Feelings March edition

Read Online: www.feelingsmultimedia.com

India + USA Edition

Women • wellness March 2016

•

lifest yle Vol. 3 `50

Women’s Exclusive Kajol Devgan Helen Khan Laxmi Agarwal Sapna bhavnani solo women travellers successful Women entrepreneurs Holi Nostalgia Blast from the past

Alyona Kapoor

The driving force behind the country’s favourite chef

regular Columns + Fashion + Shopping... and more!

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Editor’s Note

Dear Readers, Firstly, a heartfelt thank you to all the readers for their enthusiastic response to our first two inaugural issues. Your encouragement is what will help us continue in our endeavour to bring you content that you would love to read and share.

This month’s issue is dedicated to all the women who make this world a better place, as mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, or friends. What better time to hail the women who are pushing boundaries to explore their potential beyond the limitations of gender, than in the month of March when we celebrate International Women’s Day. In this issue we bring you face to face with Alyona Kapoor, the woman in Sanjeev Kapoor’s life who single-handedly manages the celebrity chef ’s empire; Laxmi Agarwal, the acid attack victim who is today the #FaceOfCourage, while bringing truth to the adage ‘what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger’; And Kaajol, the supersuccessful Bollywood actress who went against every stereotype to become an inspirational icon for women everywhere. And that is but a glimpse of the thought-provoking, inspiring articles contained in this issue. I hope your enjoy reading these articles as much as we have enjoyed putting these together!

I wish all our women readers an empowering Women’s Day.

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Women • wellness March 2016

•

lifest yle Vol. 3

Editor / Publisher Atul Shah

Director Khyati Shah

Executive Director Deepti Dedhia Senior Associate Editor Abid Mohammed

Associate Editor Vijay Rohit Editorial Co-ordinator Nandini Sanan Shankar

Contributors Abhilash Jayachandra, Kashmira Pattni

Columnists Ali Peter John, Sanjay Chhel, Jayesh Chitalia, Mehul Suthar, Bejan Daruwalla, Megha Chitaliya, Yash Bhatt, Jagruti Fadia, Sachira Bapat, Veathika Jain

Heritage Revivalist Jeetendrasingh G Gaekwad Creative Consultants Guru Media Network

Photographer Harshad Jhatakia / Jayendra Jhatakia / Chetan Mistry

Marketing Consultant Arvind Purohit

Legal Advisor M. A. Modi International Associates USA | UK | Canada | Australia | Kenya | Oman | U.A.E | Malaysia

India Associates Delhi | Kolkatta | Chennai | Mumbai | Surat | Vadodara | Ahmedabad | Rajkot | Bhuj Subscription Details In India: ` 700/- (Including courier charges & special issues) For abroad: 100 US $ (Air mail) Cheque / Draft should be made in favour of “FEELINGS MULTIMEDIA LTD.”

Magazine Type

Monthly

Corporate Office: 102-3-104, Pacifi c Plaza, VIP Road, Karelibaug, Vadodara – 390 018. (Gujarat) India Phone: +91 (265) 2489477 Mobile: +91 97129 45133 / 98253 28488 Email: editorial@feelingsmultimedia.com, info@feelingsmultimedia.com Web: www.feelingsmultimedia.com Feelings Multimedia takes no responsibilty for unsolicited photographs or material.

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PUBLISHED FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH, 2016.

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Contents March 2016 34 Cover story

Alyona Kapoor The woman behind the man

inspiring women

Special features

40 Kajol The actress talks about her evolving craft and motherhood

14 H oli Ali Peter John reminisces about the legendary Holi celebrations at RK Studios

44 Helen A living legend, ahead of her times

32 O rdinarily extraordinary 8 Jain youngsters give up a life of luxury to embrace a lifestyle of simplicity

48 Laxmi agarwal The acid attack victim who is today a brand ambassador 52 Sneha Sharma Racer India’s fastest woman racer 53 Sucheta Pal India’s leading Zumba trainer 54 Jennifer Kapasi India sales and marketing head of of Triumph, world’s no1 lingierie brand 55 D r Jayshree todkar Asia’s leading bariatric surgeon 58 Sapna Bhavnani Leading celebrity hair-stylist and her path breaking initiative, PATHShala 60 Shruti Sancheti Leading fashion designer

40 44

72 Travelling solo Sneha Sharma, Veathika Jain and Catalina Pavel share their experiences 80 I conic women There are some women who never go out of fashion! Feelings celebrates their timeless grace.

96 H eritage Spotlight on Prince and Painter Raja Ravi Verma

Women Entrepreneurs 66 Ritika Nangia The woman who is changing the party rules

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68 ekta sethi On how she empowers women through her brand 69 Archana Kumar Talks about gender equality at the work place 70 Rupali Gupta Is promoting Indian culture through style

interviews 62 H amiska Iyer 64 Sujata Maujmdar

90

regulars 18 B ollywood Buzz The inside news from Tinsel town 22 A round Town The lastest happenings 24 S hopping Best money can buy 90 F ashion Refreshing March fashion 100 e vents -Nepal Fashion Week Panche Runway coverage

78 Rupali Suri

104 D ream house Living in style

columns

108 Dining out Mirchi and Mime, the restaurant that’s making waves

20 Humour

By Sanjay Chhel, Bollywood film writer and director

110 Recipes Alyona Kapoor picks her favourite

28 Legal Eagle

By Megha Chitaliya, A.G.P., Gujarat High Court and a renowned social activist

114 Campus Talk A unique event was organised at the CC Mehta Auditorium in Vadodara.

30 Smart Money

By Jayesh Chitalia, financial journalist,

116 B ook Review Leisure reading

86 Guru Mantra

By Nidhi Chaitanya, a monk with Chinmaya Mission, and a Corporate Speaker

118 Fortune Teller Your monthly horoscope by Bejan Daruwala

88 Body and Soul

By Sachira Bapat, alternative healer

122 twitter World Whats tweeting

106 Tech Talk

By Yash Bhatt “Tech Guru” of CNBC Awaaz

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Letters to the Editor what struck me most is the range of articles and their relevance in the current milieu.

Of particular note is the article on Women pilots. It was very informative and interesting. I was not aware of airlines hiring women pilots, so it was heartwarming to hear that India is one of the top countries to hire women pilots.

Magazines like this, and stories like these, increase awareness and empower us through the power of words.

Looking forward to the next issue Shruti Dave, Ahemdabad

The cover story of Saira Banu’s love for her husband, Dilip Kumar, is monumental. To see someone this devoted to their partner is not only heartwarming, but also very encouraging, and beautiful.

It is nice to learn about how Mrs. Saira Banu has taken care of her husband throughout his Alzheimer’s. It is almost heart-rending to learn about the legend’s condition. A very well written and thought provoking read.

I wish him all the best.

Varsha Shah, US This is my first experience with your magazine and I must say I found it invigorating and refreshing. Excellent use of colours, models, and props, as well as a delightful variety of topics, exquisitely arranged.

It feels like the whole package.

Keep it up!!

Palak Sharma, Lucknow.

A splendid start to a fantastic magazine! I was actually halfway through reading the magazine when I realised that it was the second issue. I immediately went out and brought myself a copy of the first issue too.

While the arrangement of the magazine is worth noting,

I was very happy to read your last issue. I loved the easy to make waffles recipes. As the foodie cook in our family, I connected with the idea of quick bite— specially with three kids screaming at my ankles!

They loved the food and I loved the magazine. Looking forward to more great cooking tips.

Narayani Raval, Vadodara.

It was good to see Harbhajan’s wedding pictures. Geeta Basra looked so pretty in the wedding dress. God bless the newly wedded couple. Congratulations to the magazine as well. Well done.

Bhavna Devnath, Nagpur.

WRITE TO US

Do write in and tell us what you think, at editorial@feelingsmultimedia.com Letters should include the writer’s full name, address and phone number. Letters maybe edited for clarity and space

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Feature

Holi is no longer what it was once…

Ali Peter John reminisces about the legendary Holi celebrations at RK Studios

T

he first time I heard about the Holi celebrations at R. K. Studios was from “Guru”, K. A. Abbas, who Raj Kapoor considered his ‘voice and conscience’. He told me about the Holi revelry, the flow of imported liquor and “bhang”, the food festival and the ‘Holi kuaan’ (well) that was a permanent fixture in the compound of R.K. Studios. Everyone had to take a dip or they were forcibly flung into it, exactly like a colourful scene from one of Raj Kapoor’s films. I first read about this Holi celebration in Screen, at a time when it was sold for just 25 paise. I had got a free copy thanks to my neighbour, Pandeyji, a driver who used to distribute copies of the magazine all over Mumbai. I wondered then what it would feel like to be a part of the grand celebration. Little did I know that I would be working in Screen one day and my Holi dream would come true!

I always felt I was doing a strange job when I was sent to cover wedding receptions, funerals, chauthas,

meetings and conferences. Some of these events excited me and some didn’t. But, I remember my excitement the day my chief reporter, R. M. Kumtakar told me that I was selected by the editor, Mr. S. S. Pillai to cover the Holi festivities at R. K. I was still an apprentice, under observation for a year, and felt honored to be chosen to cover such a major event during my early months at Screen. Mr. Kumtakar, a veteran at covering the festival warned me not to wear good clothes or a wrist watch, not even good footwear! I followed his advice very seriously, wondering what the next day had in store for me.

I reached R. K. and was surprised when the huge security guards allowed me to enter without any questions. Once inside, I saw an unrecognisable, multicoloured form of a man. Before I could even try to place him, he came racing towards me, embraced me and without a word just lifted me, ran towards a well and flung me into it. It was my first experience and

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what an experience it was! I remember how I tumbled thrice in the well and was gasping for breath, when the same man pulled me out and shouted ‘Holi Hai’. It was his voice that gave him away. It was Rishi Kapoor with a bottle of beer in his hands, my first friend from the Kapoor family. He immediately covered me with a huge, dry towel, then led me to a bar and pushed two bottles of beer into my hands, saying, “Just gulp these down and you will feel on top of the world”. I followed his advice like a desperate patient would follow his doctor. Finishing the two bottles, I grabbed two more and followed it with some glasses of what I later came to know was whisky. Suddenly, I was no longer scared, or wanting to run out of the Studio. I was shouting and singing and jumping and falling into the well and coming out of it all on my own! It was also the first time I realised the power of alcohol, of how it could change ‘a good boy’ who wanted to be a priest into the cousin of the devil. I looked around and felt like I was on another planet, where humans had undergone a big transformation!

It was in the midst of my madness that I suddenly realised that I was on duty and had to report what had happened during the celebration. Trying my best to return to normal, I saw the great showman, Raj Kapoor and his wife Krishna sitting in huge chairs like the king and the queen of a kingdom of endless fun. Almost the entire industry walked in, touched the showman’s feet and then joined the crowd who were all going totally mad. I saw the world renowned Kathak dancer, Sitara Devi dancing exclusively for Raj Kapoor, for more than an hour. She was joined by Joginder

Singh, the famous Bhangra dancer from Punjab who danced as if there was no tomorrow. Raj Kapoor was growing old and was drunk to his gills, even as he went on downing one large peg after another. Soon I saw Randhir Kapoor being carried away by four people and put into a Mercedes to be driven home. It was later that I realised that he was always the first to get drunk at any festival, party or occasion. The celebrations went on till late in the evening. I celebrated three more Holis at R. K. and Randhir Kapoor, the spokesperson of the family accepted me as one of them. There was not any event in the family to which I was not invited, and I am honoured to still have the same privilege.

But, like all good things come to an end, the R. K. Holi which was as eagerly awaited as Diwali or Dusshera had also come to an end. Raj Kapoor fell seriously ill during the shooting of Ram Teri Ganga Maili, the last film he directed. He won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award but was so sick that the President, Mr. R Venkatraman broke protocol to walk down to where Raj Kapoor was sitting with his wife Krishna, and presented him with the award.

The showman collapsed on the spot and was rushed to the Escorts Hospital in New Delhi, owned by the Nandas (Raj’s eldest daughter Ritu was married into the Nanda family). He fought a grim battle to survive, but the curtain came down on one of the most colourful chapters of Hindi cinema. His death brought about many changes at R. K, one of the most drastic being the Kapoors calling off Holi celebrations for all times to come. Today, only the dry well stands there as if in an endless state of mourning for the glorious past.

Before I could even try to place him, he came racing towards me, embraced me and without a word just lifted me, ran towards a well and flung me into it..

Years later, the title of ‘The Showman’ was handed over to Subhash Ghai.

He followed the greatest

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Feature showman in everything he did during his lifetime. He made big films with big stars, he made box-office history and his parties were as talked about as the parties of the original showman. He started his own celebrations of Holi at his bungalow in Madh Island. It took on the same colour as the celebrations at R. K, with the entire Industry as guests and even some from outside. But these celebrations also came to a stop, apparently because of some threats to Subhash Ghai and for other reasons best known to him. Randhir Kapoor, one of the regulars there once said, “I come here because I feel I am coming to one of my father’s parties on this auspicious day of Holi. This man truly is the inheritor of the title of the Showman”. It was one of the best compliments Subhash Ghai received, he says.

spirit has been dampened by the atrocities that our city faced on 26/11. In its wake it is very difficult to exhibit any kind of jubilation.

Professional work is understandable, but to indulge in any kind of excesses doesn’t go well with the mood of the time. My elders would not have recommended this and that is why we have refrained from such celebrations.”

Amitabh becomes nostalgic when he remembers the Holis right from the time he was a little boy in Allahabad, down to the last one he celebrated when his mother was alive.

Yash Chopra too had his own private Holi celebration at ‘Aditodaya’ (named after his two sons, Aditya and Uday) his bungalow in Juhu, where he invited members of his family and some very close friends. His celebration was as grand as any other, but it was not open as a public festival for one and all. Now, with his passing away, they have also come to a standstill. I wonder if Holi will be the same again in the industry, which is gradually more of an industry than the one big family it was.

The Bachchan party could be likened to one thrown by the Nawabs and Maharajas, so was the opinion of everyone who walked out from there.

Then it was the time of the Bachchans. Amitabh Bachchan decided to celebrate Holi in the large compound of ‘Prateeksha’. Days before Holi both Amitabh and Jaya personally invited everyone to the celebrations. Amitabh and the entire Bachchan family personally welcomed every guest and took care of them.

The Bachchan party could be likened to one thrown by the Nawabs and Maharajas, so was the opinion of everyone who walked out from there. The highlight was his mother, Mrs. Teji Bachchan, dancing even when she was ninety, especially her trying to dance with the hijdas outside. However, the Bachchans’ celebration lasted the shortest time because because of threats to his life. The first time it was cancelled when his father, Dr. Harivanshrai Bachchan passed away. The second time it was because of his mother passing away and the third was because of the terror attack on Mumbai in 1993. Talking about his decision, he says, “The joyous

More and more, festivals like Holi and Diwali that were celebrated by all castes, creeds and communities are losing their charm and colour, to be celebrated just because it is another box to tick. They are now events where people meet to build contacts. The older generation is too old to celebrate Holi the way they used to, and the new generation doesn’t want to take the risk of ruining their complexions! They would rather not get involved with hectic preparations and prefer to celebrate in hotels, pubs, discos or in five star hotels. Holi is planned out for them by event managers and with that we risk losing out on age old traditions. Perhaps, it is time to think, to make Holi a holy day once again. n

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Bollywood Buzz

NO SMOKING

The quirky antismoking ad with the unique casting of Sunny Leone, Alok Nath and Deepak Dobriyal is finally out!.

The sensuous Sunny Leone is playing a Haryanvi for the first time. Bollywood’s rising star comedian, Deepak Dobriyal, is playing a man on his death bed and the legendary Alok Nath is a key character causing a twist in the plot.

Short series ‘Love Life & Screw Ups’ to be directed by Kapil Sharma

Akshay to play Rustom

Akshay Kumar will play a Parsi Navy Officer in Rustom, a romantic thriller. The film is directed by Tinu Suresh Desai. Akshay said it gave him immense pride to portray a man from this peace loving community.

Love Life & Screw Ups!!! is a fun filled comedy series which also marks Zeenat Aman’s debut on digital space. She is playing a super glam spinster, Joanna, who is full of life and fun. Since the last three months, Zeenat has been on a strict diet and rigorously working out to get in right shape for the super glam role. It is also the debut of Kapil Kaustubh Sharma, actor and writer of 11 international award winning film Dunno Y Na Jaane Kyun. Though Zeenat was unsure about going digital but was hooked when she heard the concept, even remarking that “this could have been a movie!” Kapil will commence shooting in a start-tofinish schedule in a few weeks. The show will be aired with English subtitles keeping the global audience in mind. It will also star eight youngsters.

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Mandana Karimi is here to stay!

Though Mandana Karimi is an Iranian actress and model based in India, she wants to be a part and parcel of Bollywood. She was the 2nd runner up in the popular reality TV show, Bigg Boss 9. While she has worked on various international modelling projects, in India, she has done TV commercials with Shahrukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor. Her debut film was Roy. She also appeared in the films Bhaag Johnny and Main Aur Charles, where she played the role of Charles Sobraj’s assistant and Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, a sex comedy.

Jimmy Sheirgill starrer Shortcut Safaari unveils its trailer

The much awaited jungle adventure film, Shortcut Safaari, unveiled its trailer at a star studded evening. Lead actor, Jimmy Sheirgill was present with the Director of the film, Amitabha Singh along with singers Shaan and Sadhana Sargam. The highlight of the event was the presence of children from the star cast of the film.The two minute trailer captures the essence of the film showcasing a group of urban children embarking on an extraordinary journey as they find themselves stranded in a jungle. In pursuit of finding a way out of the jungle, the children get to interact with nature and understand its value in life. Jimmy Sheirgill said, “This role is very different from whatever I have done in the past. As soon as I heard the script, I immediately agreed to come on board. Our cinema is totally devoid of content for children. Shortcut Safaari is not just a film for children but a learning experience for them as well. The film will help children to reconnect with the environment which is the need of the hour.”

John Abraham’s tribute to Sylvester Stallone !

Bollywood’s posterboy, John Abraham, has never made qualms in admitting that he has painstakingly worked on his physique, which today is considered his biggest USP. It comes as no surprise that the actor’s idol is none other than Sylvester Stallone. In fact, John has watched the entire Rocky IV over 100 times and film was truly a catalyst in getting him to be an actor. Says John, “Sylvester Stallone is the reason I got into films. I still remember being awestruck when I watched Rocky IV on the big screen for the first time. I wanted to be like him, the underdog with a tough exterior and a soft heart”. John Abraham now pays tribute to his idol with his upcoming film Rocky Handsome, which will have loads of action like never seen before and for which he built a body that would do justice to his role in the film. Adds John, “For me, just him watching Rocky Handsome would be validation enough that I exist in this industry because of him”. Not too long ago Sylvester Stallone stated that John was more jacked (in better shape) than Stallone ever was.

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Moods and Masti

“What’s so funny”,

she asks!

Sanjay Chhel wonders about women and their sense of humour, and if men and women have different funny bones

G

Sanjay Chhel is a well known Bollywood film writer and director

od created Man. Man got bored alone. So, God created woman.

God asked man what he would want in the woman. Man replied saying that the woman should be beautiful and loving, in that order, and should also possess a tremendous sense of humour.

God was flustered, “All of this?

In one woman? Well, there is a tradeoff here. You may get such a woman but in exchange for one of your hands and also a leg.” Now that was not quite acceptable to the man. He thought and offered one of his ribs instead. God said he would manage. Lo and behold, woman was given to him, just as he had imagined, but for the sense of humour. A rib of course is not equal to two limbs, so what do you expect, after all?

Quoting noted poet Jaan Nisar Akhtar on the beauty of a woman: Seena, zulfein, naak, kamar! Ek nari mein kitne bhanwar?

The lines could probably be modified to: Seena, zulfein, naak, kamar! Par kahaan gayi sense of humour?

One often comes across women in love cooing about their men.

Something like, “Oh, my Gawd! He is so so cute and loving. And the best part is, he is sooo funny,” and here she caresses her hair, almost fantasising about the man in her life. You wonder if she is talking about that dimwitted nincompoop that you know. The puzzle doesn’t seem to fit. Reverse the situation now and ask the man about his woman. “Oh yeah, she’s cute. And, the best part is that she does not just depend on me, phew! Blah, blah.” But, it would be rare to hear, “Oh, my woman? Whoa! What a sense of humour she possesses!”

Ever wondered why? It’s because such a woman simply does not exist! Period. And if a man is heard talking about his woman’s sense of humour, he would be dismissed on the pretext of having lost it. Yes, it’s true. It would be quite a surprise if a woman and a sense of humour go together.

Men feel that being funny is the way to a woman’s heart and that they have no choice but to resort to humour to win a woman over. They often use it as a courtship ritual, perhaps trying to make up for what they think is their shortcoming; their appearance vis-a-vis the woman’s.

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If a man succeeds in relaxing a woman and making her smile with his comic timing, it is a sign of the woman thawing and warming up to the man. And if he is rewarded with full-throated laughter, head thrown backwards, then it makes him do a little victory jig!

Women on the other hand need no such skills to attract a man. They are natural magnets attracting their opposites wherever they are placed. Their magnetic field lies in an involuntary flutter of the eye or an absent-minded shift of the clothes. This is enough to send men whizzing into another orbit. But coming back to the sense of humour: maybe God was confused or maybe he really had a plan. The Stanford University’s School of Medicine recently performed an experiment, where, seventy cartoons were shown to ten men and ten women. They were asked to number them in order of their “funniness”. While the men responded to the punch lines, women were oblivious to them. They numbered the pictures using the process of elimination, i.e., they went by the un-funniness of each of the pictures shown!

Research shows that the prefrontal cortex in a woman is highly activated due to which they pay more attention to routine events and situations. Men are supposed to have compartments, separate and disconnected from the other, whereas a woman’s brain is intricately wired, with multiple connections. So the multi-tasking woman expertly points out the non-humourous

content emanating from the man’s compartmentalised brain, who on the other hand can see nothing funnier! Maybe that’s why women make good critics, though men may want to hold the mantle high to prove their intelligence. Yet, it takes Stanford to say that most women fail to catch the humour in a situation or a sentence. Mind you, it is not a figment of my imagination!

“ Witticism is an epitaph on the death of a feeling” - Nietzsche Strangely, men may laugh at any kind of humour, at times displaying their stupidity while women tend to be choosy (maybe they don’t get the humour in all situations?). This is proven by the fact that there are more male stand-up comedians and more male writers in the humour genre.

