Sexy

` 75 MARCH 2016

INDIA’S CAITLYN JENNER!

APSARA REDDY

TALKS INTENSELY ABOUT

HER SEX CHANGE

OUT OF THE BOX! WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

DREAMY

DUBLIN

SHOCKING! YOUR BODY’S FAT MEMORY KEEPS YOU FAT

MARCH 2016 Editor Andrea CostaBir Associate Editor Sumita Chakraborty Senior Correspondents Bhavana Doifode Amber Dias Editorial Assistant N J Thomas Assistant Art Director Ashok Choudekar Graphic Designer Jiji George Chief Photographer Sanjit Sen Advertising Director Ashok Dhamankar Assistant General Manager Sunil Khavnekar Associate Advertising Managers Hetal Kamdar (Mumbai) Binit Kumar Hura (North) Regional Manager (North) Kumar Shwetabh Content & Digital Sales Rajeev Mokashi Bureaus Delhi Meeta Mishra (Resident Editor) Trisha Mahajan Chennai CSS Latha (Resident Editor) Hyderabad Nandini R Penna (Resident Editor) Kolkata Kakoli Poddar Sudeshna Chakravarty (Joint Resident Editors) Bangalore Apoorva Somaiah Branch Bangalore Chennai Kolkata Pune

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CONTENTS

18 I BELIEVE

Apsara Reddy on her sex change and life beyond...

39 WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

‘SAVVY’ raises a toast to feisty women who are empowering other women through thought ‘n’ action

49 FASHION 50

FASHION FERVOUR

56 58 60 64 65 66

Sizzle in ethnic ensembles

HAUTE COUTURE The hottest international fads

CHIC CAPERS Debbie Hitkari’s global runway cues

TREND SPOT Make a statement in dipping necklines, retro designs, slip dresses and gingham

STYLE PICKS Best fashion buys

STYLE SAVVY Roohi Jaikishan sorts your look

STREET STYLE Accessorize your block shirts

67 BODY & BEAUTY 69 SLEEP WELL

70 73 74 76 80 82 86 90

Actress Tina Ahuja shares her sleep secrets

THE LOOK The hottest makeup trends

YOGA SAVVY An asana for strength and flexibility

STAR SECRETS Chitrangada Singh’s look fab secrets

FITNESS SAVVY Your fat memory keeps you fat

FIT BIT Mickey Mehta answers your fitness queries

HEALTH SAVVY Diabetes and the working woman

SEX TALK Sex queries, answered!

BEAUTY BLOOM Beauty secrets from across the globe

Photographs: Nithin Bharath Wardrobe & Accessories: Sidney Sladen, Amrapali Jewellery from Amethyst, Maal Gaadi and Tina Vincent Hair & Makeup: Veera Shekhar Styling & Makeup Consultant: Aishvarrya

93 COOKBOOK 94 CUISINE SAVVY

101 102 103

Scrumptious lunch box recipes

SHOPPING CART Reviewing products on the rack

SAVVY PROMO Start your day with Tops Choco Flakes

SHOWCASE SAVVY Gourmet hampers from Godrej Nature’s Basket and handcrafted hampers from Food-E

105 FEATURES 106 LIFE SAVVY

93

108 112 116

ETCETERA 10 MY WORD 12 YOUR WORD 14 SAVVY WOMAN 16 I BELIEVE QUOTE 68 BODY TALK 92 STYLE FILE 121 iSAVVY 128 PARTY ZONE 134 COOL PICKINGS 138 RAH RAH BAH

105

50

122 125 126 127

Pinky Reddy’s life solutions

SIBLING REVELRY Actress Rekha bonds with her sisters

RELATIONSHIP SAVVY Young guys hooked to older women

CELEB SAVVY Melania Trump – future First Lady of America?

DESTINATION SAVVY Dazzling Dublin

HEART TALK Prahlad Kakar heals your heart

EVENT SAVVY Raveena Tandon unveils the cover of ‘Health & Nutrition’

SHOW TIME Health & Nutrition’ hosted Dr Anjali Mukerjee for an informative workshop

FORM IV (RULE 8) STATEMENT ABOUT OWNERSHIP AND OTHER PARTICULARS ABOUT NEWSPAPER ENTITLED SAVVY TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE FIRST ISSUE EVERY YEAR AFTER THE LAST DAY OF FEBRUARY. 1. Place of Publication : Magna House, 100/E, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 025.

