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Fifth Column
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The Battle Isn't Lost

Kautilya
by Jairam Ramesh
Why Opec Has Risen

Right Angle
by Swapan Dasgupta
Fiza's Tandav For Jehad

Action Station

Out-sourced Secrets

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LOOKING GLASS

DELHI
Restaurant
Despite the far from "royal" interiors, Royal Palace in Greater Kailash-I serves a delicately spiced Murgh Kali Mirch (chicken with gravy) and a decent Trifle Pudding. "We focus on taste," says V.M. Puri, director, who's set up four Indian eateries in London over 20 years. On offer are introductory discounts to the kitty party crowd and corporates. Meal for two: Rs 500. Telephone: (011) 621-7675/6.
Film Festival
The theme of the European Union Film Festival 2000 is "The City". So the films shown explore modern urban life and relationships. The directors include Gerard Krazczyk of France, Jose Luis Garci of Spain and Teresa Villaverde of Portugal. On in Delhi from October 6-13, the show then travels to Calcutta (October 19-25). Call (011) 462-9237/8.

MUMBAI
Exhibition
This event features 80 artists and runs from October 6 to December 31-but The Miniature Form at Show 2000(c) is also about having Akbar Padamsee, Gogi Saroj Pal, Babu Xavier, Jai Zharotia, Jaidev Thakore and others translating the optimimum-use-of-minimal- space dictum into art. "A small work always draws a viewer close. And this intimacy demands a lot of attention to detail," explains Thakore. Venue: Sans Tache Gallery in Worli. If you can't get to Mumbai, just visit www.sanstache.com to see the entire exhibition. For further details, call (022) 493-5050, 492-4341.

BANGALORE
Food Guide
Sapad Raman, a food guide to some 118 restaurants in Bangalore, has some witty, short reviews on all kinds of food joints: like Sri Shankaranarayana Prasanna Brahmin's Coffee Bar (it serves south Indian food) to Cafe Schorlemmer (German grub) or the desi Kentachy (not Kentucky) Chicken Corner which actually serves hardcore Mangalorean cuisine. Written by local foodie Ajit Saldhana, it's a handy guide for newcomers and old timers in Bangalore. Available at all leading bookstores. Price: Rs 100.

Restaurant

After Delhi, the all-American dining chain TGI Friday's has hit Bangalore's Airport Road. Done up in typical Friday's style-red and white stripes, loud music and over enthusiastic waiters, it's similar to their Delhi branches. Except you get the atmosphere of a Bangalore pub as well as the feel of a coffee house. "Our clients are usually pub-goers, but we plan to target families too," explains gm Jeremy D'Souza. Standard Friday's food: like Potato Skins (served with cheese and bacon). About 20 per cent cheaper than Delhi-meal for two: Rs 600). Call (080) 521-0570.

CHENNAI
Showroom
Confused about Friday dressing? Here's more: Celebrity Group, suppliers to brands like Gap, has set up a men's store, Indian Terrain. "Not formal, but a breakaway from tradition" says MD V. Rajagopal. Shirts cost Rs 800 onwards. Trousers: Rs 900 and up. At TTK Road. Call (044) 498-6790.

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Sets Apart
31-year-old juggling with set design,instalation art and acting.
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Looking Glass
Mumbai: Exhibition

Bangalore: Food Guide

Bangalore: Restaurant

Delhi: Restaurant
Delhi: Film Festival

Chennai: Showroom

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