Dorothy Parker, Nora Ephron, Whoopie Golberg, Lucille Ball, Juhi Chawla and Sridevi’s of the world are exceptions, but well, there are exceptions to every rule. There are no women yet, to rival Charlie Chaplin, Jim Carey, P G Wodehouse or closer home, Mehmood, Kishore Kumar or Hindi satirist, Sharad Joshi. The reason could also be a lack of inhibition.

A comical rendition demands complete abandon, an absolute freedom of expression which the

woman, so conditioned by society, may find difficult to achieve. Also, a woman’s perception of beauty acts as a hindrance if she contorts her face, body or language in an attempt to be funny. Overt gestures and mannerisms are the widely accepted modes of serving humour, albeit conducive to a male humourist.

At the risk of sounding antifeminist, I would like to say that the business of humour is male specific. As Nietzsche said, “Witticism is an epitaph on the death of a feeling”. The man proves this time and again by underplaying his emotions in an attempt to play well his role of the macho provider. He’d rather treat life as a joke, braving all odds without taking to heart the trials and tribulations he faces. His humour is his defense mechanism as opposed to a woman who wears her emotions on her sleeve.

She may seem the more delicate of the species, affected by every incident, yet comes out stronger without the crutch of humour diluting it all. She works her way around logically and spiritually.

Who needs humour when evolution is the maxim. Many a cartoon strip shows a male, facing the brunt of something un-rectifiable. Never a woman though, who is not able to find a solution or arrive at a conclusion.

Maybe women are the stronger sex, after all Man: Woman, without her man, is nothing Woman: Woman! Without her, man is nothing n Feelings March 2016 | 21

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Around Town

Charmi Shah’s ‘Coast Of Style’ debut collection launched Charmi showcased 32 of her best designs from her first set of collection ‘Côte d’Azur’ inspired by the French Indian art work on the ramp.

Yiamas – The Experimental Space launched in Mumbai

Art of living store launched in Delhi The Art of Living Store was recently launched in Delhi, with an exhibition from Madhurya.

The store presents a collateral exhibition to the March 2016 World Culture Festival of the Art of Living, showcasing unique “Art of Living” merchandise products such as books, CDs, Ayurvedic products, gift items, organic clothes, jute bags, sarees, dupattas, jewellery, metal artefacts.

Yiamas, is the only experimental space in Mumbai which presents itself as a empty canvas; free to viewers’ interpretation- A space that; gives you the opportunity to weave stories to compliment your memories.

From conferences, product launches to bespoke fashion pop ups, photo expos or a private celebrations Yiamas can be transformed to whatever your vision maybe.

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Art of Living World Culture Festival 2016 Over 35,000 artists from around the world performed on the 7-acre stage, exhibiting their talent to echo the message of unity in diversity.

The World Culture Festival brought together a multitude of cultures from across the globe to celebrate 35 years of the Art of Living

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Shopping

What’s in

A look at the latest in stores

Eternal Love Impress your loved one with the perfect token of affection, a ring crafted with Forevermark diamonds.

Price on request www.forevermark.com

chic fountain An exquisite collection of cast Iron products to beautify your home with the perfect combination of aesthetics, style and luxury!

Rs 7,999 Available at www.

ArtandDecors.com

Quality sound Advent launched its all new Bluetooth Headset, the Echo Phonz BT 500. It comes with FM, mini USB charging interface and a micro SD slot of upto 16GB. Rs 1,999 Available on all leading online stores

Spring / Summer 2016 Collection Indianink waves it’s magical wand to bring forth the best of styles & designs that compliments the lustrous hues of this bright & beautiful season. Crop tops, palazzos, kaftans tops, dresses, tunics, kurtas, pants, shirts (printed & plains) & CKD’s make an apt fashion statement for summer.

Price on request www.indian-ink.com

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INNOVATIVE GIFTS There’s quiet nothing like giving someone a token of love they can see every day as a part of their home décor.

Rs 1,199 onwards www.giftsbymeeta.com

Now In India Maserati Time, Swiss Military Watches by Chrono and Jacques Lemans Watches have been launched exclusively

by India’s leading watch distributor, Skybird Inc. Available in all leading stores Museum collection OBEETEE, the largest handmade rug makers in India and one of the oldest hand woven rug companies in the world has unveiled its latest collection.

Rs 5,999 onwards www.obeetee.com

GET SNACKING! Naturell India Pvt. Ltd. launches India’s first ever protein chipsRiteBite Max Protein. This extruded (Hot Air Puffed), snack is available in 3 flavours –Cheese & Jalapeno, Spanish Tomato & Minty Chaat.

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Shopping

Luxurious Lingerie The bridal lace collection is specially crafted to make a woman look flawless. It features contrast color, two tone lace with a sparking diamond motif in the center. You can choose from seductive black or racy red as this beautiful lace style is designed to offer the perfect balance of sensual and feminine attributes of a woman.

The Magic Wire’s ingenious new cup design features a soft, flexible built-in silicon wire that provides all the support of a traditional metal wire, without the irritating discomfort or digging in pressure that so often occurs with standard under wire bras.

Price on request Available at major large format stores in India

Surprise yourself An exclusive service of handpicked goodies by a team of specialised in-house stylists that is delivered to your doorstep at the end of every month.

Price on request www.sugarbox.in

handcrafted luxury These handcrafted clutches and potlis from TarusaWorld are made using traditional thread embroidery with deep royal colours as a canvas.

Price on request www.tarusaworld.com

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Legal Eagle

Sexual harassment What constitutes a sexual crime? Can you file a complaint for eve teasing? Megha Chitaliya tells you your legal rights on the subject

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Megha Chitaliya is A.G.P., Gujarat High Court and a renowned social activist

rime against women is reportedly increasing in India and a large number of women continue to face various forms of harassment in public places. The fact that certain behaviour is thought of as harmless eve-teasing does not reduce its gravity as an offence – it remains equally punishable under the Indian Penal Code as sexual harassment.

What may then be defined as sexual harassment? It may be best described as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. This wide ranging definition would encompass verbal, non-verbal, physical or any other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.

Verbal sexual harassment includes demands/requests for sexual favours, sexually coloured remarks and any other verbal expression intended to outrage a woman’s modesty. This would also include spreading rumours about a person’s sex life. Non-verbal sexual harassment would include gestures such as staring at a person, blocking a person’s path, following the person, showing sexually suggestive visuals and making suggestive gestures intended to outrage the modesty of a woman.

Stalking a person would also

amount to harassment – for instance, by asking a person out for dates despite being refused or by pestering a person using ‘missed calls’ (or any other attempts at establishing contact). This would especially be so if such attempts were to create a fear of violence or distress in the mind of the person being stalked.

In addition, watching or recording a woman engaged in any act of private nature where she would have the expectation of not being watched would also be punishable.

In the known case of RupanDeol Bajaj v. Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, a complaint was filed in 1996 against a police officer (K.P.S Gill) for offences punishable under sections 354 and 509 of Indian Penal Code. In the facts of this case, the complainant (an IAS officer), was invited to a dinner party where K.P.S Gill (the DG Police) was also present. Mr. Gill allegedly slapped the complainant’s posterior, leading to the filing of an FIR by the complainant.

While the said FIR was quashed by the High Court of Punjab & Haryana at the defendant’s instance, this order was challenged by the complainant before the Supreme Court. Considering the nature of

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the allegations and the parties involved, the Supreme Court took cognizance of the gravity of the offence and directed the competent court to decide the case on its merits. Finally, in 2005, K.P.S Gill was sentenced to pay Rs. 2 lakh as compensation to the complainant and was put on a year’s probation.

In another case, a minor girl was known to be sexually abused by her brother-in-law. The family members, however, chose not to proceed against the brother-inlaw fearing that a stigma would attach to the victim as well as the family (which was keen to marry the elder daughter). This is the unfortunate situation prevailing in Indian society where often enough

The society as a whole must actively fight against sexual harassment, using the effective legal tools at their disposal cases are not brought against the offenders (who at times are family members) due to lack of legal resources and the fear of social stigma.

In another shocking case in 1966, State of Punjab v. Maj. Singh, the accused injured the private

parts of a girl child only a few months old. In defending himself, the accused contended that a child could not have developed a sense of modesty in a few months and he therefore could not have outraged her modesty! However, the Supreme Court held that the child’s modesty was an attribute of her gender and existed since her very birth and sentenced the accused to rigorous imprisonment along with a fine.

The laws on sexual harassment are thus extremely strict with the Supreme Court having taken a very serious view of cases in its purview. The society as a whole must actively fight against sexual harassment, using the effective legal tools at their disposal. n Feelings March 2016 | 29

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Smart Money

From smart savers to

smart investors

Money is not just a responsibility, it is an opportunity; but, only for those who are looking for one. Jayesh Chitalia, financial journalist, writes about saving and investing at the right time especially for women

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hile several women have excelled in the financial sector, the number of women in stock trading has been abysmally low. Colloquially, women are referred to as the home ministers, suggesting their important contribution in running a household, but now it is high time their inherent strength in the finance sector is unearthed.

Jayesh Chitalia is a renowned financial journalist

Despite the fact that they play an important role in preparing and implementing the budget of the family while managing the household, their knowledge and say in investment related issues has been low. Their involvement here should definitely be increased, considering challenges like inflation and future financial contingencies.

All women should think of investments with the perspective of creating wealth for their families. In present times when savings in the bank and small savings schemes are insufficient to meet the growing needs of families, investments with larger returns can be a saving grace!

Women as smart investor Women are inherently better shoppers than men. While it may be that sometimes, some women splurge on a few things which may not really be required, these shoppers would typically be from well-to-do families. The women folk of the middle class are expert savers. They have an exceptional ability to select and bargain while buying things. They like to negotiate and make smart, informed purchases, irrespective of their value. If this is so, why should they not be given an opportunity to buy the best stocks at the best prices? Thanks to their cautious approach, they are bound to take wise decisions while buying equity.

This inborn quality can easily help women become smart investors.

Women as disciplined investor As discussed earlier, women are a disciplined lot as far as savings are concerned. A housewife can manage household expenses with whatever is earned by the head of the family. There are some women who actively contribute to the household income through

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some part-time occupation from home. While they know when and where to spend, they also know how to cut down on unnecessary expenses. Traditionally, women have been regular investors of small savings schemes of the postal department and the recurring deposits of the banks. This type of investment is generally facilitated by their disciplined approach. The same virtue can help them make small, but regular investments in equity.

This approach will enable them to earn more returns than through small savings. The equity investment is considered to be less risky over a long period of time, say three to five years.

Women can opt for the SIP route of mutual funds for making investments in equity, SIP being the best and the safest option for regular and disciplined investment in stocks.

To be a financially independent woman As we know, proper management of money, if not more, is equally important as earning money.

To expect that a son will take care of his parents in their old age, can lead to disaster For a working woman, merely earning and spending money is not an ideal situation; its proper investment, one which she can fall back on during old age, is necessary. Appropriate planning of the income and expenses and then some savings and investments will always help in the long run. Apart from economics, the social dynamics are also changing as more and more families are becoming nuclear. To expect that a son will take care of his parents in their old age, can lead to disaster. A wise woman should save and invest money intelligently now, for peace of mind that is long lasting. n

Financial self-help for women 1) Make entries of daily expenses in a diary. It will automatically lead to savings.

2) Inculcate the habit of saving among your kids. Children learn by observing their parents.

3) Prepare a concrete budget for the family which can help in avoiding unnecessary expenses.

4) Prioritize expenses and note down financial goals, like meeting expenses for a marriage or education of a child or expenses for illnesses, retirement, etc.

5) An investment as low as Rs. 100 can be made every month. It can be increased as and when surplus is available.

6) Try to get knowledge about the stock market from the media, such as newspapers, news channels and websites. The stock market is an ideal destination for systematic investors. Stay away from speculative activities in the stock market.

7) Do not get lured by the promise of higher returns. Do your homework or this can prove to be catastrophic.

8) Financial knowledge is of utmost importance for one’s financial independence.

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Feature

Ordinarily Extraordinary 8 youngsters give up a life of luxury to embrace a lifestyle of simplicity

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t is quite common to see our youth aping the western world and their beliefs. Sometimes to an extent where they have lost not only their faith but also the pride that comes with embracing one’s own identity.

We celebrate several western “festivals” like Chocolate Day, Friendship’s Day, and of course, Valentine’s Day. In an age where such occasions are celebrated with much gusto by one and all, there is one sect that has managed to instill and cultivate a deep-seated regard for oneself and for the love of God – the Jain Sect.

Just recently, on 14th February, 2016, Shree Bhagwati Jain Diksha Mahotsav was held in Borivali, Mumbai.

Held under the patronage of Jain monk Rashtrasant Pujya Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb, the event witnessed eight youngsters embrace the vows of Bhagwati Jain Diksha. Jain Diksha is a life of complete renunciation, a path propounded by all the 24 Tirthankars in Jain tradition and brought forth to our era by the last Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir. The 5 vows of Jain Ascetic life include Non-Violence, Truth, Non-Stealing, Celibacy and Non-Possessiveness, which these youngsters adopted with great enthusiasm and a deep-rooted sense of gratitude in their hearts for Pujya Gurudev.

Pujya Gurudev has always been revered for his contribution to the faith, given his penchant for helping each and every individual find their true purpose. His constant support and encouragement, his ability to decipher the essence of wisdom spelt in Lord Mahavir’s Aagam Scriptures and propound it in a way that youngsters can connect with, has been instrumental in

making him a guiding light for today’s youngsters on the path of Dharma & Spirituality.

It is with Pujya Gurudev’s blessed guidance that these eight youngsters have chosen to advance in their spiritual journey, on a day when the whole world was caught up in the throes of ‘showing’ their love to loved ones.

Under his visionary tutelage, they initiated their journey as renunciates and embraced a monastic life of thrifting, sacrifice, and devotion. The eight renunciates include Mitul Mehta (IT Engineer), Akhil Doshi, Dr. Pooja Vegda (M.B.B.S), Shreya Shah (Textile Designer), Mona Fofaria (Advocate), Tannvi Desai (Chartered Accountant), Jigisha Doshi and Kinjal Doshi. The extent of their sacrifice goes beyond words when seen in the light of what they were leaving behind – affluent families, a privileged upbringing, professional education, aspirations and a life of plenty. To have seen through all of this and focus on a life of purity and service is what makes this the ultimate sacrifice.

The veneration for such a great sacrifice was the key focus of the celebrations, which spanned over a whole week. Functions were held day and night on all days, before the final Diksha ritual took place on 14th February.

What made this occasion even more special was that all the sub-sects of Jainism came together to prepare for the grandeur and divinity of this event. Over 30,000 Jains rallied together to witness the 10 hour spectacle; either as volunteers, patrons or sponsors. Praising the efforts of the community and honouring the renunciates, Pujya Gurudev said, ‘Giving up a life of want, need and greed; these eight Diksharthis are going to set foot on a tough, but courageous path. I truly believe that with their sense of ethics and their unwavering surrender to the Divine,

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Mitul Mehta: Param Pujya Shree Vinamramuni Maharaj Saheb

Shreya Shah: Pujya Shree Param Sanmitraji Mahasatiji

Jigisha Doshi: Pujya Shree Param Rujutaji Mahasatiji

Akhil Doshi: Param Pujya Shree Pavitramuni Maharaj Saheb

Mona Fofaria: Pujya Shree Param Aamanyaaji Mahasatiji

Kinjal Doshi: Pujya Shree Param Rushitaji Mahasatiji

they will bring glory to Jainism in the coming years.’

Hailing them as the ‘Eight Warriors’, he wished them success in the journey of their inner battle. The chosen eight were under his mentorship for several years, learning how to live an ascetic life and preparing themselves for the Final Step. Only when he was convinced of their resolve, did he grant them the permission to adopt Diksha.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of 108+ Sadhu-Sadhivijis, who imparted their blessings to the 8 youngsters and welcomed them into the ascetic life. As they bid adieu to their worldly life, their words were filled with emotions of immense Vairagya Bhaav (dispassion towards the world), which touched one and all present in the audience of 35000+ people. Finally, after completing the Varshidaan Yatra (where they dispose all their belongings to the public), they underwent a complete transformation of their identity. They shaved their heads and adorned white ascetic robes.

As they ascended the stage after this phenomenal transformation, the audience expressed with an uproar of joy, excitement and veneration. They were then bestowed

Dr. Pooja Vegda: Pujya Shree Param Asmitaji Mahasatiji

Tannvi Desai: Pujya Shree Paran Sanidhyaaji Mahasatiji

> 16000+ youngsters at the event > 1.75 crores+ announced for Jivdaya > 108+ sadhus and sadhvis present > 30,000 visitors at the 10 hour long event > 40 lakh + visitors through live telecast and webcast

with the auspicious Diksha Vow and Rajoharan (a symbol of non-violence and asceticism) by Pujya Gurudev himself. With the Jain Diksha ritual concluded, the renunciates were given new names to venerate their new station in life.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Housing, Labour and Mining (Maharashtra), Shri Prakash Mehta, who quoted, ‘The power to make a difference to life, the world and creation, lies with one and all, but it is blessed to succeed with the guidance of an able guru.’

Also, honoring the event with their presence were BJP MP Shri Gopal Shetty, Gondal leader Shri Pravin Kothari, Shri Magan Doshi of the Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Community and other political and industrial luminaries.

On completion of the Diksha ceremony, when someone asked Renunciate Kinjal Doshi how she would feel if she got left behind on the spiritual path, she replied with utmost clarity and with what can only be a sign of an evolved soul, “Races, success and failures are concepts that apply only to this world. On the path of divinity, only the walking and the walker matters!” n

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Cover Story

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Rock solid

support

‘Behind every successful man is a woman’ is an axiom used quite often. And who can be a better example of this than Sanjeev Kapoor’s wife and business partner, Alyona Kapoor! With her tranquil demeanour and positive outlook towards life, she has not only played a pivotal role in her husband’s personal and professional life, but also created her own identity.

Abid Mohammed talks to the powerhouse behind the country’s favourite chef

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anjeev Kapoor’s better half, Alyona Kapoor, is not only the driving force in his life at home, but also at work. As director of the Food Food channel, she is involved in the day-to-day functioning of the channel;whether to do with new shows or finance, she gives her feedback both as a woman and a viewer. She plays a pivotal role in the venture. Her prime contribution is that she is always there for the channel, managing it alongside her husband, Sanjeev, who leads a hectic life. As he travels most of the time, he

can sometimes be inaccessible. Alyona makes it a point to step up as the front woman and be there for the team.

She says, “They can contact me anytime for solutions or suggestions. Whether it is dealing with anchors or accessing information from the archives, whatever the reason, I am always there for the team. So, from relationship management to administrative or financial affairs, they know they will always be heard and there is this sole point of contact.”

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Cover Story Married for 24 years, and with two beautiful daughters, the power couple’s story began when Sanjeev and Alyona’s elder sister Vandana, also a chef, worked together. That is how the two got introduced. Believe it or not, it was Alyona who wooed Sanjeev with her cooking skills! “I think it was a dosa that I made when he visited our home once, which did the trick!” she laughs, “There wasn’t really a proposal. I said, ‘I think I am in love with you.’ He said, ‘I don’t think, I know I am in love with you.” The couple got married in 1992.

Alyona, an avid Shah Rukh Khan fan, enjoys watching movies with Sanjeev, including horror films. Highspirited by nature, she believes happiness is a choice. “I am generally a happy person,” she states. The affection and appreciation, which they get from viewers and fans, is what motivates the husband-wife duo and makes them strive to do better in life. Alyona’s father has been her

greatest inspiration and role model. “He taught me to be calm and composed, which I believe is one of my strongest attributes. I have never seen him get angry or lose his cool,” she said. Being an army man, he taught her the importance of values, discipline, simplicity, respect and dedication. Perseverance, hard work and believing in what she does are the qualities that make her successful in her undertakings. According to her, the

“I think it was a dosa that I made when Sanjeev visited our home once, which did the trick!”

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top three skills one needs to be successful are ability, self-motivation and an individualistic streak. She says, “One must dare to be different.”

Though fashion conscious, Alyona is not brand conscious. She carries herself with dignity, subtlety and poise. When on a break from work, she catches up on sleep, spends quality time watching movies and travelling with family. “Each day is different, because my work demands that. On days that I’m not travelling, I wake up early, sit by the window and sip on a large mug of ‘nimbupaani’. I follow up this ‘me time’ with a walk and a chat with my mother-in-law over a cup of chai and then head to office. Now that the kids are away and busy studying, that’s pretty much the routine,” she explains. The entrepreneur enjoys eating chaat, like most of us. She says, “Just day before yesterday, I had a vadapav. Besides that, I regularly patronise the chaatwala outside our house and office. I find it very difficult to say no to bhel or paanipuri.”

Alyona finds it easy to balance work and family because both are interlinked. But therein lies the challenge too.

She explains, “There is no escape. You can’t go home and forget about work. However, over the years Sanjeev and I have worked out a balance.” She adds that if she could be her husband for a day, she would take the day off as he never does.

“I regularly patronise the chaatwala outside our house and office. I find it very difficult to say no to bhel or paani puri.”

•

When encountering difficulties and hard times, Alyona takes the situation in her stride and moves on. She reveals, “I learnt from my dad that there is no point in brooding over spilt milk. He taught us to have faith and belief in whatever we do. When you have that, you can deal with anything life throws at you.”

A few words about Mr Kapoor Sanjeev in general He is a complete family man and a workaholic. He is very passionate about whatever he does – be it the causes he supports, brands he endorses orthe food he cooks. One thing that a lot of people don’t know about him is that he has a brilliant sense of humour.

Sanjeev as a Chef at home Is just as good as the chef he is outside, maybe even better.

Sanjeev as a Husband Loving, caring, understanding – the whole package. I always say I am very lucky to have him as my husband.

Sanjeev as a Father He is a doting dad. He indulges our daughters, Rachita and Kriti, but without spoiling them. He ensures that while they aim for the stars, theirfeet are firmly planted on the ground.

Sanjeev as a Business Partner Dream come true!

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Cover Story

“I actually think it is women who empower men. It’s just a matter of time before people recognise that” For Alyona, independence is what empowers women as it is “the ability to live outside the shadow of the men in your life.” She continues, “I actually think it is women who empower men. It’s just a matter of time before people recognize that. The phrase ‘behind every successful man is a woman’ wasn’t coined for nothing.”

