SPECIAL

Pista House

The popular recipe of Pista House, haleem came about by a lot of trial and errors. During Ramzan, Pista House serves only haleem and in two versions - vegetarian and mutton. On digging in, you can taste the tender meat, cashew nuts; the occasional flavor of ground pepper and crisp fried onions making it ambrosia worth not missing. Hundreds of kilos of haleem are made every day; naturally, the in-house kitchen and its staff is not enough to deal with so much, therefore, extra cooks are hired to work. There are never, ever any leftovers at the end of service every day.

Address: Various outlets spread across all areas of Hyderabad.

Café 555

This 50-year-old Irani cafe is usually crowded but the Ramadan month is when it attracts people from every possible corner of the city. As the clock strikes 6pm, food lovers gather at Cafe 555’s haleem stall awaiting their turn to grab some gooey goodness. In addition to Irani haleem, this cafe makes Special Haleem which has a full goat tongue and topped with chicken 65 and a slice of boiled egg. Like the regular dish, this one too comes with generous portions of ghee, cashew nuts, pistachio, and deep fried onions. Adhering to Covid-19 guidelines, a complete no mask no haleem policy is being ensured at Cafe 555.

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Rocket Outfitters

Has it become a dilemma since you became a parent? Whether to shop for the little one or go hang out with your gang? Since the pandemic came along, your child’s everyday clothes going through faster than ever! Our baby astronaut is here to fulfil all your little one’s wardrobe needs! www.rocketoutfitters.com guarantees you reasonable but yet the highest quality of clothes available in the market! This is your one stop for Unisex lounge wear, Girly Frocks, pullovers, sweaters and what not! This Eid let your baby be cool and comfy in our handpicked 100% cotton clothes.

Instagram: @rocketoutfitters.in

The Hijab Wardrobe

The Hijab Wardrobe introduces modern, high quality hijabs in India, Specializing in all the latest hijabs such as Chiffon Hijabs, Soft Chiffon Hijabs, Cotton Hijabs, Crinkle Hijabs, Pleated Hijabs, Floral Hijabs and many more at affordable prices. Their hijabs are handpicked to keep you feel comfortable, confident and on trend. They are not just a brand, but a community for all Hijabis. Their best shopping experience, courteous and polite behavior doesn’t stop their customers to shop again.

Instagram: @thehijabwardrobe Contact: 9652871700 / 9121155679

What’s your denition of the purpose of Ramadan?

Hoor: The main purpose of Ramadan is to come close to Allah, worship him, seek mercy and refuge. It is the month which purifies Muslims from bad deeds if it’s spent the way it’s commanded.

How is this year of Ramadan in quarantine going to be dierent from that of every year?

Ruqaiyyah: Although I do want this Pandemic to end and have my freedom back, at the same time, it’s been a rapture to have abundant time for worship in Ramadan. I am working from home which means I don’t have to fight traffic to get home from the office and that saves plenty of time. (Sigh)

What changes do you make in Ramadan to your technology usage, social life and diet?

Ruqaiyyah: I try hard (haha) to lessen the use of my phone for unimportant things and spend more time worshipping. During Ramadan we already skip lunch, I manage to skip dinner too by just eating at Iftar. I’m not a fan of social gatherings/Iftar parties during Ramadan either and I try to avoid it.

What are the dierent cuisines made at home for iftar?

Shahzoor: Indian, Indian Chinese & Arabic cuisine

What’s your secret to staying motivated and consistent throughout Ramadan, especially when you hit the midRamadan slump?

Hoor: The spiritual discipline in the initial days of Ramadan increases the connection with Allah and every night I renew my intentions of performing different acts of worship leading to greater rewards.

What is the biggest positive change any particular Ramadan has Wbrought to your life?

Shahzoor: Ramadan is the prime time for a change in Muslims; internal change in prioritising Islam over the worldly distractions and dedication to worship Allah has been the most positive transformation in me.

What do you plan on wearing this Ramadan since the option of buying a new outt seems to be closed?

