Creative latitude
Curator and gallerist Bhavna Kakar, an alumna of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, defies the notion that running an art gallery is the preserve of rich bored hausfrauen. Or that it is business. Armed with degrees in visual art, an imaginative eye is what defines her enterprise...
Nonika Singh

She has the glamour of a star, an academic degree of a scholar, acumen of a curator and the eye of a new-age collector. No wonder at India Art Fair 2014 bustling with 91 gallery booths, with big names not only from India but also abroad showcasing art, curator and gallerist Bhavna Kakar managed to hold her own, her booth attracting not just eye-balls but buyers as well.

While laymen might have been piqued by the half broken television set, video image inside a work and huge art piece created through brushes, the aficionados engaged with her at a serious level. But then the woman, who set up her gallery Latitude 28, in New Delhi never, intended to toe the beaten track.

The reason why she chose to be a gallerist is because she wanted to challenge preconceived notions of what comprises art. Though she graduated from the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, from where she specialised in painting she never ever considered being an artist. After acquiring a degree in history of art from MS University, Baroda, she worked as a curator for a while but soon decided to have her own space. Thus Latitude 28, today an established name and significant address of contemporary Indian art, was born.

Running a gallery, she recalls, isn't a cakewalk. Actually it turned out to be a far cry from the gossamer dream she had envisioned. Though she prides in being an organisational person, dealing with carpenters, masons, electricians and other wherewithals on a daily basis, she admits, does take a toll. Her mantra for success is simple - keep overhead costs low. Being a gallerist, however, she reminds, is not like your average business and certainly not one that would fetch you immediate returns. And when you repose faith in young cutting edge artists, the going is even tougher. While artists in India might be a 'faithless' tribe, switching from one gallery to another, a gallerist has to have immense confidence in its artists. Over the years her confidence in her artists, a majority of whom are young and experimental, has not been misplaced. Many of her artists like Kartik Sood have gone places. While she can't really say if the average Indian buyer has truly come of age, yet she does share that there are many collectors willing to invest in works outside the frame. After all she did manage to sell Siddhartha Karanwal's horse made out of cloth.

So what is the yardstick on which she picks up artists for her gallery? Pat comes the reply - originality. How does she differentiate between an ingenuous idea and experimentation for the heck of experimentation? She agrees that often the line could blur. But keeping track of the trajectory of the artist does provide her an insight into whether the artist's work is imitative or spurred by innate creativity.

Gallery for her is not just about sale figures but about outreach, educating the viewer. To be the best art gallery in the country or not, she does hope when people think of her gallery they would associate it with the new lexicon of art brimming with innovation and not jaded monotonous work. To lend wings to her vision she is constantly working at it. Social networking is part of the game but she isn't really a party animal.

nonika@tribunemail.com

 

Chandigarh connect

An alumnus of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, Bhavna Kakar is grateful that the techniques she learnt help her understand her artists better. However, she doesn’t go ga-ga over her alma mater. Sure she made good friends at the college, has fond memories of her teacher Sanjeev Soni. But beyond that she has no hesitation in stating that her real learning took place at Baroda. Today as she can shift chaff from the grain, she does find the work of her yet another GCA product Jiten Thukral exciting. While backing artists for her gallery she is not guided by narrow concerns. She quips, “My gallery represents artists, never mind which region they belong to.”

Write take

Bhavna Kakar not only runs a successful gallery but is an editor and publisher of an arts magazine Take On Arts as well. Indeed, bringing out an arts magazine is as onerous a task as being a gallerist. But with praise coming from men of eminence like Chris Decorn Director, Gallery Tate Modern, London, she knows she is headed the right way.

Three cheers!
Actors Diljit Dosanjh, Binnu Dhillon and Arjan Bajwa have each made a name in Pollywood. They are looking ahead with much enthusiasm
Jasmine Singh

Each one has his own craziness, own quirkiness; pretty much exclusive. Together they can bring down the house; just like the way they can hold it together for hours! Actors Diljit Dosanjh, Binnu Dhillon and Arjan Bajwa, in Chandigarh shooting a promo for an upcoming event, can drive anyone insane; their one-liners will leave you wondering and laughing all at the same time. We catch the trio as they rip apart anything that sounds sane!

