MasterChef India returns!

Hosted and judged by world renowned Indian Chef, Vikas Khanna, this season aims to take viewers on a never-seen-before gastronomical journey - Ab Badlo India, Apne “Khaane” Ka Andaaz!  Vikas has achieved what many can only dream of. He is thus the perfect role model for anyone aspiring to be MasterChef India. His journey from Amritsar to New York has been an unbelievable journey of success!
MasterChef India changed many lives in Season 1 and showed India how a mundane activity like cooking can be a ticket to fame and success. Themed “AbBadlo India, Apne “Khaane” ka Andaaz”,the season aims to bring a change in the way India perceives food. Vikas Khanna’s gastronomic philosophy is – delivering innovative & luxurious meals, laying special emphasis on ingredients, taste, flavours and textures, which have won him many hearts.
This year in July, Vikas cooked a Saatvik meal for the Dharmic Seva Conference for Hindu American Seva Charities at the White House. Vikas started his own catering business, Lawrence Gardens, at the age of 17. He is the Executive Chef of Junoon Restaurant, a project written about widely in the New York press.  He has authored several books including The Spice Story of India, Modern Indian Cooking and Flavours First that released on 15th August, 2011.
Vikas will start his journey as a judge on MasterChef India 2 soon alongside Ajay Chopra and Kunal Kapoor - resident chefs from the first season. Besides these, the show will be replete with multiple celebrity guests and glamorous offsite locations.
The aspiring MasterChefs better gear up to cook something divine to appease those trained taste buds!

Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas special

A STARPlus.in source discloses, “The Diwali gala event is like never seen before. The Star Parivaar will showcase one hour specials on Saturday and Sunday. The viewers will surely enjoy the Nok-Jhok Antakshari Act, in which Suhana and Ishaan engage in a melodious antakshari showing off some cool moves. The Karvachauth Act will see Navya, Anant and Gopi doing a full-fledged Kavrvachauth presentation. Anant would want would-be wife Navya to keep fast just like Gopi does for Aham. Gopi will teach Navya how to fast for Karvachauth while Anant & Navya will steal moments of romance in between all the festivities. But the best and most awaited act is of the original Chammak Challo. Komal and Uttara will get into a competition of sort with none other than the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor while interacting with Shah Rukh Khan.”
Anant aka Shaheer Sheikh loved being on the show. “I enjoyed hosting which was a first time for me. It was cool and now I want to do it again. Suhana and Kokila aunty were super fun. Meeting superstar Shah Rukh Khan was like an icing on the cake. I even did a melody of three songs which I enjoyed as well.”
Komal aka Parvati is gaga about Kareena. “Initially, I teased her on stage but soon she got into the mood and taught me new gaalis. She asked me if I knew why all gaalis are on women and not men. That is a valid point and I shall think about it.”
Uttara aka Kamya Punjabi adds, “Meeting Kareena Kapoor was super special. She looked so pretty and we shared a pleasant conversation. I loved doing the Chamak Challo step with her.”
Don’t miss the one hour special of Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas this Sat & Sun, Oct 22nd & 23rd only on STAR Plus

Ishaan loves Mumbai’s work culture

What was most surprising for him in Mumbai? Ishaan replies, “I guess the mind-set, the work culture and focused attitude came to me as a pleasant surprise. A new office, new cabin, new work atmosphere has been overwhelming yet exciting. This was the chance I was looking for in life as I want to prove myself to myself more than my family. I want an identity of my own and with this Mumbai job, I will be able to accomplish my dream.”
How different is Mumbai from Delhi? “I can say Mumbai is the city of lights. I went out with Suhana and realised that even at two in the night people are up and about. There is activity in the city which isn’t the case in Delhi. But in Mumbai space is an issue. Our relative’s house was a small flat which felt crowded and cramped. Thankfully now, Suhana and I have got a flat of our own. Being here is challenging,” he explains.
What is he missing the most? “Of course my family but I am also excited as I have more things occupying my time and mind than Suhana. She is missing them more than me. She is coping and I know everything is as new to her as it is to me. Gradually she will accept and enjoy this experience.”
Will Suhana adjust without her family in Mumbai? Don’t forget to catch Sasural Genda Phool every Mon-Fri at 7:30 pm only on STAR Plus.

