Of food, fun and Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor! was conferred with the fourth highest civil decoration, the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ award from the hands of honourable Pranab Mukherjee ,Sanjay Vazirani, CEO and MD Foodlink joined hands with the Government of India, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI)

Mumbai – September 21, 2017: April 13, 2017 was a milestone! Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, a household name in India through Khana Khazana and FoodFood was conferred with the fourth highest civil decoration, the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ award from the hands of honourable Pranab Mukherjee, President of India. Sanjeev Kapoor is the first professional chef representing the entire hospitality industry to have been awarded this. Thus, creating another benchmark for himself as well as the fraternity! The entire hospitality industry is grateful to him for this achievement.

To celebrate this special recognition bestowed on Chef Sanjeev Kapoor by Sanjay Vazirani, CEO and MD Foodlink joined hands with the Government of India, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the body representing the entire restaurant industry of India , to honour the much deserved. The evening was marked by a grand event for the entire fraternity along with Sanjeev’s family, friends and associates at Foodlink’s Jade Ballroom in the very plush locality of Worli. It belonged to the who’s who with the presence of industry stalwarts like, Rajeev Matta, Zorawar Kalra, Ranveer Brar, Suhas Awchat, Satish Arora, Vicky Ratnani, A D Singh, Anurag Katriar, Riyaaz Amlani, Sanjay Vazirani, and Rishi & Neetu Kapoor, Ramesh and Kiran Sippy, Maria Goretti, Benny Dayal, Amrita Raichand, Pratap Sarnaik, Shweta Khanduri, Raju Srivastav, Avinash Wadhwan, Anuradha Paudwal,Vithhal Kamath, Vijay Kalantri, Raju Srivastav, Vikram Sathaye, Nisha Harale, Ravi Behl, Joe Ranjan, Rageshwari and Varun Badola, Shamir Tandon, RJ Archana, Dr. Siddharth Khosa, Harpal Singh, Mickey Mehta, Vijay Kalantri, Sharad Kachalia etc and many more besides the man of the moment, Sanjeev Kapoor!

The evening highlights comprised of an extraordinary spread of gourmet offerings, live music by Maddy N Jojo and a short film on Sanjeev Kapoor’s illustrious journey which made many of his near and dear ones teary-eyed! The revelries were followed by the felicitation of the Master Chef by Riyaaz Amlani,President, NRAI and Sanjeev expressing his gratitude and thanking everyone who made this possible for him.

Sanjeev Kapoor said, ‘When I started my journey way back in 1984 after passing out from IHM, PUSA, I didn’t have a master plan as to what all I would be getting into. All I knew was that I have to take Indian cuisine to the top spot on the world culinary map, pretty much my dream! So, I just kept taking on all the challenges as they were thrown at me, with a smile and perseverance.One thing lead to the other and with the constant support, love and appreciation from my family, friends and followers, it kept getting better and better"

I dedicate this honour to everyone who has shown faith in me without which this would not have been possible.I am also thankful to the almighty to have given me the means with which I could contribute in the field of food, and in turn to the society through my work. I am humbled and feel great about the fact that I could do this for my fraternity. The doors are now open for others to shine and reach other pinnacles like Padma Bhushan and PadmaVibhushan! And as for me, I’ll continue working on my dream. I’m not resting until I achieve it!’

Mr. Sanjay Vazirani, the man behind the huge catering set up Foodlink and the organiser of this star studded evening, spoke about his two decade long association with Sanjeev Kapoor and how he feels that the honour has come within the family. He said he found it apt to organise this event with the best to offer, as anything less would not do justice to the legend!

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Riyaaz Amlani said, ‘We grew up idolising Sanjeev Kapoor, and today I feel privileged to be a part of this evening where the industry is basking in his glory. We want to assure him that this is just the beginning. We’ll emulate his steps and bring more laurels in this field!’

With all this and more, it was a nostalgic evening seasoned with emotions, fabulous food, fun and bonhomie amongst the people of the food business. What a night!

