Akshay Kumar's stellar collaborations with south directors

Akshay Kumar's highly anticipated film 'Sarfira', directed by Sudha Kongara, is all set for release on 12th July and is already showing massive potential. This film marks another significant collaboration between the actor and a prominent South Indian director, a trend that has consistently resulted in noteworthy films. As we gear up for 'Sarfira', let's take a look at some of Akshay Kumar's dynamic collaborations with South directors that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Akshay Kumar & Priyadarshan - One of the most iconic collaborations in Akshay Kumar's career has been with director Priyadarshan. Together, they have created several hit films that redefined the comedy genre in Bollywood. Movies like 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', 'Hera Pheri', and 'Garam Masala' not only showcased Kumar's impeccable comedic timing but also established him as a versatile actor capable of delivering rib-tickling performances.
Akshay Kumar & Prabhudeva - Another successful partnership for Akshay Kumar has been with director Prabhudeva. Their collaboration on 'Rowdy Rathore' was a massive commercial success, bringing in huge box office numbers and cementing Kumar's status as an action hero. This was followed by 'Singh is Bliing', one of the biggest films of 2015, which combined action and comedy in a way that resonated deeply with audiences.
Akshay Kumar & A. R. Murugadoss - In 2014, Akshay Kumar teamed up with A.R. Murugadoss for the film 'Holiday', which became one of the top-grossing films of the year. The film highlighted Akshay’s versatility and ability to carry intense, dramatic roles. Murugadoss's sharp direction and Kumar's compelling performance made 'Holiday' a memorable film that was both critically acclaimed and loved by the masses.
Akshay Kumar & Sudha Kongara - With 'Sarfira', Akshay Kumar joins hands with Sudha Kongara, a National Award-winning director known for her exceptional storytelling and nuanced filmmaking. Akshay is expected to bring his unparalleled energy and depth to a narrative that inspires the common man to dream big and chase their aspirations. Kongara brings her signature finesse and insight to 'Sarfira', ensuring a cinematic experience that is both profound and entertaining. This powerful partnership is set to deliver a dynamite combination, promising a film that will be both heartwarming and inspirational.

World Chocolate Day: Celebrities say dark chocolate is their favorite

July 7 is observed as World Chocolate Day. On this occasion, a few celebrities share their love for chocolates and whether they satisfy their midnight cravings with them. Here’s what they had to say:
Anoushka Chauhan:
Every girl loves chocolate. I do not have a sweet tooth, but occasionally I crave a bite. Cocoa has flavonols and antioxidants that make our blood flow better to the brain. Increasing levels of dopamine in our brains bring joy. I like nuts, dark chocolate, and chocolate with an orange flavor. I like to have it when I am feeling low or after dinner. Dark chocolate is rich in minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. It can have various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and decreasing the risk of heart disease. Chocolate comes from cacao, a plant with high levels of minerals and antioxidants. It definitely lifts my mood, and many times I have low sugar, so it helps me boost my energy as well.
Aradhana Sharma:
Oh, I absolutely adore chocolates! There’s something so comforting and delightful about that rich, velvety taste. My favorite flavor has to be dark chocolate. The combination of bitter and sweet with a touch of saltiness is just irresistible to me. Midnight cravings are definitely my weakness. There’s nothing quite like sneaking a piece of chocolate after a long day, right before bed. It feels like a little reward for all the hard work. I also love having a small piece after a meal; it’s the perfect way to end on a sweet note.
Charrul Malik:
Chocolate is something that we have all been loving since our childhood days. I love chocolate with hazelnuts, raisins, and cashews. I never share my chocolates with anyone. But now I understand that excess of anything is bad. So, I stick to only two to three pieces a day. I don't like dark chocolate. I know it is healthy, but I don't enjoy having it. I love milk-based chocolates with lots of raisins and cashews. Chocolate is, in and of itself, a diet. When I am busy shooting and don't get time to have something, I make sure I eat chocolate.
Shaan Mishra:
Of course, who doesn't love chocolate? It must be rare to find someone on this planet who doesn't like chocolate. I love dark chocolate, and when it comes to flavors, I prefer vanilla—it's my favorite. Most of my friends from abroad always bring chocolates for me when they come to India. I especially like chocolates from Germany, Sweden, and England. Whenever my friends from those countries visit, they bring me lots of chocolates. However, now that I'm very much into fitness, I try to avoid eating a lot of chocolate. But if I do crave some, I don't mind indulging a bit. This craving can strike at any time, not just at midnight, and if I feel like having some, I go for it. I also like to share chocolates whenever my friends bring them for me. I have always enjoyed sharing chocolates. Back in school, I used to give chocolates to everyone on my birthday, whereas most kids would give toffees. My friends always looked forward to my birthday because they knew they would get chocolates. They would always ask, "Which chocolate will we get this year?" It's a cherished memory from my life.
Anuj Arora:
Chocolates just make me smile because I have always loved them since my childhood. I remember eating so many chocolates that my teeth used to get bad, and I would often get scolded because I used to sneak and eat chocolates. But now, things have changed. I still love chocolates, but because of fitness and counting calories, I now stick to dark chocolates. My favorite combo is dark chocolate with a pinch of orange. As for the timing, I can have chocolates any time of the day. I'm a dessert guy—I love having something sweet at the end of a meal. I usually prefer eating chocolates after meals, especially after lunch and dinner, though I mostly avoid eating them after dinner. Still, sometimes I secretly eat them. You'll find all sorts of dark chocolates in my fridge because I need to have something sweet after my meals.

