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Absolute stunners
A website called sixpackfactory.com, dedicated to those who live for just one reason, to get the finest and neatest abs, religiously follow the motto-Workout till last breath. In fact, back home, our Punjabi actors have taken it far too seriously.
Cutting abs is not a new trend, not even for the Punjabi film Industry. But yes, there are far too many people who are now joining the bandwagon of chiseled bodies. Kuljinder Sidhu is one such actor who displays eight packs in his upcoming film Yoddha. And, he of course, is not the only one. Kartar Cheema of Sikander fame is known to be one of the actors with a wow body. Others are Anil Juneja, Varinder Ghuman, Balli Riar, Nav Bajwa. Unlike being the born actors as they see themselves as, making abs doesn't come easy. As the anthem goes "You don't get it by staring; You don't get it by wishing; You don't get it by hoping; You don't get it easy; You get it by sweating; Working for it every second of each day; For the Rest of your Life!"… It's called sacrifice Hitting the gym everyday for a good body is still easy, but following a routine that one is tempted to break, is not. All these actors had to conform to a strict routine that meant giving up on many things. Kuljinder Sidhu worked for 3-4 hours in the gym everyday to get a six-pack-ab that he flaunts in his film Yoddha. "There was no way I would go astray from the routine. Every evening, for nearly two hours, I would practice gatka and in the morning I would go to the gym." Kuljinder had to completely give up on sweets and tea. He laughs, "Now, I don't like any of the two. I had only a protein-rich diet with very little carbohydrates. I almost gave up eating chapattis for eight months," adds the actor who wouldn't continue working on his muscles more, unless 'the role demands'. Diet plays a vital part in making abs, almost 70 per cent, while exercise takes the remaining 30 per cent. Kartar, who is currently hosting Mr Punjab on PTC, only eats a few things, "Boiled vegetables, boiled chicken, fish, mutton, brown rice and egg white. I have given up the taste in my life. Since, I don't make abs for a particular role, I live with them, so I have to work really hard to maintain them." Kartar only checks in a hotel that has a good gym when he is travelling. "Else, I don't," says the actor who is flooded with compliments for his body on his facebook profile.
Hit me hard If you didn't know, here is an interesting fact-abs are made in kitchen more than in a gym! This only means that diet plays an extremely essential role. Punjabi actors, who have worked hard for this, however, are also aware of this not-so-healthy trend. Actor Anil Juneja, who made his debut with Yaaran Da Katchup, is also a fitness expert. "Undoubtedly, an actor flaunting abs on screen would certainly look good, but you should know it takes a lot to get those numbers," shares Anil pointing at how those actors had to leave out salt from their diet. "Lack of salt helps in tightening of muscles and at the same time, if the process of making abs is carried out for 1-2 months, then it is okay, more than this period is not advisable." Screen effects Punjabi actors share interesting revelations on their abs, and how they make them look neatly carved out on screen. Another Punjabi actor Hektor Sandhu, who makes his debut with Yoddha, comes with one interesting bit. "I leave water one day before the shoot so that on the day of the shoot my body looks dry and vascular," adds the actor who has six packs as part of his lifestyle. "I haven't made them, I live with them. And I want to set a trend in the industry with this." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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A moment with Virani
This 52-minute documentary details the landmark law which gives terminally-ill patients, doctors and caregivers, the choice of limiting artificial life-support and opting for dignity in death. Passive Euthanasia: Kahaani Karuna Ki also utilises stylised elements such as dance-movement and enactments to recount the story of Aruna Shanbaug in a persistent vegetative state for over 40 years and author Pinki Virani's public interest plea which led to the law and the ongoing debate on broader end-of-life issues. —TNS On November 1 at 4 pm at the Chandigarh Club
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When fashion blends with drama
It's time to hail the dramatic twist adding to the flavour of fashion as the Blenders Pride Punjab International Fashion Week gears up for its fifth edition at The Radisson Blu, Ludhiana.
