What to read, listen, eat and watch

Read: Anurag Anand, author, The Legend of Amrapali

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
This book holds as much appeal for youngsters as for the older ones. The simple language and epigrammatic humor makes this into a light but cherishable read.

From The Holy Mountain by William Dalrymple
This book not only offers great insights into the history of Christians from the Middle East but its prose and smooth flowing language is an experience to cherish.

The Joke by Milan Kundera

This book, set in the tense era of 1940’s Czechoslovakia, studies the tribulations of a young man when a prankish postcard to his girlfriend results in him being termed a traitor to the communist regime.

The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore
Set in a traditional Bengali household from pre-independence India, this book brings to fore numerous conflicts — a strong sense of nationalist identity and western influences, of values versus attraction, and of three distinct personalities caught between the throes of the story.

Mafia Queens of Mumbai by S Hussain Zaidi with Jane Borges
Zaidi introduces us to a set of women who have managed to leave their mark in the otherwise predominantly male turf of the underworld. The book takes us into an outrageously different and dangerous world of bullets, knives, prostitution and drugs.

Listen: Parichay, Singer and band member, RDB

Thriller by Michael Jackson (1982)
Michael was one of a kind and what he and Quincy Jones have put together in this album can never be duplicated. Every song on this album is a hit and Michael had started the trend of making music videos in the form of short films for this record, which was unheard of at that time.

Deewana by Sonu Nigam (1999)
Every song is this album is amazing, especially Deewana... and Ab Mujhe Raat Din... Sonu pushed vocal boundaries and set a new trend with this record.

So Far Gone by Drake (2009)
Although this was a mixtape released by Drake and not an album, it was nothing less. He raps about real life experiences and since we’re from the same city Toronto, I can relate to a lot of his stuff.

Romeo by Jazzy B (2005)
Tracks like Dil Lutiya..., and Romeo... are still on my iPod. I could be slightly biased here since Jazzy is originally from Canada as well but Romeo... is definitely one smash record.

Californication by Red Hot Chilli Peppers’(1999)
I’ve always admired good musicians and Flee, the bass player for RHCP, in my opinion, is one of the best in the world. These guys pushed the envelope with this album and the videos.

Eat: Ketan Kadam, owner, Two One Two Bar & Grill

Ling’s Pavilion (Colaba)
One of the few family run places in the city, it gives a real personal touch to the dining experience. The Bacon Wrapped Prawns, Blasting Chicken and Pot Rice are must-haves.

Copper Chimney (Worli)
I love this eatery for its consistency over the years. It’s a complete value for money place. The Bara Chops are a must-have. You could also give the lunch buffet a shot here.

Trattoria (Cuffe Parade)
It’s the place to be after a night of partying. The place is a centre for activity during late hours, purely for the simple Italian food it churns out. The staff here is very welcoming. The Cheese Rolls, Pizza Fiama and the Spicy Tomato Balsamic Dip are to die for.

Wasabi (Colaba)
It’s the only place that fills the vacuum of an authentic Japanese restaurant, unlike most other restaurants serving Thai, Chinese and Japanese cuisine under the same roof. Try the Lobster, Tempura Corn and Prawns along with a wide range of Sushis.

Kobe Sizzlers (Bandra)
It’s been 25 years since I have been going to eat there and still find the same staff. You wouldn’t find the steward
carrying a pad and a pen to take your order down, no matter how many choices you add to your sizzler. The Chicken and Steak Sizzler and the Kejriwal are delicious.

Watch: Tanisha Mukherjee, actor

Love Actually (2003)
For me, Love Actually is the most beautiful love story ever and I can watch it again and again. The characters keep falling in and out of love, some end up with the right people while some don’t. It is a capsule summary of reality.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
I love Jabba the Hut and I am huge Star Wars fan. I have seen the whole series a couple of times. The myth and suspense it keeps up throughout is
brilliant.

Spaceballs (1987)
My dad first introduced me to this Mel Brooks comedy. He is hilarious. This film is cinematic excellence at its best. I have watched this film a million times over and yet it’s ever entertaining. There’s no particular reason why I love it but it keeps me bound to it even if I watch it today.

The Godfather series
There is no one like Marlon Brando. The Godfather series are cult films. Explaining why I like them would not do the films justice. The trilogy is something every one should watch.

Fried green tomatoes (1991)
Its female protagonist Kathy Bates delivers an amazing performance. I also like Mary Lousie Parker from the film. She is now seen in the show Weeds, that comes on Fox and I follow that religiously. I guess that explains how much I love her performances.