She supports women to live empowered lives through their venture called Wonder chef. “We have built a community of women entrepreneurs in the food world, which enables women across the country to create a business of their own – boosting their pride, worth and not to forget family incomes,” she states. She believes it is very important for a woman to be independent and stresses on that fact by saying, “Like I said before, to be empowered you need to be independent. Not just financially, but also emotionally.”

Her advice to upcoming women entrepreneurs is, “Do what you believe in, don’t compromise on your values and keep going even when the stakes are low. Most importantly, don’t ever let your gender be a reason to hold back your dreams.” And her advice to everyone else is, “Empower yourself and don’t wait for someone to do it for you.” Because that is exactly what she has done! n

What is women empowerment for you?

Women empowerment will truly happen the day people start asking questions about men’s empowerment.

How important is a man’s role in supporting empowered women?

You don’t need to empower a woman. Just support her and she will empower herself and even you.

How do you support women to live empowered lives?

Through my brand Wonderchef, an initiative created for the sole purpose of enabling Indian women to empower themselves by starting their own business of selling world-class kitchen gadgets. Ours is an all women team and let me tell you it works like a dream. My father once said to me, you don’t realise what you are doing in this country. You’re giving the power of cooking to women in India, and it’s a part of their emancipation.

Words of advice to upcoming women entrepreneurs I would say do not be a miser in dreaming big. Work hard with sincerity and a lot of dedication as there are no shortcuts to success. Also, don’t undermine the little joys and achievements in life – they are the things that matter.

A Few words about Alyona Kapoor Alyona as a Chef at home Much better than me!

Alyona as a Wife Completes me. She really is my best half!

Alyona as a Mother Brilliant, my daughters will vouch for that.

Alyona as a Business Partner She is my life partner. That says it all.

Picture courtesy: Sandeep Dhopate

According to her, there is a major difference between business owners and those who work for someone else. She says, “When you own a business, you have to think about multiple facets before making any decision, especially when it comes to the well-being of employees and that of the company. Plus, there are no fixed working hours.” What seems to have created an impact on the way she works is her ability to stay positive no matter what the situation. “Trust and believe in the people who are working for/with you. Most importantly have an aim – working towards a goal will help you achieve it better,” she expresses.

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Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

“I am selfish as an actor” Kajol talks to Jyothi Venkatesh about acting, movies, family and motherhood 40 | Feelings March 2016 40-43 Kajol Story.indd 40

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W

hen I meet Kajol, who I know since she kick-started her career with Bekhudi two decades ago, at her actor-director husband Ajay Devgn’s office in Juhu, she confesses that every role that she has done in her career has been the best. Right now, she feels her last release, Dilwale, is her best work till date.

The light-eyed actress agrees that the Shah Rukh KhanKajol jodi is the longest-running star pair in Bollywood as they had started working at an early age, nearly 23 years ago with Baazigar. Praising her favourite co-star, she says, “Whether it was Baazigar, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, My Name Is Khan, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...or Dilwale, Shah Rukh does every film with the same enthusiasm.” However, she maintains that both of them have diverse styles of working. She elaborates, “I also prepare but it is an internal process. I am extremely conscious. My USP as an actress is that I do not forget my lines and always remember my graph.”

positive movies make me laugh. I am not against other kinds of films, though I may not be tempted to be a part of it. For instance, if tomorrow Mira Nair offers me a comedy, I’d gladly grab it, without a second thought,” she exclaims.

Kajol does not agree when you tell her that married actresses are not accepted by audiences when they set out to stage their comeback in films. She says matterof-factly, “I acted with Ajay in films like Raju Chacha, Dil Kya Kare, etc. only after I was married to him. I had acted in Fanaa after my daughter, Nysa, was born. I think that if you choose the right role, you can click with the audience, even if you are a married actress with a baby. If I had made my comeback with a film in which I had played a college girl in a short skirt, I am sure I would not have succeeded.”

The star confesses that she has mellowed a lot and is not the firebrand rebel that she once was. She elaborates, “I think motherhood changes you in many ways.

You start looking at people and judging them in a different way. Your perceptions about people change. The way Nysa looks at people changed my preconceived notions about them, too.”

“If I had made my comeback with a film in which I played a college girl with a short skirt, I am sure I would not have succeeded.”

Kajol emphasises that she has never let her personal relationships affect our professional decisions.

She states, “With the exception of KuchKuchHota Hai, I have not done a film for the sake of friendship or out of any pressure. I should like the role and have something to do in the film. SRK and I have never let our personal friendship come in the way of our work. I have never done a film just because Red Chilies is producing it.”

The powerhouse performer admits that she is far too picky when it comes to projects. “I am lucky that I have been approached by various kinds of directors, despite the fact that I am choosy. The problem is that my expectations as an actress are quite high and I am not getting the kind of roles which I want to do and neither am I interested in doing the kind of roles I am offered,” she avers.

The mother of two is clear about the kinds of movies she would like to be a part of. “I want to do films which I want to watch. I watch very few films, but happy and

According to Kajol, motherhood is fulfilling and awesome. “It is the combination of everyone’s expectations put together. I keep myself calm and have stopped worrying and taking stress unnecessarily and am concentrating more on myself. I feel that I am the best mother in the world to Nysa and Yug. It is very uncanny but the fact is I often feel that I used to tell my mother exactly the same things which Nysa tells me.

Even today, I rely a lot on my mum. I remember her more now when I am a mother. I confess that I have mellowed and matured a lot, especially in the last 10 years.”

Adding that it has helped her hone her acting skills too, she explains, “Today, thanks to my growth as an actress,

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Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

I feel that I can adapt my technique. Over the years, I have actually learnt a method to acting, and use it honestly with a lot more expertise and finesse.”

“Can you believe it, Ajay hasn’t watched My Name Is Khan or Dilwale”

Kajol, who has acted with all the Khans — Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan — reiterates that right now she doesn’t have a single film with either of them. She quips, “Ajay has got nothing to do with me doing or not doing a film with Karan (Johar) or SRK. I choose the script every time I am offered a project. Ajay is proud that I choose to do movies that I believe in. I have not heard Karan’s script. I won’t be doing justice to him or his project, if I tell him that I’d do his film without listening to the script. As a friend, he trusts me enough to let me make a decision and vice versa. Our friendship is so strong

that it will stand the test of time, whether we do a movie together or not.”

The vibrant artiste says that she doesn’t plan to take up direction. “As of now, I am not inclined towards direction, though I do not know what is in store tomorrow. The reason is that, unlike Ajay whose strength as a director is his clarity, I am a selfish actor. Mujhe sirf apne kaam se matlab hain.

I am, in fact, surprised that Ajay and I never had any disagreement throughout the shooting of U, Me Aur Hum though I have had some disagreement with almost every director that I have worked with. As a director, Ajay always exceeds my expectations when I work with him. I have taught him a lot and vice versa. I believe that any marriage works only if there is a lot of give and take between the couple,” she says.

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Strange though it may seem, the fact is that Ajay doesn’t watch her films. She reveals, “Can you believe it, he hasn’t watched My Name Is Khan or Dilwale, though I have watched his hits like Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai and Golmaal: Fun Unlimited. I should concede that Ajay has changed a lot since our marriage. Before we tied the knot, he never felt that he has a responsibility to work.

Though he hardly spends time with our kids or me on a regular basis, on holidays, he showers us with his love and affection. He even asks us to visit him on location whenever he shoots abroad so that he can spend more time with us.”

When asked whether it was easy to play the role of a mother in We Are Family, since she is a mother of two kids in real life too, Kajol agrees and says, “When you set out to play such a role, you have a natural tone of voice and body language as a mother and you should also know simple things like how to turn a child at night on the bed comfortably, making it look quite natural. We use our experiences from day-to-day life, as actors and try to do justice to our roles. It is an uncanny coincidence that in all my three of my films- U Me Aur Hum, My Name is Khan and We Are Family- I played the role of a mother.

You have got to try to do every character in a different way. I do not think that I will be successful always because most of the time, I myself end up finding faults with my acting, when I watch my films after their release.”

Kajol admits that the concept of movies has changed a lot since the Baazigar days. She says, “Earlier, every film had to have a love story as the basis with seven songs thrown in. In the end, the hero and the heroine had to be happy. Thankfully, clichéd and conventional films are no longer being made. Today, you can have movies like Piku and Aligarh competing with a mainstream film like Bajrangi Bhaijaan at the same time. The audience has a wider choice. The success of a film depends a lot on how you market it and how people eventually identify with it. Now, I feel that it is much easier for an actress like me to say no, especially considering the price factor. I would not say that my choices as an actress have changed over the years but my approach has definitely changed.”

“I believe that any marriage works only if there is a lot of give and take between the couple” Kajol is glad that she is blessed with a family who love her unconditionally. She smiles and adds, “I am happy with my life. I am proud that I am married to a wonderful man. I wake up and thank God every day for whoever I have with me today, whether it is my parents, children, in laws, sister or my husband. I have a wonderful family. They love me to death. On top of it, I have lakhs of my fans not only in our country but all over the world, who love me for what I am. I am eternally grateful to God for giving me Nysa and Yug (my kids) as presents.”

It’s almost the end of our meeting and I can’t help noticing that Kajol is relaxed. It seems she has actually enjoyed giving an interview. “Why do you detest giving interviews?” I ask her gingerly. “I find them boring because I hate the idea of answering the same question again and again. I’m also not involved in any controversy, which I need to discuss with the media. I do not know how people manage to get into controversies at the drop of a hat. I like to read, but only the happy stuff,” and so signs off the blissful Kajol. n

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Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

HELEN

An unusual dance of life

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must sincerely thank (a feeling that comes straight from a heart which does not dare to lie) the Government of India and all those men and women who took the decision to award the Padmashri to Mrs. Helen Khan, one of the most outstanding women in India. It is an honor for a woman who has achieved all that she has, all on her own. A woman who has been a dancer beyond compare and a woman with a heart of gold. Helen is part of Hindi film history, a name that can never be forgotten by those who have seen her dance. Her life is an example of a life lived to the full, of a woman who has given more to life than life has given to her.

Almost fifty years ago a little girl who was only four years old, half Spanish and half Burmese, left Burma where she was born. She escaped from a country fighting fires of hatred and travelled to India without any destination, ambition, or goal. Little did this girl, called Helen, know that she had strayed onto a path where her life’s destiny was to be shaped. She reached India, the country where she was to win fame and fortune and grow into a star in her own right, a star who would shine among all other stars. The refugee grew up to become a living legend.

Helen had reached where every individual’s bhagya or luck was guided by the Vidhaata or God. She took her first steps as a group dancer, one of the many other girls dancing around a star dancer called Cuckoo. Cuckoo was the only dancing star then, the highest paid and the dancing glory in every film. She died homeless, penniless and uncared for in a municipal hospital in Bandra, Mumbai, where most of the industry once lived, with no one to claim her body which used to once be the centre of attraction for millions.

The new girl, Helen, with the unusual face, enticing eyes and an hour-glass figure that moved like magic, caught the attention of one and all, but particularly of producer, P.N Arora. He saw her plight, took her under his wing and helped her to dance her way to unexpected success as she hit the dancing floor with a bang, dancing and singing, Mera naam chin chin chu in Howrah Bridge.

And people just could not have enough of Helen!

Soon every big film had to have a dance with Helen as the dancer and no one else. There could be any other

“Yeh sab toh theek hai, lekin Helen kahan hai is film mein? Helen nahi toh film mein jaan kahaan?” star, the most popular stars, any number of them, but one Helen dance number was a must. Filmmakers had to figure out ways to have Helen dancing in their films because every distributor said, “Yeh sab toh theek hai, lekin Helen kahan hai is film mein? Helen nahi toh film mein jaan kahaan?”, and the audience whole heartedly agreed with them.

Helen was soon the most precious and priceless “perfume” of a film. Her dances grew more attractive, sizzling, eye-catching and pulsating than the dances of any other dancers. Most of her moves were her own creations, suited to the script and the scene. She knew

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Women’s Special | Inspiring Women what ‘they’ wanted and gave it to them in double the measure.

Helen wore the most baring, short, skimpy, shimmery and revealing outfits and was sometimes covered with only feathers and sequins.

She made all kinds of alluring and tempting gestures, sending men into a tizzy with their heartbeats soaring and blood pressures rising to dangerous levels. Though she left them quivering in her wake, Helen was never vulgar or cheap, and never willing to cross her limits of decency. She brought dignity to even the most sensuous and voluptuous dances and no one, not even the very strict censors had any objection to her dancing. She held the record of not one of her dances or movements being snuffed out by the censors and was never charged with obscenity throughout her career.

Her popularity as a dancer reached sky high and gave her mentor, Mr. Arora, new ideas. He decided to turn her into the leading lady of films, but all she could find were roles with heroes like Chandrashekhar (Cha Cha Cha) and Dara Singh (AayaToofan) and some other small films. She could not make it really big because of her exotic looks, anglicised accent and the way she carried herself. With her image as the ‘sexy dancer’, she was a trendsetter though, for ‘item numbers’ in Bollywood.

Helen held the record of not one of her dances or movements being snuffed out by the censors and was never charged with obscenity throughout her career.

Helen who was now the respected ‘Helenji’, also tried playing supporting characters and vamps, and was a success. She became the roop and rang which was lapped up by men, women and children, because she was not the kind of dancer who could ‘spoil’ the sanskiriti and parampara of the country. In other words, she was not seen as a threat to Indian culture.

The seventies saw a sudden slide in her successful journey. The only time she sizzled was in the evergreen number, Mungda mungda sung for Amjad Khan in the film Intezaar and Mehbooba mehbooba sung for again for Amjad Khan in Sholay. The two songs went on to become the biggest hits and Helen’s dances accompanying them are still fresh in the minds of people who saw them in the early seventies.

What followed was almost a repeat of what had

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happened to Cuckoo, the dancer she had succeeded.

Helen realised how her ‘Godfather’ had fleeced her of all her earnings all this time, and kept her like his ‘private possession’. He had control over all her earnings and possessions which included a spacious flat in South Mumbai.

The same Helen who could thrill thousands of hearts, now found it difficult to make two ends meet. It was heart- breaking to see her walking from office to office telling filmmakers she was Helen, the one and only Helen, who wanted work, but no one was willing to listen.

It was all but over for her when love came in as a savior.

Salim Khan who was a struggling actor when she starred in Teesri Manzil, a film in which she was as big a star as the lead pair of Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh, fell in love with her. Salim, by now was a most successful writer (together with Javed Akhtar). With the consent of his first wife, Salma, and his grown up children, Salman, Sohaib, Arbaaz, Arpita and Alvira, he married her.

She became Mrs. Helen Khan and the ‘mummy’ of Salim and Salma’s children.

She continued working and played the mother’s role in films like Ramesh Sippy’s Akayla and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s first film, Khamoshi- The Musical. In the latter we saw her dancing again, and she proved her skills hadn’t diminished with age.

Unbelievably, Helen is seventy now! She is at peace with herself and her family who she has dedicated her life to. It is like a believe it or not story to see Salim Khan’s first wife, Salma and Helen spending time together at home and going out shopping or watching the private screening of one of the films of Salman Khan or his brothers, Arbaaz and Sohail.

Although Helen is a woman who proved long ago what woman power was, and what a woman of substance really meant, the recent Padmashri and the MAMI

BLISTERED AND BRUISED- THE BEGINNING What Helen must have gone through when she left Rangoon can be felt from this description in her own words…

“We trekked alternately through wilderness and hundreds of villages, surviving on the generosity of people, for we were penniless, with no food and few clothes. Occasionally, we met British soldiers who provided us with transport, found us refuge and treated our blistered feet and bruised bodies and fed us. By the time we reached Dibrugarh in Assam, our group had been reduced to half. Some had fallen ill and been left behind, some had died of starvation and disease. My mother miscarried along the way. The survivors were admitted to the Dibrugarh hospital for treatment. Mother and I had been virtually reduced to skeletons and my brother’s condition was critical.

We spent two months in hospital.

When we recovered, we moved to Calcutta”.

Lifetime Achievement Award are the best things to happen to Helen.

A short film on her was made some years ago but has not been seen by many. She also featured in the international edition of Readers Digest.

As she looks back on her life and career she finds it difficult to put it all in words and grows very emotional as she says, “It has been such a long journey for a girl who took her own decision when she was just four years old. I find it extremely difficult to believe all that has happened in my life and I am grateful to God and to this industry who had the heart to give an unknown girl from Rangoon more than what one could ever dream of”.

Years ago, Helen Jairag Richardson used to visit the church of the Mother of Perpetual Succour at Mahim, which is supposed to be a church where miracles happen if one prays there for nine Wednesdays without a break.

Not all who throng there may be blessed but Helen surely is. n

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19-03-2016 16:58:52

Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

The acid burnt away everything, but her spirit…

An acid attack left Laxmi disfigured for life and her future in shambles. She tells us how she fought her inner demons and the world outside, to rise back like a phoenix. The face of a fashion brand today, she also runs her own NGO

By Manjari Jadhav with inputs from Abid Mohammed

“I

t is very difficult to talk to Laxmi,” says Alok, her partner. “Pihu, our daughter, doesn’t let her talk on the phone,” he adds. They are in Kanpur for an event and staying with Alok’s parents. “I am from Kanpur but since Pihu doesn’t know anyone here, she doesn’t let go of Laxmi.” he laughs.

Laxmi is busy spreading awareness about acid attacks. A victim herself, she has an inspiring story to tell. It was a regular day in the life of Laxmi Agarwal, all of 16 years, who had recently acquired a job at a book store in Khan Market, New Delhi.

Like every beautiful girl, Laxmi had her own set of admirers. In this case, it was her brother’s 32-year old friend, who was also a close family friend. As he was her brother’s friend, she treated him with respect. Whenever he would drop by, she would play the good host that every young Indian girl is expected to be.

Then one day, she received a message on her mobile phone from him. It said, “I love you.” Naturally since she harboured no such feelings for him, she ignored it and thought that was the end of the story.

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With Michele Obama

Unfortunately, it wasn’t. He would waylay her every day, asking her to accept his proposal. Her answer was the same, every single day. “No, I am not interested.” After all, she was a high-spirited, career-oriented, independent girl. Her father worked as a small-time chef. She wanted to help, and so took up a job at the bookstore as an assistant, which ensured the family got at least two square meals a day.

It was in the year 2005 when a slim, petite and beautiful Laxmi was waiting for a bus to Khan Market. She was absorbed in her thoughts about completing various tasks at hand when she was confronted by her stalker at the bus stop. “I was waiting for a bus when he approached me with his brother’s girlfriend. They pushed me to the ground and threw acid over my face,” she recalls. “I was crying for help, but no one came to my rescue. I tried waving at the passing cars. They did not stop, no one helped. I almost got run over thrice. I could not even open my eyes properly. I felt as if someone had set my whole body on fire. The skin was just coming off; it was like dripping, from my hands and from my face.” she recalls.

Laxmi underwent seven reconstructive surgeries to correct the damage done to her face by the acid. “After the attack, I was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and stayed there for nearly three months.

There were no mirrors in the ward where I stayed.

Every morning, the nurse would bring me a bowl of water to help me freshen up and I would try to catch my reflection in that water. I would only see glimpses of a bandaged face. I used to have a scar on my nose before

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19-03-2016 17:53:25

Women’s Special | Inspiring Women “We have decided to live together until we die. But we are challenging the society by not getting married”

with Alok

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the attack; I would tell the doctor to remove that during the operation. When I first saw my face afterwards, I was devastated. I had no face to speak of. My eyes were misshapen.”

After getting discharged from the hospital, she filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court in the year 2006, demanding the ban of easy sale of acid.

After a lot of struggle and fight, the government passed the order and banned shops from direct over-the-counter sales of acid. Soon, Laxmi started working with an NGO that rehabilitated girls like her and helped them lead life anew.

the mother of an adorable little girl named Pihu. Though Alok and Laxmi did not marry, they decided to live-in together, as husband and wife. “We have decided to live together until we die. But we are challenging society by not getting married,” Laxmi said. One reason is that Laxmi believes that a lot of emphasis is put on the beauty of the Indian bride and she feels she is no longer beautiful; this belief is vehemently opposed by Alok, who fell for her beautiful soul and way of thinking. They operate a small NGO called CHAANV in Laxmi Nagar. Both of them are just a call away for any acid attack victim.

Laxmi has not only made India proud by filing a PIL in the Supreme Court but has also been honoured by the first lady of America– Michelle Obama and conferred with the award of International Woman of Courage in the year 2014.

With Pihu

Though Laxmi was a strong girl, she was tested time and again.

She lost her father, who was her biggest support and also her brother to tuberculosis. Giving up, though, was a phrase hard to find in her dictionary. She continued to battle on, for the rights of acid attack victims. It was when she was looking for a job that she met Alok Dixit.

Today, Laxmi is 27 years old and

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Now, the bravheart is also the brand ambassador of the clothing brand – Viva N Diva. Manan Shah, Director of Viva N Diva, had read about her story in newspapers and wanted to use her face for his company’s products to change society’s hostility towards acid attack victims and also help Laxmi earn some money. The advertising agency that was promoting and branding his label was apprehensive about casting a girl with a scarred face.

All they wanted was a fair, beautiful girl. Manan would hear none of it. It was going to be Laxmi all the way, or nobody. The ad agency finally relented. “When they called me with a year’s contract, my first reaction was ‘are you serious?’,” she recalls. “I was totally taken aback. But I loved the shoot, the way they changed me from one outfit to another in minutes,” she adds. And the rest as they say is history.

Juggling different roles in one single day, Laxmi today is very content with her life. Ask about her daughter and she cannot stop gushing about and admiring her Pihu.

She was very worried about her child getting scared of her face. “The memory of that would keep coming back during my pregnancy. If I felt that way about how I looked, how would my child feel about it? Would she be scared when she looked at me?” In the moment of Pihu’s birth though, all those fears died. “When the doctor lay her down next to me, all she did was snuggle up and go off to sleep. It was the most reassuring thing in the world,” Laxmi says.

Laxmi always wanted to learn a musical instrument. “I had always wanted to be a singer or a kathak dancer, but my father was a cook and we didn’t have enough money for lessons. When I took up the job, I thought I’d put some money aside to learn music. The day before the incident, I had spoken to the didi who conducted the music classes. I was supposed to attend my first lesson the next day. That day never came,” says Laxmi.

