Desi Express Magazine February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 WWW.DESIEXPRESSUSA.COM

®

Fashion Trends: Anil Kapoor On Art Of Dressing ... 18

One On One: Aditi Rao Hydari On Her Dreams ... 14

Beauty Tips: Kriti Sanon Shares Few Beauty Tips … 16

Spotlight: Suchitra Sen “The Legend and the Enigma” … 24

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PUBLISHER Shamroze Enterprises Inc.

CEO / EDITOR‐IN‐CHIEF S. Lalani, (404-246-3256) sblalani@yahoo.com

DESIGN / LAYOUT Rozina Gadhiya

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Akbar Kassam Mahadev Desai Nivedita Radhika Bhirani Vikas Datta Shamsha Isani Indo-Asian News Service

CONTRIBUTING IMAGES/PHOTOGRAPHS Bytegraph Shutterstock Indo-Asian News Service

DISCLAIMER Shamroze Enterprises Inc and/or Desi Express, reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. All prices of advertisement are subject to change and on availability. The publishers of this magazine assume no responsibility for statements made by their advertisers, nor do they assume responsibility for statements/opinions expressed or implied in the columns/articles of the magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the permission from Shamroze Enterprises Inc, Advertising copy, logos, photos, and artwork appearing in the advertisements are the sole responsibility of individual advertisers, not of Shamroze Enterprises Inc/Desi Express Magazine. All editorial photos are licensed under their respective owners.

DESI EXPRESS MAGAZINE For Advertising in Desi Express Call : (404) 246‐3256 (404) 644‐5893 Fax: (866) 635‐5804 Email : desiexpress@ymail.com Website: www.desiexpressusa.com P.O. Box 930531, Norcross, GA 30093 06

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contents THE TRAVELER: Heaven for adventure … 22

THE FOODIE: Green Garlic Benefits… 28

HEALTH & FITNESS: Eat when Hungry … 30

PARENTING: Trusting life, Positive … 32

FINANCIAL NEWS: Beneficial Blunders … 34

AROUND TOWN: 67th Republic Day … 42

ADVERTISE WITH US ASK FOR MATCH / BEAT PRICE AROUND TOWN: Navo‐ daya ‐ Hindu Temple… 48

CHAI LOUNGE: H1B Visa Fee Increase … 52

404-246-3256 DISCLAIMER

MOVIE BUZZ: Upcoming Bollywood Movies … 60

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ: Cinema Gupshup ... 62

DID YOU LATEST: Latest News And Gossip … 64

WHAT’S YOUR RASHI: YOUR FORCASTS … 68

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ONE ON ONE

Mumbai (IANS) Actress Aditi Rao Hydari says the experience of working with a legend like Amitabh Bachchan makes her believe in the saying that dreams do come true.

"I feel foolish when someone ask me about the experience working with Mr.Bachchan. What can I say about a great actor like him? I don't have enough words to express my feelings, to say what I feel to be actually been a part of this film like 'Wazir'. Whoever wants to be a part of this industry and has a dreams, I like to tell them Dreams do come true. I know they do with this experience," she said at the film's press conference.

Both barrels of her double last name are loaded with pre-Independence history, from Assam to Andhra, but as the Hyderabadi tells us, her family pedigree doesn’t mean much in Bollywood. And that’s the way Aditi Rao Hydari likes it Aditi, who was much appreciated for her portrayal in "Yeh Saali Zindagi", called herself "privileged to be around most respected people in Bollywood".

"Every single moment I spent with Mr.Bachchan, Farhan, Vinod sir, Bejoy, Abhijaat was really amazing. Mr.Bachchan connects with you personally... that's something I will never forget.

And he has sparkling eyes that is something I will always keep with me."

Apart from "Wazir", Aditi also has an interesting upcoming project in 2016 - Sudhir Mishra's " Aur Devdas" where she plays the contemporary version of Chandramukhi and Abhishek Kapoor's "Fitoor" where she plays a younger version of Tabu's character Begum Hazrat.

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BEAUTY SECRETS

Kriti Sanon, who comes from a modeling background recently made her Hindi film debut with 'Heropanti'.

When it comes to real life, she can be described as a fuss-free dresser who loves her ganjis and denims. She shares her wardrobe secrets and beauty tips.

Ganji Gal: I like wearing simple ganjis with denims. I have lots of colourful plain ganjis that I team up with tops, jackets and shirts. Apart from that often sport casual day dresses and maxi dresses. I am more comfortable in western outfits than Indian ones.

But I prefer wearing sarees, Patiala salwar suits, anarkalis occasionally on pujas, weddings or festivals.

My Favorites: Though I prefer wearing denims with simple T-shirts, the saree remains my most favourite outfit. I feel a saree makes a woman look beautiful and sexy at the same time. My favorite accessory is an ear cuff. It’s simple and stands out. However, the only thing I wear on a regular basis is a nice watch.

In footwear, I prefer flats to heels. It can be simple chappals or pumps or sporty sneakers.

Wardrobe Must Haves: According to me, the five must haves in a woman’s wardrobe are a pair of good and comfortable denims, a white T-Shirt, a black dress, a comfortable day dress and good lingerie to complement various outfits.

Beauty Secrets: If you are a non vegetarian, eat fish as it’s very good for both skin and hair. Remove makeup with a good makeup remover and then wash with a mild face wash. Don’t rub shampoo on your hair. Instead put it on your scalp and massage lightly.

Use a conditioner and wash your hair with cold water.

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FASHION TRENDS

Mumbai (IANS) Actor-producer Anil Kapoor, who defies age with his suave style and physically fit frame, says dressing well is an art. The "24" actor, who credits his mother for teaching him the value of being well-dressed, shared his sentiments in an interview on Colors Infinity's show "Born Stylish" with host and designer Pria Kataaria Puri.

Anil said there was a time when everybody at birthday parties thought that he was from a very rich family as he was always well-dressed, read a statement.

"In fact, there are still an uninformed lot of people who look down upon fashion enthusiasts and people who dress well. Actually, they don't know that it's an art and of course good business," said Anil, whose daughter Sonam Kapoor is also looked up by many as a fashion icon.

Puri also believes that clothes don’t wear you, you wear clothes.

"I agree with Anil Kapoor. Style is not about spending money, but an expression of who you are. My show is an attempt of connecting the masses to fashion through exposing the style journey of their favorite icons," she said.

On his favorite style moment, Anil said: “My walk in film 'Ram Lakhan' was my most spectacular style moment.”

He also shared that compliments are always welcome, but "I am not delusional. I know where I stand and believe in ageing gracefully.

But no one is immortal.”

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THE TRAVLER

Queenstown (New Zealand) (IANS) The land, rivers, mountains and sky, Queenstown serves up adventure pursuits aplenty, everywhere. Be there, and just go for it.

Whether it's sailing, hiking, white water rafting, jet boating, bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, canyon swinging, skiing, mountain biking... or whatever more to get your adrenaline pumping, this resort town, nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, is a perfect stage for it all.

It has a compact town centre, where everything is within walking distance, including about 100 places to dine which are often alive during the day and night with live music and a beauty that's remarkably picture postcard perfect. What's more?

You can see it from every height and angle.

Ask those why skydive from 15,000 feet! Missing the skydive, especially after daring to bungy jump during a past trip to New Zealand, will remain a regret. So, hey, if you're there, just do it. Let the experts and parachutes take care of the rest.

Patel, which was partially shot here. Even the 2010 release "I Hate Luv Storys", featuring Sonam Kapoor and Imran Khan, captured its beauty.

Look up at the sky during the ride, and you'll spot the deadly Kawarau Bridge bungee site the world's first commercial bungee operation. Must be something to just jump off from there.

Also, if you find some time, do take a ride on Queenstown's Lady of the Lake, which was first launched in 1912 - the same year as the Titanic left shore. One of the oldest tourist attractions here, and said to be only remaining passenger-carrying coalfired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere, it takes you on a mesmerizing tour. Have some hot chocolate while you're aboard, and soak in the beauty of the landscape.

Queenstown can make you forget your worldly worries. Good enough reason to go there. — By Radhika Bhirani

Queenstown is a resort town in the south-west of New Zealand's South Island, some 900 km from the capital Wellington. It has its own airport. For many Indians, the first glimpse of the town's beauty came through the Bollywood blockbuster "Kaho Naa...

