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 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.
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.
'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.'
Riteish Deshmukh's Shivaji may not be a flawless portrayal, but still remains engaging throughout, applauds Mayur Sanap.
"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.
For a grim subject matter as grim as this, it's refreshing that Sentimental Value avoids becoming a manipulative, melodramatic tearjerker, notes Mayur Sanap.
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.
'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.'
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.
Sweet and spicy, this chutney will add a chatpata addition to your lunch/dinner.
What The Devil Wears Prada 2 does really well is the chemistry between its characters, steered by a very likable cast, observes Mayur Sanap.
Even with its flaws, Toh, Ti Ani Fuji stays with you because of how real it feels, notes Mayur Sanap.
Warm up to winter with this delicious curry!
'He is 500 times better than you think he is.'
Craving for a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast that's delicious and healthy?
'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.'
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.
'I don't think I have any fan in the house.'
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.
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.
A flavourful, very simple Maharashtrian meal that's easy to make.
Despite all the bumps along the way, the finale of Dhurandhar The Revenge lands perfectly, giving the protagonist and the story a sense of closure. In the current landscape of stretching the narrative for blockbuster appeal, Aditya Dhar wisely opts for a proper ending. And that deserves respect, applauds Mayur Sanap.
'All this diversity that our country provides brings in a lot of learnings.' 'That is what I really end up sharing with the whole community.' 'But it all comes through making my shoes dirty.'
These hot and crispy vadas are perfect with hot chai.
Rental Family explores a simple question: If you pretend to care for long enough, when does it start to feel real? Mayur Sanap gives us a closer look.
Make the effort for Boong, Mayur Sanap insists. Watch it, and experience its quietly heart-aching beauty.
This dish is for fans of creamy, coconut milk-based soups.
A soupy, spicy, tasty soul-warmer to light up monsoon days.
The Housemaid makes up for a few hiccups with a series of sharply staged shocks, resulting in a fun and satisfying thriller, notes Mayur Sanap.
Marty Supreme is anchored by a stunning lead performance from Timothee Chalamet, applauds Mayur Sanap.
'The only challenge was making a family-friendly show with Emraan.'
Chicken cooked up in a charred masala is a rural Maharashtra treat and tastes divine with rice or bhakri.
Leafy greens are an essential part of Indian cooking, showing up in everyday meals as well as in unique regional specialities.
'The people who are outraging, they don't have any substantial argument. They are enraging over manufactured memes and manufactured figures.'
Given all the talent involved and a rousing real life story at its centre, Haq is looking solid, notes Mayur Sanap.
Beneath its grit and darkness, Kohrra 2 reveals surprising warmth and is a beautiful, beautiful show, promises Mayur Sanap.
