Priya's Blog

One Minute With Amrita Tanna

Priya Mulji — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:28:57 +0000

Bollywood has influenced so many people not just in the sub-continent but also in the UK and the rest of the world. I had One Minute with the lovely Bollywood lover, reporter and writer Amrita Tanna who has been influenced by films as much as you and me:

Amrita Tanna

Your favourite Bollywood hero character is…

There are sooo many to choose from! I think it would be a cross between Salman Khan’s Prem in Hum Aapke Hai Koun and Shah Rukh Khan in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
If someone was to play you in a Bollywood film who would it be and why?

That’s a difficult one! Although I think this couldn’t be further from the truth, someone once told me I remind them of Vidya Balan. I choose her because I think she’s probably as short as me… and would play me well!
If there was a scene you could recreate from a film what would it be and why?

If it was a scene to be recreated in my life then I think the sweetest thing ever would be to have a close friend hand-make a friendship book of memories for the friendship shared by that person and I. This is of course what Abhishek does for Priyanka in Dostana!
Why song evokes most emotion in you?

I would narrow it down to two songs. The first would be the title track of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ because there are lines in that song which ring so true that it’s almost like a mantra in my life. The other would be ‘Hamesha Tumko Chaaha’ from Devdas because it is such an emotional songs and packed full of so many intense feelings.
Your favourite Amitabh Bachchan Film

Silsila – no contest!

Priyanka or Katrina?

Priyanka, Priyanka and Priyanka.
If you could play any females role who’s would it be and why?

Firstly, I don’t think I would ever be able to play a role. However, if I had a gun put to my head and I absolutely *had* to choose then I guess the character who is the most eye-opening is Nandini in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. She makes you realise that life doesn’t always give you what you want but that doesn’t mean it’s not what you need.

Who would like to serenade you and which song would they sing?

Aahhh this one is super easy! Ranveer Singh and the song would be… erm… Soniyo!
SRK in DARR or DDLJ?

Most definitely DDLJ! It’s all about his eyes!

Thank you Am-T!

You can follow Amrita on Twitter here

Or check out Amrita’s Blog here

Priya Mulji

One Minute with DISHOOM LONDON

Priya Mulji — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:49:21 +0000

Happy Pancake Day everyone! On this foodie occasion I would like to bring you a bit of authentic Bombay. Dishoom is Londons first Bombay Style Cafe . I had the chance to have one minute with them…

dishoom logo

Coffee or Masala chai?

Shocked that you have to ask that question Chai!

Limca or Thumbs up?

THUMS UP still takes me straight back to Bombay and is much cheaper than the air fare!

First thing you do in the morning:

Grin at my awesome little daughter who is just over a year old

Priyanka Chopra or Katrina Kaif?

Both! Is that OK?

If there was anyone that could dine at Dishoom London who would it be and why?

Mr. Kohinoor – the venerable owner of Britannia Cafe inBombay- he’s such a great man.

Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan?

Sholay vs. Ra One? No contest. Amitabh is the original Dishoom-wallah.

What is your favourite item on the Dishoom London Menu?

Difficult question. It would be like choosing between one’s children! Naughty Chai is a big favourite right now…

What gave you the idea for Dishoom London

Bombayis such an awesome, energetic, cool place, and the old Irani Cafes are wonderful institutions that are sadly dying out. Dishoom was a great way to bring these things alive in London in a way that nobody had done before.

Dishoom Wallah

Any plans to open more branches? (Hint Hint Nottingham!)

Might be…..! Although Nottingham’s so far away….

Sell Dishoom London to the readers of Priya’s blog in 30 words or less:

Dishoom is a slice of cool vintage Bombay in the middle of London- the most tasty Bombay food, delicious Desi-inspired cocktails, cool Bombay sounds, and the best Chai inLondon!

I would like to thank Dishoom for being part of the One Minute With Series. It seriously is one of my favourite places to eat, whether you’re young, in the middle or mature please visit this wonderful cafe for a taste of old style Bombay. Visit their website here: http://www.dishoom.com/ or follow on Twitter here

Ps, pleeeeease open a branch of Dishoom nearer to me!!!

Priya Mulji

One Minute For Health

Priya Mulji — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:42:08 +0000

Sapna, one of my best friends whom you have already been introduced to when I spoke about my San Francisco adventures last year. The Dietician (or Dietitian if you’re reading this in America) is a super healthy lady and as we’re in National Health Month Sapna is going to share some excellent tips with you for staying healthy and balanced as well as enjoying a treat or two.

