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Sufi on the menu
A big thanks to Coke Studio, Sufi on a club night doesn't sound incongruous anymore. It neither raises brows nor gathers frowns. After a host of singers started taking up Sufi music, a host of listeners started warming up to the genre. While the former ensured it was no longer restricted to Rumi and Bulleh Shah and the latter ensured that it was no longer confined to live nights, theatre performances or wedding functions. Amidst a string of EDM gigs promoted on any given Saturday night, an occasional brush with Sufi makes for a cheerful break.
"In the past we've hosted a couple of Sufi nights and they were a hit with the crowd. So much so that we held them quite frequently for a few months," shares Komal from The Blue Blazer. "From the feedback we received, what the crowds like most about this arrangement that it is the best of both worlds. Apart from the fact that this music connects with local culture, it is something they listen to only at weddings. Imagine not having to wait for weddings and being able to dance on tracks in the comfort of western wear and without the wedding finery." No wonder, the place has managed hosting Sufi fusion bands like Zikrr, Ehsaas as part of its Safia evenings, a while ago. Kailash Kher recently put our attention on the genre where he didn't take favourably to all the dilution in Sufi music happening in the name of experimentation. What we instead choose to focus on is the mainstream reception the genre has come to garner among youngsters. So much so that anything in the name of Sufi sells. "Wadali Brothers are quite popular, especially the song Charkha. Likewise, I regularly get requests for Jugni," shares Gurnazar Chattha, who's been entertaining crowd at Satva Bar & Lounge. He adds, "The only catch is that the crowd appreciates only those Sufi songs that one can dance to, or those who have a certain beat to them." Originally slotted as the devotional music of the Sufis and inspired by the works of Sufi poets like Bulleh Shah and Rumi, remixes ensured that the present generation came to hear Abida Parveen and appreciate Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, one of the finest Sufi vocalists. All along other Pakistani artistes like Junoon ensured that a sub-genre Sufi-Rock blended the best of modern hard rock and Sufi poetry. Sufi rock band Guruz has performed at Satva, Tao Bar and Lounge in the city. Sometime back Peddlers-35 even made it a point to dedicate a day of the week to the genre and call it Sufi Saturday Night. Then there are artistes from across the border that continue to visit us every now and then. With their music well appreciated and their gigs just as publicised. Farhan Saeed has been a guest at many a Sufi night, recent one being at F Bar and Lounge, Chandigarh. "Even though our focus is EDM and Saturdays are dedicatedly reserved for the electronic genre, we do once in a while believe in throwing a surprise for our regulars in the form of a Bollywood night or Sufi music. We recently hosted Farhan Saeed of the Halka Halka Suroor fame and the night was a smash hit," shares Rohit Atri, general manager, F Bar and Lounge Chandigarh. He adds, "Once the weather is a little more favourable, there could be another such night on the cards. Outside ambience and Sufi music gel really well." Adds DJ Karan, a freelance music "It is the music with a cultural connect. While sub-genres like qawwali are yet to attain popularity in the city, Sufi has made its foray beyond just SPICMACAY and college festivals and into any kind of gathering." And quite occasionally even a Saturday night or a Wednesday night. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Cop-y that!
Sometimes, sensitivity explores myriad dimensions of sensibility thereby attempting to tender a certain level of intensity to perceptions. Perhaps that reasons IPS officer Manmohan Singh's endeavours to explore the socio-political ideology of Punjab through literature. After having authored eight anthologies of Punjabi poems and about 23 books in total, Manmohan establishes his creative niche as a poet, a writer and a thinker while contributing much to the literary research and theory of Punjabi literature. In conversation with him about his new book, titled, Samvaadki, he elaborates on the contents of the book and more.
"The book delves into the two ideologies, socialism and capitalism, which have been defining the core of socio-political stance of several thinkers from the West. However, these ideologies have lost their credentials and context and it's about time that one attempted to strike a balance between the two," he begins. Manmohan, who won the Sahitya Akademi Award 2013 for his debut novel Nirvaan (Redemption), shares that he has been influenced by literature ever since he was pursuing his Ph D in Dasam Granth and that he feels the relevance of literature extends even to his profession. "I think literature gives you the sensitivity that helps you in understanding human emotions better and even in my job, I feel there is a reciprocity stand between the two," he says. While his novel, Nirvaan revolves around redemption after breaking the shackles of worldliness, which he wrote during his tenure in Bihar and observed the Maoist movement from close quarters, to have a better understanding of it, he later studied Marxist literature. His new novel, Samvaadki is perhaps inspired by his study of the Marxist literature. "In this book I have included the likes of some thinkers, who belong to the relatively new crop of Marxist ideology, including Max Weber, Paulo Reglus Neves Freire, and Herbert Marcuse among many others," he
says. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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You got it baby!
