Author: Aditi Malhotra
Marketing & Social Media Consultant | Content Writer & Columnist | Events & Wedding Planner | Award Winning Home Chef | Home Baker | Artist | Photography Enthusiast

‘31st October’ Makers To Donate Part Of Box-Office Collections To 1984 Widow Colony Residents

The makers of upcoming dramatic thriller ‘31st October’ starring Vir Das and Soha Ali Khan, which is based on a Sikh family’s struggle for survival during the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom, have decided to donate a portion of their box-office collections for a noble cause.

red-teaser
It seems that a part of the collections will be donated to the Widow Colony in Tilak Vihar, Delhi, which provides shelter to thousands of families affected during the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom in the aftermath of the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

solo-soha
The film team had visited Widow Colony while preparing for the film and had spoken to many residents there to get an idea of the situation during the 1984 riots. Needless to say, the incidents that the residents shared with the film team moved them to such an extent that they decided to do something for them.

 

Confirming the same, writer-producer Harry Sachdeva said, “When we visited the Widow Colony for research purposes for our film, we were so emotionally overwhelmed at the plight of the families residing there that we decided to share a part of the revenue collected from the film with them.”

20x10
Produced by writer-producer Harry Sachdeva and Magical Dreams Productions Pvt Ltd, co-produced by Anand Prakash, directed by National award winner Shivaji Lotan Patil, and released by Panorama Studios, ‘31st October’, which is slated to release on October 21, is a glimpse into the controversial dark chapter of India’s History.


Background: “31st October” is the first ever Bollywood film on the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s Assasination and the Anti Sikh Violence that followed.
Check out the trailer here

Tandoori Knockouts- A Mind-Blowing Take Away in Gurgaon!

Tandoori Knockouts, an amazing take away tucked in the Super Mart, DLF Phase 4, Gurgaon is bliss for anyone who loves Tandoori Preparations. I recently along with some foodie friends tried a few of their dishes and the experience turned out to be a really good one.


The dishes I tried were:


Chicken Tandoori Momos: These have become a rage now, but very few places are able to deliver the authentic tandoori taste, I am glad TKs did it quite well. The flavours were perfect and I can gorge on them anytime of the day.

img_7621

img_7626

Chicken Afgani Momos: They seem little subtle especially if you try them after the tandoori momos, because of the spice quotient. But those who prefer mild taste and wanna go for a melt in the mouth experience, definitely should try these Afgani momos. img_7631

Veg Tandoori Momos: They were as perfectly done as their non-veg counter part. The spices and the flavours were awesome. Those who are vegetarians can enjoy authentic tandoori taste without any compromises. In spite of being a har core non-vegetarian, I loved them.

img_7618

Veg Afgani Momos: Yummy and delectable, a perfect delight for those who love mild tastes and are vegetarian.

img_7639

Chicken Tikka: Nicely roasted with tandoori spices, this one was surely a winner. I just loved them. Soft and tender chicken, done to perfection, this is a must try from the menu.

img_7625

Soya Malai Chaap: I am very fond of soya chaps, but I have to say that as compared to other dishes, this didn’t sit too well with me. I found it to be a little dry, there could have been a little more masala to it and I am sure Tandoori Knockouts will take my suggestion in a positive manner.

img_7635

Paneer Tikka: I very rarely find the paneer tikka made well, because normally the masala is not coated too well, which after a couple of bites, make the paneer tikka taste bland, but at TKs, the masala was very well coated and made the entire paneer tikka carry the taste. Also the veggies along with it were well coated and tasted equally good.

img_7636

Paneer Malai Tikka: This one really melted in my mouth, I loved the flavours and texture of this one. It was very soft, mild and yet flavourful. This one was one delectable experience and must be tried.

img_7641

Also the other thing that I loved about Tandoori Knockouts was their quantity and sizes of each item. I mean whether the momos or the tikkas, the sizes were huge and quantity enough to fill one person completely. The pricing is also very very reasonable and I am sure this will make Tandoori Knockouts your favourite for those evening snacks, quick dinners and just like that foodie experiences. Do try them out.


