francis. Pork, turkey, stew, karanji, plum cake, pork vindaloo and wine — Dr Swapna Singla relates Christmas to all this. A Keralite, who spent most of her growing years in Mumbai, Swapna celebrates the festival with South Indian and Goan spirit. "When growing up, midnight mass and Christmas parties were most cherished," says Swapna, who tries to recreate all that she can now that she's married here! She is all set for to cook up chicken and mutton delicacies along with some stew, and hoping to lay her hands on turkey as well. Bakers in Chandigarh are also ready with some wonderful surprises. "Red Velvet Cake is the favourite this season," says Monica, from Monica's Puddings & Pies. Rich cakes with fancy icings, gingerbread house, yule logs, sweet breads, mutton pies and more, you can have it all from Monica's. The cakes range here starts from Rs 450 onwards. Santa and snowman figure prominently in Nik Bakers' sumptuous cakes. "We have soaked dry fruits, spices and alcohol two months back to lend that lovely flavour to Christmas cakes," shares Nikhil Mittal. You can pick up a yummy, lovely gingerbread house from Nik from Rs 1,200 onwards. There are cookies, chocolate puddings, chocolate hampers et al. Chefs at JW Marriott who had marinated the fruits right in October are ready with their goodies as well. "Spices are essential Christmas treats. Not only do they lend a rich aroma, they also act as preservatives as the Christmas season is long," says Chef Pallav. You can pick up your share of Christmas puddings, cakes and cookies from its pastry shop — Chandigarh Baking Company.
Cook yourself a treat Method Cut the chicken into eight pieces. Marinate it in olive oil, garlic juice, rosemary herbs, salt, pepper and paprika for thirty minutes. Grill the marinated chicken and cook a little in the stock. For orange sauce
Watch out A traditional Christmas celebration stays incomplete without a feast. TLC brings you a special programme series that will feature celebrity Chefs Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver. The Christmas special will air from December 24 to 26, 8 pm.
mona@tribunemail.com
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Saying it with spice
She picks up all the ingredients and tosses it into her head! Yes, this is where she actually does the cooking before culinary expert and master chef Nita Mehta enters her kitchen!
She smiles as she elaborates, "When a recipe germinates, I start working on it right away…in my mind. I can actually smell all the ingredients. Once, I have a mental plan in mind, I enter the kitchen to execute it well." Nita hits Chandigarh as the brand ambassador of Radikal Rice that is starting a contest, Rice to Riches 2, for housewives this coming Sunday, which involves cooking with Radikal Rice. As a prelude to it, Nita tossed two dishes - lemon rice and Mexican red rice with Radikal rice. "This is what people want these days; a mix of traditional and contemporary flavours," she says as she clearly busts certain myths associated with eating rice. Adds Nita, "Moderation is the trick; rice is good and not at all fattening if only it is taken in moderation. It has zero cholesterol; it is low on sodium as well." While she is breaking myths, we slide another question towards her. This one is called the hype around olive oil! "Here is the trick; I recommend don't stick to one kind of oil. You should use olive, mustard or sunflower oil in rotation. Don’t use an oil for a month, instead try different oils for different food. Pasta is cooked well in olive oilwhile bittergourd is done best in mustard oil," she says. Nita, celebrity chef, author and restaurateur, is known for her cookbooks. "I have a proper R& D team; if you follow recipes to the end, you would get the exact kind of dish," she answers confidently. Food is definitely a stress-buster for Nita, but she likes to be served once a while. "Depends on my mood; whether I want to cook or like someone else to cook for me," she smiles softly. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Deep notes
With more than 25 years in the music industry, Kailash has performed in over 800 concerts in 20 languages. "I am currently working on seven music tracks for the film Desi Katte and also composing the songs," he says. The singer recently paid a tribute to Sachin Tendulkar after his retirement from Test cricket through a special track titled Sachin Anthem. "There song has received a tremendous response. There have been thousands of downloads from my website. Sachin was informed before I composed the song and he was pleased with the effort," he says. According to
Kailash, the music scene in the country is looking up especially due to the growing role of the internet. Regarding the question of livelihood of singers with the free online availability, he opines that there is a need for more awareness and implementation of performer's rights through which musicians can get royalty. As for reality shows, he says, "It was a great experience to judge of few of the reality shows. Some of the singers are like raw diamonds." Recently, Kailsah Kher has done a webcert with Shreya Ghoshal titled Naina
Chaar. He is also working on a new album with singer Prahlad Singh Tipania, a Padma Shri who performs Kabir
bhajans. "It will be his first purely Sufi album," says the singer. gurvinder@tribunemail.com
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Go clubbing!