NORTH BOMBAY SARBOJANIN DURGA PUJA SAMITI 2017 - MURTI MAKING IN its Glorious 70TH year ! The goddess all set to arrive on holy boat at tulip star from - To seek blessings Kajol,Tanisha mukherjee and Tanuja along with members Debu mukherjee and Shrabani mukherjee with the artisans 

Kajol, Tanisha Mukherjee, Tanuja Mukherjee, Debu Mukherjee, Sharbani Mukherji, Krishna Mukherjee and others 

This year North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti 2017 one of the oldest & biggest durga puja founded by Padmashri Sasadhar Mukerji and Shrimati.  Satirani Mukerji is celebrating its 70th year. The tradition continuing from generation to generation of making this Puja a "Gharua Puja" (family puja) where all are welcome. The Idol of Maa Durga is being sculpted by Shri. Amit Pal and his team of artisans from Kolkata who have been tirelessly working hard from last two months. This year our idol is 17 ft tall. The materials for making the murti have specially been brought from Kolkata- straw(khor), wood, bamboo, nails, shulki(rope made from jute), Ganga maati (clay from the banks of river Ganges), bele maati(sands from the river Ganges), cloth, particles of chalk for the white colour mixed with other colours, sarees, jewellery, false hair and varnish is used.

Kajol, Tanisha Mukherjee, Tanuja Mukherjee said "We have been celebrating this festival since our childhood. Our parents passed on the legacy of Durga Puja to us in terms of rituals, puja etc. We have & we will attend the festival to seek the blessings of Maa Durga. However, today we have come to get a glimpse of the murti & her shringar. Later we will visit the pandal to seek Maa's blessings"

When asked about the changes, they have witnessed over the years, they said"Earlier we used to have our meals on banana leaves but now we eat bhog on disposable plates. Rest the shradha remains the same in ours hearts. We request each & everyone to seek the blessings of Maa Durga & enjoy the festivity"

Debu Mukherjee says "This is the 70th year of our Durga Puja celebration & just like every year we have tried our level best to recreate something different for all our devotees. This year's durga puja will definitely be a spectacular & grandeur visual treat for all. We request each & everyone to seek the blessings of Maa Durga & enjoy the festivity"

Bappa Lahiri says “Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals of Bengal. It's a tradition we are following since years, and being the third generation in my family, I am continuing the legacy. It's an occasion where the family comes together and celebrate festival. We have an AC pandal which is one of the largest pandal in Mumbai. We welcome each & everyone with open arms to seek the blessings of Maa"

It is the only time of the year when the bengali’s in Mumbai switch on to their traditional mode. The festival of Durga Puja is colored with devotional zeal, mythological legends, detailed rituals, extravagant pandals and magnificent tableaus of the divine Mother Goddess coming with her children Ganesh, Kartik, Lakshmi and Saraswati from Kailash to Dharti (her parent's  home)"

Sharbani Mukherji says “Our Durga puja was started by my grandparents Padmashri S. Mukerji and Smt. Satirani  Mukerji .This year is our 70th year. We have been following the traditions set by our elders from generation to  generation. Our puja is well known as a "GHARUA PUJA" which means all are welcome to become a part of our puja family... we believe in serving Bhog to all who come to seek blessings of Maa Durga. Our members are actively involved in serving the Bhog. These few days are days of bonding and celebrations amongst all of us, along with getting an opportunity to wear traditional attire .It is a Sarbojanin puja so all are welcome to be a part of this family."

