Your Weekend Planner June 26: Babaji ki booti, to the red forest of Bulbbul

Ramdev launched a drug, Coronil, earlier this week and it claims to cure coronavirus. We also have a few innovative recipes that you can try. For the rest, there's Anushka Sharma's production Bulbbul on Netflix. All this and much more in our Weekend Planner.

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Your Weekend Planner June 26: Babaji ki booti, to the red forest of Bulbbul
Ramdev launches Coronil (L) and a still from Bulbbul (R). (Photos: Twitter and Instagram)

Dear Reader,

What has been exceptional this week? Well, the Baba from Kanakhal announcing that he had discovered the cure that all world is eagerly waiting for. It's called Coronil, and is supposed to cure you of the disease caused by the virus that China gave the world. So when can India give this elusive cure Coronil to the world? A while, because the health ministry is currently doing what they do: testing Baba Ramdev's claim to cure Covid-19. We will have to wait some time before this 'Corona Kit' from Patanjali makes its way to our hands, if you swear by Ayurveda, that is. But given the times we are in, any talk of a cure brings hope.

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We will take hope over Coronil for the time being and get our hands on some Jamun ice cream to binge on. Here's that recipe for you. There's some good ol' aam on the list, if you want to try Malanji. The weekend is the perfect time to binge on the other food also: food, well, some of it junk, for the brain, entertainment. Anushka Sharma's production Bulbbul is on Netflix. Director Anvita Dutt gives women a new fairy tale, abundant with the themes of horror, mystery, and fantasy. Treat yourself to a lot of chudail-talk this weekend and some enlightenment while you're at it. The timeless tale of The Time Traveller's Wife is our pick from the bookshelf this weekend. Take a trip with her, on this love story transcending time.

And finally... a month from now, we will all see Sushant Singh Rajput's last film, Dil Bechara. It will be available on Disney+Hotstar on July 24, and free of cost for everyone.

Have a good weekend. Keep that mask on.

Here's your Weekend Planner.

WHAT'S TRENDING?

We hate to begin with bad news but unfortunately, that is what it has come down to at the moment. TikTok star Siya Kakkar died by suicide at her New Delhi residence on June 25. She was just 16 and Delhi Police said that she was suffering from depression since the past four days. Her phone has been seized and close friends will be questioned. It's just horrific.

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases are increasing incessantly and in a massive turnaround, Delhi has surpassed Mumbai to end up as the national hotspot of Covid-19. Is there a solution to coronavirus? We are still waiting for the vaccine with bated breath but Ramdev's Patanjali group claimed to have seen light at the end of the tunnel on Tuesday.

The yoga guru launched a drug, Coronil, at the Patanjali headquarters in Uttarakhand's Haridwar and it, apparently, is the first ayurvedic medicine to cure coronavirus. The healthy ministry, however, has said that it will not allow Coronil's sale unless official tests are done. There has been enough debate over it all throughout the week any way. And memes as well. Where do we stand as far as Coronil is concerned? All you need to is intezaar, as of now. The truth will unfold soon.

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What also sent the internet into an overdrive midweek was the increase in the price of diesel. It costs more than petrol. Yes, that's correct and Twitter had a hard time digesting the fact. So, memes helped.

There is enough pressure on India from China as well. After the Galwan Valley clash last week, China is continuing to build troop support positions in the eastern Ladakh face-off zone. In the midst of this chaos, union minister Ramdas Athawale demanded a ban on restaurants selling Chinese food in India. Chinese people will also not be accommodated in Delhi hotels and guesthouses henceforth is the decision that has been made.

No respite here, clearly, but India has seemingly progressed on the social front. After facing years of backlash, of course. A matrimonial website removed the skin tone filter that allowed users to choose partners based on the colour of their skin. A fairness cream brand also decided upon dropping 'Fair' from its name. Fair enough!

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If we are discussing what's trending, it is imperative to mention that India isn't over Sushant Singh Rajput's death. Will never be and a week is just too less. The 34-year-old actor, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14 in an apparent suicide, continued to trend all throughout the week. Several subjects transpired but we won't get into that here because it will do nothing but upset you.

So, we'd suggest you head to our next section and smile because we bet you won't get moments as such to do that. At least, not in 2020 for sure.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

Before we get to your weekly dose of wildlife videos, you need to watch Elon Musk baby-talking with his son. It's so cute that it went viral within no time. No surprises there.