While one is heavily burdened with complaints about the existing clubbing culture in Chandigarh, there are a few names that stand out. At the launch of AlphaQ, a night club in Sector 9-D, one is pleasantly surprised as the place has all the makings of a good club with all paraphernalia is place.
The club is technologically evolved, as it conveniently replaces the disco ball with fancy laser lights. If that does not interest you, a huge amount of dancing space at the avenue certainly will. Now, you can dance away to glory, without having to deal with a big beefed-up gentleman trying to get too close to you in all the wrong ways on the pretext of less space! Share Vishal Aggarwal, Annie Singh and Rajat Gupta, owners, "We three musketeers have always been fond of clubbing and that brought us to the idea of owning our own club. We wanted the city to have a club that offers them a huge area to dance, along with a central seating space reserved for the VIPS. Also, the club has a Platinum Lounge, which will accommodate as many as six people, who will be chauffeured around from their place to the club and back in a Limousine. They can have unlimited drinks, and there will be one male and a female bouncer travelling along with them. The Limo concept is the first in India and it has been taken from the Vegas. The total cost of being in the Platinum Lounge is Rs 1 lakh." (The club will organise a Christmas Eve party on Tuesday) amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Verse wise
Lamho ka safar hai saara, ….are the lines from Sumita Misra's latest poetry collection called Zara See Dhoop. The book was released by noted litterateur Ashok Vajpeyi on Monday in Chandigarh. A total of seventy five poems are a reflection on life, relationship, society and cover a gamut of emotions. Penned in the last three years, this collection is a kind of homecoming for Sumita who has taken up writing in Hindi and Urdu pretty late in life. Currently posted as Secretary & Director General for Haryana Tourism & Hospitality, Sumita's hometown is Lucknow. "I am happy that poetry has met a kind of revival. Lots of new, wonderful voices are coming from regional Indian languages, including Bengali, Oriya and Assamese. No more are we apologetic about writing in our native tongue," says Sumita, who is currently chairperson of Chandigarh Literary Society. In the offing are more poems, again in Hindi, for Sumita, who loves reading Robert Graves, TS Eliot, Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare, Ashok Vajpie, Neeraj and Mathilisharan
Gupt.
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Par
Excellence Jesse Grewal
While throwing a ball we hold the ball with the index finger and the middle finger on
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star track
Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan today said his actress wife Aishwarya Rai is a "super mom" and expressed his desire to protect his daughter Aaradhya from the world of showbiz so as to offer her normal childhood. "Her (Aishwarya's) professionalism and dedication is unquestionable. As a mother (of Aaradhya) she is superb..she is a super mom. As a co-star, I have always loved working with her. It is a pleasure," Abhishek said in an interview. Abhishek said he and Aishwarya wanted their daughter Aaradhya be guarded from the showbiz. "As her parents, Aishwarya and I want our child to be happy and healthy. I was guarded from all this (media attention and showbiz world). The trade magazine and all was banned in my house. The first time I read a film magazine was when I was 18," the actor said. Abhishek appealed to media to show restrain in photographing star kids. "This is one department (of children) where I would want the media to show restrain and responsibility.” — PTI
Rise and shine
Actress Shraddha Kapoor, who is shooting for Shahid Kapoor-starrer Haider, loves to begin her day on an energetic note.
"Rise and shine and shoot! Love early morning energetic start! Have an awesome Sunday," Shraddha tweeted Sunday. The actress, who made her cinematic debut with Teen Patti, was applauded for her performance in the 2013 romantic drama Aashiqui 2. She was also seen in Gori Tere Pyaar Mein.
Bonding over games
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan is busy shooting Farah Khan's Happy New Year with his co-star Boman Irani, but the two make sure not to ignore their love for video game PlayStation 4.
Farah took to Twitter to talk about their "dedication" to the game. "We have packed up just now at 1 am! But Shah Rukh Khan and Boman Irani, who had wrapped at 8.30 p.m. (are) still in van playing PS4," Farah posted on the microblogging site Monday. The comedy also stars Sonu Sood and Abhishek Bachchan. — IANS
Action time
An excited Yami Gautam has started shooting for her upcoming film Action Jackson. The actress took to Twitter to share her eagerness to start the shoot.
