Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Food, fusion and flavours

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, World Opinion, , , , , , ,

Food to him is pleasure, understanding and expression. And when it comes to Indian cuisine, there are few things that set his imagination on fire like it.

British Australian food critic and TV presenter Matt Preston, says, “I have always found Indian food fascinating. I’ve been playing with various flavours for long and I’ve been eating it for even longer.”

MasterChef judge Matt Preston.

Preston, who was in India recently to promote the third season of MasterChef Australia with a live cook-off, says, “I love the sumptuous richness of Mughal dishes, and the sharpness of coastal cuisine from Goa and Kerala. I have become quite fond of Coorg style cooking too, ” says the MasterChef Australia judge, whose fascination with food began when he was hardly four.

Preston whipped up a watermelon, cucumber, mint and feta salad dressed with limejuice and raw nuts, perfectly poached egg on a toasted English muffin, served with roasted corn, avocado and smoked NY style mayo.

“I wanted to do brunch dishes that reflect Australian flavours without relying on meat. The mayo was something that I learned on our trip to film MasterChef Australia in New York, where I also purchased the smoking gun that I used to infuse the mayo with a hickory smoke flavour,” he adds.

Talking about emerging  food trends, he says, “Street food is going to be a hit. One would also see increased use of unique local, heritage or foraged ingredients.” And what makes a great dish?

“It’s always the three Ts — texture, taste, technique, topped up with lots of creativity,” he says. However, poor seasoning, cooking
without keeping the customer in mind, and chefs not tasting their own food enough are spoilers, he says.  “Indian food scores full marks for fusion, whether it’s the Goan vindaloo or the presence of originally Persian ingredients like apricots or almonds or Latin American ingredients like chilli and capsicum. When fusion works it is delicious. But when fusion fails, it’s like a failed Dr Frankenstein experiment! I’m not a fan of galangal in a Mexican salsa,” says Preston.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / by Shara Ashraf, Hindustan Times / New Delhi September 03rd, 2011 / Lifestyle > Food.

 

Back to the roots

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shoot in progress

Shooting in Progress

Fox History gave students a chance to present their culture on film.

Ayush Ganapathi, a Std VI student of Coorg Public School at Gonicoppa in Kodagu, has made it big. He is one of the five students picked by the Fox History channel in the country to depict the rich and unique culture of Kodagu district.

Many partcipants

More than one lakh students from over 60,000 schools across the country wrote an essay on the theme “My City and My History,” highlighting the cultural and historical aspects of their region.

Ganapathi wrote an essay on Puliyanda, a Kodava family’s origin and existence, following which he figured in the list of 12 students who were called to Delhi for final interview. The students were asked to speak and explain their themes and Ganapathi was one of the winning five.

Fox History had organised the event in association with the Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH). The channel team visited COPS and a few select places in Kodagu for a shoot.

The traditions of Kodagu, mainly cultural, were shot in the COPS premises, apart from shoots in other locations such as Talacauvery, Nalknad Palace and the Ain Mane (ancestral houses) of the Puliyanda family. A mock show of Nari Mangala (wedding of a slain tiger), a practice that was in vogue in Kodagu in the past, was also shot on the occasion.

Fox History proposes to make a documentary for telecast some time later. The teachers and staff of the COPS, who interacted with the Puliyanda family, should be complimented for bringing laurels to COPS, says M.D. Nanjunda, senior Principal of the COPS.

source: www.thehindu.com / Life & Style > Kids / by Jeevan Chinnappa / March 21st, 2011

Mumbai likes to party wild!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, ,

Bizzare and quirky seem to have become the party crowds’ best loved words of late. And it is not just the theme parties that we are talking about. A series of parties held in the city during the recent past shed light on the trend of wild and mad parties that are fast catching up with the young, hip underground crowd.

The Mad Stupid party hosted last week was a perfect example of a whacky and wild riot. DJ Nikhil Chinappa who played at the event, feels that though these offbeat parties are far from being a phenomenon yet, they are fast picking up with people of all age groups. “People today want to be far more expressive when they go out,” he says.

Clearly, these crazy bashes are well scoring over the routine club culture and dance parties. People are seeking for relaxed fun. “You don’t need alcohol or drugs or go out in fancy cars and dress up in expensive suits and shoes just to go to a plush club and party,” says Nikhil. “All you need is your close set of friends and some good humour for the party to rock. And yeah, I don’t want to be philosophical here (sniggers).”