If you are in the mood to dance, we can help. Try the 'dhania dance' that TikTok star Roshan Shinge did just like a Cheerleader.

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Also, K-pop group BTS danced to Chunari Chunari in a mashup video and the internet is of the opinion that it was better than Sushmita Sen and Salman Khan's performance.

Now, now. We'll end with this. The internet is absolutely in love with a video of a koala mother hugging her baby. What could be better than mom's hug, after all?

WORKOUT JANHIT MEIN JAARI

As we all isolate due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, workout is the only way we can all stay active and healthy at home. And in case you need some motivation, let Mandira Bedi's high-intensity five-minute workout routine that doesn't require any equipment inspire you.

For those who like to go slow, Esha Gupta, Tahira Kashyap and Radhika Madan have the perfect exercise routine for you to follow. Apart from that, this week, Shilpa Shetty and Milind Soman shared some brilliant tips on self-care, and you should read it.

KHAANE MEIN KYA HAI?

Jamun Ice Cream

Nothing screams summer like mangoes or the king of fruits. Those of you who love this fruit, we have a delectable summer treat that you can try. This weekend, make yummy Malanji. It is a delightful semi-liquid dish made from raw, half-ripe green mangoes. You can also try this recipe of homemade Jamun ice cream from our Soul Kitchen series. It will be the perfect comfort dish for summers.

WHAT TO READ?

The Time Traveller's Wife

If you love romantic novels, pick up the The Time Traveller's Wife this weekend. Authored by Audrey Niffenegger, the novel was published in 2003. The book covers the journey of a woman who falls in love with a time-traveling man. He has a genetic condition that resets his periodic clock sending him to different years. This is an old-fashioned love story, way ahead of its time. Once you pick it up, you won't be able to leave it.

FASHION KA JALWA

Kareena Kapoor has always inspired us with her outfits.

Kareena Kapoor Khan made her debut in Bollywood 20 years ago with Refugee in 2000. June marks the original IT girl of Bollywood's two-decade anniversary, who is also a true blue fashionista. In our Fashion Friday section this week, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of her most iconic looks. Kareena's sartorial choices have always been ahead of its time, whether it was playing the fashion-forward Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham to Geet, who made Patiala Salwar cool again with Jab We Met. Or the dreamy, modern bride in Veere Di Weeding. Kareena Kapoor has always inspired us.

HUMARE PAAS CINEMA HAI

Through the last week, Twitter became a Kurukshetra of sorts with every possible narrative and counter-narrative leading up to Sushant Singh Rajput's death fighting each other. One of Anupam Kher's videos, of him encouraging young talents to not give up, went viral, and along with that, Twitter also threw up an old clip from a Bangla talk show exposing the other side of Kher. In the clip, Bangla television and film actress Rita Koiral said how Kher tried to bribe her so she would tell the media she hadn't dubbed for Bariwali, a Rituparno Ghosh film that went on to win the National Award for Best Actress. When she refused, Kher threatened to oust her from the industry. Our Tuesday Trivia tells you all about it.

And while we process the fact that people are capable of all kinds of things, cinema is here to provide solace. This week's Throwback Thursday was a look back at Sushant Singh Rajput's debut film, Kai Po Che, and Monday Masala was about Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa and the small-town flavour it brought with it.

There are some new releases too. Anushka Sharma once again backed another very ambitious project, Bulbbul, now streaming on Netflix. Bulbbul, quite like Pari and Phillauri, brings you a story of a strong woman garnished with supernatural elements. Catch our review here.

And from the supernatural to a modern rendition of Krishna and his love stories, Netflix also brings you Krishna and his Leela. This complex rom-com is streaming now and you can read our review here.

Finally, we will leave you with a sunshine of a news - Sushant Singh Rajput's last film DIl Bechara will premiere on Disney+Hotstar on July 24. The OTT giant will also make it available for all non-subscribers. For the love of Sushant Singh Rajput, and his love for cinema.

FROM THE WORLD OF OTT

WHAT'S ON NETFLIX?

What to watch: Bulbbul

You will like it if you like: Pari

Anushka Sharma's new production, Bulbbul, is a horror-fantasy set in the late 19th century. Directed by Anvita Dutt, Bulbbul deals with societal issues like child marriage and women's condition in the society. The film stars Tripti Dimri in the titular role. Avinash Tiwary, Rahul Bose, Paoli Dam and Parambrata Chattopadhyay play pivotal roles. The film released on Wednesday and is currently streaming on Netflix.