“Action Jackson day one...super excited," Yami posted on the microblogging site Monday. Directed by Prabhudheva, the film also stars Ajay Devgn, Kunaal Roy Kapur and Sonakshi Sinha and will hit screens April 11 next year. New beginning:
Yami Gautam
Shillong calling
Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi is off to Shillong and is excited about his first visit to the hill station.
Although the actor doesn't prefer early morning flight, he made an exception this time. "Red sleepy eyes, feel like I'm sleep walking through the airport! Hate these early morning flights! But I'm happy I'm flying to beautiful Shillong!" Vivek tweeted. "I'm going to Shillong for the first time! If you guys know some cool places to visit there, please
share!”
An unconventional sequel
Director Abhishek Sharma says Tere Bin Laden 2 is a first of its kind sequel as the stories of the first film and the second are linked but not in continuity.
"The structure of the film is such that you cannot call it a conventional sequel and that is why we are not calling it part two. It can be called a spin-off and in that sense it is a first of its kind," Sharma said in an interview. "We have not seen a sequel like this anywhere in the world till now where the first and the second part are related. There is a definite and strong relation, but still there is no continuity," he added. Manish Paul plays the lead in the second film while Pradhuman Singh continues to play as Osama Bin Laden look-alike. Talking about the story of the film, Sharma said it takes off from the news of terrorist Laden's death and the ensuing ambiguity and problems. "The first Tere Bin Laden gets over with Ali Zafar reaching America. This film doesn't continue from there. This film starts from the point where America says Bin Laden in dead. Now, I don't know (whether it is true) because there is still no proof about Osama's death," said Sharma. "So taking that thing in mind, after Osama's death what all happens with Barack Obama (US president) and with the terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan and also the problems that Manish and Pradhuman face because of it, is what the film is all about," he added. — IANS
In for a long haul
Simon Cowell believes that music fans around the world have simply “had enough of” Lady Gaga. The 54-year-old music mogul has said that though there is a lot of hype around the 27-year-old American pop-singer, her time is almost over.
In an interview, Cowell commented that Beyonce, who recently launched her album through iTunes, will be around for a lot longer than the Bad Romance singer. — IANS
Dia’s happy moment
Actress-producer Dia Mirza is happy to see her mother Deepa "shining bright" over a month after heart surgery.
The Love Breakups Zindagi star took to Twitter to talk about how the "bad times" have passed now that her mother is feeling much better. "Mamma! Over a month ago you had such a big surgery and now look at you! Shining bright...bad times do pass," Dia posted on the microblogging site Monday. Dia's mother underwent an emergency heart surgery due to which the shooting of Dia's production venture Bobby Jasoos, which stars Vidya Balan in the lead role, was postponed.
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chatter box
Post quitting Do Dil Ek Jaan, Shilpa Shinde moved to greener pastures. She bagged a Marathi film and a serial too. Here, she talks about her cameo in Mahadev and more…
Why did you choose to do the cameo in Mahadev? I was looking for quality work and this one was exactly what I wanted. Doing a mythological or historical show is always a great experience. Most commercial shows are not up to the mark, so it was a good change. Though it has only been two years that the show has been on air, everyone on the sets gave their 100 percent. How is it like to be working with Mohit Raina? He is a very good actor and is very hardworking and humble. When I was doing a show called Bhabhi, years ago, he entered the show when I quit, about which I didn't know. It was a pleasant surprise to know we had a connection. When he first met me he was not in the getup of Lord Shiva, but later when I saw him dressed up like Shiva, I got goose bumps. Do you have any other television offers? I am doing a role in Lapataganj on Sab tv. Lets see when it will start. You will now be seen in a Marathi film. Tell us about it… I have shot the film and it's a different film, but it's too soon to talk about it. How do you look back on your exit from Do Dil Ek Jaan? I had a fracture, so I had to leave the show. Now the show has taken a leap, so I guess my decision was right. — HRM
From modelling to acting
After doing various ad commercials, model, Mishkat Varma will now debut with Zee TV in Rajan Shahi's new offering …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. In the show, Mishkat will be playing the role of Raj, who a simple and fun boy-next-door. Talking about his role, Mishkat said, "As a happy-go-lucky chap, I relate to my character every bit." Mishkat is also a trained dancer and has been a part of Shiamak Davar's dancing troupe. "I knew if I'd join television, it would only be if I get to play the lead on the show. I was taken by surprise when I received a call to audition for the role of Raj in …Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya," he said.
