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Rendezvous with romance
He would invariably talk about a 12-bore, bagful of hathiyaar, a Gypsy that was black in colour and jigra to kill any enemy…in particular the one who would look at his lady love!
Punjabi singers crooned on this theme for long, pretty long to say. Yo Yo Honey Singh, Diljit Dosanjh, Gippy Grewal, to name a few, gave Punjab the much-hyped 'daring' kind of music with the songs emphasing the valour and guts of a Punjbai jatt. And then slowly with time, some singers realised that the pretty women they were trying to woo with their numbers were least bothered, she was sipping hot coffee at CCD! Romance is in the air and in the Punjabi songs too. We have a trend now, which like a true Punjabi, everybody is following - of romantic tracks, of melody. However, like the trend of comedy in Punjabi films, will this trend in music fade with time? Singers and people related to the music industry tell us all. Gradual shift Punjabi singers like Chamkila and Kuldeep Manak have sung songs that talked about the strength of the jatt, the rifles; singer-actor Balli Riar gradually saw a shift in his music from rustic to soft numbers. "It was after the audiences accepted me in an intense role in my movie Young Malang that I decided to come up with romantic tracks. All the same, it is not a trend; singers in the past have given songs that have daring lyrics, but those songs also have melody," he adds. Balli doesn't necessarily see it as a trend; it is a change that happens from time to time, he believes. Safe bet The Punjabi audience is known to dance on just about any kind of music. But singer-actor Jassi Gill struck his chord with the romantic, softer tracks. Whether it was churiyan or Pyar mera, his fan following has only increased with time. "This kind of genre suits my voice, besides it is a safe bet to come up with a romantic number." Jassi says a track is all about composition and lyrics. "Some people like certain kind of beats, but everyone admires romantic tracks." Punjabi singer Babbal Rai, who is going to release his album Girlfriend this month, feels there are 'sophisticated' and educated listeners for romantic numbers. "We have seen all kinds of phases in Punjabi music - club, house… everything and they all had melody for sure. With romantic softer or sad songs, the lyrics are simple, which is why they find acceptability easily." As for Hardy Sandhu who is making waves, “Soch is something that happened because I liked the lyrics, I did not force myself to follow a trend.” Fan mail Then there are those who still swear by the music of Gurdas Maan and Harbhajan Mann. "Gurdas Maan is my favourite singer; his music inspires and also makes you dance," adds Pritpal Sekhon, a fine arts student from Chandigarh. Pritpal lists the tracks sung by Gurdas Maan that didn't instigate or anything. "It is about lyrics and melody." Singer-actor Nishawn Bhullar sees the whole thing as a phase, a trend that will with time give way to something else. "After a year or so if someone comes up with a song with strong beats, everyone will turn to it. Romantic numbers are clearly the trend," adds the singer, whose upcoming romantic tracks pyar, hovin na juda, tere naa are soon to hit the market. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Small steps on screen
It was the media glitz that fascinated Sandeep Kaur when she was studying for a Masters degree in media and journalism. Combining it with honours degree in English, this charming girl got a break with a television channel before she changed track.
Sandeep was picked for the role of a Canada-returned girl in a light-hearted comedy Control Bhaji Control, which was quite popular. "On the anvil is a non-commercial venture, 'Prithipal', in which I am playing the daughter of a politician. Interestingly, I am the only female character in the movie," says Sandeep. As it nears completion, Sandeep feels the venture will be a turning point in her career. Sandeep has also used her dancing prowess in music albums with Gurdaas Mann and Malkiat Singh. "Actually it all started with a brand ad for Sportking, where I felt this line was good as well." With three projects on television and three films in the pipeline, 26-year-old Sandeep Kaur is all set for a long journey.
