MOVERS $ SHAKERS

Indian Realtors Unfazed By Dubai Crisis

2009-11-29T01:54:00.000-08:00

India's realty majors Friday said the debt crisis of Dubai World, one of the largest global conglomerates, would not affect the domestic property sector but fund managers and real estate consultants disagreed.

According to Parry Singh, managing director of real estate equity fund Red Fort Capital: 'The recent crisis will certainly impact the Indian realty sector which has not even fully recovered from the Lehman (Brothers) crisis.'

He said the debt crisis many again drive banks to tighten their credit policy, a move that could jeopardise the credit flow into the realty sector.

'It will also adversely affect the sentiments of investors. Indian developers get lots of funds from Dubai that will be severely affected,' Singh said.

Faced with funding crisis, the Dubai government Wednesday asked the creditors of state-owned Dubai World and property group Nakheel for a six-month standstill on interest payment.

Singh said a large number of buyers of high-end projects are from Dubai. If they become reluctant to buy properties following the crisis, the realty companies will be hit, he added.

'However, the severity of the damage is yet to be calculated.'

Added Anuj Puri, chairman of real estate service provider Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj (JLLM): 'There will be certain impact of this crisis in terms of business sentiments even when the indian realty sector seems robust.'

If the default in Dubai turns into a sovereign default, there would be 'real economic issues', which may hit several countries, he added.

According to engineering and construction major Larson and Toubro, the Dubai debt crisis is 'worse' than the financial crisis that followed the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008.

'It is worse than the Lehman crisis, especially for the Indian realty sector, as the exposure is greater and the impact more local,' said a senior official of L&T.

The company has the exposure of about $20 billion in Dubai.

Meanwhile, Emaar MGF, a joint venture between Dubai-based Emaar group and MGF Developers in India, said its operations would not be affected by the developments in Dubai.

'Our business and funding plans are on track,' the company said in a statement.

Rajiv Talwar, executive director of construction major DLF, said India's property market was robust.

'Indian property market is very robust and largely dominated by internal demand. So, there will be no adverse impact on us,' Talwar said.

R. Nagaraju, vice-president of developer Unitech, also believes the crisis will have no major impact on Indian real estate sector as Indian realtors have little exposure in Dubai.

Dubai World Debt Might Affect INDIA

2009-11-29T01:47:00.000-08:00

Dubai World debt crisis may soon turn into a nightmare for the Indian workers, top policymakers fear.

“It may work against the workers who are on short-term contracts. They may find renewal tough,” K Mohandas, secretary of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, told Express.

However, the global recession has not forced a permanent return of Indians from the Middle East in huge numbers as feared, he added.

Union ministers Pranab Mukherjee and Vayalar Ravi too sounded calm.

Annual remittances to India from UAE is about 2 billion US dollars, out of the $52 billion sent by Indian expats from across the world.

Two-thirds of the six million people living in Dubai are Indians, more than 60 per cent of them Malayalis, much to the worry of Kerala’s Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac.

“One main fear,” he notes, “is that the credit to reality sector in Dubai would be frozen for some time. It could seriously affect the construction sector, thereby our workers.” There is also concern about the fate of Kochi’s Smart City project as the Dubai-based real estate giant TECOM is already alleged to be in a bad shape.

Most of the Indians employed in the UAE, according to recruitment agencies, are in the real estate sector, financial services and retail.

“The Middle East meltdown,” says E Balaji of Chennai-based headhunting firm Ma Foi Management Consultants, “will lead to at least 25 per cent contraction in the job market. It can have a ripple effect.”

Carnage on Dalal Street

2008-10-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Carnage on Dalal Street continues

Sensex hits a new 2008 low of 10239.7; Nifty hits a new 2008 low of 3198.9

Worst weekly performance for sensex & Nifty ever; Sensex ends down 15.5% or 1950 points and nifty ends down 14% or 550 points for the week

Sensex ends down 800 points to close at 10527; Nifty ends down 233 points to close at 3279

CNX Midcap Index down 7%, BSE Small-cap Index down 7.3%

Bse Realty Index dn 11.3%, Dlf dn 8.7%, Unitch dn 12.1%, Akruti city 7.2%, Hdil dn 18.8%, Ib Real Estate dn 19.4%

Bse Metal Index dn 9.2%; Tata Steel dn 15%, Hindalco dn 11%, Sail dn 7.2%, Sterlite dn 6.1%

Bse Cap goods dn 9.2%; Punj Lloyd dn 18%, Bhel dn 8%, L&T dn 7.8%, Abb dn 7.4%, Siemens dn 9.4%

Bse Bankex dn 7.8%; Icici Bank dn 19.8%, Yes Bank dn 20.1%, Axis Bank dn 14.6%, Hdfc down 8.8%

