What Indian dishes do non-Indians love the most?

 I’ve been lucky when it comes to Indian food. Short of actually going to India and trying the food there (which is on my to-do list!) I feel like I’ve been able to experience a wide variety of delicious Indian food thanks to the help of my Indian roommate.

I have tried Indian food from Michelin star restaurants, to pretty sub-par take away, but I’m really partial to the dishes which we cook at home.

It’s hard to choose my favorites because I don’t think I’ve had a horrible experience with Indian food, and most of the time I am left wanting more of what I ordered! I’ll try my best to describe my favorite types of dishes (so far!)

Aloo - Aloo baingan, aloo mutter, aloo mutter and gaajar, aloo ghobi, aloo tikki, aloo tikki chaat, aloo everything! I currently live in Ireland, legitimately thought of sometimes as the land of potatoes, and I swear that it could be possible that Indians consume way more potatoes than Irish people.

They’re so versatile and I’ve had them from being in sabzi’s on their own, to being mixed with Bengal Gram(Kala chana) is a south eastern sate specialty.

I was actually never a huge fan of potatoes growing up. To me they were a bit bland and usually missing something. I think I’ve discovered that they were missing an Indian flare!

Photo: Aloo Ghobi (Potato and Caulfilower)

Chole - Homemade or restaurant style, I have tried it all. I’ve had Chole Bhature from the Michelin Star restaurant I mentioned, and I’ve had simple dishes made at home, and I will always be giddy when I see it being served.

To be honest, I enjoy chickpeas in any form of Indian cuisine, whether it be a chaat or a main course, I don’t think I’d have it in me to say no thank you!

Photo: Chole Chawal (Chickpea curry and rice)

Dal - So simple and so comforting. Dal has become a staple in my house probably just as much as a few Indian households. It’s so quick and easy to make and just is so satisfying.

The first time I had dal, my service was part of a massive batch enough to feed copious amounts of university students. It tasted so bland to me. I honestly think it was just boiled lentils, I don’t even know if they added salt or turmeric.

The next time I had dal, I was a bit skeptical, but then I discovered the magic of the tadka. I know it’s not necessary to have in dal, but I love the flavour it brings! There’s wonder in the fact that an onion, a tomato, sometimes green chili, and a tiny amount of spices (especially cumin and hing!) can just make a dish perfect.

Also, don’t even get me started on dal makhani! I had that last night from one of the best Indian restaurants in Dublin it was just the best way to wrap up my weekend!

Photo: Dal Tadka

Paneer - It’s not an uncommon fact that some Americans really like cheesy dishes, so when I tried paneer for the first time about 3 years ago, it was no wonder I was drawn to it.

The difference was that paneer felt healthier than cheese back home, though trying to explain it was a bit complex since I come from a very small town which didn’t have any Indian restaurants until probably around 2017. I hope I don’t offend anyone, but the closest way that I was able to explain it was as ‘Indian cottage cheese with a tofu like consistency, that tastes amazing.’

I absolutely love paneer in any from. I like the simplicity of paneer burji (this was the first of many Indian dishes that I made completely on my own and it actually tasted good!), but I love any type of paneer curry. Mutter paneer, shahi paneer, kadhai paneer, palak paneer, I get hungry just thinking about it!

In all honesty, probably about 8 out of 10 times going to an Indian restaurant, I’ll order the paneer dish :)

Photo: Kadhai Paneer (Paneer with peppers and onions)

Rajma - Growing up, one of my favourite cuisines was Mexican, and Tex-Mex, which is a fusion cuisine between the US and Mexico. One of the best dishes from this variety was Chili, which is basically like a bit of a stew with chili, beans, and meat (if you’d like).

This is where I was introduced to kidney beans. I absolutely loved the taste of them and would look forward to a bit pot of chili when I was growing up.

When I moved in with my Indian roommates, I learned that India had it’s own take on kidney beans in the form of rajma. From my understanding it’s another comfort food which is made at home, or sometimes found being sold by street vendors, and it is comfort to me. It’s such a hearty filling meal that just warms you up. I still haven’t mastered cooking this dish yet, but it’s on my to do list!

Photo: Rajma Chawal with pickle (Kidney Beans and Rice)

Disclaimer: All photos are mine, and show my homecooked meals, which is why they’re sometimes not the prettiest pictures, but hopefully they get across my love of Indian food!

Did Telugu ever make classy love stories sans skin show or vulgarity like Tamil movie 96?

 Telugu Film Industry or Tollywood is one of the biggest film industries in India. It is prolific and produces films in a variety of genres. Romance is one of the oldest and one of the most popular genres of Tollywood. Few actors like Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, Shoban Babu, Nagarjuna, Uday Kiran are famous for starring in Romantic films.