What to watch: Nobody Knows I'm Here

You will like it if you like: A Star Is Born

Starring Jorge Garcia, Millaray Lobos and Luis Gnecco in the lead roles, Nobody Knows I'm Here is a musical drama. Directed by Gasper Antillo, it is a Chilean film about a former child singer. Traumatised by his experiences, he becomes a recluse and nurtures his hurt until a woman comes into his life and really hears him.

What to watch: Athlete A

You will like it if you like: Icarus

If you like watching sports documentaries, Athlete A is a treat for you. The documentary focuses on the gymnasts who survived USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar's abuse and the reporters who exposed USAG's toxic culture. It is about shattered trust, dashed dreams and unimaginable trauma. The documentary explores the toxic tip of a culture of abuse, corruption and cover-ups. It is currently streaming on Netflix.

WHAT'S ON AMAZON PRIME?

What to watch: Law

You will like it if you like: Ponmagal Vandhal

Ragini Chandran is making her digital debut with Law. It revolves around Ragini's character, a law graduate, who is fighting her own case. Veteran actor Mukhyamantri Chandru plays the lead role in the film. It is directed and written by Raghu Samarth. It will start streaming on June 26.

What to watch: I Will Be Gone In The Dark

You will like it if you like: Unbelievable

This documentary series focuses on the investigation of a violent predator, the Golden State Killer, who is responsible for over 50 rapes and 12 murders. It is based on Michelle McNamara's book of the same name.

What to watch: Rasbhari

You will like it if you like: Lust Stories

Rasbhari stars Swara Bhasker in the lead role. It is created by Tanveer Bookwala and Shantanu Srivastava. It is a coming-of-age story of a boy who falls for his teacher.

WHAT'S ON SONYLIV?

What to watch: Bhonsle

You will like it if you like: Thackeray

Based on the time when migrant labourers were forced out of Maharashtra, Bhonsle sees Manoj Bajpayee essaying the role of a retired cop. The show also features Abhishek Banerjee. It will start streaming on June 26.

WHAT'S ON VOOT SELECT?

What to watch: Twilight Zone Season 2

You'll like if you liked: Twilight Zone Season 1

Jordan Peele and Simon Kinberg's re-imagining of Rod Serling's anthology series, which originally premiered in 1959, is back with its second season. It will continue the legacy of socially conscious storytelling with Peele reprising his role as the host. The new season will include a new bunch of actors telling stories, which includes Billy Porter, Jenna Elfman, Ethan Embry, Sky Ferreira, Tavi Gevinson, Morena Baccarin, Kylie Bunbury, Tony Hale, Gillian Jacobs, David Krumholtz, Thomas Lennon, Sophia Macy, Natalie Martinez, Joel McHale, Chris Meloni, Paula Newsome, Jimmi Simpson, Jurnee Smollett, Daniel Sunjata, and Damon Wayans Jr, among others.

Films on OTT: 7500 on Amazon Prime Video, Motherless Brooklyn on Amazon Prime Video (June 26), Ford Vs Ferrari on Disney + Hotstar (June 30)

TV PE KYA CHAL RAHA HAI?

What to watch: Khatron Ke Khiladi 10

Where to watch: Colors TV, 9pm (Sat-Sun)

Here's some good news for Khatron Ke Khiladi fans. The stunt-based reality show is returning with fresh episodes from June 27 on Colors TV. Now, you can watch your favourite TV stars Karan Patel, Tejasswi Prakash, Karishma Tanna, Shivin Narang and others do daredevil stunts on the show.

ALSO WATCH: Thappad

Where to watch: Zee Cinema, Sunday, 9 pm

Anubhav Sinha's Thappad, starring Tapsee PannU and Pavail Gulati, will have its world television premiere on June 28 at 9 pm.

Enjoy your weekend!

(Compiled by Ananya Bhattacharya, Nairita Mukherjee, Raya Ghosh, Krishna Priya Pallavi, Vibha Maru, Jyoti Kanyal, Medha Chawla, Janani K, Divyanshi Sharma, Shweta Keshri, Nishtha Grover, Logesh Balachandran)

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