Bse Oil & Gas dn 6.7; Reliance Ind dn 7.3%, Cairn dn 11.9%, Rnrl dn 11.7%, Essar Oil dn 12.7%

Index Losers : Rcom dn 20.3% , Rel Infra dn 19.5%, Suzlon dn 17.6%, Rpower dn 9.8%

Relentless selling in midcap stocks : Core Proj dn 42.4%, India Infoline dn 24.9%, Nagar Const dn 24.2%, Bajaj Jind dn 22.3%

Relentless selling in midcap stocks: Welspun Guj dn 22%, United Spirits dn 21.1%, Bajaj Finserve dn 20%, India Bulls Sec dn 20%, Guj Nre Coke dn 19.7%

Horrible NSE Advance:Decline Ratio at 1:11

Total market turnover at Rs 68100.82 crore vs Rs 75587.35 crore

Nse F&O Turnover at Rs 48279 crore vs Rs 57666.95 crore

F&O Snapshot:

Nifty futures adds 36 lakh shares in OI; ends at a premium of nearly 23 points on back of cash based selling

Aggressive short build up in Private Sector banking stocks

Metal, Infra, Telecom and Oil & Gas stocks continues to see short build up

Nifty PCR slips to 0.74 in today’s trade

Aggressive short build up in stock fut ; more than 30 stocks adds more than 10% OI build up

Liquid mid cap stocks butchered with selling in cash market

Unwinding in 3400 put continues

Call writing continues in 3400-3600 call options

Options Activity:

Nifty 3600 call adds 7.9 lakh shares

Nifty 3400 call adds 6.1 lakh shares

Nifty 3500 call adds 6.1 lakh shares

Nifty 3400 put adds 5.2 lakh shares

Stock Options:

RPL 110 put adds 1.3 lakh shares

Chambal Fert put adds 51 thousand shares

OI Addition :

Axis Bank 45%

India Infoline 41%

Kotak Bank 32%

Icici Bank 29%

Fresh short:

Banks : Icici bank , Axis Bank , Kotak Bank , Yes Bank

Metals : Hindalco , Tata Steel

Misc : RCom , JP associates , Punj Lloyd , ONGC , R power ,

Long Unwinding : Rnrl , Chambal Fert, Naga Fert , Arvind Mill

Phoonk : Movie Review

2008-08-23T03:51:00.000-07:00

Once again Ram Gopal Varma treads one of his favourite territories – horror. His movie Phoonk doesn’t spook you as much as it intrigues you with its black magic theme and its unexpected conclusion.

Not that the story’s conclusion is unconventional or novel. Rather, it’s somewhat hackneyed. But what surprises you is that a man like Varma would endorse such a climax to his story where superstition holds a sway over scientific logic.

Every frame of ‘Phoonk’ has an unmistakable Varma stamp over it. The dimly lit rooms, the uncanny characters, the lingering shots of props like toys or statues or even crows or cats, the camera angles and the background music – all mesh together to give an eerie look to the movie. However, after a while, it becomes a tad too repetitive.

The movie tells the story of Rajeev ( Sudeep ), a builder and a staunch atheist with a family comprising of a loving wife ( Amrita Khanvilkar ), two kids Raksha ( Ahsaas Chana ) and Rohan (Shrey), and a religious mother.

A non-believer in God or Devil, Rajiv’s world and his belief system goes topsy-turvy when an evil is let loose in his house and the most affected is his daughter Raksha who begins behaving in strange ways.

The doctors say Raksha suffers from “psycho dissassociative disorder” but offer no conclusive cure. Not long before it’s clear that a black magic spell has been cast on Rajeev’s family by some malicious ill-wishers. It’s a spell that only an exorcist can break.

Unlike any pulpy horror flick, ‘Phoonk’ doesn’t scare you with its gory details but by gradually building up your anticipation regarding what would unfold on the screen. Varma’s technical prowess does come handy to this effect but there are a couple of scenes where the filmmaker overindulges in this style.

However, Ramu does manage to extract good performances from the cast – particularly from Sudeep and Ahsaas Chana. Sudeep is convincing as a man whose mind is muddled because all his non-beliefs turn out wrong one by one. Ahsaas Chana is excellent as a child possessed by an evil spirit. Amrita Khanvilkar gives a restrained performance while Zakir Hussain (as exorcist) is a bit over the top.

All in all, ‘Phoonk’ is an average horror flick that shakes and stirs you at times but doesn’t blow you away.

BIPASHA BASU INTERVIEW

2008-08-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

view BIPASHA BASU picture gallery

view BIPASHA BASU picture gallery
She has proved her worth as an actress of substance and now she is ready for her second big release of this year BACHNA AE HASEENO. Bapasha Basu can't hold her excitement anymore. She shares her experience of working with Ranbir Kapoor and much more with our correspondent.