Some of classy “platonic” love stories made by Telugu film industry are;

Source: Google

#1. Saptapadi (1981)

One of the classic films directed by the legendary K Viswanath, Saptapadi is a story which revolves around the relation between a Brahmin Classical Dancer (Hema) and a Dalit Flutist (Haribabu). It is remembered for its bold take on caste system at a time when the society was still conservative. The relationship between Hema and Haribabu was presented beautifully and there wasn't even a single scene, where Haribabu proposed Hema! The film was later remade in Hindi in 1984 as Jaag Utha Insaan.

Source: Google/IMDB

#2. Sagara Sangamam (1983)

Another cult film made by K Viswanath, Sagara Sangamam chronicles the story of a male classical dancer Balakrishna (portrayed by Kamal Hassan). The story mainly revolves around the character of Balakrishna, but there was a portion where his relationship with Madhavi (portrayed by Jaya Prada) is shown. Balakrishna developed feelings for Madhavi but later discovered that she is married and is seperated from her husband! He gets a chance of marrying Madhavi but chooses to unite Madhavi with her husband. Not completely a romantic film, but the bond between Balakrishna and Madhavi is considered to be platonic and matured.

Source: Google/ The Indian Express

#3. Swathi Mutyam (1986)

The second collaboration of K Viswanath and Kamal Hassan, Swathi Mutyam till date remains the only Telugu film to be sent as India's official entry to Oscars. Swathi Mutyam follows the story of Shivayya (Kamal Hassan) and Lalitha (Radhika). The films chronicles how Shivayya, a person suffering with autism rescues Radhika, a widow from the atrocities of widowhood by marrying her! Except for the song, Manasu Pallike (where both had a romantic intercourse), Shivayya and Lalitha are shown sharing a very deep and platonic relationship with each other.

Source: Google/Reddit

#4. Anand (2004)

One of the most popular romantic film of the modern era, Anand was directed by Shekhar Kammula and was released in 2004. Anand follows the story of Roopa (portrayed by Kamalini Mukherjee) who starts living independently after her family dies in a car accident and Anand (potrayed by Raja Able) who is a rich man, falls in love with her and moves into her neighbourhood to win her over. The film is liked by youngsters and adults alike and is considered to be one of the modern classy love stories of Tollywood.

Source: Google/ Prime Video

#5. Godavari (2006)

The second film directed by Shekhar Kammula after Anand, Godavari follows the story of Ram (potrayed by Sumanth) and Sita (potrayed by Kamalini Mukherjee) who meet under different circumstances in a boat trip to Badrachalam in the river Godavari. It became an industry hit at the time of its release and attained the status of classic over the years.

These are some of the evergreen love stories made in Tollywood.

Whose love was the most for Shri Krishna, Radha or Meera?

 A layman thinks that Radha Krishna were lovers like any male - female only with the difference of having more intensity than others.” - This a common man thinks.

Though the reality of their connection is far superior than our imagination. If it's not so then nothing is unique with their relationship and its glorification is overrated…..

Isliye log aise sawal krte hain jaise yeh hai. (That's why people ask such questions similar this one)

Obviously, There is no comparison with Radha Rani. What she is for Krishna cannot be described in words.

All women in relationship with Krishna are at one side and on the other is Radha. Also it's to be noted that there are many kinds of love and attachment. The way Meerabai devoted herself into Krishna's feet is differ from Radha’s dedication. Meerabai’s unparalleled devotion has its own significance which cannot be compared with anyone. Whereas Radha is Radha. She is the life source of Krishna himself. So what else is there to say.

Why is Abdul Kalam widely loved and respected by everyone?

Host : One of the first instructions; the newly appointed President of India APJ Abdul Kalam was discontinuing official Iftar Party.

Well, he told his officials that it was unfair to waste public money (around 2.5 lakhs INR) of lavish food meant for VIP guests.

He instructed them to donate this specific amount along with his monthly salary to 28 orphanages .

Host : As he was a bachelor; a teetotaler, vegetarian and known for spartan life style ; Rashtrapati Bhavan did not hold lavish banquets ; hard drinks and non vegetarian meals were avoided.

Host : After years; Rashtrapati Bhawan annually played host to 40 common citizens - postal workers to sanitary workers to school teachers to kids and others- at home tea party during Republic day celebration.

Host : As a generous host ; the first citizen of India ; personally took care of his guests -without paying attention to protocol.

Host : Whenever , his relatives came to visit him; he used to pay their boarding and lodging from his own salary and bank account.

As a president; he closed his personal kitchen and used to eat food served at canteen for staffers. Every day, his favorite simple vegetarian meals were sent to his room by canteen staff.