The party had a short theatrical performance by a ‘Joker’ from Batman, a Justin Beiber, and Spiderman — all three churning out rib tickling drama on stage.

The bootleggers party held in the city last night was again a one of its kind bash. Organised by Chondamma Cariappa, an active blogger, the party is meant to bring people together on an unusually common ground — the fetish for boots. Cariappa started her blog called ‘Sole sisters’ 11 months back and has women from all across the world contributing to it by sending in pictures of their shoes and discussing the price ranges and shops.

“I recently had a girl from Mumbai posting a photo of her boots, to which another woman reacted saying, ‘Where in Mumbai do you get to wear these pretty boots?’ And that is when I decided to arrange this party where people can flaunt their boots,” says Cariappa.

The Jungle theme party (held at Bonobo a couple of weeks back) too became quite a rage. With people dressed up as cheetahs and monkeys, this was a wild bash, literally!

source: http://www.dnaindia.com/ by Shreya Badola / Home> Lifestyle> Report / Place Mumbai, Agency DNA / Thursday Aug 25th, 2011

 

Dance workshops to be held in September

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, , , , ,

New York , USA:

Several New York City dancers are headed upstate to share their knowledge.

Dance workshops will be held on Sept. 9 and 10 at Adirondack Repertory Dance Theatre at 126 Glen St.

On Friday, Lisa Higley and Wilson LeBron from New York City will teach a hip-hop class from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

On Saturday, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Heather Rigg, an instructor at Broadway Dance center in Manhattan, will teach a jazz class.

Then, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Pavan Thimmaiah, the founder of PMT House of Dance in New York City and an instructor at Alvin Ailey, will teach a hip-hop/funk class that infuses break dancing.

A request to attend should be sent via email at info@glensfallsardt.com

The cost for the workshop is $50, and checks should be sent to 126 Glen St. (P.O. Box 2405) in Glens Falls. Money must be received by Sept. 1, or you can register at the studio from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 3.

source: http://www.poststar.com / Glen Falls Post Star / Home> Lifestyles/  by Staff Report / Wednesday Aug 16th, 2011

 

Nidhi Subbaiah is Ambassador for MM

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, , , , , ,

Nidhi Subbaiah Ambassador for MM

The sprightly actress of Kannada cinema Nidhi Subbaiah is the ambassador to Mysore Marathon race that is kick starting on Sunday, October 2nd at Mysore as part of the Dasara Festivities.

It is at the world famous Dasara festival in Mysore this Mysore Marathon is taking place in which tourists to Mysore are allowed to take part says Shelesh Krishnan, Director. Life’s Calling Sports.

LCS is a sports management company is the promoter of ‘Celebration Run Series’. The avid sports enthusiasts are part of this event who hails from strong educational background.

The race management team has professional people who have conducted Marathon and Cycling Events in India and in the United States and look forward to bring in their expertise to the Celebration Run Series so as to give the Indian Sporting Community a truly world class running experience.

source: http://www.supergoodmovies.com / Aug 05th, 2011

‘Kakkada Padinett’ in Kodagu Yesterday

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

‘Kakkada koli’ and ‘madd payasa’ are the delicacies prepared on this day

BRISK BUSINESS: People purchasing ‘madd toppu' in Madikeri on the eve of the ‘Kakkada Padinett' festival in Kodagu. 

BRISK BUSINESS: People purchasing ‘madd toppu’ in Madikeri on the eve of the ‘Kakkada Padinett’ festival in Kodagu.

“Kakkada Padinett” , the 18th day of “ Kakkada”month in Kodava calendar in Kodagu, which falls on Wednesday (August 3), is eagerly looked forward to by the people.

They consume porridge made of the essence of “madd toppu” or “ aati soppu” , a wild aromatic herb, to perpetuate one of the traditions of the district. People will throng the places where the herbal plants are sold in markets. It is also called as “ Kurunji toppu” in some places in the district. The leaves come along with the slender stems of the plants.