2. Periodicity of its Publication : Monthly 3. Printer’s Name : Ms. Andrea CostaBir For the proprietors, Magna Publishing Co. Ltd. Whether Citizen of India : Yes Address : Magna House, 100/E, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 025.

4. Publisher’s Name : Ms. Andrea CostaBir For the proprietors, Magna Publishing Co. Ltd. 5. Editor’s Name : Ms. Andrea CostaBir Whether Citizen of India : Yes Address : Magna House, 100/E, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 025.

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I, Andrea CostaBir, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: February 29, 2016 Sd/Andrea CostaBir Printer/Publisher

MY WORD

A well-known

Photograph: Sanjit Kundu

media professional, Apsara (earlier Ajay) Reddy has gone through sex reassignment surgery to become a woman. Her I Believe is like the bursting of a dam – a mammoth whoosh of tangible, powerful energy flooding your senses and engaging you deeply... Thanks to her body of work, Apsara is respected in Chennai’s well-heeled circles and she’s now set on foraying into the political arena. With her intelligence and guts, we’re sure Apsara will continue to forge ahead! Go on girl, keep soaring...

Soaring like eagles are four powerhouses – boxer Ritika Singh, filmmaker Pooja Bhatt, RTI activist Aftab Siddiqui, and water-for-all campaigner Cynthia Koenig – who rock our Women’s Day Special! All of them are creating humungous waves in their respective fields thanks to their out-of-thebox thought ‘n’ action process. May they continue to rise, shine and empower women...

The beauteous Melania Trump is a woman who’s currently occupying a lot of the American headspace. A former model, she might end up being the First Lady of the USA if husband Donald Trump triumphs at the November 2016 US Presidential elections. Celeb Savvy gives you insights into Melania’s charmed ‘n’ glamorous life... and what the world can expect if she starts inhabiting the White House. ...While there’s a 24-year age difference between Donald and his gorgeous wife Melania, recent research avers that the trending combination of the 21st century is the younger manolder woman bond. Relationship Savvy dissects this equation keenly... and tells you why umpteen couples are gung-ho about giving it a shot! Well, with this relationship status, woman-on-top seems to be taking on a whole new meaning...

With the world dedicating not just March 8th (International Women’s Day) but the entire month to us women, it’ll be good on us to use this 31-day period to unlearn our fears, learn new skills, get fit, breathe and live with ease... Do More & Be More! Be a rock chick!

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”

— Lucille Ball, actress

E andrea@magnamags.com

YOUR WORD

2016). Kudos to Meher Dasondi for her initiative of a food bank!

Neelu V Dixit, Ahmedabad

KEEP IT UP! Your January 2016 issue carried an article about the sexual harassment of a FTII diploma holder (‘Spot Light’) who was asked to keep quiet by senior students. It takes a woman’s magazine like ‘SAVVY’ to give a platform to all kinds of women’s issues. Keep up the good work!

Shyamashri Ghosh, Thane

IN-DEPTH! ) One of the reasons I love ‘SAVVY’ is that it gives equal weight to different voices, and the coverage is in-depth and analytical. In your February 2016 issue, on one hand you ran a Valentine’s Day Special and on the other hand, you dealt with genuine issues. As readers, we are spoiled for choice and no one’s complaining!

APPLAUSE WORTHY! I eagerly read your editorial columns as I find them useful and inspiring, plus they provide a gist of the ‘SAVVY’ articles. Despite the electronic and foreign media, indigenous ‘SAVVY’ has a very strong foothold in India.

For this, Magna Publishing Co Ltd deserves a round of applause!

Madhura Ghayal, Mumbai

Aashree Sah, Faizabad

APPRECIABLE! There is always a certain element of freshness in ‘SAVVY’. I have no words to appreciate the article ‘Don’t Waste, Donate’ (‘Eat Beat’, ‘SAVVY’, February

HEARTBREAKING! ) Even as the PMs of India and Pakistan hold peace talks, terrorists have increased their aggression across the border. It’s heartbreaking

that the lives of young Indian soldiers are being lost every day. In the Pampore attack, three men of the elite paramilitary forces were killed - a great loss; and six jawans died in Pathankot. What is the answer to everlasting peace? God, please show us the way.