MAHALAYA: The word Mahalaya, derived from "maha" meaning great and "laya" meaning abode, is a Sanskrit word.  Mahalaya is an oratirical invocation to the goddess Durga and heralds her descent on Earth. It's Sanskrit chants entreats the goddess to come and save us from evil powers, it also marks the beginning of "Devi Paksha" and end of "Pitru Paksha" which is Shraadhh period.On this day, Hindus remember and pay homage to their ancestors who have died by performing a puja and offering Brahmins clothes, food and sweets in their name. The food usually includes rice, vegetable, daal and paayesh is supposed to be cooked in purified silver or copper vessels( though that rarely happens anymore) and is offered on a banana leaf.According to mythology, it is said that goddess Durga was created with the blessings out all the gods, especially Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh so as to defeat the demon King Mahishasura who had received a boon that he could not be killed by any man or god- which is why the creation of the Goddess Durga is said to have been formulated from the powers of God's court and was bestowed with various weapons borrowed from her creators -symbolically held in the 10 hands that are attached to body of the Goddess- which were then used in her fight against Mahishasura.The fight with the demon king starts the next day, when both - the Goddess and the demon take on different personas in the battle, on the 10 th day Maa DurgaDurga Puja is successful in killing Mahishasura much to the delight of the gods.Durga Puja is  celebrated from Shasti to Bijoya Dashimi.MAHASHASHTI: 26th SeptemberOn this day,  Maa is welcomed with much fan fare. In the evening ,the Kulo is decorated with Paan, Sindur, Alta, Sheela (stone) , Dhaan etc..and amidst the beats of Dhaak and sound of Shaankh, Maa is welcomed...  This is called Amontron and Adhivas -Maa's Bodhon...Maa is being welcomed.

MAHASAPTAMI: 27th September- On  this  day  the   Kalash (Earthen Pot) is  placed  with  a  green Coconut  and  Mango  Leaves .  This is surrounded on all sides by a red thread and tied. This is called KALASH STHAPAN. The Kalash is an earthen Pot because Maa's Murti is made of Ganga clay and Maa's PRAAN (or life) is concentrated in the Pot. So the Pot is the symbol of Maa.  The  Puja  starts  with  praying  to  Ganapati  ,  followed  by  prayers  to  Maa.  Another name of Maa Durga is NABA PATRIKA, which means nine trees i.e.Banana tree, Kochu tree, Haldi tree, Jayanti tree, Branch of Bel tree, Dalim tree ( pomegranate) are tied together. The double Bel fruit is tied to the Banana tree. This is then taken to a river bank or sea and given a bath. When it is brought back it is drapped in a white and red sari with sindur and it now looks like a married lady with her head covered. This is called KOLA BAHU. Many have a misconception that KOLA BAHU is wife of Ganapati but actually she is Maa Durga or Naba Patrika.. Ganapati's mother

MAHA SNAN: On this day Maa Durga is given a bath. First a vessel is  placed  in front of the Murti; a mirror is kept in the vessel, so that the reflection of Maa is seen in the mirror. The   Priest applies Haldi and Mustard oil on the mirror, as though they are applying it on Maa before the bath. In earlier times  when there was no soap, haldi and mustard oil were used for  having bath. The Pujari puts different kinds of water, i.e. Coconut water, Chandan, Ganga jal, Sugar cane juice, water from seven holy seas to give her bath. During this time, mud from every region, as well as mud from Prostitute’s door is very essential. After bath the Pujari puts dhaan- durba and new sari with Maa’s name written on  the mirror which is then placed on the Bedi (the place of worship).

PRAN PRATISTHA:This  means bringing life into the mirror.  The Pujari takes Kusha and flowers in the right hand, and touches Maa from head to foot and with Mantra Path life is brought into the Murti, Mirror and Kalash.

MAHA AGAMAN: Every year Maa comes either on a Palki or an Elephant or a Boat or a Dola (Swing) , or a Horse etc.This Bengali year , Goddess Durga's arrival on a boat(nauka) significes natural gifts like good harvests but also floods. Maa Durga's gaman(departure) - on a horse signifies devastation as was the case in the early days after war.Welcome :The puja to welcome Maa is done with 16 items- Ashan  Swagatam [ Welcome ], Paddyo [ Water  To  Wash The  Feet ], Argho, Achmoniyom, Madhu Parkam , Purnar Achmaniyam, Abharan [ Shringar], Sindoor, Gandha [ Scent ], Pushpa[ Flower],  Pushpa Mallya [ Garland] , Billo Patra [Bel Leaf] , Billopatra Mala[ Garland Of Bel Leaf], Dhoop,Deep, Kajal, Naibiddo, Bhog And Mishti [Sweet], Paan, Supari.