In short : “Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero’s heart.”: Unknown

Prayer : APJ Sir ! You will always stay alive in our memories ! Jai Hind !

Pic Credits : Google

Thrice love, once engaged and once married, yet Karishma did not find true love..

 

Born in the Kapoor family on June 25, 1974, no one had thought that she would not only give flight to her dreams by rebelling against the family, but would also make them come true. Actually, we are talking about Karishma Kapoor, who captured all the fans in the trap of her beauty from the film Prem Qaidi. Karisma's charisma was undoubtedly visible in the world of cinema, but her personal life was full of turmoil.

• Ajay Devgan first entered Karishma Kapoor's life. It is said that both came very close while shooting for the film Jigar. Even they had started on the path of love, but after some time both of them separated their ways.

The pairing was to be made with Govinda as well

• The pair of Karisma and Govinda appeared in many films. This pair was not only a super hit, but the fans also started liking it. Alam was that the discussion of the affair of both also started. In such a situation, Karisma Kapoor and Govinda distanced themselves from each other.

Salman's name is also included in the list.

It is impossible for Bollywood's Bhaijaan Salman Khan to show his mettle in a film and his name is not associated with the heroine of that movie. Same was the case with Karisma Kapoor. There were speculations about their affair. However, both never said anything on this issue.

Engagement with Abhishek broke

• Abhishek Bachchan also entered Karishma's life. Both were so immersed in each other's love that preparations for their marriage also started. However, this journey could be completed only till the engagement. After this their relationship broke up and Karisma was once again left alone.

The marriage didn't work either

Karisma Kapoor chose businessman Sanjay Kapoor as her life partner after being associated with many stars of the film world. Both were married during the year 2003, after which they had two children (a son and a daughter). However, they got divorced in 2016.

Does love make a person crazy?

 

Singer : Sulakshana Pandit was well known as beautiful Indian actress -singer.

Her sweet and soothing voice earned her great name as a singer.

Actress : She appeared in many known hindi movies (Uljhan ; Apnapan; Khandaan ; Dharm Kanta etc.)

Lineage : She belonged to a renowned family of classical singers.( Pandit Maniram ;Pandit Jasraj)

Love : During shooting of ; she fell in love of Sanjeev Kumar , a renowned Indian actor.

But, Sanjeev Kumar , witty and good human being , simply treated as healthy friendship.

Irony : Well, refused many matrimonial proposals as she only loved Sanjeev Kumar.

Proposal : Interestingly, she proposed to Sanjeev Kumar ;who flatly refused it.

Refusal : Well, he was nursing grief caused by a heart break and death of his loved ones.

Heart break : It literally broke her heart and she gradually left her singing and acting career.

Recluse : Sudden death of Sanjeev Kumar from a fatal heart disease turned her recluse.

Grief : For years ; she refused to meet any one and grieved for her beloved.

Tragic : Like any proverbial love saga ; she died on death anniversary (6th November) of Sanjeev Kumar.

Perhaps : “Yes, it's crazy. Love is either crazy or it's nothing at all.” : Milan Kundera

Prayer : Om Shanti Sulakshana Pandit ji ( 1954–2025)

Note : One is really sad !

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

Are there any lesser-known Bollywood tragic love stories that are just as heart-wrenching as the popular ones?

 

Are there any lesser-known Bollywood tragic love stories that are just as heart-wrenching as the popular ones?

Sanjeev Kumar : This movie legend was known for his charm and superb acting.

He distinguished himself in art movies and commercial movies alike.

He had two serious affairs with two known actresses.

First refused to marry him because he asked her to quit acting.

She later became a second wife of a married actor with 4 children.

Second actress refused to married him because they belonged to different religions.

She later married a known film writer , father of two children.

Naturally, It turned Sanjeev Kumar skeptical of love and marriage.

His family had a history of congenital heart disease that made him self conscious.

Sulakshna Pandit : This beautiful singer -actress met Sanjeev Kumar during shooting of Uljhan (1975)

They worked in seven hindi movies and became close friends.

Sanjeev Kumar was well known for his simplicity; humility and wit.

She got impacted by his charm and fell in love with him.

On the other hand , Sanjeev Kumar treated her as a good actress; blessed with musical and acting talent.

Being madly in love ; she proposed to Sanjeev Kumar; who flatly refused her.

Heart break : Naturally , it broke her heart.

By divine will; Sanjeev Kumar became sick. He went through a major heart surgery in USA.

Alas, in 1985, he succumbed to a major heart attack at the age of 47.

Recluse : It turned Sulakshna Pandit into a recluse and for years ; she did not appear in public.

Like a proverbial saga; she never got married again.

Well : “Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.”:

Washington Irving

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

Did Telugu ever make classy love stories sans skin show or vulgarity like Tamil movie 96?

