Indian Tarka

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Take the road less travelled to Heidelberg

Whatever be your reason to visit this quaint German city, you will never be disappointed. Like Germany’s famous writer J.W. Goethe mentioned, it has something ideal about it. What drew me to the city was it’s romantic setting, the rich history associated with it and old-world charm that it generously exuded.

Alte Brucke

Of all the pictures that I had seen of Heidelberg before I actually visited it was that of the old bridge or the Alte Brucke according to locals. So, I decided to explore it before everything else. The old bridge is located in the old city, above the Neckar river. The only way you can reach it is by walking through the thriving market square that’s a delightful mish mash of narrow alleys, interesting shops that sell everything from toys to country dresses to gizmos to Christmas decorations (yes, you will find them in summers also), and the bustling pubs and cafes. The spirit of the place is lively and will involuntarily add a spring on to your steps and twitch your mouth into a broad grin. Like a curious kid I meandered through the sights and sounds towards my destination. You have to cross a high gate to arrive at the bridge and the moment I crossed it, the view that I came face to face with took my breath away. Evening had settled in and the lights illuminated the river bank and the houses, towers beyond and up on the hills. It looked like some magical land I had read about as a kid. The cool breeze wafting through and easy banter of people around added to the surreal feel. I walked along the bridge, befriended some Indian students of the Heidelberg University, the oldest university in Europe. From them I got the best tips to explore the Schloss or castle that looked magnificent perched atop a mountain. But I decided to head that way the next day as the castle closed everyday by 5.30pm.

The Quirky Monkey

Another unusual thing that you will come across is the bridge monkey at one end of the bridge. It has a quirky history. The monkey holds up a gold coin that could make you prosperous if you touch it. If you touch the monkey’s fingers then according to local folklore you will come back to Heidelberg. Well, I did both.

Schloss

The 17th century castle is wrapped in a mysterious air. It’s turrets, tiny upper windows and formidable gates hold secrets of the Prince Electors who stayed there. The inner courtyard surrounded by haphazard buildings and the vast gardens are interesting enough to make you spend more than half day. The gardens regarded as a masterpiece of their time are built upon several terraces, and are were made up of flowers beds, mazes and numerous sculptures, large fish ponds and waterfalls. From the castle you get breathtaking view of the city below. The castle also house the apothecary museum and a wine cellar that has the world’s biggest wine barrel. It stands 7 metres high and has a dance floor on top.

The Bergbahn funicular

As interesting as the castle is the ride up to it in the 100 year old funicular or wooden train. This is a must do. The wooden train stops at the castle entrance and then goes further up, to the King’s Chair, at the top of the tallest hill in the city. You get the best view of the entire city from here.

Neckar river cruise

The river cruise will give you a taste of the modern Heidelberg with its fancy hotels and concrete buildings as well as the imposing church spires, monuments and several imposing towers. If you feel hungry head off of to the market place to grab a bite. The wurst sausages served rye bread and the crystal clear smooth beer will make you feel happier. The alleyways of the market have Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants that serve some lip-smacking food. You can also get a local to tell you blood curling tales of witches, hangmen and blood thirsty robbers that operated in the marketplace and nearby area.

The Overall Experience

It’s a fun city where you will find a lot of young crowd. Mostly frequented by brides and grooms to be over the weekend. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself in the middle of a bachelor or bachelorette dare. Smile, wink and play along.

 The old bridge and the castle

View of Heidelberg city from the castle

A closer view of the castle or Schloss as it’s popularly known

The biggest wine barrel in the world at the cellar of the castle

The funicular on its way up to the mountain

The Bridge Monkey who can make you rich

Wurst sausages with home made rye bread is a must try

The fascinating alleyways of the old town

The bride-to-be with her friends. A bachelorette party in progress

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On A Handloom High

In the run up to the National Handloom Day, we focus on few Indian designers who are reviving the traditional handlooms and giving it a contemporary twist making it more wearable and relatable.

The first in the series are Jaya Bhatt and Ruchi Tripathi, who have created a brand called Indigene that mostly works with natural eco-friendly fabrics woven in remote India. They have also provided a platform for various artisans to collaborate and showcase their skills. Here’s an excerpt of an interview with them.  

Tell us about the journey that led to the creation of Indigene?

Both of us graduated in textile design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi. The exposures at the institute got us interested in handmade and the rich textile crafts of India. Both of us worked with craft based NGOs and projects for almost 8 years. The extensive work we did with these artisans and organizations helped us create the idea we call Indigene.

A creation of Ruchi and Jaya

Why did you decide to work on khadi?

We have always worked on natural fiber bases, khadi as a fabric and as a philosophy sets best with Indigene. Our design language is easy, natural and rustic. What better than khadi to represent it.

Your take on ecofriendly and sustainable fabrics and designs? Do you see a future in it and is working in that direction a conscious decision?