So you are all excited...
Yes... excited certainly I am. It's a big film and expectations are high but more than that it's a good film. I must say this is a great film from Yash Raj.

Yash Raj... Hmm. Your last Yash Raj release DHOOM 2 too was also a hit. Does that add to the expectations?
Big banners always matter. They are always important. I am more excited because I am working with this banner. Yash Raj has always made good films and I am sure this one too will be appreciated by the cinemagoers.

Your last film RACE was a hit. So you have had a good year so far.
I am keeping my fingers crossed. It was a different film and this one is a different film altogether. I do fewer films these days because I have decided that I will only do those films which I would really enjoy doing. I enjoyed doing this film and more so because of a perfect set of costars and a good director.

Which means you liked everything about this film...
I wanted to do a romantic film because I haven't done one for a long time. BACHNA AE HASEENO had a lovely script...I mean it was perfect from all corners. But what was more attractive was my character 'Radhika'. It was almost custom made for me. I could relate to it. And not only just me but the entire casting has been perfect including Deepika, Ranbir and Minissha's character. That makes a lot of sense.

So how does Radhika look?
It is an out and out glamorous role.

You mean like the one in RACE?
You can't compare the two. It was thriller and this is an out-and-out romantic film. Radhika is a dancer by professional who comes to Mumbai and joins Shaimak Dawar's dance group. She is smart, intelligent and highly fashionable...in one word she is today's perfect urban girl. Each character has been given a different kind of look, including mine.

Did you have to work a lot on your look?
No, it was Aki Narula who gets the credit. He has given me a damn cool look. He has made me look as much fashionable as possible. He is simply great at his job.

After PHOONK, Ramu to direct Amitabh-Abhishek

2008-08-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

As a filmmaker, Ram Gopal Varma is in the thick of giving finishing touches to his latest directorial venture, PHOONK. The brilliant publicity, banking on chilling promos and a superbly designed website have made PHOONK one of the most keenly awaited horror flicks of recent times.

A firm believer in moving on, the iconoclastic Ram Gopal Varma is already focusing on his next big venture that he intends to start. Contrary to concocted fall out stories, it will once again feature his favourite father-son duo of Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan.

While on the same project, Ramu informs that the untitled venture is all set to take off this December. And before the gossip gears get into overdrive, the project is not a sequel to SARKAR RAJ!

Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar wins Olympic bronze

2008-08-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

ndian wrestler Sushil Kumar defeated Leonid Speiridonov of Kazakhstan in the men's freestyle (66 kg) event to grab the bronze in the Olympic Games here Wednesday.

This is the second medal for India at the Beijing Olympics after shooter Abhinav Bindra claimed the first ever individual Olympic gold last week.

IMPORTANT PENNY SHARES

2008-08-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

1) RPG LIFE Scince at 30/- ; Reached at 43/- Now 34/-

2) COMPAC DISC Recommended at 50/- NOW Trading 70/-

3) POCHIRAJU IND. Recommended at 17/- Now Trading at 22/-

4) Lloyds Steel at 10.5/- Now Trading at 12/-

5) IFCI at 38/- Now Trading at 47.95/-

WE CAN ALSO TRY ON I SPAT INDUSTRIES, ALPHA LABORATORIES, NAGARJUNA FERT & CHEMICALS LTD.

KALYAN VALIVARTHI

IMPORTANT BUZZING STOCKS IN INDIAN MARKET

2008-08-20T00:11:00.000-07:00

SUBEX SYSTEMS LTD : I would advice the investors to sell the stock at higher levels. The counter is not looking impressive fundamentally and there is lot of risk. So, the investors should switch over to other counters on rally

RANBAXY LABORATORIES LTD : I recommend the investors to hold the stock for the short term. The counter has resistance at Rs 520 levels and if it crosses these levels, then it can rally further. On the downside, it has support at Rs 480.

INDUS DVLP BANK OF INDIA : I advice the investors to sell the stock on rally. The earning visibility is not good and lots of issues are pending. So, the investors should switch over to other counters in the same space

POLARIS SOFTWARE LAB : I advice the investors remain invested by keeping a stoploss of Rs 105

HINDALCO INDUSTRIES LTD : I would advice the investors to sell the stock on rally. The counter has resistance at Rs 160 levels and the investors can exit the counter at those levels

RELIANCE PETROLEUM LTD

2008-08-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

I would advice the investors to hold the stock. The refinery has good long-term prospects and it would make good profits once operations start

ALMOND BISCOTTI RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:54:00.001-07:00

3 cup Flour
3 tblsp Brandy
1/2 cup Butter (melted)
1 cup Almonds (chopped)
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Almond Extract
1/2 tblsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Sugar
3 Eggs (large)

How to make almond biscotti:

* Mix sugar and butter.
* Combine in brandy, almond extracts, vanilla, nuts and eggs.
* Mix them well.
* Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.
* Shape it into loaves.
* Place loaves on cookie sheet.
* Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes.
* Take out of the oven.
* Let them cool slightly.
* Reduce into 1/2â€ diagonal slices and return again to cookie sheet.
* Bake it in a preheated oven at 350 F till both sides are brownish and toasted, it will take about 20 to 25 minutes.
* Let them cool completely.
* Store them in an airtight container.

