'In Manipur, we have this thing called shaman where you get possessed. Making Boong possessed us.'
The wide variety of street food defines the culinary adventure India is. We love gorging on Bhel Puri, Papdi Chaat, pakoras, Dabeli, momos? The list is exhausting. And there are lots of lesser-known snacks too! Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com takes you on a tour.
There are many more cultural fests like the Kumbh. Mayur Sanap gives you a peek into India's lesser-known fiestas, that wil surprise you with their deeply-rooted traditions and rituals.
'The role was of a father, which was a bit unflattering. I thought I would get typecast with this show.' 'Today, after doing five seasons, I feel extremely lucky that I did it.'
Mardaani 3 star Rani Mukerji celebrates 30 years in the film industry with a heartfelt conversation with Karan Johar.
The teaser ends with a bang, unveiling a polished avatar of Yash that Hindi audiences may not have seen before.
The Dhurandhar: The Revenge trailer teases high stakes and major thrills, observes Mayur Sanap.
Scenic routes are not the only thing India's vast rail network has to offer. Another of its treasures is some of the most beautiful rail stations in the world. Take a look!
The New York Times has put Assam on its list of 52 places to visit in 2025. Here's why you should take a trip to this North East paradise!
Here's your travel guide to exploring some of India's most beautiful villages.
Wait, WHAT? Samosa is not an Indian snack? The beloved Gulab Jamun did not even exist in our country some centuries ago? Startling, isn't it? Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com discovers some shockers about our commonly-eaten foods that are sure to surprise you too. But good food migrates and is, of course, the product of many infleunces.
The mood shifted the moment someone said, 'Akshay sir is outside.' And there he was, not in a tailored suit under dramatic lighting, but in casual, loose-fitting shirt and track pants, and sneakers, smiling like a college kid. Mayur Sanap reports from the Wheel Of Fortune set.
Whether it's adding richness to festive desserts or lending silkiness to everyday meals, malai brings an unmistakable depth of flavour to a dish, lifting it into the realm of the scrumptious.
"If you are a cold-weather devotee like me, there are many beautiful destinations, within India, to enjoy the blissful chill and the sight of quiet, drifting, magical snow," says Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com.
This Mummy is all sound and fury, signifying nothing, discovers Mayur Sanap.
Sweet and spicy, this chutney will add a chatpata addition to your lunch/dinner.
Toaster is neither a laugh-out-loud comedy nor the kind of satire you would expect from a premise like this, notes Mayur Sanap.
After visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela, why not travel a little further and visit nearby towns of interest? There are loads of places, 100 odd km from Allahabad that have historical significance or are spiritual sites or places of rich cultural heritage. Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com acquaints you with 7.
Craving for a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast that's delicious and healthy?
Warm up to winter with this delicious curry!
Kadhis made from yoghurt have many avatars all over India. It takes on countless forms. Creamy and thick in the north with the addition of besan and malai-wallah dahi. Coconut-rich in the south or the thinner Mor Korumbu. Much sweeter in the west.
Riteish Deshmukh brings earnestness to the role, but the gravitas of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj calls for a towering presence, resonant voice and sharp, piercing gaze, which are somewhat missing in Raja Shivaji, notes Mayur Sanap.
For a grim subject matter as grim as this, it's refreshing that Sentimental Value avoids becoming a manipulative, melodramatic tearjerker, notes Mayur Sanap.
A flavourful, very simple Maharashtrian meal that's easy to make.
Riteish Deshmukh's Shivaji may not be a flawless portrayal, but still remains engaging throughout, applauds Mayur Sanap.
'I've asked them so many times that after going through gruelling shoot sessions for 30-40 years, what keeps your passion alive? I think it's the discipline to show up.'
These hot and crispy vadas are perfect with hot chai.
'I did not understand that if a film is released, what is the impact of its collection on my career and my life. For me, it was a big thing that I am coming on the silver screen.' 'Now, one-and-a-half years later, I am still processing its impact.'
This dish is for fans of creamy, coconut milk-based soups.
A soupy, spicy, tasty soul-warmer to light up monsoon days.
Even with its flaws, Toh, Ti Ani Fuji stays with you because of how real it feels, notes Mayur Sanap.
What The Devil Wears Prada 2 does really well is the chemistry between its characters, steered by a very likable cast, observes Mayur Sanap.
'I don't think I have any fan in the house.'
Dacoit: Ek Prem Katha keeps promising something exciting, emotional, thrilling, only to rob us off of that experience of masala entertainer it teases, sighs Mayur Sanap.
'He is 500 times better than you think he is.'
'I didn't tell anyone in the film industry. I used to think people might assume that if he has cancer, he might die, and they would probably not offer me any work. So I didn't tell anyone.'
Like the best crowd-pleasers, Project Hail Mary makes you laugh, it makes you weep a little, it keeps you riveted and then leaves you with a big smile by the end, notes Mayur Sanap.
Chicken cooked up in a charred masala is a rural Maharashtra treat and tastes divine with rice or bhakri.
Michael remains a passable biopic that looks good, sounds great, and delivers the moments fans came for. But it also feels formulaic in a way that's hard to ignore, notes Mayur Sanap.