Tandoori KnockOuts Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Arabian Culinary Night – VITS Luxury Hotel, Mumbai

TAFATHALO was the word that resonated while I was welcomed at the VITS Luxury Hotel for the Arabic Food Festival. The word “Tafathalo” means “Do me the honor” in the Arabic dialect. It is an invitation to come to the table. And yes, once again the culinary wizards of VITS Luxury Hotel had crafted for its patrons the Arabian delights over the month. Aptly translating the tradition of hosting a guests for a meal, which is an old honored tradition in the Arabic World and an expression of hospitality, VITS this time served an array of Arabian delicacies.

The Arabic cuisine is of a rich diversity of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian food. But with the arrival of western business associates in the Arab land, their tastes and preferences also led to spice-up the Arab cooking. And this time the delicious diversity was served in a platter at the VITS Luxury Hotel during the Arabic Food Festival.

img_20160927_202404318

While the menu comprised of Non-Veg & Veg recipes, it was chiefly based on starters. But yes, these scrumptiously flavorsome dishes were incredibly wholesome and pampered the taste buds with utmost care. Accompanied by Mr. Aloy Fernandes Manager (VITS, Luxury Hotel), I embarked on a gastronomic adventure that literally left me salivating for more.


The Arabian culinary night began with Falafel – Incredible Falafel Burger. This one was not just conventional but the one that was incredibly presented. The taste was such that it would give a fried chicken run for its fame. It was crafted like a miniature burger with deep fried blend of grounded chickpeas & spices in between the pieces of Peta Bread. This incredible invention was born in the kitchen of VITS. Trust my word, after savoring this palatable delicacy I learnt that it was a veg recipe! Complemented with Lebanese Dip, Hummus & bowl of Fattoush which comprised of lettuces, pepper, pickle as well as parsley, this recipe graduated to be so astonishing that it lured a pure non-vegetarian like me to ask for more.

img_20160927_205427917-a img_20160927_204705371-a

img_20160927_204827564-a

After devouring the Falafel, the next Arabian recipe was Kibbeh. They are to die for! Kibbeh, kubbeh or kokeba all mean “the shape of a ball” in Arabic. These finely baked & deep fried crispy morsels of lamb meat were deliciously succulent. They tasted just too out of this planet! No Shami Kebab can even graduate as a substitute for this, a must try for every foodie.

 

img_20160927_210600499a

img_20160927_210622868a

img_20160927_210855991a

Casting a spell with its lip-smacking taste was Shish Taouk. Boneless chicken cubes marinated in garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and grilled on skewers with peppers, this innovation tasted fabulously appetizing. Every bite was truly wholesome with the grill flavor lingering in the mouth. Crispy on outside and tender within, the Shish Taouk was one of its kind.

img_20160927_211755709-ab

img_20160927_211719944-ab

The essential concept in the Arabic cuisine is hospitality and with great warmth , chivalry, VITS served me with yet another saporous dish knows as Lebanese Sumac Prawns. Sumac is a tangy, lemony, berry-red spice that goes well with grilled fish and prawns. The prawns were luxuriously marinated with Sumac, special spices and slowly grilled to render the reviewer speechless. Yes! this recipe was another tantalizing treat for my taste buds. It was complemented with soft Peta bread & tempting Garlic Dip.

img_20160927_214458405 imageedit_1_4423809748

imageedit_1_9236192636

The non-veg mezze offered each portion of all its non-veg recipes in a platter complemented with the accompaniments. While The Veg Mezze comprised of Falafel (Incredible Falafel Burger), Spinach Bell Pepper, Mushroom & Cheese Fatayer & Orfali Kebab.