MORU KALAN RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

2 c curd
1 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp fenugreek powder (methi powder)
1/2 tsp cumin powder (jeera powder)
A pinch of turmeric
1 small onion chopped
3 whole red chilies crushed
1 tblsp ginger garlic paste
A bunch of curry leaves

How to make moru kalan:

* Heat oil in a pan and put in the mustard seeds.
* Once they start spluttering, add the curry leaves and ginger garlic paste.
* SautÃ© it for twoo minutes and add the chopped onion and red chilies.
* Fry it for a few minutes and then add the dry powders.
* Lower the heat and add the pre-beaten curd.
* You will need to keep stirring it continuously to make sure that it does not boil.
* Keep checking for steam and immediately remove from stove.
* Add salt and mix well.
* You can store it in glass jars in the refrigerator.

PESARAPAPPU PAYASAM RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:51:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 tblsp ghee
1 c dhuli moong dal
1 c jaggery, crushed
2 tsp elaichi powder

How to make pesarapappu payasam:

* First wash the moong dal and keep aside.
* In a deep, thick dish, heat ghee and roast the moong dal till you can smell a good flavor.
* Now add the jaggery and let it melt.
* Mix well and fry till the dal is done and it looks like a smooth mixture.
* Now add the elaichi powder and mix well.
* Take off the heat, garnish with grated coconut and serve hot.

CHUM CHUM RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:50:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

250 gms cottage cheese (paneer)
2 tblsp refined flour (maida)
1 cup sugar (cheeni)
1 cup water
2 - 3 drop lemon colour
100 gms condensed milk (unsweetened)
1/4 tsp green cardamom (chhoti elaichi) powder
few saffron (kesar) strands

How to make chum chum:

* Melt sugar in water and heat up to make a thin syrup.
* Knead the paneer with flour and shape into oval shaped fingers, mix in them to the sugar syrup and boil for eight minutes.
* Take off from heat up and mix in lemon color to the syrup. Cool for a while and take off the chum-chums from the syrup.
* Mix in saffron and cardamom powder to sugarless, creamy, condensed milk. spread this on each piece and serve cold.

POTATO DAHIWADA RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

ngredients:

green chillies chopped as per taste
3 tbsp chopped corriander leaves
6 potato
1 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
2 tsp jeera powder
salt to taste
4 bread slices
1/2 tsp black salt
1 tsp chat masala powder
1/2 kg curd
2 tsp red chilli powder
oil to fry

How to make potato dahiwada:

* Boil and mash the potatoes.
* Spice up with salt,1 tsp red chilli, 1tsp jeera powder,1tsp garam masla,1 tsp chaat masala powder, 2 tblsp green corriander leaves, green chilles and mix well.
* Take the bread slices and cut them in a round shape, with a help of a mould.
* Apply little water on the round bread slices, just enough water to let the potato mixture to stick to the bread slices.
* Take approximately 2 tblsp potato mixture and spread on the round slices evenly.
* Make it smooth.
* Heat up up the oil for frying and fry the rounds till golden brown.
* Take off on a paper towel to get off excess oil.
* Let them cool.
* Mean while cream the curds and spice up it with common salt and black salt.
* When the rounds are cool assemble them in a dish and pour out the curd on it.
* Spice up it with red chilli, jeera powder, garam masala ,corriander leaves and green chillies.
* Serve with sweet tarmarind chutney

BLACK FOREST PIE RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:46:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

1 Pastry Shell (baked)
4 oz unsweetened Baking Chocolate
14 oz sweetened Condensed Milk
1 tsp Almond Extract
1 1/2 cup Whipping Cream (whipped)
21 oz can Cherry Pie Filling
Almonds (Toasted)

How to make black forest pie:

* Melt chocolate with sweetened condensed milk over low heat in pan.
* Remove from heat.
* Combine almond extract and stir well.
* Pour it into a bowl and let it cool completely.
* Beat it till it becomes smooth.
* Mix whipped cream.
* Place it into prepared pastry shell.
* Let it chill about 4 hours so that it is set.
* Serve it with the cherry pie filling.
* Garnish with toasted almonds.