Snehal Pratap, New Delhi

JNU FIRE ) The ‘unity in diversity’ motto seems to be going up in flames with the latest JNU issue raging through the country. It’s imperative that the Government cracks down on whoever was responsible for disturbing the peace in our country. It’s a privilege to wake up in a peaceful nation. Let us not make a non-issue spiral into a fireball!

Meghna Shikhre, Pune

The best letters will receive gifts.

Write in to: ‘SAVVY’, Magna House, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 25 E savvy@magnamags.com

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SAVVY WOMAN

Inspiring!

“A person who has defied society and its norms to live a life with complete honesty and dignity...

Apsara is a welcome ‘n’ positive change in this world. She is beautiful and her soul is pure.”

Khushboo, politician and actress

“I’ve known Apsara Reddy for years.

I always wondered how someone can be this open about their views on life and fight for their rights. Apsara is an inspiration... to be bold and work hard in life.”

Manoj Manchu, Telugu actor

“Apsara is an inspiration to all women. When I invited her to a conference of 500 international and national doctors, she wowed the audience with her talk on surrogacy rights. She is an icon and is revered by so many youngsters.”

Dr Kamala Selvaraj, wellknown fertility & IVF doctor

“I see Apsara as a strong, talented and no-nonsense individual who has risen in the ranks of journalism and life. Truly a woman who holds her own and commands immense respect.

To be at the top of her game at a young age and to have done it on her own steam, despite all odds, is truly inspiring. She is warm, friendly and loads of fun! I see her in a leadership role in the future.”

Dr Anita Ratnam, classical dancer

“Apsara is a good friend who has always shown me what true strength is. Unapologetic, brave and totally focused is how I would describe her. She is respected and is well loved by all of us, and I’m proud to be her friend.”

Ramya Krishnan, actress

“I have known Apsara for some years now and have watched her come into her own with strength, dignity and wonderful grace. She is a journalist and media professional who has earned credibility and respect by the dint of her talent and commitment. She glows as a beautiful and loving woman. I have applauded her journey thus far from the sidelines and look forward to seeing her attain many more milestones in her life.

Apsara, I wish you all the very best!”

Gautami, actress

I BELIEVE

I am a ‘SAVVY’ Woman because…

“I accept

no

limitations.

i don’t rely on A

surname

and I have

done it on my own

terms,

on

tough turf!”

Interviewed by

CSS Latha

I BELIEVE

I was born as Ajay Reddy. I always wanted to be a girl. In fact from a very young age, I used to dress up like a girl.

I would tie my hair in plaits, wear flowers and slip into my mother’s footwear. Everybody encouraged me thinking these were merely a child’s pranks. But deep inside me, I always felt I was a girl... never once like a boy. But let me start my saga from the beginning.

MY FAMILY My father Ramesh Reddy is from a very well-educated family from Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. My mother Anuradha Reddy is actually my superhero. She too hails from a well read and well travelled family, and is responsible for shaping me to be the person I am today. My grandfather Gopalkrishna Reddy too was a very generous man. He left his entire property to me.

CHILDHOOD FLASHBACK My mother’s side looked after me very well; my dad’s side, not that much. My dad was an alcoholic and he used to constantly have issues with my mom and me.

I think even after men get married, they don’t mellow down. Instead, they like to live a bachelor’s life - boy’s nights out and all that. My dad too continued doing that for a very long time. And that took a huge toll on us. There were times when he was very aggressive with mom and me, though my mom would shield me from his ire. My problems with him escalated even more when I hit my teens. That’s actually when I first told my parents about my gender preference. But sadly, we never had a With my dad and mum

Deep inside me, I always felt I was a girl... never once like a boy. matured discussion about this because of his closed mind and anger.

MY PROBLEMS WITH MY FATHER I always felt that a father should be a great example to his children but unfortunately, I always saw my father as this person who brought friends home, indulged in drinking, and never took interest in the house or planned anything for the family or holidays. He lived for himself.

Being a rebellious teenager and a strong-minded person, I always tried to stay away from him. But having said that, my childhood was very happy simply because my mother and I created a parallel happy life without him.

STUDENT DAYS I studied at Sishya, a prestigious school in Chennai.