Sapna Patel - One Minute For Health

Tell my readers how we met….

Believe it or not, we met online when we were 16 and have become best friends over the years. Though we live thousands of miles apart, you in Nottingham and myself in San Francisco, thanks to technology, we’ve been able to keep in touch all these years.

Tell us a little about ‘Sapna’

I’m a fashionista, I love working out, reading, dancing, having fun and enjoying my wine, especially red. I also love experimenting with new recipes as well as cooking and baking in any spare time.

You’re a dietician, what does your job involve?

Being a dietician covers a broad spectrum. Career practices can range from clinical and working in hospitals to sports nutrition to private practices. Usually, when people hear that I am a dietician, they expect me to help them lose weight. In addition to helping lose weight, a dietician’s main goal is to help a person live a nutritionally healthy lifestyle.

You’re a vegetarian, how do you incorporate protein into your diet?

There are plenty of proteins that vegetarians can eat. Dairy such as milk, yogurt and pudding; nuts and seeds; avocado; tofu; peanut butter; beans, lentils and edamame are some great sources.

Share your favourite ‘healthy’ but tasty recipe with the readers of Priya’s Blog:

Black Bean Quinoa Stuffed Peppers:

¼ c Quinoa

1 c Black Beans, cooked

¼ c onion, finely chopped

1/4 c tomato, finely chopped

2 Whole Bell Peppers, the top removed and deseeded

1 Tbsp cumin

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Salt to taste

Cayenne Pepper to taste

½ c shredded low fat cheese

Preheat oven to 350F

Soak the Quinoa in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a non-stick skillet, heat oil on medium heat. add cumin and let it roast for 30 seconds. Add onions and sauté until they are translucent.

Add Black beans, Quinoa, tomato, salt and cayenne pepper. Mix well. Add 3/4 cup water, cover and cook for 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked and water has evaporated.

Spoon the mixture into the bell pepper, layer with some cheese; spoon another layer of bean mixture followed by cheese – continue until bell pepper is stuffed with the last layer of cheese. Bake in oven for 30 min or until pepper is cooked (note: pierce with knife and if it glides through, the pepper is cooked).

*Note, you can use other veggies in addition to the tomatoes and onions to add to the mix. I’ve tried celery, broccoli, and spinach – it still tastes good.

You’re a slim lady, how do you keep your figure as well as staying healthy?

I moderate what I eat and try to workout 5-6 times a week. I do love my chocolates and carbs but everything in moderation so I can have the best of both worlds.

A picture from my recent trip to Napa Valley with Sapna…

Priya & Sapna

What is your exercise regime?

In the mornings, before work, I usually do about 45minutes – 1 hour on the Eliptical. I have a set routine of crunches and weights every other day. I usually rock climb 3-4 times a week in the evenings after work.

What are your suggestions for people that aren’t fond of cooking but still want to be healthy?

Restaurants nowadays have some sort of signs on their menu’s to indicate healthier choices, always pay attention to those. If you are picking up frozen entrees, look at the nutrition label and pay attention to the amount of calories, sodium, carbs, and protein it is providing. Also – pay attention to the fact that if a food says Serves 2 on the nutrition label, and you eat the whole package, you multiply the calories listed on their by 2 to know how much you are eating.

i.e. a bottle of Orange Juice serves 2 servings, 112 calories, and you have the whole bottle. In this case, you have consumed 224 calories. Basically, keep in mind portion sizes and serving sizes.

Your best tip for maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Balance your foods to eat healthy and exercise. There’s nothing wrong in indulging in the occasional sweets, cakes, etc.

People think ‘eating salads’ is the only way to lose weight; how do you recommend people lose weight while eating healthy?

“Eating salads” or following fad diets has become a common theme among people who are trying to lose weight. Fad diets don’t necessarily provide the healthiest foods and if they do, they tend to be missing out on important nutrients. For example, someone following the Atkins’ Diet is consuming mainly proteins in their foods and the basis of this diet is to cut out carbs because they are supposedly “bad” for you. This is not true, we all need carbs in our body as they provide energy for our body, the trick is to learn which carbs are healthy and which are not. Always try to choose grains that are whole wheat and eat in moderation. If you have questions or need help creating a nutritional regime, your doctor should be able to refer you to a dietician.