SUGAR COOKIE HEARTS RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 cup Butter (unsalted)
1 cup Sugar
2 Egg
1 tblsp Vanilla
3 cup Flour
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Baking soda
Icing:
1 cup confectioner Sugar (sifted)
2 tblsp Milk

How to make sugar cookie hearts:

* Combine butter and sugar till smooth.
* Mix eggs and vanilla into the butter mixture.
* Mix well.
* Combine flour, salt and baking soda together.
* Combine it with the butter and egg mixture prepared.
* Mix well.
* Let it chill for about 2 hours.
* Reduce the dough into quarters.
* Roll out one quarter on a slightly floured surface to 1/8â€ thickness.
* Shape into heart shapes with help of a knife or cutter.
* Place it on an ungreased cookie sheet.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees, till the edges are brown, it will take about 6-8 minutes.
* Let it cool.
* How to make Icing:
* Combine confectioner sugar and milk together till smooth.
* Spread it on the cookies.

HYDERABADI BIRYANI RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:42:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

350 gms Basmati Rice
200 gms Potatoes
200 gms Carrots
100 gms Onions
4 Green Chilies
30 gms Ginger
20 gms Garlic
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Red Chili Powder
1 cup Curd
1 tsp Saffron
2 tbsp Milk
1/3 cup Mint ( Pudina leaves )
1/3 cup Coriander Leaves
4 tsp Rose Water
50 gms Cashewnuts
50 gms Almonds
25 gms Raisins
120 gms Ghee
Salt To taste

How to make hyderabad biryani :

* Wash and soak the basmati rice for half an hour. Drain the water. Put the rice, some more water and add half the whole garam masala and salt in a pan.
* Bring the rice to a boil and cook until the rice is done. Drain and keep aside.
* Dice the peeled potatoes and carrots and wash them. Slice the onions and green chilies.
* Peel ginger and garlic and chop finely. Chop the coriander and mint leaves.
* Soak the almonds in water for half an hour and keep aside.
* Beat the curd in a bowl and divide into two equal portions.
* Dissolve saffron in warm milk and add it to one portion of the curd mixture.
* Heat ghee, add the remaining garam masala and sauté over medium heat until it begins to crackle.
* Add onions until golden brown. Then add green chilies, ginger, garlic and stir for a minute.
* Add turmeric and chili powder, saute for half a minute add the chopped vegetables and stir for a minute.
* Add the portion of plain curd, stir, add 2/3 cup water, and bring to a boil, then simmer until the vegetables are cooked.
* Add the dry fruits and nuts when the vegetables are done.
* In the handi with the cooked vegetables, sprinkle little saffron curd, mint and coriander.
* Then spread half the rice and again sprinkle the remaining saffron-curd, mint and coriander and top it with the remaining rice.
* Place a moist cloth on top, cover the lid tightly so that it gets sealed.
* Put the handi on dum in a pre-heated oven for 15-20 minutes.
* Serve the hyderabadi biryani hot with mint chutney and other vegtables.

SRI LANKAN CHICKEN CURRY RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:41:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

30 gms ghee
1 Onion (Pyaj), chopped
2 clove(laung)s garlic (lasan), crushed
3 to 4 fresh green or red chilies, cut lengthways into thin strips and seeds removed
1 tsp ground turmeric (haldi)
1 tblsp ground coriander
1 1/2 kg chicken pieces
2 1/2 cups (625ml) coconut (narial) milk
2 tblsp coconut (narial) cream (malai)
2 tblsp fresh lemon juice

How to make sri lankan chicken curry:

* Melt ghee in a frying pan, add onion, garlic, chillies, turmeric and coriander. Saute for 2 minutes.
* Add chicken pieces and coconut milk. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, simmer for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
* Add coconut cream and lemon juice, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

AFGHAN CHICKEN RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:31:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1/2 kg chicken breast
5 garlic cloves made into a paste
2 c curd
1 tsp black pepper, crushed (kali mirch)
Salt to taste
2 tsp juice lemon.

How to make afghan chicken:

* Mix all the ingredients of the marinate together very well in a bowl.
* Clean the chicken and remove it of any fat that is seen.
* Now with a sharp knife, make random slits all over it.
* Cover the chicken very well with the marinate mixture and keep in a tightly covered bowl to refrigerate.
* You must refrigerate the chicken overnight before cooking.
* Once this is done, you should remove the chicken from the marinate and grill for tem minutes on each side or till it cooked well.
* Remember not to let the chicken char.
* Sprinkle chat masala powder, lemon juice and serve hot.

CHICKEN KEEMA AND EGG RECIPE

2008-08-19T23:26:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 cup chicken keema
2 tbsp oil
1 tsp garlic 9 chopped)
1 tsp ginger ( chopped)
1 small onion chopped
2 tomato chopped
1 tsp jeera powder
1 tsp dhaniya powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp Thai curry paste ( red)
8-10 curry leaves
2 tbsp hot –n sweet sauce
1/2 tsp mustard paste
4 hard boiled eggs.
Salte to taste.