However, children too can be cruel at times. At school, they used to call me names because I was extremely effeminate in the way I spoke, walked or behaved. But I was happy being who I was even though the other kids at school gave me hell - the boys would avoid me, or say harsh things like I was girlie, or use nasty words to describe me. For instance, when I got up to answer a question in class, invariably, there would be muffled giggles from the other kids which sadly enough, even the teachers didn’t stop. But the best part is that despite all this, I performed phenomenally well at school. I topped in my ICSE exams and subsequently, at Lady Andal, which was a state board, in the commerce stream.

MY QUEST TO BE A GIRL When I was 13, I browsed through Google about a boy wanting to be a girl. I knew that I was not gay as I had opportunities to interact with gay people and there was no connect. So I did extensive research online and found out about the transgender sex and hormone changes. It was overwhelming and scary. Yet, I was fascinated! I was determined to go through with it, though I wondered how I would get the money for it without my parents knowing.

That plan was therefore on hold for some time.

I knew that I was not gay as I had opportunities to interact with gay people and there was no connect.

FURTHER STUDIES Then I went to Australia to pursue my Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism with a specialization in Investigative Journalism. It was the most exciting time of my life.

Alongside, ‘The Hindu’ too gave me an opportunity to write for them. For the newspaper, I interviewed eminent personalities including Nicholas Cage, A R Rahman, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barichello.

I also wrote for the ‘Bharat Times’ in Australia and worked with the Indian Consulate. I worked as a media advisor to Consul General Dr T J Rao and that’s how I got the opportunity to meet Jagdish Tytler and interview Prime Minister John Howard there.

With my doting mum

NON-JUDGMENTAL Australia was absolutely great. Here, I found a great set of friends who were non-judgmental. And a whole new life opened up for me. I discovered myself more and more.

I went to a gay club one day and there I met a beautiful transsexual woman called Jacinta who told me about gender counsellors. In Australia, insurance covers all kinds of medical problems including hormone therapies, tablets and gender counsellors. So I started visiting a gender counsellor and simultaneously began my hormone therapy. The counselling was extremely tough. They would ask very weird questions about my innermost feelings, physical attractions and details about my upbringing.

But I would always answer very honestly as I felt that it would get me real liberation.

INFORMING MY PARENTS After a year, I gathered the courage to tell my parents and it was definitely the most difficult part of my life ever. I informed my parents over the phone that I wanted to discuss something with them. I actually first prepared my parents about my ‘orientation’ through a few people - which was a disaster. They twisted and turned things. Malicious things were planted in my parents’ heads. They said I was suicidal, had multiple relationships... horrible stuff and it really impacted my parents.

So I flew back home. And I told them that I wanted to talk to them. I didn’t beat around the bush. I said, ‘I am not comfortable being a boy. I want to be a girl. I have done my research and have gone for gender counseling’.

The reaction was vitriolic. My mother burst out crying and my father walked out of the room. However, after the initial emotional outburst, my mother and I had an intense conversation.

She asked me, ‘Are you sure? People look at hijrahs (eunuchs) in a certain way… Can you live in society?’

I told her that I was not a hijrah. A transgender is a completely healthy

They said I was suicidal, had multiple relationships... horrible stuff and it really impacted my parents. person, mentally and physically. I also gave her literature from PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). She read all of it and then took me to Pondicherry for a whole week.

MY MOTHER STOOD BY ME We stayed inside a room and just spoke.

We spoke about relatives, how they would react, my career and how I would set myself up financially, with or without a partner, my relationship with dad and how it would go worse, and so many important things. My mom told me something that I will never forget.

She said, ‘No matter what you do, I am going to stand by you. Whatever decisions you take, don’t make them just to prove a point, do it to be safe and happy’. It was my biggest validation at that point and I didn’t really care what anybody else had to say.

A lot of transgenders and gays don’t try and convince their parents, they just rebel. If you approach your parents with that abrasive attitude, they are not going to get it. You have to tell them that you will study hard, make money and look after them well, and that you will keep yourself healthy, strong, safe and happy. And that’s what parents want to know – that their child is safe and sound. I don’t think any transgender woman makes that point.

If I walked in somewhere, people would giggle or turn the other way.

However, coming back to me, though my mother stood by me, families on both sides were not receptive to it. But at that point, I really didn’t care. I never really associated with my father’s side of the family anyway. So I just went back to Australia, wrapped up my degree and then came back.

