Wah Wah Ram Ji

As an actor Ram Kapoor may have only wished to be this talked about. Those 17 minutes of steam in a daily soap gave his life a turn he may or may not have craved for. One, Indian television came of age. Much to the embarrassment of the family members. Two, the other Kapoor, Ekta, dished out something to the viewers that they will not forget in a hurry. While the female lead in the serial has been sidelined, the comments & quips surround Ram and his waistline. The intimate scene has taken a backseat. That bulging tummy is still inviting flak. Had the same scene, done by a fitter actor, been less in the limelight? One wonders. What is it that people are talking about? Is it the scene or is it how- can- a- fat- man- do- such- a- scene? My guess is, it's the latter.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           In a nation obsessed with stereotypes, Ram is an anomaly. Only hunks bare their bodies, only pretty girls can be bahus, only the shrewd get successful. The list is endless. Try breaking the barrier, do something different. That's what Ekta Kapoor did. As the ultimate tribute to the pot-bellied Indian male, she glamorized him. She made her chubby protagonist do what happens in all homes and what is tabboo to talk about in public. She made the common man a sex symbol. Move away Salman, move away Stallone, Ram Kapoor is here to stay. And if the rest of India doesn't give up its fascination for junk food, Kapoor will have company. Lots of it.

May today's Vegetable Stew be the starting point for a healthier you. Had by itself, with no roti chawal, it still serves as a complete, nutritious meal. Absolutely no-fuss and truly sumptuous, the Milky Veg Stew is on every Page 3's list. Will all the wannabe poster boys/ girls of GeNext please take a bow?
                                                                                                        Ingredients:
1. 2 cups mixed vegetables(see pic for variety)- cubed
2. 1/2 cup milk
3. 1/2 tsp ginger paste
4. 1 tsp whole garam masala(cardamom, cinnamon, clove)
5. 1-2 bay leaves
6. 2 tsp oil to saute
7. Salt to taste
8. 2-3 cups water
                                                                                                                                           Method:
1. Allow bay leaf and garam masala to crackle in hot oil.
2. Add the grated ginger & chopped vegetables and saute for 4-5  minutes on medium flame.
3. Add salt & water and let vegetables cook till tender.
4. When vegetables are done, add milk, let stew simmer for a minute or two and remove from flame. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Serve hot as it is.





All you guys out there, who make fattening pasta or call in for pizza when it is your turn to cook, pick up the veggies, instead.
Healthy Eating!