Jatt right Diljit Dosanjh

Even if he doesn't utter a word, looks through the camera, doesn't flinch a muscle, he still manages to hold an audience together. Even when entire Punjab looks up to Diljit Dosanjh as the greatest superstar, the actor has to remind himself of his star status. "I don't feel like a star; I don't think I am one, I still have to achieve that level to call myself one," he says sounding absolutely modest. So, when do we expect him to feel that way? "Many Punjabis have created a niche for themselves outside as well, the entire nation knows them. The day I attain that status, I would feel I have arrived," shares Diljit, who will be shinning on the silver screen once again with Disco Singh and 1984. The actor, who along with the director Anurag Singh has made Jatt & Juliet a brand, never thought he was working in a comedy film. "We didn't set out to make Jatt & Juliet as a comedy film, we had a script, situations and characters, the comedy flowed in with the situation," says Diljit, who strongly believes in characterisation. As he adds, "People can get bored of comedy that is shoved in; they will never get sick of a character."

Diljit has many tricks up his sleeve — from dead-pan expressions to laughing his heart out, to playing a prank; this actor sure has many facets to him. If people love him for his desi approach, they also admire his sense of style. Diljit just smiles on this.

We see more of the style in his upcoming projects. "1984 is a different genre, something that neither the director Anurag Singh nor I have attempted before. I worked with fine actors like Kirron Kher and Pawan Malhotra, it was a great experience. On the other side it is Disco Singh, which I wouldn't define as comedy since it is in the characters of the film that I believe in."

As he slips into different suits, we quiz Diljit on anchoring an event and the fun of it. He laughs, "The best thing about anchoring is I get a chance to change into four-five suits and I have the stage to myself for two hours; so I am there throughout whether or not I get a award," he says this with a straight expression, leaving us wondering whether to laugh or not!

Master class Binnu Dhillon

He became a household name after Carry On Jatta. In fact, a household name for Punjabi cinema as well. A student of Theatre Department, Punjabi University, Patiala, Binnu Dhillon has acted in plays that were serious to the core. "It is all about what clicks; comedy clicked and here am I." A high-five to Diljit Dosanjh and Arjan Bajwa; Binnu is ready to resume with the conversation. "I know the next question, well so to say I know all the questions," he successfully plucks questions from our mind and we let him get away with it. "Ishq Brandy and Mr and Mrs 420 are my upcoming projects along with Manmohan Singh's Munde UK De 2. This is it for now, this is the work I am doing," Binnu shares with a straight expression. We wonder if this is some trick the trio has come up with!

Act wise Arjan Bajwa

A non-singer making an entry into Punjabi films will only have two repercussions — either he will be accepted or he will accept the existing scenario. Actor Arjan Bajwa, who was part of Bollywood film Fashion, is all set to make his debut with Baljeet Deo's Himmat Singh. "Baljeet Deo is the only reason I did the film; had it been someone else, I wouldn't have done it. He didn't make me feel like an alien," shares Arjan, who will soon be seen with Vidya Balan in Bobby Jasoos. "I am also working in Sudhir Mishra's Mehrunisa."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

STAR TRACK
Being self-made has toughened me: Priyanka

In an industry dominated by the Khans and the Kapoors, Priyanka Chopra is proud to have made her own space without the support of any guardian angel.

"I came into the movie business with no help and no one to guide me. I take pride in the fact that I am self-made and I have become tough over the years," Priyanka said.

The desi girl was born to a physician couple in the Indian Army. Her first brush with showbiz came when she stormed her way to success at the Miss World pageant in 2000. A career in movies was waiting to happen, and she was noticed with the 2003 film Andaaz.

In her over 10 years' association with Bollywood, she has essayed various roles and even pocketed a best actress National Award for Fashion. But Priyanka believes she still has a long way to go in the industry.

"There is so much more that I have to do and which I will do. As long as people watch me or want to be entertained by me, I will find ways of entertaining them as I am a performer and that is what I intend to be," said Priyanka, who has excelled in films like Kaminey, 7 Khoon Maaf and Barfi.

She is also one of the few new-age Indian actors to diversify and take up a career in singing. A trained singer, Priyanka has so far launched two singles—In My City and Exotic—and hopes to strike a balance between both careers.

"I didn't want to be someone who gave up something to gain something else. I think as women, we can multi-task really well. And that is exactly what I intend to do. I hope to be able to balance both my careers. Both are very important to me," said Priyanka, who recently released a teaser of her third single in London.

She is also geared to combat any hurdles which may come in her way of making it big in the music industry.