Over the past few years, many such Laxmis have battled painful acid attacks, surgeries and a permanently disfigured face, all because of standing up for what they felt was right and speaking their minds. Even today, the sale of acid is easily available in any store throughout the country. One single bottle of acid can be purchased for less than Rs100. The Indian government has failed to curb the sale of acid, a single bottle of which disfigures

A man ruined my life then, A man makes my life beautiful today, It’s wrong to place every man in the circle of doubt. – Laxmi

•

the life of the victim, permanently. Yet, one shining example out of all of these is Laxmi, the indefatigable fighter, who teaches girls like her to never give up and reassures them with her omnipresent ‘never say never’ spirit. n A man ruined my life then.

A man makes my life beautiful today.

It’s wrong to place every man in the circle of doubt.

-Laxmi

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Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

Need for speed!

At the young age of sixteen, she was determined to follow her dreams!

Afreen Khan in conversation with Sneha Sharma, a professional formula racer and a pilot

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t is difficult to believe that a girl so young can be a professional pilot and racer and not just any racer– India’s fastest! She started racing at a very early age. “I started go-karting at the age of 16,” she says. “Go-Karting was near my house and I would go regularly. It was fun. I felt as one with the kart. That’s how it all began,” she laughs. “Soon I got better and started participating in professional races. And I used to get podium positions,” she says proudly. She even scored a 4-stroke category in her very first Formula Car Race at JK Tyre National Karting Championship 2009.

In her very short racing career, Sneha became the only youngster to qualify for the final round of the KCT of the MAI National Karting Championship!

From go-karting to becoming India’s fastest female racer, hers is an interesting journey. “But it wasn’t all fun. I had to balance my education and racing. Plus racing is an expensive sport so I had to work as a tuner, manager, transporter, just to be able to manage. I was paying out of my pocket money”, she says. She was also looking at future stability so she took flying lessons to become a pilot, another dream of hers.

Balancing both was not easy. And eventually Sneha gave up racing to give more time to flying. “Racing was a passion but flying was to be my career, and since I didn’t come from a very affluent family, I had to think of stability as well.” She studied hard and became a pilot, taking up a job with Indigo Airlines. “Indigo has been of great help. It’s a great airline to fly with, it supports my racing and they have a lot of women-friendly policies which is quite nice. When they realised that I was using my leave to go racing, they helped me in every way possible. Now along with JK Tyres they are my sponsors,” she says proudly.

“I got a lot of discrimination, a lot of negative comments” Ask her why there are so few women in racing and she explains, “Racing is a difficult sport as it requires lots of physical hardships, training and exercise. At one point I had to lose 30 kilos! Plus, not everyone is happy to see a woman racer. Initially, I got a lot of discrimination, and negative comments from the men, like “You don’t belong here!”. But it didn’t matter to me once I was on the track,” she says. The comments slowly stopped once she started proving herself and the results started showing.

Ask her about women empowerment and she says, “People expect me to be a feminist but I am an individualist. I believe you should be able to maximise any opportunity you get no matter who you are or what you are doing.” On being asked what her mantra is, she says, “If you want something that you never had then you’ve got to do something that you’ve never done”.

She has pushed her limits to the extreme and excelled to a point where she is now an idol for every woman that aspires to race. n

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17-03-2016 18:56:50

Grooving to the top Leading the country and the rest of South-East Asia as the official Master Trainer for Zumba® in Miami, Sucheta Pal is credited for pioneering the brand and training over 3000 instructors in India

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he has created much buzz in India and has been hailed by the media as an inspiration and an icon for choosing the alternative career of a dance-fitness expert instead of an engineer. She has been featured on several International Zumba DVD’s, XBOX games and conventions held in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan and South-East Asia as a presenter as well as lead Zumba Education Specialist ZES™. In addition to this Sucheta Pal is an optimum nutrition athlete and its first female master trainer. She is also the first International Piloxing, Insanity, Masala Bhangra, Pound and Zumba Specialties of Toning, Sentao and Aqua instructor in the country.

“It is so important to keep fit in today’s day and age,” she says, “Whether it’s gymming, group fitness exercises, or a walk or even yoga, it is important to understand what you like and what you enjoy to keep fit.

If you don’t have fun while working out, you’ll never end up sticking to it. Zumba is a fitness trend that has caught on like wild fire and is loved by everyone from kids and adults to even grandparents!”

Zumba is a dance-based fitness format that is really effective and focuses

“Women have the power to mould society.”

on interval training. It has both high as well as low intensity routines. Zumba includes worldwide rhythms like hip-hop, bachata, belly dance, Bollywood and has some great Latin inspired music as well. Sucheta says, “You can easily lose 500 to 800 calories in a one-hour class. There are also Zumba specialties like Zumba Toning, Sentao, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Kids, so there’s something for everyone! Zumba is called a happy drug. It’s addictive and each class feels like a party, so Zumba is more like a workout in disguise!”

Sucheta quotes Barack Obama: “Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s the smart thing to do”. She continues by saying, “As daughters, sisters, mothers, wives, we play so many roles and also excel in our professional lives. I believe that the ability to balance and multi-task that a woman possesses is something that no man can compete with.” She further elaborates, “No doubt we still have to face many hardships but I feel the attitude towards women in our country is changing slowly but surely. Women are being taken more seriously and are respected in most places. Women have the power to mould society. They are the ones who are role models and teachers for the next generation. It is up to them to lead by great example. For the men, it is their duty to let women succeed and treat them with the respect they deserve.” n

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17-03-2016 18:52:13

Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

Celebrating her

‘Triumph’

Jennifer Kapasi, Head of Operations, Triumph International (India), talks about business and motivation and what women want

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riginally from Germany, Jennifer had lived, studied and worked in several countries before joining Triumph International (India). In August 2014, she took over as the Head of Operations and currently manages Triumph’s entire sales and marketing organisation across India.

She has both a BBA and an MBA degree in International Business from the University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg, Germany. Life itself is what motivates Jennifer. She says, “An undying passion to live fully and experience everything this life has to offer is my motivation. Excellence in anything can be achieved when passion is applied.” In Jennifer’s opinion the top three skills to be successful are discipline, persistence and an open mind.

Her late husband Sam has been her greatest inspiration in life. She says, “He taught me how to love and live life to the fullest and he’s been my inspiration from the day we met. I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today without him. He always said: Dying is not in your hands but living is. Go do what you want without caring what people will think. Nobody really has time to think about what you did.

Those who do think about it will forget it in a few days and you will be left with the experience of a lifetime! Love, sex, laughter, madness and even sorrow and tensions are an essential part of life.

Enjoy them all repeatedly.”

Jennifer doesn’t believe that women

need to be empowered. She explains, “The very word empowerment implies that women need to be empowered. They don’t! Empowerment comes from within when you follow your heart and take your own decisions irrespective of personal, family and societal restrictions or limitations.” She firmly believes that “confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear.”

“Nothing compares to the ultimate confidence boost you’ll get while wearing great fitting lingerie that underlines your personality. When you feel good on the inside, you look good on the outside and are ready to take on the world. Nobody will be able to resist your charm.” According to Jennifer the role of men in supporting empowered women is the same as spectators in a cricket match. “They clap, cheer, criticise and complain. The question is: should you focus on yourself or on the audience?” she asks.

“Confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear”

Jennifer supports women the same way as she would support anyone else. “I see potential in anyone who strives to fulfil his/her dreams. I encourage, mentor and help them realise their own strengths and talents. Not to forget my golden thumb rule to lead by example, by staying true to myself and to always do my best.”

The first thing that comes to her mind about what women want is: “everything”. She exclaims, “We want it ALL! Life in its most beautiful colours, and love that makes us shine from the inside out!” n

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17-03-2016 18:59:54

A force on the

medical frontier Asia’s leading bariatric surgeon, Dr. Jayashree Todkar, talks about the challenges she faced as a professional woman

D

r. Jayashree Todkar is the first female Bariatric (obesity) Surgeon in India and Asia. She received the Women’s Foundation Award in 2015 for her contribution in the field of Surgery, the IFSO Scholarship for her contribution to the field of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in 2011, the Veer Shaiva Bhushan Award in 2008 and Mhaske Award for Social Contribution in the Medical Field in 2006. She was also the Venutai Chavan Award Winner in 2003 and the Yuva Bharati Award Winner in 2003.

I had to prove myself at all levels,” she says.

According to Dr. Todkar, women empowerment meant the freedom to make independent decisions about life, about profession, about career growth, and then the freedom to implement them. She supports this by saying, “I run a clinic JT Obesity Solutions, and am very proud that ours is an allwomen’s team. We are popularly known as the ‘Oestrogen Gang’.

I strongly believe that a woman is a power station and can impact lives significantly. So we conduct yearly programs for mothers and teachers on health awareness and health education and have received very good outcomes.” When asked about her views on a man’s role she says, “A man is very important in a woman’s life in any form - father, brother, spouse or friend. Men and women are complementary to each other and they act as a support for each other.”

“I am very proud that ours is an all-women’s team.

We are popularly known as the Oestrogen Gang.”

It has not been easy getting acceptance from patients, colleagues or organisations.

“People used to ask if I am going to perform the operation myself or will I get it done by somebody else.

The initial few years were a big struggle. Patients feel that a lady in the hospital is always a nurse and find it difficult to believe that she could be a qualified surgeon with all the necessary abilities. The second level of obstacles came from the administration like the hospital management who were not sure if a lady surgeon can take up the task of running a complete unit.

This changed when they saw satisfied and happy patients sitting in the waiting room of my consultation.

Nevertheless, to enjoy my surgeon-hood with pride,

She believes that the key to success is persistence and hard work, with faith in yourself and your goals. One must persist with determination and the universe will come to our aid. “As women we should not feel inferior.

In fact, we are blessed with multitasking abilities; the resilience of nature and emotional strength. A woman is a complete force of nature.” n

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17-03-2016 18:49:41

Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

My hero,

my idol

Neha Rajadhyaksha writes a tribute for the woman she considers to be the finest example of empowerment

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he first met her husband when she was just a little girl, fell in love with him by the time she was eighteen, and they were married a year later, while she was still in college.

She chose to be a homemaker, deciding to be with her husband when he landed a job in USA and then Europe.

Though they were far from settled and her husband was just finding his feet, she looked at the brighter side and enjoyed the adventure of it all. By twenty-four, she had a boy and a girl, and considered herself blessed with children, a happy marriage and loving in-laws.

After the stint abroad, they were back in India, and it was in 1998 that her husband saw an advertisement for Tupperware. The brand had just come to India and was looking for women interested in pursuing a career with them.

Although she was hesitant, she decided to give it a shot at the insistence of her husband. It was a rough beginning, managing her kids and trying to keep up with the competition at work. Many opposed her decision to work, still others called her a dabbawaali!

They looked down upon her saying she was a saleswoman who went door to door begging people to buy plastic containers. With her

chin up, she took it all in her stride, though, and soon became a distributor for Tupperware.

The same year also brought bad news when her husband suffered a heart attack. Her world suddenly came crashing down, the only silver lining being her job.

At least financially, she wouldn’t have to worry, or so she thought. Her husband was diagnosed with a heart condition that had no cure; all that could be done was to monitor his health. It was easy to lose hope but she didn’t; praying everyday for a miracle, instead. Over the next few years her husband had five more heart attacks. Each time her worries would increase, but she remained strong and worked hard to provide for her family, tirelessly and without complain.

In 2004, she was in Rajasthan (a rare outing) for a work related conference. After a hectic day, she decided to relax in her room, at the Clarkes hotel. As she touched a lamp to switch it on, she was thrown across the room. As fate would have it, she had been electrocuted in a freak accident and was flown to Mumbai for treatment. The shock had left her entire right side paralyzed. She couldn’t move the right side of her

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lips, couldn’t write, or even walk properly. The paralysis turned out more dangerous than expected. Once her hand was burning on the stove and she could barely feel it! Only when her children screamed did she realise what was happening.

She underwent intensive physiotherapy and practiced using her left hand as much as possible for basic chores.

It took over four years to get some movement and sensation on the right side, though, there were still some setbacks. With her ‘never say die’ spirit, she is a my hero and my idol...SHE is none other than my mother.

SHE IS MY MOM While we all squabble with our moms, my mom and I would actually scream at each other. It was as if we were sworn enemies. I was always angry with her for not being around for my birthday or any occasion that mattered to me, or helping me out with my studies, or even a visit to the doctor. But today, when I look back at what she was doing on days when she couldn’t be there for me, it makes me feel terrible. I was too young to understand what she was going through. As if that wasn’t enough, she had to bear the brunt of my tantrums. She would have probably had a terrible day at work, and I would fight on something as stupid as why she didn’t answer my call.

Keeping the family together, facing all our problems and her own without batting an eyelid, paralyzed but working as if nothing had happened...If I could even be half as strong as my mom, I would consider myself blessed. We could have never in our wildest dreams imagined my father’s attacks or the calamities that

“Her hand was burning on the stove and she had no clue at all” followed, but they happened. And I cannot fathom what would have happened if my mother weren’t working, how much more difficult her struggle would have been, if she then had to start working from scratch.

Sometimes one learns the hard way. I certainly believe it is essential for a woman to be independent, not to compete with men, but to be able to help themselves and their families, should the need arise. Why wait for disaster to stand up and take charge? It is always better to be prepared. The whole idea of being independent doesn’t mean just monetarily, but also the ability to run errands apart from housework and being able to voice one’s opinions Today, my mother empowers thousands of women to pursue their dreams and attain their goals, along with managing a successful family life. She can do that because she empowered herself first. Remember the safety instructions in a flight? The part where you must first put on your own oxygen mask, before helping anyone else? So take control and push yourself out of the comfort zone. You might end up surprising yourself! n Neha is a freelance photographer, an educator, a food blogger; volunteer with various NGO’s and also dabbles with social media when she has the time.

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19-03-2016 16:56:41

Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

A path-breaking dream Through the ‘best hairdressing course’ that one can’t just buy, Sapna Bhavnani is changing the lives of underprivileged women.

Abid Mohammed discovers more

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elebrity hair stylist Sapna Bhavnani visited Apne Aap Women’s Collective (AAWC) in Kamathipura, Mumbai, last year and was blown away by the enthusiasm and determination of the women who wanted to start a new life for themselves. AAWC was founded in 1998 to address the plight of women in prostitution. Initially a single-room drop-in centre, it eventually developed into a resource centre to address the women’s needs and

provide them with professional counselling, medical care, micro-saving facilities and other services.

The women were all off the street and hairstyling was a passion they wanted to explore as a career. “In my mind, it was decided that this could lead to something wonderful. Hairstylists can really put an instant smile on anyone’s face. I think of us as healers more than hairstylists,” Sapna says enthusiastically. Her concept

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is, “A free academy where underprivileged women will be taught hair and make-up skills to empower them for a better life.” She was figuring out a way to find a space where she could teach them and just then a room above her salon was put up for rent. The rent was `28,000 per month. Though she knew it was above her budget, nevertheless she signed the lease. “I put up a post on Facebook and the rest like they say is ‘Herstory’,” Sapna laughs.

People happily donated to cover the rent for the whole year as well as the broker’s fee. The entire hairdresser’s community came together and pitched in to teach what has become the “Best Hairdressing Course” one can’t buy.

taught by good teachers from the respective fields. I am tying up with a beauty/hair app to employ these future ‘healers’ and also speaking to wedding planners to employ the candle makers/embroidery graduates.

The future is nothing but amazing,” she explains.

“Mahendra Singh Dhoni sponsored the scissors and the mannequin heads.”

With top stylists like Adhuna Akhtar, Seema Jerajani, Savio Periera, Pawan Duggal, Shefali Shetty, Avan Contractor, Shimsha Shetty, Elton Vessaoker, Lata Khanchandani, Sasha Kelawala, Karishma Dalal, Rishika Chaudhry, Vidhi Solanki and Prerna Sharma lending a hand, Sapna was confident that there was no stopping the PATH-shala from taking flight. Rayed Merchant from Beauty Palace got Ikonic on board as the first official sponsor and took care of the kits (combs, brushes, flatiron, spray, dryer, clips, backpack) for each girl while ace cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni sponsored the scissors and the mannequin heads. “This overwhelming love is so empowering to me. I am blessed as much as we all are,” says the multi-talented artiste.

She has many goals for PATH-Shala. She not only wants the underprivileged women to learn hairstyling but also wants to them to be adept in other fields and wants to take the movement to other cities. “Since I have the workspace all day, I have decided to incorporate other classes as well, for women, like candle making, embroidery, cooking etc. These courses will be

PATH-Shala is a free academy and funds have been raised by Sapna through networking.

After these women have been trained and ready, the hair stylist plans to tie up with home salon services and brands to find employment opportunities for these women. She has no plans to franchise her salon Mad-OWot, however if she ever does so, it will be exclusively for these women.

Sapna herself being highly qualified and skilled, graduated with a double major in Marketing and Communication and a minor in Public Speaking from Chicago’s Barat College. She developed an interest in hairdressing later and decided on it as a profession. Sapna has also showcased her talent in diverse fields as a writer, and featured in video albums and reality TV shows like Big Boss season 6. She was also a part of the play titled NIRBHAYA, which premiered at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, in August 2013.

It won the coveted Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award given to an outstanding Fringe production which raises awareness of human rights.

Sapna has worked with celebrities like Katrina Kaif, MS Dhoni, Saif Ali Khan, Sachin Tendulkar, John Abraham and various other celebs of B-town.

Her mantra is Bulley Shah’s saying, “Jo naa jaane haqq ki taaqat, rab naa devey usse koi himmat,” meaning, to those who deny the strength of truth, to them God doesn’t give any courage. n

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19-03-2016 17:52:21

Fashion

At the ‘Pinnacle’ of fashion

Leading fashion designer Shruti Sancheti talks to Siraj Baig on creativity, fashion and how financial independence is important for a woman

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ashion designer Shruti Sancheti, who hails from Kolkata and is based in Nagpur, is a perfectionist who puts a contemporary twist to her work. She believes that a challenge in any profession within the creative field is to create something new. “It is essential to evolve, innovate and build the brand while keeping what you have developed intact.” For Shruti, it is important to deliver to the clients, critics and the media; and the constant pressure of delivering is the most challenging aspect.

more and more an urban space,” she says. The base and soul of Shruti’s collection is always something to do with crafts and weaves or textiles, but it is executed in a contemporary manner for today’s women, keeping their lifestyle and the trends in mind.

With fashion becoming more westernised Shruti explained why she moved towards traditional Indian weaves. “I grew up in Kolkata, a hub of art and culture and have been exposed to that inherent love for craft. I also believe in carrying on the beautiful legacy of our craft in India, and around the world as well. This is something we have inherited and it needs to be passed on to our future generations” she said. She believes that traditional fashion in its original form does not hold any relevance today unless it is presented in a contemporary manner.

“Independence is a state of mind”

“Though I love my craft, textiles, and weaves, I understand that with rapid globalisation, the world is

Since Shruti has mainly been teaching fashion for about ten years, she was a bit hesitant to launch a label at first, but decided to go for it. About five and a half years ago, Pinnacle came to be. “There was no such inspiration, I always wanted to launch a label but was scared because of some constraints. I am happy it all worked out in the end,” she exclaims.

Pinnacle means ‘summit’ which was her aim. When asked what was her inspiration behind Pinnacle, she said, “I thought of launching a capsule collection to test drive it and see how it works. It was very well received and I think that was God’s plan for me! Within one month, I had stocks in three to four premium stores in the country and within six months I was in eighteen stores in the country and worldwide.” One and a half years later she took her designs to Lakme Fashion Week and later Wills India Fashion Week and then successfully followed up with few international shows.

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Shruti has done her MBA and also understands that there is something called ‘Ramp to Reality’. “I may create the most artistic clothes, something really crazy and quirky but if it doesn’t find buyers for me it doesn’t have any relevance. At the end of the day we are all working towards figures and numbers as that is how a profession is sustained. Acclaim is one thing but at the end of the day your sales reports and balance sheets are also very important,” she adds.

According to her, in her field it is important to keep the four C’s of designing – cut, color, creativity and construction – in mind, along with ‘the four P’s of marketing’ – price, place, product and promotion.

She tries to understand who their target consumers are and what they want, which is half the battle won.

“We also try to keep the price points as realistic as possible because our focus is on building long term customers rather than a one-time sale. We try to offer something they don’t already have – a bit of culture in a very contemporary manner,” she explains. Shruti believes in sustainability, clothing and that wasting money on one-time wear is really senseless. She creates timeless wear that can be worn for years and be carried down through generations.

Shruti married young and had a

child very early. After seven years of marriage she studied fashion and was simultaneously teaching, all with the support of her husband, family and many others from the industry. She feels that once someone is married, especially in India, they tend to give up their dreams but with the support and encouragement of people around them they can overcome such problems. “In today’s day and age, both men and women work at par. We need to learn how to co-exist in the industry. The main thing is mutual respect and understanding for each other,” she states.

“Independence is a state of mind; you could be financially independent but at the same time be bound elsewhere. So, while it is very important to be financially independent, it is also important to be mentally independent. It is a very uncertain world that we are living in, where every person has to strive for themselves, irrespective whether they are men or women. The changing lifestyles and economies also demand financial independence so one needs to get rid of whatever is holding them back”, is her sound advice to women.

According to Shruti, there is no substitute for hard work. “It is important to be in the right place at the right time as opportunities dance with those who are on the dance floor. You should be there to grab every opportunity that comes your way, but at the same time don’t be overly ambitious because that shows.”

Shruti’s short term plans are to expand the brand by tapping new segments, whether it is product designing, home designing, bridal wear, or interiors. Her long term ambition is to pursue a career in education in the field of design. n

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19-03-2016 16:55:04

Women’s Special | Interview

“Women are brilliant at multi-tasking” Hamsika Iyer of Chammak Challo fame in conversation with Aliya Mukadam How did you get into mainstream singing?

Carnatic music runs in our family and I am very blessed to have my father, Shri. S. Balachandran, as my Guru.

Simultaneously I was also trained under Mrs. Kalyani Mani. I was super lucky to train under Pandit Phiroze Dastoor for a year in Hindustani Music and right now I am learning from Binay Pathakji.

My parents have been in the advertising industry all along and that’s how I started doing jingles and in almost all Indian languages. During that time, I got to work with Shantanu Moitra who gave me my first big Bollywood song Chanda Re, from the movie Eklavya.

As soon as that happened, musicians from the industry noticed me.

How has the journey been?

My next big hit was Chammak Challo along with Akon which went on to become a global mega hit. Then I sang Raabta, a beautiful ballad by Pritam. After this another very successful song 1234 Get on the dance floor, came from Vishal-Shekar for Chennai Express.

