The Supercrat
Brajesh Mishra, Vajpayee's principal secretary, has emerged as a strong power centre. But his critics say he has bitten off more than he can chew and has become the target of a proxy war against the prime minister.

Going Beyond Square One
India and Pakistan make subtle shifts in their positions on Kashmir, raising hopes of a renewed dialogue and restoration of peace. Much will depend on what happens during Ramzan.

Fifth Column
by Tavleen Singh
Multinational Myths

Prime Movers

Action Manifested

LOOKING GLASS

Mumbai
Restaurant
Bored of homogeneity? Head for Captain Trumpet, Andheri, where chefs have worked overtime to create original South Asian dishes. Like the traditional Indian chilla which gets merged with potatoes, mushrooms, wilted garlic, spinach and sweet and sour vegetables. Or the Madras filter coffee tart served along with pear red wine marmalade. Chef Vikas Oswal challenges Mumbai gastronomes: "People need to be daring to have this kind of food." Meal for two costs Rs 700. Call (022) 8380101 for more details.

BANGALORE
Concert
Fusion freaks shouldn't miss out on this one. Chakra, an integrated music and dance ensemble featuring Amit Heri (guitar), Pravin Godkhindi (flute) Praveen Rao (tabla) and G. Gurumurthy (mridangam), along with the STEM Dance Theatre and Ravi Chary of the Trilok Gurtu Group hope to take Bangaloreans by storm at the Guru Nanak Bhavan, Millers Tank Bund Road, on Wednesday, December 13. Time 7.30 p.m. For more details call (080) 299-4081.

DELHI
Restaurant
You would have expected ethnic interiors for an eatery rustling up red hot Chettinadu cuisine. But the stylised metallic chairs, DJ console, bar counter and techno music at 100 Degrees at Greater Kailash II lend it a very pubbish appearance. To soothe your insides after the spicy curries (including the 100 Degree Special that can be hot indeed!) try the mocktails, and chocolate mousse. A meal for two cost Rs 500. Call 98103-14536 for more details.

Contributed by Natasha Israni, Methil Renuka and Stephen David

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MetroScape
Celebrating India
Trikaya Grey of Delhi and Concept Communication of Mumbai, tied for the top at India Today's "My India My Pride" ad contest. So they were given an equitable deal of Rs 7.5 lakh each.
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Looking Glass

Mumbai: Restaurants

Bangalore: Concert

Delhi: Restaurant

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