Delhi Food Lovers “Lighten Up” for Diwali with Canola Oil

The who’s who of food bloggers and culinary enthusiasts were “enlightened” today about canola oil in honor of Diwali by CanolaInfo and Chef Surjan (“Jolly”) Singh. The event, featuring a cooking demo by this celebrated chef and high tea, gave guests a first-hand experience with versatile and healthy canola oil. It was held at the Indian Women’s Press Club in New Delhi.

“Canola oil is a staple in my kitchen because it is one of the most versatile oils that makes every dish healthier and more delicious,” says Chef Singh. “Its light texture makes it great for sautéing and stir-frying; its high smoke point is perfect for deep-frying and its neutral taste makes it the ideal partner for traditional Indian dishes with their characteristic spices and flavors. You can even use canola oil for baking cakes and muffins as it reduces their overall fat content while maintaining moistness.”

Guests at the Diwali high tea discovered for themselves how well canola oil works in Indian snacks and sweets. Chef Jolly prepared Patties (Akhrot Nadru Anjeer Tikki) and Chicken Sukka in a demo and served other snacks cooked in canola oil, such as Shami Kebab, Paneer Tikka, Chole Bhature and Jalebi.

Canola oil is free of trans fat and cholesterol but is high in monounsaturated and omega-3 fats. It is the third most consumed cooking oil globally and has been making steady inroads in the Indian market. Consumers here are becoming increasingly aware that the contemporary urban lifestyle contributes to the growing burden of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

“More and more Indian consumers are choosing canola oil because of its health benefits and suitability for any cuisine and any type of cooking,” notes Bruce Jowett, vice president of market development at the Canola Council of Canada. “In fact, recent findings from an Indian consumer survey show people want the attributes of canola oil in cooking oil. Events like today’s Diwali celebration are a great way to spread the word about canola oil and encourage people to make it a regular item in their grocery lists.”

CanolaInfo.org has a great database of recipes made with canola oil, including soups, salads, appetizers, main courses, side dishes and desserts. There are also diabetes-friendly and heart-smart recipes on the website.

CanolaInfo is the information source about canola oil for consumers, health professionals, chefs, media, educators – everyone who wants to know more about one of the world's healthiest oils. The CanolaInfo team is supported by Canada's canola growers, crop input suppliers, exporters, processors, food manufacturers and governments.

India win Kabaddi World Cup 2016

The revamped and refurbished Kabaddi World Cup had a grand finale in Ahmedabad on Saturday night, after a thrilling final that saw hosts India produce top class kabaddi to overcome Iran 38-29. Far from the four-day subdued affairs that the previous Kabaddi World Cups used to be, the 2016 edition was a new 16-day extravaganza.

However, some things never change, and India's kabaddi supremacy is certainly one of these. Anup Kumar's side, considered overwhelming favourites to lift their third World Cup, did so in emphatic fashion. However, doing so against an Iran side that played the match of their lifetimes has an astonishing feel about it. Anup, at his wily best, led India from 21-20 at the 30-minute mark to an eventual 38-29, earning him the biggest title of his life. He got most of the above things right, discreetly controlling the match and making his in-form raider Ajay Thakur the star of the show.

Despite facing such a daunting task, the Iranians did their bit and gave more than 100 percent, for which they deserve all the credit in the world. Iran'sams of lifting their maiden World Cup were as much dependent on India having an off day as on their players playing out of their skin. The superior technique of the Indians meant that Iran's best foot forward may not have been enough.

India were in the lead at the 30-minute mark, but more importantly, they had momentum and crowd support after having trailed Iran 13-19 in a tough first half where the physically stronger Iranians overpowered the finest of our men, including Manjeet Chhillar.
In the final 10 minutes, Anup ticked most of the boxes and emerged victorious. With his trusted weapon Pardeep Narwal not firing, he sent in fresher legs in the form of Rahul Chaudhari and Nitin Tomar to raid and while they were at it, he wouldn't stop talking to his boys or while returning from his own raid. He used India's review opportunity too, although unsuccessfully. That the desperate Iranians, many of whom had tasted last-minute defeat at the hands of these very men at the Incheon Asian Games in 2014, began to make errors only helped India.

Royal Stag promotes Short films at Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival

Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films is proud to associate with the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star by providing a platform within the short films category. The Mumbai Film Festival is the biggest movie feast in India showcasing the latest cutting-edge, independent cinema from across the world. The association will help to promote new trends in the cinema space -the short film category.

Speaking about the association, Raja Banerji, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Pernod Ricard India, said “We are extremely proud of our association with JIO MAMI. Short Films has evolved as a category in India in the last few years and the advent of the digital space has played a significant role in this growth. Not only are short films emerging as powerful as long feature films attracting great audience online, but are also attracting great talent from the mainstream film industry. Keeping pace with the changing times, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films is happy to own the short film category at Mumbai Film Festival. This association will be a significant milestone for Royal Stag Barrel Select Large short films in its journey to become the destination platform for short films.”

Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, Jio MAMI with Star said,”In an article titled Does Cinema need Short Films, New Yorker film critic Richard Brody wrote: The short film doesn’t supplant the feature; it nourishes it. It doesn’t make a filmmaker’s career, but it augments it, just as a brief visit to a friend may bring a wise word that may stick with a person for a lifetime. Or, to put it another way, movie theatres are like restaurants, which offer a chance for a good long talk; but there are also cafés for a chat, and the cinema needs those, too. I absolutely agree. Which is why I’m thrilled that Jio MAMI with Star is partnering with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large short films for this category. We hope that something wonderful will emerge.”


Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films and Jio MAMI with Star are united in their commitment to the short film genre which is why they have co-created a unique contest for aspiring filmmakers. It will inspire young film-makers across the country to create original short films and provide them the right platform to showcase their work. The winning short film will screen at the festival and the director will get an opportunity to intern with VCF. The contest will be judged by an eminent jury comprising Actor Tisca Chopra, renowned film critic Anupama Chopra and festival Creative Director Smriti Kiran.

Smriti Kiran, Creative Director, Jio MAMI with Star, said, “This association opens up the short film piece at the festival and that is very exciting. We are glad to be partners with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films which has built its credibility and created a solid place in the short films space.”
Themed on the objective of “keep perfecting”, the Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films is a platform for aspiring directors to feature along with mainstream Bollywood directors and chase their creative energy to establish themselves in the industry. The platform gives a stage to storytellers to showcase their artistic creativity and reach out to their target audience through the online world as the brand urges them to push for perfection when it comes to filmmaking.

Nasya performing at The Grub Fest (Oct-14-16th 2016)

The Grub Fest is India's biggest food festival with the best restaurants displaying their signature delicacies over some good music and hearty performances to keep you entertained.

Take in the aromas, try out interesting cuisines, fill your baskets with unique gourmet products, indulge in mouth-watering desserts and learn some of the best-kept food secrets from the most talented chefs from the country.


Catch your favorite band Nasya performing live on Friday, 14th October 6pm onward.

Tickets on cleartrip local - click link to buy

Maruti Suzuki – NEXA & ZEE LIVE have partnered together to launch “Baleno Wicked Weekends”.

Maruti Suzuki – NEXA & ZEE LIVE have partnered together to launch “Baleno Wicked Weekends”.

Baleno Wicked Weekends is an attempt to reinvent urban nightlife by creating India’s longest party marathon. The lineup includes a consortium of the biggest names in independent music from India as well as international artists, programmed at the most happening party destinations throughout the country, giving an experience that is synonymous to the NEXA Experience.

Mr Vinay Pant – Assistant Vice President - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. on Baleno Wicked Weekends says: “We have positioned Baleno as a car with a bold and defiant attitude. Therefore, it complements the lifestyle of individuals who seek the thrill of the night. With Baleno Wicked Weekends we have a property which seamlessly fits with the personality of the car, and promises to reveal to partygoers a side of the night they’ve never experienced.”

Baleno Wicked Weekends kick-started at Raasta, Khar on September 30, where live electronic music band Nicholson, and funk nu-disco duo Madboy/Mink invigorated the audiences with their new-age sounds and rhythmic beats. More such line-ups are in the pipeline at the most happening destinations across 6 cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai.

Sharing more details on the vertical, Anuj Talukder, President – ZEE LIVE said, “We see a vibrant cultural ethos evolving around home grown music in urban centres across the country. Baleno Wicked Weekends is a platform through which we hope to celebrate and entertain this emerging audience.”

Living Foodz, the foodtainment channel also joins Baleno Wicked Weekends as the lifestyle partner adding a dash of panache and entertainment to the 40-week long party marathon.



Saba Azad and Imaad Shah of Madboy Mink had this to say, "We’re super stoked to have kick started Baleno Wicked Weekends. It’s a great platform to be a part of; it’s great to see new brands are relating to the creative energy emerging in the independent music and arts scene in India. It’s needed to help promote and push the wonderful work happening across the country, it also helps create a strong culturally progressive identity for the brand. It’s a happy collaboration."

NASYA PERFORMING LIVE ON 30TH SEPTEMBER AT CIRCUS, SOUTH EX

This friday,in keeping with its series of one of a kind "ACTS" Circus is all set to rock the night away with its ACT XIX featuring NASYA.

Nasya is a fusion rock band that has carved a niche for itself while playing a blend of Sufi, Haryanvi and Punjabi Folk with rock influences. Their sound is distinctly characteristic, finely balancing traditional hindustani vocals with western elements of jazz, blues and rock music.

Dont miss this event. Be there to experience the best of sufi!

For reservations call: 8826171617 / 011-41329214

Rustom - movie review

Rating - 3 stars

First day first show is something I always wanted to do. So when the much awaited Akshay Kumar movie was going to be released during independence day weekend, I had already booked it online two days before. Another patriotic film, another Akshay Kumar starrer, he really seems to be making an impact with this new genre.

The infamous Nanavati case had been the highlight of a couple of earlier films, neither of which I have seen. Hence, it was good that I wasn’t carrying any baggage and would watch it without any pre conceived notions.
This movie is an out and out Akshay Kumar movie, he is the backbone of the film. He carries the film on his shoulders.
It’s early 1960s and the Indian navy is making its presence felt in the Arabian Sea. Men in uniform command respect, and envy.






There is a clash between the rich sindhi Arjan Bajwa’s character versus the parsi community of Rustom. Each community is using their clout to save their respective fellow.

The premise is fairly simple. A heartbroken naval officer, his cheating wife, the Casanova lover, his evil sister. The court room drama in the second half adds to the setting and thrill. This is also the last case that was heard by jury trial and henceforth the government abolished jury trials.

Though part of the story is based on fact, it’s the relationship drama that actually makes this a thriller. It’s a passionate crime done by a husband who’s madly in love with his wife and only national duty can set them apart for a while. It is during this time that the wife falls in a trap set by the Casanova Vikram Makhija, who is hell bent in teaching Rustom a lesson for being a patriotic and non corrupt officer.

It’s the price, Rustom pays for being an honest, loving husband. The crux of the case was whether Cdr Nanavati shot Ahuja in the "heat of the moment" or whether it was a premeditated murder. The film is about how he deals with it, understands his wife situation and also looks graceful even after commiting a crime and also wins the sympathy of the public and jury.
Finally he is set free and reunites with his wife and plays a bluff which in the end makes the corrupt naval officers committing suicide.
A must watch for Akshay Kumar fans.