Sound of the young guns

Image courtesy: BCCL

By Rinky Kumar, Team iDiva
They croon melodious tunes and find a place in our hearts almost instantaneously. Here's a dekko at three young singers who are slowly climbing the ladder of success.

1) Javed Ali (Claim to fame Guzaarish from Ghajini)
His name might not ring a bell but mention songs like Ek Din Teri Raahon Mein (Naqaab) and Nagada (Jab We Met) and you might warm up to him immediately. His name is Javed Ali. After doing the rounds of several music directors' studios, he got a break in Beti No 1. He gradually followed it up with Chameli, Golmaal Fun Unlimited, Neal 'n' Nikki and Zindaggi Rocks. But it was his solo act in Jashn-e-Bahaara (Jodhaa Akbar) that won him recognition.

Of late, Javed Ali has been ruling the airwaves with Tu Muskara (Yuvraaj) and Guzaarish (Ghajini). We love his sweet melodious voice, clear diction and an inherent raw appeal. Listening to him is sheer delight.

2) Shilpa Rao (Claim to fame Khuda Jaane from Bachna Ae Haseeno)
She's a small town girl whose musical dreams got realised in Mumbai. After completing her education from Jamshedpur, Shilpa Rao shifted to India's financial capital. A chance meeting with composer Shankar Mahadevan proved to be a turning point in her life. After singing in several jingles, she got her first big break with Tose Naina (Anwar). The Sufi undertones in her debut number compelled us to forget our worries and swoon to the heady classical tune.
She followed it up with the foot-stomping raunchy Saiyya (Salaam-e-Ishq) and heart-rending Ek Lau (Aamir). But she finally won accolades for Khuda Jaane from Bachna Ae Haseeno. This romantic number did complete justice to Shilpa's husky voice. We love her vocal quality and versatility!

3) Mohit Chauhan (Claim to fame Tumse Hi from Jab We Met)
He first won our hearts with his lilting lyrics and poignant voice with Silk Route's Dooba Dooba. While the Delhi-based band sang without a trace, the lead singer Mohit Chauhan made quite an impression on everyone. But surprisingly after sometime he too did the disappearing act. He finally resurfaced with Guncha, a heart-rending Sufiana composition in Main, Meri Patni aur Woh. While the song was a sheer delight, Mohit did not get his due recognition. He finally won accolades for Tum Se Hi in Jab We Met, it's the kind of song you would like to listen while dreaming about your sweetheart.

Mohit followed it up with Is this Love (Kismat Connection) and Kuch Khaas in Fashion. He soon came to be known as a singer who could croon only romantic numbers. But he went ahead and proved his detractors wrong with Massakali from Delhi 6. This soul-stirring peppy number showcased his versatility. We absolutely admire his raspy voice and a childlike quality in his vocals that give him an edge over his contemporaries.

Here's hoping these three singers create more waves with some lovely numbers.

Idiva.com, January 23, 2009

Hug & make up

By Rinky Kumar, Team iDiva
Scoops, scandals, hits 'n' misses make celebrities what they are. But what truly sets them apart from us mere mortals are cat fights. These so-called 'confrontations' between two 'stars' garner lot of publicity and reams of newsprint.

We present you a list of celebs who have been at loggerheads since a long time. We really hope, they hug and make up on this World Hug Day. After all, we are giving them adequate reasons to do so:

1) Shah Rukh and Salman Khan
The two Khans had an ugly spat on Katrina Kaif's birthday last year. It all started when Salman passed a snide remark on Shah Rukh's not-so-happening TV game show (read flop Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain). That's all SRK wanted. He reiterated by passing not-so pleasant comments about Ash, Salman's ex-girlfriend. The two Khans almost came to blows.

Here's why they should hug and make up:

a) After all, they were the first ones (along with Aamir Khan) who started the 'Khan'daan tradition in Bollywood. How can we forget, they gave us some hit entertaining films like Karan Arjun and Kuch Kuch Hota Hain.
b) According to reports, now that Aamir and Akshay Kumar have joined hands to fight SRK, it's high time the badshah and hunk (Salman, sillies!) make up. Don't they say, my enemy's enemy is my best friend?

2) Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes
Their glorious pair made India proud by winning several Grand slam, Davis Cup and Olympic matches. But then one fine day, their egos clashed and the duo decided never to play again. Though they gave their doubles pairing a shot last year, but the magic was missing. We seriously hope these guys get together.

Here's why:

a) Honestly guys, you the world aware that India can produce some really good tennis stars. Your claim to fame is your pairing. How can you forget, you first became famous as Paes-Bhupathi. So you might as well garner some much-needed attention and prizes while the sun shines.
b) You are the perfect role models for aspiring tennis stars. Please set a good example. After all, won't you be happy if you are remembered as a formidable duo rather than a warring couple?

3) Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie
First Angelina Jolie stole Brad Pitt from Jennifer Aniston on the sets of Mr & Mrs Smith and denied it. Then, she went ahead and accepted it. (As if we didn't know that's what really happened!) Now, Jenny baby thought it was her time to get back, albeit mildly. So she described Angelina's behaviour as really 'uncool'. Phew, this seems to be straight out of a Saas Bahu soap opera or should we say, Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hain serial!

Here's why these women should call it a day:

a) Agreed, Jenny, you lost your man and Angelina just found hers. But the bone of contention here is Brad Pitt. He should be the one who should be blamed. Ok, now we really love his six packs and deep blue eyes. But man, what 'you' did was so 'uncool'.
b) Jenny and Angelina should get together, simply to be on their guard. If Brad can dump Jennifer for Angelina, he can surely dump Angie for someone else.

What say? We sincerely hope these stars read our article, heed our advice and be friends again!

Idiva.com, January 21, 2009

Recipe for success

(Image courtesy Reuters)

By Rinky Kumar, Team iDiva
Food has been a constant fixture in restaurateur Deepa Awchat's life. As a child she enjoyed savouring various delicacies. And when she was not tucking into an exotic dish she was busy rustling up one in the kitchen with her mother. In fact, at the age of nine, she could detect if any ingredient was lacking in a cuisine. As destiny would have it, she even got married to an avid foodie, Dr Suhas Awchat.

The first step
The Awchats' love for food saw them exploring various restaurants. But they missed tucking into fiery pork vindaloos and tangy fish curries. "Those days, Mumbai had many restaurants serving various specialities, but there was no eatery offering Goan gourmet. I really missed it in this city. That's when we decided to have our own restaurant offering authentic Goan cuisine," says Deepa.

With some quick brain storming, the duo outsourced cooks from five-star hotels in Goa, sought financial assistance from their in-laws and launched Goa Portuguesa in 1988. It was an instant hit.

Second time lucky
After its phenomenal success, the Awchats decided to launch Culture Curry, a restobar that offered delicacies from southern Indian peninsula. "People think South Indian cuisine is only about idli, dosa and vada sambar. But it's vast with an eclectic range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare."

But Deepa confesses, setting up Diva Maharashtracha was the biggest challenge. "We did research for two years and travelled to regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh and Konkan." Today, the restaurant is doing quite well.

The perfect ambience
Deepa believes in offering patrons a complete package of good food, melodious music, perfect ambience and personalised service. While Goa Portuguesa is designed as a small cottage with stained glass and arched windows and the music is replete with sweet Goan melodies, Diva Maharashtracha is set against a Peshwai wada.

Customised service
As a master chef in all the three restaurants, she experiments and creates her own delicacies. "Nowadays every one has become health conscious, so we have customised various recipes. Traditionally modaks are made of refined flour which is quite fattening. So I introduced dimsum modaks which are steamed."

Similarly thalipeeth (a multi-grained mildly spicy pancake) is served with loni (clarified butter). But in Diva Maharashtracha it is offered with a tomato and coriander chutney. Even tomato rasam, a typical South Indian speciality (spicy yet tasty), is made less pungent and served as a soup, adds Deepa.