Spinach Fatayer; a baked puff affluently infused with assorted bell pepper, spinach, mushroom & feta cheese was amazing. And the last but not the least Orfali Kebab was just an another fabulous crunchy veggie cousin replicating boneless fried chicken strips. This was yet another Arabic veggie delight which I savored and I believe that an ardent foodie must grab a bite of it.imageedit_3_5492179676

imageedit_5_7038981646

imageedit_6_2973014492

imageedit_7_3035461191

Fattoush, Lebanese Dip & Hummus were the star accompaniments. Specifically crafted to augment the palatable taste of every appetizer that was brought over the table. Also, the entire cuisine was cooked in Olive oil which added to the flavor. The Hummus was olive-oil flavored, Lebanese dip was flavored with hung-curd & thyna paste, and the Fattoush Salad ingredients i.e. lettuce, pepper, olive & parsley were stir fried with Olive Oil.

img_20160927_225904537

The idea of Arabic Food Festival was brewed in the kitchen of VITS where Chef Hemant & Chef Arnald charted out the flavorsome journey of Arabian cuisine for the guests. The courteous & friendly duo were present with me throughout the evening. Their passion to serve new cuisines & recipes every time makes VITS Luxury Hotel a hub to savor fabulous delicacies every time.

imageedit_9_4958735667

The festival concludes by the end of this month. So, go ahead and relish the cuisine of Arabia specially crafted for the admirers of world cuisines. After all, VITS is the place to treat your taste buds with incredibly flavorsome signature delicacies that are dished out every time.


 

Poolside - VITS Hotel Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Star World and Star World HD Bring Back QUANTICO Season 2…!!

Star World and Star World HD, organised a special screening of Quantico Season 2 at Hauz Khas Social. The screening was for a selected few media people and the best thing about the screening was that we got to see the first episode of Quantico Season 2, an hour before the nationwide telecast.

img_7687

The evening began with a small quiz on Quantico and three lucky winners got a chance to grab cool headphones from Star World. Next was a video message by Priyanka Chopra followed by the screening of first episode.

img_7698

For us Indians, the most important part of Quantico is presence of our very own Priyanka Chopra. Awesome is the word that comes to mind when you see her perform with so much ease and poise. She makes India proud by making her presence felt on the International platform. To be cast for the Season 2 speaks volumes for her popularity and talent.

img_7699

Going by the first episode, which was gripping, thrilling, exciting, intriguing and much more, I am sure that season 2 has a lot more to offer than season 1. There will be much more secrets, action and thrill, and I am so looking forward to the entire season. Cant wait for the second episode. If you are Priyanka Chopra fan, you will love her more, if not, watch this and you will fall in love with her. She is just amazing.

img_7690

If at all you have missed the first episode, don’t repeat your mistake, catch Quantico every Monday at 9PM on Star World and Star World HD. Its worth keeping your Monday nights free for this immensely promising season 2 of Quantico.


I am grateful to Star World and Star World HD for inviting me for this special screening and making me realise what I missed the last season. But not anymore, I will be glued to my TV screen every Monday..and hope you do the same!


Happy Viewing 🙂

 

Master Chef India is back with Season 5 – #notjustahobby

Come 1st of October and Master Chef India Season 5 takes off on Star Plus. After a successful run of four seasons this time the show comes to you with a very different perspective.This season promises to be more of a Talent Hunt show for some of the finest cooks the judges could identify . The focus theme is #notjustahobby and the judges want to see people who take cooking not just a hobby but more as a passion and turning it into a profession.

Retaining Chef Vikas Khanna, who has been part of Master Chef since season 2, Master Chef, this year brings back Chef Kunal Kapur who was seen only the first season of the show and also the new addition to the judges profile is
Zoravar Kalra the owner of many popular restaurants like the Farzi Cafe, Masala Library, Masala Bar etc;

unnamed-3

Recently a press conference was organised at Farzi Cafe in CP, where in all the three judges shared their excitement to be a part of the show with the audience. Each one of them has been given specific tasks for their show and I am sure its gonna be really exciting to watch them bring an element of freshness.