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Figure it out
Working out does help skinny people to gain weight Vishal Thukral
Being naturally thin or underweight can be a headache. People who are too thin often find themselves with low energy and a poor immune system. Though there may be many reasons for being thin, the most apparent reason is because of genetics. To some extent, body size can also be controlled by metabolism. There are numerous exercises that help to gain mass and curves. Many people in the gym are working out, or just eating whatsoever without any plan or specific goal. This hinders their progress as they have no focus. A specific plan helps to develop good training and eating habits that will benefit even long after once the result is achieved. Just commit to working out 4-5 times a week for at least 40-45 minutes. Rest in-between to give muscles sufficient time to rest and grow. Get active Regular activity is good for health and will increase ones appetite. Strength training is a particularly effective way to add muscle weight. Perform a mixture of strength training and aerobics exercises to build muscle. The exercises under this training are- Wall push-ups (20 reps): Just like with a regular push up, clench butt, brace abs and set hands on a wall at a width that's wider than shoulder width apart. Walk backwards with feet until arms are fully extended and supporting the body weight. Keeping the rest of the body in a straight line, steadily lower towards the wall until nose touches the wall, and then explode back up to the starting position. Lunges (20 reps 10 each leg): Ensure to have two dumbbells 3 to 5 kg one in each hand. Step forward with one leg ensuring that upper body is down. Then bend your leg closer, not too far. The advisable distance is a range of two to two and-a-half feet. Keep the front shin facing perpendicularly to the ground and ensure that knee doesn't go beyond toes as you come down. Then push up and repeat the same with other leg. Jumping Jacks (50 reps): Stand with arms at your sides. Feet should be straight and close to each other. Bend the knees. Jump up while spreading your arms and legs at the same time. Lift arms close to the ears and open feet a little wider than the shoulder width. This all should be done in a fast-fluid moment. Clap or touch hands above the head. While returning from jumping, bring the arms to the sides and at the same time bring the feet back together. Wall sit (10 reps): Start with the back against a wall with feet shoulder width and about two feet from the wall. Slowly slide back down the wall until thighs are parallel to the ground. Keep your back flat against the wall. Hold the position for 20 to 50 seconds, rest 20 to 30 seconds and repeat. Focus on free weights For those needing to gain weight, this is ideal because this results in increased muscle gain all over the body. Few exercises to be followed in this category are: One leg rear delt raise: Hold 3 to 5 kg weight in each hand, bending forward at the waist, letting the arms hang and lifting the left leg back so it's in line with the torso. Flex the shoulder muscles and raise weights out to sides until arms are parallel to the floor. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. Lower the arms. Switch legs and repeat 10 reps each leg. Dumbbell floor press: Lie on the floor with a dumbbell in each hand, holding the weights over the chest. Lower the weights down until the triceps touch the floor. Pause for a moment. Then press the dumbbells up. Sets 4, reps 10-12. Diet tip After the workout, make sure to eat a good meal that is rich in protein and good carbs. To increase muscle mass, eat good fats like nuts though junk foods like burgers etc are loaded with calories, they only increase body fat and not muscle mass which is not the right way to go about. Carbs are needed to gain weight so include healthier options like banana, whole grains, potato, rice instead of sugar rich foods, chocolates and other junk food. (Thukral is a Chandigarh-based aerobics fitness trainer)
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Thumb rule in life
Divya Dutta
They say it's rare that you get nominated for two films. The love of the audience has got me going all these years and to be acknowledged by your own fraternity is a big high. Winning would be great but to be nominated and acknowledged is awesome too. One huge thank you to you all, for standing right besides me. On a separate note, an exercise regime has been chalked out as New Year resolution. I been suggested this therapy and that, this diet and that, this new gym and new yoga and all that. I got so confused. How this health wave has taken over all of us. Slimming teas, only almonds for breakfast, then Pilate's, then no carbohydrates, then a glass of juice, then no ghee or butter, just a pinch of olive oil! I keep hearing all that and more from whoever I meet. Not that I have to lose weight but who doesn't want get fitter? But these many options? The best one-liner at all our film parties is OMG! How much weight have you lost! What have you been doing?And then starts the lecture—no this, no that. Only this, only that. I just wonder what happened to our good old simple lives? The one that I lived in Punjab? Where the breakfast was a buttered parantha? Walking to get the school bus? Evenings with ma