In 2011, I had the privilege and honour of collaborating with The World Musicians. I recorded with Bombay Dub Orchestra, UK. Andrew T Mackay & Garry Hughes

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called me for their album 3 Cities and it was their song Fallen that took me to Juno Reactor (of Matrix fame); I recorded for Juno Reactor’s album The Golden Sun of the Great East, and since then I have been touring with them, performing at some of the prestigious festivals in Europe. I also collaborated with Prem Joshua on their latest album Kashi. I am also a member of an all-women’s band called Indiva – For the women, of the women and by the women.

Recently, I released my first single Bheegey Bheegey that’s written and composed by Kaushal Inamdar featuring Amir John Haddad who is from Spain and plays the guitar, oud and bouzouki like a dream. I am also very excited as my second single is on its way.

What do you think about women as homemakers?

Women and homemaking go hand in hand. I strongly believe that women are brilliant at multi-tasking.

How have men supported you?

“Supporting each other instead of pulling each other down is the best way to empower one another”

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In March 2014, Indiva was invited to perform at the fund raising event organised by GOAN SHAVE in Goa for children suffering from cancer. I strongly felt the need to contribute and took the plunge and went bald.

That was an extremely significant step for me and has been a turning point in my life.

What do you do to stay balanced and centered?

I am a happy soul and that brings a lot of inner peace and contentment.

My dad has been my backbone and I am today where I am only because of his support. My brothers and some of my male friends have always been there at various points to support me when required.

When you close your eyes and imagine an empowered woman, what do you see?

My mother! She’s one person who can handle the emotions of everyone at home gracefully, and yet, step out of the house to work with a smile on her face.

Tell us a little bit about your own personal path of empowerment.

What was significant?

I personally know quite a few women in my life who have gone through hell and yet manage to laugh it out and look forward to living life to the fullest. Such people influence me a lot and I feel empowered.

How can women empower other women?

Favourite

5

Things you can’t live without?

Family, Friends, Music, Travel & Love.

Songs on your playlist 1. Naina Thak Gayi re 2. Snarky Puppy 3 Imagine by John Lennon 4. MJ Songs 5. Bheegey Bheegey & many more Foods Dal Chawal and Aloo Jeera is my alltime favourite.

Supporting each other instead of pulling each other down is the best way to empower one another.

What are your views on item numbers?

I have nothing against item numbers as long as it’s not lyrically or visually disrespectful.

What inspires you?

Music inspires me and helps me to travel and meet people from various walks of life, who in turn inspire me to understand life and appreciate what I have.

Studio work or performing live, which of these do you prefer ?

I thoroughly enjoy doing both.

Any words for our readers?

Be Hippie. Be Happy! n

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Women’s Special | Interview

Singing up a storm

You may have hummed along with her unusual voice, as she sang in Hindi, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu or Kannada. You could also have heard her singing jingles on the radio and television channels or her renderings of Rabindra Sangeet or more recently, the much applauded VandeMataram from the film Uvaa. Else you might have seen her as a judge on a musical show or as the brand ambassador of the popular pizza chain, Neopolitan Pizza. For Sujata Majumdar music comes first but creativity seems to run through every venture she undertakes. Initially trained by her mother she went on to learn under many stalwarts and is an approved vocal artiste of AIR (All India Radio, Vadodara and Mumbai). She talks to Nandini Sanan Shankar about the importance of quality above quantity and how practice makes perfect…

How did music become such a big part of your life?

Music has been in my family, so you can say I have inherited it. My mother is my first guru who taught me the basic technicalities of

vocal music. Later on I had the opportunity to learn from Debiranjan Banerjee, Suchitra Mitra, Dhirndra Chandra Mitra and Bhavdeep Jaipurwale.

I was a college student in Baroda when I started singing from All India Radio, in the stream of sugam sangeet in Gujarati and Hindi. Once I completed my masters, I took up a job with Indian Express in Mumbai as a sub editor/ information analyst. However, my main aim of shifting to Mumbai was music. So, on the side I began doing stage shows with all the leading playback singers and Bollywood film stars.

Eventually I became so busy that I had to quit my job. My first Hindi playback was in Partho Ghosh’s film Chetna whose music was by Dabboo Malik. Later he made me sing in Sohail Khan’s movie Kisaan which went on to become tax free all over India. And then my dream came true when the internationally famous music director A.R. Rahman made me sing two songs in Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra’s movie, Delhi 6.

There has been no looking back, ever since.

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How do you manage to get the right accent in so many different languages?

I have always had a flair for different languages, so I take it as a challenge whenever I get a chance to sing in various languages. I manage to get the accent by practicing it thoroughly and also follow the exact instructions of the lyricist and music director.

New singers are cropping up every day. How do you cope with the competition? What sets you apart?

I don’t believe in a rat race. I am very choosy about my work so I’d rather do less work but good work. I think what sets me apart is that I don’t want to compete with anybody. I feel each singer has his or her own individuality. My aim is to promote good music above all else.

You are face of Neopolitan Pizza. Any plans of acting in the future?

“Love music and be passionate about it before making it a profession.”

•

Although all my projects are very dear to me but my favourite has to be Manwaa which recently fetched me two awards.

Who are your favourite singers?

Among upcoming singers I like Arijit Singh and Palak Muchhal. My favourite contemporary singers are Sunidhi Chauhan and Shreya Ghoshal.

Do you think competitive shows like Indian Idol put too much pressure on today’s generation?

In a way, yes, because their focus shifts from studies and their craving for the glamour world increases.

Yes, for sure. I have already done a few modeling What advice do you have for aspiring singers?

I would like to tell them to keep assignments and ad films, acted up with their riyaaz; to love music in a TV serial and a feature film and be passionate about it before Pyar mein aisa hota hai. Then making it a profession. Do not get the Neopolitan pizza offer came, carried away by glamour part of it. which I was glad to accept. I have also acted in the music videos of First Rabindra sangeet album: Jagate What else fascinates you apart my albums, Aaja sajan pardsiyaa, Ananda Jagye, T.Series from music? and the recent album Manwaa, for Popular Gujarati albums: Maa Na Apart from music, I love sketching, which I also received two awards Mandiriye, O Shaeba Mora, Nagada cooking, travelling, creative (best female singer and best song).

Vage Re, Mane Lai Jaa Sawariya Tara writing, spiritual healing and I also feature in my recent Gujarati Des Ma, etc. meditation. I hold a masters degree album Mane Lay Sawariyaa Tara Popular Gujarati movies in which in Reiki and Karuna Reiki and also Deshmaa.

Sujata has sung: Amey Ek Daal Na have a degree in Chakra Meditation Phool and Saathi Re Saath Na Chhutey Do you find time to practice every and Pendulum Dowsing.

Other films: Maniratnam’s Raavan, day? Any special precautions you Southern Film Director Vidyasagar’s Where do we see you in the take for your throat?

Godfather Shiva, Priyadarshan’s Yes, I take out at least an hour future?

Akrosh, Pyar Mein Aisa Hota Hai, And I have plans to work more on everyday for my riyaaz, which is The Anti-Rape Themed Film Uvaa, Bengali projects, as I have a soft most important. I also avoid sour Kannada film Khaidi corner for my mother tongue. There things like tamarind to maintain my Hindi albums: Aaja Sajan Pardesiyaa, is a new reality show coming up in voice quality.

Ek Ishaaraa and Manwa, etc. a popular music channel, where I Her awards include: Suvidha Awards, Which of your projects is closest shall be seen as one of Hum Log Awards, Nbc Artscape Awards the judges. n to your heart and why?

And Artistaloud Awards.

FACTFILE

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Women’s Special | Women Entrepreneurs

The party starter!

India’s unique party equipment supplying website, funcart.in, started by Ritika Nangia, is helping reshape your party plans.

Neerzari Marthak explores

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young commerce graduate, from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University, with a degree in retail management from NIFT New Delhi, is changing how India parties. How did this happen, I ask. “The idea of party supplies came to my mind when I had to organise parties and realised that mom and pop stores were selling stuff at exorbitant prices.

Parties need to be organised for enjoyment, without burning a hole in the pocket. And what better way of seeing and deciding the stuff with your loved ones, at the click of a mouse. No hassles of taking your kids to the stores, or running around the countryside for your bridal shower or baby shower,” she says, excitedly.

In the year 2014, Ritika started with her market research and by March 2015 she had established an online store. Her specialisation in Strategic Management and International Business at Harvard University and the fact that she was working in the exports line for four years before starting this venture of party supplies, helped a lot.

Ask what does women empowerment means to her

and she says, “For me women empowerment is an integral part of a woman’s sheer existence and has always been an idea that I draw from and the reason why I have been so determined in life and followed my dreams,” she states.

And how does she support it? “I support the cause by encouraging my fellow friends to pursue their dreams no matter what, telling them that they are not bound to anyone when it comes to their future and career. I believe that one should not let anyone’s opinions dim the spark within,” she replies.

So what is a man’s role in it?

“According to me a man ideally needs to be supportive. Someone who motivates a woman to achieve the goal set by her rather than considering her to be a weaker sex,” she explains.

“Choose to be happythis mantra is bound to bring contentment to life.”

Ritika’s guiding mantra explains her zest for life: Choose to be happy. She says, “This mantra is bound to bring peace of mind and contentment to life.” As long as it helps us party better, we are not complaining! n

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Women’s Special | Women Entrepreneurs

Rungg De Ekta Sethi, Founder and Chief Designer at Rungg, a luxurious handcrafted, art-inspired shoe brand, empowers women while reviving a fading art form in India

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aving lived in the U.S. for more than a decade and after having travelled the world over, she couldn’t find quality classic Indian footwear.

She pondered as to why there can’t be a shoe that is stylish yet comfortable, that marries the present and the past; that is majestic yet relaxed. That’s how her brand Rungg was born – to fill this gap, “I’ve wanted to embrace ‘Make-In-India’, cultivate its rich heritage and find artisans with an expertise in hand-embroidery. Our biggest challenge was manufacturers preferring quantity over quality. Ensuring that our product is of exceptional quality required us to carefully select our team – our artisans and our shoe manufacturer.” One of the main reasons they create products in small batches is to ensure a high level of quality. Ekta feels the challenges don’t end but then experience is what teaches you.

Ekta strongly believes that women are an integral part of our society and their empowerment should be of utmost importance, “It is amazing how much potential we women have, but unfortunately not all of us are able to do something with it – be it due to lack of opportunities or social and economic restrictions.” Starting from each individual home, she feels women empowerment is a channel through which the whole family can be uplifted. As a society she thinks we are evolving, especially when it comes to women in the workforce, the ones who fight for women’s rights and the younger generation.

“However, we still have a long way

to go,” she states, “We are still largely a male dominated society. Empowering women empowers the nation.”

She feels we have to realise that the empowerment of women allows our nation to have an additional half of the population contributing to its growth.

She supports this point by saying, “It is a matter close to my heart. At Rungg we are looking at different ways of engaging with women – self-sustainment through work, tie-ups with organisations that employ women as karigars, and engagement of interns. In our current product line, our hand-stitched dust bags are made by women artisans. Additionally, we are working with Adharshila, a social organisation focused on empowerment of women, to constantly create elements that go into Rungg shoes.”

At Rungg they take utmost pride in their work and create opportunities for self-sustenance via skill training and work. Notably, women constitute 90% of Rungg’s designs, operations, PR and creative teams. They are working on adding a few embroiderers to that mix as well.

“Empowering women empowers the nation”

Ekta lives by one rule: “Nurture life and your presence. You have to get out there and do what you believe, desire and dream. We have one life to live, let’s make it count. It doesn’t matter whether you are the biggest name in town, what really matters is that you are giving it your best shot. Remember, there is no day of the week called ‘Tomorrow’. So begin today!” n

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17-03-2016 19:07:07

A corporate

powerhouse Archana Kumar talks about entrepreneurship and gender equality at the workplace

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rchana Kumar is an entrepreneur, a down-to-earth salesperson and a deal maker. In over 25 years of work experience, she has held increasingly challenging roles in sales and marketing. Archana is the Managing Director of Image InfoSystems. She believes that, “Some days are going to be bright and sunny while the others may witness grey rain. Wear a raincoat and walk through the pitter patter. Live life as it comes. You may be overloaded with prestigious projects or there may be months without any business. Take it head on. Keep learning. Keep growing. Have faith in yourself!”

With increasing education and competence, many women with entrepreneurial talents have risen up and are contributing to management and strategy, in the same bandwidth as their male counter parts. She supports this by saying, “As an entrepreneur, I focus on providing suitable work culture and a congenial working environment for the employees with special focus on women employees. I support more investments and contribution from women entrepreneurs in all sectors of business.”

Archana tries to ensure recruitments based on the merit of the candidates and not on gender.

She provides equal pay for equal work and equal growth opportunities based on capabilities and a safe and secure working environment.

Archana also suffered a setback when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That did not deter her, though, and now she is doing better. The diagnosis did not make her lose hope and she

fought back. After every chemo session, she would get back to her office as soon as possible and manage her work efficiently.

According to Archana, women empowerment in India has moved way ahead of women just having equal social positions or status with men. She says, “Women empowerment in the current era should be focused on safety, social rights, political rights, economic stability, and financial independence of women. Gender discrimination is the least of concerns for women in India, which is known to be the fourth most dangerous country in the world for women.” She explained that women empowerment can also be the creation of an environment where a woman is secure, safe and protected. Where women can make independent decisions on their personal development as well as keep abreast with men in society. “Women empowerment to me means all women should have the right to education, to study as much as they want, choose their life partner without any prejudice, and to choose their career.”, she elaborates.

Archana believes that a man’s role is to be supportive of a woman’s endeavours. The man should help enhance her skill sets to ensure that she is confident, confidence being the key to an entrepreneurial woman emerging on the business arena and being able to move up the ladder, break the invisible glass ceiling and join the top echelons in management. “My mantra is simple: equality, liberty and fraternity.” n

“Keep growing.

Have faith in yourself!”

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Women’s Special | Women Entrepreneurs

Rejuvenating

Culture Rupali Gupta talks about the challenges of promoting Indian heritage and culture through her handmade products

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arusa World, the brainchild of entrepreneur Rupali Gupta, integrates Indian handcrafting techniques with luxury products. It offers design solutions that seamlessly blend aesthetics with quality. Working with craftspeople based in remote corners of the country, each of their products has been developed with the view to stabilise and renew growth in the craft sector. The venture seeks to get the right mix of Indian heritage, culture and lifestyle.

Tarusa World offers consumers a variety of products, from accessories such as clutches, bangle boxes, mobile covers, potlis, dupattas, stoles and wraps to jewellery and home furnishings.

“I often think what seems so easy and simple is actually quite complicated. When you buy handmade stuff you are not just buying the materials, you are buying the artist’s time, effort, skills, love and dedication that goes into making that product.” She says.

brands and armed with a degree from NIFT in accessory design, Tarusa World was floated in October 2012. “The switch from creating portfolios as a designer to become an entrepreneur was challenging but also a great learning experience. I’ve been able to accomplish things that I could never have thought possible,” Rupali explains.

For Rupali women’s empowerment means, “Being able to balance your life and be comfortable and happy with your choices!” She supports her view by saying, “I judge people on their merit and not on their gender. Being gender specific is different altogether.”

She accentuates that men should be able to recognise a woman’s strength and believe in her vision. “Not to judgmental but recognise her individual strengths. Women have a different way of dealing with problems and issues, compared to men.” She says.

“Women have a different way of dealing with problems and issues.”

Tarusa is a Sanskrit word which means conqueror, a word that signifies strength and passion. For Rupali that passion is expressed in the form of art and quality Indian handicrafts. She started working as a designer in the year 1997 with different jewellery brands and certain craft projects. After 18 years of experience with different

Rupali’s mantra is, “Believe in yourself, put in your best, dare to dream and then have faith in your dream.”

Her goal is to see Tarusa grow into a wellknown space, work with more skilled artisans and craftsmen in India and establish a brand based on ethnic and ethical choices. More power to her. n

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Travelogue Who says women don’t travel solo? Feelings talks to three such intrepid travellers and finds out what makes them do it, how they go about it and more importantly, the sense of freedom they derive from it...

“Travel changes you!”

Travel blogger Swati Jain talks backpack travel and safety tips with Harshita Vaishnav

How long have you been travelling?

I have been traveling in India for 2 years now and have covered around 130 cities across 20 states.

How did it start?

It was my trip to Ladakh in 2011 which changed the things for me.

Something struck my mind that made me realize that the world is much more than what I know, and it needs to be explored in the best way. There is beauty, magnificence, splendour and all I want today is to be a part of it.

Did your family support you?

Coming from a conventional background where solo travel is unheard of, it was really difficult for me to convince my family initially. I had to rebel. But I believe that once you decide to pursue anything with all your heart, you get the courage to face any difficulty, which comes your

way, and things start to fall in place.

Today it is really gratifying that my parents support me and have started acknowledging my work. In fact, I recently took a family trip where my father mentioned to the guide that my daughter is a travel blogger and she needs all the possible information. It felt good to hear the pride in his voice.

India has been labelled as unsafe for women traveling alone.

Your views.

I won’t say that people are wrong about their concerns regarding women safety, but that’s half the story. It’s all about travelling smart and having the presence of mind to handle things on the go. Think about it there are challenges when you travel alone and accidents can happen with you in any country not just India. In fact, many people I met during my travels told me that the fears of solo travelling that

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we have in India are the same that people have in other countries as well.

A friend recently shared that how she was chased by three boys during one of her solo journeys abroad and robbed of all the expensive belongings she had including money and her phone. And I am talking about a place which is quite popular among the solo backpackers.

How safe is travelling for women?

I would rather answer this question this way- How many times do we ask how safe it is for a guy to travel.

I guess it is all a mind game. To be honest, we breathe in a world of preconceived notions where we live and believe what our surroundings teach us. We do not want to take up any challenge. I have realised that nothing is impossible if you opt to travel with an open mind, be a little cautious and more importantly plan things well

How has travelling helped you personally?

Undoubtedly, traveling is the best teacher one can ever have. It impacts our lives in many ways. Travel

changes you. Every trip we take is a chance to learn some new, explore your inner self. You can see things that you’ve never seen before. You are given the opportunity every time you get in the car, board a plane, or put on a pair of shoes, to find something completely new and inspiring, if you can be open to it, of course.

Travel has taught me that I can do whatever I want to do, to appreciate even the smallest thing in my life and be happy about it, to be focused and live in the present. Travel has helped open up my mind to accept things the way they are. When I see people living in extreme conditions, who are courageously survive, I tend to stop making excuses for my own life. One stops complaining and starts appreciating and being thankful for what one has.

Places to go for women?

There are many places within this country where a woman can go solo and be at peace. Himalayas are my favourite, so I will pick Leh, Zanskar, Spiti and Kinnaur.

How do you fund your travelling?

95 percent of my trips have been self funded. To support my travels I opted to work on the go. Right now I work as a freelance PR consultant and a travel writer.

How can one make a living out of travelling?

This is something I am learning every day. It is too early for me to comment on this. The good thing is that the travel industry is booming in India and a lot of start-ups are entering the market. It’s important to keep your eyes and ears open.

Tips for the first timers

Make sure that you choose a destination that makes you comfortable. The idea is to be at comfort and in peace with yourself, as you are already stepping out of your comfort zone by travelling solo.

Trust your gut feel. Follow the guidelines issued by local authorities. Do not try to be over adventurous. Research thoroughly and keep the guidebooks handy. Talk to people who have been there.

Any funny stories to share?

I have had many memorable moments and moving experiences. But the most special one would be meeting the Kung-Fu Nuns at Dharamshala.

They are the most special and unusual nuns I have ever met; smiling faces and calm demeanours mask a roaring sea of immense energy and strength.

What particularly impressed me was when I saw them doing obstacles using strength equivalent to a man’s. They are incredible. n

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Travelogue

Bulgarian

Rhapsody

Eastern Europe has a lot to offer from beaches, mountains, and medieval towns to the cityscape, discovers Veathika Jain

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he more I travel, the more I think that, “Anyone can travel, all you need is an inquisitive mind and an adventurous streak.” It’s usually fun to travel with a group of people or with your partner but I took the plunge and travelled solo when I went to Bulgaria. The experience was new, unique, fun and liberating, all at the same time. I met many new people of which some have become good friends.

Veathika Jain is a potter, Kathak dancer, reader, traveller and a media professional based in Dubai. Her aim is to visit at least 180 countries as she believes travel is the best education one can get

Bulgaria in Eastern Europe has a lot to offer from beaches, mountains, and medieval towns to the cityscape.

I flew in to Sofia – Bulgaria’s capital, and from the airport took the subway to the city center, for a cost of only 1 Lev. The subway system is great and whatever be the destination or however many stops you take, the cost remains the same, just 1 Lev!

the designated stop, I needed to ask for directions to the meeting point.

The people seemed friendly and the youngsters, especially, know English.

The free tour was absolutely fantastic, and saw us walking through the country’s history and the main monuments. While we sauntered through the roads of Sofia, and saw the bath houses, President’s residence and architectural marvels, what struck me was that they even enacted a small play to make us really understand the history of the nation! There are many churches and cathedrals in Sofia, the most magnificent one being Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. You must put this one on your itinerary!

Government building

After I checked in at my hotel which also had a casino, I did a quick Google search on the free walking tour of Sofia and found that I could catch the 6PM one. Grabbing my jacket and umbrella, I headed off to the nearest subway station, preferring it over the trams and buses, which are also convenient options. Once I reached 74 | Feelings March 2016 74-75 Column Travel Bulgaria.indd 74

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Another must-do activity is the free walking food tour, where they take you to three or four restaurants to taste the local cuisine. Being a vegetarian, I must say the cuisine has a lot to offer. The Sun and Moon restaurant is a vegetarian restaurant that has local Bulgarian cuisine as well as International food on offer.

One must, however, visit the cultural restaurant called Hadjidraganov or ‘The Summer Garden’ in English.

It’s absolutely stunning with wine barrels in the walls, a table that has chains hanging from the top to keep food and an amazing selection of Bulgarian food and wine.

Erstwhile bath house now turned into an art museum Alexander Nevsky church

Fact File

For the shopaholics, the main street of Sofia is bustling with activity.

There are plenty of shops with leather products, rose soaps and cosmetics. Great shoes with cool designs at reasonable prices are aplenty.

