Your Weekend Planner April 10: PM Modi trumps USA with hydroxychloroquine, Corona Sandesh on your plate
What could be worse than coronavirus and lockdown? Masakali 2.0. That, and more in this week's weekend planner.
Dear Reader,
The clock doesn't move very fast these days, does it? Those of us who complained about the 'ghar se office, office se ghar wali' routine, would now give anything to get back to it. We'd even try pronouncing 'hydroxychloroquine' without stuttering - anything. Anything!
Alas, we've actually tried that one. There was no escape, really, especially in the last week. Coronavirus is not the only novel word we've learned in these couple of months. There was social distancing, then there's quarantine - and we're still unsure if it tilts towards guillotine or Valentine, both terms of pronunciation and purpose - and now, there's hydroxychloroquine. Irrespective of whether we can say it correctly or not, we know that India had a huge part to play in this happy story, right? Right.
And happy stories call for moo-meetha. Desserts, anyone? Answer that question wisely, for what you're about to invite on to your plate may just cause a sudden loss of appetite - not symptomatic to the novel coronavirus, but not very far off either. A Kolkata-based mishti'r dokan (sweets shop) whipped up what can only be described as a disastrous monstrosity - the Corona Sandesh. Yes, we Bengalis are very creative. Yes, we Bengalis sometimes get carried away.
But perhaps we used the disastrous monstrosity double adjective too quickly, perhaps Masakali 2.0 deserves that tag better. A re-creation of AR Rahman's classic from Delhi-6, Masakali 2.0 stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria still stuck in a Marjaavaan limbo. If Rahman, Prasoon Joshi and Mohit Chauhan's (writer and singer of the original, respectively) sharp criticism wasn't enough, Jaipur Police is actually using it as a torture device. If you're living in a skyrise pigeonhole in any part of this country, you could perhaps even try using it to scare away the menacing pigeons around. But we must warn you, prolonged exposure to it could cause brain damage.
While one classic is ruined, other classics are actually being restored with re-runs - with Doordarshan running on Nitro boosters with a 650-per cent growth in viewership in one week. And while we're on a childhood nostalgia trip, why not go back to some of our childhood games? Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi, anyone?
OTT platforms this weekend, offer bamfaad entertainment. And that's another new word we learned from Anurag Kashyap and ZEE5's Bamfaad. There's a new kid on the bloc, ladies and gentlemen, welcome Aditya Rawal.
Alright, 'nuff of talking. Now off to what you were really here for. See ya next week.
WHAT'S TRENDING
Well well. What are we supposed to discuss here? Coronavirus, of course. Like we have an option. Nobody does, in all honesty. We are done with two weeks of the lockdown. But again, we are not done yet. Expect another round of the nationwide lockdown as the government might just extend it beyond April 14. Goodness!
This week was primarily about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump's hydroxychloroquine conversation. It started on a slightly rough note but ended well with Trump thanking PM Modi for sending hydroxychloroquine to the US.
Oh, in between this, we almost forgot about PM Modi's '9 baje, 9 minute' appeal to defeat the novel coronavirus. From Mukesh Ambani to the homeless and needy, everybody lit diyas and candles in their balconies at 9pm on April 5 for nine minutes. But a Bangalore man was up to some mischief in between. He dressed up as a ghost and walked around his balcony. No, seriously.
Crazy people
Some name their new born babies as corona and covid.... some make corona sweets pic.twitter.com/HWz4WX16Lh — Bhattacharya P (@preetibhatta1) April 6, 2020
In east India, a Kolkata shop occupied the top spot on the trends list for selling Corona Sandesh. "Issh maa go," was what all Bengalis said. We aren't surprised. Diljit Dosanjh also shared his Palak Paneer Do Pyaza recipe. Jo bhi karo but don't try it at home. We'll tell you why here.
But wait for this. In Madhya Pradesh, a couple named their son Lockdown while in Andhra Pradesh, two couples shortlisted Corona Kumar and Corona Kumari as names for their respective children. It's okay. We feel you, readers.
The internet, in the meantime, has found something worse than the novel coronavirus. It's Sidharth Malhotra and Tara Sutaria's reworked version of AR Rahman's Delhi-6 song Masakali. Rahman is angry. Very angry. So is Twitter. Should have known that you don't mess with AR Rahman.
SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE
My 3-year-old nephew is the friendliest toddler you'd ever wish to meet, and always says hello to all the people he walks past.
On his daily walk today, though, he had to pretend...
Hope this brightens up your day! pic.twitter.com/C4lSyYU2eb — Toby Marriott (@tobymarriott) April 3, 2020
As bad as it gets, we are sure we can never fail to make you smile. Even if we do, babies won't. To begin with, a video of a three-year-old boy saying an imaginary "hi" and "good morning" to people while walking down a street is just so awww. Another five-year-old girl sent a heartwarming letter to check on her 93-year-old neighbour in isolation. You must read their exchange here.