"This (Bollywood) was also very tough. I am not someone who came from here. It was a tough conquest. Doing anything new is hard. That (a music career) will be difficult as well. I don't know how or where it will go...all I am doing is trying," said the 31-year-old. She is also open to taking up something else besides singing and acting once she is comfortable managing both the worlds.

"Right now, the two of these are keeping me busy. I don't know what I might end up doing more. But it could be anything," she said.

The year 2013 proved to be more or less fruitful for Priyanka, who maturely faced her father's demise. She had two movie releases - Zanjeer and Krrish 3; two item songs—Babli badmaash hai from Shootout At Wadala and Ram chahe leela from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela; and did a voiceover in Hollywood animated film Planes.

For now, the shooting of a biopic on Olympic medal-winning boxer M.C. Mary Kom is keeping Priyanka busy. —IANS

Age no bar

Madhuri Dixit Madhuri Dixit does not buy into the myth that Bollywood actresses have a short shelf-life or they can't get work post marriage. "Age is just a number according to me. Talent is the same whether you are 10, 20 or 100. I think it gets better with age. I also don't believe in the myth about married actresses. I think it is crazy.

"Sharmila Tagore worked after marriage, Rakhiji worked after marriage... Yes, some of them quit but that was their own decision. There were so many who did work. There are no hard and fast rules," Madhuri said.

Madhuri ruled Bollywood in the '80s and '90s as one of the top stars but she shifted to the US post her marriage to Sriram Nene only to return in 2011.

Her US stay did not lessen her sway over her audiences as she kept travelling back to star in movies like Devdas and Aaja Nachle.

Post her return, Madhuri is busy juggling between various TV shows, advertisement deals and films. She is ready to release her second film of 2014 Gulaab Gang following the success of Dedh Ishqiya. Madhuri, however, feels women now have a bigger say in the industry compared to earlier times. "There was a time in films when I never saw a female assistant director, camera person or make-up person. There were very few women directors who you could count on your fingers.

"Now there are so many women working in different aspects of filmmaking. There are talented women directors like Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti. The sensibilities are changing," the actress said. —PTI

I just want to be famous: Saqib

Mere Dad Ki Maruti fame actor Saqib Saleem says he wants to be popular and also explore more as an actor. "There are no limitations as an actor. I just want to be famous. As an actor, one should not limit themselves. As long as the script is justified, I am fine with anything," Saqib, who did a lip-lock scene with Randeep Hooda in Bombay Talkies, said. The brother of popular actress Huma Qureshi says negative stories or link-up rumours don't effect him.

"Yes, we are public figures and we wanted this kind of life but a few negative stories don't effect me or my family. As far as Huma's rumours or link-ups with (filmmaker) Anurag Kashyap is concerned, we find such stories laughable, there is no truth to these rumours," he said.

"Huma is my best friend and I think she is in a position which is why there is so much written about her," added Saqib, who is shooting for Amol Gupte's Hawaa Hawaai.—IANS

Early to rise

Actor Manoj Bajpayee was forced to get out of his bed early in the morning to start the day's shoot for his upcoming movie Tevar. "Good morning! All directors want to roll the camera by 7 am in outdoor and that forces me to be out of bed now. Time to leave. Tevar," the 44-year-old tweeted Sunday. The cast of the movie is currently in Mathura shooting for the movie.

The actor was up early, but he was happy as he got a chance to visit the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. "Had a fantastic darshan of Banke Bihari in Vrindavan. Got the blessing and now back to work," Manoj tweeted.

Directed by debutant director Amit Sharma, Tevar also features Arjun Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha.

fresh start: Manoj Vajpayee

Mom’s not the word for Juhi

At 46, actress Juhi Chawla gets approached to play a mother to "grown-up kids" but that's not something she is ready to do right now. "I get approached for the role of a mother to grown up kids. I say 'No, not now' because eventually I will do that. But I want to go with the flow. Now if you give me an 18-year-old child, it's not fine," Juhi said.

