Hyderabadi Delicacies at Renaissance Hotel

Nawab Saheb, the restaurant known for its simply great kebabs at the Renaissance Hotel brings to you 'Shahi Dastarkhwan', the Hyderabadi food festival starting February 6th to 22nd, 7.00 p.m. onwards.

Chef Uttam Shah along with his team will offer the most exotic and mouth watering Hyderabadi delicacies. Blended well in a selection of herbs and spices and cooked to the right texture with special Dum Pukht style of cooking, the special course includes dishes like Murgh Taati Kebab, Kebab Shikampure, Murtabak, Ghost Udayagiri, Haleem, Chandni Khorma and a variety of famous Hyderabadi Biryanis. This Hyderabadi treat is priced at Rs. 499 per person.

For table reservations, call 56928888.

Heard something terrible today...a friend was fired from her job for threatening to blow the whistle on her boss, who has been coming onto her for the past two years, and in the process has made office life severely traumatic for her all this while. She stuck out because she needed the job as she has a lot of financial responsibilities, but when things became so bad that she started feeling physically insecure in the workplace and threatened to tell his wife, he fired her.

To think that this could happen in 21st century Bombay sounds unbelievable, but in the last few months I have heard of at least 2 more cases of the same sort.

One can't even begin to imagine how emotionally traumatic this kind of situation is for a woman...it just shatters you and makes you loose all confidence in yourself. And the worst part is that the law does not really help, or rather is not able to help, because these perverts are too smart to leave any sort of evidence. Your colleagues all know about it, but will not stand up for you in court as they are scared of the repercussions their testimony will have on their jobs. And, most unfortunately, the industry hates whistle blowers and there is a good chance that you might never get another job if you become too militant. Sad but true!

Is there a solution to this mess?

Valentines Day at JW Marriott

Ishq is in the air at the JW Marriott Hotel, Mumbai this Valentines Day but so are fun, drama and, yes, Indian history!

Come celebrate the passion of love at Saffron as those legendary lovers Salim and Anarkali experienced it… but with a happy ending of course! A glass of rose flavoured sherbet will put you in the mood for a special three-course meal especially made in honour of the famed couple. And amidst all that history and romance, we want you to create special memories you'll treasure for life with a complimentary Polaroid for all guests. The vegetarian three-course meal is priced at Rs. 600 and non-vegetarian at Rs. 750 per head.

Continuing on the same note is Lotus Cafe where you could order Mahi Dilbagh and Mahi Anarkali as part of the Indian menu. You can choose between Indian and continental cuisine as part of the dinner buffet, which is priced at Rs. 695 per head.

If champagne, roses, candlelight and romantic guitar music are more your style then the Mezzo Mezzo Valentines Special Evening is for you. Chef Danio believes the way to the heart is through the stomach (as only Italians can) and he’s getting there through a scrumptious four-course meal. Each couple gets two complimentary glasses of champagne each as well as a chance to win exciting prizes. A four-course meal is Rs. 1400 per person.

Spice up your love life at Spices. Valentines evening brings a special four course set menu at Rs. 2500 per couple with two complimentary glasses of Indian wine or, if love is your only high, a mocktail.

Please call 56933000.

The police department carousel takes another spin. Now its Mumbai's latest Police Commissioner -- PS Pasricha -- who has been shunted off (they call it "promoted") to become Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Police Welfare and Housing Corporation. Its AN Roy's turn to come to Mumbai now. He was, till this morning, Police Commissioner of Pune. Pune will now be under VN Deshmukh, who used to be Commissioner of State Intelligence.

Nobody, including Pasricha, seems to know the reason behind this shuffling...but then our government does not really have a reputation for transparency to hold up, does it??

Its a pity, because Pasricha really was good for Bombay :(

Have switched over to Sify Broadbandfrom today, which should (hopefully) solve all the connectivity problems that I have been having over the past month. Which, obviously, means that I should be able to update my blog more often!

Picked up the inaugural edition of Tarun Tejpal's Tehelka newspaper today. Looks good...after so long its wonderful to come across news articles that actually have something to say, and are not just dependent on gimmicks and pretty pictures to hold the reader's attention. Read the lead article -- "George Bush has a big conversion agenda for India", which talks about how missionary-run operations have put in place a system which enables the US government to access any ethnographic information on any location virtually at the click of the mouse, and then use it to their own ends.

Still have to go through the rest of the newspaper, so will get back on that later. If its vintage Tejpal, then the claims of being "The People's Paper" will surely be well justified. Tehelka would be an interesting newspaper to work for, except as one journo friend put it, "When you are writing for Tarun Tejpal, you never know when you might have to spend a few days in prison!"

Still, I really admire the man -- if anyone can change Indian journalism and free it from corruption and bureaucratic tangles, it is Tejpal!! Sort of makes one want to start re-believing in all the romantic ideals we once had of changing the world, before the cynicism set in. All the best to the Tehelka team!!

Another newspaper that is changing the nature of Indian journalism is The Times of India, but that's not really a good kind of change. Unfortunately, because the TOI continues to be one of India's most powerful newspapers, and we all sort of look upto it in a way. That's why its all the more disappointing to see the main lead on the venerated Edit Page being a Shobhaa De society-ish column, and the debate centerpiece being something as superficial as Sony TV's Jassi. This is not to say that Shobhaa De is not a good writer -- in her genre she is one of the best -- its just that the Edit page is really for something more substantive and important.

Another thing is this Medianet business of TOI -- selling editorial content so blatantly somehow just does not seem ethical. How are readers supposed to distinguish between what is tried-and-tested good and what is just a plug??? And what about companies and organizations who cannot afford the hefty asking fees for Medianet...does this mean that their events, news and launches will be totally ignored? This somehow reeks of editorial blackmail to me!

So, Friends has finally wound up. I know this does not seem relevant to a blog on Bombay, but the entire charm of this 10-year-old television series was that it spoke not only of life in the USofA, but was relevant for young adults all over the world. I, personally, have found huge similarities between my existence and the lives of these six people as they navigate through personal and professional ups and downs. Guess thats what one means by a "modern classic" -- one that finds empathisers across geographical and chronological boundaries!

I wonder how it would be to be able to live with a group of your best pals for years on end. There would be no need for pretense, to try to be someone that you are not, and there would always be a shoulder to rant and rave on. Families are great, but sometimes parental love does depend on your "being good" and fulfilling certain expectations. And sometimes you dont want to be good...you just want to be!

Yes, friends fight...they argue, they squabble, they disagree, but at the end of the day your true friends are those with whom you find it easy to forgive and forget and move on, taking all eccentricities and foibles and character flaws in your stride. They are there to advice you, but dont try to run your life for you; and if you mess up, they dont gloat with "I told you so", but just pitch in to repair the mess. They may not agree with you all the time, but are not judgmental if you go against their norms. And best of all, they know everything about you but will never, ever use it for their personal ends!

Chitra, Dipali and Amit, thanks for being all of the above for me. We have moved apart geographically and dont manage to meet more than a couple of times a year, but I love you guys and could not have managed life without you!! This is for you guys:

So no-one told you
Life was gonna be this way
Your jobs a joke
You're broke
Your love life's DOA

It's like you're always stuck in second gear
And when it hasn't been your day
Your week
Your month
Or even your year, but

I'll be there for you
When the rain starts to fall
I'll be there for you
Like I've been there before
I'll be there for you
Cos you're there for me too

You're still in bed at ten
And work began at eight
You've burned your breakfast so far
Things are going great
Your mother warned you
There'd be days like these
But she didn't tell you when
The world was brought
Down to your knees, and

I'll be there for you
When the rain starts to fall
I'll be there for you
Like I've been there before
I'll be there for you
Cos you're there for me too

No-one could ever know me
No-one could ever see me
Seems you're the only one who knows
What it's like to be me
Someone to face the day with
Make it through all the rest with
Someone that I'll always laugh with
Even at my worst I'm best with you, yeah

It's like you're always stuck in second gear
And when it hasn't been your day
Your week
Your month
Or even your year

I'll be there for you
When the rain starts to fall
I'll be there for you
Like I've been there before
I'll be there for you
Cos you're there for me too

I'll be there for you
I'll be there for you
I'll be there for you
Cos you're there for me too

(I did not pen the words, but the emotions stand!)

I am putting together a project on how journalism and blogging influence each other, and how weblogs are changing the way journalists do their jobs.

The second part of the project revolves around the adaptations that journalists need to make in the face of a market poised on the brink of a flood of portable gadgets like E-paper, palm held wireless devices, chip-enabled TV, car dashboard receivers and so on. Such new technology means that the journalist has much lesser control of what an audience sees, hears or reads of what you have done, and when or where they see or hear it. How, then do you package the content? What if someone is reading while commuting? Watching while having dinner or cooking? How would one present the news differently if they were potentially getting your piece in their swimming goggles while doing laps?

What do you think? Do write in and let me know!

Its finally winter in Bombay....overcast skies, no sight of the sun for the last two days, chilly breezes, a subdued calm....the weather is just beautiful! From my window, the sea is every shade of pale blue and gray possible. This is the kind of setting that makes me want to settle down with a good book and a hot cup of coffee on the terrace, while some soft music plays in the background. I wish I was a painter, and could capture this moment, because times like these are rare in Bombay!!

Donesh, I wish I could just do it all....but sometimes we get so entangled amidst relationships that everything else has to take a backseat. How do you isolate yourself and concentrate only on what you want, when its clearly upsetting those who you care for? Sometimes I wish I lived on a desert island or was born without emotions :(

Yesterday somebody asked me what I wanted out of life at this time....the idea of my even wanting something for myself was so alien that I was without any words to answer this simple question. Thus making me realize that I have once again gotten so caught up in keeping everybody around me happy, conforming to everybody's ideas of being good and perfect and keeping the peace between people with opposing ideologies, that it no longer matters what I want. And whats scary, and depressing, is that none of the people I care about also seem to care about what would make me happy. They all have their own ideas of whats good for me, and are constantly trying to make the situation conform to their own ideas. Consequently, I have become nothing but a battleground for people I care about. Which, I guess, explains my low mood all this while.