PUSHPANJALI [PRAYER OFFERING]:Puspanjali means offering prayers at Maa’s feet to give everyone long life, fame, good luck, health, wealth, happiness. The devotees request Maa to protect them from all evil, sadness, greed & temptations.

28th SeptemberMaa is now Maha Gauri- The Puja starts with Mahasnan & Maha gauri puja. The Puja is done to give Maa the strength of the 64 Yoginis. This is a Puja of 9 pots.Then the weapons of Maa are worshipped.

SHANDHI PUJA :This is the puja when Ashtami Puja ends and Navami Puja begins,so the name Shandhi puja. This is considered to be the most vital time, meeting (shandhi)of Ashtami and Navami  puja. The duration of this Puja is 45 minutes. At this moment  Maa is CHAMUNDA.Pushpanjali: Prayer offeringBhog is offered which consists of fruits and sweets are offered to Maa, followed by  "NEET  BHOG" , consisting of  Rice, Ghee, Dal, Fried Vegetables, Chutney and Payesh.  This prasad  is later distributed amongst the devotees which is called KANGALI BHOJAN.At this time 108 diyas are lit and 108 lotus are offered to Maa.There is a famous story that Lord Ram prayed to Maa Durga offering 108 lotus at her feet in order to defeat Ravan. But to his surprise he found one lotus  missing , to replace it ,he wanted to sacrifice his eye and pray to Maa..at that moment Maa appeared in front of him and stopped him..returning the missing lotus to him.  She then blessed him for his " VICTORY".

MAHA NAVAMI PUJA : 29th  September- On this day, Maa is SIDDHI DHATRI. This Puja starts with  Ganapati Puja and then puja of all the other DEV and DEVIS are performed..followed by Maha Snan of Maa.

BIJOYA DASHAMI:- 30th September

On this day Maa had defeated and killed Mahishashur.

DEVI PUJA:-Bhog with curd, honey and milk is offered to Maa.. this is called CHARANAMRIT. The pujari sitting on the Asan takes a flower near the sacred pot and keeps it in the Northern direction because Maa is from KAILASH.Then the  pujari takes the sacred mirror which was on the vessel and performs the ritual of Visharjan. This is the same mirror which was used to welcome Maa because her reflection is on the mirror .

SINDUR  UTSAV: The married ladies apply sindur on Maa's  forehead and offer sweets after which all the other  ladies apply sindur on each other's forehead. This is followed by  KANAK ANJALI when Maa is departing back to her husband's abode.

VISHARJAN:-During the Visharjan of the Murti, all the devotees either go to a river bank or sea and immerse the Murti in the water.

SHANTI JAL: -The sacred pot is brought back from the river/sea filled with the water where the Murti is immersed. Then the pujari chants the Mantra and sprinkles water with the help of mango leaves on the head of all the devotees for peace and happiness.

DASSERA:

This is the day of rejoicement,where youngsters touch the feet of their elders seeking their blessings and sweets are distributed.

North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja Samiti  is the only Durga Puja Samiti which performs the visarjan with the help of  fork lift and  crane. The idols  are  lifted from the truck and then taken till the middle of the sea with the help of a crane .After the seven parikramas  are performed,they are then finally immersed one by one into the sea.

L’Oréal Paris ambassadors sizzle on Day 7 of red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival 2017

L’Oréal Paris Ambassadors Eva Longoria, Irina Shayk, Barbara Palvin and Bianca Balti set the fashion stakes higher on Day 7 of the red carpet at Festival De Cannes.

Barbara Palvin looked sensational as she stepped out in an Armani Privé couture creation with beautiful diamonds from Akillis. She opted for a nude look, with just a dash of mascara for her lashes, pinkish-nude lips and a touch of pink for her cheeks.

Irina Shayk sizzled in a custom-made, yellow shimmer dress by Donatelle Versace. With a thigh high slit and a dramatic train, she teamed this smouldering ensemble with jewellery from Lorraine Schwartz. She went for a minimalistic look with just the right amount of mascara for her lashes to complement her pretty pink pout.