Ruqaiyyah: Eid isn’t about wearing new outfits, rather wearing an outfit which is immaculate to celebrate the end of Ramadan. That being said, thankfully I do have a new spare outfit which I may or may not wear this year. To all those readers - It’s alright to not have a new fashionable outfit as it does not defeat the purpose of Eid-ul-Fitr.

What’s your denition of the purpose of Ramadan?

Zara: My Definition of purpose of Ramadan means a good opportunity to change yourself by having built the patience in you. And by doing loads of good deeds & charity which Benefits Others.”The word RAMADAN means Burning” It was named Ramadan because it burns the sins of the people with good deeds.

How is this year of Ramadan in quarantine going to be dierent from that of every year?

Wajid: This year of Ramadan in quarantine would definitely be the opposite & totally different from every year of Ramadan in past. All these years it was during the time of Ramadan I use to visit the mosque more frequently to offer prayers. And to offer Tarawih prayers during the night time & spend more time in the mosque. There used to be a lot of iftar parties, hanging out with friends & playing cricket till the time of seheri & going to the old city occasionally to enjoy the real atmosphere of Ramadan with stalls of haleem all over & everyone enjoying the delicious haleem but this year of Ramadan in quarantine all these things would be missed a lot. But I’m excited to have all the Iftars at home with family.

What changes do you make in Ramadan to your technology usage, social life and diet?

Zara: When the Holy month of Ramadan comes it’s natural that daily Routine of life changes completely for a month. I usually avoid watching movies & listening to music. I rather listen to or watch things which bring you knowledge. And hear lots of duas & surahs on youtube and which I get forwards on WhatsApp. Socially I don’t go for any birthday parties or weddings or any social party too. I just prefer going to iftar party as it gets over early too, and I can carry on with my tarawih prayers. During the month of Ramadan, I prefer eating twice a day sehri & iftar. Anything that I have post iftar till sehri is very light basically milk shakes & light munches.

What are the dierent cuisines made at home for iftar?

Wajid: There are lots of variety made for iftar in my house because everyone has their own likes & cravings for iftar. As I prefer eating haleem & deep fried samosa, chicken spring rolls, bhajiyae , dahi vadae occasionally which are made every day for iftar. I make sure my favourite cuisine is made for me every day for iftar like fresh pineapple & watermelon juice, grilled shredded chicken sandwich or egg sandwich. I prefer having grilled chicken with corn too.

What’s your secret to staying motivated and consistent throughout Ramadan, especially when you hit the mid-Ramadan slump?

Zara: I feel it’s the will power which comes from within to be motivated & consistent as the month of Ramadan starts. For the first few days, it’s the transformation of mind, body & soul. But especially when the mid-Ramadan comes it becomes quite easy to fast as it becomes a habit which I had adapted.

What is the biggest positive change any particular Ramadan has brought to your life?

Wajid: Every Year of holy Ramadan since I had grown up I had lots of changes in me. Especially I feel in this month of Ramadan it brings inner peace Allah open doors for opportunity, forgiveness, acceptance of prayers & duas. A few years back in the month of Ramadan I learnt to forgive & seek forgiveness and not keeping anything for anyone in my heart. And it made a big difference in my life. I value more about my loved ones especially my mother, wife, kids & my family.

What do you plan on wearing this Ramadan since the option of buying a new outt seems to be closed?

Wajid: Luckily I have a few pairs of new kurta pajamas that were stitched, bought by my mom & wife last Ramadan for Eid. Which I didn’t get the opportunity to wear as I had already my clothes stitched for Last Eid. So this Ramadan is the perfect time to utilise those clothes for Friday’s, special nights & Eid.

What is your denition of the purpose of Ramadan?

Rubeena: Ramadan is the month of blessings. During this month we ask Allah for forgiveness and our sins are expiated. The essence of Ramadan is in worship. In this holy month, all the bad is contained and the good is multiplied.