Pyaar Hai", starring Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha 22

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SPOTLIGHT - BOOK REVIEW Her forte was Bengali films, usually opposite Uttam Kumar, and she only appeared in a handful of Hindi films out of her 60-odd before retiring into seclusion a la Greta Garbo, but Suchitra Sen is still remembered for her classical beauty, her expressive features and dignified, understated portrayals of a range of morally complex roles. She also began acting after marriage and motherhood - a feat possibly achieved by just one more actress. Also the only one to turn down an offer from Satyajit Ray and decline the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Indian filmdom's most prestigious - if it meant a public appearance when she had retired from the world, Suchitra Sen was no less enigmatic even during her 25-year-long cinematic stint.

Known are her carefully calibrated but no less powerfully emoted performances in "Sharey Chuattor" (1953; the first of the 30 films opposite Uttam Kumar, "Sadanander Mela" (1954), "Harano Sur" (1957), "Saptapadi" (1961), "Saat Pake Badha" (1963) (all Bengali) as well as Bimal Roy's "Devdas" (1955; As faithful but luckless Paro opposite Dilip Kumar), "Bombai Ka Baboo (1965; opposite Dev Anand), "Aandhi" (1975) (all Bollywood) as well as "Uttar Falguni" (1963) and its Hindi remake "Mamta" (1966), but less known are the contours of her journey from Roma Dasgupta to Suchitra Sen.

There is much on Suchitra Sen in Bengali, but not much in English save for a small (in all senses of the word) introductory biography, and studies that exist focus on her long, successful cinematic partnership with Uttam Kumar, but filling this gap is award winning film critic and journalist Shoma A. Chatterji, who had earlier penned the aforesaid profile. It was not an easy task for the writer who asks herself if it is "possible to write the life story of a person the writer has never met in flesh-and-blood, and spoken to over the telephone only twice?" as well as "how honest is it to indulge in this second hand biography?"

But for Chatterji, who has the acclaimed "Paroma and Other Outsiders: The Cinema of Aparna Sen" to her credit, it was her "passion for cinema in general, and the star-persona of a legendary actress in particular" that triumphed and led her to an attempt "to present and portray Suchitra Sen from the standpoint of an avid viewer of films, a film critic and an author".

Chatterji begins with an overview of the actress' early life and the unique circumstances in which she began her cinematic journey - with blessings of an enlightened and encouraging father-in-law, who hailed from one of the top families of Bengal.

Though it gets slightly academic at places, the book will appeal to not only to Suchitra Sen's fans but also students of of cinematic history and techniques as well as those who interested in films' portrayal and relation with society. Film buffs will also come to know some interesting trivia as to which film inspired Shah Rukh Khan's Baazigar". By the way, the other actress who began acting after becoming a mother was Suchitra's daughter, Moon Moon Sen!

— By Vikas Datta

The end product is quite a comprehensive work aimed at most Indian (non Bengali-speaking and understanding) film aficionados, who have long admired the portrayals of Debjani/Pannabai/ Suparna in "Mamta" or Aarti Devi in "Aandhi", and wanted to know more about this graceful and capable actress.

And they will not be disappointed - as they come to know of no less polished performances - as Archana of "Saat Pake Baandha", Rina Brown of "Saptapadi", psychiatrist Dr Roma Banerjee of "Harano Sur", dedicated nurse Radha Mitra of "Deep Jwele Jaai" and others.

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THE FOODIE

Around this time of year, in farmer's markets and other grocery stores, one of our favorite things on earth happens, green garlic comes into season. Although green garlic (or spring garlic as it is sometimes called) sounds exciting and exotic, the truth is that it's just the young version of the garlic that we all know and love. Before your garlic divides itself into separate cloves, is picked and dried and sent off to supermarkets all over the world, it starts out as a green plant, with a stalk, leaves and the garlic scopes.

Health benefits of Green Garlic Green Garlic is well known as a natural health remedy that has long been used to treat various ailments. It is extremely easy to source in most countries and can be consumed cooked or fresh. It is most easily included in your food or can be eaten on its own. You don’t need to limit yourself to fresh garlic either. Garlic powder or dried garlic flakes are just as effective and super easy to keep in the cupboard for everyday use.

Boosts immune system: This really is one of the leading health advantages of green garlic. It includes allicin, a sulphur compound which is accountable for the stinky odor of garlic. This particular sulphur substance increases up the defense mechanisms.

Antibiotic: Green garlic has got anti-bacterial as well as anti -inflammatory qualities which safeguards against infections.

Rich in iron: Individuals with reduced blood count or even anemia must have this particular spring veggie since it is an abundant method of obtaining iron. Green in addition to matured garlic consists of protein ferroportin which carries stored iron from inside the cell to outside the cell.

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Good for heart: We all know that garlic is really a heart friendly component. However, green garlic also includes polysulfide which safeguards the heart from illnesses. The spring veggie also advantages the health since it consists of manganese. This mineral keeps great cholesterol levels (HDL) within the body.

Fights gastro-intestinal infections: Aside from combating cold and cough, green garlic is additionally great at treating gastro-intestinal microbe infections.

INGREDIENTS: − 1 cup olive oil (can also use Ghee) − 1 cup finely chopped green garlic − 3‐4 Rotlas (Thick chapattis made from 3 cups of millet flour)

1PREPARATION 1. Break the rotla and grind into fine crumbs.

2. Heat the oil in a large pan, fry the garlic for a few minutes, add the ground rotla and mix.

3. Remove from heat, let it cool , and shape into balls. 8 small ones from this recipe.

4. Serve hot, warm them in a microwave or wrap in foil and place in a hot oven for 5‐6 minutes.

5. Serve with yogurt or bhurta.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

New York (IANS) Do you tend to munch something or the other between your meals even when you are not hungry? If yes, such a habit could certainly satisfy your taste buds but harm your health, warns a new study.

Eat only when you are hungry for better health.

In contrast to people in traditional societies, people in contemporary societies often eat not on account of hunger but because tasty food is available.

The widespread advertising of such food also bombards the consumer with the temptation to eat.

But the findings of the new study by David Gal from University of Illinois at Chicago suggest that it might be healthier for individuals to eat when they are moderately hungry than when they are not hungry. The individuals participating in the study were 45 undergraduate students.

They were first asked to rate their level of hunger and then to consume a meal rich in carbohydrates.

To measure how the meal was impacting participants' health, participants' blood glucose levels were measured at regular intervals after they consumed the meal.

Blood glucose levels tend to rise after a meal containing carbohydrates and it is generally healthier if blood glucose levels rise by a relatively small amount because elevated blood glucose is damaging to the body's cells.

The results of the study showed that individuals who were moderately hungry before the meal tended to have lower blood glucose levels after consuming the meal than individuals who were not particularly hungry before consuming the meal.

The study was published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.

Are You Eating Because You're Emotional?

Food provides our bodies with fuel, but that isn't the only reason you might eat. For many people, emotions play a strong role. For example, you might eat because you are: Happy (birthday cake!) − Sad (who hasn't indulged ice cream after bad day?) − Stressed (that 3 p.m. office chocolate break)

−

Eating for emotional reasons often leads to overeating, since you weren't hungry in the first place.

An occasional binge isn’t a serious problem.

If it happens all the time, you might have binge eating disorder.

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PARENTING

Shamsha Isani —

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts; You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow; which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

— Khalil Gibran

This profound quote by Khalil Gibran summarizes the mysteries of mankind! Life is just a passage through eternity.

Yet, we tie ourselves down with material possessions and come to believe that our offspring too are in our possession.

By nature, we humans are programmed to perpetuate life; to transmit our traits and our characteristics to our progeny.

Our intellect and our ability to choose right from wrong, set us apart from the rest of the creation. Khalil Gibran reminds us that human ‘Life’ longs for more than life itself!

It is this search which has been the impetus for human progress across time. And yet we forget that our offspring too will yearn for life just as we yearned and raced for it.

If we could only internalize Khalil Gibran’s reminder that we are only a medium of delivering the next generation of our species into this world. We should not assume that our children are going to be exact replicas of us. If they were, life itself would come to a standstill!