Slated to begin on October 31, the three-day-long event extends its concerns beyond the ramp and just good clothes. As we hear it from the horses' mouth, Lovell Prabhu, the director of the show, who has recently been appointed as India's national director of Manhunt International, we stand acquainted with a list of concerns that the event aims to highlight. "Well, we have to realise that this is the Indian fashion industry and to compare it to Milan and Paris Fashion Week will be an utter folly, we have therefore added many layers to the event, which will truly entertain the crowd," says Lovell. While stating that the fashion industry in India is significantly influenced by Bollywood, Lovell feels that it was more critical than necessary to involve music and drama as a part of the fashion show. "Fashion and Bollywood in India are interlinked as India's fashion industry is not quite dominated by designers, but personalities, especially film stars. So, we have included an array of film stars as showstoppers, including Arjan Bajwa and Simran Kaur Mundi," he says. We also stand informed that the last day of the event will feature a hair and make-up show that will be followed by a fashion theatre, where the models will act. "Besides, we will also pay a tribute to AR Rahman at a live music show where a band named The Young Blood Boy Band will perform on the last day of the show," adds Lovell. Tailored with style With designers like Sonu Gandhi, Rocky S, Jattinn Kochhar, Sanjana Jon, Mona Pali, Riyaz Gangji and AD Singh on board, the event will also feature some local models. In conversation with Sonu Gandhi, a Ludhiana-based designer, who has been designing high-end embellished and embroidered couture, we get a little peek into her collection, Paramparagat, which will be showcased at the Blenders Pride Punjab International Fashion Week. "The word Paramparagat implies to the heritage of Indian craft and textile," she begins. While talking about her collection, Sonu elaborates on a series of traditional embroideries that she will be experimenting with this year. "This year, I will be emphasising on the embroideries of India, including Kantha embroidery of Bengal, Zardosi, Kutch and mirror embroidery," she says. While keeping away from Phulkari, on which she has been working for the last two years, Sonu explains that this time she will be experimenting with more colours and silhouettes while keeping her signature gold work intact. "This time the fabrics that I am using are silk, chiffon, and even velvet while I will team up my signature gold embroidery work with colours like burnt orange and orchid," she shares. She also informs that the embroideries will be fused with a contemporary twist. Starry night With Arjan Bajwa and Simran Kaur Mundi as the brand ambassadors of the event, the two speak more about their films. While Simran shares that she will soon start shooting for an Abbas Mustan's film opposite Kapil Sharma, Arjun Bajwa seems elated to be entering into Punjabi film industry with a film titled Himmat Singh, King of the Ring. "I am a black belt in Taekwondo and I have choreographed this film which is all about street fight and martial art," he shares. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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People’s film
Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider, a modern-day adaptation of Hamlet, won the People's Choice Award in the Mondo Genre (world genre) at the ninth edition of Rome Film Festival. Haider also had an Italian premiere on October 24. The film, produced by UTV Motion Pictures and VB Pictures, won the award on Saturday. "It truly affirms our belief that good cinema can transcend boundaries and this award puts Haider on the global map," Amrita Pandey, vice-president and head of marketing and distribution—Studios, Disney India, said in a statement. Out of the seven films like A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (US), Quando Eu Era Vivo/ When I Was Alive (Brazil) and La Prochaine Fois Je Viserai Le Coeur/ Next Time I'll Aim For The Heart (France), which featured under the genre, Haider was the only Asian film selected across the globe. This is for the first time that an Indian film has won the audience award in a non-specialised (non-focused on Asian cinema) wide-ranging international festival. For Bhardwaj, it is a proud moment. "Haider is a classic Shakespearean tale retold with Kashmir as its backdrop, it's a story that we would like to take to the world and to get this award now is a proud moment for the entire team of Haider," said Bhardwaj. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Tabu, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan, the movie saw a worldwide release October 2. The film not only did well at the box office, it also won accolades for Shahid for his matured performance. The actor considers himself "fortunate" to get a chance to be a part of "this breakthrough movie". "It was one of the most difficult roles for me and I am ecstatic with the positive reviews and the audience feedback that Haider has received. "It's a moment of immense pride that the movie has got this award at the festival," added Shahid, who plays the title role. In the past, the People's Choice Award at the Rome Film Festival was won by Dallas Buyers Club in 2013 and The Motel Life in 2012. — IANS
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Aarya Babbar to release his novel after Bigg Boss Aarya Babbar seems to be a man of many shades. An actor, director, lover...and now even a writer. Yes! You heard it right. Soon after Bigg Boss, Babbar sher (as he is fondly called) plans to release a fiction novel, whose name is being kept under wraps.