Will Shashi expose Shyam?

A STARPlus.in source informs, “Post Shashi’s heart attack, he will be rushed to the hospital. Once Khushi reaches home she will find out about him and rush to the hospital. Shyam will be tense and worried that once conscious, Shashi will reveal his secret to Khushi and her family. Later, when Shashi will gain consciousness, he will try to talk and point at Shyam.”
On tenterhooks Shyam claims, “I am dying of curiosity to know if Masaji will live or die. I never wanted to harm him, but he put himself in my path. I want Khushi at any cost and no one can stop me. He brought this on himself. I wouldn’t have harmed him otherwise. I hope he doesn’t get conscious or I will have to take matters in my hand and come up with a plan.”
Khushi’s father Shashi was shocked to know his suspicions were true. “I knew something was fishy the day I met him. Jiji got swayed by his innocent looks and charming talk. Why doesn’t he stay with his wife? I have realised his purpose and won’t let him get away with his plans.”
Will Shashi expose Shyam before Khushi? Watch Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? every Monday to Friday at 8 pm only on STAR Plus.

Arnav-Khushi’s adventurous escapade!

A STARPlus.in source discloses, “Khushi’s helpful nature has finally registered with Arnav who has eased up around her. Though Lavnaya backed out, Arnav decides to go for his business meeting in Nainital. In the maha episode, due to twist of fate, Khushi will end up in the boot of Arnav’s car and will realise much later that she is on her way to Nainital – all alone with Arnav! Both of them will be shocked to see the other. Khushi had planned few tricks to stall Arnav enroute and allow Lavanya to spend extra time with him but as Lavanya isn’t on the trip with him, the tricks end up delaying them- starting with no petrol in the car.
Khushi admits, “Yes I had devised a plan to help Lavanyaji but now I am stuck with Arnav. But he didn’t scream or shout - I am surprised at his softening attitude towards me. But more than ever, I want to get out of this situation as I have a feeling that things can go terribly wrong. Devi Maiyaa help me.”
Arnav on the other hand is puzzled. “How did she land in my car? How did the petrol get over? I was amazed to see a responsible Khushi as I am aware – first hand- of her penchant for trouble. I appreciate her helping Lavanya and Anjalidi and even me. I guess I am able to see the good natured side of her.”
Will Arnav and Khushi come off unscathed post this adventure? Catch the mahaepside of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? this Sunday at 8 pm only on STAR Plus.

Akshara's Column: Babies bring change for good

At a get-together with Natik’s friends, both of us got different understanding regarding babies. While Natik felt a baby brings in a whole lot of changes, I realized that these changes were for good. I was glad to share and discuss the changes, our baby would bring. Not just in our room, which would need to be re-done and re-arranged keeping the needs of the baby in mind, but adjustments would also have to be made in our lives.
Natik was surprised that I have decided to put him on nappy duty. I told Natik that our lives would revolve around our baby once he/she arrives. We shared some laughs and emotional moments, talking about our baby. It felt wonderful. But when he teased me about getting fat, I was annoyed, but only for a bit.
I have lots of dreams, views and expectations for my baby. I want my baby to know about what I went through during pregnancy. So I am jotting down my thoughts in a dairy. I am eager to see my baby and I simply can’t wait.
Meanwhile, Naitik and I have been also worried about Mohit and Nandini didi. We learnt he was looking for a job and perhaps would have to even vacate his rental home. We have to be cautious in broaching the topic with him as we don’t want to hurt his self respect. I hope everything works out for them.

Akshara - Gayatri: Merging traditionalism & modernity

Gayatri explains why, “We are from different generations, so our views and opinions don’t often match. Whatever restrictions I’ve placed on Akshara are for her own good. I’ve had two kids, Bhabhima and other women I know have had healthy pregnancies by following the rules I ask her to follow. So what is the problem? I want her and the baby to be healthy. I stopped her from eating panipuri and ice-cream at night and even practicing yoga earlier because it isn’t good for her.”
Akshara too puts forth her views, “Ma is worried for me. It’s her concern, not interference. Stopping me from going to the Shiv temple or not wanting me to buy things for the baby is because they believe it isn’t a good omen to buy stuff in advance. Nazar lag jaati hai. I understand her.”
What does Gayatri think of Akshara’s views on pregnancy? “Well, with each new generation, the views and needs change, but when things worked for us in the past, what is the need to change them now.” Akshara agrees, “She has seen healthy pregnancies by doing things told to her by her elders, so she wants me to do the same. Whatever she asks me to do is out of concern, not order. But she is also accepting of new changes and views.”
What prompted Gayatri to allow Akshara to do yoga? “Too many people told me that yoga is good and beneficial for pregnant women. Moreover, bahu sensibly decided to ease my fears by doing yoga in her room with Bhabhima and me present. Now we don’t worry about her yoga.”