Hum honge kaamyab... Last night during #9baje9mintues somewhere in Bandra, Mumbai somebody is playing this eternally optimistic song on saxophone. Thanks to that unknown person for echoing the sentiments of millions of Indians. And thanks to the lady who recorded it!! Jai Ho!! pic.twitter.com/vOym21Xumy — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) April 6, 2020
Also, we couldn't control our emotions after Anupam Kher shared a video of a person playing Hum Honge Kaamyaab on the saxophone in Mumbai. Amul, on the other hand, delighted Ramayan viewers on Doordarshan by releasing its old advertisements. It's okay. Open the fridge. Eat the chocolate. Who cares about calories anyway?
DON'T FORGET TO WORK OUT
Don't let your fitness routine take a backseat amid the lockdown. Take inspiration from celebrities including Sushmit Seb, Kriti Sanon, Disha Patani and Masaba Gupta, who have been sweating it out at home. In fact, if you live with family, ask your parents to join as well. Wondering how? Well, check out this cool video of Milind Soman's mother Usha working out with Ankita Konwar. Too good!
NEVER STOP READING
If the traveller in you is done sitting at home and wants to get out, it is time to pick a book that will let you take a tour of the world from home. Yes, that is possible. From this list of ten travel books which includes bestsellers such as Eat Pray Love and A Cook's Tour, take your pick and start travelling - virtually, of course.
ON YOUR PLATTER
Is planning lunch and dinner becoming too much of a task during the lockdown? Fret not. We curated a list of 10 no-jhanjhat meals that will surely shoo your kitchen blues away. There is also a list of seven quick rice recipes that are just so easy and tasty.
That's not all. We have also been running a special Soul Kitchen series and getting you yummy recipes from renowned chefs. Right from Chorizo Poha, Chickpea Biryani to Bonda and Lemon Rice, you can try these recipes to hone your cooking skills.
BAITHE BAITHE KYA KAREIN?
If you are running out of things to do, may we suggest something? It is time to reminisce childhood memories and do things that we used to in the era of no or minimal internet. Get back to indoor games and spend a gala time with your family while playing Raja Mantri Chor Sipahi, Dumb Charades or Antakshari. More here.
FASHIONABLE HELP IN THE TIMES OF CORONA
The Fashion Design Council of India set up a support fund to provide financial assistance to small businesses and young designers in need during the pandemic. To appreciate the initiative, Textiles Minister Smriti Irani featured in a video in which she thanked the council for setting up the Covid-19 fund.
LET THE MOVIES COME TO YOU
Have you exhausted your Netflix and Amazone Prime movies list in these two weeks? Don't worry. Films nahi, toh thoda trivia hi sahi. Let's start with Rajinikanth. The 69-year-old superstar is one of the greatest entertainers of Indian cinema. For an actor of such stature, he is a perfect example for the phrase 'looks don't matter.' In this throwback piece, we delve into how Rajinikanth was comfortable in his own skin after a man made fun of his bald head and age.
Also, here's something about Ramesh Sippy's iconic 1975 film Sholay that you might not have known. Did you know Amjad Khan almost lost the role of Gabbar in Sholay? To know more, read here. Well, that's a good reason to watch the film again. Actually, any reason is a good reason to watch Sholay. What say?
DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF WEB SERIES
Films may come and films may go but web series' on OTT platforms will go on forever.
WHAT'S ON NETFLIX
What to watch: Love Wedding Repeat
You will like it if you liked: Isn't it Romantic
Don't we all miss family gatherings, weddings and parties while in lockdown? Well, there is one wedding you can attend this week. That of Jack's sister. Watch the romantic comedy starring Sam Clafin, Freida Pinto and Olivia Munn in lead roles. The Netflix original film is directed by Dean Craig and will stream from April 10.
What to watch: School Life
You will like it if you liked: Degrassi: Next Class
Need some inspiration during these difficult times? Netflix film School Life is here to the rescue. The film takes us to a poor town in France where a school counselor works with disadvantaged students as she struggles with certain challenges in life herself. The film stars Zita Hanrot, Liam Pierron and Soufiane Guerrab. It will stream from April 10.
What to watch: Brews Brother
You will like it if you liked: Two and a Half Men
Craving for beer during lockdown? Brews Brothers may satiate your beer cravings while you are self-quarantining at home. The plot of the comedy series revolves around two estranged brothers, Wilhelm and Adam Rodman, who collaborate to open a brewery. Their different personalities and techniques to handle things make for an entertaining watch. The show released on April 10.
What to watch: The Big Show Show
You will like it if you liked: Wake Up Call (Dwayne Johnson's 2014 reality TV series)
Self-quarantine is ideal to relive childhood memories. For all those who are big WWE fans, here's another show to take you back in time. WWE wrestler Big Show will be on your screens once again. But this time, he will not be seen beating and smashing people. He has a bigger challenge to raise his three daughters along with his wife Florida.
What to watch: The Main Event
You will like it if you liked: The Mask
Another happy news for WWE fans. The Main Event is a film based on wrestling but feels like the Jim Carrey classic The Mask with a wrestling spin. Its plot follows 11-year-old aspiring wrestler Leo Thompson (Seth Banee Carr), who finds a "magical wrestling mask that grants him super strength," which he then uses to participate in a WWE competition. Sounds interesting? Then, go watch it right away! It released on April 10.