and Rahul going for cycling in the village by-lanes, where if you went to someone's house milk, butter, ghee, mithai were a must! And they were all healthy happy village people. What happened to the big cities and this new dos and don'ts life we started? Confused, I came to ma and said, "Ma should I join power yoga? And please only sprouts for me. No roti." I got a good hearing from her. "Live a normal life," she said. Just balance what you eat and exercise. Go cycle like you did with me. Go for a walk. Breathe deep and for god's sake eat well." I started that on the first day of this year. Cycling, looking at the beautiful sunrise, thinking what a way to be fit. A milkman crossed me on his cycle. I wondered, what's a luxury exercise for me is his daily bread and butter. No pun intended. Well, I am going to that simple living again where eating rice is not a taboo. Where, I don't feel guilty taking a bite of my favour kheer! Where I do what I have always been doing. It's so refreshing and liberating not to bind myself into something specific yet discipline myself. Nothing like living a simple healthy happy life! Someone told me I am glowing and I've lost weight what am I doing? Well, I said, "I'm cycling and I am having a bit of ghee on my paranthas." I loved the expression on her face! Happy New Year guys, make your own rules this year! (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
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Dating the date
Kandla Nijhowne
Moist date and walnut cake Method
Note: The cake can be kept, wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container, for up to a week. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh based culinary expert) Ingredients
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The forgotten fruit
satish narula
During the first planting, all kinds of domestic and exotic flora were introduced in this region. It was due to the excellent climatic conditions that not only local but some of the exotic species too adjusted and made this place their abode. However, there were some of the species that had excellent performance and beauty but were lost and forgotten. Chilta or Chalta, the Dellinea indica, was one of them. In early days, some of the trees were planted and they still remain, but incognito. Now and then, they create curiosity in gardeners and we get calls to identify 'one of the most beautiful trees with big cricket ball like green fruit that has overlapping peels and beautiful long serrated deep green highly ribbed and about a foot or so long leaves.' The tree is a self disciplined tree and forms a very good round crown if trained properly. It bears bold white fragrant flowers too. The fruit is borne these days. One thing that, however, goes against it is that it sheds leaves during summer months. The phase is not very long and the tree regains its lost glory. Is the fruit of any use? Yes, it is frequently used as pickle or chutney in some of the Eastern states. For recipes, one could consult the net. Curious to see the tree? Visit Punjab University campus from Sector 25 side and reach till the 'T' point. On your left these trees are planted in a row in the park. A few trees are standing in government houses in Sector 16, Chandigarh. A few years back we got planted a few trees in Chandigarh Botanical Garden. There have been efforts to introduce new species over the years. Growing of Chinar is another example. The tree is deciduous and sheds leaves during the winter. This is also the time to multiply it by way of cuttings. We had planted these trees too in Chandigarh Botanical Garden at Sarangpur and they stand their as testimony to their hardy nature and fast-growing habit. Some Kashmiri families, who had migrated, planted Chinar in Sector 21 Park. Nostalgic memories, of course. (Narula is senior PAU horticulturist)
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Fresh appeal
The films that will release in 2014 will bring together certain actors and actresses for the first time giving us fresh and exciting pairs. Take a look
Salman Khan and Jacqueline Fernadez
Saif Ali Khan and Ileana Dcruz
Ali Zafar and Yami Gautam
Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor
Shahid gears up for Haider
Shahid bought in the New Year in LA with a couple of close friends. Shahid was in a celebratory mood since his last film R.. Rajkumar soared at the box office. The young actor was spotted at various parties before he took a well deserved break to LA. However, before leaving, he kept in touch with the team of Haider who informed him that the climate is Kashmir is extremely cold. Shahid finished his first shooting schedule of Haider in Kashmir in end of October. However, this next schedule is right in the midst of extreme winter. The winter this year is severe, especially in the North. So, while Shahid was in LA, he took time off to shop for winter clothes. He picked up warm sweaters, jackets, gloves etc He not only shopped for himself but also picked up a few woollens for his team members who will be travelling with him.
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Birth of a dancer
While Emraan Hashmi is known for his acting and romantic roles on screen, the actor is stepping out of his comfort zone for his upcoming film. Emraan will take special dance training for Kunal Deshmukh's next, Shatir.
