One Happy Family

Just because we love them both....

See Perez interview M.I.A. on his new show "Perez Sez" on VH1
"Perez Sez". www.vh1.com

Darjeeling Darling

If you're desi (and we're assuming you are), the idea of spending time with your relatives on a cramped Indian train might seem closer to suicide than a spiritual journey.

But then again you probably don't think Deepak Chopra is genius or that Bikram yoga is like really aaaaaamazing.

Thank goodness for non-desis. In the upcoming film, The Darjeeling Limited, starring Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Adrian Brody,director Wes Anderson follows three wealthy yet estranged brothers on a "spiritual" (what else?) quest through India. Wishing to forge a stronger bond, the siblings hope a train trip on the "Darjeeling Limited" will bring them together. Of course, this is a Wes Anderson film, and nothing is as it seems and it's not long before the hijinks and shenanigans ensue.

The movie also features music by Satyajit Ray, along with cameos by Wes Anderson faves Angelica Huston, Bill Murray and jewelery designer/NY society darling Waris . Waris Ahluwalia.

Let the ride begin.

The Darjeeling Limited, opens nationwide on Sept 29. www.foxsearchlight.com/thedarjeelinglimited

Bollywood Blogger

Now we've really heard it all. Just when you thought Bollywood's audience couldn't possibly get any bigger, out pops yet another seemingly random fan.

Anu Heikola, a 29 year old from Finland, is absolutely in love with all things Bollywood. And she happily blogs about it on her site, anuradha.vuodatus.net, complete with a picture of Anu in a silver sari and bindi. Ever the devotee, Anu even changed her name to Anuradha in her undying support of Bollywood.

In fact, Anuradha doesn't understand Hindi, but it doesn't seem to matter. The romantic, song-and-dance appeal is what draws her in. Although the blog is in Finnish, you can check out pictures of all the Bollywood heavyweights, Kareena, Aishwarya, Akshay, Salman, Abishek, and of course Shah Rukh, who seems to have a signficantly higher number of pictures on the site than his colleagues.

Hmmm, does someone have a little SRK crush?

Anu's blog, anuradha.vuodatus.net

Class Issues

"I really hate how I HAVE to go the débutante ball because I'm a slutty hotel heiress. I mean I'd rather see Biff's band play".

"Yeah that blows".

Class boundaries really suck don't they? At least most of us don't have to deal with the such hardships. But you can learn a lot from those who have.

In the upcoming film Vanaja, director Rajnesh Domalpalli takes moviegoers on a thought provoking voyage through social barriers, sex, and the second-class status of women in rural India. Vanaja centers around story of the feisty 14-year-old Vanaja, played by Mamatha Bhukya. Vanaja has her heart set on dancing Kuchipudi professionally, but as the lower class daughter of a drunk fisherman Vanaja has a hurdle of obstacles to overcome. However the plucky girl soon takes a job with the local landlady, Rama Devi, in the hopes of learning dance from her mentor. Along the way she meets Shekar, Rama's beefcake politician son several years her senior, who may just be her downfall.

Written as part of director Rajnesh's student film project at Columbia University soon became a labor of love as the director took to Andhra Pradesh to make a feature film. Deciding to forgo theatrics for a more natural feel, Rajnesh decided to cast locals in the film. Yes you heard right. In fact prior to filming, lead actress Mamatha, had never acted or danced in her life. Which makes the film's success that much more amazing. The film has bagged scores of awards at various festivals including, Best Feature, Best Actress, Best Narrative, and Best Debut and garnered rave reviews from the New York Times and Variety.

Pretty impressive for a student film, huh?

Vanaja, now playing in selected theaters. www.vanajathefilm.com

Bombay Dreams, Part 2.

Eat
The Scenester. Indigo. The choice of visiting rock stars (Mick Jagger), local Bollywood glitterati, and listed by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the 60 best restaurants in the world, Indigo is THE place to dine when in Mumbai. 4 Mandlik House, Colaba, Mumbai 400 001. Tel: 91 22 5636 8999.