A fabric is called sustainable when it undergoes a sustainable process - when no excessive power or energy is required to create it, is natural and does not pollute the environment, is created using indigenous knowledge and techniques and provides livelihood to people who are involved in creating it.  There sure is a future for natural in these times when we are struggling with pollution, chemicals and other manmade hazards. Indigene has always believed in using natural fabrics/ fibers, indigenous techniques and craft skills, so yes, it is a conscious decision.

Tell us about your efforts to provide a platform to artisans?

Our artisan partners are our strength and support. We make constant efforts to work in collaboration with our artisans. Providing them design, quality and skill trainings to improve the product line each season, and showcasing the products with appropriate craft story and artisan detail. We also have interaction sessions with our artisan groups for a better understanding of their perspective and feedback on a particular product/ design.

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your designs?

We find our inspirations in nature and in craft traditions world - wide. We love to interpret various crafts and techniques; textiles, architecture, wall art, paintings, clothing from different eras etc into our own language and giving our themes a global resonance.

What is the brand philosophy?

Indigene started with a passion for all things handmade—translating traditional handcrafting techniques into contemporary aesthetics and styling. Lending a new perspective to that which is “made by hand” and turning it into a larger, yet deeply personal, statement. Indigene clothing is simple, modest yet stylish, keeping the essence of handcraft and fine detailing together, appealing to anyone who is experimental, creative and not bound by social norms and brackets.

Indigene takes great pride in its family of highly skilled artisans involved at several stages of creation. Following an ethical supply chain, it strives to keep intact the real meaning of ‘handmade by artisans’ and ‘ethically crafted’. Each Indigene product goes through several hands and geographies and is a compilation of stories.

A dress from Indigene’s latest collection

Tell us about your latest collection

Our current collection is called “Between the lines” (The Monsoon edition). A play of stripes, linear patterns and motifs is what "Between the lines" isall about. Indigene's Monsoon edition in handwoven, hand-spun khadi takes its inspiration from the German Bauhaus design philosophy—a deep connection between form and functionality, beauty and utility. Indigene uses woven stripes and geometric block print patterns to bring forth the Bauhaus notion with minimal, clean, linear forms and silhouettes. Garment styling is simple and versatile with overlays, pockets and easy fits, with extensive use of pleats and fine hand embroideries adding to the detail.

Jaya Bhatt (L) and Ruchi Tripath (R)

A piece from the summer resort wear line created by the designers

Most of their dresses like this is crafted out of handwoven Khadi

The duo make use of Sujni craft from Bihar, Bengal and Chattisgarh that’s mainly used to convert old sarees into quilts

The embroidered motifs are inspired by the geometry of the Gurunsi huts of Burkina Faso, Africa

Contemporary cuts and silhouettes make the dresses apt for young, urban women

A printed pocket dress that’s simple yet elegant

An embroidered shirt combined with a pleated is stylish, classic and apt for warm Indian clime

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On A Handloom High

In the run up to the National Handloom Day, we focus on few Indian designers who are reviving the traditional handlooms and giving it a contemporary twist making it more wearable and relatable.

Celebrated designer Ritu Kumar has been doing her bit in reviving Benarasi weaves through her Revivalist Collection. She tells us more about the collection and how it has put focus on rich Indian heritage and tradition.  

Tell us about the Beautiful Hands Project and the Benares revivalist collection which is a part of it?

I saw an opportunity to merge India’s unique craftsmanship and textiles and turn it into a bona fide trade. Following the success with block printing, which continues to be an important element in our collections, I turned my attention to the revival of India’s other vanishing arts like handloom and embroidery. The video series ‘Many Hands Make Beautiful Work’ is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Indian fashion industry – the weavers, printers, hand embroiders and factory workers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to produce the stunning craftsmanship for which Indian designers are known around the world. Beautiful Hands, encourages the purchase of garments and accessories that showcase ethnic Indian styles of embroidery. We’re currently working on the Revivalist project. The premise of this clothing line is to resurrect traditional Indian crafts and integrate them into mainstream fashion. The first two craft forms that have been taken up in association with grassroots social enterprises are the Kutch and Shibori forms of craft.

 Pieces from the Benares Revivalist Collection

The aim behind the Benares Revivalist collection

 Benaras has got a unique energy to it. It’s a difficult place to work in and accessibility becomes a problem after a certain point. But it is the most ancient living city in the world and it’s got such layers of history that there’s something to see around every corner. The attempt is to reintroduce the designs and the colours, to recreate what made Benaras so beautiful. We’ve got 30 weavers and are working with the master craftsmen. What we can do is be a catalyst and hope that tomorrow all the saree shops in India will get the beautiful saris woven in Benaras, because there is a tremendous possibility there.

 If you were to make an old traditional Benaras weave more appealing to Gen Y, what would you do?