Emraan's character in the film will be introduced through a song and the makers want to have steps that suit his personality. Apparently there have been several meetings with the choreographer, Raju Khan, to finalise the moves. "I have worked with Emraan and Raju earlier in Jannat 2 (2012) and we make a great team. This time, we are brainstorming to find a signature step for Emraan. It will be a high-energy street dance number," says Kunal Deshmukh. Since the director knows that Emraan is not known for his dancing, he wants the song to show the actor in a different light. "Emraan hasn't done many dance songs and Raju has been pushing him at the rehearsals. The audience will see Emraan in a new avatar and the song will surely have everyone tapping their feet," says Kunal. Emraan says that he was hesitant to dance. "I have never done a full-fledged dance number in any of my films till now. So, when Kunal discussed the song with me, I was quite reluctant about it. However, Kunal and Raju were quite persistent and finally managed to convince me to do the song."
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Nervous energy
Priyanka Chopra will be co-hosting the Filmfare Awards with Ranbir Kapoor. She is quite nervous but excited about the new challenge. She gets along just fine with Ranbir Kapoor. The ceremony will be held on January 24 this year.
No takers for nude scene
Leena Yadav wants to make a woman-centric film with four strong female characters but the script has a semi-nude intimate scene which no actress is willing to do. She has approached Tabu and Raveena Tandon.
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Bipasha and Harman to wed
Bipasha Basu and Harman Baweja are dating even though they keep denying it. They are ready to formalise their relationship by getting married by the end of 2014. Bipasha and Harman had decided to tie the knot way before John Abraham (Bipasha's ex) tied the knot with Priya Runchal in LA, USA in the New Year.
The formal announcement will be made in August after Harman's film Dhishkiyaon releases. The movie is produced by Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra. A source tells us "Bipasha's parents Mamta and HK Basu had their formal meeting with Harman's parents Pammi and Harry Baweja at the latter's Lokhandwala residence last year and have met several times after that. All of them were there for Bipasha's birthday bash on January 6. She is 35-year-old while Harman is 33. The parents agree to the match." The source continues, "Bipasha and Harman celebrated her birthday at her Khar residence with her family, his family, and their friends like the Kundras, Rocky S, Sophie Choudry, R Madhavan and Dipannita Sharma among others. There was Bengali food for dinner. The theme was pink and white and hats were mandatory. The party continued till the wee hours of Tuesday." Bipasha and Harman came into the spotlight last year when he was in Goa for her birthday celebrations. They have been attending events and parties together, and he even flew to London when she was shooting for Humshakals in October last year.
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Patch up
Anurag Basu and Kangana Ranaut, who had a fall out during Kites as Kangana's role was chopped off unceremoniously, have patched up. Anurag called Kangana after seeing the rushes of Queen and they had a meeting and sorted our their issues.
A gift for Sallu
Salman Khan is usually giving lavish gifts to people but he was recently gifted a luxury car at an event. He is keeping mum about it but the car is likely to stay in the family.
Krrish 3 did collect Rs 300 cr
Hrithik Roshan has clarified that Krrish 3 has collected Rs 300 crore and he finds it in the bad taste that people are trying to bring down the film's collections. He said he and his father, have a lot more to offer.
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Talent quotient
What is new this season about? We have a golden buzzer, which enabled contestants to reach the semi finals directly. That is pretty exciting. We also have many outdoor stunts, acrobatic acts and synchronized swimming. Although the stunts have a disclaimer attached, don't you think kids would try it at home? Have you seen the other things aired on prime time without a disclaimer? They are detrimental to the mind of a kid than the good old reality TV. There are many serials whose regressive thoughts are harmful for kids. Whenever we show daring stunts we make it a point to say — don't try this at home. Have you tried to absorb talent in your films? I have been judging since two seasons. When I spot a talented singer or dancer, I do recommend. I tell Remo to have a look. This year, I have heard wonderful voices and will recommend them. How is it doing two shows at the same time on TV? Koffee with Karan is part of my personality and I can do it with ease. I have shot many episodes of KWK, so it doesn't clash with IGT. Tell us about your next directorial venture? I will start my film by the end of this year. But I can't say much about it yet. — HRM
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A different role
Priyal Gor is back on TV after a hiatus. She will play a mysterious character in Life OK's Ek Boond Ishq. She will have some connect with the lead Mrutyunjay (Viraf Patel). Priyal was earlier seen in Ram Milaye Jodi and Dekha Ek
Khwaab.