Sellers of “ aati soppu” dot the main streets of Madikeri on the eve of the celebrations. On the 18th day of the “ Kakkada” month, these leaves are said to be replete with 18 types of herbal medicines. They are plucked and soaked (some boil it) in water to extract the aromatic juice, which is thick and dark violet in colour. Women make cakes or sweet porridge out of the mix. Surprisingly, on the 18th day of “Kakkada” , the plants start emitting a sweet and unique aroma that is not found on the plants prior to or after the 18th day. The traditional beliefs and social mores are very strong in Kodagu. “ Kakkada” is a month in the Kodava calendar beginning in mid-July and ending in mid-August. It is said to be inauspicious. Marriages and other celebrations are a taboo in Kodagu, especially for Kodavas, during this month. Many do not even get haircuts.

Monsoon is associated with several rare occurrences in Kodagu. It is the time when fresh natural mushrooms emerge on the termite hills, banks of paddy fields and in forests. “ Baimbale” (bamboo shoot) or “ Kanile” is the other delicacy enjoyed by the people of Kodagu in rains. Though the Forest Department has imposed a ban on its collection from forests, it is available aplenty in the market and sold in the open. The drying up of the bamboo clumps in forests has made “baimbale” a scarce commodity in Kodagu this year. Consumption of both mushroom and bamboo shoots are said to balance the body temperatures during heavy rainy and windy days, elders say.

“Kakkada koli” (country fowl curry) is also a special delicacy in the district on this day.

This occasion used to be observed as a feast in Kodagu in the past.

Currently, people in almost the entire district involve themselves to eat “ madd payasa

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / National > Karnataka / by Staff  Correspondent /  Mysore, Aug 03rd, 2011

 

Super Model In Its Making

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Super Models
Prasad Bidappa, the well – known fashion guru from Bangalore says that Bangalore has the stunning crowd. Now a days all youngsters are making it big in modeling. 

Splash Super Model Search, showcased beautiful and handsome group of models. The search for a super model was really a tough game, as all the models were amazing.

At last 12 models made it to different categories of crowns but the most coveted crown of the, super model was worn by Coorg hoties, Dayana Erappa and Karan Medappa.

Although modelling is everyone’s most loved profession. The people who really pursue it as a career are very few. “Unless you are really determined and passionate about the field, you cannot grow in modelling as a professional,” says super model Priya Nayak, who judged the hunt. She also added, “ India’s fashion industry is really doing well these days. And the models that we have here are mind blowing.”

Dayana Erappa, the winner said that now modelling is only a hobby for her. In future if it’s really giving her good opportunities, she would think of taking it up as a career.

When asked, if the profession should be practiced as a career or a hobby, Prasad Bidappa said, “ I would suggest that first carry it out like a hobby, because you have to make sure if the market will accept you or not. Once you get the market’s focus it’s advised to practice as a career.” He added, “ Indian fashion industry is really booming and it has the beautiful models, designers, designs etc.”

While others had the thought that India’s fashion Industry is really doing well, the American fashion designer, Tom Mclellon, who judged the show said, “ I would say that India is a great place and has beautiful people and designers but the country, is yet to reach International heights. Because a shoot or a show in New York would get over in like hours, as money is time there. But here it’s not like that.” Hence India is yet to reach the top level.

The event had Priya Nayak, super model from Bangalore, Raza Beig, CEO of Splash and Tom Mclellon, American fashion designer picking the winner.

source: http://www.living.oneindia.in / by Sruthi Appu / Oneindia> Living> Cosmopolitan / Monday Aug 09th, 2011

Yasmin Ponnappa Covers Vogue India Beauty July 2011

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , , , , ,
 

http://www.beautyisdiverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/vogue-india-beauty-570x739.jpghttp://www.beautyisdiverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/vogue-india-beauty-2-570x739.jpg

Yasmin Ponnappa of Elite Models India gets different makeup and hair looks (Madame X, Ms Enigma, Ms Avant Garde, & Ms Elegant)  for Vogue India Beauty July 2011.  ”Polished make-up and perfect hair give these times looks a contemporary turn”.  Photography by Susanne Spiel and styling by Petals Deas. 

http://www.beautyisdiverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/vogue-india-beauty-4-570x739.jpghttp://www.beautyisdiverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/vogue-india-beauty-5-570x739.jpghttp://www.beautyisdiverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/vogue-india-beauty-3-570x739.jpg

source: http://www.e4pr.blogspot.com

http://e4pr.blogspot.com/2011/07/yasmin-ponnappa-covers-vogue-india.html

Film Review: Krishnan Marriage Story ( Kannada)

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , , ,

A scene from Krishna Marriage Story

Krishnan Marriage Story(Kannada)
Director: Nuthan Umesh
Cast: Ajai Rao, Nidhi Subbaiah, Jai Jagadish, Vinaya Prasad
Rating: 60%

This film had a lot of expectations riding on it. Firstly, the title misled a lot to believe that this was the sequel to 2010’s superhit Krishnan Love Story. Secondly, the lead pair, Ajai Rao and Nidhi Subbaiah, has had good outings at the box office. Thirdly, the songs of the film have become pretty popular on the charts.

