Masumeh is a multi-talented personality. Besides having thoroughly mastered the traditional Kathak dance from gurus like Roshan of Jaipur gharana, Viru Krishnan of Lucknow gharana and Sunaina Hazarilal from the Banaras gharana, the actress has been equally well versed with the dance art form of the West viz; Salsa and other Latin American dances.

“I have also mastered the art of Jazz and Tap dance and have been trained under the guidance of Oscar Fernendez,” Masumeh says smiling.

Masumeh is currently mastering the art of belly dancing. She is taking lessons from Veronica Simas de Souza Rosa.

The city of Nawabs is hosting Pakistani food festival to give with the Lucknawis a taste of the sumptuous Lahori spread.

Began on Friday, the “Zaika-e-Pakistan” aims at familiarising the people of Lucknow with the delicacies of Pakistan. Pakistani chefs would fly down especially to Lucknow Pakistan to prepare the vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.

Pakistani food festivals have been held in several cities in the country, but it is for the first time that it is being held in Lucknow.

The organisers are planning to hold a similar “Lucknow Food Festival” in Lahore in the month of March 2005 in order to make the people of Lahore taste the delicacies of the cuisine of Lucknow.

The Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan may have met in Delhi for diplomatic talks to improve bilateral relations, but in Lucknow efforts of another kind are on to improve ties between the two countries.

The city is hosting a Pakistani food festival—Zaika-e-Pakistan — and on the platter are Peshawar’s famour Chappali Kebabs.

“We are preparing Chappali Kebab. These are made from mutton and are usually bigger in size. They are very popular and a real favourite with people,” said Mehboob A Khan, executive chef, Hotel Avari, Lahore.

Food delight