So, what do I want? Actually, more than anything else, I want the freedom to make my own choices and decisions. I want somebody to let go of their own mindsets and say that, hey, you come first for me, and I will do what makes you happy...And I will let you do what makes you happy. I want to stop constantly putting myself in other people's shoes, and have them step into my shoes for a while.

I want to write a book -- the ideas have been playing around in my mind for a long, long time, but am just not getting the emotional space and time to get down to doing something about them.

I want to go to UK for a while and work in one of the media outlets there or enroll in a study program to hone my journalistic skills, with the sort of knowledge and experience thats just not available in India.

I want to finish the research project that I am doing on how hi-tech gadgetry and blogging are changing the rules of journalism.

I want to explore the hinterlands of India. Recently I went to Bhuj on a work assignment, and it was such a beautiful experience. I want to travel to more such places, this time without the shackles of work.

Then I want to go on a backpacking expedition across Europe and spend a few weeks soaking in Paris, London, Milan and the like.

I want to switch off the halogen bulbs, light a few candles, burn some green tea and lavender incense, snuggle into a down comforter and read a good book without being interrupted.

I want, at least, the option of defining my own future. Is that too much to ask for??

Am feeling really, really low...did not even have the energy to compose a sentence, but really needed to vent. Then I came across this beautiful poem by AgentA, which just says it all!!

If you could get inside of me
I'd let you.
let you see the original, the new, the feelings that went into a piece of unfinished art,
but this black and white
tethered version
shaped and examined through and through
it'll have to do.

O and I thank you for half-heartedly putting your heart on the line
Like my shaking hands had to write...

It's like everything is censored from fear and exhaustion
everything walks with a stale pace.

If you could get inside of my head
i'd let you.
maybe you could see for sure what you are giving up.

But the darkness surrounds me
and maybe you already know.

If you could feel what i'm feeling
I'd let you.
and I'd buy tickets to your show
and watch with little help or ease to show how I feel right now...
maybe if you'd feel how i'm feeling
you'd see for sure that inside I'm
trembling
doubting
re-doing
searching
feeling
Every prism of emotion you could ever imagine,
in a room full of mirrors.

But for now i'll watch with a dose of fear
from an angled street with meaningless buildings put in its way

so is this how it goes?
acceptance is too much to ask from you
so it's forced onto me...
and thats how it goes

I have just noticed that the "Comments" section has vanished from my Blog. I believe that it is being transferred to a new server, and shall be up and running in a while, but till then you can contact me on anubha76@vsnl.net

I am tired...really, really tired. Mentally and physically. Had a horrible experience today -- somebody called my mother all the way in Pune and spoke utter crap about me. Thank God that my mom knows me well enough to have complete trust in me and simply slammed the phone down without taking cognizance of the bullshit. But it does leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

These kind of mischief-mongers are pretty common in Delhi, but I thought things like this did not happen in Bombay. Here people just do not have the time to interfere in other people's lives! Guess whoever did this has something against me and wanted to get me into trouble. Whoever you are, if you are reading this please know that all this nonsense in ineffectual because we are very close as a family. TOUCH WOOD! If you have the guts come and thrash out your problems face-to-face. Else butt out!!

Mom's finally, finally shifting to Bombay. Have been staying without her for practically more than three years now, and have really missed her all this while. While we may fight and squabble and disagree on a whole lot of things, she is definitely the world's best mom, and I am counting the days till she gets here!!

Shooter's Launches in Bandra on Thursday

Shooter's, Bandra's latest addition to Mumbai's burgeoning bar culture will be launched on Thursday, January 15, 2004.

Owned by young entrepreneur Ranjit Bindra and managed by Darshit Kajaria, who has studied hospitality management at the famous Swiss school, Les Roche and
have had work experience with world- class hotels in Europe, U.S.A, the Middle-East and good old India to boot, the management will most assuredly have an international edge. Shooter’s is poised to become Bandra's "friendly neighborhood bar", something that is sadly fading away in today's fast paced environment.

Shooter's, as the name suggests, will serve up to 50 odd shots from among the gamut of popular drinks like Bloody Maries, Long Island Iced Teas and Gimlets, all reasonably priced and mixed in, you guessed it - SHOT glasses! Also, customers can devise their own personalized shots.

Shooter's is a casual full service facility with a seating capacity of 100 covers incorporated in December 2003. It is not conceived as a theme restaurant, but as
a comfortable place where guests can enjoy professionally mixed shooters and grilled snacks, all very reasonably priced, amidst great retro and more music spun by their resident DJ, DJ Alex.

There is nothing la-di-da about the menu, and although, other than Indian, it has Italian, Mexican and Chinese dishes none of them have unpronounceable names…
The menu is varied and wholesome.

The decor was executed by Karim Furniturewala and his associate Mital Jaliwala who have been inspired by the work of world renowned architect, the late Frank Lloyd
Wright.

The decor has no definite scheme. It does not fall into categories such as classical, rustic, minimalist and so on and so forth. The word to describe it is 'eclectic'.

The reference to the name Shooter's, from the 007-cops-and-robbers view point can be found in subtle glass signage of targets or bulls eyes and a few Wild West frames.

Focused ambient lighting, emerald green, dark wood and red thrown in for fashionable measure gives Shooter's a comfortable and unpretentious, but yet crisp and stylish, feel. The table tops are inlaid cultured marble and spot lit to perfection.

Latin House at Red Light

Thursday, (January 15, 2004) at Red Light promises not to be just another attempt by a Mumbai night club at having a 'theme night'.

DJ Rohan, accompanied by a percussionist, will give Mumbai's party animals a taste of some great House and, as a first on the city's club scene – authentic Latin House.

House music is probably most suited to dancing and is regarded as a key ingredient to the emergence of 'Club Culture' which seems to have engulfed our city today. On top of that when you add a dash of the ever sexy and vibrant Latino style to regular House music, it's safe to say that everyone's going to be on their feet!

Thanks to all the readers who sent lovely follow-up emails to the Bombay Life awards posted on January 1, 2004. I shall be posting nominations from other people as soon as I have satisfied myself of their credibilty, so keep watching this space!!

This has been one terrible week for me. New Year started with my computer crashing. The Motherboard had literally burnt out, taking the CD-R and CD-RW along with it, and causing a thousand more probs in its wake. Ended up having to buy a new comp, which meant loads of expenditure :(

But am very happy with Windows XP Professional -- its really amazing. I was reluctant to upgrade to this from Windows 2000, but after just one day am glad that I made the switch.

Incidentally, I have lost all the data that was there on my Outlook Express -- including the Address Book -- so for all the people who know me out there, pls pls resend your contact details!!

From Sangeeta Wadhwani, Features Ed, L'Officiel-India:

Hi Anubha!

Here I am posting my observations to you for your zippy site. I nominate Meeta Bajaj of Coffee Communications as one of the more dynamic PR ladies on the block. Not only does she make media people feel at ease while she is feeding them relevant information, but she speaks honestly and coherently about things that PROs wouldn't normally discuss.

I also nominate the Vie Lounge and Deck as a new note on the party horizons - noteworthy because it overlooks Mumbai's balmy coastline, something very few nightspots manage to do. Sea magic saves our souls in this city!

I have a new category for you:
The Most Spirited Mumbai-ite: Janet Fine, author of Lizzat Un Nisa, Journalist, and curator of CoHo, the fortnightly art-poetry walk through downtown galleries, deserves a great deal of appreciation. Somehow, she manages to get workaholics to crawl out of their busy routines and share original creative efforts with a constantly changing audience. For one Saturday afternoon, if you join the fray, you hear ex-pat and local talent strumming guitars, doing the flamenco, dramatising short stories, and lots more. Look out for a book on CoHo, which will feature quaint art spots rediscovered by this movement!

From Bombay Life:Sangeeta, thanx a ton for taking out the time to do this...!!

Its the end of another year, and the newspapers and magazines are busy honoring Bombay's top-achievers for 2003. Here we would also like to pause and say a word of thanks to all those who were the actual backbone of the entertainment and lifestyle industry of Bombay in the last 12 months, the ones who make it all happen. We think they definitely deserve some credit for all the killing work that they put in to ensure that the rest of us have a great time!!

Best Public Relations Executives: Yvonne Rodrigues (Indage Hotels), Anjali Malhotra (JW Marriott), Jaya Joshi (Hyatt Regency). These ladies have tough briefs in a fickle market, but they have managed to pull off their assignments with unprecedented aplomb, propelling their client brands to the top of the country's entertainment rankings!

Best Event Manager: Stuti Jalan (Crosshair Communications). This 20-something girl has the knack of transforming the most monotonous launches and parties into fun events that everyone dies to get invited to. Her repertoire of novel ideas is seemingly endless, which is the reason that her two-year-old firm, of which she is the proprietor, holds such prestigious accounts like Provogue, Oikos, Exert Gym and Fosters.

Restauranteur of the Year: Vikrant Chougule of Indage Hotels. Promoters of Athena, Zaha, Sin, Mimosa...need we say any more??

Best Restaurant: Caliente, Olive. We just can't condense the beauty of these places in a couple of lines. You have to be there to understand this!

Best Lounge Bar: Athena, Zaha. Hip, happening and glamorous, these places are where Mumbai gravitates when it wants to put its hair down and party the night away!

Most Innovative Concept: Provogue Lounge. Provogue boutique by day, lounge bar by night, this has to be the best example of effective space utilization in a space-starved city like Mumbai.

Best Writer: Sangeeta Wadhwani (L'Officiel). Very few journalists have the ability to think beyond the box. Sangeeta can take the most jaded of topics and infuse new life into it by introducing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. Also, her book, Shakti in the City, is the most terrific collection of short stories on contemporary Bombay that I have come across in a long, long time!

Most Professional Celebs: Jackie Shroff, Sanjeev Kapoor. Do you know that Sanjeev Kapoor shall work all night long to help you out if you need a rush article for the magazine; or that Jackie Shroff spent a major part of last New Year Eve finishing an article that he had promised to India Today Plus, simply because he believes that fulfilling a commitment is more important than anything else? And this was when he was on vacation with his family in Goa!