Actually, the thought of penning a novel had been lingering with him from quite some time. But he was too busy with his Punjabi films to dedicate time to it earlier. One of the successful Punjabi films, Aarya acted in, co-starred another Bigg Boss contestant Minissha Lamba. Recently, there was quite a hullabaloo on the reality show, when Aarya revealed that Minissha is actually his past girlfriend. We also hear that the book has a mischievous title. Then, is the so-called 'fictional' book 'inspired' by his 'real life'? "All I can say is that an airplane (which is also the theme of Bigg Boss Season 8), plays an important part in his book," mentions Dale. "Even on the show, Aarya has maintained that he finds an airplane a very romantic place," observes the PR specialist, who seems to be using a co-branding tactic for the book with Bigg Boss. Aarya is perhaps the only actor to pen a fiction novel, instead of writing on a subject revolving around Bollywood. Few are aware that he has enjoyed his flings with the pen since the tender age of 14. He's been writing poems, has scripted a play called Gorky+Tinku Ke Kaarnaame, and has even written a graphic novel titled Pushpak
Vimaan.
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Raveena turns 40
Bollywood's ravishing beauty Raveena Tandon, who has turned 40, says there's still so much more that she has on her to-do list in life.
Raveena, who turned a year older on Sunday, feels 40 is just a number, "and a very attractive one at that".
"I don't know if life begins at 40. But I definitely feel I've many things to do. And they're all happening in a bunch," she said. Raveena spent her birthday playing cards, but there was no partying. While the card-playing went on in her house since Diwali, the birthday bash didn't happen because of a death in the family. "My Tauji (uncle) passed away. There was no pressure as such to not celebrate my birthday. Lekin dil hi nahin kiya (but my heart wasn't into any celebrations). I was very close to my Tauji." "So, we just brought in my birthday with a quiet family dinner, with my husband and children and very close friends. The taash (cards) party that was on since Diwali continued through my birthday. In fact, extra tables had to be added since many more of our friends wanted to join in. There will be many birthdays to celebrate, I hope," she said. Raveena set a record in recording television software when she shot 13 episodes of her talk show "Simply Baatein With Raveena" in five days. She is still in a daze. "I don't know how I did it! I was out of the country. I came back to a schedule of Onir's film. I pushed it forward by a few days and shot all 13 episodes of my talk show in just five days. It was madness. Friends who have done television, say they've never heard of such a thing. But for me it's always been that way." "Whatever I've done I've done on the spur of the moment." Raveena feels she has the best life she could hope for. "I have a perfect husband (Anil Thadani) and two absolutely gorgeous children. I couldn't have asked for anyone better than my husband Anil. He's supportive, but not blindly so," Raveena said. "He has his own point of view on everything and doesn't mind expressing it. He's from the film industry and knows what I am all about. He isn't very demonstrative whereas I like to make my feelings crystal clear. With Anil, I feel I've come home. I feel I can put my feet up and relax while he'll take care of everything," she said. Since Raveena is so much into her talk show, here's a rapid fire on her life. The most important event of her life? "When I met the love of my life Anil Thadani. My life has always been a rollercoaster. Anil was a blessing. He saw me through a crisis. He gave me the strength to fight." The best films of her career so far? "Shool, Aks and Satta. My husband Anil has seen my films. But we've never discussed my performances. He did mention once that I was very good in Satta." The most important songs in her career? "Tu cheez badi hai mast-mast and Tip tip barsa paani. I still have boys coming up to tell me that..tip tip was the song that helped them go from adolescence to maturity. Though I don't want to probe into what they mean I take it as a compliment." — IANS
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The wedding planner
Actress Cameron Diaz has reportedly asked partner Benji Madden's sister-in-law Nicole Richie to help her plan her wedding.