Bianca Balti donned a Dolce and Gabbana Alta Moda embroidered gown styled with DeGrisogono statement earrings. Keeping in sync with the nude look for the day, she too went for light pink lips and complemented it with the perfect winged liner to enhance her eyes.

Eva Longoria stood out in her high-neck, Pamella Roland floor-length gown, teaming it with jewellery from Messika and shoes from Casadei. With turquoise smoky eyes and nude lips, Eva looked gorgeous as ever.

CEAT Cricket Rating felicitates R Ashwin as International Cricketer of the Year

• CEAT Young player of the year goes to Shubman Gill

Leading tyre manufacturer CEAT Limited celebrated the success and glory of International cricket with ‘CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) International awards 2017’ at a ceremony here today. The awards honored the best of International cricketers based on their performances as rated by the CEAT Cricket ratings (CCR) for the year 2016 – 2017.

CEAT Cricket Rating (CCR) is the first cricket rating to officially recognise and reward cricketers for their performances in the international cricket arena.

Mr. Harsh Goenka, Chairman, RPG Enterprises, said, “Last year saw a lot of explosive action across all formats of cricket. The year saw some outstanding performances, but some individuals broke away from the pack owing to their blistering and consistent performances throughout the year. Their performances from time to time brought joy to our faces and we are delighted to felicitate one of them at this year’s CEAT Cricket Rating Awards. We would like to congratulate R Ashwin and young Shubman Gill for entertaining us throughout the year and would like to wish them the best for the upcoming season."

In the past, the awards have honored the best of the International cricketers based on their performances in international cricket in all formats, i.e. Test, ODI and T20, as rated by the CEAT Cricket ratings (CCR) council.

India’s Right Arm Off break R Ashwin was announced as the CEAT International Cricketer of the Year for finishing a scintillating year with 99 wickets, which included 9 five wicket hauls. Rewarding and encouraging young talent, India’s Shubman Gill who played a great role in Indian U-19 win against England, amassing a whopping 603 runs in 9 games at an impressive average on 67, was awarded as CEAT Young Player of the Year.

“Last year I was honored with the International Bowler of the Year award. And it’s only become bigger and better with this award – The CEAT International Cricketer of the Year. It’s an absolute honor to receive this award and given the players who have won this award before me, it’s a huge motivator as well to keep the consistency going. I would like to thank CEAT for their token of appreciation. I am thrilled and feel privileged to be part of an exclusive club,” said R Ashwin on receiving the honors.

Speaking on the occasion cricket legend and the chief adjudicator of the CEAT Cricket Rating, Mr. Sunil Gavaskar said, “The CEAT International Cricket Awards are one of the most coveted awards in the cricketing world simply because they are given purely on performance and not on any subjective likes or dislikes.”

This year CEAT announced its association with India’s swashbuckling batsman Ajinkya Rahane, thus strengthening the CEAT roster along with Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma & former India Under-19 captain Ishan Kishan.

ABOUT THE CEAT CRICKET RATINGS AWARDS:

The CEAT Cricket Rating was the first rating system in international cricket to recognize and reward outstanding performers in cricket on an annual basis. Conceived in 1995 by CEAT, the CEAT Cricket Rating attempted to answer every cricket-lover’s persistent and perennial query – “Who is the best of the best?”

The CEAT Cricket Rating stands out by virtue of its simplicity. It comprises an objective points system that awards points to cricketers for their batting, bowling and on-field performances.

The cricketer that accumulates the highest number of points in their respective categories at the end of the period are declared the CEAT Cricket Rating International Cricketer.