For Garnishing
1 double fried egg
1 tbsp coriander chopped

How to make chicken keema and egg:

* Heat , oil, saute the garlic, ginger, onion, add in tomatoes powdered spices, salt to taste.
* Thai curry paste, curry leaves,
* Add in the keema and saute for a few seconds and add in the hot-n- sweet sauce and mustared paste.
* Simmer the keema for 8-10 minutes on a medium flame.
* Fry the keema on high flame for 2-3 minutes.
* Add a little water and cook for another 15 minutes.
* Finally mix in the shredded egg and serve hot garnished with wedges of hard boiled eggs and chopped coriander.

INDIAN BUTTER CHICKEN

2008-08-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

ngredients:

1/4 pint/150ml natural yogurt
2 ounces/50g ground almonds
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp crushed bay leaves
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp garam masala
4 green cardamom pods
1 tsp ginger pulp
1 tsp garlic pulp
14 ounce/400g can tomatoes
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 pounds/1kg chicken, skinned, boned and cubed
3 ounces/75g butter
1 tbsp corn oil
2 medium onions, sliced
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
4 tbsp cream

How to make butter chicken :

* Place the yogurt, ground almonds, all the dry spices, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and salt in a mixing bowl and blend together thoroughly.
* Put the chicken into a large mixing bowl and pour over the yogurt mixture.
* Set aside. Melt together the butter and oil in a medium karahi, wok or frying pan. Add the onions and fry for about 3 minutes. Add the chicken mixture and stir-fry for about 7 to 10 minutes.
* Stir in about half of the coriander and mix well. Pour over the cream and stir in well. Bring to the boil. Garnish the indian butter chicken with the remaining chopped coriander to serve the chicken curry.

Anil Ambani's passion for media

2008-08-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

Anil Ambani's passion for media is well known so when he is not buying out production houses, he is ensuring he owns the medium which will deliver that content.

Reliance Big TV, a subsidiary of Reliance Communications, has entered into the fast growing Direct to Home (DTH) services and like all Reliance products, it is value for money which the brand is pushing.

BIG TV is offering packages starting at Rs 1490 for its set top box with 3 months free subscription. It is to be made available at 1 lakh outlets across 6500 towns in the country. To begin with has a capacity to serve 5 million customers.

"We would offer 200 channels with our MPEG 4 Technology at competitive pricing and also provide the best entertainment to customers as never before," said Arun Kapoor, CEO, Reliance Big TV Ltd.

" We are looking at targeting the captive consumer base of Reliance shareholders. We aim to capture a 40 per cent market share in the coming 12 months," asserted Kapur.

More than 7 million viewers today access their TV needs through the 3 DTH players in the market and Big TV would be the fourth player taking on Dish TV and Tata Sky.

Anil Ambani controlled ADAG group is known for their sheer size and volume of business by entering the DTH vertical the group only wants to further consolidate its value chain in the entertainment business, which is expected to be worth around Rs 1 lakh crore by 2012.

interview with ram hero

2008-08-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

What pulled you towards film industry?
It was right from the time when I got to my senses. My entry into film industry has nothing to do my background as the one who belonged to filmmaker’s family. Even I hardly watched Telugu films. Most part of my childhood and education happened in Chennai. But, a sense of becoming an actor seeped my nerves involuntarily. Even as a child, I used to dance, so say my family members. They had even videoed the footage. They told the neighborhood and the inner circles that I was a good dancer. Perhaps this kind of constant exposure to live and nonstop encouragement from all sides might have made me passionate about acting.

As I grew up, what ever I did, I kept mind that it should be useful to me when I take to acting in future. The outlook still guides me. I showed a lot of interest in crash courses of all kinds – acting, dancing, horse-riding, stage performance, book reading and what not. I spent hours going through Oxford University Press publications. At the age of 12, I acted in a short film, which won high praise and got me an award at a film session in Switzerland. To become an actor is not a child’s play. I trained myself in dance, aerobics, horse-riding and whatever that was necessary to become an actor, before I set my foot here.

When I was in school, Oscar Ravichandran found a good actor in me and I was about to do the film Kadhal in Tamil (Premiste in Telugu). I had to do Devadas by rejecting Premiste. MS Raju asked me for his film when I was 13 years. It was YVS Chowdary who introduced me with Devadas. I didn’t know any rules and regulations. But I was confident. I used to do a lot of homework before I entered the sets. I believe in this adage – Practice makes a man perfect. I am thankful to YVS, who wanted to introduce me not as a mere actor, but as though I was the son of a big hero. Devadas turned out to be a complete mass flick.

