An Ode To Expressive Brilliance At #NBDF2018...

From the Inside to the Outside, 

From People to Puppets, 

From the Stage to Public Spaces, 

From Mythology to Modernity. 

A delicate thread of expressive movement binds these four facets of societal perception - DANCE. 

It is an age-old-adage that actions speak louder than words. Dance is one such series of actions that has the ability to spellbind, taking the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions by the means of impactful performances. 

Dance is an unbelievably powerful medium of narrative and social activism that adapts itself to the interpretation of the viewer. There is thought that is put into performances, which culminates into appreciation as the creative effort of the artiste bears fruit. 

Unfortunately, performing arts of the likes of theater, film, song, and dance are losing out gradually in modern times, yet I recently came across an earnest attempt to revive such arts and give them a new lease of life that is The Natya Ballet Dance Festival 2018. 

Helmed by Natya Ballet Centre in association with Sangeet Natak Akademi, the second edition of the Biennale ‘The Natya Ballet Dance Festival’ from 30 November - 2 December 2018 is to be held at SNA premises.

This year, the festival is centered around the themes of ‘Dance in Film’ & ‘Dance in Theatre’ that aim to showcase works that transcend any one medium. The three-day long festival is filled with rich and diverse programs that will present the best of both local and global art forms along with a tete-a-tete with living legends of Indian dance.

A melange of thought-provoking and mesmerizing performances, talks, presentations and film screenings with the host of eminent and distinguished artists from India and abroad is what will mark The Natya Ballet Dance Festival, also along with an emphasis on women power in dance and theater.

Conceptualized by Radhika Hoon, Chairperson, Natya Ballet Centre, and Nikita Maheshwary, Creative Director, Natya Ballet Centre, The Natya Ballet Dance Festival attempts to appreciate bold and assertive works that visualize and interpret conventional storytelling through the filters of social and political upheaval.

Be it the ‘Dance Discourses’ focusing on how art can act as an effective medium to mobilize social change or the ‘Meet The Legends’ tete-a-tete that provides an opportunity for the audience and fraternity alike to gain glimpses into the illustrious lives of the mega icons of Indian Dance namely Pandit Birju Maharaj, Leela Samson, Astad Deboo, and Mallika Sarabhai, The Natya Ballet Dance Festival comes across as an exciting and promising amalgamation of talents from across the globe in Delhi, this weekend.

I'll be there at The Natya Ballet Dance Festival to witness the masterpiece come to life. Will you? :)

Spooky Gastronomy At Just Behind U...

Just Behind U is one of the fairly new entrants on the F&B scene in the ever dynamic Rajouri Garden. As the name suggests, the outlet is aptly modeled around the theme of a spooky house. Located right next to The Mellow Garden, Just Behind U also shares their management with the latter.

While the interiors are tastefully designed in accordance with the horror theme with a number of skulls, masks, and variation in lighting, the menu boasts of a fairly good variety across Quick Bites, Indian, Oriental, and Italian cuisines.

An interesting theme coupled with decent service and an economically priced menu makes Just Behind U a popular place among families and youth alike. With a mix of retro and contemporary music being played all day long. a meal at Just Behind U is a good one.

Here's what I tried to form a first impression when dining at Just Behind U...

Appetizers: 

Momos Chaat was a warm basket of dumplings done the Indian way with seasonings to spice up the palate.

Afghani Paneer Tikka Tacos is a popular preparation at Just Behind U with chargrilled cottage cheese layered in Indian flatbread, paired with seasoned onions, lettuce, and bell peppers.

Main Course: 

Basil Pesto Spaghetti was prepared well with the subtle garlic and basil flavor coming through. Served with garlic bread on the side, it was a likable dish, garnished with olives, cherry tomato, and cheese.

Schezwan Fish paired with Schezwan Fried Rice had the authentic combination of soft fish fillets with the vibrant hued staple.

Dessert: 

Phirni is one of the simple yet striking sweet conclusions at Just Behind U and I thus chose to close my meal on a nutty note.

All in all, Just Behind U is a fairly good dine-in option with nice food and attentive service adding up to a tasteful experience. :) 

The Zodiac Has Answers...

Eight planets (other than the Earth). 
Twelve signs.

Destiny is concealed in a birth chart drafted by observing the celestial placements. The circumstances at the exact moment of one’s descent on the face of the Earth determine one’s life path that takes its course, eventually leading to self-discovery and establishment of precious relationships.

Astrology is a delicate subject. Debatable one for some, even. It is all about belief - some do, some don’t. Whatever they say, it is inexplicably magical in how the peculiarities of human relationships can be reinforced by observing the minutest of detail embedded in the Zodiac.

Compatibility is of the essence when it comes to relationships across life and is crucial when it comes to establishing and sustaining a marital bond. I have been a believer of the science and art of Astrology ever since I attained the 'marriageable age' and hence I ventured into exploring the multitude of facets that I could appreciate in each of the twelve signs - myself included - after all, life is all about being comfortable with oneself.

Upon setting foot into the sometimes calm, sometimes unsettling waters of celestial adventure, I appreciated the sanctity of personality traits that came to light - be it either pertaining to my husband or me - albeit I was also able to work in tandem with the flaws that came to light too.