Aham-Jigar’s role reversal

A Starplus.in source reveals, “Aham who was blunt and indifferent, is now becoming affectionate towards Gopi and coming closer to her through little gestures. In tonight’s episode, Aham will realise that Gopi is unwell and is sleeping on the floor as usual. He will get a sofa and ask her to sleep on the bed while he will decide to sleep on the sofa. But Gopi will not listen to him and ask him to do otherwise. Aham will tell her in mock anger that she never listens to him. She will be glad to get such support from her husband. While Rashi will be worrying about the outcome of Jigar’s anger as he now knows that she tricked him in to marrying her.”
Ask Aham the reason for his changed behaviour and he says, “Ma used to say Gopi is the perfect bahu but I never saw the qualities worth appreciating in her. Now that I have gotten to know her better, I can say my mother was right. Gopi is caring, supportive and a loving person, who thinks of everyone else before herself. She is hard working and a very nice human being. Yes I am getting softer in my behaviour and closer to her but I don’t know about love or what the future holds for us.”
An angry Jigar explains, “I loved Rashi and made sure she was comfortable in our house post marriage. But she deceived me by marrying me on the sly. I am feeling emotionally hurt and am deeply disturbed. I still can’t believe she did this to me. I don’t know what I will do in the future.”

Will Gopi appear for her exams?

A STARPlus.in source elaborates, “While Kokila and Aham are busy handling Kinjal’s ad on cable and trying to take it off air, Rashi will be up to her tricks to stop Gopi from studying. She doesn’t want Gopi to appear for exams and doesn’t want to get caught plotting against her. By making Gopi apply a kajal tampered with chili powder, Rashi will try to convince everyone that Gopi has contracted conjunctivitis.”
Feeling ill and apprehensive, Gopi says, “I follow the motto of never give up. I think God is testing me. But I am determined - pain in my eyes or not, I will appear for my exams. I am focused on getting educated. Now that even Ahamji is interested in my studies, I want to make him proud. I am worried as to how I will write my paper, but Kanhaji will show me a way.”
Rashi explains her reasons, “Why Gopi needs to study is beyond me. She is the elder bahu of the house, everyone dotes on her and she has everything. I have to work in the house when she goes to school. Now due to her exams, I have to do her share of work too, this is unfair. But other than these reasons, there is a bigger one. I don’t want her to study because then, she will become intelligent and I won’t be able to manipulate her. I think this time my plans will succeed.”
Will Rashi succeed in keeping Gopi away from her exams? Find out only in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya every

Gopi thrilled with Aham’s attention

                                       



Today, Gopi Modi is thrilled as she is being showered with affection and attention from her husband, Aham, who neglected her earlier.
He looks after her needs, lends a helping hand and most of all appreciates Gopi’s virtues. How is she feeling about the changes in Aham? “I am simply overjoyed. I never thought I could be so happy in life,” smiles Gopi. “Though Ahamji was never rude to me, but he never liked me. He never even looked at me properly earlier. But, now he talks to me, encourages me. It is sone pe suhaaga that he is nice to me.”
Did her studies bring them closer? “In some ways yes, but he noted my contribution to the family as well. He teaches me, is attentive and friendly. When you spend time together you see the good and bad in a person. We have an understanding. I’m not living in an illusion that he is in love with me but I’m hoping that it happens one day. For now, I’m happy that he isn’t rude to me and doesn’t ignore me anymore. I love him so much and this attention means a lot.”
Gopi was glad to receive a gift from him too. “Ahamji had bought saris for everyone and this time he chose one for me too. Earlier he wouldn’t make that effort and Maaji would give me one instead. I can’t express my joy over this gesture of his. I will always cherish it.”