Beyond Flavor: Here’s how biryani binds these celebs together World Biryani Day

Fragrant and flavourful rice dish is more than just food. It's a cultural touchstone, a reason for celebration, and a delicious way to connect with loved ones. In honour of World Biryani Day, these celebrities tell us why they love biryani
Gulfam Khan Hussain:
Biryani is my staple food. There is nothing that tastes better than Baasi Biryani, the Biryani cooked on one day and consumed on the next. I love lamb meat Biryani because it is juicy and delicious. I simply cannot wrap my head around the concept of veg Biryani. Hence, when I have vegetarian friends over, it is either veg pulao or, if someone insists on Biryani made by me, it's Kathal Biryani. It's a complete meal, and when fried potatoes are added to it, WALLAH! LAJAWAAB! There are various kinds of Biryanis: Yakhni, warki, dum, awadhi, Kalkatta, Dakhni, Hyderabad, and many more. It's mouthwatering to even think about it.
Ashok Kumar Beniwal:
World Biryani Day isn't just about a dish; it's a time to share stories, laughter, and create lasting memories with loved ones. This year, I rolled up my sleeves, followed a YouTube recipe, and hosted a biryani feast at home. Moments like these, where food becomes a bridge to shared laughter and cherished memories, truly make life delicious.
Celesti Bairagey:
As someone who absolutely adores rice in every form, especially on World Biryani Day, I can't help but celebrate the rich flavours and cultural significance of this beloved dish. Biryani isn't just food; it's a celebration itself, perfect for cozy gatherings and cherished moments with loved ones. Whether it's the joy of preparing it at home with friends or family or relishing it at gatherings with them, biryani holds a special place in my heart.
Kashish Duggal:
Biryani - the universal language of food! This savoury rice delight never fails to impress, whether I'm hosting a house party or satisfying my cravings. With its rich flavors and aromatic spices, biryani has won hearts globally. On this World Biryani Day, let's celebrate the unity and joy that this beloved dish brings to our tables and our lives. Here's to the rice that binds us together! 'Happy World Biryani Day! May your plate be filled with love, your taste buds be danced with delight, and your belly be happy and content!'
Seema Kapoor:
Biryani is one of my most favourite dishes. I relish it to the core. It's quite filling too and one of the best options for parties and get-togethers. I love to cook it in the Punjabi style, and it's yum. I guess every generation loves it.
Sachin Parikh:
There are so many who consider that biryani is only a non-veg dish, and any veg biryani is considered as pulao and not Biryani!! However, I do not fall into this category, being a vegetarian. Still, Veg Biryani is one of my favourite dishes. It's always a reliable dish when you are in groups and also in parties. Universally liked and mainly also done as per the taste and requirements in different variants. It may be dum biryani, chicken biryani, paneer biryani, or any of them. But being a vegetarian, I have never tasted chicken biryani, which is considered to be the favourite of a lot of non-vegetarians and also for the chefs who prepare such amazing dishes. I wish everyone a happy Biryani Day, and I wish I would also be part of the celebration on 7th July to have Biryani in my meals with my friends and family.

