5 Bollywood flicks to watch out for in 2013

Ah well, what an interesting topic to write on! Though subjective to the hilt, we think this year Bollywood saw some good flicks hitting the silver screen. Not so very long ago, someone aptly pointed out in some video, somewhere in the world that if you have minimum or no talent, you’d still have a chance in Bollywood. Although for the longest time we thought similarly, but some recent developments in Indian cinema in this year have nudged us to think otherwise. Here are some great movies releasing this year which may set the benchmark for Indian cinema in terms of treatment or story. Take a look.

1. Ek Thi Dayyan:
He is a celebrated illusionist. She is a beautiful woman. They have a life that’s asked for by many. But somewhere his life is falling apart. Hallucinations from his sister’s death torment him while snippets of paranormal experiences from his past haunts him. A chain of events lead us to a climax which we hardly thought of! A good watch and we rate it ⅗.

2. Inkaar:
The name leads to the theme which is the highlight of Sudhir Mishra’s film. For the first time the issue of sexual harassment at workplaces is highlighted in this movie and we love how different POV rule the entire movie, giving it a twist, which would have otherwise been a “master and his muse” cliche.

3. Kai Po Che:
A story based in Ahmedabad and one that showcases the dreams and aspirations of 3 young men who share a common interest- Cricket. But bourgeois dream falls flat in front of monetary challenges and they take steps that they otherwise wouldn’t. Along with these apprehensions come in several political unrest in Gujarat, trampling millions of lives and their dreams- a tragic incident that not only marks the end of the movie but also makes every Indian shiver.

4. Ghanchakkar:
A comedy thriller- Ghanchakkar (Crazy) tells the story of a suave, master safe-cracker who wants to retire from a career in crime. But before that, he should commit one last heist: a bank robbery that will ensure that he never has to worry about money again. And although everything goes according to plan he is given the task of hiding the money. When 3 months later his associates (he teams up with 2 people to carry it out) come to collect the money, he refuses to recognize them! To find out what happens next- you need to see this!

5. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag:
An upcoming biographical film based on former Indian athlete Milkha Singh, which talks about the struggles and perseverance an athlete has to go through. Rumor has it that he sold the story to the producer for 1 rupee and has asked to donate his share of remuneration for needy athletes. The name of the film comes from the last words spoken by his father which translates to “Run Milkha Run”.

NRI’s: Don’t miss out on mangoes this summer!

Visiting India in Summers? The much awaited mango season is here. From farmers markets to shopping malls and grocery stores- oh wait, even the artificial bottled ones on TV commercials are making rampant efforts to make you savor some of those juicy mangoes, and why not when they are so delicious and bring back memories straight out of your nostalgic labyrinth.

Green ones cut into tiny squares and spiced up with mustard sauce or ripe yellow ones with cream and vanilla ice-cream- the possibilities of finding tasty pleasures are endless. But what about it being a “warm-fruit”? Well, mangoes do generate considerable amount of heat but not if you follow this simple trick: before you have a mango, cut its end and soak it in water for an hour or two which takes off the heat from it while keeping all the nutrients in it like vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, antioxidants, beta-carotene and minerals intact.

So, go pick up some mangoes while on-tour and try out our simple and healthy recipes with the king of fruits this summer that’ll get you totally hooked to mangoes and of course, the way we enjoy mangoes.

Must Have Mango Lassi

Ingredients

1 mango chopped

1 cup plain yogurt

4-8 tsp sugar (depends on the sourness of the yogurt or the mango)

½ tbsp almonds ground

Method

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend. Thin it with water as required. Lassi’s consistency is that of a smoothie and hence take care of that! Chill and serve over crushed ice.

Tryout The Thai Mango Salad

Ingredients

2 raw mangoes

¼ cup sliced red bell pepper

¼ cup roasted peanuts coarsely ground

1 tbsp finely sliced onions

1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

1 tsp finely chopped mint leaves

1 tsp finely chopped green chili or to taste

Dressing

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp lime juice

1 – 2 tbsp brown sugar

Salt to taste

Method

Mix all the ingredients for the salad.

Blend the ingredients for the dressing.

Add to the salad, and toss well.

Adjust seasoning to taste, serve chilled.

Mango Cream and Fruit

Ingredients

1 can alphanso mango pulp (available in Indian grocery stores)

1 quart vanilla ice-cream

¼ tsp cardamom powder

Sugar to taste

1 can fruit cocktail chunks

Method

Mix all the ingredients, except the fruit cocktail chunks. Add the fruit cocktail chunks, chill and serve cold.