As a mother, it is almost impossible for me to let my children fail as a result of their choices. In hopes of securing myself and replicating ‘me,’ I hold my children’s hands throughout the way but this is impossible! Children are not robots that can be programmed to achieve what we aspired to achieve in our own lives, to avoid the mistakes we committed in our own lives. We are who we are as a result of our doings – good and bad. As a parent I must let my children embark on their journey and pick their own path

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irrespective of my aspirations. We must let them be who they want to be. I am not suggesting that we leave our children to their own whims. Our children come “through” us; they come through us by embodying the qualities, virtues and character that define us as a person. We ought to guide them and teach them the most important lessons of life. And then we must let go! And ‘letting go’ is the hardest part for parents, most importantly for mothers.

I find it ironical that in today’s day and age, we parents follow every research in child development and apply it.

Developmental psychology suggests that children should be taught independence from a very young age. So I let my toddler set up his own dinner table, put away his dishes.

I expect him to change his own clothes, put on and take off his own shoes. I even expect him to put himself to sleep alone in his own room! I expect my toddler to sit quietly in one spot and behave well in the park and at restaurants so that people will applaud my parenting. All this because new parenting research tells me that doing this will mold my child into a balanced and independent individual.

And the irony becomes apparent as this same toddler grows into a teenager. Then, instead of encouraging independence, my only aim in life is to curb his independence and to ensure that he is excelling in his academics and extra-curricular activities. I worry about the company he keeps and the choices he will make. I hover over him life a fly that will just not stop buzzing.

What changed in the process of his growing up? The same child who was taught to be independent is now made accountable for every action and inaction! This is where the irony lies; if I have aspired for my child to be independent from a very young age then I must let him explore and learn life’s lessons independently while constantly watching and guiding him from a distance. I must believe that my child has come ‘through’ me as a solid individual with all the human values that I could possibly teach him. He is not ‘from’ me; a replica of myself! And this is the meaning of ‘trusting’ Life itself!

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FINANCIAL NEWS

David A. Egelhoff was a company man. For the majority of his working career he punched the clock at Boeing, making a modest income and raising a family. Some years later, David and his wife Donna decided to get a divorce. Two months after the ink was dry on the divorce papers, David was involved in a terrible accident where he suffered major injuries and later tragically died.

David had intended for his life insurance policy and his pension to go to his daughter from a previous marriage, but never got around to updating the paperwork after his divorce. As such, his ex-wife got the money and all his daughter was left with was a hefty legal bill. This sad, yet true story is just one of the many mistakes investors make when it comes to naming beneficiaries on their financial accounts. To help you avoid these costly mistakes, here are seven common beneficiary blunders investors make.

1.

2.

Forgetting to name a beneficiary. Even if you have the best of intentions, if the paperwork is missing, your beneficiary will not get paid. Without that piece of paper, your financial assets can get tied up in probate even if your relative or loved one is named in your will. Besides life insurance and retirement accounts, you should also check to see if your bank and brokerage accounts, company pension plans, annuities and 529 college plans allow you to name beneficiaries. It doesn’t hurt to ask if your financial accounts allow for beneficiary designations. What does hurt is passing away and having your loved ones realize they’re unable to access your hard earned money.

Not having a back-up beneficiary. If you’ve gone through the process of naming a beneficiary, it’s always best to include another. Unexpected life events can unfold simultaneously, and before you know it, the money could be lost forever.

For example, if your spouse passes away at the same time, your children may never see an inheritance. Likewise, if you have grandchildren, you may want to name them as secondary beneficiaries in the off chance that their parents pass away.

3.

Thinking a will or trust will determine who inherits the money. The beneficiary designations of your financial accounts often trump any other estate planning document, including wills or trusts. Countless Supreme Court cases (including the one mentioned at the outset) have been fought over this precise argument, but in the end the beneficiary designations have continued to win.

4.

Naming a minor as a beneficiary. It’s important to know that minors are not legally allowed to control inherited funds. Furthermore, the funds cannot be distributed to the minor unless a guardian has been appointed. The guardian will then resume

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control over the assets, so it must be someone you trust and will have the best intentions for the minor. It’s also worth noting that generally, minors will inherit the money either when they turn 18 or 21. If the prospect of a young adult inheriting a large sum of money causes you to pause for reflection, then you may want to consider other options.

5.

Naming a beneficiary that receives government assistance.

Depending on the size of your assets, the inheritance or life insurance payment may cause those on government assistance to lose their benefits. If you would like to name a beneficiary with special needs, it’s often better to set up a special needs trust that will provide assistance without jeopardizing their much needed subsidy from the government.

6.

Outdated forms. Failure to keep your documents up-to-date could result in unintentionally disinheriting your loved ones.

Take the time to review beneficiary designations whenever you experience life changes - such as marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, or birth of children or grandchildren. Double check your spelling and make sure your financial institution has the most recent copy. The majority of these forms can be updated online and generally takes just a few minutes.

7.

Naming only one beneficiary, thinking they will evenly distribute the money. In theory, this may seem like a good idea, especially if the beneficiary has good financial sense. But a beneficiary has no obligation to disseminate the funds evenly and legally, and could potentially keep all the money if he or she chooses. So rather than assuming your beneficiary will take care of all the details, it’s always best to have your intentions carefully detailed. After all, your idea of what’s fair may not be the same as your sole beneficiary.

If you have experienced any of the following, it may be time to review and update your financial account forms: − Change in marital status − Birth of a child or grandchild − Death in the family − Health problem − Relocation − New job or promotion There are a lot of rules, laws and considerations you should review to ensure your financial and estate plans fulfill your objectives and maximize the benefits you pass on to your heirs.

Your advisor can help you protect what may be the most important thing of all: your legacy.

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COVER STORY

New Delhi (IANS) She is multitasking but doesn't know how to cook, she doesn't have the patience to deal with nagging in-laws, doesn't want children within a year of marriage and her focus is on building a successful career. Meet the new age 20-something Indian girl who's fighting the 'matrimonial ad' battle with her parents every day and shattering the stereotype of what is expected of a conventional Indian wife.

It took one brave 'tomboy' Indhuja Pillai, a Bangalore based 24-year-old, who calls herself 'not marriage material', to awaken the underlying frustration in many girls across the country on the issue of being pressurized by parents to find a groom via matrimonial websites, ahead of International Women's Day. Sumesh Menon, co-founder and CEO of Woo, a women centric matchmaking app that highlights women's expectations and concerns about marriage, says that Indhuja's plight echoes the sentiment of millions of Indian women, who don't subscribe to the idea of the 'ideal bahu'.

"They long to be accepted for who they are and not forced into any boring, uncomfortable moulds.

Women now want marriages of equality, where whatever applies to the man is equally applicable to the woman be it independence, social life or work," said Menon.

A string of regular surveys by popular matrimonial website Shaadi.com has indicated that marriage queries annoy single Indian women the most; that Indian girls are more forthright about their preference to meet a prospective groom before his family; and that meeting match-seekers due to family pressure tops the complaints of eligible women.

That notwithstanding, their parents, in the Endeavour to settle them down at a 'right age', resort to finding arranged matches, via relatives, friends, and now often through matrimonial sites.

According to a news report, the very fact that Pillai's parents made her sound desperate to get married to a "good groom" in the "groom

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COVER STORY wanted" ad, drove her to create her rebellious "matrimonial CV on a website marry.indhuja.com to ensure that the right message reaches the 'right' candidate.

The profile created by her parents highlighted her education and occupation, while her self-created profile shared more insights about her personality, interests and expectations.

This included her revealing: "I'm not a drinker and I hate smoking. An eggitarian, not a foodie. I play badminton, sing and dance. "I wear glasses and look dorky in them...NOT a womanly woman.

Definitely not marriage Won't grow long hair, ever.

I come with a life-long guarantee and I commit for " Her partner preference is also as lear as it gets.

Kudos to Pillai, says 28-year-old Trisha Naik, whose family sits with profiles of shortlisted candidates on a matrimonial site every weekend.

"I thought of doing the same as Indhuja the moment I got to know my family has started searching for a groom for me. Indian families are patriarchal, and they believe in showing an unreal version of their daughters," Naik, who felt proud material. "upon seeing a younger girl take a bold step and break the stereotype, told IANS. Ultimately, it is us who face the complications later in our married life. So why not clear things now rather than regretting it for the whole life," Naik added.