The Health Nut. Pure. The all white decor and organic international menu (yes organic in Mumbai), and juice bar will wow foodies and macrobiotics alike. Taj Lands Hotel, Bandra West. Tel: 91 22 6668 1234. www.tajhotels.com

The Snacker. Swati Snacks. A vegetarian junk food paradise, patrons can revel in the deliciousness of dal dhoklis, jaggery, and paanki. 248 Karai Estate, Tardeo Road.
Tel: 91 22 2492 0994.

Nightlife
The Clubber: Enigma. THE hottest club at the moment counts itself as one of Aishwarya's favorites. A combo of western and Bollywood music and well-known DJs keep the crowds coming. J W Marriott Hotel, Juhu Tara Road, Tel: 91-22 5693 3287. Couples only.

The Historian: Leopold Cafe and Bar. This Mumbai institution has been around since the days of the British Raj and still continues to attract travelers seeking to swap subcontinental tales. CNR Colaba Causeway & Nawroji F Rd Tel: 91 22 2202 0131

The Chiller: Mocha Bar. This coffeeshop/bar stays open late, plays world music, features comfy sofa seating, and has plenty of hookahs to go around. What more can you ask for? Best location: 82 Veer Nariman Rd. Tel: 91 22 6633 6070.www.mocha.co.in

The Rocker. Ghetto. OK so India isn't exactly known for its raging rock scene. But Ghetto is probably the best you're going to get in Mumbai. A dingy, graffiti covered bar playing a rock/pop mix can be a welcome respite from all of the other glossy Bollywood clubs. 30 Bhulabhai Desai Marg Tel: 022 2353 8418

Bombay Dreams, Part 1

Beautiful people, trendy nightclubs, cows roaming the streets, and crazy rikshaw drivers. Glamorous and gritty, Mumbai has always been a city of vast contradictions. You know about Chowpatty Beach, Chor Bazaar, and Crawford Market, but there's more to Mumbai ........ and its ready to explode.

Sleep
Old school. The Taj. he granddaddy of all hotel is still one of the most luxurious hotels in all of India. Situated next to The Gateway of India, with views of the Arabian Sea and a nightclub (Insomnia) on the premises, you can't go wrong. Apollo Bunder, Tel: 91 22 5665 3366, www.tajhotels.com.

The Modernist. The Oberoi. With butlers on every floor and impeccably trained staff, it's no wonder that Bill Clinton stayed here. Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021,Tel: 91 22 6632 5757. www.oberoimumbai.com

The Minimalist. The Gordon Hotel. Although the Gordon is a boutique hotel, it doesn't mean they don't know how to party. The adjacent Polly Ester's nightclub (not as cheesy as the States) and Stir Fry restaurant will keep you entertained and well-fed until the wee hours. 5 Battery Street, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. Tel: 91 22 2287 1122. www.ghhotel.com

Shopping
The Classic. Ensemble. Home to designers Manish Malhotra, Wendell Rodericks, as well as owner Tarun Tahiliani's own designs, Ensemble is a sure fire bet when you're looking for upscale desi wear. Great Western Building, 130/132, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg. Tel: 91 22 2284 3227.

The Trendster. The Courtyard. A complex of 15 stores (choices, choices!), shoppers can find designers Ashish N Soni, Rajesh Pratap Singh, and Rohit Bal among others. SP Centre 41/44 Minoo Desai Marg, Colaba.

The Beauty Junkie. Forest Essentials. After shopping all day, you'll need to refresh your weary self. So head to Forest Essentials and stock up on all kinds of ayurvedic goodies from honey cleansers to sandalwood and rose lotions. 12 Tirupati Apartments, Bhulabhai Desai Road. Breach Candy. Tel: 91 22 3290 8114. www.forestessentialsindia.com

Now that you're shopped out go back to your hotel and rest. Hot clubs, amazing restaurants and more await you. Stay tuned for part 2....