MY WORK After three months, I got a scholarship to the City University of London to study International Journalism with a focus on Developmental Economics. There I worked for BBC World Service Radio as a news and current affairs RJ and I met an amazing person called Harvey Talwar. We dated for a whole year. But I learned later that he was gay. This relationship made me realise what I didn’t want in life.

But Harvey is one of my best friends now.

Soon I started becoming a voice for the desi trans-woman for the transgender Asian community. I was also part of a Pakistani group called Himmat that lobbied against forced Birthday celebrations

marriage in the UK. A lot of Pakistani gays and lesbians in the UK are forcibly taken back to Pakistan and a lot of honour killings take place.

I was chosen as the Asian ambassador for the London Mayor’s Gay Asian Float.

WORKING WITH SCOTLAND YARD I have worked with Scotland Yard to help people report rape in the transgender community. No one listens to a transgendered woman because they think you are different and out there only for sex. We had a forum of officers from Scotland Yard to work with us to create helplines in different boroughs and I frontlined that. I also went to the New York Parade and worked with DIVA - the Drag Initiative to Vanquish Aids, and helped raise funds for the gay, transgender and lesbian communities suffering from HIV. RADIO GAGA I worked with a Melbourne-based radio station called Joy Melbourne, which was a gay, transgender and lesbian radio station. I did a weekly program on the phone with them as a co-host. We interviewed achievers from the LGBT community from across the world.

I also did a current affairs show at the BBC, after which I worked with the Commonwealth Secretariat in the communications and public affairs department, to talk about so-called taboo subjects like sex, HIV, condoms and all that. But in today’s age, it is imperative to be safe and to know that your partner is safe.

Imposing mandatory HIV tests is absolutely essential. HIV is one of the fastest spreading viruses. I’m all for testing and being transparent about your status. You have no right to ruin someone else’s life.

MY TREATMENT Alongside, I also began my hormone treatment in London.

I started taking prescribed estrogen and progesterone tablets. And though it was a

My mother said, ‘No matter what you do, I am going to stand by you. Whatever decisions you take, don’t make them just to prove a point, do it to be safe and happy’. minimum dosage, the tablets had their side effects. I started feeling dizzy and getting nose bleeds. Sometimes I even felt suicidal and extremely depressed. I would sob uncotrollably at times. But I never attempted suicide though the thought crossed my mind. There were times when I would wake up crying, thinking I was all alone in the world. Sometimes my nose would bleed for an hour or so, and I would ice pack it. It was tough!

BACK TO MY ROOTS After my stint in London, I came back to India. I knew that this feeling of suicide might get worse. And I had no control.

So I stopped going out too much and instead focused on At an event

alternative therapies like yoga and pranic healing. I went to a lot of spas and booked myself for the massage therapy.

I spent all I earned on calming my mind. And I made sure to eat healthy and workout regularly so that my transition was not too rocky.

In India, I met Dr Usha Sriram, who gave me a lot of strength and courage. This felt good as a lot of people had said cruel, nasty, horrible, harsh, uncharitable and baseless things about me. From my mental state to allegations of how I was treated when I was a child etc - none of this is true!

Even when I was trying to be strong, keep a job and do things in life, they would never stop. If I walked in somewhere, people would giggle or turn the other way.

At parties, they would be nice to me on my face, but behind my back say nasty things. I was extremely hurt.

But then I realised that the only thing that would help me was success in my career and that kept me focused.

WORKING WITH DETERMINATION I started working at ‘The Indian Express’ newspaper as a Features Editor and had a successful column. Being in the press changed everything for me. ‘The Indian Express’ was not easy to work at. My boss, Aditya Sinha, however, was very supportive. But people around me made it tough. I would walk into the canteen and people would walk out. I would pitch a story I wanted to write, and my peers would

Whenever the main staff celebrated someone’s birthday, I was not invited by some of the senior editors to be a part of the ‘hang out’ sessions, a drink together or a ‘DC’ staff day at someone’s apartment. dismiss it. There were situations when I would submit a story without errors but in the final stage, they would introduce errors in my copy. My car tyres were punctured on the premises - I knew who it was. There was a clan of boys who got a kick out of doing this simply because I was their senior despite being half their age, and I was successful!

At various events

FACING OPPOSITION Then I was offered a very senior job at ‘Deccan Chronicle‘ as the Features Editor first and then promoted to Senior Editor.