Off screen, she is a mother to two children - a daughter named Jhanvi and a son named Arjun. The actress is currently busy promoting her film Gulaab Gang in which she will be seen in a negative role. "I thought may be people will laugh at me or something. I was scared about that and skeptical too. But it was the director of the film, Soumik Sen, who could convince me for this role," said Juhi, who will be seen with Madhuri Dixit in the movie. — IANS

Sonakshi on Bharat darshan

Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is currently shooting for Tevar, says the drives to locations seem to be never-ending and feels that she is on Bharat darshan (India tour). "Good Morning! Cold foggy Mathura morning! On my way to shoot for Tevar. The drives to location seem never-ending for this film. Bharat darshan," Sonakshi tweeted. Tevar is directed by debutant director Amit Sharma and produced by Boney Kapoor. It also features Arjun Kapoor in the lead role. — IANS

Shruti shoots for Gabbar

"Longest day ever! Finally in Pune to shoot Gabbar. Oh how I love my sweet white sheets," Shruti posted on Twitter. Gabbar, a Hindi remake of Tamil blockbuster Ramanna, is directed by Krish. It also features Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan.— IANS

Hero-ic effort

Filmmaker Nikhil Advani has begun shooting for the remake of Subhash Ghai's 1983 blockbuster Hero. According to reports, the 42-year-old has completely re-written the story of the original film, which featured Jackie Shroff and Meenakshi Seshadri in the lead role.

The principal photography of the movie began at Gateway of India. "And so it begins! First day mahurat film shoot 'Hero' at Gateway of India," Advani posted on Twitter Sunday. The director has helmed films like D-Day, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Patiala House and Chandni Chowk To China.

Par Excellence
The bunker shot: the set up
Jesse Grewal

There are numerous preferences in the way the bunker shot is played and more so in the set-up. The club enters the sand a few inches before the ball and therefore the angle of approach is shallow. In a vertical plane the angle of approach is called shallow if the club hits the ground before the ball and steep if it makes contact with the ball first and then the ground. Many get confused with this terminology as they see the swing as being a fairly upright one for the bunker shot and the angle of approach still being termed as shallow. Depending on the texture of the sand the club should enter the sand two to three inches behind or before the position of the ball.

There are a few fundamentals for a bunker shot. The ball is positioned forward of centre in the stance so as to have the bottom of the swings arc behind the ball. The club face is kept open for the 'bounce' of the club to work which prevents the club from digging deep into the sand losing speed. The bounce is the curvature in the sole of the club and actually is the angle formed between the leading edge and the bottom of the club. The lower body is set in a way to restrict its movement and provide stability. The swing is similar to a flop shot with the club head passing the hands at impact.

The stance is wider than the stance used for the short game with the left foot turned out a little more towards the target (for right handed golfers). This turns the left knee partly towards the target too and prevents it from turning inwards on the backswing (picture 1). This stabilises the legs through the swing and helps maintain balance. The stance is a little open with the feet aiming left of the target though there are some golfers who prefer a square stance. There is an increased bend from the hips and the knees to get lower as this provides stability and increases the effective loft of the club (picture 2). The lower hand position allows the hands to create speed through the shot. The centre of the upper body or sternum is set behind the ball with the weight evenly distributed on both feet.

These help in creating a good set up to be the base to make bunker play easy. See the next week's article for the swing dynamics during the bunker shot.

(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)

A disease called alcoholism

I keep thinking about past events. I also am fearful, impatient and impulsive. I drink excessively at night. I want to live a healthy life but some powers are stopping me. I am 28 years old and live with my parents. My father drinks heavily and is hardly ever sober.

Amit, Chandigarh

One reason could be alcoholism in your father. Alcoholism is a disease and affects the entire family often having repercussions throughout one's life if one does not deal with it. Children of alcoholics often have problems as they grow up. In an alcoholic household, there's usually a severe lack of role models for expressing emotions positively. So, some children do anything to keep peace at home. Some assume an adult role, taking care of younger siblings and even their parents.

Young and adult children of alcoholics may also face a range of emotional problems. These include a strong sense of guilt, particularly for the parent's drinking; constant anxiety and/or fear of what will happen at home; embarrassment and confusion; an inability to trust others and self; anger; and, depression.

You are not alone in this. About 10 per cent of our total population can have similar issues. Many of them have gotten help and worked through the difficult issues they face while many do not. Al Anon is an organisation for family members of alcoholics and helps family members to come to terms with the disturbed family.

My daughter is in a hostel. She gets very anxious during exams. How can I help her? Binita, Amritsar

Talk to the school counsellor and get her reviewed by a local psychiatrist. If the anxiety interferes with exams, sometimes teaching relaxation, exercises, and taking medication a month before exams can help a lot.