The secret of success
Deepa says that in order to be a successful restaurateur, it's important to know the pulse of the people. "Their tastes keep changing. You have to experiment and innovate. But constant change can be harmful. We introduce new recipes gradually. We offer them as complementary dishes to our patrons, seek their comments and make changes accordingly." They are incorporated in the regular menus only after they have been liked and accepted by people.

Foodie at heart
After a long, hard day, the restaurateur and mother-of-two, likes to tuck into home-made dal chawal and prawn curry with rice and papad. Though she indulges in all kinds of cuisines, her favourite restaurants are Mainland China, Shatranj Napoli and Pritam da Dhaba. "I love these places and admire chefs like Anjan Chatterjee and Sanjeev Kapoor, as they have customised foreign recipes according to people's tastes."

Idiva.com, January 19, 2009

Celebs we love to hate

By Rinky Kumar, Team iDiva
Superstars, not-so-happening actors and publicity-hungry Page 3 types often entertain us with their acts and antics. But there are some individuals who are just a class apart. Their sheer presence and 'acting' skills compel us to grab the remote and change the TV channel almost instantaneously. We would rather die than watch these 'actors' in action.

Here are some celebs whom we simply love to hate:

Himesh (Mr Nasal Twang) Reshammiya
The guy, first, made us go deaf in the ears with his 'ooooooooo, tera tera surrooor'. But that wasn't enough. So Himesh Reshammiya decided to wear a Chinese wig, shave off his chest hair and made a grand entry in films as a hero. Wow, some guts, we say!

Apparently his debut film, Aap Kaa Surroor: The Real Luv Story was a huge hit, (we don't believe it!) while his second movie Karzzz definitely put us to sleep (zzzzz).

But some people just don't learn. So Mr Nasal twang is now gearing up for his other future projects (not again!).

And yes, how can we forget his stint as a judge on a talent hunt show where he often shrieks "Superb, fantastic, mind-blowing, history." Some guys are just so over the top! Phew!

Sunny (Mr Papa's son) Deol
His droopy eyes, not-so impressive dialogue delivery and clichéd action stunts have earned Sunny Deol a place on this list. While the guy doesn't act so bad (remember Ghayal and Damini?), the moment he utters something, we go off to sleep. No matter what he says, all his dialogues sound the same, just like the way he says "Papa".

Not to forget his dancing skills, which can put even Hrithik Roshan to shame? Tsk, tsk, some heroes are truly all brawn minus any acting skills.

Sohail (the flop hulk) Khan
Ok, his brother is a superstar known for an awesome physique, (not to forget) long list of girlfriends and temper tantrums. But what is Sohail Khan's claim to fame? Just that he is Salman Khan's brother. We think, this is what must have happened.

Impressed by his elder bro's success, one fine day even Sohail decided to try his luck in films. So he first beefed up, became a director-producer and then made his debut as an actor. Sorry to say, but Mr director-turned-producer-turned-actor, you fail to impress us. While we don't have any words to describe your acting skills, watching your films is a complete waste of time! Remember Hello and God Tussi Great Ho? We wonder who saw these movies?

Suniel (Mr Boring) Shetty
Ok, we loved you as the dumb, bespectacled bechara Ghanshyam in Hera Pheri. But that was the first and last time we liked you. You might be having an awesome physique but your unconventional looks and oh-so-boring dialogue delivery are simply not happening. Your wooden expressions and bad choice of films makes us go eewww!

Now you have even started producing movies that are equally bad. Sorry, anna, you are better off feeding people rather than entertaining them!

Idiva.com, January 12, 2009

Top 5 films of 2008

By Rinky Kumar, Team iDiva
2008 is finally over. Apart from the 26/11 terror attacks that left an indelible impact on everyone's lives, this year will also be remembered for some path-breaking movies.

Films like A Wednesday and Mumbai Meri Jaan that dealt with terrorism and extremism were well-received. Farhan Akhtar's acting debut Rock On was a pleasant watch while the romantic comedy Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na reminded us of our college days. The year ended on a good note with the Khans making a statement of sorts with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini.