The nursery or baby room of your home can be decked up in various hues Renu Soni
Eclectic mix
Favourite era Are you in love with a certain period? You can always include iconic pieces from your favourite era in your stylish nursery. One era gaining huge popularity is the Edwardian style, which features everything from tufting, gold frames, ornate patterns to a crystal chandelier. Contemporary look
Colour code When it comes to colour, navy and gray are the new neutrals, regardless of gender. Both colours instantly give the room an air of sophistication. Accent colours such as hot pink, yellow and aqua can add touches of girly and whimsical or masculine and bold. Purple hue Some moms aren't pink ladies, and that's okay. Many parents are choosing soft shades of purple and lavenders and rightly so, since Radiant Orchid is the colour of the year. Cover well
High above Identify your ceiling! Walls have often taken centrestage when it comes to interiors. But with baby spending a great time gazing upwards, doesn't it make sense to make the ceiling a feature? Patterns and striped wallpaper work well. Graphic prints Don't be afraid to layer different patterns in complementary colours; it totally works. Being global A well-travelled parent often wants their baby's first room to reflect their adventures, for example Marrakesh temporary wallpaper in a bright hue of turquoise, setting the trend for using vibrant and bold patterns in a baby room. To create a global vibe in this pretty space, you can use map-print wallpaper. (Soni is a Chandigarh-based interior designer)
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Note worthy
Even if it happens to be a record of currency notes with digits 786 in them! Narinder Pal Singh, a former Punjab State Co-operative Bank employee, developed a keen interest in collecting notes and coins, courtesy his job. "A lot of people would come to us asking for certain types of notes. That's when I thought of collecting some notes myself." Rest is history and today he is the proud owner of 26, 246 notes with the number 786 in them. "Their total amount comes to almost
Rs 14 lakh." Along with the unique collection came records. "I have held the Limca Book Of Records continuously since 2001. I am also in the India Book Of Records and lately they have started the Unique World Records," he proudly displays the certificates. The personal fixation with the number also extended onto other currency notes and coins. Again, they could be rare or just unique. "I have around 15 misprinted notes, where two notes of Rs 5 have the same number and they are not fake." Save for a few exhibitions where only a part of possessions have been displayed, there's never been a solo exhibition. "I keep all this money in the locker. I am open to exhibitions but provided somebody assures me on the security count." As for the coins, he adds, "I have 41 types of
Rs 5 coins." That is just a beginning of the rare collection that also has some pieces as historical as 1911, from an era when coins would be cast in metal and were the size of a carrom striker. The list is not exhaustive, as he shares, "I have so many other kinds of rare coins; one needs hours to be able to go through the entire collection." It needs patience and time to not just collect, but even appreciate the collection. — TNS
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Crunchy chicken
Ranjan Dibya
Ingredients
Method Batter fry the sliced chicken till crispy. Heat oil in a wok; sauté garlic, add roasted chilli paste, oyster sauce, dark soya and sugar. Add bell pepper, onion, crispy fried chicken and basil. Toss well so that the sauce is coated well. Serve hot garnished with fried basil. Note: Season the sliced chicken before batter-frying. (Dibya is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)
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tweetie pie
PMA = Positive Mental Attitude - <3 u know you want it! :p :p — You go, girl! Never give up hope! Result of survey- 2000% ppl say tat they are not even interested to watch #Khoobsurat with free tickets+Drinks. Means it will be washout. — 2000 percent people, KRK? Really? Means Indian education is a washout? Shooting for poojai in Chennai and surprisingly it's not sooooo hot - wow what a wonder :) — It's a wonder indeed, darling, that you're still trying so hard. So tired…But just a few days more and then we shall sleep!! <3<3 sonam and fawad aka.. — How inconsiderate, Sonam! Make us lose sleep after watching your film and you sleep easy? (Compiled by Somya
Abrol)
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Beijing on platter!