unnamed-4

Chef Vikas Khanna has been entrusted with the responsibility to bring in some new elements for the participants to face.
Master Chef Kunal Kapur too is busy giving the show more depth and insight.
As per Zoravar Kalra he mentioned at the press conference that this time the viewers are going to see a lot of new gadgets on the show.

unnamed-5
Chef Vikas Khanna says that India is full of talent and their background and experience bring forth a cutting edge to the show.As Vikas says India is a land of wonders and you will get to see that in some of the amazing participants they have chosen.
Chef Kunal Kapur echoes the sentiment and said that India has treasure full of Talent which they could feel coming through in the auditions.
Master Chef Season 5 will also emphasize the fact that not only cooking is a passion but also requires a great bit of grit and determination to really bring the cooking to a form of Art.
People from all walks of life with diverse backgrounds have participated in the show making it all the more exciting.
So come October 1st switch on to Star Plus on Saturday/Sunday at 8pm and catch all the excitement! Don’t forget to tune in!

An evening with designer & entrepreneur Pooja Bhutani and ace photographer Akash Das before their Calendar Launch!

Elysian Dessire a brainchild of fashion designer and entrepreneur Pooja Bhutaniwho have come with this fabulous idea of launching a Calendar featuring some dynamic Indian Woman Achievers from across the globe
to be shot by the wizard of photography Akash Das.

325

img-20160519-wa0004
Elysian Desire brings a fresh look into fashion with emphasis on luxury and style without compromising on quality.
Pooja Bhutani’s signature collection for the label represents old world elegance combined with the latest global trends.
While Elysian Desire focuses on the design content Pooja’s creativity brings in a purist approach to the Label.

An insight into Pooja’s approach towards her newly launched enterprise Elysian Desire was very heartening to note.She wants to dress up women irrespective of their shape or size. She has a very simplistic approach that no matter your body shape or size every woman has the right and deserves to dress up. She infuses confidence that you dress up well and look good. The mantra is to believe in yourself and carry yourself with confidence. Let the world go take a walk just dress up for yourself and feel good about it because that’s what matters most. Great thought. Great attitude. Here is a sneak peek from her collection.

_mns8471-copy

5k9a0810

5k9a0902

black-b

mustard-a
In the first edition the Calendar will feature Global Indian Divas from Hong Kong and other Far Eastern Countries. Real women, Real Achievers who are a force to contend with.
The ladies will be shot by Akash Das the ace photographer who really doesn’t need an introduction.To name a few of his achievements,he has been a pioneer in the art of visual communication and photography with innumerable awards to his name.
Awarded as one of the ten most influential people in photography industry adjudged by Ernst & Young in 2013-14.
The only photographer whose black n white exhibition ‘In Search Of Asian Nudes’ got engraved in the Limca Book Of World Records.
He has a long association with leading brands like Nikon and Canon.
He is the brand ambassador for Sandisk.
He has held more than ten solo exhibitions across the Globe and also has four coffee table books to his credit.He has also shot a long list of celebrities. Here are some of Akash’s previous works.

ladera-2

original-image

puskar-2

spotlight
An interesting point I picked up talking to Akash Das is that he always clicks with hand held camera be it fashion photography or wild life.Wild life photography involves cameras weighing six to eight kgs. He never uses tripod for them. He has another very fascinating side to his photography. While shooting he clicks non-stop without even once looking down to see in the view finder. He believes that the one split second when you tend to look down may cost you a frame which you should have actually captured and I completely agree with him. He simply carries every click back to his studio,views them and only then discards what he feels is not right. No wonder people call him a genius.


I think and hope the joining together of one zealous entrepreneur and a genius photographer will bring us a really breathtaking Calendar. To add the glamour, Surbhi, a well known make up artist and hair stylist is also on the panel.We had a pleasant evening spending time with these maestros at Frat House, Hauz Khas Village, where this exclusive pre-launch meet was organised.
We wish the venture all the best and a huge success.

img_9546

img_9559

img_9561

img_9563
Next year young Pooja herself might feature as one of the Great Indian Women Achievers. Here’s wishing her great success.
I am sure it will have a great inspirational value for all the global Indian women.
Eagerly awaiting for the launch of this great idea.