What went wrong with Jagadam?
When I signed the movie Jagadam, I was filled with an urge to become an actor, and not a hero. If you want to make Jagadam, it should be like that only. Any change is required, better not to make the movie at all. This was the perception. The film suffered a steep fall in the second half and unconvincing climax. Basically, it was done with youth in mind. The film is about – what happens when youth gets carried away by violence and goondaism? My role saw heroism in goondaism. The audiences are such that they praise the movie when it becomes a hit, and won’t miss to point out when it flops. Definitely, I have taken too much of load on me in Devadas and Jagadam as well.

You got a mass image where success or failure of a film doesn’t really matter. Don’t you think, over a period of time, it might lead to stagnation in your career with channels of exploration to become a good actor blocked?
Yes. I agree with you. I take the flop of Jagadam as an advantage. I never really concentrated much on the image of a mass hero. Take Devadas, a little bit of loud acting on the part of the hero was necessary. In Jagadam, a kind of underplay was done. I wish to be called the way – He can do anything. YVS Chowdary calls me – Chocolate boy with rough looks. I can be too cute and I can be manly too. With these two options at my disposal, I am always interested in bringing variation in film.

Into what kind of genre does Ready fit into?
Even I too can’t categorize it into any particular genre. It is a mix of everything. Those who don’t understand which genre is Ready up to will surely understand it most well. Ready is not entirely about the hero. It has all elements of entertainment. You have comedy, action, sentiment, music and all. It is a lighter vein subject, touching the corridors of a film like Nuvvu Naku Nachchav. It has both family and youthful orientation.

Genelia is an established and energetic actress. How did the chemistry between you two come out on the screen?
Genelia’s energy is endless. Actually, YVS Chowdary wanted to bring Genelia as my heroine in Devadas. Even for Jagadam, we tried. On both occasions, we didn’t get her. Coming to ready, we didn’t think of any other alternative. We were completely focused on Genelia, only Genelia. She is the most professional actress I have ever seen, both as an actor and part of the production. Her interest in flawless modulation is amazing. Unlike other heroines who just do it away with lip sink, she takes extra care for perfection.

What about director Seenu Vytla?
He is one person who keeps my spirits bouncing for something new always. He had a word of praise for me during the 175 days function of Devdas. From that day onwards, he continuously expressed his wish to do a film with me. For the success of a film, first we need directors who get excited about their projects. They should get excited about their heroes. No doubt, his comedy sense is wonderful. He made Ready as a feel good film on a fair angle with polished comedy.

The producer is always bothered about commercially. Won’t this parameter affect the real potential of an artiste?
Definitely. This development at present is unavoidable.

Tell about the producer of Ready?
Generally, the producer tends to spend less in hero's home production so that he could get more table profit. But for Ready, my uncle Ravi Kishore spent a lot of money just to make sure that the film is rich in visuals and content.. A lot of planning is involved in setting the combination of artistes and adjustment of their dates. In the future even if other producers are not willing to produce films of artistic/experimental nature, I always have my home banner Sravanthi Movies to fall back on.

How do you look at a movie, when it comes to business? If a producer gets losses, what’s your part up to?
So far, I never took the business angle seriously. Hereafter, I feel like interested in that also. I generally think of doing a good film and my producer should get his money and even profits. Coming to my role in bailing out the producer from losses, such situation has not come to me till now.

What about your friends here?
I don’t have many friends over here in Hyderabad. My friends’ batch is in Chennai. I don’t go out except during the shoots. To be frank, I don’t have friends in film industry here. Getting into new association for its own sake will not interest me. It will look artificial. I went to Touch a couple of times, so far. I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. Of course, I did it for the screen in Jagadam.

Tell us about your female fans? Their number swells each time they see Devadas.
I don’t feel free moving with girls. I am shy, but I put on a brave front. Recently, I got a call from a girl. I attended it casually. This call multiplied and multiplied with many girls on the line even after the midnight. Later, I strictly controlled it. But, I give a lot of importance to the feedback from the audiences and my well-wishers.

Can you make a comparison of your perception before and after coming into the films?
To be clear and say again, I never wanted to become a hero. I am obsessed to become an actor. As such, I don’t hold any particular view of it.

What kind of girl you want in real life?
Still a long way to go. I never thought of it. I am a family person. And I don’t have any dream girl. But one thing is sure. If I were to love, I will make it very seriously. When I get attached, that’s final. Okka Sari Fix Aithe, Anthe.

What’s special about your dances in Ready?
I am ever ready to experiment with new things. I did a simple gesture with eyebrows in Jagadam in a sequence. Now, I have done a full-length eyebrow dance in Ready. I practiced a lot for that. It will sure impress one and all. It is first of its lengthy experiment in Tollywood. It has been developed to a finer level by choreographer Prem Rakshit, who also worked with me for Jagadam.