Diaz, who sparked rumours of her engagement to Madden when she sported a new diamond ring at various events here, has turned to his stylist sister-in-law for advice. "Cam (Diaz) has never been a big fan of weddings, so she has no idea where to start," a source as saying. The 42-year-old actress has been scouting Napa Valley in northern California for the perfect venue. The couple is expected to tie the knot next spring.— IANS
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Incredible Lohan
99 Homes producer Mohammed Al-Turki has praised actress and longtime friend Lindsay Lohan's West End debut performance in Speed-the-Plow, calling it incredible.
The Saudi film producer, who helmed 2012's Richard Gere-starring Indie hit Arbitrage, however, said the Speed-the-Plow production overall was not great. "I was in London and have seen Speed-the-Plow. I thought her performance was great. I'm going to be very honest, I think the production wasn't great. But I think she wasn't the problem. "I think she's incredible in it, has so much balls standing in front of an audience, and I think people will start to take her seriously again. And I think it will open doors for her to do maybe a good movie and get back on track," he said. The producer added that the 28-year-old actress should start working on a theatre production as soon as Speed-the-Plow finishes its run as it will be better for her career. "But as a suggestion from me to her as a friend, I told her to book another play after in the West End. —PTI
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Anil helps out
As an attempt to explore new talent, actor Anil Kapoor has reportedly roped in fresh face to direct his son Harshvardhan's second film. The movie will be co-produced by his daughter Rhea Kapoor.
"Anil Kapoor wants to explore new talents and has roped in a new director to direct his son Harshvardhan's second film," said a source close to the project. This film will be the actor's second film as he will be launched by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra in Mirza. "This film was supposed to go on floors before Khoobsurat but since Harshvardhan was preparing himself for Mirza, this film was delayed. Now, the entire cast and crew will head to the US next week where t his film will be widely shot," added the source. — IANS
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Alia speechless!
Alia Bhatt has found a fan in Hollywood hunk Ashton Kutcher, who has praised the actress's short film on woman safety.
Titled Going Home, the short film, which has gone viral in social media, has been directed by Queen helmer Vikas Bahl.
The film sees Alia playing a young woman, whose car breaks down and she has an encounter with a group of rough-looking men late at night. But without any hesitations she approaches them and asks them to drop her home. "Wow. Just wow," Kutcher, 36, posted on his Facebook page along with the link of the short film. After seeing Kutcher's response, Alia could not contain her excitement and took to twitter to share a snapshot of the Two and A Half Men star's Facebook page. "Unable to form a sentence due to immense joy… woohoo," the 21-year-old '2 States' actress tweeted. — PTI
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A warm platter at night
When armoured with innovation, an idea that is structured on the foundation of needs becomes a lethal business weapon. Well, Sehaj Bir Sidhu, the 21-year-old CEO of the Night Factory, wears this wisdom quite stylishly on his sleeve as he talks about his new venture that dwells on Chandigarh's night life.
These are the literal superheroes of the night, who at the stroke of the midnight hour (well, actually from 7pm to 3 am) cater to your wants at just one phone call — be it with food or even medicines! In conversation with Sehaj, who along with Harish Nahar, the head chef of The Night Factory, talks to us about the venture that is creating ripples across tricity. Concept wise The Night Factory is technically a multi-purpose store that delivers food, beverages, medicines and almost whatever you need till 3 am. All you have to do is dial their hotline number and place your order! "When I first told my friends and family that I wanted to open a home delivery multi-service store in the city that functions till three in the morning, I was bombarded with a million questions," begins Sehaj. Like every other city lad, Sahej grew up with the stereotypical notion of Chandigarh being the 'early to bed and early to rise' city, as our older generations would have it! "It was a mammoth task because all the shops in the city close at 11 pm while ignoring the needs of those who work in the IT sector or journalists, who work round-the-clock or even the students who prefer studying at night," says Sehaj. Considering that the city folks, whose stomach is not so suited for the bus stand paranthas, would drive till Zirakpur McDonalds to pacify their desperate pangs of hunger, Sehaj decided to put an end to their miseries with his brand new venture! Get rolling Headquartered in the Industrial Area Phase 1, the Night Factory office rolls up its shutter and gets grooving at the in-house kitchen, where the food is made fresh with a promise to be served hot. "We have a store-house and a kitchen, from where we deliver food and other items to people. Also, we are the only ones offering the city residents multi-cuisine services under one roof," says Sehaj while listing out a mouth-watering menu of Indian and continental dishes, including burgers, pizzas and sandwiches too. "We do home delivery for free depending on the cost of order and the distance to the place it is to be delivered," he shares. We are informed that the factory does a free delivery on the order of Rs 350 in Chandigarh and above, and Rs 650 in Mohali and Panchkula. "We also deliver in some parts of Zirakpur," adds Sehaj. Sehaj's says all this could not have been possible without his father's support. "I think I sailed through this one because my father believed in me; rather people have started believeing in me now," he laughs. "The Night Factory is trending on number five on Zomato and is on number one as far as home delivery is concerned," says Sehaj.