Sujata Shekhawat, a 34-year-old single working woman, has been going through the 'matrimonial process' for a long time.

"I was depressed and irritated after a few encounters with prospective grooms and their families. Questions like living with the family, cooking, as if it is women's only job, made me so furious that I decided not to settle down till the time I get someone who wants a soulmate, not a maid," Shekhawat told IANS. Relationship counsellor Jai Madaan says being your real self and honest is the key of any good relationship, and that's what Indhuja aimed at.

"Honesty reflects from her talks. Nobody is 'perfect marriage material', else there had been no fights and divorces.

So to be honest and vocal about yourself is very important so that nothing raises false expectations," Madaan told IANS. Alas, that for many Indian families, a "subdued", not a "rebellious", bride fits the bill of a 'bahu'. Still, Madaan feels that "sensible men get attracted to a woman's honesty and boldness."

— By Nivedita DESI EXPRESS MAGAZINE

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AROUND TOWN

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AROUND TOWN

The 67th Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Consulate General of India with gaiety and enthusiasm on 26th of January 2016.

In the morning, the National Flag was hoisted at the Consulate by Consul General Nagesh Singh. Members of the Consulate, the Indian and Indian-American communities and other friends of India, who were present at the venue, sang the National Anthem, in patriotic spirit. Consul General also read out the message of the President of India delivered on the eve of the Republic Day, to the gathering.

A Dinner/Reception was hosted in the evening by the Consul General & Mrs. Singh at the JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead. More than 350 guests, including members of the Atlanta Consular Corps, Representatives of Georgia State government, County and City officials from Atlanta & neighboring cities, and representatives of political parties, academia, business, press and civil society attended the reception. Consul General delivered a speech highlighting the importance of Republic Day for India and its people. He spoke about the rapidly growing, multifaceted India-US relations and how it has transformed into a “global strategic partnership�.

Full text of the speech of Consul General is available at the website of Consulate General of India Atlanta www.indianconsulateatlanta.org A spectacular dance performance was rendered by very talented, young dance students of Kruti Dance Academy of Duluth Georgia.

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AROUND TOWN Speech by Nagesh Sigh, Consul General of India in Atlanta, USA It is my pleasure to welcome you to this reception to mark the 67th Republic Day of India. I thank you for having accepted our invite and being with us on this most auspicious of days for the people of India, as we celebrate the 67th anniversary of our Republic.

India won its independence on August 15, 1947. However, on January 26, 1950, the Indian people, acting through their duly elected and representative body- the Constituent Assembly, after more than 2 years of deliberations, gave to themselves a Constitution, by which they solemnly resolved to constitute their ancient land into a sovereign, secular, democratic republic.

They also resolved to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY, assuring the dignity of the individual Our Constitution gave the citizens of India the power to choose their own government, based on universal adult suffrage.

It paved the way for what we marvel at today, as the world’s largest democracy, with a registered electorate of more than 800 million people. In the last General Elections held in May 2014, a staggering 530 million voters (66%) exercised their franchise.

Since its inauguration 67 years ago, the Indian Constitution has been successfully guiding the path and progress of our nation, despite the social, economic and political challenges confronting a country of our size, diversity and complexity.

India is a land of almost 1.3 billion people of every ethnic extraction known to humanity. No other country in the world embraces the extraordinary mixture of ethnic groups, the profusion of mutually incomprehensible languages, the varieties of topography and climate, the diversity of religions and cultural practices, and the range of levels of economic development that India does.

The Constitution recognizes 23 languages, but in fact there are 35 Indian languages that are each spoken by more than a million people - and these are languages with their own scripts, grammatical structures and cultural assumptions, not just dialects (and if we are to count dialects, there are more than 22,000).

Eight great religions flourish in our land, if we don’t count the animists. We are the birthplace of four of these major religions.

A dozen different traditions of classical dance, seventeen hundred political parties (big and small), and three hundred ways of cooking the potato, exist in India !!! Just to give you a flavor of our diversity. We have educated the world's second largest pool of trained scientists, doctors and engineers; and happily shared a large number of them with our close friend, the United States.

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We build our own super computers. We have reached the Moon and Mars through our space programe. These are testaments of our scientific and technological prowess. At the same time, 20% of our population still remains below the poverty line of less than $2 a day. A slightly higher percentage is afflicted with the curse of illiteracy. I can cite such contradictions in every walk of life.

At independence, conventional wisdom was against the viability of a large, diverse and poor nation state, such as ours. Sir Winston Churchill, opposing Indian independence, famously said "India is merely a geographical expression. It is no more a single country than the Equator." Obviously the great man was totally off the mark on this one !

So what makes India tick? What is the secret of its unity in such diversity? At a philosophical level, India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru best explained that the country is held together "by strong but invisible threads....

About her there is the elusive quality of a legend of long ago; some enchantment seems to have held her mind. She is a myth and an idea, FOR ADVERTISING CALL 404-246-3256

AROUND TOWN

a dream and a vision, and yet very real and present and pervasive." To this, I would add our liberal democracy, inclusive society and a plural ethos, beautifully codified in our Constitution, which gives every citizen of every race, caste, creed, linguistic group or economic strata, a stake in India’s success.

Since independence, we have travelled a long way.

From being categorized in popular perception as a land of poverty, illiteracy, disease and hunger, India today is rising power; a country fast emerging as a global leader in science, technology, innovation and startups. From being a famine ridden land, we are fast becoming the food basket for the world. This year we have become the fastest growing large economy on the planet, the largest recipient of FDI. According to most informed estimates, we are likely to continue on this high growth trajectory in the years ahead, eliminating poverty from our midst in the next 10 to 15 years.

I say all this with utmost humility, as we are conscious that we still have some distance to cover before we can fully attain our desired objectives of uplifting each and every citizen of ours, from poverty to prosperity, from ignorance to knowledge, from disease to good health and from homelessness to shelter.

Towards realization of these goals, the important role of our global partnerships is well appreciated by us.

The United States of America has been a steadfast friend since pre-independence, despite us being described as ‘estranged democracies’ during the cold war.

The linkages between India and the United States go back

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to the time of our freedom struggle when successive US administrations supported Indian independence.

In the early days of our Republic, the drafters of our Constitution were deeply influenced by the US Constitution, and took from it ideas such as Republicanism, Independence of Judiciary, Judicial Review and Bill of Rights. The Green revolution, which gave comprehensive food security for our large population and took us beyond it making India a prominent global exporter of agricultural products, was aided by American agricultural scientists. So was the setting up of the Indian Institutes of Technology in the 1950s & 60s.

These institutions became the cradle of our engineering and scientific achievements in the decades that followed. (including the CEOs of Pepsi, Google, Microsoft etc.)

Since the turn of this century, India US relations have transformed to a degree which was unimaginable a few decades ago. We now have a "global strategic partnership", based on shared values of democracy, pluralism and rule of law. Both are multi-religious, multi-ethnic & multi-lingual societies which aim to continuously improve and uplift the social and economic status of our citizens, with dignity and fundamental freedoms.

We have increasing convergence of interests on most bilateral, regional and global issues. Our geopolitical interests in shaping a sustainable balance of power in Asia-Pacific region and lifting economic growth at a time of global economic uncertainty also converge.

We have a series of common priorities that both governments have identified around economic growth, creation of jobs and progress for our peoples.

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From our perspective, the US is and will remain a key partner and a vital source for capital, technology and knowledge to enable us to realize our inclusive socio-economic growth and development agenda.

In turn, India's robust economic growth and its mega market, within a framework of a democratic polity, market economy and plural society, has encouraged voices in the U.S. who are arguing with much success for greater investment in, and attention to India.

An important element propelling this change has been the presence of a highly successful and influential Indian American community, its achievements, and a growing circle of connections between Indians and Americans at a non-formal level. Many of them are present here today and I thank them for their services to both our countries.

The changed relationship is best reflected in growing India-U.S. bilateral cooperation, which today is broad-based and multi-sectoral covering, trade and investment; defence and security; education and skill development; science and technology; cyber security; high-technology commerce; civil nuclear energy; space technology and applications, clean energy; environment; agriculture and health.