Biryani is one dish that represents India very well: Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi

As 7th July is the World Biryani Day we asked famous celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi his views on Biryani. He says, "I think Biriyani is a complete food in itself. It's a one pot meal with protein, carbs, and the right kind of flavors. Biryani is one dish that represents India very well and is a well sought after dish across the country. Each state or place has its own flavor depending on the way they have adapted themselves to Biryani. So it is, in a way, I think, the perfect dish that represents the Indian culture and country itself.”
Sharing about his favourite Biryani, the Chef says, "I learnt to make Biryani in the Nizam's kitchen. It is the epitome of perfection. The true Biryani, in my opinion, comes from the Hyderabadi tradition. I've had the privilege of learning from a few legends in the Nizam's kitchen. Begum Mumtaz Khan taught me the art of using spices, and Ustad Habib Pasha, with whom I worked closely, showed me the secrets of making the perfect Biryani. He taught me how to marinate the meat correctly and the specific types of meat to use. He introduced me to two special types of garam masalas: kala masala and elaichi javitri masala. Each has its own unique flavor, and their use is crucial in making an authentic Biryani. The Hyderabadi Biryani stands out because it has just the right amount of spices, providing great flavor without being overpowering, unlike the Awadhi or Calcutta Biryanis."
When asked about a specific Biryani hack the Chef says, "Few cooking hacks which ustad Habib Pasha taught me is that Biryani is actually mutton Biryani. There is no other Biryani, I don't think so. You can call a veg Biryani a veg Biryani or a chicken Biryani. Chicken is more like a pulao. It never existed in the early days, the first cooking hack which Habib Pasha taught me was, you need to select the right kind of meat and marinate the meat with dry spices, and you actually have to kind of hammer them by lifting the meat up. After mixing the dry spices, you have to lift the meat up and throw them back in the pot. So that thumping, that keeps happening. For at least 20-25 minutes it breaks up the protein structure of the meat, and it adds up to the cooking time.. And the second thing that Habib Pasha would do is when he would cook the rice, he would add a little bit of milk to it. This would brighten up the basmati rice and add up to the end flavor and consistency of the Biryani. He would also always say, chef, you need to boil the water with shahi jeera, and add salt to it. And the salt taste of the water should be higher so that the rice absorbs the right kind of salt in it. And then the end product gets the right taste of salt. It is not salty, but it brings in the right taste of salt. And that is the most important. Layering of Biryani should be such that the end product gets you a fluffy rice Biryani."
So how will the famous ‘Namak Shamak’ Chef celebrate Biryani Day? He says,”I believe, a Biryani is to be relished with family. And I believe the right way is to order from the right source and eat the Biryani with the family. You need a little salan. You need the Burhani Raita with it. And the family around you.” He also adds, "My wife makes great cucumber raita, which I really relish. When we make Biryani, we also make great prawn Biryani at home. The mutton Biryani and the prawn Biryani are quite famous in our house. And me and my wife, we cook together, and the entire family enjoys it. So that's the way we enjoy Biryani at home.My favourite memory with Biryani is after our marriage when my wife asked me to cook something for her and I cooked the Hyderabadi mutton Biryani.”