For general guidelines of what you should eat, visit http://www.choosemyplate.gov/. It is a great resource which informs you how much of each food group you should be eating based on your height, weight, age and gender.

Also visit http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov/. Here, you can input foods that you are eating and it will break down the nutrients for you and tell you whether you are eating enough of the right nutrients or not.

In Napa again with my two best girlfriends….

Bharti, Sapna & Priya

I’d like to thank Sapna, one of my oldest and best friends for taking the time to take part in my One Minute With series. Love you x

Priya Mulji

One Minute With Nimesh Joshi

Priya Mulji — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:02:35 +0000

I find journalist Nimesh Joshi fascinating on Twitter - a self confessed Britney fan as you can see….well they did used to call me the Indian Britney Spears at College! How could I give up the chance to have One Minute with him?

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

Haha – depends on my mood – right now, rock’n'roll

Priyanka Chopra or Katrina Kaif?

Priyanka Chopra… the temptress…

Coffee or Tea?

Tea

Robert Downey Jr or Jude Law?

Jude Law – so much classier!

Who would you prefer to be; Batman or Superman?

Batman – AWESOME! Christopher Nolan has made magic with the latest set of Batman films.

Love or Career?

Right now? Career.

Chips or Roast Potatoes?

Chips!

Your ideal woman?

That’s a toughie! Confident, not two-faced, lifestyle not dominated by shopping/fashion/dieting, somebody who’s happy with who they are, open-minded.

The last concert you went to?

Britney Spears – Femme Fatale

The best thing about working in television?

I love my job so it’s all good stuff!

Thanks Nimesh for your time!

Follow Nimesh on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/NimeshITV

14th February

Priya Mulji — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:39:05 +0000

Contrary to what you may believe I love Valentines Day. I am a full on romantic. I love what it represents; I love what people feel on this day and how you can make someone extremely happy and loved with the smallest gesture.

Lets be honest how often do you do something extremely special for your partner on a day to day basis? From what I hear; never, so why do people say Valentines day is a commercialised holiday or just another day? It isn’t.

I’m single, happily so right now, but if I was with someone I would make a big deal; buy gifts, make a personalised card, massages etc. And I would expect the same in return; to be wined and dined, be given flowers chocolates and a night of wild, passionate love making but I’m not so I’ll be telling my friends and family how much I love them, I may even treat myself to a little something. My best friend and I, for years, have exchanged Valentines cards and this year isn’t going to be any different.

I suppose the point of this point is that no matter what people say everyday isn’t Valentines Day. You and I love Valentines Day so make the most of it and don’t just dismiss it as ‘another day.’

One thing I would urge people to do is tell people how they feel, if you’re in love with a friend just tell them, if you’ve admired someone from afar tell them, if you’re having problems in a relationship or marriage take Valentines day to talk about it and try to work things out, because 14^th February will be the perfect date to fall in love all over again.

One Minute With Jas Banwait

Priya Mulji — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:08:32 +0000

My New One Minute with is with Chief Social Mango Jas Banwait from South Asian dating website Two Mangoes, i’m not going to give you too much of an intro as I think her One Minute says it all!

Jas Banwait

How did you get involved in Two Mangoes?

Well, my close friend Rahul and I had been friends for years, we bonded over business strategy and carpooled to nerdy tech conferences. One day, he told me his wacky idea for TwoMangoes and I told him it was terrible and he should stick to building mobile apps. In any case a year later, after receiving funding and formulating the idea, he pulled me in to help him run the social media for the company, I suppose I didn’t think the idea was so terrible after all. The rest is history.

The best thing about Jas?

My ability to be laid back and worry free. I rarely get frazzled.

If anyone would play you in a movie who would it be and why?

Priyanka Chopra of course… she’s classy and poised, apparently just like me.. :O

Your favourite book

The Case for Falling in Love.

Madhuri or Sridevi?

Oh sheesh, that’s a tough one, my Bollywood mentor would tell me to choose Madhuri, but Sridevi is who I grew up with…so I am gonna go with Sridevi…(don’t hate me D!)

Coffee or Tea?

COFFEEEEEE, coffee, COffee, coFFEE, COFfee, coFFee. PS, I like coffee.

John Abraham or Hrithik Roshan?