Also read through the following with her. Getting prepared for the exam is more than half the battle.

n Keep up with your work so that you can avoid "cramming" for exams. Become more efficient in your study habits. Have a study schedule that makes use of wasted time.

n Use a method such as SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) for reading your textbooks. Make flashcards and review them often. Learn how to take good notes. Go over them right after class and review periodically. Make outlines and summary sheets. Ask yourself, "What is the important information?"

Research shows that the self-talk of test-anxious students almost always tends to be negative and self-defeating. "Everyone in this class is smarter and faster than I am."

Become aware of what you say to yourself. Try writing your negative thoughts and then disputing each one with a positive statement. Start to encourage yourself as you would a friend. Repeating your positive statements to yourself will help reprogramme your mind for success instead of for failure.

(Waraich is a Chandigarh-based psychiatrist)

A piece of Chesterfield
Traditional Chesterfield sofas can be paired up with modern icons and decor

Chesterfield sofas share a complex history, alongside the elite, the privileged and aristocrats. History reveals that these types of couches have been commonly used in the confines of old institutions, government buildings and luxurious homes for generations. A room, in the 1900's, would not be complete, unless the master owned a Chesterfield sofa. The chesterfield sofa is enjoying a major comeback. It is now a fresh, elegant way to bring a sense of solidity and tradition to a modern room. A Chesterfield sofa has a very elegant, instantly recognisable design and features a distinctive curved back and armrests. Chesterfield sofas were traditionally large pieces of furniture designed for spacious Victorian living rooms, but these days you can get them in many different sizes, allowing them to look good in modern living rooms.

The classic markings of a chesterfield sofa are tufted cushions, and arms and back of the same height. Traditional versions have rolled arms and sit on tooled wooden legs. Designers these days are pairing traditional chesterfields with modern icons and decor, and using updated versions of the sofa. The new chesterfields play with proportions, colours, textures and lines, making nods to tradition but busting out of the mold at the same time. They are especially popular in modern rooms, where a mixture of eras and styles is essential.

Chesterfields are the chameleons of the sofa world. They fit in pretty much anywhere, providing you chose the right one. Chesterfield sofas are all about the design and structure. The sofa's quilted, buttoned upholstery and main use of premier leather makes the sofa a remarkable choice today. Modern designers use Chesterfield sofas as inspiration while designing interiors for today's homes.

Special touch

If you are looking for marvelous classic couch and have a good budget, chesterfield sofas offer a wide range of combination in terms of designs, material, colour and size used. It can be found in a variety of dark colours like chocolate, coffee brown, glossy black and light colours like lime, sea green, orange, red etc.

Modern chesterfield sofas are made up from solid wood frame and rigid steel springs to provide comfort for many years. Most of these have buttoned backs formed from feather or fiber. Whereas seat cushions are made from pocket-coil springs and stuffed with fabric, leather or mixture of both.

Different style

The types are differentiated by designs that are used to make them as well as the finishes. The first type is known as the cushioned base sofa. This type of Chesterfield Sofa is mainly made to provide comfort from its stuffed cushion. The base may be buttoned to give the same comfort and these makes it to be called the buttoned sofa by some people. They are the most commonly preferred types of sofas for living rooms, lounges and meeting rooms due to the comfort. In addition, they also bring about a traditional look. That's why most people go for this type. Its price is not out of hand hence the sofas are worth their price.

The second type that is also very famous is the crested back Chesterfield sofa or the straight back style. The crested style is usually linked back just as the name suggests and gives a lateral back support. You may also have a style with a straight back Chesterfield sofas. These give a traditional appearance.

The final type is known as the high or low leg. Its posture is linked in such a way to bring about comfort especially during relaxation. Most of such Chesterfield sofas are lined with a thin undercarriage along with its tall legs. These are mostly preferred for drawing rooms.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior decorator)

TRENDSETTER
Feel-good factor

Shweta Sharma Fashion can be baffling at times, be it the hemline or hairstyle. Fashion has now become a science and that is what Shweta Sharma is studying at the Pinnacle Institute of Fashion Technology.

Your sense of style…

Anything that makes me feel good about myself. Style is how one carries oneself.

The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

A red Burberry coat and a pair of heels from Aldo.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Whatever is effective for the best look will do.

Who is your style icon?

It is Sonam Kapoor.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

It has to be Vidya Balan.

Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous?

Glamorous for sure.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension?