The past winners of the CEAT Cricket Rating have been:

Year	Cricketer of the Year
1995-96	Brian Lara
1996-97	Venkatesh Prasad
1997-98	Sanath Jayasuriya
1998-99	Jacques Kallis
1999-00	Sourav Ganguly
2000-01	Muttiah Muralitharan
2001-02	Muttiah Muralitharan
2002-03	Ricky Ponting
2003-04	Brian Lara
2004-05	Jacques Kallis
2005-06	Ricky Ponting
2006-07	Muthiah Muralitharan
2007-08	Mahela Jayawardene
2008-09	Gautam Gambhir
2009-10	Shane Watson
2010-11	Jonathon Trott
2011-12	Virat Kohli
2013-14	Virat Kohli
2014-15	Kumar Sangakkara
2015-16	Joe Root

The adjudicators: The CEAT CRICKET RATINGS are overseen by cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar, who is the adjudicator for the ratings.

CEAT Ltd (www.ceat.com):

CEAT, the flagship company of RPG Enterprises, was established in 1958. Today, CEAT is one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers and has strong presence in global markets. CEAT produces over 15 million tyres a year and offers the widest range of tyres to all segments and manufactures world-class radials for: heavy-duty trucks and buses, light commercial vehicles, earthmovers, forklifts, tractors, trailers, cars, motorcycles and scooters as well as auto-rickshaws.

RPG Enterprises (www.rpggroup.com):

Mumbai head-quartered RPG Enterprises is one of India's largest industrial conglomerates. With over 15 companies in its fold, the group has a strong presence across core business sectors such as Infrastructure, Tyre, IT and Specialty. Established in 1979, RPG Enterprises is one of India’s fastest growing business groups with a turnover in excess of Rs 21,000 crore.

Sonam Kapoor goes for gold on Day 6 of red carpet at Cannes Film Festival 2017

L’Oréal Paris ambassador Sonam Kapoor looked like a golden goddess on the red carpet on Day 6 of Cannes Film Festival. The diva looked alluring in an all-gold Elie Saab couture creation with matching accessories from Chopard. The beautiful actress let her smoky eyes do all the talking with the help of L'Oreal Paris La Palette eyeshadow in Gold, Superliner Black Lacquer and generous coats of Volume Million Lashes Mascara. She kept the rest of her look minimalistic and gave it a subtle golden touch using True Match Lumi Illuminating Powder in Gold. Finishing her look with subdued tones of pink on her lips with Tint Caresse Lip Cushion in Sakura Blossom, Sonam owned the red carpet with her elegant style.

L’Oréal Paris ambassadors lead the beauty parade on Day 5 of Cannes Film Festival

It was a sight to behold as L’Oréal Paris ambassadors Sonam Kapoor, Araya Hargate, Andie Macdowell and Heike Makatsch stunned everyone with their grace and elegance on Day 5 of Cannes Film Festival.

India’s favourite fashion diva and style icon, Sonam Kapoor was the epitome of grace and elegance in an exquisite pink ensemble custom made by Elie Saab. Teaming it with custom made rose gold jewellery from Kalyan Jewelers and hair tied in a wispy do, Sonam carried the look with a lot of panache. She channelled a dewy look using True Match Lumi Liquid Highlighter in Rose and accentuated her lovely eyes with La Palette Nude eyeshadow in Gold and True Match Lumi Power in Rose, finishing it with Superliner Black Lacquer and dollops of Superstar Mascara. Flaunting a never seen before pretty pink pout by blending Tint Caresse Lip Cushion in Rose Blossom with Peach Blossom, Sonam stole the spotlight with her effervescent style.

Araya Hargate hit the red carpet in an Alexis Mabille Fall 2014 Couture gown, with her maternity style not holding her back one bit. She paired it with diamond and emerald Chopard jewels giving the look a regal touch. With the pink lips, smokey eyes and a sleek bun, her overall look was elegance at its finest topped off her appearance and added the required elegance to her overall look.

Andie Macdowell worked a striking angle for the premiere of ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ in a Roberto Cavalli Couture design with a bow-topped bodice in a violet hue and a thigh-high slit. The Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, gemstone Chopard earrings coupled with the smokey eyes and sensuous pink lips added the required drama to her look.

Love Actually star Heike Makatsch arrived on the red carpet in a white and skewed number by Kaviar Gauche. She added a splash of summer glamour to the evening with a dewy look, pink lips and the perfectly winged eyeliner.