In my four day trip, I made a day trip to the old historical town of Plovdiv.

A three to four hour bus ride away from Sofia lies the second-largest city of Plovdiv.

The old town in the city is very quaint and beautiful, all the more so as it is a walking town and no cars are allowed in here. One can see 6BC ruins in the old town with parts of the Roman stadium still there.

I took the free walking tour here as well, which in about two hours covered the main historical sites of the town. The guides can recommend restaurants and modes of transport to reach your destination. Free walking tours are a great way of seeing a city here and

depending on how good your guide was and how much you enjoyed, you need to tip the guide at the end of the tour.

Plovdiv has some great shopping too. The handmade soaps and rose cosmetics are highly recommended, as they are authentic and inexpensive.

Another place to visit in Bulgaria is Rila monastery. Like Plovdiv, this is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It can again be done as a day trip from Sofia.

Traditional Bulgarian food mostly features cheese, yoghurt, spices and herbs. Some of the most popular items are Shopska – a salad with tomato, cucumbers, onions and white cheese, Potato salad and Snejanka with yoghurt. There are also various kinds of pastries stuffed with cheese and meat that are popular for breakfast.

And then there soups like Bob Chorba which is a bean soup and some lentil soups.

As a solo female traveler, I felt absolutely safe in Bulgaria. I didn’t go out post 10.00 pm though, and regret not taking the free pub-crawl.

It is on the list of to-do things for my next trip here, as is their wine region.

If you are looking at spending some time in Europe this year, I highly recommend Bulgaria, as it’s beautiful, friendly and easy on your wallet. n Feelings March 2016 | 75

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Travelogue

Going solo –

A different perspective Catalina Pavel shares her experiences of her second trip to India.

A land which she dreamt about as a child, but is exploring only now

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ravelling has always been a way of learning for me.

Ever since I was a child I travelled a lot with my friends or my parents. But travelling alone became a challenge when I got interested in India, as it is not considered safe for women. Also, none of my friends wanted to come here.

Catalina Pavel is from Romania.

A student of law, she is passionate about language and culture

The fact that I love travelling alone and making my own, independent schedule wherever I go, made me take the risk to come to India.

Rishikesh was the first place where I travelled alone and even if I was feeling lonely and lost in the beginning, the call of the mountains was much stronger than my fear.

I took a bus from Kashmere Gate and travelled all night to reach Rishikesh.

At first I felt that I should have had a plan but then I decided to give in to my love of the unexpected and unplanned. During every trip I faced the same issues, people watching me and asking if I needed help, where I was going alone and especially why I travel alone. They were either too helpful or too judgmental. The fact that a girl is travelling alone in India

is very uncommon so wherever I went, I was almost always the only girl in a night bus or train. I had an amazing conversation on the night bus to Rishikesh with a photographer from Bangalore, I drank chai in a bus station with the driver while I was going to Delhi, I met so many people from all around the world at the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh and am still in touch with all these people now.

A funny fact is that everywhere I travelled in India, people took me to be an Indian too, probably because of my black hair and dark eyes. They assumed I was either Kashmiri or Punjabi while they offered me chai and sweets and asked where my dad was or if I was married.

Others were clicking pictures of me when I was not aware or they were asking me to take a picture with them. I knew this was making them very happy, so most of the times I accepted. The fact that I look Indian helped a lot, especially when I didn’t have to pay the entry fee for foreigners!

I also had the opportunity to visit an Indian family and observe the

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differences in our cultures. Used to living alone, I have to answer to nobody. Indian girls, in contrast, have many rules to follow and they can certainly not travel alone. This made me feel lucky sometimes.

The general notion among Indians is that people in western countries are happier than them. This was very surprising for me because I find western society too individualistic and superficial. Family ties are not so strong there and one can never find in Europe the calm and spontaneous happiness people have here. They are happy for things we take for granted. In India, people are still very connected to the nature and their lives are related to the nature’s changes as well. Everyone knows when the full moon will be or when the monsoon will arrive.

They celebrate life every day and

“I met so many people from all around the world at the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh and am still in touch with all these people now” this makes them fearless when it comes to death. Joy seems to be everywhere here, with family being the most important thing.

Another significant aspect for which I envy Indians, is what they take for granted. The simple act of feeling free to walk around with bare feet or eating with one’s hands, is important to me. This will be considered very weird in Europe, but

not here. There they are searching for freedom outside, but my opinion is that Indians are freer than we are.

Travelling alone as a female is very challenging and one should not do it until one is ready. But it is something that will change the opinion that a girl cannot do some things that men can. Yes, she is more vulnerable than a man, and there will be hard moments, but in the end, the experience is liberating. For me, the call of my passion is more important than anything else.

Travelling solo is my choice as I get time with myself and learn to follow my instincts. I feel I now judge people lesser than before and I observe their reactions more. And then I realise how these experiences are changing me, sometimes even without my being aware of them. n Feelings March 2016 | 77

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Interview

“Life is running and I’m keeping pace.”

Gladrags MegaModel winner, anchor, host, theatre performer and now a film actress... Rupali Suri is heading to become an entertainment all-rounder. We decided to check out her feelings and ask her about life before she takes her next flight.

Your best childhood memory?

My childhood was quite free-spirited and that helped shape my personality to the hilt. In my schooldays, I remember bicycling and then bicycling some more (laughs). I was so fond of it I could have bicycled around the world if I was allowed to. Gee! And yes, I also remember eating and exploring all kinds of food without guilt. Gosh! Can a grown-up do that?

If you had a chance, what would you do differently?

I would have changed my college.

How will your ideal partner be?

I guess I’d give more importance to compatibility than looks or riches. Someone I can talk and share anything and everything with.

After all, if a girl cannot open her heart to her partner, then she will always be wanting in life.

What are you most proud of?

About being an Indian.

Your favourite music?

I have often tried to think of what genre I prefer in music. But as soon as I decide, I tend to surprise myself by appreciating another type. So I have come to the conclusion, that my type of music varies as per my mood. Soft and soothing when I’m relaxed and commercial dhinchak when I’m in high spirits.

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If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

I want to travel the world. Remember the bicycle days! (winks) Travelling is the best practical education one can get. It nurtures emotions and nourishes the mind. A perfect recipe for a happy soul.

If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

My mom’s sarees, my books, education certificates, all my old pictures and a nose ring I’ve been gifted by my aunt (grins).

What are you most afraid of?

Losing my loved ones.

What is love to you?

My mum’s calls to know whether I’ve eaten or not, unexpected calls from old friends, and my dog crazily wagging his tail when I reach home.

What is your strength?

Having the courage to be myself.

Your most embarrassing moment?

Which teacher at school made the most impact on you and why?

Once, I barged in a men’s toilet to touch up my lipstick and endured strange expressions from the men around!

Are you going to really print that? (blushes).

Let me choose two here, please. My dance teacher and my English teacher. Guess I won’t need to tell you that art and language have been my pet subjects since school.

If you were President, what is the first thing you would do?

Abolish the caste system n

What do you want your tombstone to say?

Oh, oh! Never gave a thought to that one. But since you ask, it could be: “Smile when you meet me.”

The most defining moment in your life?

Aww. My heartbreak for sure. Guess I handled it well then!

But don’t ask me more.

How do you spend your free time?

I catch up on sleep. Or go for long walks on the beach.

“If a girl cannot open her heart to her partner, then she will always be wanting in life.”

•

If you won the lottery, what would you do?

Save some money and donate some for education.

Because learning is the only real growth.

Who do you most admire in life?

There is so much to admire in life. There is the unconditional love and affection of mothers. The fragrance and colours of flowers. The strength we retain after failure. So much more...

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Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

There are some women who never go out of fashion!

ICONS of style, poise and power for generations, Feelings celebrates their timeless grace.

“Nothing is impossible.

The word itself says I’m possible” Audrey Hepburn

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“Be yourself.

The world worships the original�

Ingrid Bergman 80-84 Iconic women.indd 81

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Cover Story Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

“I will be a wife

and a mother first

then first lady” Jacqueline Onassis

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“Women who seek to be equal with men

lack ambition�

Marilyn Monroe Feelings March 2016 | 83 80-84 Iconic women.indd 83

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Cover Story Women’s Special | Inspiring Women

“Only do what

your heart

tells you” Princess Diana

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Guru Mantra

Transcending womanhood Men and women are made different. Only when we accept this as women, will we be comfortable in our own skin and begin owning ourselves as we are, explains Nidhi Chaitanya

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Nidhi Chaitanya is a monk with Chinmaya Mission, and conducts sessions on Meditation, Geeta and Upanishad. She is a highly sought-after Corporate Speaker, and also the recipient of the prestigious Woman Gamechanger Award 2015 from All India HR Club.

rom the day we are born in a feminine body, an innate sense of helpless inferiority, an ingrained attitude of weakness and a silent acceptance of hierarchical failure in every community-structure is so deeply imbibed in us that it comes to not only define but even confine our larger expression as people.

Even the so-called rebellious, nonconventional or feminist women are the way they are because they feel a need to break out of the barriers that society has associated with their femininity.

Perhaps there is resentment or repression, a sort of rupturing rebellion in every woman. Whether I am a wife, mother, sister, friend, daughter, colleague or a boss, it barely matters. What matters most is that I am another woman – a being stifled in a feminine body.

Then, there is this whole discussion about man-woman equality, that every realistic woman knows, is an utter illusion. Men and women are NOT equals. No, don’t get me wrong. But let’s accept it ladies, we are just not like them! We are not superior or inferior, weaker or stronger, higher or lower, we are just different.

To me, this understanding has been

a crucial turning point. I realised I do not need to be “equivalent to a son” to my parents. I do not need to prove myself “more efficient than a man” to my co-workers. I do not need to even compare myself with them.

They are different and so am I. A woman’s body, her emotions, her hormones, her brain-functioning, her muscles, her bones, her health issues, her responses… are all extremely distinct from that of a man! So how can we be equals?

Why do we need to be? The sky being blue and not green like grass is not discrimination. They are just different! It is nature. It is what it is. Similarly, our being different from our male counterparts, is not discrimination. This is creation. Only when we accept this as women, will we be comfortable in our own skin and begin owning ourselves as we are. This is why, in the Hindu culture, it is never intended to prove that the Devis are superior to the Devas, that the Goddesses are bestowed with greater or lesser power than their male counterparts or that the Goddesses needed or did not need the Gods! It is never really specified, because it doesn’t matter. They are both worshipful, powerful, divine. They complement each other. The Goddess is the power of the God; the God is the

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partner of the Goddess. This Hindu view of men and women, has long been misunderstood, misinterpreted and misused by selfish social elements. But that doesn’t take away the natural sanctity and appropriateness of the principle of men and women co-existing as fellow-beings, who are too different to be compared or pitted against each other.

So, we are not like men. We are women, who need to be trained to be stronger women with a grip on our emotions. We need to be taught that our tears are neither a shame nor a weapon.

We need to be educated about our emotional upheavals and how to deal with them. We need to look at sexuality as different from sensuality. We need to be trained to be physically strong and fit. We need to be able to tell about the differences between sacrifices and martyrdom. That sacrifice is not a way of killing ourselves silently for the world.

We need to be told that we cannot give happiness until we care for ourselves and stay fulfilled. We need to be inspired enough to be women who can support and not pull down other women. We need to be taught how to handle our natural insecurities and that of those around us. We need to be talked to about things that really matter to us. We need to be treated – not as equals of men – but as WOMEN. We need to be told how beautiful womanhood can be. That we should be proud to be women.

Yes, there are problems, like acid

attacks, rapes, lack of sanitation, limited education, female foeticide, dowry and what not. We as a society might focus on ending certain problems, but at the same time we also create new ones.

Sexual crimes against children have increased; depression and suicide become almost epidemic, relationships so fragile that they are constantly haunted by a lack of commitment. Have we not become a society constantly in defence mode? So many campaigns and rebellions are sapping the energy of the nation.

“We need to be treated – not as equals of men – but as women. We need to be told how beautiful womanhood can be. That we should be proud to be women.”

This is because elimination of problems can never be the solution.

Think about it – What do we need more as a society? More rebels, more campaigners, more social workers, more philanthropists or more INSPIRED POSITIVE AWAKENED HAPPY INDIVIDUALS? Such inspired people can also become rebels like Rani Lakshmibai, campaigners like Oprah Winfrey, social workers like Malala Yousafzai or philanthropists like Sudha Murthy.

We need those who are awakened and the rest will follow.

This awakening cannot happen as long as we are fighting our problems. This awakening cannot happen as long as we are struggling against our womanhood. This awakening happens when we first accept and then transcend womanhood, when we realize that beyond the sheath of this feminine body, beyond the realms of this female-mind, beyond the matter vestures, I am something so Infinite, so endless, so eternal, so unlimited, it can only be called Existence.

This existence is beyond manhood or womanhood. This existence is beyond everything that can limit us. This existence is Vedanta’s idea of Oneness – a concept much beyond the idea of equality.

Yes, men and women are not equal. Men and women are ONE. Just like the Gold in every ornament, the clay in every sculpture, the space in every corner, there is One Existence in every being – beyond Manhood or Womanhood.

This Oneness makes all our differences immaterial, meaningless, and ineffective.

What would we do or feel or say, if we knew we are Limitless? Think about it, because we ARE Limitless.

To me, this is true empowerment.

This simple shift in identity can transform our vision, our life, our entire being. This International Women’s Day, let us transcend Womanhood and discover Oneness. n Feelings March 2016 | 87

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Body and Soul

Therapeutic touch of

angel crystals

Crystals can change your life. Sachira Bapat sheds some light

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Sachira Bapat is an Energy Worker and Certified Angel Teacher from the Diana Cooper School, UK. She is also a Reiki Master, Space Clearing & Energizing Therapist and EFT teacher. Sachira conducts workshops on angel therapy, angel oracle card readings, and individual holistic healing sessions.

e all call out to the Universe for assistance at some or the other point in our lives, at times even unconsciously. For instance, before a job interview, you might wish, “Please let me get this job” or on the day of your result, you might say, “Let me pass this exam”. Well, you have actually been calling to your Angels for guidance and help. Every time you put a question or intention into the Universe, which could be through prayers, affirmations or just thoughts, the Angels who are your celestial friends/messengers/ guides, listen to your call and respond in creative ways that are inconceivable by the human mind.

This is easy for the Angels as they transcend time and space, meaning they have the ability to be present at more than one place at a time.

Crystals (Messengers of Light) are gifts from Mother Earth (also known as Gaia), and are capable of receiving, projecting and reflecting light and energies in the highest and purest form. In many civilizations, these crystals are considered sacred and used for their healing powers.

Since, both angels and crystals are energy mediums of Divine love and light, it is extremely useful to use them together to amplify our intention, be it physical healing, manifesting a dream or realizing our soul’s purpose. The molecular complexity of crystals allows angelic consciousness to resonate with their vibrations and even to dwell therein. One client who used a Rose Quartz crystal which was blessed with Archangel Chamuel’s energies says, “There was a lot of disharmony in my family, but after working with angel crystals, my family relationships have improved a lot.”

Choosing and working with angel crystals can be a wonderful and life changing experience. There is no wrong or right way to go about it.

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clockwise to cure insomnia.

Just follow your heart’s voice and you will be guided. As crystals are ‘Live Beings’, you will be naturally attracted towards the crystal that is right for you.

A few crystals that can be used together with the energies of a particular archangel, who are part of the Angelic Hierarchy, are: 1) Amethyst: This crystal is found in colours ranging from lavender to deep purple. It is associated with Archangel Michael, the angel for strength, courage, protection and willpower. Amethyst is excellent for negotiators and business people.

After programming it, place it under the pillow or mattress or rub on the center of the forehead counter

2) Lapis Lazuli: This crystal comes in royal blue colour interspersed with flecks of gold and white.

The associated Archangels are Michael and Zadkiel. Zadkiel works by helping students remember facts and figures for tests and also heals painful memories. Lapis also works on these areas, so using it in conjunction with Zadkiel’s energy will give great benefits .

brown or light grey (translucent colours), the dark variety of quartz is very beneficial for joint pains, cramps and PMS issues. Again being associated with AA Michael, smoky quartz helps protect your aura by building a shield against outer negative influences. Use this stone to reclaim your feminine power.

Let your crystals guide you to make stronger and more profound bonds with angels and those around you.

The molecular complexity of crystals allows angelic consciousness to resonate with their vibrations and even to dwell therein.

3) Smoky Quartz: Feminine power is as much about emotional strength as it is about physical well-being and ensuring strong energy boundaries. If like most women, you too forget taking out time for yourself and tend to overwork, this crystal is for you. Hold it in your hand after a long day at work and it will wash away all your anxieties. It cleanses other people’s thoughts and feelings that may have accumulated in your aura. Found in light

Note: Crystals need to be programmed before using them.

It is good to do so under the guidance of a teacher to ensure that you derive maximum benefits from your crystal.

For any queries, write to: angeliclight888@gmail.com Feelings March 2016 | 89

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Fashion

Lemonade Check out our fresh new look for this Spring as you sip on a refreshing cool drink

Copper gold formal blazer, Zara; Highneck golden blouse, Forever21; Alphabet finger rings, Blur Design; Body chain with detail ear studs and black flared pants with slits, both at Koovs.com; Black tie up footwear, Tramode. All prices on request.

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Golden sequinned fitted dress, Forever21; Copper gold formal blazer, Colored stone choker neckpiece, both from, Zara; Black footwear, Tramode

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Cover Story Fashion

Printed backless Maxi Dress, Mahek Singhal; Rose neckpiece, Koovs. com; Rose detail finger ring, Blur Design

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Denim collared skater dress, Forever21; Black lace hat, Koovs.com; Denim jacket with patch pocket detail, Hollister USA; Silver finger ring with chain bracelet, Primark, London

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Cover Story Fashion

Black glitter skater dress, ZARA, Golden highneck glitter blouse, Forever21; Tassel earrings, Koovs.com; Black footwear, Tramode

Credits: Photographer: Sushant Panchal Talent: Alina Dzhalilova (Inega Model Management) Styling: Mehek Mina Makeup: Prasad Palwankar Hair: Siddhesh Shinde Assistant photographers: Rupesh Sutar and Omkar Bansode Location: Da Capo CafĂŠ & Bistro Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

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Heritage

kilimanoor palace:

An artist’s haven I

Himmat Bahadur Kr. Shrimant Jeetendrasingh G Gaekwad of Baroda is a Heritage Revivalist

woke up to a cool breeze, one February morning in Thiruvananthapuram – styled as Trivandrum – capital of the state of Kerala and originally known for centuries as the capital of the princely kingdom of Travancore.

Standing amidst lush green forests and evergreen plantations, in the surroundings of the majestic Kawdiar Palace Estates and Golf links, I filled my lungs with fresh air. Oh! To be in God’s own country!

It was a pleasant way to start the day in the company of my friend Shri Ashvin Kumar, a veritable encyclopedia on Kerala royalty.

Nestled between the azure Arabian Sea to the west and the lush Western

Ghats range in the East, the present day state of Kerala was carved out from the sprawling territories of the princely kingdoms of Travancore, Cochin, Calicut and the coastal Malabar Aristocracy. These kingdoms were ruled by royals of an enviable lineage, since times immemorial. Trivandrum boasts of large patches of pristine greenery, myriad ponds, lakes, tanks, reservoirs, and rivulets. The air is naturally moist and invigorating.

Shri Ashvin Kumar had arranged our visit to the sublime haven of Kilimanoor Palace – situated 50 kms away from the state capital, and we were excited, after all, this was the birthplace of one of the greatest Indian artists – Raja Ravi Varma!

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After a quick breakfast, we hit the road and soon devoured miles of smooth, asphalt roads. At the end, we were greeted by the sweet fragrance of flowering shrubs that led us to an east facing, arched stone gateway, with huge, wooden doors, wide enough to allow an elephant. We had arrived at Kilimanoor Palace, the abode of an artist extraordinaire - a prince among painters and a painter among princes.

Two gentlemen of noble bearing, clad in starched, white traditional Malayalee dhotis and kurtas were coming our way. They were the Carnatic singer, Prince Rama Varma Thampuran – a descendant of Raja Ravi Varma and his bosom friend, the director, Saju Kumar who had been waiting to receive us! The Prince, wearing a dark crimson kurta, beamed as he hugged me warmly and escorted us up the steps.

I have known the affable Prince Rama Varma Thampuran for a while now. He had visited Gujarat to grace the National Heritage Week in late November, 2015. It was his first visit to the kingdom of Baroda that had patronised his ancestor over 125 years ago! An important part of his visit to Vadodara was to inaugurate the Gautam Raje Art Gallery which has a collection of 12 large size replica paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. I am indebted to Prince Rama Varma, for the gallery is in memory of my father. But I digress.

Coming back to the present, we were ushered into a huge courtyard within the palace. Here, in the sanctum sanctorum, the very heart of the palace where that great artist used

to live, I felt the weight of history pressing down on my shoulders.

Closely linked to the ruling family of Travancore Rajas, there lived in Kilimanoor an aristocracy with blood relations to the then king of Travancore – Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal. The maharaja was a great patron of art, music, sculpture and culture. He employed master craftsmen and diplomats of high repute in his court like Alagiri Naidu, Ramaswamy Naicker, Ranga Swamy and dewans of high caliber.

One Raja Raja Varma from Kilimanoor received rudimentary training on how to paint under maestro Alagiri Naidu. Raja Raja Varma happened to be Raja Ravi Varma’s real uncle. He initiated young Raja Ravi Varma into the royal court in 1862, primarily as a candidate for the princess’s Swayamwar. The princess rejected Ravi Varma, but her father, the king, saw a sparkle in the 14 year old boy’s eyes. He retained Ravi Varma for further grooming at Trivandrum

royal palace. He was subsequently married to the sister of Maharani Lakshmibai of Trivandrum in 1866 and was bestowed with the title of Rajah. Thus, the ambitious lad from Kilimanoor embarked upon his artistic journey from Trivandrum in 1868.

In less than 2 years, he had mastered his way up in the painting profession by following the sketching technique of the famous Dutch artist Theodore Jensen, who was working on a commission at the Travancore royal court. During 1890 Raja Ravi Varma successfully commissioned over 40 oil paintings for Travancore, out of which the twin oil masterpieces titled “Maharaja and Maharani” and coveted “Veera Sringhala” won him repute. His fame spread far and wide, and he was commissioned, in 1882, to paint a larger than life portrait of Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad, my great granduncle. The “Portrait of Investiture” became a smashing hit and remains a masterpiece for all times.