Today, it is natural for India and the U.S. to consult regularly on all major policy issues of the day --- be it security

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of the global commons, reform of the international economic and financial architecture or creation of an open, balanced and inclusive architecture in Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region. We have taken our global partnership to third countries where our expertise and resources are valued, including in e-governance, food security, and capacity-building in election management, in several African countries, and women empowerment projects and agriculture capacity-building in Afghanistan. Going forward, we see the U.S. continuing to play a role in India's transformation, and also see India and the U.S. joining hands to make the world a better place for our two nations and the rest of the world.

The Consulate General of India in Atlanta which covers Southeast United States is committed to playing its modest role in furthering this rapidly growing relationship, which President Obama has often described as “the defining partnership of the 21st century”. In this endeavor, I seek the cooperation of all our friends and well-wishers who are present here today.

Let me conclude by saying that for me personally, celebrating this important day in the calendar of the world’s largest democracy, in this land of the world’s oldest democracy is something special. Your presence here today makes it even more special.

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“Navodaya 2016” was celebrated at The Hindu Temple of Atlanta, on January 1, with great enthusiasm and fanfare.

The incessant rain stopped and gave way to cool but pleasant weather. Thousands of devotees thronged to both the Balaji and Shiva sanctums to receive the blessings of the divine for a prosperous and healthy 2016.

Both Temples and facilities were specially prepared to accommodate thousands of devotees. The Deities were adorned with special flowers and ornaments to complement the festive occasion. Navodaya was heralded with Suprabhatam in both the Temples. The very talented Priests led

by Reverend Gopal Bhattar and Reverend Srinivasa Sarma performed Archanas all day long and distributed teertha prasadams to the satisfaction of all the devotees attending the celebrations.

This year’s motto at the the HTA was “Service with a Smile” There was hardly standing room in both Temples due to the large number of devotees. However the flow of devotees was ably managed by devoted volunteers with bowed heads and smiles on their faces. Hectic preparations were under way for several days by the volunteers of the Kitchen under the leadership of P B Rao and Sai Ram Surappaneni. Mouthwatering Indian food was served with courtesy and speed to hearts and stomach's content of the devotees.

The children were entertained with face painting and balloon twisting activities. Vendors mall was colorful with display of Jewelry, house wares, garments and accessories. The nonprofit organizations spread their messages to attentive devotees. 2015 was a very eventful year for the Hindu Temple. Starting with Navodaya, it celebrated Sankranti,

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Ugadi, Sree Rama Navami and Brahmotsavams with great pomp and fanfare. Ganesh Chaturdhi was a multi-cultural, multi- ethnic and multi- lingual event. Ati Rudram was performed over eleven days culminating in purnahuti.

Rajatotsavam (25th year anniversary) of the beloved Temple was ushered in with Vedaparayanam and Shata modaka homam in Dec 2015. The highlight ‘Akhanda Vishnu Nama Parayanam’ will culminate in Brahmotsavam in May 2016.

The President Pulipaka B Rao, was overjoyed by the success stories of 2015. He enumerated the flourishing of Balavihar, and several Language and Dance institutions under the patronage of the Temple. He expressed hope that the Temple would be able to render even more social and charitable services to the community at large.

Dr P B Rao congratulated Prashanti Asireddy ( Vice president ), Sheela Lingam ( Secretary ), Ravi Kari ( Joint Treasurer ) and Aravind Goli ( Pooja Committee Chair ) for planning and executing Navodaya 2016 with great precision. He particularly thanked Sairam Surappaneni and his dedicated volunteer group for their selfless services in providing mouth watering Indian cuisine.

Special thanks are due to Madhu Tata, Sunil Shavele, Srinivas Nalla,Shyam Malla Varapu,Anjiah Choudary Lavu, Venkat Meesala, Janardhan Pannela, Anil Yelamanchili, Sunil Gotoor, Nanda Chatla and all the countless volunteers and their families. “May Lord Venkateshwara and Lord Ramalingeshwara shower their choicest blessings on all for a happy and prosperous.”

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CHAI LOUNGE OCI INSTRUCTIONS - CONSULATE GENERAL OF INDIA, ATLANTA Government of India has issued new instructions to the Consulates relating to submission and processing of application form in respect of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders and OCI miscellaneous services on the online system.

It is brought to the notice of all concerned that the online module for submission and processing of application form for registration as OCI card holders and OCI miscellaneous services along with uploading of documents, photographs and signature of the applicant has rolled out with effect from 01.01.2016. The applicants now have to mandatorily upload the requisite documents, photographs and the signature with the application in the online system. Henceforth : 1. All the applicants shall submit the application form online and upload all the requisite documents (self-attested), photographs and signature, (in the case of minor who cannot sign the left hand thumb impression) along with the application.

2. After the applicants submits the complete application online including documents, photographs, and signature the original of the supporting documents have to submitted to CKGS for verification. Applicants are requested to send original passport, original renunciation certificate/ Indian passport, original marriage certificate along with the OCI application for verification. As regards to other supporting documents such as naturalization certificate, address proof and birth certificate, notarized copies would be accepted.

3. If there is any deficiency in the application/uploaded documents/photographs, it will be informed by email to the applicant. The applicant may then submit the required documents to the CKGS. 4. Once the documents are in order, an email will be received by the applicant stating that “application received and is under process�.

USCIS FORMALLY NOTIFIES H-1B VISA FEE INCREASE NEW DELHI: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency that oversees Us immigration, formally notified a law that increases H1-B and L1 visa fees to $4,000 and up to $4,500 respectively.

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, signed into law by President Obama on December 18, 2015, an "additional fee of $4,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $4,500 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions", will have to be paid per employee, the USBIC said in a statement.

"The additional fees apply to petitioners who employ 50 or more employees in the United States, with more than 50 percent of those employees in H-1B or L (including L-1A and L-1B) nonimmigrant status," the agency added. The United States Congress had announced the raised "outsourcing fee" on December 18.

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CHAI LOUNGE NEW TIGHTENED US RULES FOR VISA-FREE TRAVEL WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is tightening travel restrictions on Europeans and others who have visited Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan in the last five years. At the same time, officials say the new rules might not apply to travelers in certain occupations whose travels were for business.

Under the Visa Waiver Program citizens of 38 countries, mostly in Europe, are generally allowed to visit the United States without applying for a visa. Before they travel they have to provide the US government with biographic data, including information about what other passports they may have and details about their parents, using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA. What changed? In December, Congress passed a bill to amend the Visa Waiver Program and bar people who had traveled to Syria, Iraq, Iran or Sudan in the last five years from visiting the United States without a visa. People who are duel citizens of Iran, Iraq, Syria or Sudan are also now required to have a visa.

OVER A DOZEN INDIAN AMERICANS MAKE IT TO FINAL OF INTEL SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH WASHINGTON: Over a dozen Indian-American students have made it to the finals of the prestigious 2016 Intel Science Talent Search that brings US's top 40 brightest high school seniors to the competition that has a prize money of USD 150,000. Of the 14 Indian-Americans who would be coming to Washington in March for theprestigious science competition, five are from California: Sanath Devalapurkar, Anjini Karthik, Anin Sayana, Pranav Srinivas and Maya Varma.

Two of the Indian-Americans are from Massachusetts: Yashaswini Makaram and Amol Punjabi. Other Indian-American high schoolers are Vikul Gupta from Orlando, Maana Jagadeesan from New Hampshire, Milind Jagota from Pennsylvania, Shreya Menon from Michigan, Kavya Ravichandran from Ohio, Kunal Shroff from Virginia and Sreya Vemuri from Indiana. "Finalists of the Intel Science Talent Search are the innovators of the future," said Maya Ajmera, the president and CEO of Society for Science & the Public, publisher of Science News and alumna of the Science Talent Search.

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CHAI LOUNGE PRIYANKA CHOPRA WINS ‘FAVORITE ACTRESS’ AT PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2016 Los Angeles (IANS) Bollywood actress and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra made India proud yet again by winning a People’s Choice Award for her international debut as FBI agent Alex Parish in American TV thriller series “Quantico”.

She is said to be the first South Asian actress to win the honor. Priyanka was named the Favorite Actress in a New TV series at the gala on Wednesday night. Ecstatic with the victory, she said: “I’d like to thank everyone who voted for ‘Quantico’. It is my first year in the US, and to come to another country and actually get this kind of acceptance is I guess what America is all about.