I have created new designs and colour palettes with the intent that these new looks will entice customers to once again purchase the saris. I will be using the traditional gold and silver woven brocades, and convert them into “Western” and “fusion” clothes to attract new markets. Banaras in fashion will be replicated in  tunics, jackets, tube tops, cigarette trousers, fitted kurtas, sarong-skirts, flared blouses, bridal lehngas and saris of course, stoles in imaginative colours, and short and long tops. For a century or so, no one had really revisited the tradition, its historical richness, its weaves in silk and the white cutwork fabrics wove. There is a “disconnect”. “So yes, to bring all that back into ‘fashion’ is a far cry,” 

What are your future plans in terms of reviving traditional textiles and weaving techniques?

The projects underway are a revival in the village of Neopatnam in Orissa, where the tradition of Ikat warp weaving has gone into a decline. A new energy is being infused in the patterns to give them a rich, though contemporary look. We intend on adopting 100 looms and continue the design development there. It is a traditional area rich in this resource, which at one time used to weave the temple textiles hung behind the deities in the Puri and Lingaraj temples of Orissa.

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Sarah Todd’s love affair with India

Model-turned celebrity chef Sarah Todd tells us why she chose India to open her signature restaurant and host a TV show

From dishing out Aloo Gobhi to the judges of Master Chef Australia in 2014, to opening up her own restaurant in India in 2015 and now hosting a TV show ‘Serve It Like Sarah’ that explores off beat locations in Goa,  Sarah Todd’s love for India has grown stronger with time. She talks of her passion for all things Indian. 

 Aren’t models known to stay away from too much food? How did you end up being surrounded by food?

It’s a misconception that models don’t eat well. I have many model friends and we are all just as passionate; Celebrating food is one of life’s great joys. You need to know the art of balancing nutrition with indulgence. One should realise that It’s human to binge on the naughty things every now and then.  

How did you become a chef?   

I started off fuelling my obsession with new cooking techniques and playing around with flavours. I am now classically trained in French cookery and I have gained experience alongside Michelin star chef’s in London, hatted restaurants in Australia following the success of being a part of Master Chef Australia.

 What secrets have you learnt about food in your travels across the globe?  

I have learnt that no matter which country you are from we all have something in common; we love to eat.  There is nothing better than seeing the passion each country has about sharing food with their loved ones.  

What do you like about Indian cuisine?

The colours, the smells, the depth of flavour and the abundance of variety.

Why a restaurant in Goa and not any other place in India?  

The property in Goa reminds me of my hometown.  I was raised in The Great Barrier Reef, with warm weather, an abundance of seafood, tropical fruits, perched right in front of a stunning beach. It just fits my cooking style so well. 

How Is the food at your restaurant?  

The menu is Australian cuisine with a hint of Asian influences and a focus on fresh, local produce.

A still from Serve It Like Sarah on Fox Star

You have explored the streets of Goa for your TV show. What hidden culinary treasures did you unearth?

I have been living in Goa like a local for some time now. In my time spent here I have discovered small stalls and shacks that sell most delicious cutlets and other snacks. I have fallen in love with crab Xacuti (that’s on the menu of my restaurant and I have created this on the show too) and the beautiful forests and organic farms of Goa.

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How Zareen Khan went from being fat to fab

Zareen Khan’s debut opposite Salman Khan in Veer got her weight more attention than her acting skills. She was brutally criticized for being on the heavier side. Few films and sizes later, the actor looks sizzling hot in her new slim avatar. Though she proudly proclaims that she never let “people’s idea and comments bother” her but she decided to try how it felt to be lighter and thus began her weight-loss journey. The actor, who plays a college girl in Vikram Bhatt’s upcoming 1921 reveals that the role required her to be in perfect shape. Whatever the reasons, we can’t help but gape at the transformation.

Zareen looked like this in school. Source: Instagram

We caught up with the lovely lady to find out more and this is what she had to say, “I never follow a diet”. So how did she knock off those kilos. “I eat healthy always. I made healthy changes to my lifestyle like cutting off fried and junk food, keeping myself hydrated and eating everything in moderation,” she says. She emphasizes that one “can’t go on and off diets” as that may bring about weight loss in the short term but the weight will find its way back once you go off the diet. The trick is to put in place healthy eating habits and to stick to it.

This is how Zareen looks at present, every bit a diva

Girls, especially are known for being unable to control cravings, so how does she resist temptation? “I give in. If you restrict yourself, you will end up binging. I eat what I want and then burn it out.”

Zareen made headlines when she turned down an offer to endorse weight-loss pills. She firmly stands by her decision as she believes there are no shortcuts in the process of shedding weight. “There are no magic pills that you can pop. Stay away from slimming pills. They don’t help. You need to check what you eat and work out regularly to get into shape,” she says.

Zareen works out with her trainer Abbas Ali

Workout she says also plays a major role. “If you do not want to be cooped up in a gym, take up an outdoor sports,”she advises. As far as her fitness regime is concerned, she says, “My fitness trainer Abbas Ali ensures each day of training is different form the other as I get bored easily. So, I do everything from yoga, aerobics, zumba, weight training to functional training and pilates. Variety helps me to stay on track.”