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Oh so Oriental!
As he shares the nuances of cooking authentic Chinese food at RED, the eastern dining restaurant at Radisson Blu, MBD Mall, Ludhiana, Master Chef Wang Li drops pearls of wisdom from his rich and varied experience of 29 years in Oriental cooking. Chef Li has served in various five-star hotels across the globe.
Starting with Chinese Kitchen of The Great Wall Sheraton 5 Star Deluxe Hotel, Beijing, China, Wang Li has worked with hotels in middle-east and India before going back to China. In India, he has worked with various hotels like ITC Sheraton and Taj. He has returned to India after seven years to take up his present assignment. A graduate of Xin Zhong Jie Cooking College, he promises to bring great flavours to the people of Ludhiana. A specialist of recipes from Sichuan, Huan, Cantonese, Huai and Yuang provinces in China, Wang Li is sure to delight the foodies in Ludhianvis. Chef Wang Li's signature dishes include Butter Garlic Chilly Prawn, Xiang La Chicken, Crisp Onion Case, Stir Fried Fish with Sichuan preserved oil, Sichuan Gan Bians, to name a few. Apart from regular RED signature dishes such as Dynamite Roll, Mi Chiou Chi (Wok tossed chicken with honey chilli bean or golden honey sauce), Xinjiapo Kafei Paigu (succulent chunks of pork ribs glazec with espresso), Tho Xiang Cho Chiru (chicken in a medium spicy yellow bean sauce enhanced with garlic & shallots), Kaeng Phet (medium spicy red curry with bamboo shoots and pineapple), Sucha Yangrou (slivers of crispy lamb wok tossed with chilli paste, garnished with roasted sesame seeds), there is lot of offer. Chef Li also interacts with the customers and cooks dishes in accordance with their preferences. "Indians are not exposed to a wide variety of grassroots level Chinese cuisine and I wish to bring it on to their platter," he says. "Chef Wang Li brings the best of Oriental flavours to our hotel and a lot of experience along with it. Rare Eastern Dining (RED) has always attracted the true Oriental food lovers and has gained a reputation of being the best in the region," shares Rakesh Rawat, the general manager.