Most Down-to-Earth Celeb: Ashutosh Gowariker, Nethra Raghuraman, Poonam Dhillon. With the phenomenal success that these three have achieved in the fields of films and modelling respectively, one would expect them to be completely stuck-up brats. But meeting the unassuming Ashutosh, vivacious Nethra and unpretentious Poonam is like a breath of fresh air amidst the shallowness, ego battles and hypocricy that surrounds most of Bombay's celeb-circuit. Wish a few others took a leaf from their book!

Must See Movie of the Month: Munna Bhai MBBS!! Don't go on the sidey-sounding name. This laugh-a-minute comedy is one of the most refreshingly different and well made hindi movies that I have seen in a long, long time. Lightweight with a tightly knit plot, it escapes the usual vulgarity normally associated with Bollywood comedies, and there is even an absence of overt romanticism that underlines all other India movies. Vidhu Vinod Chopra has really done it again!

Love Actually, on the other hand, is pretty avoidable...except if you want to drool over Hugh Grant in one of his most lovable performances ever :)

Olive Goes Greek for New Year's Eve

Olive Bar and Kitchen is holding a 'Greek Ball' on New Year's Eve, complete with guests being welcomed traditionally in Greek style by hostess dressed in togas giving them artificial ivy crowns, and a landscape of Santorini painted on the walls. The seating and the gate shall become part of the picturescape, and the evening shall be dominated by the colors white, blue and red. The menu is a lavish buffet tastefully created keeping the theme in mind and focusing on Greek cuisine. Beverages include a choice of wines, hard liquor specially vodka (for vodka shots), beer, and ouzo.

A special attraction of the evening would be the creation of a special shot section where a shot could be had and then the glass broken in typical Greek style.

Performers like magicians, jugglers, caricature artists, face painter, hair braider and fortuneteller would add a lot of excitement to the evening. There would also be fun stuff like snow cans streamer cans masks etc to add to the fun element.

Its been an interesting weekend, though my Internet was down all of yesterday, and I was seriously having withdrawal symptoms because of that!

Finally managed to get down to The Courtyard, and fell in love with the place instantly. It just doesn't feel like India in there...completely comparable with some of the best haute couture-based shopping malls that I have seen anywhere else in the world.

Almost walked past the Rohit Bal boutique, convinced that his clothes would be too outlandish and funky for my tastes, but to my surprise he had some really beautiful, understated and elegant stuff. There was this stunning emerald-green short kurta, with rich, antique zari-work, but at Rs. 30,000, it shall have to wait awhile till I start planning my wedding trousseau :) There was a beautiful royal-blue achkan for guys, in case you are interested.

Sesso, the Italian restaurant looked tempting, but the main highlights are the luxurious silk stoles at Tulsi, the humungous glass vases at Moon River, lifestyle accessories at Ego and wall accessories at Oikos.

Ran into Arun Nayar out there, and ladies, he is GORGEOUS!! Doesn't look anything like his pix, which somehow make him look a little wimpy and characterless. In real life, he does look a lot like Hugh Grant. I believe he and Liz Hurley have split, and after seeing him, I can only pity Liz for letting a good thing go!!

Saw Tehzeeb the day before. When we walked in, the population of the entire hall was less than 50 people, and our hearts sank, wondering what sort of a movie we had gotten ourselves trapped into watching. But it turned out to be a beautiful movie, very understated, very real and very touching. Its a very sensitively-made movie, and is not for the masses bred on hyper silver screen dramas replete with screaming, shouting and insane tantrums, but anybody who appreciates a good and unusual story line, sensitivity and understatement will love it.

Still haven't managed to see Kal Ho Naa Ho or Chokker Bali, so will have to get back onto that later!

Went to the newly-opened Pizza Express at Churchgate (its opened in place of San Marzano), but it was no great shakes. Dominoes is better any day. The crusts were slightly overburnt and dry, and any "olive" pizza that has only three pieces of olives on it certainly doesn't get my vote of confidence!

"Party Extravaganza" at the Renaissance Hotel

Live performances, groovy music and spectacular fireworks over Powai lake will greet guests for the celebrations of the New Year at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel and Convention Centre. The hotel has lined up an array of special events throughout December culminating into “Party Extravaganza” on the New Year’s eve.

Continuing with the tradition of Marriott’s Spirit to Serve, the hotel will "Donate rather than Decorate". The hotel will be decorated with innovative and cost effective ideas. Rupees one-lakh of the money will be donated to Sneh Sadan – a charity organization for homeless children.

As the temperature plummets and the tinkling of bells weaves through the air, it's easy to tell those little white lies that you've been good all year. It's time to visit 'Santa's Goodie Corner' at the DELI & PASTRY SHOP. With traditional Christmas goodies like Plum Cakes, Yule logs, X'mas Stolen, Candies, Mini Gingerbread houses to choose from, it’s time to gift your dear ones or perhaps to indulge yourself too! Walk into the Deli and Pastry Shop from 9th December upto 28th December from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m for your share of goodies.

Come Christmas and Renaissance presents the X'mas Eve Feast on 24th December from 7 p.m. upto midnight and the X'mas Day Brunch on 25th December from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. at the LAKE VIEW CAFÉ. Relish the mouth-watering Roast Turkey parceled in Cranberry Sauce, Apple pumpkin soup, all from a simmering bar-be-que, accompanied by an exotic spread of appetizing salads and delicious desserts. And flown in all the way from the North Pole, special guest Santa will distribute goodies to one and all!

This New Years, go Balle! Balle! Ballistic as Sukhwinder Singh, the current rage from Bollywood will rocket you into 2004 with his electrifying beats and adrenaline-pumping music at the GRAND BALLROOM , 9 p.m. onwards. Also dig in the grand Indian buffet and treat yourself to unlimited alcohol. All this at Rs. 2999 (Price inclusive of entry, food, beverages and applicable taxes) per person.

At the Lake View Café and Poolside witness a truly beautiful night of revelry as INAXI and her Angels with their gyrating swirls, hypnotic twirls, sensuous moves and rock-n rolling grooves, scintillate you with their six-piece pop band. Dine under the stars or indulge in lip-smacking spread of international delicacies at the Lake View Café. The action rolls out 8 p.m. onwards and the package per person is offered at Rs.1999 indoors and Rs. 2499 outdoors by the pool.

EMPEROR'S COURT will toast 2004 with a New Year's Eve celebration of Seafood and Moet Extravaganza, which will unveil 8 p.m. onwards. After you've dined, enjoy the entertainment at the A Bar or heat up the night with sultry sounds played by DJ Julius at the Velvet Lounge (Entry Free). This enticing offer is priced at Rs.3999 per person. (Price inclusive of food, beverage, applicable taxes, entertainment at A Bar and free entry to Velvet Lounge)

VELVET LOUNGE, the all-new sensational lounge bar at the Renaissance welcomes you to celebrate its maiden New Year's Eve. Groove the night away as the renowned DJ Julius spins some foot-tapping, popular music that will roll out from 9 p.m. onwards. The entry is priced at Rs. 2499 per person. (Price inclusive of entry, snacks and select beverages)

Experience the Indian Cuisine Theatre an Indian extravaganza at NAWAB SAHEB, 8 p.m. onwards with the choicest recipes brought to you from select parts of India. Savour them all at one go on a single platter !!! After you've had your fill, ring in the New Year with Sukhwinder Singh!! This package is priced at Rs. 3249 (Price inclusive of food, beverage, applicable taxes and free entry into Grand Ballroom after 11 p.m.)

Celebrate a special New Year’s Eve – take a Renaissance Escape Package that is designed to take the city out of you and your partner. The Escape One Offer priced at Rs 9,999 includes accommodation for two, entry to Sukhwinder Singh’s Show on the 31st night, New Year’s Day breakfast at the LAKE VIEW CAFÉ. The Escape Two Offer priced at Rs. 14999 includes accommodation for two in a Suite, entry to Sukhwinder Singh’s Show on 31st night, New Year’s day brunch for two at the LAKE VIEW CAFÉ.

Santa and JW Marriott Join Forces

Here’s a question: What happens when Santa and JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai join forces? A lot of dreams come true! Just check out the exciting events in store this Christmas.

Here’s the last place on earth you're likely to get a silent night! "Santa Comes to Bollywood" night at Enigma on 24th December, 2003 includes special dance performances and lots of surprises for guests, all with that fuzzy Christmas feel. The cover charge is Rs. 1500 per couple.

But if you're in the mood for a more traditional Christmas with delicious food and the warmth of great wine and old friends, come to Mezzo Mezzo, the Italian restaurant at JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai. The Christmas Eve four course menu at Mezzo Mezzo on 24th December 2003 is priced at Rs. 1250 and also gets you a glass of champagne. Come back again for Christmas Brunch at Mezzo Mezzo on 25th December 2003 at Rs. 1250 (non vegetarian, including wine) or Rs. 950 (vegetarian, including wine). If the kids have been good this year, be good to them by ordering the Kids Brunch at Rs. 450.

Or look for goodies under ye olde Christmas tree at Lotus Café (literally!) with a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet 24th December 2003 at Rs. 675. Stay over at this 24 hour café for Christmas Brunch on 25th December 2003 priced at Rs. 675, including unlimited soft beverages or Rs. 800, including unlimited draft beer and sparkling wine. Kids Buffet is at Rs. 450. The magnificent Christmas tree on the landing towers over this fabulous café. (Brunch timings are between 1230hrs and 1600hrs; Rates are per person, all inclusive.)

Celebrate at Home With Bombay Baking Company
If you believe there's nothing quite like celebrating Christmas at home with family, Bombay Baking Co. makes sure you have a lot more time to actually spend with them rather than worrying about that perfect Christmas meal. You can pre-order and take away a four kilo whole roasted turkey at Rs. 1400 per kg. or a Butter Ball turkey imported from the US which serves six persons. The apple celery stuffing with sage consists of three vegetables, pumpkin pie, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. All packages are wrapped in true Christmas spirit – you won't want to throw them away!