Most artistes cherish a dream to direct, whether it materializes or not. Did you ever think of becoming a director? After all, it’s a culminating point!
I want to get into each and every field of filmmaking. In fact, direction is the most strenuous job. I will definitely do direction, but it takes a long time.

Your favorite quotation?
(Thinks for a few seconds) Of course, Here is a couple of them – “Don’t walk as if you rule the world. Walk as if you don’t care who rules the world”. Next: “Do what you believe in. Believe in what you do.”

What’s your favorite holiday spot?
Switzerland. Of course, I like Araku and Vizag too.

What irritates you most?
I hardly get irritated.

What makes you excited?
When I try something different and when it’s appreciated.

Your favorite films in Hollywood?
I like the films of Jim Carry. He is one actor who would make us watch his films irrespective of the content.

Do you do faces like him?
Yes. I tried eyebrows experiment for a song in Ready.

What are your hobbies?
I don’t have time for hobbies. If I get free time, I stand in front of the mirror to improve/invent expressions,

Don’t you think the combination of your film with MS Raju-B.Gopal is little wierd?
Yes. It sounds very crazy and odd. That itself might work as a big publicity. People already told me the film would be flocked by one and all. Just because, they will more interested in knowing what the trio has done. B. Gopal and MS Raju thoroughly readied the subject in tune with my body language.

What about yours next with YVS Chowdary?
It is titled as 'Rey'. It will come up after MS Raju-B.Gopal film. Like Devdas, YVS project “Rey” requires lot of shooting in US.

You are one actor, who doesn’t like to be called as Babu in the industry. Why?
I always tell people around me not to call me Babu, as I have not come as a heir to anyone and I am not the son of a big hero. They think I am arrogant.

You spent most years in Chennai. But, you are able speak chaste Telugu. How is it possible to do without Tamil tinge?
If I speak Telugu, it should be completely the same language. If I speak Tamil, nobody will find that I am a Telugu man. Basically, I am from Vijayawada; and we speak Telugu in our house, and most of my friends are Telugus.

What about your interests in Tamil film industry?
Actually, before coming to Telugu film industry, my first and foremost priority was Tamil. Now that I have come here, I have to do many more films, before taking up Tamil projects. Definitely, I am going to do Tamil films.

Vishal, Nayana Tara starring Salute-movie review

2008-08-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Vishal, Nayana Tara starring Salute, directed by Rajasekhar and produced by Vikram Krishna, does not stand up to the expectations. The trailors and promo assure a good movie but the film turns out to be filled with illogical sequences, unnecessary songs and half a dozen fights. Most disappointing factor in the film is how there is no link between scenes.

Satyam (Vishal) is a sincere police office who goes by the book. Law is above all for him. He handles a case of three murders of political leaders. He is astonished to know that the murderer is none other than his role model ex-cop Pratap Rudra (Upendra). Pratap Rudra challenges that he is doing the role of cops while Cops are sticking to the books. Satyam experiences a bad taste after arresting the goons and they walk out free. Does Satyam still stand by the law and book or does he take the law into his hands to eradicate the evil?

Vishal is perfect in his role. His physique gave him all the more macho look. His body language, styles etc aptly suited his role. Nayana Tara is pretty much restricted to songs. Even though she had plenty of scenes, none of them really contribute. Mayuri Sudha played mother to Vishal. She did not have much scope either. Ravi Kale is good in the negative role. Ali, Brahmanandam, jeeva, Thanikella Bharani, Hema and others are content in their roles. But the highlight is Upendra, who did a good job as ex-cop. the scenes between Upendra and vishal came out very well.

This is the first film for debut director Rajasekhar. Even though story is old, the point brought in is good. However, screenplay is not tight. To fill up the gap, several unnecessary and unrelated scenes are added. Also, songs pop at the wrong time. First half of the film tests the patience. Second half turns decent after the entry of Upendra. When the film falls into a serious track, hero remembers heroine and pops a song. The songs are not that great to watch either.

Music and background done by Harris Jayraj are content. Shashank Vennelakanti's dialogs are typical translations. Dialogs like Demudu chattam okkate.. demudu chachipodu.. chattam chachipodu is just an example. Cinematography by R.D.Rajasekhar is good. Editing by Anthony could have been better. Actions scenes composed by Stunt Siva are good. In fact, he should be appreciated for bringing in some novelty in every fight. Because the film is filled with fights, if they did not impress, the film would have turned out a squib. Production values are good and the feel is seen on the screen.

Overall, Salute might be a big film so far for Vishal but might not impress the audience. Vishal, Nayana Tara glamor, fights and second half are good.