 There are many telugu movies that have classic love stories but writing about few of them,

I can remember

This movie created lot of hype when it was announced that National Film Award for Best Child Artist for her amazing performance in Mani Ratnam's "Anjali" in 1990, is reportedly set to make her comeback to the entertainment industry.

But it turned to be total flop , even though all of its songs were super duper hit. It was a classic love story with out any vulgarity.

Yes the movie is “OY’

Another classic love story is Godavari. Most part of the movie is shot in a boat. The entire love story happens during the boat journey in the river Godavari.

Anand - This movie was a new beginning for the telugu movie era. completely different screen play at those times.

perfect love story to watch for over the week end. There was zero vulgarity and exposing but still Kamalinee Mukherjee could attract lot of fan following those days.

This is the tale of two college going student who don't realize the love for each other until they separated. Perfect story for Y2k audience. The movie name is “Nuvve Kavali”

I will keep adding more classic love stories. if you want to see more .

Which was the most famous lover affairs of the madhuri Dixit?

 The relationship between Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit is widely known within the Bollywood community as well as among viewers. Fans adored and rated all of their flicks as hits. One of the most talked-about aspects of Bollywood in the 1980s and 1990s was their on-screen chemistry. A movie's kissing scene had gotten a lot of attention. After Sanjay Dutt's first wife Richa Sharma passed away suddenly, their connection is said to have begun. It came to an end when Sanjay Dutt was taken into custody for allegedly keeping illegal weapons at his home. It's also said that Sanjay was broken when Madhuri left him. If the stars had been in their favour, they may have been a lovely couple.

Madhuri and Anil Kapoor's collaborations were fairly well-liked because they were cast in more than 18 films together. Do you not agree? Do you think that doing so many romantic films together would have forged their relationship? Their universally adored song "Dhak Dhak" practically breaks records. Their relationship had undeniable chemistry, intensity, and romance! Despite the fact that they never acknowledge their relationship, the two frequently go places together as a pair. It is also claimed that Madhuri distanced herself from her emotions a little bit after Anil Kapoor got married.

Popular cricketer of the era Ajay Jadeja also had an affair with Madhuri Dixit. He was undoubtedly a gorgeous man for his day, and girls went crazy for him. At a party, they both fell in love with each other right away. They had an absolutely ideal love story, but Jadeja's family prevented them from being together. His parents didn't approve of Madhuri Dixit and Ajay's relationship, hence their romance came to a stop.

Jackie Shroff's passion for and charisma for Madhuri are well known. But who isn't, really? Together, the two actors have appeared in a number of films, including Khalnayak and Ram Lakhan. In response to the question of which co-star was his or her fave, Shroff mentioned Madhuri.

When he was younger, Mithun Chakraborty enjoyed a strong female following. His name is frequently associated with Madhuri Dixit and the late actress Sridevi. Together, they worked on films including Prem Pratigya, Mujrim, and Pyaar ka Devta. Women have always liked Mithun Chakraborty, and it's no secret that Madhuri Dixit dated him following her split from Anil Kapoor.

Salman and Madhuri's on-screen chemistry was the only factor in Hum Aapke Hain Koun's success. Fans believe they would make a stunning couple, although they were never romantically involved. They've been close pals for a very long time. Their relationship on film was undeniably something that could work off-screen as well.

Together, Govinda and Madhuri appeared in four films, however, on one of those occasions, Madhuri turned down a role with Govinda, which infuriated the actor and convinced him to never again work with her. They may have developed a relationship if they had worked on more films together.

The meaning of true love from a MAN

It’s sad to say, but many women might go their whole lives without knowing what true love really feels like.

It’s even a bit depressing to think that most people will never understand how powerful this idea is.

This man is a great example of how men should treat their partners every day.

Sadly, we live in a time where many men don’t know what it means to be a real man.

Here are some qualities of a real man:

A real man asks how your day was and really cares about your answer.

He respects your space and never pushes you to do things you’re not ready for.

He makes time for you and wants to know who you are as a person.

A real man shows effort every single day.

He might call you during the day just to see how you are feeling.

He is truly committed to you and always looks for new ways to love you even more.

He prioritizes protecting your heart above all.

A real man doesn’t make big decisions based on temporary feelings.

He is clear about how he feels about you.

A real man says sorry when he’s wrong and stays true to himself.

He won’t hesitate to hurt someone else’s feelings to protect yours.

A real man shows you affection without expecting anything in return.

He doesn’t pay attention to other women; you are the only one for him.

From the very start, he has real intentions and makes you feel like a priority, not an option.

A real man will help you heal from past hurts that have never been apologized for.

He values you and will never put himself in a position to lose you.

Take this advice: wait for a man who makes sure you never go to bed doubting your worth.