Or you could put together a do-it-yourself meal with Whole Turkey at Rs. 1000 per kg or Turkey Breast at Rs. 1500 per kg, Pumpkin Pie Rs 150 for four pieces, Turkey Gravy at Rs. 75 for 500ml and apple celery stuffing with sage at Rs 150 per kg. All available at BBC.

So, for peace, goodwill and great food guaranteed, just call 5693 3000.

Caliente Duo Set to Wow Pune

This is for Puneites -- Romil Ratra and Vikram Munshi, the dynamic duo who have gifted Caliente, the scrumptious Spanish restaurant, to Mumbai, are all set to launch Nirvana, a contemporary zen club lounge and August Moon, an Asian dining experience this week in Pune, near the INOX multiplex in Bund Garden. If Caliente is anything to go by, Pune is definitely in for a treat!! Me thinks this is motivation enough to take that long overdue trip to Pune now...:)

Bombay's Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Tardeo, is holding a small exhibition-cum-sale of at the 24x7 Standard Chartered Bank on Breach Candy Road, near Moksh. All displays have been made by the kids, and some of them are totally unbelievable. Especially the macrame-based jute bags and clay Ganeshas'. Very honestly, I am positive that a whole lot of us could not have made this kind of stuff even with all our faculties intact. The exhibition is definitely worth at least a visit.

On a more somber note...went to Marine Drive late last night to find that the place is being very tightly patrolled and parking is not allowed on the boulevard any longer as two bodies were found there last week. You can just sit on the embankment latest till 12 in the night.

Growing up in Delhi, we always heard how safe a city Bombay was...no kidnappings, murders, robberies or all those horrifying things that kept us on the edge in Delhi at all times. Bombay only had its gang wars, which anyway did not affect the general populace, so nobody except Bollywood gave them a second thought. Times are changing it seems, and if places like Marine Drive are going to become shady and suspect, I think that's a great loss for this beautiful, wonderful city!

STAX Ushers In the New Year With International Cuisine

Dance to the tunes of DJ Sukethu as STAX, Hyatt Regency Mumbai Celebrates New Year in Style. Enjoy an unlimited supply of beverages from the Indian Bar along with an unlimited supply of tapas and appertisers such as Chermoula marinated tiger prawns with wildfire jam, chicken satays with spicy peanut sauce, veal Parmigiana, seafood dim-sum with sweet chili dip and lamb and polenta tarlet with tomato confit. To double the excitement there are a number of attractive prizes to be won.

Urbane, modern and open, STAX, the contemporary and international restaurant within Hyatt Regency Mumbai, takes pride of place occupying the entire right wing and spread across two floors. Enclosed within its glass and steel framework are two separate dining areas, a semi circular bar and a cigar lounge. The restaurant's pride is its internationally structured contemporary cuisine experience. There is a distinguishing liveliness about the food and atmosphere, reflecting the inviting warmth and cosmopolitan excitement of Mumbai.

Tickets are Rs. 6000 per couple inclusive of all taxes.
For Reservations call Sharad-56961627

Suede Night at Zaha

Kelly Dorji brings to you the "Wirefree Suede Nights" to launch Suede's fresh batch of professionally trained models to hit the fashion industry. This night features a fashion show by the international women's high fashion brand Morgan de toi.

Venue: ZAHA by Athena at the Leela Kempinski
Date: 19th December 2003
Time: 9:30 pm onwards

Marriot Rings In The Old On New Year's Eve

There are some decades that never really go away. Enter the time machine at the JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai this New Year’s Eve and go back to that daring decade when disco balls were considered a source of energy, Abba was the anthem of the generation, your mom never combed out her Afro and even your dad looked cool…Well he tried anyway!

With a touch of Don, a sprinkle of Karz, a dollop of Disco Dancer… the Lotus Cafe, Enigma, Saffron, Spices and the Salt Water Pool will all be transformed into one huge party zone. A trinity of the hottest DJs in town - Aqeel, Ryan and Girish – will do serious turntable damage and there’s also a European dance troupe and a life performance by Sukhbir and his posse.

So unearth those flare bottoms, confess that you really like purple, sprout sideburns (this is for the guys please!) and boogie like there’s no tomorrow. JW Marriot guarantees to make 2003 a time to remember too!

Tickets are Rs. 7,500/- per person all inclusive. Call Festivity Desk at 5693 3344.

Bidding Farewell to 2003 in Style

The countdown to December 31, 2003, has begun, and everyone's in party mode. Here's a rundown of what look likely to be the hottest parties in Bombay for New Year's Eve and X'Mas this year. Keep watching this space for more...

Athena- Champagne Cigar Lounge. Restaurant
CHRISTMAS – ‘Let it Snow…’The fun is when the fun grows on you. This gives the city a chance to celebrate their beloved festival on a grand scale and in great style. The ambience will sink in some of the most beautiful elements that will create an aura; with mesmerizing snow heaps, beautiful white drapes, glows, satins, pine trees, et al that will transcend the guest into a surreal realm of beauty and festivity.

Accentuating the charm of this merry making will be the gourmet’s paradise. What with a wide array of traditional preparations and exotic dishes from an eclectic compilation of world cuisine.Flighting the spirits will be an extensive variety of special cocktails and some of the world’s finest wines and champagnes. All there for the taking, till one wish to have…

Reservations Call: 22805155, 22805175
Rates – Central Lounge Rs.1500, VIP Lounge – Rs. 2500 per head

NEW YEAR - ‘My Big Greek New Year’s Party’ The party is the ultimate celebration of Greece; Its opulent traditions, its sumptuous cuisine and its vibrant Mystiques. Three Different parties revolving around the same theme are planned in the three different sections inside Athena. The Place will adorn the look of a colossal Greek temple, replete with the huge Greek pillars, sheers & even the sinuous Garden of Eden. There will also be the togas, which the guest can wear and picture themselves. Sensuous International Music, lavish spread of some of the worlds finest wines and champagnes, and the works.

The Highlight of the evening is The Plate Breaking Ceremony, (The Greek tradition of Kefi) where the partygoers will go wild breaking plates and feasting on a lavish spread of World cuisine with Greek Specialties.

Reservations Call :22805155, 22805175
Rates – Central Lounge Rs. 2995, VIP Lounge – Rs. 4995 and Buddha Bar Rs. 6,995 per head

Zaha - An Eclectic Bar, By Athena at The Leela.
CHRISTMAS – ‘Once upon a Christmas…’ This Christmas, Zaha revs up to give the town a party it will remember for ages… as the colossal revelry they witnessed at Zaha. The night will provide the guest offerings that will surge head and shoulders above any other party in town to make the experience almost like a dream. A dream that came true Once upon a Christmas, on the 24th of December 2003.
The night will also offer a tremendous variety of some of the choicest spirits and delicacies. All there for the taking, till one satiates his/her soul. This is the first Christmas Party at Zaha. And since being derived from the legacy of Chateau Indage and Athena, the event is all set to be a major attraction.

A complete Christmas decoration and a compilation of some of the best international tunes.

Reservations Call: 9892333446, 56911338-40
Rates – Central Lounge Rs. 1250, VIP Lounge Rs. 2000

NEW YEAR – ‘The Egyptian Nomad Party’ The theme draws inspiration from the Arabian nomad culture and the riveting lands of Egypt and is designed to be a phenomenon, driving the guest high on an ecstasy trip.The sublime interiors, on this night will simply transfer those present into a different league; disconnected from the world we know. The night will offer a colossal menu of rich Egyptian cuisine, intrigued by global influences and a special assortment of some of the world’s finest spirits - the best of single malts, wines, champagnes, specially created cocktails, et al. The music for the night will be hypnotic Arabian, Moroccan, blended with the hippest international tunes.

Reservations Call: 9892333446, 56911338-40
Rates – Central Lounge Rs. 2995, VIP Lounge – Rs. 3995

Mimosa- South East Asian Cuisine
At both Christmas and The New Years Mimosa will provide a sumptuous dinner with a lavish array of delicacies and a range of cocktails, wines and champagnes. The essence of the revelry will be to celebrate subtly in style. Beautiful decorations and sublime music will keep the night up the nights euphoria.

NEW YEAR – Special New Year Dinner
Reservations Call : 23878484, 9892256668
Rates : Rs. 2500

CHRISTMAS - Special Christmas Dinner (on the 25th )(With Special Christmas Décor)
Reservations Call : 23878484, 9892256668
Rates: Rs. 1500

Sin – Café Bar Bistro
NEW YEAR – Special New Year Dinner
Reservations Call: 23692116
Rates- Rs. 1500

CHRISTMAS - Special Christmas Dinner (on the 25th )(With Special Christmas Décor)
Reservations Call:
Rates- Rs. 1000

Its B'Day Time For Red Light!

Having been the venue for some of the city's most happening parties for a year, Red Light Bar & Lounge is celebrating its 1st Anniversary bash on Tuesday, December 16th 2003 9.00 p.m onwards alongwith the really real cocktail circuit. And it promises that the evening will definitely not be sober, so join in to go wild!

Red Light, is India's first Flair and Free Pour Cocktail bar along the lines of the best managed bars in the world. Conceptualized by Sudheer Bahl of Khyber fame and the consultant couple Deepu and Shilpin Patel, the upscale bar has had many celebrity inputs in every aspect of its build.

Parmeshwar Godrej has given the interiors her inimitable, international touch being loosely based on an Asian minimalist look. Richard Greenwood & Nick Hawkins, winners of 'Flair Bartender' awards, have designed the wine and spirit list alongwith being present in the training of the bartenders in the beginning months, which comes across at first sight across the counter. Alongside classic spirit drinks are cocktails, multi-liquors and shooters, to set the stage as high as one wants.

Also 'imported' by Sudheer Bahl is Evan Gwynne, a highly gifted Chef from Nobu, London who has put together a veritably exotic menu to suit the varying need of the Indian palate. A hint of tamarind, spicy jalapenos, smoked cheese, a splash of sake, saffron, fiery harissa, lychees and grapes, all of which find their way onto this eclectic selection of international tapas at Red Light.