RAJINIKANTH, SRI SRI, DHIRUBHAI AMBANI GET PADMA VIBHUSHAN New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) The government on Monday announced Padma Vibhushan awards for spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, legendary Tamil actor Rajinikanth and late industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani.

Others who will get Padma Vibhushan - the second highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna are classical dancer Yamini Krishnamurthi, classical singer Girija Devi, media baron Ramoji Rao, Dr Vishwanathan Shanta (oncology), Jagmohan (public affairs), Vasudev Kalkunte Aatre (science and engineering) and Avinash Dixit (literature).

INDIA’S FIRST TRANSGENDER BAND RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE Mumbai (IANS) The 6 Pack Band, touted as India’s first transgender band, has released its debut single “Hum hain happy” along with its music video, which is a cover rendition of American singer Pharrell Williams’s hit song “Happy”. The band was launched by Yash Raj Films’s youth films wing Y-Films in association with Brooke Bond Red Label. Sonu Nigam launched the band’s single. Ashish Patil, who heads Y-Films, added: “We truly believe that in spite of all our differences, we all dance to the same beat. Irrespective of caste, creed, religion, economic status and gender. And it is music that brings us all together.”

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

MOVIE BUZZ

Fitoor RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 12, 2016 STARRING: ADITYA ROY KAPUR, KATRINA KAIF, ADITI RAO, AJAY DEVGN, TABU, LARA DUTTA New Delhi (IANS) Actor Aditya Roy Kapur, who plays the role of Noor in the forthcoming film "Fitoor" says that he had to work with different materials and melting metal was part of the job in order to get into the skin of his character.

Aditya who will be portraying the role of an artist in the Abhishek Kapoor directorial says that familiarizing himself with different equipments was a part of his preparations for his role in "Fitoor". Stressing on the fact that creative people have their own way of processing, the 30-year-old said that he had to "wrap his head around what his character's thought process might be.� Fitoor is based on Charles Dickens's novel "The Great Expectations."

Neerja RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2016 STARRING: SONAM KAPOOR, SHABANA AZMI, SHEKHAR RAVJIANI Mumbai (IANS) Actress Sonam Kapoor says she is "emotionally attached" to her forthcoming film "Neerja", a biopic on Neerja Bhanot, a valiant flight attendant who saved a number of lives in a plane hijack incident. "I am very emotionally attached to this film. I met Neerja's mother in 2015 and it was an emotional moment for me. I want this film to reach to the widest audience so that people get to know who Neerja was, "As an actress, I still have to achieve a lot. I have a long way to go.

I only want people to know me for my work and films."

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Sanam Teri Kasam RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 05, 2016 STARRING: HARSHVARDHAN RANE, MAWRA HOCANE Mumbai (IANS) Vinay Sapru, one of the directors of 'Sanam Teri Kasam', says actor Sunny Deol wanted him and his direction partner Radhika Rao to make a film for his banner with Bobby Deol, a film which eventually became 'Sanam Teri Kasam'. It is so ironical... Sunny sir had actually made us start the film. When 'I Love NY' was about to get over, Sunny sir saw the rushes, called us, and told us that he wanted me and Radhika to direct a film for Vijeta Films.

He was of the view that we make good love stories; so he wanted us to make a love story with Bobby." said Sapru.

Sunny had acted in their directorial 'I Love NY'. And now their film 'Sanam Teri Kasam' which is scheduled to clash at the Box Office with his directorial 'Ghayal Once Again'

Jai Ganga Jal RELEASE DATE: MARCH 04, 2016 STARRING: PRIYANKA CHOPRA, PRAKASH JHA, MANAV KAUL Mumbai (IANS) Actor Manav Kaul, whose performance was appreciated in "Kai Po Che!", will now be seen playing a grey character in "Jai Gangaajal". The actor says it is one of the most emotional characters that he has played so far. In 'Jai Gangaajal' I have an emotional grey character. I haven't done anything as emotional as this character in 'Jai Gangaajal'. If I may say so, then this is one of the most emotional characters that I have played. It's the most difficult role for me so far.

People are writing with such conviction that the motivation to do such roles is very strong," said Manav.

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BOLLYWOOD BUZZ

INTERNATIONAL DESI GAL, PRIYANKA CHOPRA SETS A NEW RECORD AND BECOMES THE FIRST ACTRESS TO WIN 5 FILMFARE AWARDS IN 5 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES Mumbai (IANS) Priyanka Chopra won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role Filmfare award in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie Bajirao Mastani as Kashi Bai. The actress, however, could not attend the award ceremony and co-star Deepika Padukone accepted this award on her behalf. With this , Priyanka Chopra becomes the first actress to win the five Filmfare awards in these particular five different categories and set a new record. The actress, who was the first Indian actress to win a People’s Choice Award recently, has amazed us yet again with another achievement after winning another Filmfare award, this time for ‘the best actress in supporting role’. It seems like her stars are destined to make her ready to conquer anything and everything.

MALLIKA SHERAWAT TO STAR IN VIDEO WITH NY-BASED ARTISTE Varun New Delhi (IANS) Actress Mallika Sherawat will make an appearance in a music video with New York-based artiste Dasu.

Slated to release, the song titled “Dil kya kare (Did I love you?)" is Mallika’s first mainstream pop music video and she is said to be excited about it, read a statement. The song has been produced by Rishi Rich, popular for giving music lovers songs like "U'n'I (Mere dil vich hum tum)" and "Bhare bazar".

LIFE OFFERS MORE IF YOU’RE INTELLIGENT, SAYS NIMRAT

New Mumbai (IANS) Actress Nimrat Kaur believes that life has a lot more to offer if you are intelligent and aware. In a chat with designer Pria Kataaria Puri on the show “Born Stylish”, Nimrat spoke about her career and the importance of awareness in life, read a statement. “It’s more important to be intelligent because you’ll know how to make yourself look and feel beautiful. Life has a lot more to offer if you are intelligent and aware,” said the actress of “The Lunchbox” fame. She also shared that she “didn’t know the vocabulary of being an actor when I first came to Mumbai”.

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AKSHAY KUMAR LIKES BEING OUT OF COMFORT ZONE New Delhi (IANS) That he's a fearless man is something that Akshay Kumar has often proved with his ability to perform daredevilry for his films. But the atcor says he also likes to challenge himself as far as his roles are concerned. Akshay, who often juggles between different genres, does not prefer to stick to characters which are in his comfort zone. “I keep on changing myself all the time. I want to enter my comfort zone and then want to go to more challenging places. 'Singh is Bliing' and 'Housefull' are in my comfort zone, but 'Airlift' is not. Even 'Baby' was not,” said Akshay. The “Namastey London” actor, whose real name is Rajiv Om Bhatia, says he doesn't feel comfortable when he's given different monikers.

WHEN HELEN WANTED TO 'MURDER' DIVYA DUTTA

Mumbai (IANS) Actress Divya Dutta says yesteryear diva Helen wanted to murder her for playing a negative role in the educational drama "Chalk N Duster". "It was everyone's reaction... people wanted me to be nicer on screen. But now, they feel like hating and beating me up. Helen aunty gave me a sweet compliment saying that she wants to murder me. The reaction for this film... If more people hate me, I'll like it. Some are terming me as a devil, while some are calling me Cinderella's stepsister. So, it is a different kind of response for me. But I'm grateful to people for hating me," she added.

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DID YOU KNOW ?

INDRA NOOYI BECOMES YALE’S BIGGEST ALUMNI DONOR Indra Nooyi, the Indian-born PepsiCo Chairperson & CEO, has become the Yale School of Management’s biggest alumni donor with a ‘landmark gift’ to endow the deanship at her alma mater. Chennai-born Nooyi, 60, who graduated from the school in 1980, has made the gift to also inaugurate the Fifth Decade Innovation Fund, the school announced. The fund is an ambitious initiative designed to advance the school’s aim of developing leaders with the broad global mindset and multi-disciplinary approach to business that is needed to succeed in 21st-century capitalism, the school said.

With this gift, Nooyi becomes the most generous graduate of Yale School of Management in terms of lifetime giving to the school. She is the first woman to endow the deanship at a top business school. “My experience at the Yale School of Management forever altered the course of my life,” said Nooyi, who has served as chief executive officer of PepsiCo since 2006, and chairperson since 2007. “My gift to this wonderful institution pales in comparison with the gift that Yale gave me-the fundamental understanding that leadership requires an expansive worldview and a deep appreciation of the many points of intersection between business and society.