To be honest, I am not a huge bollywood fan girl….but let’s go with John Abraham because last time I was in India, I may have seen him at a party.

Priyanka or Katrina?

Zomg, Priyanka all the way…(she will play me in a movie after all..)

What song do you sing in the shower?

I’m too sexy for my shirt. D’uh…

Why should our readers sign up to Two Mangoes?

Well, I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but why wouldn’t you sign up? If you’re single, and looking, then here is your opportunity to meet like minded, single professionals just like yourself. Plus, we’re cool, fun and have virtual laddoos while we don’t ask for your skin colour! Score!! It’s free to sign up and registering can be done through facebook connect!

Thank you to the lurrrrrvly Jas for taking the time out to take part in my ever increasing One Minute with series! You can visit the Two Mangoes website here or follow Jas on Twitter

Priya Mulji

Ps, check out the articles I have written for Two Mangoes on my Two Mangoes dedicated page

One Minute with Moolis

Priya Mulji — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:44:00 +0000

I was recently introduced to a restaurant in London (which I am yet to visit) called Moolis - on Twitter they describe their establishment as “Zingy stuffed rotis. This is not a f***ing burrito.” I decided I wanted One Minute with them so here we are:

Coffee or Masala chai?

Coffee anyday.

Limca or Thumbs up?

Thums Up! with Old Monk rum.

First thing you do in the morning.

Cofffffeeeeee

Priyanka Chopra or Katrina Kaif?

Zeenat Aman

If there was anyone that could dine at Moolis who would it be and why?

Steve Ells who founded Chipotle. Because we want to be the Indian Chipotle.

Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan? Shah Rukh, he’s my generation.

What is your favourite item on the Moolis Menu?

The goat mooli.

What gave you the idea for Moolis?

Craving something like a mooli, when all we got was Pret

Any plans to open more branches? (Hint Hint Nottingham!)

LOTS!

Sell Moolis to the readers of Priya’s blog in 30 words or less:

Zingy, spicy flavours in a fresh fluffy roti. Party in your mouth.

I would like to thank Mathew from Moolis for his time. You can follow this great find on Twitter here.

Or visit their colourful, exciting and fresh website here: http://www.moolis.com/

Priya Mulji

Photo’s, Hair, Make Up and Fun!!!

Priya Mulji — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:30:19 +0000

Every girl wants to look pretty, it’s natural. They want to be photographed and feel like a celebrity. A little while ago I had just this opportunity and it was all thanks to the lovely Mala and Dipti.

For a while now Mala has been asking if she can shoot me and I kept saying no; why would anyone want to photograph me? I eventually caved in and said yes, and boy am I glad I did! I have actually never felt so comfortable, happy and natural. Photographer Mala – founder of MKV Photography got Dipti who is a makeup artist and personal lifestyle coach involved and did my hair and make-up for the day.

As most of you know I write and I’m not really an in front of the camera person but Mala made me feel so at ease and comfortable in front of the camera. Dipti with her brushes, hair styling tools and make- up (which I am sure contained some kind of magic) made me feel soooo beautiful – my hair and make-up never looked so good (and I don’t normally say nice things about how I look!).

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to both Mala and Dipti – you ladies have given me some memories which I will never forget.

Here are a few pics from the day:

www.diptilifestylist.com

MKV PhotographyMKV Photography

MKV Photography

I can’t recommend Mala and Dipti highly enough for any of your photography or lifestyle coaching/make-up needs (and they haven’t paid me to say that! )

You can visit the respective ladies websites here:

http://www.mkvphotography.com/

http://www.diptilifestylist.com/

Mala – thank you for making me feel like so comfortable and like a celebrity, and Dipti thank you for making me look and feel beautiful xxx

Priya Mulji x

One Minute With Asjad Nazir

Priya Mulji — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:11:42 +0000

When the opportunity to have a One Minute interview with my very own editor for Eastern Eye arose I jumped at the chance. Asjad Nazir, the showbiz editor of Eastern Eye, has been published in every mainstream newspaper from Daily Star to Sunday Times, written two books, done tonnes of TV work, has interviewed every major celebrity, I decided to turn tables and get him to answer my own ‘Priya Mulji style’ questions.

Coffee or tea?

I drink lots of tea. Can’t stand coffee, tried to drink a cup once, but got a headache.

Priyanka Chopra or Katrina Kaif?