Maharaja Bhog – The tale of Royal Thali

Battled scarred heritage, nurturing pride and tradition, ancient Aravallis, Sun-kissed golden sand dunes, marvelous forts & palaces that can only be described as the architectural wonders, such a land of Kings is a standing testimony to the history of Imperial India. The cuisine from the land too has earned zillion admirers across the globe. Rajasthan, a kingdom well-endowed with richness of art, culture & history has a long standing tradition of welcoming every guests stating “PADHARO MHAARE DESH”. And the same thought is well-translated into reality by Maharaja Bhog. Styled in an opulent Marwar fashion with illuminated pillars and mirrored ceilings having a gold & beige theme sketched across the property, the fine-dine spoke volumes about imperial grandeur through its ambience.

20160923_211857

20160923_211907

20160923_212442

The staff was incredibly courteous, friendly and patient. If there is a way to show the warm hospitality of India and the welcoming personality of Rajasthan, then it is here where one can live the experience. The philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” is deep rooted in the restaurant’s code of conduct and which is why all the guests are hosted warmly with great care. The legacy is not just limited to the hospitality but also it is reflected through the recipes which are crafted with great care.


Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the Manager – RewaSinghJi and his waiting staff, who explained the menu in detail. When I expressed to capture the warm hospitality of this place in lenses, they tirelessly expedited the process. Once you place yourself, a guy comes with Brass pitcher and basin to help you wash your hands in a princely manner and another offers a napkin to mop your hands dry. After this ritual of pampering you with comforts at your fingertips, a wait staff arrives with a bowl of coins and a ceramic cow – similar to a piggybank. As part of Gowseva* you may pick one coin and put it through.

20160923_204434

The journey of savoring Rajasthani culinary commenced on a delectable note where first they served Kesar sharbat as a welcome drink. And then it started with 3 snacks – Potli Kachori, Veg Handva Dhokla & the special Pizza Papdi Chat. Of the served starters, the one I couldnt ressist just not once but twice and thrice, was the fingerlickilicious Papdi Chaat.

20160923_205058a

20160923_205853

Rajasthani Curries can be spicy yet tangy and can be categorized into Dal & Kadhi. The one I savored to the tee was Teekhi Dal & Rajasthani Kadhi which were a part of the menu that day. Indian breads mostly known as Rotis, Parathas, Puris have a long-serving relation with the Rajputanas. The cuisine was complemented with the 3 types of breads i.e. Paneer Veg Parantha, Mithi Roti i.e. Jowri Roti complemented with sweet curd& sweetboondi.

20160923_205529

20160923_205753

20160923_210429

I must confess that Rajasthani Kadhi was simply scrumptiously-fantabulous. Enticingly piquant veggies like Tiranga Rasgulla ki Sabzi, Palak Rajma, Aloo Patal Bhaaji , Kanda Pitla were accompanied with papad & chutenty, choonda alongwith Dahi-Raita.

20160923_210056

20160923_210206

20160923_210530

20160923_204722

While the rice platter comprised of 2 variety i.e. Khichdi & Steam rice, the Thali also consisted of lip smacking Corn Ka Halwa & Shrikhand. The Manager – RewaSinghJi shared a fact that the menu changes everyday which mean 30 different menus for a month. Well, that’s quite amazing.

20160923_210909 20160923_205333

There’s one thing I feel it would be unjust on my part to share is the essence. It was delicious lip-smacking, scrumptious but what made it so special is the essence of warmth about the home-made feel that lingered while relishing the Thali. And only a blessed few succeed in discovering the warmth of home-made recipes being away from home!

20160923_210419

Trust me, this time I was touched by the warmth of the cuisine, culture & courteousness. So don’t wait any further, head straight to Maharaja Bhog and enjoy these authentic vegetarian thali and get your taste buds tingling!