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5 workouts to help you stay in shape at work

Quick ways to burn calories at your work

Have you noticed spare tyres around your belly? Or how you no longer can fit into your old clothes? Your desk job is to be blamed for the weight gain. According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder that was published in 'Business News Daily', around 58% of people in a desk job were overweight compared to just 30% of people in a non-desk job. But the good news is you can do simple exercises while at your desk to trigger weight loss. Here are five workouts that will help you shed the unsightly bulges.

1. Leg openers

While seated on your chair squeeze your legs tightly and place your palms on the outer part of your knees. “Lean forward, engage the core muscles and push the area with your arms while trying to open up your legs. This will help shed tummy fat,” says fitness expert Vesna Jacob. Inhale while relaxing and exhale while doing this movement. Repeat five to ten times

2. Seated Crunches

Push your back into the chair with your hands stretched out and elbows relaxed. Hold the computer screen in this position and inhale through the nose. Exhale through the mouth and slowly start tightening the abdominal muscles by pushing the central part of your back into the chair. “While doing this step, try bending down your head, neck, and upper back all the way down to your navel so that you can feel your abdominal muscles contract,” advises Vesna. Repeat seven to ten times.

3. Obliques

Using the principle of simple seated crunches, you can stimulate your oblique or side muscles. This can be done by simply rotating the upper waist region and then bending it downwards. The other variation is bending down slowly and while at the point of greatest tension, rotating to one side and tightening the muscles as much as you can. Repeat five to ten times on each side. 

4. Butt squeeze

Sitting for long hours puts continuous pressure on the butt muscles. As a result they lose their strength but also their tone.  The glute muscles which make up the butt region become weak and make the lower back take more load. This causes lower back pain. To counter the pain and also tone your butt try this glutes strengthening exercise suggested by Deckline Leitao, fitness specialist who trains badminton players Saina Nehwal and Ashwini Ponnapa, boxer Sarita Devi, golfer Anisha Padukone and swimmer Maana Patel amongst many others.Push your heels into the floor from your chair as if digging them into the ground and simultaneously squeeze your butt very hard by pulling your tailbone in for five seconds. Relax for five seconds and repeat a total of 10 to 20 times. 

5. Engage the toe

“Most women don't realise that improving their balance can actually improve their walking gait and running style and even make them stand taller. It especially helps when wearing high heels to have good balance,” says Deckline. The big toe plays a big role in your foot stability by 'grounding' itself to the floor. To work on improving foot stability, try to isolate the big toe from the other toes when you are standing or seated. Push the big toe into ground while slightly elevating the other four toes. Then try to raise the big toe while the other toes remain on the ground.

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Recipes For A Casual Summer Get Together

The searing heat shouldn’t spoil the fun when it comes to throwing casual parties at home. You can whip up some great summer coolers and light tidbits that will keep the conversation flowing and guests coming back for more. Cafe Delhi Heights shares a few easy and simple recipes to make your summer parties a big success

Image Courtesy: Cafe Delhi Heights

Rose Mango Thandai

 Ingredients  1 shot Thandai 1/2 shot sugar syrup 1 teaspoon dry rose petal 1 tablespoon almond – crushed 1/2 teaspoon green cardamom powder 4 shot Vanilla Latte 8 shot low-fat toned milk (Amul) 4-5 Ice cubes Peeled Mango

Method  Take a Glass Jar or a Tall glass. Mix all ingredients i.e. sugar syrup, thandai, rose petals, almonds, cardamom powder, vanilla latte, milk, mango and ice cubes. Blend the ingredients until they make a smooth concoction. Pour in glasses and garnish with rose petals to serve.

Image Courtesy: Cafe Delhi Heights

Dasheri Bruschetta

Ingredients  Mango - 200 gm Tomato - 60 gm Basil - 3 gm Salt - 5 gm Black Pepper - 2 gm Olive Oil - 10 ml Garlic - 5 gm 8 slices of bread toast Method Dice the mangoes and tomatoes finely in a bowl. Chop the basil finely and add to it. Add finely chopped garlic and sprinkle pepper and salt on it. Mix all the ingredients in olive oil. Place the mixture on bread toast and serve.

Image Courtesy: Cafe Delhi Heights

Watermelon, Celery, Pomegranate Juice Blend

Ingredients (for one jar) Watermelon - 500 gms (peeled) Celery - 4 stalks (of 6 inches each, keep one for garnish) Pomegranate - 4 tbsp Pomegranate Syrup - 15 ml

 Method  Wash and peel the fruits. Put fruits in a juicer and squeeze out the juice in a glass. Place the juice in the refrigerator to cool. Add 15 ml Pomegranate syrup in the juice. Garnish with celery stalk.