Neither! I once asked Rani Mukherjee to marry me. The only time I have ever got down on one knee and proposed. She smiled and said ‘I will think about it’, but I suspect she was probably just being polite.

Your favourite type of cuisine

Even though I have been to the best restaurants in London, I am not a big foodie, but favourite dishes included anything spinach related.

The most memorable interview you have conducted?

There have been countless as I have been blessed enough to interview so many amazing people. Some that stand out include spending the afternoon with my hero late great Shammi Kapoor at his residence in Mumbai, Richard Branson on first class of Virgin on the way to India, being flown to Singapore to meet Amitabh Bachchan and interviewing Shah Rukh Khan while we tried on £5000 watches.

Your favourite part of a woman’s body

Her mind! The most meaningful relationships will only happen with women who have beautiful minds.

Your most favourite city in the world?

I loved the beauty of Rome and the simplicity of Freetown in Sierra Leone.

Your favourite film?

Although I have a collection of over 1500 movies, including masterpieces, the ones I have seen more than any other are Dil Dekhe Dekho (1959) and Die Hard. I met Bruce Willis at the premiere of Die Hard 4 – didn’t have heart to tell him it was worst in the series.

If there was anyone you could interview who would it be and why?

I have met every single celebrity I have ever wanted to meet except one and that is Eric Cantona.

The best thing about working for Eastern Eye?

Although meeting my biggest heroes and travelling around the world has been great, the best thing has been giving countless newcomers their first big break from writers to stars including Jay Sean, I gave him his first ever cover when he was unknown and there have been many like him since.

What is your biggest vice?

I’ve never smoked, done drugs or touched alcohol, but made up for it with my cake consumption. I want someone to teach me how to make the perfect cake.

Your secret talent?

I am tremendous at chess and learned how to play when I was 7 years old.

Your biggest unfulfilled ambition?

To build an orphanage! I set the wheels into motion in Sierra Leone last year and will hopefully realise my dream of building an orphanage and school in the tribal areas of the country in next 18 months.

I would like to take this opportunity in thanking Asjad for giving me his time, and for helping me with my column and the articles I have done lately – cheers big guy!

Priya Mulji

One Minute With Sai Priya

Priya Mulji — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:35:53 +0000

When the opportunity comes to have One Min with who is kinda your namesake, can sing and is an ex New Yorker; you can’t say no. I introduce to you the incredibilty talented and gorrrrrrgeous……………… Sai Priya x

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

Wrap up, hell no, and you haven’t lived ‘till you have

You just got your first tattoo; what was your inspiration behind getting that particular phrase?

My tattoo says ‘ Here & Now.’ It’s very personal to me as it symbolises living with full consciousness in the present moment, as we can’t live in a future which yet doesn’t exist…and a past which is not a part of our lives any more.

Let go, surrender.

The ‘Here&Now’ is what we have in our hands which in turn will plant the seeds for our enriched lives ahead.

When you realise all you have been doing all your life is planning for your future as a result of a past you are moving away from, the most beautiful moments Here&Now will never be lived, with full gratitude, and consciousness.

If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be?

Joan from MadMen – a women who knows her strengths and isn’t afraid to flaunt them – watch it you’ll know what I mean

Wine or Cocktails?

No chance for me to choose just the one lol, wine for romance and good friends, cocktails for my crazy evenings of escapism ‘till the break of dawn – come join me

Your idea of a perfect date

I have them every time I’m with him

What made you want to pursue music?

My love for the universal non-verbal language, which binds people from all corners of the world together. I’m sure at every point of a girl growing up she wanted to be in the spotlight like a ballerina or singer, i stopped ballet at grade eight ha!

Your biggest achievement to date?

Getting on the property ladder whilst juggling between my passion for music and that of a City career girl between London and New York.

Your favourite part of a mans body

His heart and mind, and his ability to understand mine

If there was someone you could collaborate with who would it be and why?

If only Michael Jackson was still around, that would be like a dream come true

Whats in the future for Sai Priya?

I have a number of collaborations in music I am really excited to release soon, keep a look out! Sky’s the limit, and like i said I’ll plant the seeds for my Now’s to create a fruitful future.

You can follow the lovely Sai Priya on Twitter here

Or visit her SoundCloud: http://soundcloud.com/saipriyamusic

Thank you once again for taking part in One Minute With.

Priya Mulji