WHAT'S ON ZEE5
What to watch: Phone-a-Friend
You will like it if you liked: Her and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
This romantic comedy series might uplift your mood in quarantine. Akhlaque Khan, cast in the lead role, is looking for love and his phone helps him to meet his childhood crush, played by Swati Kapoor. It also stars Mantra in a pivotal role. It released on April 7.
What to watch: Bamfaad
You will like it if you liked: Ishaqzaade
Paresh Rawal's son Aditya Rawal is making his debut with Bamfaad. It is a love story set in Allahabad. The trailer of the film appears to be a mix of Ishaqzaade and Gangs of Wasseypur. The film is Ranjan Chandel's directorial debut and stars Arjun Reddy actress Shalini Pandey opposite Aditya. In exclusive interviews with IndiaToday.in, Paresh Rawal discussed his son's debut while Aditya spoke about comparisons with his father. Bamfaad will release on April 10.
WHAT'S ON VOOT
What to watch: The Raikar Case
You will like it if you liked: Ugly
This web series revolves around the murder of a young boy, Tarun. The whodunnit murder mystery is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar. It stars Atul Kulkarni, Neil Bhoopalam, Ashwini Bhave, Kunal Karan Kapoor and Reena Wadhwa. It released on April 9.
Note: No new shows on Amazon Prime but two films will release on the OTT platform - Les Misérables on April 10 and Rambo: Last Blood on April 10. IT: Chapter 2 is available on Amazon already.
ON YOUR TELEVISION SCREENS
Tune in to Doordarshan if you intend to take a trip down memory lane. Else, reruns and reruns only.
What to watch: Khatron Ke Khiladi 10
Where to watch: Colors TV, 9 pm to 10.30 pm
Kya kiya pehla elimination stunt miss on #KKK10? Watch it again this Saturday at 9 PM and all other episodes from the start, every weekend, only on #Colors. @KARISHMAK_TANNA @BalrajSyal @dthevirus31 @AmrutaOfficial @TheKaranPatel @iamrohitshetty
Anytime on @justvoot pic.twitter.com/hj6xKlIvgp — COLORS (@ColorsTV) April 8, 2020
Colors will rerun the old episodes of Rohit Shetty's stunt-based reality show from Saturday. Viewers who missed the first few episodes can enjoy the show.
What to watch: The Kapil Sharma Show
Where to watch: Sony TV, 9.30pm to 11pm
Kya kabhi kabhi #KarinaKaif bhi aapke khwaabo mein aati hain? Dekhiye #TheKapilSharmaShow aaj raat 9:30 baje. @KapilSharmaK9 @kikusharda @haanjichandan @Krushna_KAS @bharti_lalli @sumona24 @banijayasia @apshaha pic.twitter.com/r0Qm9a3sov — sonytv (@SonyTV) April 5, 2020
Owing to the nationwide lockdown, no new episode of Kapil Sharma's show is being aired on Sony TV. However, you can enjoy TKSS old episodes, which will be aired at the same time.
What to watch: India's Best Dancer
Where to watch: Sony TV, 8pm to 9.30pm
From the shy ones to the eccentric ones, #IndiasBestDancer saw them all in the auditions! Which one can you relate to?
Tell us in the comments and keep watching #IBDOnceMore this Sat-Sun at 8 pm.@terencehere @geetakapur @bharti_lalli @writerharsh #MalaikaArora pic.twitter.com/lnqInJsJQQ — sonytv (@SonyTV) April 8, 2020
The dance reality show judged by Malaika Arora, Terence Lewis and Geeta Kapur, will continue with its old episodes. The audition rounds will be aired this weekend.
What to watch: The Jungle Book
Where to watch: DD National, 1pm every day
1 @DDNational " " pic.twitter.com/vPCxNPaxSk — Doordarshan National (@DDNational) April 9, 2020
It's time for Jungle Jungle Baat Chali Hai again. The Jungle Book, the popular animated show of the 90s, is back on TV. The show based on Rudyard Kipling's book of the same name was a significant part of all the 90s kids.
What to watch: Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai
Where to watch: Star Bharat, 10am every day
The Sarabhai family is back on television amid the lockdown from April 6. The popular comedy show, starring Ratna Pathak Shah, Satish Shah, Rajesh Kumar, Rupali Ganguly and Sumeet Raghavan, was originally aired from 2004 to 2006.
What to watch: Khichdi
Where to watch: Star Bharat, 11am every day
Cult comedy show Khichdi is being re-telecast on television. Khichdi revolved around the quirky Parekh family. The cast included seasoned actors such as Supriya Pathak, Anang Desai, Vandana Pathak and Rajeev Pathak.
You can also watch Rani Mukerji's Mardaani 2 on April 11 at 8 pm on Star Plus.
Have a fun weekend!
(Compiled by Ananya Bhattacharya, Nairita Mukherjee, Raya Ghosh, Krishna Priya Pallavi, Vibha Maru, Jyoti Kanyal, Medha Chawla, Janani K, Divyanshi Sharma, Nishtha Grover, Nisha Singh)
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