Image Courtesy: Cafe Delhi Heights

Chilli Cheese Toast

Ingredients  40 gm Cheddar Cheese 40 gm Mozzarella Cheese 10 gm Green Chilli 5 Parsley 1 Bread Slice

Method  Toast  bread slice on one side in a toaster. Mix all the ingredients and spread them on other side of the bread slice. Bake the bread in an oven until the cheese is baked to golden Brown. Cut the toast as one into four Pieces. Serve with tomato ketchup.

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Common habits that’s ageing you too fast

Ageing has been one of the biggest fears since time immemorial, be it Cindrella’s step mom or Meryl Streep in Stepford Wives. There’s no magic formula to reverse ageing or arrest the process. But did you know that few of your common habits is racing you towards grey hair and wrinkled skin? Take a rain check and weed out these habits to delay the onset of age.

 Being too much of an outdoorsy person

While it’s good that you are out and about and get your daily does of exercise out in the open, do remember sun could wreck havoc on your skin.Pigmentation, freckles, uneven tanning are some of the effects of being in the sun for long. Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, honorary dermatologist to the President of India, says, “Apply a cosmoceutical sun screen when you step out. Reapply every three hours to stay protected from sun damage.”

Not Drinking Enough Water

Water is the wonder tonic that our skin needs to stay young and retain elasticity. Not drinking enough water will lead to skin losing its turgorStay hydrated as that doesn't let skin loose its turgor. Decreased turgor means loose skin that tends to crinkle faster. “Drink at least 8 glasses of water in a day,” advises Dr Bhardwaj.

Getting too many facials done

Don’t do facials often and everywhere! "Most local salons use chemicals such as bleach which causes permanent pigmentation and skin sensitivity. Also, steam is mostly used as a part of facials and this leaves open pores that get clogged when exposed to pollution. The common myth is that steam can close pores,” warns Dr Bhardwaj.

Not Sleeping enough

Oxidative stress increases when you don’t sleep enough. this can cause damage to the skin as well as give rise to eye bags and dark circles. A minimum of 6-7 hours of shut eye is required.

Washing your face too often

It’s true that washing your face can zap the dirt and dead skin but dodn’t do it too often. “Washing your face several times disrupts the PH levels that robs the face of its natural radiance and glow. slo never use harsh soaps on your face,” says Dr Bhardwaj.

5. Doing Yoga only for the body

Yoga has many benefits but when you only concentrate on yoga for toning the body, your face gets neglected. Facial yoga is one of the best ways to keep your skin muscles tight and taught. “It also helps in burning fat trapped between the muscles and hence gives the face a youthful shape,” says Dr Bhardwaj. She adds that results show only when you consistently maintain a routine of doing facial yoga.

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Salads you need to beat the heat this summer

The best way to beat the sweltering heat is to dig into some refreshing, delicious and healthy salad. We have got chefs from some of the best restaurants in the Capital to share recipes of some popular summer salads. These irresistible combinations of fruits and vegetables in yummy dressing and vinaigrette are a tastier way to pack on essential nutrients. So read on, don your chef hat and pamper your tastebud.

Image: Teddy Boy Restaurant

SPROUTS SALAD

By Chef Doyel Sorangi Of Teddy Boy Restaurant

Ingredients • 1 Bowl of Sprouts • 1 Green Apple • 1 Red pomogranate • 2tbs Wine . • Salt and black pepper powder as per taste • Extra virgin olive oil 1/2tsp.. • 3 tbsp Pomegranate juice

How To Make It • Take a bowl and add sprouts to it • Cut all the fruits in thin slices and add to the bowl • Mix and shake all the ingredients well • Relish the healthy sprout salad

Image: Groghead restaurant

SMOKED SALMON SALAD

By Chef Yashpal Negi Of The Groghead Restaurant

Ingredients

• 250 grams Smoked salmon • 2 Cucumber • 1 Lemon , cut in wedges • 1 Bunch of mixed green salad leaves • 1 tsp Vinegar

How To Make It

• Lightly blend all the ingredients for the dressing and season with salt and pepper. • Add a small portion of the mixed salad leaves in the centre of the plate. • Arrange the slices of cucumber followed by sliced salmon as desired on top of the salad leaves • Then spoon the dressing and the vinegar all over

Image: L’Opera

Niçoise Salad

By L’Opera

This refreshing Mediterranean salad combines the invigorating taste of black olives with wholesome eggs, tuna and string beans for a healthy experience, straight from the south of France.

Ingredients

• 200g Fresh tuna • 4 Potatoes, cooked and sliced • 2 Small tomatoes, chopped • 5g French beans (string beans) topped, cooked and drained • 4 Little lettuce hearts, quartered lengthways • 2 Eggs, cooked for 5 minutes in boiling water, halved • 8 black olives

For the Dressing:

• 100ml Extra virgin olive oil • 3 tbsp Vinegar • 2 tbsp Freshly chopped parsley • 2 Garlic cloves • 1 tsp Salt • 1 tsp Black pepper How To Make It Mix all the ingredients listed under dressing and keep it aside. Now mix rest of the ingredients and add dressing to it.