On a recent outdoor shoot in Rajasthan, the young lad was mistaken as superstar Ranbir Kapoor! Quiz Mishkat about the incident and the actor blushes red! "It was crazy and flattering at the same time. We were shooting in a temple and the locals when people started saying, 'aree ye toh badtameez dil wala ladka hai…' They thought I was Ranbir Kapoor and wanted my autograph. I thoroughly enjoyed the attention. I hope the entire country accepts me as the Ranbir Kapoor of the small screen," gushes the actor. The show will also see an entry of another newbie, Kaanchi Singh, who will play the female protagonist, Avni, in the show. Is Raj the right guy for her? To know more, stay tuned to Zee TV.
Back with a bang
Neha Marda will return to television after a hiatus two years and this time she is playing the lead role in new show, Doli Armaanon Ki that will be telecast on Zee. She's loving the character, which is about a girl who dreams of wedding bliss. What is new for you in this new show? Every new role is different from what you have done before. I can relate to Urmi as I also got married recently, so nothing could have been easier than this show and this role. I couldn't have got a better show than this at this point. What were your expectations from your marriage? Personally, I wanted a house where I felt that I had a family and not just in-laws. I did everything from my end and expected them to be accepting too. I am only thankful that they were very warm and welcoming. I couldn't have asked for better in-laws. We have a wonderful relationship. My mother-in-law supports me a lot in my career, which gives me confidence to do more in life. How challenging is it for an actor to relate to the onscreen character? It can be tough as the roles can be different, but that's not the case with Urmi as her basic nature is relatable. Also ultimately, shows are fiction so characters can take any route or indulge in any behaviour and as an actor you have to deliver. What did you do in your break? I had a good time while travelling the world with my husband. Every few months, we would go on a holiday and I have been to many interesting places. I even shopped a lot.
High voltage drama
A night of high drama and interesting twists and turns awaits viewers of Sahara One. The channel is all set to telecast a Maha Sangam episode of Aakhir Bahu Bhi Toh Beti Hee Hai and Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi…Niyati that will be aired on Friday, December 27 from 9pm to10 pm. Sia's condition is critical after a fire broke in her room. Police comes to the accident spot to investigate the case. They trace the phone number that Sia was trying to reach and find out that the number belongs to Niyati, Sia's school friend. When Niyati gets to know about the unfortunate incident, she rushes to her rescue. At the hospital, looking at her friend, Niyati decides to take charge of the case and unveil the truth. Niyati tells everyone that Sia was unhappy with her family and wanted to shift to Lucknow to study further. All the evidence collected at Navlakha Devi's house clearly points out that the fire was not accidental. It was a well planned conspiracy to get Sia killed. Navlakha Devi and her family are charged on account of domestic violence and attempt to murder. Convinced that her in-laws wanted to kill her, Niyati urges Sia to fight for justice and put an end to her misery. Get ready to watch this intriguing fusion on Friday, December 27 from 9 to 10 pm.
Ali keeps up the Christmas spirit
When Ali got to know that he will be playing the role of Santa Claus in the show, Jeannie & Juju, he could not help but share his fond childhood memories of Christmas. Ali used to eagerly wait for Christmas, so that he could dress up as Santa Claus in the school. And if you think this was because of his love for Christmas or Santa Claus, you are wrong! Ali, who has studied in an all boys convent School, used to get a chance to go to the girl's section dressed up as Santa, which was otherwise prohibited. "In school, we had separate boys and girls sections, and we were not allowed to interact with girls. Every year on Christmas, I used to dress up as Santa just to interact with the girls. Over the period of time, the meaning of Christmas has changed for me. I now play Santa to my daughter. Even though I don't dress up as Santa, but I do fulfil all her wishes" says Ali.
Let's get set to watch Ali as Santa in Christmas Special of Jeannie & Juju.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Be true to your ideals. Money issues can dictate what you need to concentrate on. A secret arrangement comes to light. Public meeting: think before you speak. Friends will be helpful.
Tarot message: Start a
project afresh. Lucky colour: Olive. Magic number: 58
TAURUS: The simple things in life will bring you joy today. Do not take on too much, but enjoy working through your chores one by one.
A health issue can be worrying you now. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition.
Lucky colour: Pale-green. Magic number: 46 GEMINI: A tough day; be alert, aware and dynamic. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical effort. Step back
and take several deep breaths before you say something. Tarot message: Act for your
own self and no one else. Lucky colour: Ivory. Magic number: 36 CANCER: It is a satisfactory day for working mothers. You will have difficulty getting along with associates. Think twice before giving in. Money matters can take a turn for the better.
Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Lavender.
Magic number: 55 LEO: The outcome of a lawsuit can be postponed due to matters out of your hands, leaving you in limbo for a bit longer.
You should not hesitate to shop around for a better deal. Tarot message: Bury an
old quarrel. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: If you don't expect the day to run smoothly, be prepared. If you are travelling, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. It is not a day for property deals or legal proceedings.
Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky
colour: Red. Magic number: 45
LIBRA: A friend will need your support and you will need to put off an engagement to help him or her through this period of heartache or anguish. Romance can be rather disturbing today.
Tarot message: Do not
leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 25 SCORPIO: Do not be concerned about your business deals. They probably won't be finalised right away. Should a friend ask you for a loan, be cautions. Speculation is not
favoured. Tarot message: Don't get embroiled in long-term ventures. Lucky
colour: Orange. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Those around you can disgust with their abstract, whimsical or vague ideas about important issues. Today there are good opportunities for increase your earnings.
Tarot message: Do not swing away from your path. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 63 CAPRICORN: Strange undercurrents at home can give rise to all sorts of drama. The card 'The Night Princess' predicts a fairly active morning for children. Students: park your vehicle carefully and obey traffic rules. Tarot message: Handle your projects carefully.
Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: You definitely do not appreciate your friend's interference. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge to you. Make sure you really want to hear secrets or rumours about someone. Tarot message: Polish your public relation skills.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 57 PISCES: You can wake up with a headache. Do not fear bad luck. Steer well clear of business. This is fortunate day for married lovers. Working women: take proper care of your child's health.
Tarot message: Don't let opposition put you down. Lucky colour: Lime-green.
Magic number: 31
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 24...
Energy levels and stamina can fall. Avoid heavy commitments. Put your extra money in a safe place that will promise you returns in the times to come. You will make important contacts through friends. Your beloved will do things to keep you happy. You will be in the spotlight and success is well within your reach. Chronic diabetes patients need to take care and regulate your food habits. 2014 is financially good for some of you if born on Saturday in any year on December 24. Positive colours: White, Sea-green, Cream. Select days: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9. Gems recommended: Pink Zircon, Diamond, Colourless solitaire.
You share your birthday with Anil Kapoor (December 24, 1959, Mumbai), who earned his first Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance in N. Chandra's Tezaab in 1988 and later for Indra Kumar's Beta in 1992. According to his stars, his family will go parallel to Raj Kapoor's dynasty.
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Take olive oil in pan, add finely chopped garlic, onion; cook till translucent. Add white wine and then orange juice. Cook for sometime; add a dash of honey and fresh orange chunks. Cook the chicken pieces in sauce. You can serve it up as a sizzler with sauté vegetables or with saffron rice.
Diminutive Kailash Kher seemed dwarfed by the elaborate stage in Ludhiana on Sunday evening, but only till he did not perform…he left the crowd mesmerised at the end of it all! Kailash suffered depression for two years after his business floundered, but the singer has risen like a proverbial phoenix.
There are some preferences used by lower handicap golfers and professionals while taking the grip. One of these is an extended index finger of the right hand (for right handed golfers). This coupled with a short thumb of the left hand improves club head and club face control while allowing the wrists to hinge and release freely.
one side and the thumb on the opposite side of the ball. The middle finger is folded or bent and the index finger a little extended and away from the middle finger - like the position to pull a trigger of a gun (picture 1). At the top of the backswing in the throwing action the ball sits on the thumb and the thumb is directly under the ball (picture 2). Similarly the right hand should have an extended index finger with a gap between the index and middle finger. With you right hand learn to split
the fingers with the little finger on one side, the ring and middle finger together and the index finger on the other side (picture 3). With this position place the right hand on the grip after placing the left hand. Let the little finger overlap or interlock maintaining the gap, the ring and the middle stay together and the index form a trigger on the grip maintaining the gap with the middle finger (picture 4). While placing the left hand make sure that the thumb is equal to or higher on the club as the index finger (picture 5). This is called a short thumb. 
At the top of the backswing the club would be resting on the thumb and trigger finger and would be in control and stationary for a split second before starting the down swing (picture 6). Excessive movement of the club at the top, long backswing and loss of control coupled with poor timing can be caused by the lack of this position of the trigger finger and having no gap between the index and middle fingers. It would be impossible to throw a ball with the index and middle fingers together.
(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com
Charity on birthday: Offering saffron-coloured dresses
to saints will be useful.