How is this year’s Ramadan in quarantine going to be dierent from that of every year?

Salman: This Ramadan is very special because we are getting to spend more quality time with our family. Quarantine has brought the entire family together, all-male members are embracing their inner chefs.

What changes do you make in Ramadan to your technology usage, social life and diet?

Samya: Screen time definitely goes down. This time around socialising also has come to a halt which would otherwise be bustling with iftar and suhoor gatherings. How much ever we try of course one cannot resist samosas and haleem.

What’s your secret to staying motivated and consistent throughout Ramadan, especially when you hit the midRamadan slump?

Rubeena: Mid Ramadan slump is a myth. As days keep on passing the excitement also grows as we look forward to Eid and its preparations. So shopping and gatherings are all that keeps us motivated. But due to the lockdown, the social gatherings will be less this time.

What is the biggest positive change any particular Ramadan has brought to your life?

Salman: This Ramadan is proving to be a turning point in our lives. Even amidst this pandemic crisis like lock down, fall of the economy, loss of lives, Ramadan is a silver lining which is giving us hope and making us realise things we previously took for granted.

What do you plan on wearing this Ramadan since the option of buying a new outt seems to be closed?

Samya: For the celebration of Eid, new clothes are not mandatory. It’s about putting on the best outfit you own, the only pre-requisite being cleanliness.

Haleem With The BaigsWhat’s your definition of the purpose of Ramadan? always decide to open the fast with fruits and healthy options but in Gazala: It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is a chance provided vain. This time of the year, 90% of the individuals indulge in the best of by the almighty to purify our selves. It makes us self disciplined. It cuisine which every restaurant has to offer. teaches us to acknowledge the bounties showered by the almighty on us. How every individual is equal in the eyes of God. The feeling What’s your secret to staying motivated and consistent throughout of starving in the day and discharging all the commandments of the Ramadan, especially when you hit the mid-Ramadan slump? almighty by praying in the night. It is the month in which the Quran was Yaser: The onset of Ramadan itself is very energetic. The first 10-15 revealed to the prophet. days get over really fast but the last 10-15 days just squeezes out all the strength some times. There is the excitement of approaching EID Given the change that Ramadan brings to our usual routines, also. For me, I never count how many days have passed by. I, always try how do you plan to: to enjoy and live one day at a time. I am actually a planner but when it -Stay energetic throughout the day/perform your tasks with focus? comes to Ramadan, I never do that. It is just left to GOD. And whenever -Manage your time and balance between your personal, I feel a little low, I make myself busy in many activities which are done professional and spiritual life? in city for the sake of almighty only like feeding the poor, charity, etc. Firasat: The onset of Ramadan itself is very energizing spiritually. The meal which we have at predawn called seher, gives us the energy we What is the biggest positive change any particular Ramadan has need to last throughout the day. Since our day starts long before the brought to your life? sunrise, we can strike the perfect balance between our professional, Aamir: I think the biggest positive change is I have learned the personal and spiritual life. It also teaches us time management which importance of food. I used to waste so much of food before but then also, if followed STRICTLY helps us the right way of living. I usually do I started noticing how less privileged people would make do with not sleep after seher. After seher and our morning prayer, I get going for whatever is available at the time of breaking the fast and it opened my my routine work. It’s been a practice now from last few years to start our eyes. There were days when I used to feel angry because things were offices early and close long before the sunset. not made according to my likes but I am changed person now. I eat whatever has been made and don’t complain much. All in all, every part What changes do you make in Ramadan to your technology of ramdan teaches us something in life and if followed correctly, I think usage, social life, and diet? it is the best way of life. Farah: Life in Ramadan becomes extensively busy. We get hardly any time to socialise. The last 10 days if Ramadan usually gets busy with How is Ramadan with Covid going to be different from that of every many iftar parties. Attending all becomes necessary due to the warmth year? with which they are arranged. It also is a good change from the tight Cannot even imagine Ramadan with sitting at home and worshipping schedule that we follow in that month. Technology for me takes a back God in house and not in mosque or opening fast without family and seat in that month. It’s more of a family time that we would like associate friends or not trying out different special delicacies of Hyderabad. We ourselves with whenever we get chance. were stuck in US last Ramadan and did nothing . We are coming up Samah: Diet goes for a toss totally. I personally cannot resist the with our new restaurant “Khan Miya “ in few days and starting before temptations of haleem , marag, etc specially from my restaurant . I Ramadan but the Covid makes it look very gloomy now .