Weird tattoos in weird places.

Your take on accessories?

I love accessories and like to use them anytime and anywhere.

Given a choice which designer would you like to be dressed by?

Neeta Lulla would be my choice.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

Compliments make my day and when friends try to follow my style it is the ultimate booster.

— As told to Poonam Bindra

CHATTER BOX
Brand bargain

Mansi Salve has made a mark with her fashion sense in her television show Pyaar Ka Dard Hai. She talks about her personal and professional style.

What does fashion mean to you?

It means looking good. People should look at you when you walk into a room.

Do you wear accessories?

I try to avoid many accessories. I usually match my belt and shoes. I love belts and like clean shoes.

Do you follow any brands?

I do, but I also feel certain brands demand respect. If I carry a brand, there is a responsibility with it — about the way you carry it, the way you talk and walk.

What is your most expensive buy?

My husband bought a penthouse and it is the most expensive buy for us. We have lots of space but more importantly, to keep up with fashion, I have a walk-in wardrobe.

Which clothes are you comfortable in?

I love tucked in shirt and jeans. I prefer wearing pants more than dresses.

What are the must-haves in your purse?

Lip balm, hand cream, perfume, I-pad and cell-phone.

Getting inspired

TV actor Yash Gera, who is currently seen as Shaurya in Yeh Ristha Kya Kehlata Hai, has completed five years in Mumbai. Hailing from Delhi, he has done shows like Palampur Express, Bairi Piya, Pyar Ki Yeh Ek Kahani and Kuch Toh log Kahenge in the past. He says, "Mumbai is one place which accepts people from any city and gives you resilience to sustain. The people here are warm, accommodating and flexible. I feel nostalgic about my journey. I have a long way to go as an actor. I have learnt a lot, especially the attitude of gratitude.

He adds, "I agree with Jai Ho philosophy of Salman Khan. If you help one person, ask him to help three other people in return and form a chain. I also admire Salman Khan's journey and his venturing into Being Human is also commendable."

Down, not out

Actor Praneet Bhatt, who plays the cunning Shakuni in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Mahabharat, injured himself on the sets recently. Says Praneet, "Arpit, Nirbhay and I were shooting together for a sequence; I was addressing Basudev (Saurabh Raj Jain) and went too far on the ramp. I fell from a height of ten feet and it was a total blackout for a few seconds. The cast and crew rushed for help. My nose was swollen, but as the showman Raj Kapoor once said — the show must go on. So I ended my shooting and took an off the following day."

This is not the first injury at work for Praneet. A couple of years ago when Praneet was doing Arsenal, he was about to drown during a water sequence. "We actors have to be real in whatever situations we are given. Both in Hollywood and Bollywood, actors who have done their own scenes with lots of conviction and dedication are successful. The audience only loves you when they see real emotions in the characters played by you."

Master Chef 
Nutty flavour
Ranjan Dibya

Who does not love a cookie with a cup of tea be it morning or evening? Rather, we have all grown up savouring cookies of all kinds. But we have always preferred home made ones and when the whiff of cookies in the oven hit our smelling senses we can hardly wait to bite into one.

Butter nut cookies

Ingredients
500 gm butter
500 gm icing sugar 
300 gm egg white
1.2 kg maida
2 tsp vanilla essence
200 gm cashew nut

Method
Pre-heat the oven at 180 c temperature. Beat the butter and icing sugar to a smooth texture. Add egg white and beat continuously. Finally add maida and vanilla essence. Keep the dough in a bowl and cool it in refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the dough from the fridge and fill in the piping bag. Make round shape of cookies by using a piping bag. Immediately keep in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes till it becomes brown. Serve with hot beverages.

(Dibya is a Ludhiana-based chef) --As told to Poonam Bindra

Birthday bash

Kiku Sharda aka Palak of Comedy Nights With Kapil recently celebrated his birthday with friends Kapil Sharma, his team from the show and many others. As his birthday falls on Valentine's Day it was double party mood at his home.

The essence of nature

Usher in this season with a chic and classy collection, Close to Nature by Fusion Beats from the house of 109°F. Fusion Beats has breathed new life into the range by introducing this collection that impersonates the colours at the turn of the season. In shades of a flamboyant palette of earthy neutrals include deep rusts, sands and saffron highlighted with midnight navy, the latest collection accentuates elegance and styling. —TNS

Baked to perfection!