And then DJ Tushqa, having performed at European clubs like Monkey Bar, Manray, Summer Terrace & Mondo, puts together unique remixed sounds that cover genres from lounge to rock to blues to acid jazz to soul, dance and funk and maybe even pop, but always retaining one common thread...a funky, upbeat groove that will keep
people coming back for more.

There's gonna be a whole lot of people heading towards Alibaug, Kashid and Murud Janjira over the Christmas and New Year weekends, so here's some tips to ensure you have a rockin' time:

1. Most hotels there don't accept credit cards, and there are no ATMs either. So remember to carry enough cash.

2. The only liquor shop is RK Wines at Nadgaon, 9 kms from Kashid, and it does not stock much more than Indian whiskies.

3. While its fun going by ferry (also faster), transport in these places is hard to come by -- only a few rickety rickshaws and creaky BEST buses, and that too at long intervals. Explore the option of driving down -- its a three-hour drive from Sion, and you can take a breakfast break at Vadhkal Junction, which is exactly mid-way.

4. Mobile phones do not work beyond Alibaug.

5. Its worth taking a guide at the Janjira fort, else you could keep wandering around whole day and still not get an idea about the place.

6. Sunset is early, so don't put off going to the beach in the evening. Be there latest by 5 p.m.

7. The locals are pretty polite and helpful, but this is rural village area, so skimpy clothes and PDAs are frowned upon.

8. Non-vegetarians should not miss the Konkani-style prawns curry as this is what Kashid is best known for!

I am back in Bombay!!!! Which basically means that this blog is also back :)

This has been a really interesting 20 days. Travelled all over Gujarat first..starting from Ahmedabad and then going on into the most remote regions of the Rann of Kuchchh and even the Indo-Pak border, which was really amazing. In fact, was at the border at something like 8 in the night, and there was not a single other person in sight...cant even begin to describe the feeling!! Base camp was at Bhuj, a city that is still recovering from the impact of the earthquake that demolished it almost three years back. Got some really dramatic pix, and since they were in Transparency format, went and bought a new scanner to see them. You can see most of them in the next issue of India Today Plus.

Also went to Mandvi, where they still build wooden ships by hand. And I mean SHIPS, not just dhows or boats!

This weekend did the Alibaug-Kashid-Murud Janjira stretch. Did you know that the Janjira fort is 900 years old? I guess that makes it one of the oldest forts in the country. Alibaug was not so clean, but the beach at Kashid was really beautiful...totally virgin, with white sand and blue waters, it is as totally different from the Bombay beaches as possible.

Just did not feel like coming back :(

Sorry guys ('n gals)...no blogging from Bombay for about a week as I am in Gujarat at the moment. Currently posting from a hip cyber cafe in Ahmedabad. Travelling to Bhuj tomorrow, and from there hope to get about in the interiors of the Kutch region...something that I have always wanted to do! Its a 9-hour bus journey from here (400 kms), and nobody knows what I shall find once I get there. Scary, but fun!!! Wish me luck :)

Mumbai NGO Wins Award for Documentary

During the recent Environment and Wildlife Film Festival - Vatatvaran 2003 - held in New Delhi on the 18th, 19th and 20th November - there was good news for Mumbai based NGO Reef Watch. This year the theme at the festival was “Water for Life” and the festival had 154 entries of which 70 films were nominated for competition.

Reef Watch Marine Conservation entered the film “Troubled Waters”, an 18 minute underwater documentary on the issue of the rise in sea surface temperatures due to global warming and its effect on the coral reefs off the Lakshadweep coast, the effects of the El-Nino current and its devastation in 1998 and the slow regeneration of the coral reefs since then.

The film was awarded “Best Film of the Festival” for the uniqueness of its subject matter, its technical excellence and its sheer visual brilliance. ‘Troubled Waterconceptualizedtualised and directed and shot entirely by Sumer Verma, a dive instructor and a
working member of Reef Watch Marine Conservation. The film exists in English and Malayalam versions and will soon have a Hindi version too. The film was produced by
Mitali Kakar, Director of Reef Watch Marine Conservation.

The jury at the festival competition consisted of eminent persons from the fields of environment conservation and film making and also included people from government offices, including Mr Adoor Gopal Krishnan, Mr Ajay S. Mehta, Dr Mrs Nanditha Krishna, Mr Bittu Sahgal, Mr. M.C. Mehta, Prof. P.S. Ramakrishnan, Ms. Prerna Bindra, Mr. Rajiv Mehrotra and Ms. Usha Rai.

The standard of films showcased this year was very high and the festival had films made by other eminent documentary film makers like Mike Pandey, Niret and Nikhil Alva, the Bedi Brothers, Sanjay Duttari, etc.

I am totally and extremely bored. Eight straight days of writing 20-hours-a-day on exceptional hotels around the world for a coming special issue has left me totally brain dead! Terrible case of writer's block now, and I am not even halfway through my deadlines :(

Am taking myself off to Bachelors on Marine Drive, for the delectable Lichi ice cream. Have you tried it?? I believe they also serve excellent "Green Chilly" ice cream, but my taste buds haven't worked up the courage to try it yet!

Just finished watching Boom, although God alone knows why I bothered! The movie is DISGUSTING! Its actually soft porn, and nothing else. Wonder how the Big B agreed to work in such a demeaning movie!! Also thought that Katrina K would have more class. Guess, in the film world everything goes....

Tantra Thursday at Tres Botas

Tomorrow night will be the second Tantra Thursday at Bandra’s latest night spot Tres Botas. Currently on Tantra Thursdays, Rachel Sacks (co-owner of Tres Botas) jams, on the acoustic silver flute, to resident DJ Rohann’s blend of deep grooves and house.

Doors open at 8.00 p.m. and at around 10.00 p.m. Rachel & Rohann take control of the decks, lending the night a rare authenticity which along with the overall “Tapas Y Musica” ambience, exotically mixed drinks and unpretentious décor makes you feel like you’ve entered a friendly downtown Soho club in New York City!

And that it is precisely that kind of place!

Tres Botas is committed to giving Mumbai what it sorely lacks: different music, live performances of all sorts, gourmet tapas, expertly mixed drinks and, in fact, bring to this city an international club culture.

Me thinks I am growing old...did not go for Kelly Dorji's bash despite all good intentions, because a quiet night at home and the chance to catch up with pending work seemed just too tempting to resist!

Believe everybody had a great time there...Abhishek Bachchan, Karan Johar and a lot of New Zealand's cricketers turned out to applaud the first batch of models stepping out of Suede. Wonder how far these new guys will go in the coming future!! Here's wishing them all the best!

Velvet Lounge opens at Renaissance Hotel

What do you think of when you think of velvet? Decadence, sensuality, mystery, the smoothness of soft bare skin… altogether fabulous sensations you may have dreamt of dissolving into after a hard day’s work. If the luscious sensations of velvet could ever be combined into an experience, the new Velvet Lounge at the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel succeeds - and how!

Open from Thursday to Sunday from 20th November onwards, Velvet Lounge offers you a vast 3000 sq. meters of space to unwind at the end of the day. However, as the evening fades into night, the lounge effortlessly transforms itself into a nightclub with a DJ playing the latest Western and local pop as well as evergreen numbers. Mix-master extraordinaire, DJ Aqeel himself will be playing on Thursdays and Sundays with DJ Sunil playing on Fridays & Saturdays.

The opening party on the 14th of November saw the who’s who of Mumbai’s party people. Kishen Mulchandani, Fardeen Khan, Zayed Khan, Kamaal Khan, Achla Sachdeva, Ash Chandler, Farah Khan, Reshma Bombaywala and an overwhelming bevy of male and female models were seen rocking to the music of DJs Aqeel and Sunil.

The décor by interior decorator Rajeev Saini is colorful with an eclectic mix of orange, rust, olive, red and green. Bold colors and clean lines dominate the design, offering vivacious and sophisticated style. The mood is sensual and decadent with abundant candles, mosaic mirrors and pillars covered with, what else, velvet. Warm lighting reveals wooden flooring and soft textured furnishing of leather, velvet and net.

The bar offers a variety of scotch, wines, draughts, cocktails, breezers and shots. Food is simple but delicious with Italian woodside pizzas, short eats and finger food. Your pizza is prepared in front of you before baking in the wood-fire brick oven.

What is particularly unusual about the Velvet Lounge is its cosy courtyard with outdoor seating – quite delightful during those cool evenings for guests who wish to relax in a more intimate atmosphere. This open space flows into intimate nooks with low-slung communal tables perfect for deep, private conversations.

But what would a night out at the hippest new spot in town be without a human touch? For Velvet Lounge, this comes in the form of a sexy duo consisting of drop-dead gorgeous Kim (who’s friendly to boot) and Manish (who’ll whip up the coolest cocktails). Come with friends, come without friends – it really doesn’t matter!

And oh yes. It also happens to be the place to host happening launches, parties and fashion shows.

Saw a brilliant play yesterday...Anupam Kher's Kucchh Bhi Ho Sakta Hai! Its not easy to keep 500 people entranced while giving a monologue of your life's stoey for two-and-a-half hours, but Kher handles it with a finesse and aplombe that has always been unique to him. He made the audience swing from rib-hurting comedy to deep introspection and pathos in the twinkling of seconds all throughout.

What I especially liked about the play was its honesty. Its not everyday that such an established personality goes up on stage willingly and lays bare all his follies, imperfections, faliures and heartbreaks to the world. It was a tremendous act of courage!

What remained with me after the play was realization of the way in which all of us so often get wrapped up in our own sense of self-importance, that we simply fail to see how transitory our successes are, and how little we actually matter in the scheme of things.

Thanks, Anupam, for a wonderful evening!

Going for Suede's (Kelly Dorji's modelling academy) first event. Its at Red Light, Kala Ghoda. Lets hope there are lots of gorgeous guys around :)

2 media job openings in Bombay

This is a favor to a couple of friends in the journalism industry, both of who are looking for people to join their organization.

One is on the lookout for someone with 2-3 years experience to take on the role of Assistant Features Editor. This is for a major lifestyle magazine, which is part of an international media group and has an office in Bombay.