| SPECIAL Fruit Chaat With The Paigahs

What’s your definition of the purpose of Ramadan?

Faraaz: Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. To develop and strengthen our powers of self-control, so that one can resist wrongful desires. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. It is also month of giving and sharing.

Given the change that Ramadan brings to our usual routines, how do you plan to stay energetic throughout the day/perform your tasks with focus?

Faiz: It is not easy especially in difficult climatic conditions, but faith and determination can make one overcome most difficult conditions and circumstances. It takes first couple of days to settle after which we get use to it and its business like usual. Nutritious diet at Saher (before dawn) and during Iftar (after breaking the fast after sunset) makes it easy. Pace of life definitely slows down a bit during the day. Taravee Prayers at the mosque after dinner give you great amount of satisfaction and peace of mind.

What changes do you make in Ramadan to your technology usage, social life, and diet?

Kamil: Everything remains the same except including socialising. A pious Muslim is supposed to follow the tenets of Islam round the year and not just during the month of Ramadaan. Hence, we follow the same in letter and spirit and continue socializing.

What are the different cuisines made at home for iftaar.

Nida: For Iftaar the first thing we break our fast is Khajoor(Dates).... we make dishes like Haleem,Puff pastry known as Lukhmi(with filling of minced meat), Daal with green chutney and lime (Chana daal), Dahiwadaas, Banana bhajiyas, Potato bhajiyas, Fruit chat, Guava chat,Fresh fruit juices. As now everyone has become health conscious so fried dishes have been reduced and more of fresh fruits items of taken its place. Elaborate dinner follows after Magrib prayers and before Taravee, and in Hyderabad eating out after Taravee right up till Saher has become very common. The entire city has an amazing festive atmosphere during the entire month of Ramadaan.

What’s your secret to staying motivated and consistent throughout Ramadan, especially when you hit the mid-Ramadan slump?

Faraaz: Faith in Almighty and how this helps purify our soul and body keeps up going and undoubtedly gives us a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.

What are your tips for our readers on approaching the Qur’an and coming out a different person at the end of this Ramadan, In sha Allah?

Faiz: Quran is the book of guidance and Islam is a way of life which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had himself exhibited and guided fellow followers, which has been recorded as Hadees. Reading the entire Quran at least once and understanding it in our own dialect helps one follow the right path. It is indeed an amazing experience and an eye-opener.

What is the biggest positive change any particular Ramadan has brought to your life?

Nida: What we practice during the Holy month transforms us to being kind, just, helping others generously, being true to oneself and all fellow human beings. One is supposed to be kind to all living beings. To sum it up the Holy month of Ramadan makes one a better human being, to strive and make this world a better place to live in.

How is Ramadan with Covid going to be different from that of every year?

Faiz: Well, the month of Ramadan is always looked forward to as a month of reverence, peace and celebration, however, our generation will be facing an unprecedented 2 years of Ramadan wherein one has to be extremely careful and be satisfied with keeping it low-key. Last year when we went through similar conditions during the month of Ramadan, the positive side of it was that we were able to spend a lot of time in introspection and pondering over the very purpose of our lives, and on top of it, very peacefully submit to the Almighty. Looking forward to a peaceful and a spiritually stimulating month of Ramadan this year as well.

Mandi With The Jaweeds

What’s your definition of the purpose of Ramadan?