Image: Zerucco Kitchen & Bar

Roasted-Beet Salad With Goat Cheese and Walnuts

By Chef Harsh from Zerucco Kitchen & Bar

Ingredients

• 3 large Beetroots • 1 bunch of Green Leaves • Half Cup Walnuts • ⅓ cup Olive oil • 2 tbsp Red-wine vinegar • 2 tsp Mustard • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste • 4 ounces goat cheese

How To Make It

• Heat the oven to 300 DEGREES. Wash the Beetroot and cut them into chunks. • Put the walnuts in the oven on medium heat and cook for 2 minutes • Combine the oil, vinegar, mustard in a jar with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing becomes thick and creamy. • Pour some of the dressing onto the greens. Put the beets in the bowl, toss with some of the dressing and arrange them on top of or around the greens. • Put the goat cheese on top, and serve

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Emraan Hashmi tells us why his book is called ‘Kiss O Life’

It wasn’t easy for Emraan Hashmi to balance his work schedule and deal with the shock of his son Ayaan being diagnosed with cancer. At the launch of his book in Delhi he said, “The time I spent in front of the camera was my escape route. I would shut off the moment cameras came on but would attend to the problems at hand the moment the cameras shut,” he reveals.

Emraan with his son Ayaan

Source: Instagram

When his son was being treated in Canada, Emraan was shooting in Mumbai, followed by Cape Town. He did not get to see his son for three months. “There were couple of times I almost boarded the flight and the producers were willing to let me go. But my wife is an extremely brave woman and she asked me to focus on my work while she was with him alone,” he said praising his wife for her courage and maturity.

Writing the book has been therapeutic, for the star, who says it was like a counselling session where he could come to terms with the devastation, shock and despair. The why does he call the book of such a sombre nature “The Kiss oF Life”? He replied, “We had short listed about 20 titles but the publishers didn’t like any. Then I thought of this title because you all know what’s been happening in my life since the past 12 years. This was apt considering my image in movies. I also hope that people who pick up the book out of curiosity by reading the title end up getting insights into cancer in the process.”

He explains further that cancer has no prior symptoms and comes unannounced. So it is imperative of people to acquire more knowledge about the deadly disease and get screenings done every six months.

The incident has also changed the actor’s perspective about life. “In tough situations, hold on to hope. Never  give up hope his is what I learnt from my son. Kids don’t realise the seriousness of the incident. Ayaan was his cheerful self and looking at him you wouldn’t have fathomed he was diagnosed with a terminal illness. He was a livewire and we got our strength from him. He gave me life’s biggest lesson. He is the real super hero who valiantly fought the disease and defeated it.“

Emraan is currently busy promoting his upcoming movie Azhar, where he plays controversial cricket legend Mohammad Azharuddin.

Emraan Hashmi in Azhar (Source: Instagram)

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Sunny speaks up for gender equality

Sunny Leone, the Indo-Canadian porn star turned actor has delivered surprises when you have least expected her to be. She recently turned author with the book Sweet Dreams that has 12 short erotic thrillers written by her. And that’s not all, she is also advocating gender equality in her latest movie One Night Stand. In a candid chat, Sunny talks of her reasons for doing the movie and the book and how media’s perception has changed about her.

Sunny turned author with the book

Sweet Dreams.

Source: Instagram

Q. Tell us about Sweet Dreams. Why did you decide to turn author and how has the experience been? Juggernaut, that’s putting across these stories through their app came to me with this idea and I thought why not. I have had ideas in my head earlier but had never written it down. Each short story of about 2000 words is on a certain topic and some of these topics were given to me and the rest I thought of. I have written it keeping women readers in mind and their sensitivity. It’s subtle in language and gripping. The experience has been very satisfying as this is what I wanted to do.

The cover image of Sunny’s new book

Source: Instagram

Q. One Night Stand is an erotic thriller again. Don’t you fear being typecast into such movies in Bollywood? More than an erotic thriller, the movie is about gender equality. It is not preachy, but it send out a strong message that we can’t judge people on the basis of one thing. If a man does something like a one night stand we are ok but if a girl does it we look down upon her. This is a serious subject and it has been made with the right sensitivity.

Q. What’s your personal view about One Night Stand? One night stands are quite common in Indian cities and all over the world. If you are single and your physical emotions take over then there’s nothing wrong in going ahead. But if you are married or are committed then you should think twice. There are consequences and that’s what the movie shows.

Q. How do you think women can change the gender equations and be more empowered? Women must speak up about their rights. They don’t have to wake up and say I have to be stronger. They should start by making small little choices around them that will make them assertive. Be it household chores, they need to speak about what they would do and what they expect the man to do rather than agreeing to do everything themselves.