Apara’s new show
Sahara One's much talked about show Firangi Bahu is all set to spice up its plot with the entry of talented actress Apara Mehta as Mota Bhabhi. Talking about her role, Apara said, "I am very excited to be a part of such a novel concept. Being a Gujarati, I could fit into the character easily. My character is not negative, but has shades of grey. I am sure that the character will shape up well and the audiences will enjoy the drama."
Negative strain
Avinesh Rekhi, who was last seen as Sultan in Madhubala, will now be seen in Sony telvision channel’s Main Na Bhuloongi. He will play the role of the guy who is stalking Shikha (Aishwarya Sakhuja). Avinesh says he has no issues playing a negative role again.
Wedding bells
After multiple rumours of their wedding, Aditya Redij and Natasha Sharma finally got married on January 7. They tied the knot amidst friends and family in a ceremony in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Aditya and Natasha got engaged in April 2012.
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Gala affair
Producer Rajan Shahi recently threw a party on the sets of his new television show Aur Pyar Ho Gaya in Powai. The cast and crew watched the episode together, which was followed by a wonderful dinner.
"Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya is a look into the life of a young girl who leads a protected life in Jaipur. She is bound by the rule-book that her highly traditional family has laid down for her. It captures the journey of Avni, who transcends the boundaries set for her and begins to experience life in all its glory. We're glad to have found our Avni in Kaanchi and Raj in Mishkat. We wanted a cute, innocent, young face and Kanchi fits the bill to the tee. Mishkat has got the typical chocolate boy looks and is soon to become another heartthrob in the industry. Reena is also making a comeback to TV after a long time."
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Celebration time
Vivian Dsena took his wife Vahbbiz Dorabjee to Thailand to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.It was indeed a gift that was most cherished. Vivian Dsena took a few days off from his busy shooting schedule and spent it with his wife in Koh Samui. The couple got married in a lavish ceremony last year.
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new releases Producers: Raman Maroo, Vishal Bhardwaj Director: Abhishek Chaubey Sequels are considered safe for our film-makers who are running short of some original ideas. It is a good way to draw viewers to the theatres. Madhuri Dixit Nene, Arshad Warsi, Naserruddin Shah-starrer Dedh Ishquiya, the sequel to widely appreciated film Ishqiya, hits the silver screens today. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj Productions and Shemraoo Entertainment, Dedh Ishqiya is about the romantic adventures of Khalujan (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban (Arshad Warsi) with beautiful women. The film has Madhuri Dixit Nene and Huma Qureshi in the female lead roles. Arshad Warsi plays a street smart character. Madhuri is seen as the Begum Para and Huma Qureshi is also seen as a royal Awadhi. Shot in Lucknow, Karjat (Mumbai) and Baap, a small village near Jodhpur, Dedh Ishqiya is a keenly awaited film by director Abhishek Chaubey.
Yaarian
Producers: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar Director: Divya Khosla Kumar Debutant director Divya Khosla Kumar (Bhushan Kumar's wife) makes her debut in Bollywood with the young romantic film Yaariyan. The film stars newbies Himansh Kohli, Rakul Preet Singh, Nicole Faria, Shreyas Pardiwalla and Devanshu Sharma. Several portions of this film were shot in Sikkim, Darjeeling and Cape Town. Yaarian is a contemporary young film that will take the viewers through the trials and tribulations of definitive years of their life. It is a story of five close friends who explore best moments of their lives in college. Pritam Honey Singh, Mithoon and Arko Pravo Mukherjee have scored the music. — Dharam Pal
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Astro turf
ARIES: Try to reduce the amount of cash you spend on groceries. New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive.
Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44.
TAURUS: Check all figures related to jointly held funds. Women: do not go in for idle gossips. Friends and support network are all behind you at the moment.
Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 28. GEMINI: This is a very hazardous day for speculation. Pace yourself, since your energy levels can be low. Take some time out for meditation to disengage from negative thoughts.
Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky
colour: Pink. Magic number: 33. CANCER: Get all of your affairs in better order. Avoid careless spending. This is
not a time for delegating responsibility. Problems can be resolved without any major stress on you.
Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 36. LEO: It is a good day for negotiating contracts. Seek publicity for business plans. Stars favour import and export. You are unlikely to get much chance to relax this evening.
Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Be Lucky colour: Grey.
Magic number: 54. VIRGO: Your card "The Magician" casts smiles on health. It is a useful day for discussing longterm plans. A telephone call or a friend gives pleasure in the evening.
Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 37.
LIBRA: The Queen of Swords reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. Life at home is much easier to cope with. Businessmen: spend time with loved ones. Tarot message: You can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56. SCORPIO: A day of mixed luck. Students: expect extra pocket money. Your patient stand will pay rich dividends. You have the ability to work hard and overcome the obstacles in your path.
Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky
colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25. SAGITTARIUS: Businessmen: avoid making any important business move. A new romance is in the offing. Try not to rely on anybody else to help you achieve your goals right now.
Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 28. CAPRICORN: A relative can behave in a rather unpredictable way. Set your priorities. Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others.
Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 32. AQUARIUS: Put more effort into completing unfinished work. Your health can be worrying you a little, so take care. Travel to interesting places will motivate you.
Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red.
Magic number: 43. PISCES: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates will be rather aggressive. Emotionally you can be easily disturbed. This can be a time of sweeping changes.
Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is January 10...
Bank balance will grow. Court cases will come to end. Sale or purchase of property will be facilitated. General health will be good. New ideas and great opportunities will truly make the year 2014 a highly exciting one. You will leave all worries aside and focus on only the good things that life has to offer. This is seriously a time for you to be in charge of your life and take all your decisions. Come June and exciting career opportunities will lift your spirits. Things that seemed a bit amiss will fall back right on track this year. Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown, Cream, White, Orange and Purple. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral. Charity on birthday: Donate white sweets or fruits to the needy or at religious place today.
You share your birthday with Hrithik Roshan (January10, 1974, Mumbai), who first appeared in a film titled Aasha when he was six years old in 1980. Subhash Ghai's Yaadein was his first release in 2001. This was followed by Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Hrithik's date of birth has 5, which ensures great success this year
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So came about the trend of songs comparing the lifestyle of a girl with a desi pind da munda. Oh angrezi boley na tey main English vich fasda si sang Roshan Prince. The comparison stretched and finally the songs moved to softer scale, the romantic numbers, which are currently in the air. Punjabi singer Hardy Sandhu's Soch and Jassi Gill's Pyar mera were lapped up within days of their release. 
An awesome start to this New Year! Just got back from the Screen Awards nomination events and I was so thrilled to hear that I was nominated for not one but two films—Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Karan Johar's Gippi.
Winter brings along its own unique bounty of seasonal fruits and warmth infusing foods. The gulaab jamun counter beckons us, magically drawing us away from the ice cream cart! A platter laden with hot chanaa bhaturaas sound more exciting than a cold salad or a sandwich. Dates are one more
"saugaat" of the season, brimming with much-needed minerals and energy to help you stay fit and healthy. Dates have a high dietary fiber quotient along with iron, calcium, potassium, manganese and copper. A date and walnut cake is utter bliss, accompanied by a steaming cuppa or as a dessert, when drizzled with runny cream. Despite being very low in fat it has a lovely light, moist texture, thanks to the squishy dates. It makes a pleasant alternative to a conventional fruit cake. It's delightfully easy to make, and keeps well for over a week.
Chop the dates and place them in a bowl with the butter and
soda-bicarb.
When City Beautiful came into existence, it brought all the concrete. Later, a landscape advisory committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr MS Randhawa, who gave green apparel to the city. This also aroused the resident's interest for horticulture and thus became our city what it is now.
Anushka Sharma and Aamir Khan
Karan Johar is back on television, this time in a talent-hunt-based reality show called India's Got Talent. Excited about this season, which he calls the best, Karan says he will recommend contestants in the industry.