 

Maharaja Bhog - Premium Veg Thali Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

ITDC celebrates 50 golden years with 50% discount across hotels..!!

Marking the successful completion of 50 golden years of excellence in tourism, travel and hospitality industry, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the only public sector undertaking under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism has announced flat 50% discount on rooms across The Ashok group of Hotels. The hospitality and tourism giant also unveiled flat 25% off on food and beverages across ITDC-owned restaurants, room services and cake shops. Beginning today (September 24, 2016), the offers will continue till October 8, 2016 and will include many other promotional activities at different restaurants across ITDC properties. Shri Umang Narula Chairman & Managing Director, ITDC conveyed his gratitude to all the guests and stake holders including Ministry of Tourism for continued support in its Journey of 50 years.

treat-like-never-before-itdc

ITDC’s hotel division runs under the banner ‘The Ashok Group of Hotels” best described as the epitome of Indian grandeur along with a touch of classic Indian hospitality. The hospitality division (HC division) operates 8 ITDC owned hotels, 5 joint venture hotels, 3 catering establishments and a standalone restaurant across all major tourist destinations in India in addition to managing prestigious Hyderabad House as well Vigyan Bhawan at New Delhi. The Celebration offer is valid at the Ashok Group’s hotels present at New Delhi, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Bhopal, Ranchi Guwahati, Patna, Mysore, Puducherry and Itanagar.


Talking about the golden jubilee celebrations, Shri Piyush Tiwari, Director (Commercial and Marketing), ITDC said, “It is a moment of pride and fulfillment for all of us at ITDC. As ITDC completes its 50 glorious years of operations across tourism and hospitality industry, it brings me immense pleasure to invite everyone to be a part of these revelries at The Ashok group of hotels, our standalone restaurants and all our joint venture hotels. Besides discounts and promotions, we also have many interesting food cum cultural engagements planned for our guests. 50 years is a great achievement for ITDC and we trust our guests come out full throttle to join us in these celebrations.”


Apart from discounts and promotions, the guests will also witness many cultural and entertainment activities that the organization plans to run at its hotels and restaurants across country. As the group’s flagship hotel at New Delhi ‘The Ashok’ also completes its 60 years, every 50th lucky guest will win the ‘Ashok Elite Card’ that will be valid for two years and will entitle the winner a discount of 25% on Room Tariff at The Ashok, New Delhi including its specialty fine-dining restaurants ‘The Oudh’, ‘The Frontier’, 24*7 coffee shop ‘The Samavar’ and the Cake Shop”.


Talking about the organization’s success in recent past, Mr. Tiwari said, “Last few years have been full of achievements for ITDC. Our profits not only from the hospitality division but other divisions have also increased significantly. We are focusing on all the Verticals of ITDC like Ashok Tours & Travels (ATT), Ashok Events (AE), Ashok International Trade Division (AITD), Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management (AIHTM), Sound & Light Division (SEL), Ashok Consultancy & Engineering (ACE) to improve our overall performance and profitability across segments, while maintaining our core competence and without missing on our social responsibility as a Public Sector Undertaking”.


About India Tourism Development Corporation

ITDC was incorporated in 1966 with a mandate to develop and expand tourism infrastructure in the country. The Corporation has been moving ahead with consistent efforts on development, growth and world class services and amenities to its guests. Apart from running Hotels the ITDC has diversified into non hotel sectors like Ticketing, Tours and Travels, Event Management ,Duty Free Shopping, Publicity & printing consultancy, Engineering Consultancy ,mounting Sound & Light Shows ,Hospitality education and skill development– all under one roof.

 

Premium basmati rice brand Amira, in a delightful cook up with celebrity chef Ripu Daman Handa at Mumbai Exhibition.

