The Lost Nation
General Musharraf is on the offensive, wielding unlimited powers and taking on the establishment in a bid to whip a battered nation back into shape. But will he succeed? Plus an exclusive interview with the Pakistan President.

Travels In
Veiled Reality
From an optimistic country to one draped in despondency, it's a journey through a nation transformed.

Candle In Wagah Wind Track II diplomacy, the citizen-led campaign for Indo-Pak peace, has bloated into a virtual industry.

Comeback Drive
After two years in reverse gear and scarred by a dented marketshare, India's largest car maker shifts into top gear. With bold new launches and fresh strategies, it strides back into reckoning to regain part of the lost market.

Steering Under Test Even as Indian rally drivers rev up for overseas competition, motorsport within the country takes a beating. A sport that holds enormous revenue potential for the country is stalled by petty politicking as two rival organisations fight for the right to be called the official governing body.

Spray Of Misery
Crippled bodies and minds is a way of life for many in the villages of north Kerala.

METROSCAPE: LOOKING GLASS

DELHI
Restaurant

Eatopia calls itself a "Food Court and More" offering books to browse, a play pen for children and a cyber cafe. Tucked neatly around the spacious eating area are five speciality kiosks: Granma's Homemade (for authentic bakes), Pahalwan's All India Dhaba (Dosas and Pao Bhaji along with Makhani Dal), Oriental Lee (all that's oriental), Wild Willy (that all-American burger and Mexican food) and Golooji's Chaat Waat (made by gloved hands using mineral water). A quirky, irreverent spirit livens the decor: the dhaba stall is shaped like a truck and Golooji's stall sports a James Bond glow sign with his shikvanji shaken, not stirred. On the anvil are more attractions, like live jazz and caricaturists. At India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road. Call: (011) 468-2222, extension: 3060.

KOLKATA
Restaurant

Finally, a restaurant for single diners and officegoers looking for a quick bite. Ar-han Thai-literally "Thai food"-has a special fixed-lunch menu that targets the single diner: smaller portions, slashed prices. The 50-cover restaurant-bar also has a family room. You'll only find 44 items on the menu though. "That's because we want to educate people about Thai food," says owner Prabhakar Singh. The Kaeng Kung (prawn in red curry) and Kaeng Khieo Waan (chicken in green curry), at Rs 140, are filling. Dinner for two: Rs 400-500 (no drinks). At 31, Bentinck Street. Call (033) 248-9428.

DELHI
Theatre

After a charming solo performance of Willy Russell's Shirley Valentine, Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal presents another evening of laughs. This time the actor-director from Mumbai is directing and performing in a set of five one-act plays by Alan Bennett, Jane Wagner and Robert Anderson, collectively titled Once I Was Young ... Now I'm Wonderful. It's about ageing in a society obsessed with youth, "about how we want to live long but none of us wants to grow old". Cast includes Hosi Vasunia. From July 20 to 22. Call (011) 468-222.

—By Shuchi Sinha, Labonita Ghosh and Anna M.M.Vetticad

MetroScape

Man In The Mirror
You wouldn't have missed the dark, brooding look in the television promos of Amitabh Bachchan's forthcoming psycho-thriller Aks. Credit the film's surreal halo to 40-year-old cinematographer and ad filmmaker Kiran Deohans.
more...

Looking Glass

Delhi Restaurant:
Eatopia

Kolkata Restaurant:
Ar-han Thai

Delhi Theatre:
Once I Was Young ... Now I'm Wonderful

A renewed legal offensive against former Union minister Sukh Ram foils his political plans in Himachal, besides embarrassing the state Government. INDIA TODAY's
Special Correspondent Ramesh Vinayak reports in
Blast From The Past