Zafar: To me, Ramzan is a time for prayers, family, and community. I feel its purpose is to encourage self-reflection, spirituality, and charity. I also see it as a celebration of our religious and cultural identity. It reminds us to look after the underprivileged among us and that is a big part of it.

Given the change that Ramadan brings to our usual routines, how do you plan to:

-Stay energetic throughout the day/perform your tasks with focus? -Manage your time and balance between your personal, professional and spiritual life? Omer: While it may seem like a task to many who do not observe it, it actually is very routine and natural to those of us who observe it. The Iftar and Suhoor times actually mean that I have more time on hand to manage my personal and professional life, whilst keeping spirituality at the forefront.

What changes do you make in Ramadan to your technology usage, social life, diet?

Aamer: Given my busy schedule, it is difficult for me to make changes in either technology usage or social life but I make a conscious effort to maintain a balanced diet. It is a bit of a challenge but I manage to do it anyhow.

What are the different cuisines made at home for iftaar?

Ruba: There is of course a lot of Hyderabadi food such as Haleem, Dahi Vade, Biryani, etc., and also some delectable Arabian dishes such as Laham Mandi. My friends and I also arrange potluck Iftaar parties now and then, so I get to feast upon Telangana cuisine, Andhra cuisine, Persian cuisine and what not!

What’s your secret to staying motivated and consistent throughout Ramadan, especially when you hit the mid-Ramadan slump?

Omer: There is no slump, really. As we hit the middle of Ramzan, we start looking forward to Layatul Qadr, which is the most blessed of all nights, and of course Eid, which marks the end of the month of Ramzan. The spirit of community and family makes observing Ramzan effortless and rewarding at the same time.

What are your tips for our readers on approaching the Qur’an and coming out a different person at the end of this Ramadan, In sha Allah?

Zafar: I think it is a lot easier nowadays to read the Qur’an, as its digital copies are easily accessible on our smartphones. I hope this month makes everyone a better person and a better Muslim.

What is the biggest positive change any particular Ramadan has brought to your life?

Aamer: I think every Ramzan has brought about some positive change in me. It teaches and reminds us to be thoughtful, kind, patient and generous in our everyday lives and I think these are amazing qualities for any human being to inculcate.

April,

The Bright & Beautiful- Shraddha Das

Popularly known as the ‘South Indian Bombshell’, Shraddha Das is an actress who paved her way through the hearts of millions in a very short span of time. Her professional career spans for over a decade and boy! it definitely has been a successful decade. Shraddha Das played both the leading lady and supporting roles in close to 40 films across several languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, Kannada and Telugu. We recently had a soulful conversation with the diva and have come up with a few interesting facts that we thought you might want to know!

How did your career in acting start? Has acting always been a passion of yours? It started in college where I actually began with singing in auditorium shows in Mumbai. I wanted to have my own music album for which I went to shoot a portfolio and was spotted by Dev Anand sir and was signed for a movie that never got made as he passed away. After that I used to audition everyday going from Chembur to Andheri west (almost a 1000 maybe) and finally landed up doing the national award winning film Lahore (Warner bros) as the lead. At the same time, I started working in Telugu movies too.

Apart from acting, what other major activities do you usually engage with? Chanting (practicing Nichiren Buddhism for 6 years now). I love dancing to Bollywood music (yoga/ dance fitness), singing, binge watching series, chilling with my 4 pugs and friends.

What are some projects that you’re currently working on? Currently there is Kotigobba 3 with Kiccha Sudeep releasing in Kannada and Telugu and Ek Mini Katha by Uv creations releasing in Telugu in April. Also starting work on a Hindi web series soon.

What’s the recent item you struck off of your bucket list? Travelling alone. Budapest. Bali. Initially I was with friends. Later I travelled alone.

Tell us about the funniest rumor you’ve heard about yourself? That I was going to Bigg Boss from season one up to the last. Every time.

What would you like to tell people who are romantically interested in you? Be straightforward, no mind games, and I expect extreme loyalty and respect.

Tell us something that you have never told anyone else? That I still believe in fairytales!