Biryani is the ultimate pièce de résistance of many a feast. The NYSE listed Amira Specialty Food Company has been in operations over 100 years. It generates majority of its revenue from its premium long-grain basmati rice surely an affirmation of the prominence of basmati rice well established in the psyche of ordinary consumers and professional cooks alike, while preparing Biryani and other rice dishes. This slow-aged mature rice is cultivated at the base of the Himalayas in select parts of India and Pakistan. Amira basmati rice is very fragrant and has a nutty flavor, the two indispensable features of long-grained rice mentioned in ancient texts as well.

amira-foods-karan-a-chanana-amira-foods-was-founded-in-1915

AMIRA offers an extensive portfolio of brands that have been carefully developed to appeal to local markets around the world. Customer tastes and expectations have been finely segmented to deliver authentic flavor that go well with a variety of popular cuisines.
To showcase this sophistication of Amira extra long grain basmati rice, it participated in the food industry’s biggest international exhibition & conference, “Annapoorna– World of Food India Mumbai” held in Mumbai at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from September 22-24, 2016. Amira also invited celebrity chef Ripu Daman Handa for a cooking session where they discovered the flavors and tastes of different rice types of rice.

img_8001
The day began with Chef inaugurating the session by cutting a ribbon and was felicitated by team from Amira.

img_8006

img_8007

img_8009

Then there was a great interactive session with the media and the audience where the chef cooked various dishes with Amira Basmati rice. He was dressed casually in jeans and shirt and so was his attitude.

img_8058

img_8112

img_8114

Very friendly and humble, he dished out the signature dish of Amira the Canope Indiano which was served as a entre to the people. This was followed by cooking Brinjal Rice with a South Indian flavour, this was a big hit & then the session continued with him dishing out Green Peas Pulao & Veg Biryani.

img_8120

img_8123

img_8164

img_8173

img_8176

img_8178

Audience interacted with the chef and asked him about his personal journey and also his take on the Amiras products etc.
Amira also provided a wet sample of its Biryani on September 22 and 24. Guests were thrilled to be part of this unique experience and it furthered their interest in gastronomy. This event was truly a fun filled experience and I loved being part of it.

img_8182

Amira brand commands its equity under the leadership of fourth generation founding family of Chanana’s. Chairman Mr. Karan A Chanana has revamped it into a contemporary global brand and won several prestigious awards on the way. Mr. Chanana attributes this to having a “foodconnect” and a “passion for purity” in the brand’s relationship with consumers, farmers and communities.
Presently, Amira’s rice brand is present in 5 continents across the globe and is projected to have a footprint in more countries by 2017.

Textile looks that ruled the ramp at india runway week winter festive 2016..!!

We have been hearing a lot about make in india under PM Modi and even Smriti Irani promoting weavers of India and Indian textile lately and so did the textile and make in India ruled the ramp of lately held IFFD’s India Runway Week Season7.

The opening show on DAY1 was completely dedicated to Indian textiles where Bibi Russel’s “Rajasthali” showcased varied khadi looks. Daniel Siyem showcased north eastern textiles under his collection “Breathe Easy”. We saw colors, Pret collections nicely done and easy to wear.

bibi-russell-final

DAY1 later in the evening witnessed Ishithaa Design House by Deepika Sana Reddy showcased south Indian textiles. The winter festive bridal wear neatly done for any south indian bride is a must see for everyone south Indian. Stuido AV by Gaurav and Nitesh showcased textile Bridal wear. For anyone who thinks that textiles can be just plain piece of cloth is completely wrong. The drama, art textures colors all were seen in his collection.

ishitha-design-house

The Day 2 also witnessed textile designers such as Manika Sureka, Mithi Kalra and Disha Doshi Gandhi. “Euphoria” by Disha Doshi Gandhi, Captivating Ikat patterns have been used, whose colors reflect local heritage and are bright and contrasting, as per the theme of the collection. Geometry plays a considerate part within the whole collection. Since winter/festive collection, they used jackets, overcoats and scarves to complete the look. Designer has used Vionnet draping techniques implying the digital, futuristic structure that a person distingerates into.