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A love-ly tune
Of what can be spoken or written about love that has not been written or said before — perhaps that is the biggest challenge that stands in the way of those who intend to tread on the concept of romance. With his brand new song, Thinking Out Loud, English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran brings about a new flavour of romance that is refreshing and engaging all at once. It features production from frequent collaborator Jake Gosling. Serving as a promotional single from his second studio album, x (2014); the song entered the UK Singles Chart at number 26 and has since peaked at number 2. Romantic note What I really like about the song is the way that it talks about love and explores its relevance in a very beautiful way. The video is very likeable and the romantic notes make your heart skip a beat. Arjun Singh, private company employee Good music It's a beautiful song and the best part is the lyrics, which make this song go beyond words. Also, I am really fond of the music of the song. Harman Singh, freelance graphic designer Nice lyrics What I really like about the song is the effortless way in which it expresses love and romance. Also, I really like the lyrics, music and video of the song. Akshat, Chandigarh-based musician (As told to Amarjot Kaur)
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Par Excellence
The first step to understanding a green and the speed required is to have the ability to throw or roll a golf ball to a hole on the green. This is not as easy as it sounds. Take a ball and throw it underhand, as if you are at a bowling alley. If the throwing action is with the small muscles in the forearms and hands, it will never be accurate and will not have the correct speed. The only way to achieve this is to leave the arms loose and let the shoulder do the work. This is what is required during the putting stroke too. Throwing a ball also gives a good idea of the 'break' on the green and helps in 'reading the line'. The second step is to be able to aim the putter at the intended spot, which could be the hole if the putt is a straight one or a point on the green where the ball must start to finish at the hole. Choose a putter that helps you in getting this correct. Through research using the Sam putt lab it has been found that very few golfers including professionals get the aim correct and have compensations during the stroke as a correction for an incorrectly aimed putter. Dave Pelz, a specialised teacher of the short game and putting came to the conclusion that on an average a golfer has his/her putter aimed three times more left or right of the point which they say they are aiming at. For example, if a golfer says the line is three inches left of the hole, they would actually be standing or aiming to a point nine inches left! This is called sub-conscious correction. The next step is to be able to control the speed of the ball. Most three putts occur due to incorrect speed rather than an incorrect line. Speed is a combination of the length of the backswing and the rhythm or uniform acceleration of the putter. As we learn to vary the backswing to different distances and also green speeds, we must use the bigger muscles of the shoulders and arms to create a smooth and repeatable putting stroke. (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)
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When hunger strikes…
With only limited buffet restaurants delivering what they promise on a daily basis, Gourmet 9 serves as a safe option Somya Abrol In which direction do you steer your car to cure insatiable, buffet-like hunger? If you're as bored of Barbeque Nation and Pirates of Grill as we are, giving a third buffet option a shot shall come easy. And so it did for us, as we ventured to Gourmet 9, located coyly in Hotel Turquoise, Industrial Area, Chandigarh. Some upscale restaurants in Chandigarh could learn a lesson in starting-off on the right note from Gourmet 9. Their non-alcoholic welcome drink, Spider Bite, served in a test tube, could put the strongest of hangovers to shame. With tingling flavours of lemon, chilly, tobasco and salt, Spider Bite also acts as the perfect palate-cleanser, for, you know, teetotalers, which reminds us…they do serve some amazing mocktails on order. And thus began the barrage of starters, served piping on your table. What's good food without an overwhelming presence of spinach? And what's better than biting into it with gushes of imli chutney, curd and chaat masala? Enter, Karare Palak Ki Chaat — thin, crisp, deep-fried leaves of spinach, with the makings of a chaat - there are only so many forms of spinach that can compete with that. This was followed by Vegetable/Chicken Pockets (deep fried mini-samosa like pockets filled with tangy vegetables), Chicken Kebab, Fish Amritsari, Jodhpuri Mirchi and the melt-in-mouth Meen Pollichathu — a fish specialty from Kerala; pomfret covered in a spicy masala, wrapped in banana leaves and shallow fried. Now, if you have a limited appetite, we'd suggest you give the Jodhpuri Mirchi a miss, since it's filled with a potato masala, and is again, deep fried. Since most starters on their menu consist of fried items, we'd recommend making a special request for chicken or spinach and corn dumplings with the chef. While mostly this starter is on the buffet menu, one often runs out of luck. These bite-size paper-thin dumplings, with an almost-bland filling, caresses the tongue and the heart, good enough to give Mainland China a run for its money. These were, in fact, the best dumplings we've tasted in the city, hands down. On most days, the main course features the usual suspects — Makhni Dal, a paneer dish, Pasta Arrabiata, Butter Chicken, Fish Curry and jazz. Though the main course isn't as innovative as we'd expected, Gourmet 9 does manage to get the basics right, a feat (as we've painfully come to discover after innumerable unappetising encounters) that is not attainable easily. Their kaali dal does seem to have spent the night in waiting and the Butter Chicken is bound to leave you with salivating memories. To end on a high note, they do sometimes prepare Payasam (the South Indian version of kheer). If not, one usually ends up relishing their fruit custard, jelly, brownie and ice-cream, and of course, the dessert that demands innumerable servings, Darsan (flat, fried noodles topped with honey and sesame seeds, usually served with vanilla ice cream). somya@tribunemail.com