Second is for a start-up magazine, headed by veteran journalist Rauf Ahmed, and focussing on personalities. The post is that of Executive Editor, and is again Bombay based.

Cant tell more here, but if you are interested in knowing more email me on anubha76@anubhacharan.com ASAP!

Singles Night at Provogue Lounge

Tomorrow will see the first of the Provogue Lounge’s alternative therapy for men & women who like their nights out to be full of adventure and anonymity.

At “Singles Night” (scheduled to be held every second Tuesday of the month) people can only enter in pairs of the same sex and will be handed a purple heart at the door. The word ‘NO’ is taboo, and anyone who uses it loses their heart, albeit purple, to the rejected person.

And at the end (the very end!) of the night, the guy or girl who’s most plush with hearts gets a Fling Vodka hamper. And, if they’ve played their cards right, a new
friend who could graduate to “significant other”…?

It is not often that I get around to seeing a sunrise, unless I haven't yet gone to sleep from the night before, but witnessed one today, and let me tell you, a Bombay sunrise is amongst the most gorgeous marvels of nature! Especially if you see it across the waters...

Athena re-opened after its makeover yesterday. Looking good...well thought out interiors in relation to the space crunch that even the hugest clubs in Bombay face. White walls and details, spartan furnishings so as not to clutter the place and impede dancing and other movements, all made dramatic by extremely creative lighting effects and tons of candles! And, of course, wonderful wines and champagne from the Chowgules' to pep up the most happening party of the weekend!

Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems that while the women of Bombay are getting increasingly hipper and smarter, the guys are just letting themselves deteriorate...through the weekend's parties, have not seen even one guy who is worthy of a second look :( C'mon men, we women need our eye candy too!!!!

Was talking to a senior reporter whom I know from my CNN days. He was lamenting the state of most Indian news channels today. Since I get most of my news from the Net, and do not get around to seeing too much of it on TV, could not really contribute to the conversation then, but came back and watched a couple of shows on NDTV and Star News. And man, was it terrible. No substance, no technique, no style, no personality. It was like handing a camera to a 3-year-old and leaving him or her free to swing it wherever they want, with some ear-piercing shrieks to accompany the hotch potch of shots. This is for the ladies at Star News: When conventional broadcast journalism wisdom ask you to "throw your voice", they mean that the modulation should be crystal clear and engage the listener...they do not mean that you shout at the top of your voice and literally throw the words in a manner that they assault the ears of the TV audience!

TV is a complex medium. It needs special training and modulation of thought processes of the reporters. I guess this is the flip side of such user friendly technology that everybody can become a TV reporter, without any training whatsoever!

Its been the hottest October ever in Bombay, and the mercury shows no signs of dropping. Normally, by this time it starts getting cooler, but the heat is killing this year. Afternoons come in at something like 40 degrees, while even the nights do not get cooler than 3o degrees. On top of it, its stiflingly still and humid! Stepping out of the house is sheer torture, a fate to be reserved only for your worse enemies!

My sari did not unravel! Yippee :)

This has to rank amongst the best dinners I have ever attended in Bombay. Hosted by Nusli Wadia and the De Beers Group, in tribute to Rajmata Gayatri Devi, for just 100 people drawn from royalty and the Wadia's and the Rajmata's friends like Arvindsinhji of Udaipur, Sunil Gavaskar, Leander Paes, Ratan Tata, Simi Grewal, Jagjit Singh...it was very different in the sense that people were far more chilled out as they were enjoying being with friends and associates rather than being on display for the media or for the snobby socialite crowd. As Arvindsinhji put it, this was for people who really have nothing to prove to anybody! Had immense fun!

The diamonds were equally gorgeous. Gayatri Devi unveiled the Arisia Gayatri Devi Solitaire Range, which has just 200 limited edition pieces crafted around the rarest and most flawless contemporary diamonds mined by De Beers, so snap one up NOW if you want it. Each piece is initialled by the Rajmata herself. The first set was auctioned off for a final bid of Rs. 4,50,000! Most stunning were the two 5-karat pieces that had the Rajmata's image etched onto the diamond tablet itself, with a special technique that has been used for the first time in the world.

Some might consider this as a tribute to the Rajmata. To me, however, there can be no better tribute to the diamond than to have Gayatri Devi's image associated with it!

Me going for a dinner that sez "Dress Code: Diamonds" on the Invite. So, its mom to the rescue once again. There is no hope of finding anything remotely suitable in my collection, which is mostly abt silver and semi precious stones, and tons of kundan-work pieces!!!!

Second prob...wearing a sari...mom's saris are here, but she is in Pune. Who is going to help me?????? Just pray that the whole ensemble does not unravel in front of Rajmata Gayatri Devi, who I think is one of the most elegant ladies the world has ever seen :(

There are so many monotonous things that we depend upon for our daily sanity...for example, when you switch on the TV, you expect it to show up all channels; when you log on to your internet connection, you expect it to log on; when you try to send emails, you expect them to go through; when you try to take a call on the cell phone or send an SMS, you expect to get through...lately all these systems seem to be malfunctioning for me, and the end result is a terribly uncomfortable sense of disorientation and a strange kind of depressive lethargy...HELP!

Diwali was yesterday, but Bombay's fireworks frenzy is yet to die out. While I am not to fond of bursting firecrackers myself, I just love watching the sparkling lights from afar. And the view from my study window is amazing at the moment...all those huge, dazzling displays lighting up the sky at Marine Drive and Nariman Point and beyond. Trust the Indians to transform the darkest night of the year into one of infinite lights!

There is something so beautiful about our traditions and heritage. Did the Diwali pooja yesterday and went to the temple today, and it felt so good, so calming and rejuvenating.

Also did something really gutsy yesterday...and still have stomach cramps thinking about it. Have been working up the courage to do this for three years now!! Feels good to confront my fears and move ahead!

Diwali symbolizes the beginning of a New Year for us. I have a feeling that this is going to be a momentous year for me. Lots of changes and major life decisions lined up for the next 365 days. Am excited and scared at the same time about all this!! Good or bad...time will tell...

Am in the middle of doing a story on the history of the Sari for a US-based fashion magazine. The sari is seriously one of the most sensuous garments known to mankind and I feel really proud to have it as part of my heritage, even though I end up wearing it only on special occassions. There is something so luxurious and exotic about this attire. Reminds me of what Kiron Kher once told me, and she should know because she has some of the most gorgeous saris I have ever seen in Bombay!

Kiron Kher on Indian Saris:

Sensuous silks, sheer chiffons, soft muslins, diaphanous organzas or gossamer nets. Woven, printed, embroidered or plain in six sexy yards, translating into the most beautiful garment in the world…the saree.

One of the most wonderful things about being an Indian woman is that we have a wealth of shringar to adorn ourselves with. Where else in the world can you wear bindis, bangles, parandis, exotic ornaments and sarees? The magical saree is our own heritage, and we can wear it legitimately.

My love affair with the saree started when I was a child. I would watch my mother dressing up to go to a party with fascinated eyes. I remember her zari-bordered georgettes and printed French chiffons. Come winter and silks would come tumbling out from the suitcases, and the sarees would be spread on durries to soak in the sun. I longed to grow up and swathe myself in the myriad hues glittering in the afternoon light. Finally, when I turned sixteen, I got to wear my first saree. Since then it has remained a passion. As I grew up and travelled across our country, I learned a lot about the saree.

Kanjeeverams, woven in the temple town of Kanchipuram near Madras, are my favourites for winter eveningwear. The silk is heavier and stronger than other sarees and has solid brocaded borders that are pure gold. The traditional style pallav and borders contrast in colour to the main field of the saree and usually have deep rich jewel tones.

Legend has it that the Dhakai mulmuls once used to be so fine that an entire saree could easily pass through a finger ring. These Bengal handlooms, along with the Tangail sarees, are unbeatable for summer wear. They usually use sindoor-red, green, blue, black or purple colours to weave designs on the border and buttis on the main body of the saree, the latter having an off-white or cream background.

Benarasi sarees also use heavy gold and silver brocades. Their jaamevaar weaves and tanchoi satins are exquisite and make elegant winter wear and their heavy jaal and butti brocades are a must for every bride’s trousseau.

The Patola from Patan in Gujarat, woven in the double ikkat style is probably the most complicated of all textile designs in the world. Using a unique tie and weave method, it has a tremendous richness in colour. A single saree can take up to six months to make and prices range upto two lakh per saree.

One of my favourites in heavy sarees is the Paithani from Maharashtra. The most exclusive paithanis are woven in Paithan, a small taluka on the banks of the Godavari near Aurangabad. It has its origins in the tapestry weaves of Central Asia. The Rig Veda mentions a golden woven fabric and Greek records talk about gorgeous Paithani fabrics. The Peshwas had a special love for Paithanis. The Nizam of Hyderabad made several trips to Paithan and his daughter-in-law Niloufer, introduced several new motifs to the border and pallav designs. The favourite motif used during the Maratha period was a kind of flower called the asavali. Real zari is used for brocade work. The traditional colours used are red, pink, black, yellow, purple, peacock blue and a greenish-red combination. The shot effect with two-tone colours is exquisite and gives great depth to the silk. The original Paithani colour is kusumbi-purple with a green border. The brocade pallav and border take on a bejewelled appearance. The best Paithanis are available in boutiques owned by ladies who are designing and working directly with the weavers.

The soft coloured Chanderis in muslin or silk from Madhya Pradesh, the Maheshwaris introduced by the Holkar royal family also from Madhya Pradesh, the Bandhinis of Kutch and Rajasthan, the ikkats of Orissa and Pochampalli in Andhra Pradesh, the Baluchari and Gorod from Bengal…the list is endless.

Sadly, today’s urban Indian women seem to be moving away from the saree towards more westernised and (dare I say) asexual clothes. Younger girls are into faded jeans. Older women mistakenly feel that a saree ages them and prefer to wear trousers or skirts. The result is obvious at most parties. You get a roomful of black trousers and shirts. Dull, boring and jaded.