Q. Post your interview with CNN IBN journalist a lot of support from Bollywood actors and other journalists poured in for you. Do you feel media’s perception about you has changed? When I was being questioned, I was feeling uncomfortable and shier and people must have seen it. The questions that the journalist asked had been asked before what surprised me was the way he asked them. I am really glad that journalist, media groups, Bollywood actors and people from all over the world came out in support of me. It was quite overwhelming.

Q. Shah Rukh Khan has shot a song with you for Raees and Aamir has expressed interest to work with you. How does it feel? Shooting with Shah Rukh was a dream come true. It was a proud moment for me. The song is an item number and I am hoping it will get popular. I am extremely happy that Aamir said he wants to work with me. I keep looking at my phone, waiting for his call (smiles).

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Farhan and Shahid are the new BFFs in town

They are an unlikely pair but the camaraderie between actors Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor is unmistakable. The two are all set to host the IIFA Awards, this year in Madrid. When Farhan was asked about being paired with Shahid, the former made his pleasure evident.

“I am excited and I am looking forward to it. Shahid and I have had a wonderful time on the past two occasions that we have hosted the show. We share a certain ease and chemistry. I am happy to be co-hosting IIFA with him,” he said.

When asked, if we would see the chemistry between the two in a movie soon, he replied, “Certainly, if a director comes up with a script with the both of us in mind I will do it.” A director himself, with hit movies such as Don, Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya, under his belt, why doesn’t he plan a script with Shahid? “It’s very difficult for me to come up with projects keeping myself in mind. If someone suggest the idea I can produce it but not direct,” he said.

Talking about preparations he revealed that he has started working with script writers to come up with something interesting. “It’s a hard task. Though we have script writers, we still have to personalise it, make it cool and contemporary and also infuse our kind of humour,” he quipped.

Farhan’s recent picture on Instagram also shows that he is quite fond of Shahid. Recently he put a picture of his with the IIFA team and captioned it: Missing you Pappu @shahidkapoor… #KabHogaMilan.

Shahid who was in Italy on a vacation with his wife and is back now to promote his upcoming movie Udta Punjab is yet to tell us about his fondness for Farhan. Hope he does that soon, we are waiting!!

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Athiya’s Secret Revealed

Image Source: Instagram

Athiya Shetty tells us how big an influence her mother has been on her.

Athiya Shetty’s sartorial choices have been widely appreciated. The stylish tag follows her wherever she goes. The star kid, who debuted with Hero opposite Sooraj Pancholi has walked the ramp for fashion designers at fashion week. The young actor reveals that she gets her sense of style from her mom, Mana Shetty, an interior designer.

Athiya with her mom Mana shetty. (Source: Instagram)

“My mom was a big influence on me in my growing up years. I would often stand by her side while she got ready, constantly telling her to wear this or that. She is a classy and effortlessly stylish. I have learnt a lot from her,” she says.

So, what has she learned from father Suniel Shetty, who is best known for the tough guy image that he portrayed in most of his movies? “He has told me to stay grounded and humble at all times. He says fame or success should never affect you.”

Star kids have been dissed for having it easy in the industry. However, Athiya doesn’t feel so. “Getting the initial break might be easy but post that it’s your talent that will determine your success. Your films wouldn’t do well just because you are a star kid. Once out there we are on equal terms with actors who come from non-filmy backgrounds,” she quips.

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Udta Punjab’s Leading Ladies-Kareena and Aliaa’s fitness Secrets Revealed

The movie stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Aliaa Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh

As the trailer of Udta Punjab hits TV screens, you can’t help but notice how fit and fresh the two leading ladies-Aliaa Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan look in the movie. It’s not just their genes that should get all the credit.  The two actresses share the same nutritionist- Rujuta Diwekar, who tells what makes both Aliaa and Kareena look jaw-dropping gorgeous.

Source: Instagram; Aliaa and Kareena look ravishing at the trailer launch

Rujuta Diwekar, shot to fame when Kareena went a size zero for her movie Tashan way back in 2008. Rujuta was the architect of her transformation.  To address people’s curiosity she came out with a book “Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight” that became a bestseller. Apart from Kareena, the star nutritionist also works with Aalia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Konkona Sen Sharma and Amrita Arora among others.

She reveals that Kareena Kapoor stay fit with “Consistency and dahi- chawal. Basically she has the vision to do things that are simple, sensible and sustainable.”

Aliaa too like her senior co-star prefers eating home cooked food. “Her go to comfort food is poha. She is also quite dedicated and plans her workout schedule a week in advance so that she can chalk it out as per her engagements,” says Rujuta. So for both the actresses it’s ghar ka khana that does the trick.

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Street Style Spotted At Amazon India fashion Week Autumn Winter 2016 Part 2

Here’s some more street style inspiration from the fashion week. They flaunted their creativity and stood out among the rest.

Name: Dolly Singh Occupation: Blogger Style icon: Blogger Ria Gupta

When fantasy meets practicality you look the way Dolly does. She sewed and painted patterns on a tutu skirt and paired it up with a basic grey T-shirt. It can’t get stylish than this!