dishadoshi-gandhi

THE FLUTE ENCHANTER by Manika Surekha is the inspiration of the collection comes from the magnificent life of lord Krishna. Use of hand painted motifs with a fusion of fabrics forms the center of my collection. While keeping my inspiration as my focus in all my creations, the garments are very fresh and modern. The exaggerated flow in the garments is perfect for all body types. People long for the enchantments and gaieties of the rich lifestyle of lord Krishna and that is exactly what my collection lends. Enchanting flowers, peacocks, cows are symbolic of my collection which is in hues of the color blue. The use of many fabrics in one garment is my USP and that has been used extensively in this collection.

manika-sureka

” THE INDIAN DISNEY STORY”, by designer Mithi Kalra, speaks for itself. Dresses, gowns suited for a Princess, based on the traditional art of Madhubani, hand embroidered on pure silks and organza. The collection wonderfully and imaginatively combines the grace of a bygone era, with the modern day fashion. Madhubani painting is practiced in the Mithila state of Nepal and in the Bihar state of India. Painting is done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, using natural dyes and pigments, and is characterized by eye-catching geometrical patterns. There is ritual content for particular occasions, such as birth or marriage, and festivals, such as Holi, Surya Shasti,Kali Puja, Upanayanam, Durga Puja.

mithi-kalra-2

Last but not lease Day 3 witnessed maximum textile designers such as Shilpa Chaurasia, Gauri Couture, Amru by Chandak Jena, Kanchankuntala Das, D n A by Deblina and Atul. BRIDALSUTRA by designer Shilpa Chourasia is the cerebral modern bride splurges on her trousseau as smartly as she plans her big crazy wedding.

Taking ques from her convertible lifestyle, designer Shilpa Chaurasia have crafted a genius Lehenga, which wraps and unwraps into two distinct styles. In time of instant gratification, the bridal designs are updated with easy quirky style solution for such immediate fashion transformation.

shilpa-chaurasia

THEME-Talk of the blocks presented by KanchanKuntala Das is made of blocks of fabric with balanced yet discontinued use of embroidery. The material used is handloom cotton and the multicolor hand embroidery shapes up the story of the collection. This collection is about the outrageous and lavish use of colors in single silhouettes. This is just to make people understand how dramatic and glamorous handloom can be if used in a different way.

kanchakuntala-das

Amru by Chhandak Jana presents Padm’e The enchanting, elaborate and mystical Lotus motifs used in the wall paintings of Ajanta caves serve as the central theme for this collection. The lotus rooted in the mud blooms and blossoms into a beautiful flower, it detaches itself from the mud, grows through purifying water and reaches for sunlight- each of the garment in the collection uses lotus as a metaphor and points towards an individuals’ desire and aspiration for enlightenment.

chandak-jana

“Riwayat -ethereal rendition of Phulkari” collection by “Gauri couture” was an attempt to revive traditional art of handmade Phulkari by creating avenues of employment and social empowerment for rural women of Punjab. The collection was an ode to phulkari artisans. Bringing the models in vibrant colors of phulkari and bling of gotta work Gauri couture designers Nikheil, Rivendra and Twinkle shows ensembles that move in perfect harmony in style, silhouette and form. The collection offers women wear and menswear featuring silhouettes ranging from lehngas, robes, jackets, jodhpur pants, pakistani salwar, saree and kurtas. Collection is global in nature with mix of elegance, purism, exquisite craftsmanship i.e. handmade “Phulkari” with Style ranging from Avant-garde to classic.

gauri-couture
For the first time ever in the history of Indian Fashion weeks some designer has showcased knit wear made in Indian wool. Deblina and Atul premiered their collection –ARABESQUE which is entirely made up of Eco and skin- friendly Bamboo yarns knitted together to create magic spelling interesting ensembles. ARABESQUE the theme was indeed true to the amalgamation of contemporary and classical silhouettes and motifs. The range envisaged contemporary stylised drapes and fits, twisted in interesting colours to harmonise and knitted together in bamboo to form larger than life grandeur silhouettes . Shrugs and capes with the contemplating enlarged sleeves and spiral falls in knits stylized the models.

dna