The saree can be the most versatile dress of all. There can be nothing more dramatic, elegant, understated or sexy…whatever the statement you want to make, there is a saree available for every occasion. The world is waking up to the workmanship of India. We have master weavers and craftsmen. But only if we wear the saree will we be able to keep the market alive and ensure that the craftsmen can earn their livelihood. We must not let these artisans disappear. It is easy to take our heritage for granted and scoff at centuries of artistic evolution. Let us enjoy our Indianness and revel in its luxury. Do we need a Madonna to make the bindi into a fashion statement?

Read the entire transcript in India Today Plus (November, 2003)

Its Diwali, finally, and it means tons of sweets and chocolates, colorful candles, dressing up, dazzling fireworks, sumptuous dinners with kachoris and aloo ka sabzi and lots 'n lots of fun with family and friends!

Being a totally Arya Samaaji family, our Diwali pooja is really simple. Its just us immediate family members around a rangoli bordering Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi, followed by mom reading out Satyanarayanji ji katha. There is something so heart-warmingly wonderful about this simple ritual. There are no priests, no middlemen so to say, or lavish gold coins and diamond ornaments or the other superficial trappings that so many other families get caught in. This is the way I like it! Of course, I do love the dressing up part...the bangles, saris, bindis, mehndi...and the twinkling lights that my brother strings over the staircase and windows, and the candles and all that...but the wonderful part of Arya Samaj is that it allows you to do things your way, on your own terms, without imposing rigid and tedious rules and regulations for everything. What matters, in the end, is your devotion to God and not the way you choose to express it!

This Diwali is going to mark a lot of new beginnings in my life. Primary among them is my mom's shifting to Bombay. Am going to be staying with her after more than three years. And its been a long three years! Have really missed her...and am looking forward to making up for all that lost time now!

You have a great Diwali!

Zakia Shakir, a well known photographer who has shot some of the best landscapes and portraits in the country recently spend some time in the US at one of the most prestigious photography schools in the world, The ICP - the International Centre of Photography, New York.

She has shot several advertising and editorial features before her stint at the ICP, New York and on her return a number of magazine covers too. She would be opening her own studio shortly at Versova.

An exclusive preview of her work, with a display of over 30 of her photographs, including exotic shots of models and some of her best personal work will be on display at Caliente, Mumbai, on the 30th of Oct from 8.30 pm onwards. Among those displayed will be exclusive pics of Vijay Amritraj, Amitabh Bachchan, Sheetal Mallar, Cleo Isaacs, Aditi Govitrikar Nina Manuel and others.

Mezzo Mezzo Creates a Little Apulia In Mumbai

One of Italy’s best-kept secrets is out! From a little town on Italy’s South East Coast (the heel of the Italy’s boot shape), comes authentic Italian food brought to Mezzo Mezzo, the Italian restaurant of JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai, by Guest Chef Tommaso. He and renowned Resident Chef Danio Galli will be pooling their considerable resources to produce a feast worthy of the gods from the 20th of October to the 2nd of November 2003.

Apulia is a food and wine lover’s paradise. One reason is that the fresh produce is of such high quality. In fact, many of the basic elements of the Italian kitchen originate from Apulia – a huge proportion of Italy’s fish is caught off the extensive Apulian coast. 70% of the country’s olive oil is produced here and the region provides 80% of Europe’s pasta. Just to give you that uncompromisingly pure Apulia feeling, Chef Tommaso brings his ingredients all the way from the little town itself.

Vegetarians will be pleasantly surprised with Antipasti Vegetariani, pure vegetarian specialities like Bruschetta del Tavoliere delle Puglie con pomodorini secchi (Bruschetta from Puglia’s Tavoliere with sun dried tomatoes) or Frittelle Di Ricotta Ed Alghe Marine Con Pomodorini Del "Salento" Marinati All'origano (Deep-fried Ricotta cheese balls and seaweed served with cherry tomato marinated with dry oregano).

But non-vegetarians certainly need not feel ignored what with Calzone alla Barese con la ricotta forte, Manzo e cicoria (Calzone Barese style with strong ricotta cheese, beef and, yes, chicory!) or Polpo Al Forno Con Le Patate E Zucchine Al Profumo Di Menta (Baked octopus with potato and zucchini in mint flavour). For gourmets, there’s also a truffle menu. Round it all off with a dessert of Dita Degli Apostoli Farcitio Con Ricotta, Pasta Di Mandorle, Cannella E Frutta Candita Con Salsa Al Caramello ("Apostle fingers" filled with ricotta cheese and almond paste in cinnamon flavour and caramel sauce). Then wash it down with a wide selection of Italian wines, grappas and digestives.

Mezzo Mezzo is located on the lobby level of JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai. The interactive open kitchen at Mezzo Mezzo allows one to view the chefs at work, where jars of pickled items such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichokes take prominence. The restaurant’s gild rimmed mirror dominated bar offers a wide selection of wines by the glass, and an extensive selection of cocktails. The bar area of the restaurant is used as a pre-dinner drinks or coffee and drinks bar after dinner. Fresh flower arrangements mainly in monotone or duo tones complement the settings. Mezzo Mezzo is currently open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday from 6.30 p.m. till midnight and serves brunch on Sundays from 12 noon till 3:30 pm.

Mumbai Never Lets Down Its Loyalists: Gerson da Cunha

Everyone has loyalties, like the devotion to one’s local variety of mango (eg Apoos Pyrie vs Dussehri). Close after mangoes on the loyalty scale would come ardor for one’s city. Mumbai, like its mangoes, never lets down its loyalists.

There is something oddly appropriate about the shape of this island in the glance of a map. It looks like a hand extended in greeting, or help. It’s symbolic of the way the city is.

Mumbai is its people. It is the city’s people, generation after generation, who have caused a glittering metropolis to rise where seven lumpy islands had dozed before, amid drying fishnets and bombil. Here, in an abandoned Government House, the plague vaccine was given to the world – needing of course a prior outbreak of the bubonic variety. The silver lining was the package of urban improvements that followed, first as therapy then taking graceful form as broad avenues and causeways, some conceived as cross-island ventilation against noxious vapors, setbacks from them, parks, gardens and vistas.

The city’s Indo-Saracenic public buildings live haughtily on, from the High Court and University to two great railway termini and a museum, not so much edifices as imperial fanfares. Here, too, stands a treasure of Art Deco buildings, second in number and scale only to Miami, which together with the city’s colonial past constitute a unique corner of world heritage.

Modern art in India was born in the Progressive Artists’ Group on Rampart Row, the street connecting "Kala Ghoda," – a square with Edward VII as Prince of Wales rampant on a leaping steed, all in bronze – to Lion’s Gate, the main entry into the dockyard of the home port of India’s Navy.

The mind was encouraged to flower here, some in ways that history records: the birth of atomic research and space science in the land. In humbler ways, too, minds were nurtured in classrooms and lecture halls. Mumbai’s robust cosmopolitanism is unusual, with its happy babble of Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, Tamil, Konkani and 14 other languages with their own schools here, to say nothing of the French and German medium schools.

Two of Mumbai’s greatest riches are the magic of the sea and the monsoons. Visitors from the Gulf and Arab countries still come to marvel at torrential downpours and the violet clouds of the season. These are the same mild, moist breezes that through history have blown trade here, to and from Africa and the Gulf. Greeks and Arabs came and went, sheltering among islands that its fisher folk called "Mumbadevi," after their kindly Mother Goddess. The Portuguese came and gave away, in a style we understand as dowry.

In the hands of the bridegroom’s nation, the city corrupted from "Mumbadevi" to "Bombay." Later, there would be other, less innocent corruptions. Today, politics trails "Mumbai" not "Bombay" in its wake. The city’s human energy and the power stroke of its thought have made this the country’s commercial and financial capital. Its very riches and success have crafted its problems.

The hand-shaped island has welcomed all, some would say too many for an infrastructure born in the horse-drawn tramcar and the delicate bronze-held gaslight lit by a marathon runner with a pole bouncing on his shoulder. But from the strangulating streets and illegal constructions on the gold of a slipper island, from the Irani shops with bent wood chairs and marble-topped tables serving buns and butter sprinkled with sugar; from the flamboyant dons whose dreams are a clutter of Bollywood maidens jostling RDX and extortion, from here rises a thunder of crowds cheering their Tendulkars’, as they had their Merchants’ and Mankads’ in an earlier time.

Read the entire transcript in India Today Plus (November, 2003)

Kamasutra Night at Rock Bottom!

Tomorrow night, Saturday, October 18, 2003, 9.00 p.m. onwards Bacardi will transform Rock Bottom, Mumbai city’s new 7000 sq ft nightclub at the Ramee Guestline into an avant garde interpretation of the wonderful world of Kamasutra.

The night promise’s to be a sensual ravagement with elements of design that reek of elegance. Kamasutra, as we all know, is the Hindu treatise on the art of love which emerged somewhere between the 1st and 4th centuries AD, but it is more famous for the big picture discussions of women’s rights, courtship and the place of erotic pleasure in modern life.

However, Bacardi’s idea is to create a theme night that has room for aesthetic visual stimulation; a night that is remembered as a vicarious experience of the beauty of what the Kamasutra really stands for, certainly not it’s derogatory connotation.

Bacardi’s Kamasutra Night is very much open to the city’s movers and shakers, but the VIP lounge will be reserved for Barcardi’s guests.

ok! ok! I know that it's against every rule in web designing to have white text against a black background...but I think this combo looks really jazzy, so that's how it's gonna be :)

I am so extremely frustrated...feel like killing somebody! More specifically, feel like killing my cable operator -- Jhunjhunwalla who owns Microvision, which supplies cable TV and broadband to Walkeshwar and Malabar Hill Areas.

The guy has been harassing us no end. He has some problem with the previous inhabitants of this flat (who, incidentally, left 18 months back), and the housing society, and has consequently switched off my cable TV connection. So, haven't been able to see any TV for the last whole week! And only when the TV is not there do you realize how much you depend on it to refresh you or cool you down after a tough day!