Name: Sudhanshu Sudan Occupation: Blogger Style Icon: Dolce Gabbana

Not everyone can make prints from head to toe work but Sudhanshu did. His jumpsuit was quirky, looked comfortable. The hat just added to his modish swag.

Name: Aashna Singh Occupation: Designer Style Icon: Anyone quirky and fun

A linen A-line dress with a big omelette pattern and a bag that looked like a tetra pack of pineapple juice, can it get more interesting than this? Aashna looked like a walking breakfast.

Name: Carol Occupation: Model Style Icon: Gwen Stefani

Roomy georgette pants and a lacy top spoke of comfort but with a hint of flattering feminity. The linen jacket from Bodice that she wore as a layer added depth and character to the otherwise casual look.

Name: Yourinta Occupation: Student Style icon: Ruby Rose

A white top From forever 21 and a simple black Zara skirt worn along with a harness showed the androgynous and minimalistic predilection that Yourinta has towards fashion. Overall the look was neat and well put together.        

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India Modern Gets Street Style Swag At #AIFWAW16

As designers prepared to present their interpretation of India’s vast culture and tradition in a modern context, a slew of fashion forward individuals flaunted the fusion look with panache. We picked some styles that wowed us off the runway. Check them out for some inspiration.

 Name – Prabati Bhargarv

Style icon – Monica Dogra

Occupation – Blogger

Prabati’s took boho chic to an all new level as she wore a dress made from a cotton checkered lungi.    The contemporary silhouette blended well with the bindi, big golden earrings and silver anklet-a true amalgamation of West and East.

  Name – Mehak Ghai 

Style icon – Gigi Hadid

Occupation – Blogger

Sporty, casual yet with a touch of ethnicity is how one would describe Mehak’s look. She picked up a short denim dress and paired it with sneakers and an interesting gun shaped bag. What we loved the most was how she made the red socks work with a chunky silver neckpiece.

  Name: Natasha

Occupation: US Embassy employee

Style icon: Sarah Jessica Parker

The dhoti pants with colourful tribal prints provide a jarring contrast to the immaculate white lacy top. The red wedges and the ghungroos worn around the neck and wrist show that Natasha knows how to mix and match her Western sensibilities with an Indian predilection.

Name: Chirag Mohanty Samal

Occupation: Media person

Style icons: Beyonce and Sonam Kapoor

Take a white sheer dress and pair it up with an unstructured long jacket with subtle Indian motifs in gold to create a fusion look like Chirag does. The hint of gold in the stilettos and the silk black clutch make her look classy.

Name: Cherie

Occupation: Video coordinator

Style icons: Victoria Beckham

Cherie’s desi swag caught our attention. She customized her dad’s 30-year-old pants by adding pompoms to the cuff and teamed them with a chic black top. Her shoes from Banjran and the pompoms on her braids looked quirky and interesting.

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Street Style Spotted At Amazon India fashion Week Autumn Winter 2016

The recently concluded Amazon India Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2016 showcased some hip fashion trends that will take the year by storm. Not only did the designers put out some great outfits, but some fashionistas too set the streets scorching outside the runway. Here’s a look at some of the most arresting street style spotted at the event.

Name: Mia Kumari

Occupation: Stylist

Style icons: Caroline De Maigret and Emmanuelle Alt

 Mia paired a yellow leather skirt from Zara with a dark green Mango shirt. Her style was simple, functional and something that can be worn everyday and everywhere. Her stilettos with hints of animal prints jazzed up the look and so did the Mickey Mouse popping out from her black envelope bag.

 Name: Surabhi Suri

Occupation: blogger

Style icons: Rihanna, Miley Cyrus

 A pink outfit that had musical notes printed on it went well with Surabhi’s funky street look. The interesting pink rimmed glasses, colourful danglers and shoes with different fish prints on each leg made her stand out among the rest.

   Name: Vibhuti Arora

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Style icons: Jessica Alba

 Vibuti’s breezy fluid pants from H&M perfectly balanced out the bright fluorescent pink mango top. A traditional kada from designer Ritika Bhasin added a note of elegance to her otherwise relaxed and easy style. The big shades and quilted bag perfectly complemented her look.

   Name: Bhawana Yadav

Occupation: Blogger

Style icons: Rihanna

Bhawana wore a pastel colour hand painted shirt with floral embroidery on the collar along with cluttoes from Zara, rose gold slip ons from Aldo and a mini bag by Furla. We loved the way she mixed and matched her outfit and accessories to create a neat yet interesting style. 

 Name: Sana Jhamb

Occupation: PR student

Style icon – TV anchor Ambika Anand

Sana wore a printed dress and layered it with a polka dot shirt. Her sneakers in nautical stripes added a sporty appeal to her overall appearance. The print on print look that she created was fun and a visual treat.