RANNVIJAY LETS HIS SHIRTS DO THE TALKING IN NEW CAMPAIGN New Delhi (IANS) For Rannvijay Singha, it's not about words but shirts! After showing his Roadies spirit and acting prowess, the actor will soon be seen on the small screen communicating his views through messages printed on shirts as a part of campaign for a online fashion brand. “I believe style is a way to say who you are without speaking and Teesort does that very well,” Rannvijay said.

PARENTS SPEND MORE TIME ON FACEBOOK THAN NON-PARENTS New York (IANS) Having a child changes everything, including parents' relationship with their mobile phones. "By observing behavior on Facebook, we see that parents over index on mobile usage. In fact, parents globally spend 1.3X more time on Facebook mobile than non-parents," the blog added.

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INDIAN-AMERICAN SONIKA VAID IS EARLY FAVE ON AMERICAN IDOL A 20-year-old Indian-American contestant delivered the standout audition during the first episode of the final season of American Idol. Sonika Vaid impressed the judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr with her soulful cover of Look at Me, the hit by former Idol winner Carrie Underwood. “This is one of the only times this particular season that I saw somebody that I actually think can win this thing,” said Connick. “You sang beautifully. Perfect performance. I was totally engaged.

Terrific job.” Lopez also congratulated Vaid, saying: “I love it, I love it a lot.”

AKSHAY, NIMRAT ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO ‘WALK FOR HEALTH’ Actors Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur flagged off the fourth edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health. The initiative has been inspiring thousands of families to walk more to enhance their overall health and well-being. Extending support to the initiative, Akshay said in a statement: “Walking is an intrinsic part of my fitness regime. I strongly believe that walking is a great way to stay fit and encourage everyone to start walking, since it is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get healthier. “I urge the whole of India to pledge to walk and take a step towards good health.” Nimrat also shared a similar view. “Regular walking should be practiced by all ages as it not only keeps you fit and energized but also makes you look fabulous and in-shape all the time. I’m a walking enthusiast and go for a regular morning walk to the beach.

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WHAT’S YOUR RASHI ?

Aries ( 21 March–19 April ) Work is likely to go well with cooperative colleagues and appreciative seniors and bosses. If you have been looking for a job, you are likely to come across the right one. You will have the patience and the commitment to do what it takes, for as long as it takes to make things happen. For those committed, spend some quality time with your loved one, even if that means working together or sharing ideas. For those single, you are likely to meet your prince charming or your dream girl at a social get-together.

Favorable Dates : Feb 1, 5, 10, 14, 19, 23 Favorable Colors : Yellow & White

Libra ( 23 September – 22 October ) There could be some hidden aspects, which can create some problems in the times to come at your work place. Keep your eyes and ears open towards any office politics. You may feel burdened with work, multitasking, managing more than you can. Prioritizing would be immensely beneficial at this point of time. It is better to focus on quality instead of quantity otherwise you may attract criticism. Finances will be average. This is a tricky time, tread carefully and it will be soon over.

Favorable Dates : Feb 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favorable Colors : White& Blue

Taurus ( 20 April – 20 May ) This month is bringing a lot of positivity and good vibes. Fortune is supporting you. Finances are improving; it is also a good time to invest your money. So put your plans, dreams or ideas into practice and do not hold back. This is a good time to begin new relationships or mend old ones. If you are in a committed relationship, this is a happy-golucky time for you. Spend quality time with your beloved and family, you will feel uplifted and renewed. Make a wish, believe in your dream and work for it.

Favorable Dates : Feb 3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 29 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Red

Scorpio ( 23 October – 21 November ) This is a happy time with enjoyment and celebration on the work front. Finances are improving rapidly. You will have plenty coming in to fulfill your needs, indulge as well as save. If you have been looking for a new job or a promotion, you are very likely to get it this month. You would also be able to break the glass ceiling and move in your career. If you have been going through some health issues, alternative medicines will bring relief. If single, find out your motives for being in a relationship. If they are anything except unconditional love, rethink.

Favorable Dates : Feb 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favorable Colors : Red & Yellow

Gemini ( 21 May – 20 June ) This is a good time to introduce revolutionary ideas into your work place for discussions and implementation. Moving away from the conventional and doing things in a new and different way will be beneficial. You will also be able to convince those around you to look at the things in a different perspective. If you are facing some issues or strain in your committed relationships, talk them out instead of running away from it. If single, be honest with what you want and do not hide things from your partner.

Favorable Dates : Feb 1, 7, 10, 16, 19, 25 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Blue

Sagittarius ( 22 November - 21 December ) There may be important choices or decisions to be made which can alter the course of your life ahead. Choose wisely. Rely on your instincts as well as opinions from well-wishers. You are supported by your bosses and colleagues, but your work is also under closer scrutiny. Finances will be good. Inflows are likely to increase.

There will be some fulfilling and satisfying moments with your family and beloved. There may be an addition to the family. If you have been trying to conceive, it may happen now.

Favorable Dates : Feb 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favorable Colors : Red & White

Cancer ( 21 June – 22 July ) You may want to abandon tradition and structures and conditionings and find new and better ways to live and work. But this is also a time when you may be tempted to throw caution to the winds and take some risky steps.

You are likely to have had some challenges and you will need to continue to show up in your relationships, dealing with issues and putting into your relationships what you need to get back. If single and ready to mingle, it’s best to drop judgments when looking for a suitable partner.

Favorable Dates : Feb 4, 9, 13, 18, 22, 27 Favorable Colors : Green & Blue

Capricorn ( 22 December – 19 January ) Changes are manifesting rapidly in your life. Though you may find old patterns dying out, the new is yet on the horizon. Stay positive and open as the Universe is bringing abundance and blessings your way. If you are single, this is not the best time to commit to a serious relationship. More things will be revealed with time.

Keep your stress level manageable to stay in good health. Deal with any problems that come up physically, don't avoid them.

Favorable Dates : Feb 2, 5, 11, 14, 20, 23 Favorable Colors : Green & White

Leo ( 23 July – 22 August ) The intuitive edge this month brings, will give your professional aspect a sense of direction, revealing a new sense of resolve on the work front as well.

You're also likely to find that your mind is energetically focused on home and family matters, with a lot of ideas and conversations flying and a period where you're looking at your options. In love, open the door to second chances and an opportunity to revisit the past, with a chance to tap into old romantic passions, make up for lost time or to retrieve something lost or missing.

Favorable Dates : Feb 4, 6, 13, 15, 22, 24 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Blue

Aquarius ( 20 January – 18 February ) You will be able to accomplish much by adopting a cool and calm approach.

Control your temper at work place with your colleagues and especially bosses. You may want to put your point across aggressively which may not be liked by others. If you are currently committed, your workload or that of your partner may be interfering with the relationship. Make a point to make time for the relationship regardless of your jobs, otherwise things will suffer. If you are looking for love, consider your priorities and where your time and energy goes.

Favorable Dates : Feb 3, 5, 12, 14, 21, 23 Favorable Colors : Green & Blue

Virgo ( 23 August – 22 September ) You may be oscillating between the two extremes of being either too obsessive or too lenient with your work or your subordinates that may be a cause of potential problem. You may decide to spend a large amount of money on an impulsive investment right now. Get a second opinion or some expert advice. If you are a parent you may notice that your children are acting hyperactive right now. This month will be giving you an intuitive edge and access to the emotional, intuitive and imaginative responses that might normally pass unnoticed.

Favorable Dates : Feb 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favorable Colors : White& Blue

Pisces ( 19 February – 20 March ) It’s time to shine. The project you are involved in demands that you focus your creativity and invest in your ideas. Get input from like-minded individuals before you sign on the dotted line. A new-found sense of freedom challenges you to look at your world with new eyes. Your style is changing. There really is no stopping you right now as you are just bursting with energy and ideas and cannot wait to achieve one task in order to start another.

Get out and network in your community after mid-month.

Favorable Dates : Feb 5, 7, 14, 16, 23 & 25.