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Heritage The artist’s relationship with the erstwhile state of Baroda had begun.

For a full 20 years after 1882, Raja Ravi Varma remained the official court artist of Baroda state. He painted close to 50 masterpieces depicting Hindu mythology and eminent Gaekwad Royals.

These masterpieces of oil on canvas are estimated to be valued at hundreds of crores today! Baroda’s fabulous Lakshmi Vilas Palace has 16 paintings of the painter on display, while 24 more adorn the walls of the private Maharaja Fatehsinh Museum. The fate of the rest of the dozen odd paintings is unknown. They are still missing and are considered priceless!

During his time in Baroda, between 1882 and 1902, Raja Ravi Varma worked out of a studio behind Motibaug Palace Golf Club. He paid regular visits to the city in his horsedrawn buggy to study the natives and then sketched them for long hours.

His favourite haunts were Mandvi Square, Sayaji Garden, Railway Station, and the by lanes of Baroda City like Mughalwada, Hathikhana, Badri Mohalla, Raopura, and Sursagar Lake.

Raja Ravi Varma was later patronised by various kingdoms like the Mysore, Udaipur, Jaipur, The Studio The studio building in Kilimanoor was originally built and used as a Kacheri or an office room. As Ravi Varma attained fame in the 1870s, he set about renovating the structure and extended the building to its present state. An artist’s delight, it is about 40

Bikaner and others. The Parsis and the wealthy businessmen of the Victorian Age were his regular clients. The Chitrasala of Mysore located in the Jaganmohan Palace houses a fabulous collection of 40 oil paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, again valued at over hundreds of crores.

In 1894, Raja Ravi Varma began his printing press in order to bring his art to the common man. He set up a state-of-art printing facility that churned out his magnificent creations depicting Hindu gods and goddess in extraordinary detail.

Photography master Deen Dayal considered Raja Ravi Varma’s

painting skills superior to his own photography of the same subject!

The painter had actually broken the monopoly of European artists who up till now were the only specialists in portraiture of the Indian form.

But I am getting carried away from our magnificent trip. From the courtyard, our host took us to the impressive edifice of the Kilimanoor palace. Raja Ravi Varma had started work on the beautiful colonial building in the 1890s and wanted to invite his royal and distinguished clientele to celebrate his 61st birthday, with great fanfare.

Photography master Deen Dayal considered Raja Ravi Varma’s painting skills superior to his own photography of the same subject!

No expense was spared. The palace was built with by master craftsmen at the height of their powers. It was an architectural marvel when finished, but it was a little too late.

In 1906, the great artist succumbed to diabetes and passed away just two years before his 61st birthday. He was cremated close to the mansion

ft. x 40 ft. with high ceilings made of Burma Teak and Malabar Wood. Huge windows allow sufficient light and cross ventilation. The studio is stocked with materials like paints, brushes, tools, everything an artist may need. The easel on which the great artist worked is situated in the north-east corner of

the studio hall. Wooden Seats for the models to pose on can be found all over the studio.

On the west wall of the studio is a lifesized portrait of the artist himself. It is raised on a dais to look like an altar and oil lamps burn throughout the year, with pooja done on a daily basis.

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he had so lovingly tended to.

The mansion, still in its pristine condition is now under a proposal for it to be turned into a museum.

Coming out, we walked towards an atypical roofed enclosure opposite, known as the “Nrityashala Sabhamandapam”, a spacious and airy place with separate sections for men and women to sit and be entertained. The estate has at least 20 such single storied, ethnic buildings, spread over 30 acres of lush green forests. Each building has its own water-well in its courtyard!

The similarity of the ethnic structure and uniformity of the Mangaloretiled roof designs gave the complex a sacred and nostalgic look. The open spaces between the buildings are thick with banana plantations, evergreen shrubs, tall creepers, thick foliage and flowery garden plants. The air was moist with dew drops and I could not get enough of the blissful, sweet, fragrance as it wafted through the atmosphere, time and again.

The estate of Raja Ravi Varma is home to several ethnic temples of Gods worshipped by the royals.

Notable among them is the imposing Ayyappan Temple complex, with its lamp tower and metallic staff.

Built on a small hillock, opposite the main entrance of the palace complex, Lord Ayyappan has been worshipped here for centuries. We had the good fortune of taking darshan of the ancient idol within the sanctum sanctorum, divinely lit all around

by oil lamps. Another temple is of the “Forest God.” Kerala’s forests are rampant with wild life such as snakes, mongoose, reptiles, rodents, scavengers, monkeys and hordes of other animals. Therefore, the family offers daily prayers here, with due respect to the ancient ‘God’ of the forest.

The ‘Yakshini Mata’ temple lies in the furthermost corner of the Kilimanoor estate and the goddess protects the family from evil curses.

Pregnant women perform pujas and yagnas at the Yakshini Mata’s temple. It is said that the great artist was born as the result of a boon given by the goddess, to his mother.

Prince Rama Varma and his family plan to develop the legacy of the great artist into an international Samadhi of Raja Ravi Varma Within the sprawling Palace estate there is also a quiet corner that is the cremation ground for the aristocratic family. Thickly wooded on all sides, a corner in a shaded alcove bears the Samadhi Stone of the great artist. A black granite stone acts as a tombstone bearing the English signature of the artist and an inscription in gold, Malayalam letters.

tourist destination. The chairman of the Kilimanoor Palace Trust, Shri Divakar Varma, has mobilised local talent to convert the fabulous estate into a hotspot for art lovers from around the world. Additionally, a world class picture gallery has been set up by the Lalit Kala Academy, just a little distance away from the main mansion.

The 30 acres of forested estate area boasts of a natural botanical garden with over 250 varieties of plants, some extremely rare. A range of colourful singing birds and animal livestock, orchards full of fruit trees like papaya, chickoo, coconut, jackfruit and grapefruit entitle the serene landscape of Kilimanoor estate to being known as the ‘Green Emerald’.

Thirsty, tired but happy, we all filed to the main courtyard overlooking the studio and relaxed in comfortable lounging chairs.

The sun was setting as the evening cast long shadows. As we sipped on fresh coconut milk, Prince Rama Varma started humming a divine tune in Sanskrit. The rhythm gave way to a hymn in praise of Lord Ayyappan. As our host broke into singing the bhajan, all of us joined in the chorus and soon the atmosphere was filled with paeans of godly praise. The effect was mesmerising.

Never had I attained such happiness as I felt that evening. We parted ways after an affectionate hug to Prince Rama Varma Thampuran and reluctantly drove away from the enchanting Kilimanoor Palace! n

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Events | Fashion

Kathmandu rocked with Panache Runway Mehul Suthar gives the lowdown on the recently conducted Panache Runway Fashion show in Kathmandu, Nepal

I

ndia based designer Vishal Kapoor is a successful trendsetter in the world of contemporary fashion.

Having a sophisticated ‘line and look’ taste, his designs speak volumes about his efficient mind and dedication towards his work. Vishal’s new venture in Kathmandu, with Sweta Sirohiya Rokka (Kathmandu based entrepreneur) is fittingly named, Panache Runway.

The brand recently organised a talent hunt called “Panache Runway Season II – Ticket to Bollywood” at the Army Officers Club in Kathmandu, in association with Somani Ceramics. A mega fashion cum entertainment event, the talent hunt had a total of 51 contestants who participated after various rounds of auditions. Among those who added

to the glitz were upcoming singer Reet Magar Rana who sang for an enthusiastic audience and Bollywood actor / dancer Yuvraj Parashar, who presented a fabulous dance sequence on Bollywood numbers, along with Deepika Parsain.

Designer Vishal Kapoor’s fashion sequence was based on the theme of “Royal Nawabs”. The show was opened by Aditi Budhathoki and Mehul Suthar. Sunil B.K, Sanjay B.K, Nabin Lamsal, Nirjan Thapa, Bijendra Joshi, Rizen Thapa, Subarna Khadka, Pritam Shrestha, Sudipa Pathak, Priya Rani Lama, Prarthana Thapa, Anugya Chand, Anita Chand, Anusha Lama, Anisha Prajapati and Anjali Lama

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Events | Fashion

presented the stunning collection, with dramatic choreography

by Bipin Gurung. The show stopper for this royal sequence was Bollywood actress, Kainaat Arora.

All the contestants underwent a grooming program for one month, which included grooming and make-over, personality development by coach Tendup Sherpa, fitness training by expert Subarna Khadka, skill development activities, Zumba training sessions by Ismth Tamang,

and a photo-shoot. Various industry professionals took motivational sessions to boost the contestants’ confidence.

The event was co-ordinated with Pritam Shreshta. A strong jury comprised of a panel of 10 personalities included Rupy Singh, Narayan Puri, Vidushi Rana, Saroj Khannal, Rajesh Hamal, Mehul Suthar, Raveena Desraj Shrestha, Neera Shrestha, Sanjay Golcha, and Reisha Tibrewal.

The contestants had to pass 3 rounds - the Introduction Round, the Style Round based on the theme of Bollywood and a Formal Round to finally qualify for the Q&A round.

Out of the 25 contestants who made it to the Q&A round, 10 were further shortlisted for another round of questions.

A final common question asked by Mehul Suthar, the

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jury head, to the final ten shortlisted contestants was: “What efforts will you take to mitigate Global warming?” and the winning answer was – “ I will prefer cycling over other modes of transport as this will help to reduce pollution and also be beneficial for one’s health.”

The contestants waited with bated breath as the second runner up title went to Mr. Sandeep Pokhrel, first runner up to Ms. Meghana Choudhary and the winning trophy was awarded to Mr. Rachhendra Khand. The other titles won were Panache Super Model - Bhaskar Baniya; Most DisciplinedManish Shrestha; Best IQ Level- Prabesh

Jha; Most Talented-Sudipta Adhakari; Best Physique- Nicole Tamang; Best PersonalityNabin Shah; Most Photogenic- Samikshya Pokhrel; Most Charismatic- Dipesh Kadariya; Best Walk- Swastika Lama; Most PopularShaswot Bir Shahi and Most Stylish- Akesh Tamrakar.

The sponsors for this event included SEL Enterprise, Victory Lounge, L&S Model Management, St Xavier Consultancy, Hello (Fashion Store), Bukeba, Hitesh Kaneria Photography, Himalaya Tv, Hotel Shangrila, Little Star Sound & Light, Magazine Sixteen+ and Location Nepal. Hair and make-up done by Chandra B Guru & Shyam Lama. n

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Dream House

An apartment

with a view I

Jagruti Fadia is an avid writer, voracious reader, director of an advertising agency and a globetrotter. She is a Chartered Accountant by qualification and a writer by choice, having fallen for words rather than numbers, early in her life. Her books have garnered nation-wide appreciation

n the blink of an eye, I was elevated from the parking level to the 32nd level, soon to put all the questions wrestling in my mind to rest. The answers, after all, were just a step away now. There was only one apartment on the floor and the main door was open in anticipation of my arrival. One is used to seeing villas, bungalows and gated communities with names and apartments with just numbers, but this apartment has a unique name – Arharsh-II, derived from a combination of Niki Parekh’s parents’ names. Ar stands for Arvind, and harsh for Harshada, so Arharsh it is. And what about II? Niki explained that Arharsh I is in the village from where he migrated to Mumbai, for the sake of his girls’ education. An amazing way to stay connected with his village, even though he is now so far removed.

But there was more to discover in this palatial and wonderfully done up apartment, and I wanted to savour every moment…

The entrance to the 5000 sq. ft. house is beautifully decorated with a Buddha statue in one corner, which has light and water play within. And one simply can’t miss a wooden statue of Goddess Parvati

feeding Bal Ganesha, placed on the opposite wall. Obtained from Rajasthan, the statue is almost 90 years old, but still intact. Next to it is the entrance to a never-ending balcony that runs parallel to the entire hall.

If one is fortunate enough and the sky is clear, one can see the far off mountains and the sea from here.

Even the Shining Pagoda looks like a beautiful sunflower in a concrete garden, from so high up. I took in a deep breath at the sight of so many skyscrapers, a view that awes and disturbs at the same time.

The east- west opening of the house provides ample breeze and daylight, spreading a naturally positive aura.

Though the apartment is entirely air conditioned, it also has curious Chinese ceiling fans. They fold their wings when switched off and look like sparkling chandeliers. When turned on they open up in slow motion as if a flower is blooming!

All of the art, décor, furniture, wall paper, wall clocks and artificial plants have also been brought from China. Shopping and shipping from the country has many advantages, from the ease of the process to the wide variety, good rates and zero

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delivery time. Though the sanitary ware was local, the wash rooms were as elegant as the rest of the house. While choosing the imported furniture, Niki remembered to create a space for the traditional swing from the village. Marked with the year 1931, it adds a solid touch of heritage to the otherwise modern surroundings.

The dining table is fashioned out of marble, wood, copper and leather. A standalone piece in itself, it is placed next to the kitchen and the master bedroom.

The master bedroom’s beauty lies in its simplicity and openness.

One corner is designed to be used like a home-office while the huge

wardrobes take care of the storage.

Every show piece in the house is meticulously chosen and tastefully placed with the help of the architect, Mr. Vikas Amberkar. More than a friend to Niki, he played a major role in making the entire décor of the house not only elegant but also cost effective.

At Arharsh, one cannot ignore Niki and Durva’s love for divine.

Each room of the house has so many different forms of the divine Lord Budhha. The in-house temple also occupies a large area. Lord Shreenathji’s idol placed here was sculpted in Nathdwara.

When it was still getting made,

Niki prayed to God to relieve him from the all the issues regarding the apartment, as its construction was not moving at all. To his surprise, all the problems were sorted when the idol was ready!

A passage to the bedrooms displays a Radha Krishna picture frame. This too was obtained from Nathdwara.

It is unusual in that it has just one figure, half is Radha and the other half Krishna, an Ardhnarishwar rendering. The beauty and vibe of this apartment is in the seeing and feeling, not so much in describing!

I came away thinking that living in style is no doubt a luxury, even in suburbs of Mumbai.. n

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Tech Talk

App, app, baby!

Yash Bhatt reviews cool Apps for women

H

Yash Bhatt is popular in the tech fraternity, especially for the famous show, “Tech Guru” on CNBC Awaaz.

ey all, it’s Women’s Day once again! Time to focus on the lovely ladies all around us. Most women juggle several important roles at any given time, and a common complaint is the lack of ‘me-time’ in their hectic schedules.

So as I eat-sleep-tech-repeat, I decided this time to go searching for some women-centric apps.

Apps that can really be saviours for women on the go. I found one that can, (count to ten) help you stay calm, another that can keep up your fitness quotient, one that helps manage money and one for a little bit of fun! Read on and see which would you choose for yourself, after all, apps are here to stay, and women are only getting busier!

SAY ‘AUM’ No matter if you are working or a homemaker, stress is something that all women deal with at some point in their lives. So somebody smart thought of it, and made an app for meditation. It is, of course

the best thing you can do while going through stress. Calm is a most interesting meditation app, with voice assistance. So if you want to meditate, but can’t concentrate, then the soothing voice of a woman will teach you how to slowly control your mind, and assist you to enter the peaceful realm of meditation. Available on iOS and Android Playstore, the app is free to purchase. And you can change the background music according to your mood – tracks that simulate waves, raindrops and misty air, take your pick.

STAY FIT This brilliant app is for all the lovely ladies to help them stay in shape.

Working out and tracking the workout at the same time is really tough. Gone are the days of eating a cookie and then counting the number of steps you climb! Though there are many apps for tracking daily movement, Endomondo is one of the best. Endomondo will track all your movements, keep track of your health and can even share your achievements with your friends, who use the same app.

It is available on iOS and Android Playstore. Challenge your friend

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over this app and take your workouts to a whole new level.

Hmm..Interesting!

name itself signifies quality and innovation. Once you install the Boomerang, it will shoot your actions in .gif format. Then it turns them into a video that you can share or save. This is the new way to shoot something funny.

The selfie just got a makeover!

HAVE FUN With universities offering courses on taking selfies, how can apps be left behind? So how does one make a selfie more interesting?

Introducing Boomerang, an app from Instagram, that is available on all platforms. Instagram’s

MONEY, HONEY TThis is an app for the next generation of college-going and PG sharing girls.

The best way to get an overview of your finances, it empowers you

with immediate information on your bank balance and tracks your expenses. Walnut even helps to split expenses with your friends, So say goodbye to paying the bills and then not getting back money from friends. The app makes charts on which you can see where you use your money the most (mine is food, mostly!).

These are hi-tech times we live in, so go on, ladies, install these apps and don’t forget to enjoy them! n You can follow Yash Bhatt on Facebook. His twitter handle is @theyashbhatt Feelings March 2016 | 107

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Dining out

The silent sounds

of success A unique concept restaurant, Mirchi & Mime, is creating waves as the first restaurant in India to have an entire service team of 22 members that are hearing and speech impaired. Aliya Mukadam finds out more

P

rashant Issar and his business partner Anuj Shah are MBA graduates from Henley Business School, United Kingdom. While the former has been in the hospitality business for more than 21 years (11 years in the UK and 10 in India), the latter wanted to start something in India. They met in June 2014 at Starbucks in Juhu, Mumbai and came across a Torontobased Signs restaurant page on Facebook that employed the differently abled. This gave them an idea to start a similar initiative in India. Prashant states, “During our MBA in college, one of the things that we were taught was to generate value for society. This concept looked great and aligned with our values. So we decided to go ahead.” By October 2014, they established Squaremeal Foods Private Limited to fulfill their aspiration of creating a chain of 21 restaurants across India and abroad, which would offer innovative food, whilst honing the potential and providing employment to the hearing and speech impaired.

Prashant states, “We are driven by two deeply held core values, acquired from institutions and people we admire.

Character and integrity are as important as capability for us. Wealth creation is significant for society as a whole, not just for individuals.”

Mirchi & Mime is the first restaurant in India to have an entire service team of 22 hearing and speech impaired individuals. Prashant explains, “We have not hired them for their disability, but for their ability. They are actually

better suited to the hospitality industry than most of us.”

Anuj and he had interviewed the candidates and their families. The insights from those interactions assured them that their differently-abled team possessed a pleasant demeanour, focus and intuitiveness, three main qualities paramount to the hospitality industry. “At the same time, we envisaged the key challenges we would face, which is trust, independence, confidence and skill in service,” Anuj elaborates.“During our practice trial runs for friends and family, one of the invited guests asked for some extra chutney. The server while spooning some onto the plate, repeatedly knocked the spoon on it. Since our servers cannot hear, he was oblivious to the noise. I was also at the table and immediately tried to correct the server. The guest however, stopped me.

This was a moment of truth and realisation for him,

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reminding him that the person serving him is different,” Prashant reveals.

Realising the difficulties of their enterprise Anuj emphasises, “We are aware that we cannot micro-manage the details of every possible scenario. As we go along, many more such situations will arise and we will deliver an exciting experience interspersed with such realities”.

Speaking about the challenges, Prashant recalls, “In Toronto, the societal gap is not so wide as compared to India. In the UK, our servers would sometimes come to dine in the same restaurant. In India, a server cannot event dream of eating in the same place. The socioeconomic gap here is much wider.” The sign language was another challenge for them. However, with the help of Dr Reddy’s Foundation (a CSR wing of Dr Reddy’s Lab) they imparted eight weeks of training to the boys and girls.

He adds that it was a pleasant surprise to see the reactions and response of patrons. People were also

trying to be politically correct since they thought it was sensitive. They asked me, “How do we ask for more spice, or anything else?” To which I would say, “Just try it. They will understand.” Even in Europe, where servers are from East Europe and do not speak English, people communicate via sign language while asking for the bill, water, attention, etc. Prashant feels that sign language evolves from region to region, and what works in one place might not in another.

The two plan to start 18 restaurants in India, one in Dubai, one in London and maybe one in Singapore. They also plan to train 600 boys and girls globally.

“Personally, only two per cent of our vision has been achieved.We constantly remind ourselves that what we are doing is business. This keeps us focused as any social cause is not sustainable if it’s not profitable,” Prashant explains.

“In my 21 years the biggest challenge has been to live up to the customers’ expectations” he concludes. n

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Cover Story Recipes Alyona Kapoor picks her 4 favourite recipes by the MasterChef

CHOCOHOLIC Ingredients ¾ cup melted milk chocolate ¾ cup melted white chocolate ¾ cup melted dark chocolate 1½ cups fresh cream 1½ cups whipped cream 4 teaspoons white chocolate chips

Method 1 Heat the fresh cream in a non-stick pan. When it is about to come to a boil, remove the pan from heat.

2 In a glass bowl, add the milk chocolate and half cup of hot fresh cream. Whisk well and set aside to cool. Once cooled, fold in half cup of whipped cream and mix well. Set aside.

3 Repeat this same procedure using the melted white chocolate and melted dark chocolate as well.

4 Pour the three types of prepared mousse into three different piping bags.

5 Take four individual shot glasses and fill one-third of each glass with the milk chocolate mousse.

Refrigerate for fifteen minutes or till set.

6 Remove from the refrigerator and top it up with the white chocolate mousse so that each shot glass is about two-thirds full. Refrigerate for fifteen minutes or till set.

7 Remove from the refrigerator and fill up all the shot glasses with dark chocolate mousse. Sprinkle each with white chocolate chips.

8 Refrigerate for half an hour at least and serve chilled.

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KATHAL KI BIRYANI Ingredients ½ kilogram raw jackfruit (kathal), 1½ inch cubes 1½ cups rice, soaked Salt to taste 4 green cardamoms 3 black cardamoms 3 cloves 2 one-inch sticks cinnamon 3 tablespoons olive oil + to deep fry 4 medium onions, thinly sliced ½ teaspoon caraway seeds (shahi jeera) 1 tablespoon ginger paste 1 tablespoon garlic paste

1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder 2 teaspoons coriander powder 2 teaspoons red chilli powder 3 medium tomatoes, chopped 1½ cups yogurt, whisked 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves 5-6 saffron strands 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon garam masala powder 10-12 fresh mint leaves, hand torn 1 tablespoon kewra water (screwpine essence)

Method  Drain and parboil rice in six cups of

water adding a little salt and two green cardamoms, two black cardamoms, cloves and one stick of cinnamon.

Drain when parboiled. Refresh in cold water and drain again.  Heat sufficient olive oil in a kadai

(wok) and deep-fry jackfruit cubes.