Extending the love for his home cuisine further, Chef Shi and Executive Chef Sumant Dadhwal, Taj, Chandigarh, have brought forth a month-long Beijing Menu food festival at Black Lotus, Taj. For the fest, as Chef Dadhwal later puts it, the Chinese chef has brought back choicest herbs and sauces from the heartland of Oriental cuisine, Beijing. Though Chef Dadhwal believes that Punjabis are not exactly fond of experimentation, he says they've tried to keep the flavours for the fest as authentic as possible. "People are foodies here but they're very fussy. Their approach is very conservative. They might experiment with appetisers here and there, but for the main course, they prefer sticking to familiar Punjabi flavours. Even with Indian food, they prefer North Indian food only; even our South-Indian food doesn't get as good a response. But, for those who have been frequenting Black Lotus, this fest would be a welcome change. Chef Shi has introduced some very interesting dishes such as Rice Roll Sheet Vegetable (or Chicken Bean Sprout) Spring Roll, in lieu of the boring, old, deep fried maida spring rolls we've gotten ourselves used to," says Chef Dadhwal. Quiz him about the authentic, mild Chinese flavours finding a liking in Punjabis' hearts, and Chef Dadhwal says, "We've got some heavy-on-flavour dishes such as Hot Plate Lamb Black Pepper, Chicken in Malha Sauce, Tofu, Squid & Prawn in Ginger-Onion Sauce with Pine Nuts, to appeal to heavy palates." Some dishes on the Beijing Menu that get a thumbs-up from us are: Wolf Berry Coriander Fish Ball, Xing Su Ji (Crispy Chicken), Squid Black Mushroom Light Soya and Spinach Mushroom Egg Fried Rice. For the sweet tooth, you could try the Daarsan or the Date Pancakes. (Meal for one: Veg
Rs 1,200 plus taxes, non-veg Rs 1,500 plus taxes) somya@tribunemail.com
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Quite a fan following!
Finding Fanny has opened to amazing reviews across the board and across the world. Here is what some young Bollywood names are saying about the movie
Ranveer Singh: Finding Fanny has fantastic performances. It's a fine film, so many moments, hilarious. It's a really good watch and everybody should go watch it.
Dia Mirza: I love Homi Adajania's films. Finding Fanny is hilarious, poignant, and refreshing. Arjun Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and the stalwarts crackle.
Varun Dhawan: I really loved the film. I think all the performances are spectacular. Seeing Pankaj Kapur and Naseer saab on screen again is outstanding. It's a lesson for all actors. I think Arjun and Deepika have done a really good job and Homi, I think, is the real hero of this film. He has proved once again why he is one of the best directors we have around.
Sushant Singh Rajput: I decided to see the film right after I saw the film's trailer. I congratulate the full team of Finding Fanny and wish them all the success. They truly deserve it.
Shraddha Kapoor: Thought it was completely cracked, and madness, after a long time, people will enjoy a really mad and cracked movie. It's become one of my favourites.
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Critic’s favourite
National award winner Kangana Ranaut, who wowed audiences and critics alike with her performances in Krrish 3, Queen and Revolver Rani, was recently approached by a few critics while at an event as they were all praise for the actress.
Not only did they call Kangana the first mainstream cinema actor who is a critics' favourite but also someone they look up to and keenly take interest in. So far it was only art house cinema actors who were lauded for their performances and given their due respect but Kangana is one of the few mainstream commercial actors who has earned the critics' respect. Kangana says, "I was truly overwhelmed and humbled with their feedback...I hope to do justice to all the nice things that were said."
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Prachi turns 26
Abhishek’s future plans
The buzz is that Abhishek Bachchan wants to start a kabaddi academy in Jaipur. His team Jaipur Pink Panthers recently won the Pro Kabaddi League. Bachchan is extremely supportive of the sport.
In the muscular league
After Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, it's actor Ajay Devgn to show off his muscles for his upcoming film Action Jackson. Directed by Prabhu Deva, the film also stars Sonakshi Sinha, Yami Gautam, Manasvi Mamgai and Kunaal Roy
Kapur. |
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Home coming
The actress spent a large part of her life there before she went to London to study and then came to Mumbai. Since she became an actor she has not got the time to go back home. But now she has found her way back home, thanks to the road trip for her film Daawat-e-Ishq. Parineeti is going for a road trip all the way to Chandigarh with her co-star Aditya Roy Kapur. Since it is a food yatra, they are going to be sampling yummy delicacies. When Parineeti's mom found out that her daughter was going to Chandigarh, she insisted that she came to Ambala. So now, Parineeti is going to take Aditya to the house where she grew up. Parineeti is really excited to be going back home after so long. She is eager to eat her mother's home cooked food. Even her parents are elated. Parineeti says, "My mom is planning to cook some great food for Aditya and for the entire team. It is so special that my family home will be part of the promotions and I am going home after ages!"