Rating (0-5)
Life+Style recommends: Spinach-Corn or Chicken Dumplings Restaurant: Gourmet 9, Hotel Turquoise, 29/7, Industrial Area, Phase 2, Chandigarh Meal for two: Rs 1,500 (approx) Alcohol: Yes, Wifi: No
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Scaling new heights
Star Plus has announced the launch of its most awaited series Everest, which is the story of a regular girl's struggle to win her father's acceptance. It is set against the extraordinary backdrop of the magnificent Mount Everest. In line with the channel's strategy of offering innovative and differentiated content, Everest has been conceptualised, shot and presented on a scale never seen before on TV. Uday Shankar, CEO, Star India said, "Star India has always endeavoured to bring to our audiences innovative content that takes the Indian television viewing experience to the next level. Everest is another big leap for us in that direction. We are proud to have partnered with a visionary like Ashutosh Gowariker, who is one among the most adept story-tellers of our country. Everest is a stunning visual delight and an attempt at presenting something never-seen-before to our viewers. I am sure that the story of our protagonist Anjali will resonate with millions in India and inspire them to conquer their own Everest."
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Nazim’s passport woes
Mohammad Nazim, who is currently seen in daily soap Saath Nibhana Saathiya, was supposed to travel to Malaysia for his film's premiere as well as a cricket match. But as luck would have it, he lost his passport. He had to cancel his other travel plans as well.
He confirms, "Yes, I was supposed to fly to Malaysia for a film premiere and my cricket match. But at the end moment, the manager who was handling all this forgot our passport bag in an auto! Along with my passport, there were other 19 passports in that bag. I was really worried as passport is a very important document. My passport was made in Punjab, so I was quite worried. I had applied for leaves but then the trip got cancelled and I had no choice but to resume shooting." As for how he got his passport back, he says, "The auto driver dropped the passport bag at a police station and we were contacted soon. I got my passport back and it was such a relief. As an actor, I keep travelling all over so I can't afford to lose my passport again."
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End of a dream journey
How was shooting for the last episode? It was an emotional moment, but at the same time I'm happy that the show is ending on a good note. Like they say, all good things must come to an end one day. Obviously, it is sad since I have been a part of the show for five-and-a-half-years. You are a household name today because of the show. How do you feel? Yes, older people know me as Archana because of my character. And the youngsters know me as Ankita because I participated in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. When people call me 'Archu, I like it because that's what my parents call me on my show. It shows the kind of connection my character has with the audience. It's really a very humbling experience. How was it to shoot with Sushant Singh Rajput again? I really can't talk about our last scene since I want everyone to watch it. But yes, it was special and emotional to shoot with Sushant again. It was his idea as he wanted to come back on the show. Everybody was surprised. He is still so simple and grounded. When are you planning to get married? Well, you will come to know very soon. What's next? I badly need a break. I just want to relax and chill out with my friends, family and my dog Scotch. I haven't had a break for so long. But I plan to be back soon with what satisfies my creatively. I haven't got any offers from anyone, not even |
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Ajay meets King Khan
TV actor Ajay Chaudhary, who plays Vishnu in Uttaran, recently met Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan at a media function. He says, "One of my close friends, who is an associate of Shah Rukh Khan, invited me for the trailer launch of Happy New Year. I went there and met the man himself. The experience was unforgettable."
Ajay also shares Shah Rukh's certain quality as he observed him quite closely. "I was looking at him, especially the energy he has. After the long media conference, he sat with the interviewers and it went on till next morning. He was talking to each of them with so much warmth." He also wants to work with SRK one day. "What he has achieved at this age is unbelievable. Only a man who has so much dedication and focus can achieve this. I have a dream to work with him one day," he said.
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Money matters
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan doesn't come cheap. Buzz is that the makers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah got a duplicate because they couldn't afford to pay Rs 1.25 lakh as fee for Shah Rukh's security. However, the producers of the show denied the news and said it was a requirement of the plot. Interestingly, actor Shah Rukh Khan has also shot for the episode.
