The Dirty Picture

Take a bow of O fair Vidya of today, for in thou hast one found the lost charm of the heroine. With Paa and Ishqiya already under her belt, this Tam Brahm girl has done it once again with The Dirty Picture.
Vidya played the sultry regional sex symbol who paved the way for the mindless skin fest in the regional movies.
The dialogues are loud and a couple of reels into the movie, they cease to shock. Nasiruddin Shah has played the aging regional superstar to perfection. Tushar Kapoor has really looked the type in the role of Nasir's bro.

 A well made movie which speaks volumes about the talent of the Hindi cinema.

Rating: 4.75 /5

Apple 5: Want to loose weight and some cash too?

Apple 5, that overly priced place which has all the makings of a wannabe fancy restaurant near Vishal Nagar on the main road to Hinjwadi, is exactly the kind of place where the restaurant takes care that you don't eat too much. The servings are miniscule, which the author discovered when he ordered a Tomato Basil soup and considering the "usual" serivng size prevalent in the lesser hotels around the world, asked it to be "one by 2". The ware itself was pretty decent but the china quality could be improved for sure. Next a veg. sizzler was ordered with the same result. The place boasts of some popular books and board games to create a friendly atmosphere and keep you lounging around which makes it interesting.

Rating : 2.5 /5

Tub Tim Krob: Thai Dessert at Trident Mumbai

This Thai delicacy at Trident, Mumbai is one of the most exotic desserts the author has ever tasted. Made of Water Chestnuts (Singhada, in North India), Coconut Milk and syrup, it will demand another serving. Variants also include serving it on shaved ice like the Indian faluda. A must try for all fans of sweets which are not loaded with sugar.

Rating 5/5

Litti Chokha in Pune: Authentic Bihari Cuisine at Tamanna

If you are in Pune and want to sample Bihari cuisine, there is no finer place than Tamanna, outside Indira College, Wakad. Stay away diners who scoff at the thought of no air conditioner or 100% sanitized environs.
Was my first venture into such an adventure, but this place has its regulars and I acted on the recommendation of one.
For the uninitiated, Litti Chokha is akin to Rajasthan Dal Bati (boiled and fried flour balls) but filled with Sattu, the robust and inexpensive fortifier.

Recommended: Litti Chokha, Sattu Paratha and Sattu drink (Salted).

Rating 4.5/5

PS: not to be confused with Tamanna Executive opp Infosys Hinjewadi, Pune, Phase 1.

Rockstar: Sada Haq

The movie will strike a few chords (or hit a raw nerve!) with ex-college goers who once harbored the ambition of becoming a rockstar. Ranbir Kapoor, the superstar is born, but jut so.. The new sad beauty firang on the town, Nargis Fakhri will need a few trips to Barry John's to get it right. She reminded me of the Brazilian actress (anyone remembers her name?)   from Love Aajkal. Rahman and Mohit Chauhan, well done! Cinematography was decent, the first half is slightly comical with the whole proposal scene in one of the prominent Delhi colleges by our desi Jat Boy (JJ is Janardan Jakhad aka Jordan). The second half pans out beautifully until a married, bed ridden patient (its Ms. Fakhri) again!) stands on her feet and starts painting the town red just at the mere sight of her lover! Nargis we plead again, let it be your (F)akhri.

Rating 3/5

Lavasa: A Venice in the making

Situated in the picturesque Western Ghats, around  56 kms from Pune, Lavasa is a perfect weekend getaway as Lonavla, Khandala and other tourist spots around Mumbai-Pune have become overcrowded.
The drive itself is  challenging owing to the twists and turns in the Ghats, but the road is surprisingly good and more than once, you would want to stop and click some pics for that facebook album.

The descent to the town begins with  a beautiful heli-pad which is accentuated by flower beds on the edges and could easily accommodate two choppers if need be. 

Observation decks and platforms dot the descent and provide for a breathtaking view. 

Lavasa is built along the waterfront on the both sides of the dam. 

European waterfront architecture, reminds one of Venice.

The eateries here include The All American Diner, The Old English Pub, Pizza wala and  Subway and many others. There are water sports for the adventurous and a club house as well. It offers lots of activities to keep you engaged with gym, tennis courts and spa. 

Travel tip: Do the bookings for the hotels beforehand as it can get difficult during weekends. 

RATING: 4/5

Tasty Tongues: Bavdhan, Pune

This place was a Samosa shop before it turned into a full fledged eatery, as some locals say. Excellent food in the North Indian/ Punjabi genre. Some real fresh sandwiches would make you crave for a second helping.
It is surprisingly light on the pocket too!

RATING: 4/5

The All American Diner: Lavasa, Pune

If you want to taste some really old school Yankee food, this is the place to be dining in while in the lovely Lavasa.Try the Samplers (Veg and N.Veg)   to go with your Buds. For the healthy eater, the salads are something which wash down well with the beer. Worth visiting again.

RATING: 4/5

Delhi Swad: Infosys IBPO

The popularity of this eatery in the food court of Infosys BPO (Phase 2), Hinjwadi, Pune can be gauged from the fact that there will a proverbial long and winding queue if you are someone who likes to have lunch at the regular time. The parathas are excellent at INR 35.00 a piece (dinner plate sized!) and served with a bowl of curd and some chutney. While there, do try the G-Jamuns and lassi and you can sleep away to oblivion in the important post lunch meeting.

RATING:  4.5/5