Going places
Actress Nandita Das is currently in the US for her Yale World Fellowship. After her return, she will resume work on a feature film. Yale World Fellows is an international fellowship programme at the Yale University for mid-career emerging leaders, who have distinguished themselves in their profession, discipline, or geographic region.
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Tarzan star Denny Miller dies
Denny Miller, who was the first blonde Tarzan on the big screen, has died. He was 80. Miller was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease in January and died on September 13 in Las Vegas, his agent, David Moss, said.
The strapping 6-feet-4 inches tall Miller, who played basketball at UCLA for legendary coach John Wooden in the 1950s, is also known for his role as Western movie actor Wyoming Bill Kelso in the delightful 1968 Peter Sellers comedy The Party, directed by Blake Edwards. Miller starred as Edgar Rice Burroughs' Lord of the Jungle in 'Tarzan', the Ape Man (1959)— PTI
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Swimming fan
Big B’s show!
Zee Classic, India's only Hindi movie channel that showcases eternal movies from the evergreen era of Indian cinema, has brought alive the nostalgic memories of Bachchan fans with the ongoing Har Din Bachchan film festival. With his baritone voice, charisma and acting prowess, superstar Amitabh Bachchan has ruled the silver screen for nearly three decades. So watch the versatile actor on Zee Classic in some of his finest mega-hits till September 21 at 9 pm.
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Love for cricket
Actor Nandish Sandhu has partnered with Manik Soni, Mrunal Jain and Ajay Choudhary, and bought a celebrity cricket team. The team comprises Pooja Gor, producer and director JD Majethia, Mohammad Nazim and others.
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All for food
Are you a foodie? I am a big foodie. I am a vegetarian, but I eat eggs occasionally. I especially love Chinese cuisine. What's your favourite dish? I do not have favourites, as I love all kinds of food. I eat everything that is less oily and not very spicy, which can cause indigestion. Do you like tea or coffee? I am a tea-drinker. It is a must on my breakfast table. I prefer it with sugar and consume at least four to five cups of tea every day. What is your favourite street-food? I love eating gol gappe. Do you cook? I used to make sandwiches on rare occasions before marriage, but post marriage I do not cook anything. What's the most unusual dish you have ever tasted? I do not like avocado, so whenever I eat salad I avoid eating that. Also, I find the taste of tofu very weird. — HRM
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Nadaan Parinde to end
Buzz is that Rajshri Productions' Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali will launch on October 6 and will take the time slot of Nadaan
Parinde.
Goodbye too soon?
TV show MTV Fanaah was touted as a game-changer in the youth fiction space. But due to unforeseen circumstances, the show is set to end prematurely.
According to the latest buzz, the show's first season, which was supposed to end after a month, will see an early closure.
Ill-health of the lead actors is the reason behind the early end. While Ratan Rajpoot is down with dengue, Karan Kundra broke his ribs and is currently recovering. Buzz is that it will return with a season two.
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Astro turf
ARIES: The day can be somewhat tricky for relationships, so avoid getting into confrontations. Business people should plan meetings and important deals post lunch. Take care of finances.
Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 41.
TAURUS: There will be changes in the work scene and these can have positive consequences for your career. Some of you will need to help out at home.
Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters.
Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 53. GEMINI: The stress and strain of work as well as relationships will catch up with you. Being candid and tactful will help you talk about your feelings with the right person at the right time. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive.
Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 27. CANCER: Today you will be dominated by your past,
especially your relationships with the family or a situation at home. You will feel drained by the demands on your time and energy.
Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 30. LEO: The assignments at work will be more interesting than usual. However, there can be some ambiguity about certain projects. So, ensure that you understand everything before commencing work. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health.
Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 37. VIRGO: Change is vital and you will need to change the way you think, form opinions and react to situations. Even in personal relationships, let go off grudges and move forward.
Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Turquoise.
Magic number: 32.
LIBRA: It is important that you remain calm and balanced, since future growth
will depend much on your attitude. There will be some confusion at work. Change will be the keyword of the day.
Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Lotus-pink. Magic number: 26. SCORPIO: Relationships with loved ones will demand a lot out of you today, so you will have to work hard to balance home and professional lives. At work, you will receive the appreciation of your co-workers. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 43. SAGITTARIUS: Today many of you will connect with your inner self and be calm. Meeting old friends and loved ones will heighten this feeling of peace. Money matters will be stable. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 57. CAPRICORN: Your confidence as well as energy will be high today and as a result, you will be able to shine brilliantly in everything that you do. By being expressive and dynamic, you will be able to influence people at work. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 65. AQUARIUS: Most of you will be domineering, reckless and strong-willed at work as well as at home. This will lead to some difficulties in relationships and in achieving goals. Use your innate charm to win over people. Tarot message: Do not trivial problems haunt you.
Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 50. PISCES: Although the beginning of the day will seem strenuous and emotionally exhausting, you will be able to learn a great deal from it. Certain financial commitments
will have to be reviewed. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others.
Lucky colour: Black. Magic Number: 41.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is September 14...
There is an obsessive quality to your love life, especially after February. Money may be the source of problem in your partnerships. Look at what you want in an honest manner and be consistent in your actions. Remember, love is a verb. Without a practical expression of this noble feeling, either from you or your partner, you could be setting yourself up for a fall. Those born after 1980 will have new energy in projects they wish to undertake. If you step back, you can see the bigger picture. If you pay too much attention to the details, you will lose your focus. If you cannot trust others to handle some of the burden, you must trust fate to carry the load. Positive colours: Green, Turquoise. Select days: Wednesday, Friday. Favourable numbers: 5, 6. Gems recommended: Emerald, Ruby Charity on birthday: Donate wheat at a community kitchen.
You share your birthday with Ayushmann Khurrana (September 14, Chandigarh), who rose to fame with the movie Vicky Donor. In his horoscope, Sun, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars and Rahu are exalted, which indicate quick success in life.
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Current design trends influence every part of the home and the nursery or baby room is no exception. With a shift towards modern, nurseries are now as stylish as the rest of the home. Parents are steering toward sophisticated rooms a baby can enjoy well into his school years. Gone are the days of matchy matchy nurseries where a clear theme ruled and everything fitted like a coordinated puzzle. A revolution of new patterns, colours and designs are leading the way for top modern nursery styles.
Stripes, prints and timeless patterns can all seamlessly blend for a rich, lived-in feel that reflects the personality of the family and the baby. Many designers these days feel that it's more natural to mix and match rather than make sure everything is a perfect fit. Unexpected details can add child-friendly flair. For example, ombre drawers, pendant lighting, a patterned rug and a table with a neon base can all be points of interest. 
Don't hesitate to layer white on white and then add bursts of colour on pillows, small furniture and mobiles.
Canopies over the crib are back by popular demand. Often the centerpiece of the room, canopies give a tailored, ethereal and classy feel.
A record; howsoever frivolous, significant, futile or functional, is commendable. And if it happens to be unique, it only gets interesting!
Chicken can be made in a variety of ways, as it is a very versatile poultry produce. And with the doctors vetoing against the use of red meat, its table value has increased more. The trick is to keep the inherent juices and the tenderness of chicken intact. With the homemade paste and basil leaves it becomes wholesome as well.
180 gm chicken breast; boneless, sliced
Nargis Fakhri
Kamaal R Khan
Shruti Haasan
Sonam Kapoor
What would make a successful chef leave the familiar lanes of his hometown and battle it out in a would-be big town of India? The answer, as Chef Yaun Hi Shi claims, in his heavily accented English, is, "For the love of food; for the experience. I miss home a lot, but I like India and I like the food here."
Actress Prachi Desai, who has been missing from the filmy circuit, turned 26 on September 12. She celebrated the day with close friends and family. Desai was last seen in item song Awari from Ek Villain. We wonder when she will sign a new film!
Parineeti Chopra, who was born and brought up in Ambala before she became an actor, is going to return to her hometown for the first time after she became an actor.
Sahil Phull, who played Ashwaq in Uttaran, is done with his track and is catching up on swimming. He has been going for a swim at a club in Andheri thrice a week. He is also fond of adventure sports. He says, "Swimming is the fittest form of exercise. I have an affinity for water."
Actress Deepika Singh, who is currently seen in Diya Bati Aur Hum, is a big foodie. Not only does she believe in eating well, but also working hard. She talks about food and more.
Imtiaz Punjabi and Chokkas Bhaardwaj's maiden show for Life OK, Nadaan Parinde, will go off air on September 26.