Drain and place on absorbent paper and set aside. Deep-fry half the onions in the same oil till golden brown and crisp. Drain and place on absorbent paper and set aside.  Heat three tablespoons of olive oil

in a deep thick-bottomed pan. Add caraway seeds and remaining green cardamoms, black cardamoms and crushed cinnamon. Add remaining onions and sauté for a while. Add ginger paste, garlic paste and continue to sauté. Add turmeric powder, roasted cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder and tomatoes. Continue to sauté for two to three minutes. Add fried jackfruit and stir. Add yogurt, salt and coriander leaves.  Dissolve saffron in lukewarm milk

and set aside.  Preheat the oven to 200˚C/400˚F/

Gas Mark 6.  Take a large bowl, arrange half

of the jackfruit mixture in it. Over this spread a layer of rice. Sprinkle saffron milk, garam masala powder, a few mint leaves and a few drops of kewra water. Arrange the rest of the jackfruit mixture. Cover with rice. Garnish with fried onions, a few mint leaves and remaining kewra water. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about twenty to twenty-five minutes.  Serve hot with a raita (yogurt

relish) of your choice.

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Cover Story Recipes

TOMATO AND OLIVE UPMA Method

1 Whisk yogurt with salt and two and a half cups of water

Ingredients 1 cup semolina (rawa/suji) 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 10-12 black olives, sliced ½ cup yogurt Salt to taste 3 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon split black gram (dhuli urad dal) ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds 5-6 curry leaves 1 large onion, chopped ½ inch piece ginger, chopped 3-4 green chillies, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

to make very thin buttermilk. Set aside.

2 Heat olive oil in a kadai (wok), add split black gram and mustard seeds and fry for a minute. When the mustard seeds begin to splutter add curry leaves, onion, tomatoes, ginger and green chillies and sauté for a minute.

3 Add rawa and continue to sauté on medium heat for four to five minutes till it is lightly coloured and fragrant.

4 Add buttermilk, bring to a boil, reduce heat and continue to cook uncovered, stirring continuously, till all the liquid is absorbed.

5 Adjust seasoning, cover and cook further for two minutes on very low heat.

6 Add black olives and coriander leaves. Stir and cook for a minute.

7 Serve hot.

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BHUTTA SEEKH KEBAB Ingredients 8 baby corncobs, slit into two lengthways 250 grams cottage cheese 5-6 green chillies, chopped 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander 1 inch ginger, chopped 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tablespoon garam masala powder 2 teaspoons chaat masala 1 teaspoon tandoori masala 4 bread slices, soaked and crumbled Salt to taste Oil for shallow-frying

Method 1 Blanch the baby corncobs in two cups of water.

Drain and cool.

2 Place the cottage cheese in a deep bowl and mash well. Add the green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, fresh coriander, ginger, chilli powder, garam masala powder, chaat masala, tandoori masala, bread slices and salt. Knead well to make a smooth dough.

3 Divide the dough into sixteen portions. Shape into elongated one-and-a-half-inch thick kebabs. Insert a halved baby corncob into each kabab in such a way that two inches of the cob sticks out.

4 Heat a tawa. Place the kebabs on it, drizzle a little oil all around and shallow-fry till golden brown. Turn the kebab over frequently so that they brown evenly.

5 Serve hot with ketchup.

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Campus Visit

A fun night,

with emotions running wild!

A unique event was organised at the CC Mehta Auditorium in Vadodara recently. Rahul Trivedi shares the details

A

non-profit organisation called “The Gujarat Chatra Sansad” (GCS) owned by Kunal Sharma, organized a live concert by the band Advaita from MTV Unplugged, on the 12th of February at the C.C. Mehta Auditorium, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara. Especially for deaf and mute Indian cricket team players, the concert was meant to be a fundraiser and also one that raised awareness about the condition of these cricketers.

Four of these players were originally part of the Indian deaf and mute cricket team that played for the nation.

Currently, however, they are living in squalor and abject poverty. Their condition is deplorable and completely undeserved. Imran Shaik, who made a massive halfcentury and helped India win the Deaf and Mute Cricket World Cup, is today selling mung chat for a living, because playing cricket for the country wasn’t enough to make a living! Other such players are Rakesh Vaja,

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who works as a laundry boy, Veer Bhadra Singh Rathore who is a teacher of deaf and mute children, and Vinay Dongre, who works as a peon at the IPCL. Needless to say that the four were not known even by the people of their own city before the Advaita concert.

Their abysmal condition is probably a result of them being deaf and mute, ironically, the same handicap that got them a place in the team for deaf and mute people, in the first place. To say that this is an insult that adds to their injury would be an understatement. It goes against the country’s ideals and the spirit of sportsmanship, apart from hindering their ability to play for their country at all.

This was the first time that this kind of a cause has been supported by the GCS or for that matter, any organization at all. Let us hope it’s not the last. The collected amount was placed in a fixed deposit by the organisers and will be distributed to the four players regularly each month.

GCS was also supported by Sujal Charitable Trust, the Vadodara Marathon, M.S. University of Vadodara, Faculty of Social Work Association, Our Vadodara, Pixel Perfection, Baroda Beat, and Prena – Helping hands. Barodians showcased their full support when it came to this humane initiative and went all out to help

our national heroes. Imran Shaik was also selected as the brand ambassador of the Vadodara International Marathon at the function.

Despite his handicap, Imran Shaik made a statement in sign language: “I, Imran Shaik, am good at cricket but because of my financial condition I had to quit playing, as in each and every tournament I had to collect money from my own pocket. But you all have rekindled a fresh hope in me.” Rakesh Vaja says: “My life, is of a laundry boy. I was practicing cricket in the morning and pressing clothes in the afternoon and we won the World Cup, but still I didn’t see any benefit for myself. I thought my life as a player had ended, but thanks to you all for boosting me up.”

About the band Advaita is a well-known band from Coke Studio MTV Unplugged. This was the first time Advaita came to Vadodara and performed live. In answer to a question about what they felt was different when it came to performing for charity, they said that though the performance was the same as any other, the feelings were totally different, adding that they felt good to contribute something substantial to the lives of these special cricketers. n

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Book Review

Anything but Khamosh An explosive read about the country’s most dynamic, controversial and open superstar turned politician

By Abhilash Jayachandra

I

f there is any book that can claim to be an honest portrayal of a person’s life, it is this one, based on the vociferous and witty actor, Shatrughan Sinha. Written

by Bharathi S Pradhan over the course of 7 years, it is structured as a complete story, (although now a sequel is in the works) and is woven around a series of interviews and personal anecdotes given by Sinha himself, along with the various people whom he has been associated with, like his daughter Sonakshi, his wife Poonam Sinha, his brother Lakshman Sinha, and even his colleagues like Shekhar Suman, Rajnikanth, etc..

It seems superstar biographies are of interest only to fans that follow their idols’ every move, but Sinha’s biography purports to be unique. Its promise lies in its execution – the contents of the book are nothing but true. From a naughty, young kid who was the bane of his teachers, to an adolescent who craved admiration, it is a tell all, with no attempt to gloss over realities. Never known for his diplomacy anyway, the actor reveals details about his various clashes with people in Bollywood or politics, and also how he dealt with personal issues related to close friends and family. According to Pradhan, Sinha “wanted a credible, readable narrative and not a prolonged fan letter.” Only after Sinha read the manuscript and made sure it was an honest account, complete with unedited, unflattering opinions about him, he gave the go ahead for it to be published!

Popularity can be a heady thing, and fame can turn even the best of men into irate, annoying people when in company. Respect earned then, becomes different from respect demanded. And a superstar like Sinha not only

embraced the attention that came with stardom but also sought and demanded it. But he wasn’t a man to take something for nothing. He made sure that he was giving back something of equal worth in return; something that was equal to the respect and attention he got from everyone. This fact is amply proved in the chapter titled “Politics in the Family,” which deals with the ups and downs between Sinha and his close ones. Mr. Hiraji, an old friend, makes an interesting observation. He says that although respect and admiration were deep seated needs of Sinha, he never changed for those who were close to him. With friends, he was the same person as before, not a superstar. At functions, he would keep seats for friends in the front row, and would anxiously watch out for them and see to it that they were taken care of.

Hiraji also talks about the effect that the respect and adulation shown to Sinha by his admirers, had on his friends. “We also realised that we had to respect the person he has become. In front of others, I never called him ‘Shatrughan’. I call him ‘Shatruji’. This sends out a message to other people too, on how to behave in front of him.” At the recent book launch, Sinha spoke on the importance of following one’s heart and doing what one likes, rather than meeting the expectations of others.

After all, he is the best example of this life-philosophy.

Shatrughan Sinha, a man who wears many hats, has lived life on his own terms and achieved what he desired through sheer hard work and determination.

And by using, of course, the crucial ability to say no to any difficulty that he has faced. All he does is look a challenge in the eye and say “Khamosh!” n

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In Let go of me, Sagar and Asmi are both searching for something.

Living lives which ostensibly seem extremely fulfilling, yet, they both feel an unexplained vacuum within themselves. When they finally meet, they experience the unrelenting pull towards each other, almost as if they were souls separated in a past incarnation.

Sadly, they are both wrapped in their circumstances when this happens. Sagar is afraid to disclose his murky life to Asmi for fear of losing the only love that he has known in life. He is consumed by his desire to somehow keep her close and yet untouched by his realities. When she does find out, a battle wages within her. She is tormented by her inability to accept what life has offered to her. Is she capable of unconditional love that she thought she was? Was it possible to love without levying the tax of expectations on the one across? Was her thinking as evolved as she thought it was? Will she accept the reality, change the realities or unearth new truths that life wants her to unravel?

The Simla Paintings has unusual stories which centre around women and are set in colonial India and modern-day Delhi.

They portray the experience of women struggling to cope with the travails of living in a traditional society. Conflict and violence ensue. The desire to resist authority and express their concerns leads to situations ranging from the comic to the sinister. The inner and outer worlds of the characters are portrayed with sensitivity insight and humour.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ekta Saigal Pundit, born and brought up in Delhi, had the quintessential upbringing of a Delhiite. After completing her schooling from Springdales and graduation from St. Stephen, Ekta went on to pursue her MBA at Birla Institute of Management Technology. A brief sojourn in the corporate world followed, including an overseas stint, and she realised that this was not her calling. She turned an entrepreneur and worked in the area of design and execution of residential real estate development projects. This book is an extension of her creative instincts where she has given shape to free flowing thoughts and ideas in a powerful, surrealistic style of writing. Ekta lives in Noida with her husband, Deepak and son, Manas.

About the Author Rita Joshi teaches English Literature at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University. She has published academic articles in journals in India and the U.S.A. She has also published book reviews in leading Indian newspapers. She has a keen interest in theatre and has directed several plays for her students. She held a British Council scholarship to research on D.H. Lawrence at Girton College, Cambridge. Her PhD. is on D.H. Lawrence.

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Fortune Teller

Monthly predictions

March-2016 for all the signs Who wouldn’t like to know the future? Knows yours from none other than Bejan Daruwalla, the most popular Indian astrologer who has also authored hundreds of books on the topic

Bejan Daruwalla is a wellknown Astrologer and Author

Pisces (19th Feb to 20th March) The coming together of Moon and Venus, planet of love, could make you all dreamy and romantic in the first fortnight.

Passion will rage for singles and they will succeed in sharing tender moments with somebody of the opposite sex. But those who are married, the planets do not seem to have charted out anything cheerful. Don’t be overconfident Come down to earth and focus on meaningful work, suggests Ganesha.Those in careers will have it easy. Businessmen and professionals, particularly those dealing in overseas trade, will also gain. Those with recurring acidity should get it checked to avoid complications. Check credentials of outstation customers thoroughly before extending any credit. You could be tempted to exploit some grey area of laws and legislation.

Ganesha strictly cautions against any such thought or approach.

Married folks need to pay more attention to opinions and sensitivity

of their better half. Health is fine this fortnight.

Aries (21st March to 20th April) You could get exhausted trying to balance desires and doables as the month begins. While Mars goads you towards higher growth, Saturn stifles your ideas. You may need to re-strategize and work up more practical, achievable targets.

Do not get lured by distractions.

Concentrate only on your work, advocates Ganesha. Financially, it looks like an average phase. With Moon in Gemini, a mutable sign, and being influenced by planets of contrasting nature, you may not be able to take firm decisions. By the middle of the month, as Sun enters your sign and get exalted, you will be led in the right direction. You will stride ahead with assurance and take important decisions confidently. There is a likelihood of those handling overseas projects coming across a rewarding assignment. You could be faulted

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for not paying enough attention to domestic matters. Your partner might get upset with you for your indifferent attitude. Those with diabetes or blood pressure are advised regular check-ups to remain healthy.

Taurus (21st April to 21st May) With Mars and Saturn both transiting through the fiery Sagittarius, you will be gripped by strong emotions for a good part of the month. The longing for luxury and money could also get stronger. However, the presence of Saturn in the 8th House may brew overwhelming discontent and frustration.

Ganesha advises you not to brood, concentrate on the positives and act decisively. For those in business, work starts picking up from the second week; there are chances that you may even surpass your competitors. Though by the month end, the pace may slacken and work may not move ahead as planned. Refrain from undertaking any new development or expansion. Job-holders may find the going tough mid-month. Do not carry any emotional baggage to work. You could become heavily involved with charitable work, at the cost of neglecting your own domestic matters. Fortunately, Mercury comes to your rescue, and makes you conscious about your responsibilities. The third week shall be a happening time for young singles, they are likely

to meet somebody interesting and desirable. Health will need attention at the beginning of the month, especially for those who are diabetic and have problems pertaining to the digestive system.

Gemini (22nd May to 21st June) The convergence of aggressive Mars, fiery Sagittarius and cool Saturn in the seventh House at the beginning does not bode well for those in business. Partners may not agree on various issues which could cause strain. You will need loads of tact and patience to resolve the deadlock. Those who are married may also seem to be at loggerheads with their partner.

Times are such that relationships in general may become stressful for one reason or another. Keep cool and refrain from any verbal confrontations, exhorts Ganesha.

For businessmen, the situation may improve now. Planetary positions could lead you to explore new territories and win over new customers. Job holders may come under pressure to improve both speed and efficiency. Singles may enjoy intimate relationships with a colleague here. The month ends appears gloomy. You may need to borrow money. Those with joint pains will have a hard time.

There is a strong possibility of getting injured on the upper part of the body. Watch your step in the coming days.

Cancer (22nd June to 22nd July) There seems to be little support from the stars at the beginning.

You’ll have to struggle and toil to achieve your goals. Those in business are likely to face stiff competition. For married folks, the days seem cheerless.

During the second week, some unexpected expenses may force you to borrow money for a short term. But don’t worry: with Venus well placed, good earning opportunities will soon come your way. What you may need to do is be composed and tread carefully to take full advantage of the situation. Businessmen will be keen to accelerate their pace of growth. Fortunately, the current planetary transits seem favourable. Professionals could also benefit here. Mid-month looks encouraging: you should optimize this phase to shore up your finances. But as the month draws to a close, matters degenerate to such an extent that you may even feel like breaking the alliance for getting peace of mind. Ganesha cautions against taking any impulsive or harsh decisions. For businessmen too, the relationship with their partner appears strained. Tact may help you tide over problems.

Leo (23rd July to 22nd Aug) The influence of Moon in conjunction with Venus, planet of Feelings March 2016 | 119

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Fortune Teller love, may herald matters of the heart.

Singles could now dream of finding love and building close friendships. Those already in a steady relationship may be keen to marry and start life together.

However, married folks could be disheartened. You could be troubled by one grievance or the other. Mars entering fiery Sagittarius could make you temperamental. Refrain from taking major risks for the moment.

There will be disgruntled murmurs about provisions and necessities at home. You’ll be forced to hike budgets to meet family demand.

There are chances of money coming from sale of some asset lying idle. Park this extra capital safely for the time being as planetary positions do not look favourable for any investment right now, says Ganesha. Job holders will be unhappy as they do not get adequate support or recognition, but the emerging Full Moon may change that. At the month end, you could be edgy and easily provoked. Middle aged and above having either low or high blood pressure should go for regular check-ups. Diabetics need to be careful about their food. Stick to the diet prescribed by your physician.

of the game plan of Mars, Saturn and Sagittarius. There could be disturbances in domestic life. You could be accused of neglecting the house. To add to your troubles, ruler of the fourth House, Jupiter, is transiting along with its sworn enemy malefic Rahu, says Ganesha. A gloomy fate awaits you even in your married life.

Financial affairs too may take a beating. Your marriage may go into shambles and panic may take over. Things could come to such a head that you could consider breaking the alliance and looking for options. Ganesha cautions against taking any kind of drastic steps related to marriage and domestic matters. Be calm and focus on other issues like career and finance. Money will be good.

No worries there as the planet related to finance for your sign, Venus, will be transiting through it sign of exaltation Pisces. However, prospects for career growth do not look so encouraging for now.

Refrain from holding grudges against someone who does not see eye to eye with you on critical matters is Ganesha’s advice.

Later, Saturn turns retrograde due to which old, nagging health issues could surface.

Virgo (23rd Aug to 22nd Sep) It looks like a dismal opening this month. This is essentially because

Libra (23rd Sept to 22nd Oct) Mars changing sign to enter fiery mutable Sagittarius is likely to

bring relief in matters related to finance at the beginning. Now, you can go ahead and take calculated risks to earn more. If you want to quit your job and find something suitable, do so without delay as the heavens offer support. Good time for singles to be romantically involved, though marital bliss appears to be elusive for the moment. Those doing business will lose some good opportunity to strike a profitable deal due to slow and unwise judgment.

However, job holders may be in for a promotion for multitasking competently. Health may need attention here. Even a minor issue could flare up if neglected, cautions Ganesha. In the second fortnight, Sun enters its sign of exaltation, fiery Aries. This change does not augur well for businessmen.The non-cooperative attitude of your business associate may compel you to look for somebody more practical with whom you can accelerate your pace of growth. Troubles continue to haunt married couples. Evolve a give-and-take relationship to maintain harmony, advises Ganesha.

Scorpio (23rd Oct to 22nd Nov) Your attention is likely to shift from self to family and finance at the beginning of the month. You will push aside your own personal needs to give more importance to home. There could be some

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problems in the family.

Solve them tactfully. In the second week, planetary alignments bring in love and romance. Venus is now exalted and well positioned to stir passion and romantic alliances for those who are single. But Mercury is debilitated so avoid pressing for physical intimacy here, advises Ganesha; it could lead to misgiving about your integrity. Businessmen and professionals could be disappointed about not being able to clinch a profitable deal. Be diplomatic while hobnobbing with valuable customers. Unfortunately, even during the month end, there does not seem to be any respite from family pressure. This could be due to Saturn in retrograde.

You will enjoy good health this month. Those with long continuing complaints will need to be careful.

Sagittarius (23rd Nov to 21st Dec) You will be brimming with energy in the first fortnight, full of life and eager to move ahead in your field. However, Saturn could make you aware of constraints. Maybe it is time for introspection and deliberation, suggests Ganesha. Singles are likely to meet a teenage crush at a social function.

Those doing jobs need to bring in greater compatibility

with seniors and colleagues in office. In the second week, you will be eager to impress your friends and associates with your extravagance. At home, you may want to look at getting some interior decoration to the delight of family members. Businessmen and professionals could get shortchanged during this phase, so be careful, warns Ganesha.

By the middle of the month, howvever, lady luck could be favouring you with her blessings.

Those single may be pressurized by family to finalize a partner suitable for marriage. Regarding health, the planetary position spells trouble for those with diabetics.

Capricorn (22nd Dec to 20th Jan) At the beginning of the month, some unexpected expenses could throw your carefully planned budget in disarray. Thus, plan your money matters keeping enough provision for emergencies.

Job holders could be uncomfortable with the strained environment in office. Hang in there for the time being as planetary configuration does not support change. In the second week, you will need to keep your head up and your heart strong, as love could blossom. Singles are likely to meet their teenage love at a social function.

Mid-month, you may have an urge to visit a far away religious place. Job holders will be content

at work and motivated to perform well. The last week does not look upbeat at all. So brace yourself accordingly. Your personal life will be taken over by murmurs of discontent. Financially, too, it will not be smooth going. But do not lose sleep, as this phase will not last long, assures Ganesha.

Aquarius (21st Jan to 18th Feb)

If you find yourself agitated and disturbed at the beginning of the month, you could blame it on the stars. Take it easy. Those with jobs could feel like chucking up everything and trying something different. Ganesha warns against such rash mood swings.

Businessmen will be relaxed; no major ups and downs foreseen. Those married will be in a circle of bliss with their spouse. But by mid-month your expectations could grow, and you would like your spouse to be prompt and efficient about everything. Ganesha suggests that you do not get so demanding. By mid-month, those in business could witness a setback. It is wiser to raise your level of compatibility and lower your expectations. By the month end, you could become excessively critical. Instead of launching into a fault-finding mission, try gentle coaxing and inspiration, points out Ganesha. Health may require some attention, around the middle of the month. You may be down with fever, due to viral infection.

Rest when needed! n Feelings March 2016 | 121

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Bold Words

women’s day on twitter ​What men are saying

Devendra Fadnavis @Dev_Fadnavis Women would not only contribute selflessly but would be the torch bearers in the journey of making our nation a global power! #WomensDay

Amitabh Bachchan @SrBachchan T 2168 - International Women’s Day .. but .. it’s their day everyday !!

Virat Kohli @imVkohli Sorry for the jerks, the catcallers, the stalkers. Don’t let them ruin it for the rest of us. Happy Women’s Day

Sushant S Rajput @itsSSR Between our first & the last embrace ,my life exists.

You still live as everything that’s good in me maa #WomensDay

Akshay Kumar @akshaykumar 3 cheers to these 3 ladies who keep me sane by driving me insane almost daily & all you…

Farhan Akhtar @FarOutAkhtar On this Women’s Day, let’s deepen our resolve to create a world in which all women can live with equality, freedom and dignity.

Ali Zafar @AliZafarsays You rock girls! #WomensDay

Farhan Akhtar @FarOutAkhtar Here’s a song we created in hope for an equal world for all.. Inspired by my 9 year old, Akira. Happy Women’s Day.

Sanjay Manjrekar @sanjaymanjrekar Have been surrounded by women all my life, mother, 2 sisters, now wife & daughter.

It’s women that have really sculpted me. #WomensDay

Varun Dhawan @Varun_dvn #WomensDay is something we men need to celebrate everyday.be equal and treat everyone equally

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RNI Reference No.: 1272939

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