Besides this, the employees of Microvision definitely deserve the World's Rudest and Most Unhelpful Staff award. Not only are they adept at shirking responsibility, they have taken to shouting abuses at my father and me, and anyone else from our office who tries to sort out the issue!

Besides this, their broadband connections remain disfunctional for at least 6-10 days every month, when asked for explanation or repairs, the typical answer is that this is India, and this is just the way things are. Thats what happens when there is any company has the monopoly over a service. If you know of any cable operator out there who services Walkeshwar, please let me know ASAP!

Till then, I am going to be catching up on my daily soaps at the gym :(

On Wednesday, October 15, 2003, from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m., Popley & Sons will launch their exclusive boutique Popley La Classique of premium international brands in
India like Rado, Tissot, Omega, Tag Heuer, Longines, Raymond Weil, Dior, Ronco, Nakshatra, Albor, Solitaires, etc.

The evening, accompanied by fine wine and cheese, will see the unveiling of Designer RHEA NASTA’s nouveau range with Wine Coloured Gems.

Models adorned with Rhea’s designs will adopt mannequin poses at the entrance of the boutique. There will also be four of Rhea’s designers sketching exclusive pieces of jewellery for the guests using gemstones.

The service at the Popley La Classique section of their boutique on Turner Road aims to match world-class standards of service expected of the sophisticated jet-set who
would normally hop on to a flight to do their high-end jewellery & accessory shopping.

For those who’ve been pining for their regular sweet tooth fix, there could be no better news than the fact that JW Marriott's Bombay Baking Co. is back in action and it’s better than you could ever imagine!

1700 sq. ft of pure indulgence, the new look BBC is a vibrant, stylish place with an open style servery kitchen and an exciting & creative menu. Where else in the city can you sample delectable hot-from-the-oven goodies baked by the hour, scrumptilicious chocolates, fresh salads, exotic food items like imported cheeses and wines or select flowers, while your mind travels into far away lands through the extensive range of books or, for the technically inclined, the Internet?

Allow the warmth of blueberry muffins and freshly brewed coffee to envelop you and to gently lull you into generously taking an assortment of mouth-watering delicacies or even flowers for your loved ones. The icing on the cake – you can afford to be generous what with BBC’s five star quality, variety and service at unbelievably affordable prices! Baked goods start at only Rs. 17/-. But a warning for the newly initiated from pastry Chef Ronald – some of this stuff is just too good to give away!

The BBC is open seven days a week from 7am to 9pm.

Wednesday Nights at Enigma!

You always thought the party never ends in Bombay. But now it’s starting earlier than ever before! From October 15th onwards, weekends will be longer than ever for party people. Enigma, at JW Marriot, will throw its doors open on Wednesdays as well!

And how does one start these Wicked Wednesdays? Errrrr...... of course! With a party to beat all parties! Catch Enigma’s famous resident DJ, DJ Aqeel along with DJ Ryan Beck and DJ Girish in action. That is, if you’re not too busy rubbing shoulders with a regular bevy of stars from Bollywood, television and the fashion world who have made Enigma their second home.

Enigma is spread over an area of 4200 square feet with a great dance floor, a stylish lounging area, and two bars. The music is mostly retro, popular Hindi tracks and remixes played by DJ Aqeel. It serves the wildest cocktails by Ryan, Enigma’s cool flaring bartender. The décor which has been designed by Hirsch Bedner and Associates from San Francisco features wooden flooring, a seating area with rich red, purple & orange curtains, sumptuous sofas and a stage for performances.

Finally, party people, a good reason to say Thank God it’s Wednesday!

Sachin Tendulkar's Foodie Cravings...

I am a big eater and I love seafood. I am very passionate about good food, and also enjoy a spot of cooking. Though I travel so often and get to eat different types of food, I really miss the simple, home-cooked Maharashtrian khaana when I am on tour.

A personal favorite is the Bommaloe Macchi, or Bombay Duck, a small fish native to the Mumbai area. A fact that surprises quite a few people is that Bombay Duck is not really a duck, but actually a dried, salted fish. I love its pungency – it is a little spicy and salty – and it can be eaten as a crispy deep-fried starter or as an accompaniment to a curry dish, as it can be served both fried and broiled. I also have a weakness for Goan-style crab.

Other than that, when I am in Mumbai I love going to the Thai Pavilion at the Taj President Hotel, the Golden Dragon and the Regent for its Chinese food. Now, of course, a favorite haunt is going to be Tendulkar’s – not only because it is my restaurant, but also because it has a handpicked selection of my favorite dishes from around the world.

The best Maharashtrian food in town, however, continues to be exclusively and indisputably available at a small apartment in Bandra – in my mother’s kitchen! And that is impossible to replicate anywhere else in the world.

Read the complete transcript in India Today Plus (November, 2003)

I was going to tell you all about Lush, the hottest new party place at Phoenix Mills, but realized that nobody could tell it better than Pooja Bedi in her new column in Mid Day.

Meanwhile, let me brief you on the Mocha Backpacker's Club, started last month, an interactive platform on backpacking info, experiences and advice. The Club meets on the last Sunday of every month at 12 pm to help backpackers with info about organising a trip. Every meet focusses on one destination, and you get to know about everything from travel arrangements to buying the right gear to managing within limited budgets and so on. Usually, there are guest speakers -- celebrity, experts or otherwise -- who have travelled extensively and independently.

You will have to pay a one-time membership fee of Rs 500 to become a member of this club, which also gets you discounts on travel equipment like sleeping bags along with special offers on air tickets, travel arrangements, and Lonely Planet guidebooks.

Am putting together a page devoted to rare pix of old Bombay. You are so not going to believe what the Fort area looked like, or how green and isolated Malabar Hill was! Keep watching this space for linking to the pix site...should have it up an running by Monday!

Writings on Mumbai

"While putting together an anthology such as this one is not rocket science, it tends to have its own challenges...Friends become repositories of wisdom and talk about the ancient hamam in South Bombay where you can still have a Turkish Bath...others suggest impossible photo-essays on the interiors of the Governor's bungalow or a dog's eye-view of the city. Everyone has a Bombay story, a Bombay they want represented. And everyone's Bombay is not the Bombay we thought we knew.

"When we started on this project, we were clear: we wanted to serve up the taste of the Lived Bombay rather than the more exotic flavors of the Visited Bombay. This is a vision of Bombay, stereoscopic, multiple, fuzzy, alienated, integrated, all of the above."

-- Excerpt from Bombay, Meri Jaan: Writings on Mumbai edited by Jerry Pinto and Naresh Fernandes, with poems and prose on the city by renown names like Nissim Ezekiel, Pico Iyer, Khushwant Singh, Rudyard Kipling, Salman Rushdie, Sunil Gavaskar, VS Naipaul, Busybee and so on and on and on.

Available in all bookstores for Rs. 395.

ME: Why did I not think of writing this book????? Sounds like it must have been fun to compile!

Anyway, am back to the drudgery of writing one of the most boring pieces that I have ever encountered in my journalistic capacity. Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

Heard Nikita Nigam sing for the first time yesterday (that is Sonu Nigam's kid sis for the uninitiated)...charming voice capable of holding a very high pitch without sounding shrill, even though it lacks a little depth. But guess that shall come by with age. She looked pretty young -- a teenager, I would guess.

Sonu Nigam...now thats a different entity altogether. Somehow, am wondering why, I never really liked him much. But after seeing and hearing him live at the Toyota 1,00,000 Celebrations, have totally changed my mind. He was wonderful! Sings wonderfully, and works the crowd even more wonderfully! Definitety one to look out for!

(Incidentally, are you going for the Adnan Sami concert on Oct. 11?)

Yesterday was also the D'damas Signature Jewelry Collection launch at Taj Land's End, but more on that later. Gotta run now. You take care!

Sorry :(

Ok, I know that I have committed the worst sin in blogging...not updating (with anything substantial) for one whole week! Flimsy though the excuse is, deadlines on work assignments were just too killing to do anything else!But pls pls don't kill me yet! And don't stop watching this space either! Am back in action, and soon you shall also see a totally revamped site here...hot, hip 'n happening...just like Bombay ;)

The Invitation

Excerpted from The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life’s betrayals
or have become shriveled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us to
be careful
be realistic
remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the center of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

Thinking of watching Jogger's Park? Here are some things that you should keep in mind:

1. Do not watch it in the late night show, unless you are an insomniac desperate for a cure. In that case, it is likely to work better than the strongest sedative!

2. Watch it only till the interval if you want to go away with memories of a great movie. This movie has a beautiful concept, and would have been memorably brilliant if only it had ended at the interval. I think the problem is that while Bollywood has learnt to embrace serious and meaningful themes, most of the producers and directors still lack the maturity to escape the two-and-a-half-hour masala movie concept!

3. Get the CD -- the songs are brilliant! Especially Adnan Sami's soulful Ishq hota nahin sabhi ke liye....

4. If you are a guy, ignore all the above, 'coz you are most probably going to be too busy getting an eyeful of Perizaad to be much bothered by anything else anyway!

Karisma Kapoor finally got married yesterday, at RK Cottage in Bombay...in what seemed more like a Bollywood circus rather than a traditional ceremony. Surrounded by a "very small gathering" of only a 1000 people (??!!??), the bride was, it has to be said, quite resplendent in her pink lehenga. Except that it would have suited the occasion more if she had not spent more than three-quarters of the time waving to the cameras!

To the credit of both families, the reason behind the Abhishek Bachchan-Karisma Kapoor breakup has never been revealed. In a departure from Bollywood norms, both sides have kept absolutely mum about the whole issue...perhaps concepts like dignity and family pride are not yet completely extinct in the film industry!

And if the list of celeb attendees for the wedding was pretty impressive, the list of people who made it a point to stay away was no less weighty...Shahrukh Khan, Karan Johar, Ambanis', Amar Singh, Shweta Nanda (nee Bachchan), even the Sahara guys who are producing Karisma Kapoor's famed TV Serial...basically everybody who is close to the Bachchans was a no show!

Grand uncle Shammi Kapoor, meanwhile, is recuperating from a recent illness at Bombay's Breach Candy Hospital, and hence could not attend.