Does the film manage to match the expectations? Mostly yes, but there are a few let-downs as well. This film, which is much like the family entertainers genre that Yashraj and Rajshri Productions had set up in the 1990s, comprises of a typically happy joint family, with picture perfect people. The eligible bachelor in the family is to wed and the story revolves around his ‘perfect’ bride.

The film seems to have been shot through rose tinted glasses, for each scene is beautifully shot and the actors look their best. And the locations too add to the charm of the film. A slight hitch to the happy story is what makes for the twist towards the end. (Though it is quite predictable!)

Nuthan Ramesh’s freshness when it comes to handling a much used subject needs to be commended. A flashback scene that has the protagonists as youngsters and the scene where Ajai proposes to Nidhi are rather endearing. Ajai has done a good job.

Nidhi has a tailor-made role in which she doesn’t fail to impress. The formidable ensemble, led by Vinaya Prasad and Jai Jagadish, has chunky roles that they justify with their acting.

On the flip side, the film drags a bit towards the end, especially with their emotional scenes and the artiste who dubbed for Nidhi for the climax is quite a disappointment.

Directors, who have cast actors who have a good hold on Kannada, should let them dub for themselves to keep their characters alive. This is the best example of how bad dubbing can spoil a good scene.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Home>Entertainment/ Jul 16th, 2011

Femina Miss India Contestant – Dayana Erappa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Uncategorized, , , , ,
DAYANA ERAPPA – PROFILE
Dayana Erappa (Picture credit: Jitu Savlani)
Name: Dayana Erappa
Age: 20 years 

Height: 5’11’’

Weight: 54 Kg

Vital statistics (in inches):32-26-36

Place of birth: Coorg

City: Bengaluru
Crowned: RMKV Femina Miss Photogenic/photo.cms?msid=7971985

School

Profession: Model/Student

Relationship Status: Single

College: Baldwin’s Methodist College

The last movie that made you cry?
Guzaarish

If a star were to give a solo performance for you, whom would you prefer and why?

Salman Khan, because he does everything with style, class and panache
The weirdest thing you have ever tasted…
Nothing as yet. 

What gives you a high?
Music

If you win Miss India, what would be your first big splurge?
I would like to help the disadvantaged children.

One law you would like to break…
Break one law and you break them all.

Your best kept secret…
It’s a secret.

A tune you cannot get out of your mind…
There are a lot of tunes which cannot get out of my mind

Coolest pick up line you have ever heard?
Is your dad an alien? I answered no and then he said, “because baby your out of the world.”

What is the craziest rumour you have heard about yourself?
That I will win the Miss World crown

Do you have a tattoo or a piercing in a secret place? Where?
No

What is the sexiest single article of clothing a woman can wear?
A saree.

Your craziest experience in life so far?
In the middle of the night, when me and my friends randomly drove around and we found ourselves in Kerala next day and stayed back for a week.

How sexy is intellect?
Very much, matter of the mind can be a real turn on.

Is nude photography an art form or an entertainment? Or it can be both?
It can be both

With which celebrity would you like to go on a vacation…
Salman Khan

Do you think live-in is a good way to check out a relationship?
Yes

Your body to you means…
To me a lot

A man’s most attractive feature…
His chivalry

Success or riches?
Success 

One word in which you would like to be described to a guy…
Simple

Favorite Actor: Salman Khan

Favorite Sportsman: Michael Jordan

Favorite Movies: 127 hours

Love is…the nature of bliss

Food is…it rules the mind

Sex is…it is the most important thing in the world and the whole world runs on it.

Modeling Assignments: Colombo Fashion Week, Splash show in Dubai, walked for well known designers of India

TV ads: Krishnaiah Chetty &Sons

source: http://www.feminamissindia.indiatimes.com / Miss India > Contestant Profiles > Miss India / FEMINA MISS INDIA.