Being a cardinal sign, a Libran is practical yet emotional, being affirmative and grounded when the need arises, while a Piscean on the other hand, is dreamy and imaginative, highlighting the mutable nature of the sign.

Opposites Attract 

It is a clear case of opposites attract for us as the fascination of one piques the curiosity of the former, and the firmness in the thought of the other charms the latter. All in all, the creative prowess of Pisces can be brought to life in reality by Libra. 

Divided Priorities 

Being true to the Neptunian fluidity, Pisces is not quite fond of stability, a fact which opposes the Libran tendency of attempting to hold on, come what may. The quintessential Libran charm fueled by Venus is what keeps the fish hooked, so to say. 

Discussion or Deliberation? 

The always diplomatic and peace-loving Libran knows how to keep any discussion from turning into a full-blown argument while the 'good listener' Piscean has an ear for conversations at length. Thus any potential altercation ends on a positive note in the hindsight. 

Augmenting the Flaws 

A Libran's inherent indecisiveness can most certainly perplex a Piscean but once a matter is settled amicably with Libra's final say, Pisces is quick to acknowledge Libra as their pillar of strength that prevents them from being drifted away by turbulent waters. 

All for Family 

Both Libra and Pisces work together to provide the best for their child, both of them being fond of children. 

On the whole, human relationships are all about working in tandem with each other's positives and negatives and the Zodiac has been one great aide on the path of mutual understanding, acceptance, and appreciation. :)

Culinary Ode To India At Paatra...

The Jaypee Group of Hotels is one of the reputed hospitality chains across the Indian mainland. On a recent visit to one of their premier properties in the heart of Delhi, Jaypee Vasant Continental, I had a chance to relish the choicest of Indian delicacies courtesy their gourmet restaurant catering wholeheartedly to Indian cuisine - Paatra.

Located on Level 1, the restaurant has been tastefully designed - as goes the interior, decor, or the thoughtfully curated menu.

Done up in amber and beige hues, Paatra is well-lit during the day, while soft lighting complements a flavorful meal during evenings. Ambient music recreating classical tunes from the rich symphonies closer to the mainland of India is the final touch that sets the mood right for a dining experience at Paatra.

The restaurant offers both Buffet and Ala Carte schemes of dining so patrons are spoiled for choice at Paatra. Sunday Brunch whipping up a variety of cuisines is yet another feather in Paatra's cap.

Well begun is half done goes the age-old adage, and hence my meal at Paatra begun with an Amuse Bouché comprising of crisp lotus stem and roasted fox nuts on a bed of potato sticks with a carrot relish and a dash of mascarpone cheese on the side, garnished with micro-greens.

Alongside the meal, there was also a poppadom basket and a relish platter.

Coming to the delicacies that Chef Vaibhav Suri made us relish on the account of a thoughtfully curated Tasting Menu...

Beverages: 

Tulsi Aur Pudine Ka Nichod was a refreshing welcome drink that had the slight bitterness of basil and mint combination neutralized by the subtlety of honey.

Paan Colada is Paatra's rendition of the classic Pina Colada, substituting pineapple with Paan, thus giving it an Indian accentuation.

Kheera Khaas was a cucumber concoction paired with chopped green chilies to bring up the spice quotient.

Appetizers:

Mattarwali Tikki is an in-house specialty being a fresh green peas patty mashed with cottage cheese, that was soft enough to melt-in-mouth but firm enough not to crumble in hand.

Dahi Aur Makhane Ki Shaami was a novel pairing between the classic hung curd and the nutritious fox nut rendered in an aesthetic manner, garnished with beetroot relish.

Paratdaar Paneer Tikka, as the name suggests, is a textured delight with layers of mint relish sandwiched between soft cottage cheese chunks.

Marwa Jhinga was an absolute delight in prawn being layered with mint on a bed of poppadom crisps, paired nicely with mango relish.

Kutti Mirch Ka Macchi Tikka was a mildly spicy preparation with flavorful fish morsels garnished with micro greens.

Main Course:

Paneer Pyaaz Ki Subzi brought Rajasthan to the table in the manner that soft cottage cheese dumplings and button mushrooms were rendered in a luscious gravy.

Shadras Subziyan had a number of exotic veggies - baby corn, broccoli, asparagus - paired with mushrooms and bell peppers - prepared in an Indian style.

Nadru Anjeer Ke Kofte took a subtle hint from Kashmir to pair lotus stem and fig to make nutty, mildly spicy dumplings.

Dal Makhani is the classic lentil favorite across the North Indian belt, that was served at Paatra with a dollop of butter.

Subz Pudina Pulao had flavorful, long grain rice, cooked with carrot, beans, and peas, that also had Raita to go along with.

All the gravies also had an assortment of breads to pair them with, the one that stood out the most was Do Raah Lachcha Parantha, being half-and-half in its preparation.

Dessert:

The dessert at Paatra was the showstopper to a thoughtfully curated meal in being an ode to Indian preparation as three of the most favorite desserts - Kesar Pista Kulfi, Panjeeri, and Rasmalai had teamed up to present an aesthetic, gastronomic melange.

On the whole, I had a delightful meal at Paatra complemented by attention to detail, soothing ambience, and the concept of 'service with a smile'. :)