The English entertainment channel TLC is all set to serve some mouthwatering delicacies with its new series The Fabulous Baker Brothers, starring Tom and Henry Herbert. In the new series, ace bakers and journalists Tom and Henry Herbert will demonstrate how easy it is to bake like a professional in your own kitchen by mastering a few simple techniques. The Fabulous Baker Brothers will premiere on February 17 and will air every Monday as well as Tuesday from 9:30 pm onwards on TLC.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific Pan-Regional Ad Sales and South East Asia Sr VP Rahul Johri said, "TLC is committed to offering its viewers the widest range of culinary programmes in exciting new formats hosted by iconic international personalities. We have pioneered and presented lifestyle trends ranging from cuisine to travel. Now we bring baking to the Indian audience. The Fabulous Baker Brothers will open the door to a brave new world of wonderful baking and magnificent meaty masterpieces."

With five generations of baking tradition behind them, Tom, the master baker and Henry, the popular chef who runs a local butcher's shop, will take you on a gastronomical journey!

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 18...

You'll be able to enjoy this phase by slowing down and simplifying your life. You'll be fascinating; it'll be easy to conquer others and you'll be able to start up a new relationship if you are single. In investment matters, avoid parking money in the period from March to June; other months will be quite good. However, take decisions wisely and logically before investing. Get real and serious as March begins. After July, things will pick up positively. The year 2014 is going to be a mixture of many feelings and experiences all at once. This year you will be able to save a lot of money that you are going to spend on your family.

Positive colours: Golden, Yellow.

Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday.

Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9.

Gems recommended: Red Coral, Red Beryl.

Charity on birthday: Donate saffron-coloured edible items to the needy or at a religious place today.

You share your birthday with Sajid Nadiadwala (February 18, 1966, Mumbai). His production company has churned out many hits including Jeet, Judwaa, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. He will continue to progress in the coming year.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: 'Two of cups' reveals that relationships will be in the limelight today. There can be some conflicts due to stubbornness, ego, pride and envy. Work hard to retain the integrity of your relationship.

Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Lucky number: 25.

TAURUS: Focus on your budget; plan a long-term savings strategy. Don't let the monotony of work get to you. With the festival season close at hand, you need to watch your sleep, diet and exercise routine. 

Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest.

Lucky colour: Red.

Lucky number: 42.

GEMINI: Love and romance will be the highlighted today. The situation at home will be peaceful. In certain relationships, you will need to be extra patient and not form hasty opinions. 

Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. 

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Lucky number: 52.

CANCER: "The queen of cups" says communication will continue to be vital today. There will be some delays and postponements, especially before the middle of the day. Health will remain stable.

Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone.

Lucky colour: Blue.

Lucky number: 29.

LEO: Work and professional endeavours will be the highlight today. Have faith in your abilities and everything will be possible. Pay attention to your health. 

Tarot message: You need to be creative to retain grip over your business. 

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Lucky number: 33.

VIRGO: Many of you will form new relationships and associations that will benefit you, personally and professionally. Finances will flow and there is likelihood of a windfall.

Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds.

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Lucky number: 65.

LIBRA: Lovers, friends and partners will be quite aggressive as well as demanding, wanting to know your whereabouts and the reasons for your behaviour. However, things will not be unpleasant.

Tarot message: Plan your life better. 

Lucky colour: Green.

Lucky number: 60.

SCORPIO: Your mental, physical and emotional states will be in equilibrium. Your confidence will be on a high and at work you will be open to taking on more challenges as well as responsibilities. 

Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Lucky number: 36.

SAGITTARIUS: Increase in the flow of money will continue, especially since Venus will enter your sign. Professionally, you will be able to come up with some creative ideas and these will be well-received. 

Tarot message: Involving yourself in a new project.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Lucky number: 50.

CAPRICORN: The time is just right to put everything in perspective and remove the element of chaos that has been prevalent for some time. Housewives will be under a lot of pressure due to extra workload.

Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. 

Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Lucky number: 57.

AQUARIUS: There will be a flow of ideas, communication and emotions today. Therefore you will be able to come closer to your spouse or partner as well as other family members.

Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. 

Lucky colour: White.

Lucky number: 63.

PISCES: Business people will face some conflict of interest with partners. At home, you will have to help out a younger relation with some work and also be supportive towards others.

Tarot message: Think more about long-term interests.

Lucky colour: Grey

Lucky number: 4.





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