Here's our top five favourite films of 2008:

A Wednesday
It portrayed the anger and frustration of the common man who has bored the brunt of umpteen terror attacks. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah portrayed the angst-ridden middle-aged citizen perfectly. Director Neeraj Pandey made an impressive directorial debut.

The Dark Knight
Hollywood hunk Heath Ledger will be best remembered for this role. While we lost this talent in 2008, we also saw him on big screen as the sadistic Joker in The Dark Knight. Christopher Nolan's Batman sequel broke box office records all across the globe.

Rock On
Farhan Akhtar showed us that he can not only direct coming-of age films well but also act and croon in one of them effortlessly. With his curly locks and oh-so-sexy-husky voice, we couldn't get enough of him. Arjun Rampal and Shahana Goswami were the surprise packages.

Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!
Taking the magic of Khosla ka Ghosla magic ahead, director Dibakar Banerjee weaved the story of a charming thief with a pinch of Punjabi tadka. Abhay Deol was loved in the film by one and all, and Paresh Rawal was as funny as always. All in all, we remembered Hrishikesh Mukherji and felt lucky.

Mumbai Meri Jaan
This was the perfect tribute that one could pay to the 26/7 terror attacks that we witnessed in the lifelines of Mumbai metropolis. Award-winning film-maker Nishikant Kamat handled the subject sensitively. Reputed actors like Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay Menon and R Madhavan were impressive.

Songstress on a roll

Sunidhi Chauhan
Till a few years ago, Sunidhi Chauhan was known as a feisty singer who sang only item numbers. Then she was known for her soft, soul-stirring tracks like Le chale (My brother Nikhil) and Bhaage re Man mera (Chameli).

And just when you thought you could slot her as a typical female playback singer crooning romantic numbers, she gives super hit, peppy numbers like Shut up and Bounce (Dostana), Lucky Boy (Bachna Ae Haseenon), Beedi Jalaile (Omkara) and the title track of Cash.

So what exactly is her mettle, you may ask?
"Versatility," says the singer. "I have sung almost all kinds of songs. At the beginning of my career I sang only item numbers and peppy dance tracks. It was Sonu Nigam who told me that I should strive towards being versatile and sing soft numbers too. I practiced diligently and today I'm singing softer, sentimental romantic songs than ever before."

The singer, who first shot to fame after crooning Ruki Ruki si zindagi from Mast, has sung various genres for almost all music composers. "I like to experiment and I'm always on the lookout for something different. If you remember, the title track of Bhoot was neither a soft track nor an item number."

Childhood dreams
The artist's tryst with music started from childhood. She grew up listening to stalwarts like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle. What started as a hobby, soon turned into a passion. She won Meri Aawaz Suno, a national music talent hunt show, and was flooded with Bollywood offers.

Big break
At the age of 11, she got her first break from music director Aadesh Srivastav. Later, Sonu Nigam introduced her to Sandeep Chowta, who was composing music for Ram Gopal Varma's Mast.

Sunidhi recalls the experience vividly, "I was 15 at that time. I was very excited, in fact I was dying to go the mike. It was great fun. In fact, after I sang the song, I cried since I couldn't believe that I had actually sung for a film. I couldn't sleep for two nights out of sheer excitement."

Future plans
The 24-year-old, who has sung in almost all languages, enjoys listening to hard rock, pop, R&B, soul and jazz and admire Beyonce Knowles, Alicia Keys and Paul Simons. Right now, though she's busy with her film projects, she is keen on pursuing her dream project - an international album.

And yes, though she would like to be remembered as a versatile singer, she would hate it if she's known as an artiste who can sing only in a typical style. We are not complaining! Meanwhile, we can't wait to hear what this lovely songstress has in store for us in the near future.

Freudian slip:

Music: Life

Rhythm: Soul

Passion: Music

Dream destination: Koh Tao in Thailand

Turn ons: Great video, nice fragrance

Turn offs: Liars

Five things that you can't do without: CDs, music, mobile phone, car and a good workout.

idiva.com January 6, 2009