Favorable Colors : Red & Yellow

Manish Kumar Arora K.P. Astrologer, Numerologist, Tarot Card Reader & Vastu Consultant Phone: +91-9871062000 E-mail: manishastrologer@rediffmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/manishastroconsultant

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FEBRUARY 2016

DESI EXPRESS MAGAZINE

All astrological predictions are to be considered friendly advice based on the author’s personal opinions and used for entertainment purposes only.

These are not to be considered as promises, guarantees, or psychic predictions.

They are simply potentials to be used at the reader’s own discretion.

For important decisions, consult your personal intuition, doctor, accountant, lawyer, educator, or clergy as needed. It is best to be informed on all levels.

FOR ADVERTISING CALL 404-246-3256

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Berkeley Lake, GA 30071 (678) 368‐4186 www.agharestaurant.com

ASHIANA RESTAURANT Global Mall, 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvrd #101, Norcross, GA 30071 (770) 446‐8081 www.theashiana.com

BANDU KHAN 6010 Singleton Rd, Ste 202 Norcross, GA 30093 (770) 557‐0969

BAWARCHI BIRYANI POINT Location 1.

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BOMBAY GRILL 2165 Savoy Drive, Chamblee, GA 30341

CAFE BOMBAY 1622 Woodcliff Dr Atlanta, GA 30350 (404) 320‐0229 www.cafebombayatlanta.com

CHAAT KA CHASKA 375 Rockbridge rd NW. Ste # 129 Lilburn GA 30047

CHOPAATI 1707 Church St Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 296‐2965 www.chopaati.com

GEORGIA HALAL MEAT 1707 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 254‐4651

GOKUL SWEETS ‐ RESTAURANT Location 1.

Patel Plaza 1709 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30033 Location 2.

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LAZEEZ TAVA FRY 4650 Jimmy Carter Blvd Norcross, GA 30093 770‐939‐1221 www.lazeeztavausa.com

LUQMA RESTAURANT 1706 Church Street Decatur, GA 30030 (404) 477‐1400 www.luqma.com

MINT RESTAURANT 2340 Atlanta Hwy, Cumming, GA 30040 404‐406‐9700 / 470‐253‐8722 www.mint‐indianbistro.com

PARADISE BIRYANI POINTE 5310 Windward parkway, Alpharetta,GA 30004 (678) 339‐0068 www.gabiryani.com

PAKWAN 3099 Breckinridge Blvd., Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 878‐4066

ROYAL INDIAN CUISINE 4315 Abbotts Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097 678‐473‐0300 www.royalindianatlanta.com

ROYAL SWEETS ATLANTA 1685 Church Street #106, Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 464‐5427 www.royalsweetsatlanta.com

SABRI KABAB HOUSE 6075 Singleton Road, Norcross, GA 30093 770‐263‐6004 www.sabrikababhouse.com

TAVA INDIAN BISTRO Patel Plaza 1711 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30033

THE MUGHALS 5345 Jimmy Carter Blvd. Ste J1 Norcross, GA 30071 (770) 446‐6941

TASTY TAVA GRILL 1850 Lawrenceville Hwy, Decatur, GA 30033 404‐633‐4444

786 KEBAB & CURRY 1905‐B Mall of Georgia Blvd, Buford, GA 30519 678‐546‐0085

AMMA KITCHEN 390 Cumming Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004 770‐475‐7776

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ASMA’S CUISINE 3099 Breckinridge Blvd #114b, Duluth, GA 30096 (678) 380‐9548 www.asmascuisine.com

BHOJANIC Location 1.

3400 Around Lenox Drive, Atlanta, GA 30326 Location 2.

1363 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 404‐841‐8472, 404‐633‐9233 www.bhojanic.com

ISTANBUL CAFE 1850 Lawrenceville Hwy #100 Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 320‐0054

KABAB HUT 880 Indian Trail, Lilburn, GA 30047 770‐925‐4440 www.kbhut.com

KARACHI BROAST & GRILL 5775 Jimmy Carter Blvd Ste‐180, Norcross,GA 30071 (678) 291‐0101 www.karachibroastandgrill.com

LAHORE GRILL 1869 Cobb Parkway S. Ste 150 Marietta, GA 30060 (678) 398‐9868 www.lahoregrill.com

BUKHARAA RESTAURANT 3651 F Peachtree Pkwy Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 817‐1371 www.bukharaa.com

CHAI PANI 406 West Ponce de Leon, Decatur GA, 30030 404.378.4030 www.chaipanidecatur.com

CHAT PATTI Patel Plaza 1709 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 633‐5595 www.chatpattiatl.com

CHINESE DHABA Location 1 ‐ Patel Plaza 1713 Church Street Suite A2, Decatur, Georgia 30033 Location 2 ‐ Global Mall 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Ste 770, Norcross, Georgia 30071 Location 3 ‐ Duluth 3083 Breckinridge Blvd, Ste 130, Duluth, GA 30096 404‐736‐6453 www.chinesedhaba.com

INCHIN’S BAMBOO GARDEN 11105 StateBridge Rd, Ste 200, Alpharetta , GA 30022 770 622 1445 www.bamboo‐gardens.com (678) 515‐8203

NAAN ‘N’ CURRY 3083 Breckenridge Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30096 770‐807‐7270

MASALA INDIAN CUISINE Patel Plaza 1713 Church Street Decatur, GA 30033 404‐296‐9999 www.masaladecatur.com

NAANSTOP 64 Broad Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 404‐522‐6226 www.naanstop.com

NILGIRI’S BAKERY & CAFE 2569 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 404‐917‐0106 www.niramish.com

PALACE RESTAURANT 6131 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross GA. 30092 (770) 840‐7770 www.thepalaceatl.com

SHAHI GRILL 851 Oak Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30044 678‐205‐5819 www.shahigrillatl.com

SHALIMAR KABAB & GRILL Killian Hill Crossing, 4760 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn, GA 30047 (770) 674‐4395 www.shalimarkababatl.com

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DESI YELLOW PAGES HAVEN LOUNGE 375 Rockbridge Road, Lilburn, GA 30047 404‐889‐2321 www.havenfusion.com

PATEL BROTHERS 1711 Church Street Decatur, GA 30033 404‐296‐2696 www.patelbros.com

SRI KRISHNA VILAS Location 1.

5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Ste #765 Norcross, GA‐30071 (770) 447‐0049 Location 2.

5815 Windward Pkwy, Ste 100 Alpharetta, GA 30005 (770) 475‐9195, (770) 807‐8945 Location 3.

2255 Callaway ct Cumming, GA 30040 (470) 239‐8804, (770) 333‐9899 www.skvilas.com

SHIVAM GROCERIES 1812 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068 770‐971‐7448

TABLA 77 12th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309 404‐464‐8571

UDIPI CAFE 3300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth,GA 30096 (678) 584‐5840 www.udipicafegeorgia.com

URBAN SPICE 4120 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005 678‐566‐0169 www.urbanspiceatlanta.com

ZYKA RESTAURANT 1677 Scott Blvd Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 728‐4444 www.zyka.com

GROCERY STORES GEORGIA HALAL MEAT 1707 Church Street, Decatur, GA 30033 (404) 254‐4651

CHERIANS INTERNATIONAL Location 1.

2255 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 Location 2.

751 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur, GA 30033 • (770) 888‐4141, (404) 299‐0842 www.cherians.com

AKSHAR 475 Rockbridge Road, Lilburn, GA 30047 770‐717‐9882

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SHREEJI CASH ‘N’ CARRY 5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross, GA 30071 470‐395‐5279 www.shreejicashncarry.com

BISMILLAH IGROCERIES 279 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30067 770‐565‐8859 AL HAMRAH 895 Indian Trail Road, Lilburn, GA 30047 770‐381‐2006

APNA BAZAAR 3083 Breckinridge Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096 770‐807‐7776

INDIA PLAZA 2905 Jordan Court, Alpharetta, GA 30004 678‐867‐0388 www.indiaplazallc.com

NEW DELHI IMPORTS 4025 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096 770‐623‐9560 www.newdelhiimports.net

SHAHI BAZAAR 851 Oak Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30044 770‐972‐5878 www.shahibazaar.com

SPICES HUT 4150 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005 770‐410‐9477 www.spiceshut.com

SUVIDHA Location 1.

425 Ernest Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw, GA 30144 Location 2.

3495 Peachtree Parkway, Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 419‐7112 / (770) 292‐1992 www.suvidhaonline.com

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