Sharing little secrets
Mary Alice takes us into the lives of her family, friends and neighbours in Desperate Housewives. Her small circle of girlfriends include Susan Myaer, the divorcee and single mom who will go to extraordinary lengths for love; Lynette Scavo, the ex-career woman who traded the boardroom for boredom, with four unmanageable kids; Bree Van De Kamp, the Martha Stewart on steroids, whose family is about to mutiny; and Gabrielle Solis, the ex-model with everything she has ever wanted.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 28...
Your birth on the 28th adds a tone of independence and extra energy to your life path. The number 1 energy suggests more executive ability and leadership qualities. A birthday on the 28th of any month gives greater will-power and self-confidence, and very often a rather original approach. Unlike much of the other 1 energy, this birthday is one that endows you with the ability to start a job and continue until it is finished. You can handle details well. You are sensitive, but your feelings stay somewhat repressed. You have a compelling manner that can be dominating in many situations. Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Ruby.
You share your birthday with Pankaj Parashar (October 28), who is a film and television director known for Jalwa, Chaalbaaz and television detective series Karamchand (1985). Pankaj's stars will favour him in 2015.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Be particularly wary if dealing with property matters. Get to bed earlier than is normal for you. Don't let dogmatism close your mind. If an old friend needs your support, get ready to offer it.
Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52. TAURUS: Hold back expensive plans for the time being. An optimistic and compassionate turn of mind will create a passionate aura. Spiritual issues and quests can lead to some deep thinking. You will then sleep well tonight. Tarot message: Follow your path. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 26. GEMINI: You will have some difficulty controlling your emotions. Consider getting involved in charitable work. Agreements that have been dragging on for some time can be successfully negotiated. Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 55. CANCER: Plug away steadily in the background. This is not the time for grabbing centrestage. Consider your course of action seriously. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 46. LEO: Improvements will continue in the general financial picture. Business matters will be well under control. Your moods will be up and down all day. A former friend will share exciting stories. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Jade. Magic number: 29. VIRGO: No need to make any important move. Conditions are too weak at the moment to contemplate fresh operations. You should not be too critical of co-workers. Children can cause worry. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.
LIBRA: Aim at teamwork today. An accident can occur if you don't keep your mind on the job. Be especially careful when using electrical gadgets. Tarot message: You will prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 35. SCORPIO: The Priestess infuses pure and exalted influences in your life. Networking and making an effort to seek out people with similar career interests can lead to new opportunities. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52. SAGITTARIUS: An early morning disturbance will wake you up a lot sooner than usual, which will give you a chance to catch up with some housework. Renovations will progress well. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 44. CAPRICORN: The day is going to be rather slow; so plan ahead. Take advantage of other people's experience. Family will be much better company than friends this evening. Tarot message: Try to accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 32. AQUARIUS: A financial matter that has been delayed should move forward now. Social activities that are offered will not be worth attending. There should be no special problems to deal with at home. Tarot message: Don't take hasty decisions. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 41. PISCES: This day will be marked by lack of activity. Business will tick over smoothly enough. Hobbies are occupying. Scholars: read a good book at bed-time. Avoid speculation. Do not exercise heavily. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 43.
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The documentary film which is generating active debate all over India on the issue of passive euthanasia, Kahaani Karuna Ki, premieres in Chandigarh. Post-screening, author-activist Pinki Virani will interact with the audience. In March 2011, the Supreme Court passed an historic judgment permitting passive euthanasia in India.
"Aarya was down with jaundice a while ago and that's when he finished writing a book within three months of conceptualising it. It will be released by Penguin Books India," informs his publicist Dale Bhagwagar.
Putting is a complex part of the game and is made of a number of building blocks. Reading a green and experience are important as well as being able to visualise and having a positive mind set. Good putters seem to have more of these aspects and not necessarily a technically sound or superior putting stroke.
Popular television show Pavitra Rishta bid adieu to its viewers recently. The show's lead actress Ankita Lokhande talks about her journey and more.
Charity on birthday: Donate at a blood bank today.