I was handling supplements there. And I have to thank A T Jayanti, the Editorin-Chief at ‘Deccan Chronicle’ - she understood me as Apsara.

But even here, whenever the main staff celebrated someone’s birthday, I was not invited by some of the senior editors to be a part of the ‘hang out’ sessions, a drink together or a ‘DC’ staff day at someone’s apartment.

My dad was really demoralising me before the reassignment surgery. But I steeled myself and didn’t shed a tear.

Working at ‘Deccan Chronicle’, I used the female toilet. Women were okay with it. But men would make nasty comments about me using the female toilet. I looked like a woman when I started working with ‘Deccan Chronicle’, I had long hair that was blow-dried and I was transitioning. For me, it was the most natural thing. I could never go into a men’s toilet. But people insisted on saying nasty and hurtful things.

There have also been instances where we did political stories, especially during election time. When politicians came to the office to meet other senior editors, I would meet them too. A politician who is well-known and powerful, backed by a powerful surname, and I had a very interesting conversation. He told me that I was very beautiful and that it was great I was transitioning, and that he liked women like me. At that point, I got the drift.

I asked him what he meant by ‘women like me’. He said ‘a woman with a difference’ and ‘a woman with a twist’. I was taken aback but he, very matter-of-factly, without any thought or nervousness, said that he had a farm house and we could spend a weekend there. Luckily for me, I grew in my career while this politician’s career ebbed.

PROPOSITIONS GALORE Imagine someone propositioning you in your office - a media office at that - one would think twice about being so direct! Suddenly, I felt as if I had put myself in this situation since I had chosen to be a woman. How do I protect

In the surgery, they use your private parts to create a vagina without any artificial substance. myself? There was a lot of fear and insecurity. I also feel that the people who protect you can sometimes be your worst enemy. There have been instances where I am driving at night and a police officer stops me. Then he realises that I am a transgender and asks me how much I charge? Here I am driving an Audi, and he is on a Vespa or a scooty; and he is asking me how much I charge?! It is a scary fact that in a country where there is so much rape happening, a cop dares to ask me how much I charge. What if I am caught in a wrong situation at the wrong time? Anything could happen to me.

But on hindsight, I think whatever disgraceful place transgenders are kept in society is entirely the fault of the transgenders. I think we as human beings have to be aware of how we speak, what we speak, and what our body language says. We are a society of families, a society of culture and tradition and values. We can’t wear cleavage showing dresses and walk the streets and clap our hands.

We can’t be dancing to every man who is whistling at us With friends

at gay parades. We should not be actively standing on the road soliciting customers when you want empowerment and respect as a woman. There are so many ways to survive. I got a transgender woman a job at GG Hospital. She quit in three days. She told me, ‘Why do you want me to earn in a month what I earn in a day?’ Unfortunately, a lot of these transgender women are used to easy money. How can you blame society for not respecting you? You need to earn respect and dignity.

I don’t believe in gay pride marches around India. What do you achieve apart from visibility? If you’re wearing colourful wigs and cleavage baring saris and carrying placards basically saying ‘Bugger Off!’, it is not opening a window for dialogue or opportunity for sensitivity.

I think the law still says, under Section 377, that gay sex is illegal. Transgenders, on the other hand, are lucky to be recognized. They get passports and are factored into the system to get PAN cards and ration cards. The law is far more understanding and conducive to transgenders rather than to gays. But the transgender community does very little for itself. I think it is a sisterhood that promotes prostitution, begging and harassment. Why can’t they be self-help groups?

Why can’t they be like a small scale industry on arts, crafts and weaving? Why can’t they be productive? You see them at gay pride parades holding placards which are shocking, and gyrating to cheap music!

I feel ashamed to say I am a part of the transgender community. I know I will draw a lot of flak from the community, but it is shameful to want empowerment and progress, and to find yourself in such a beautiful way, and then give it all up by doing what you do.

TO BE A WOMAN But I was determined to carve a beautiful life for myself. The medical procedure doesn’t cost much to be a transgender woman. When I was at ‘Deccan Chronicle’ (DC), I was going

Before I was wheeled in for surgery, my mom very emotionally held my hand and told me that I could still change my decision. through my hormone treatments. There were remarkable changes. In the last two months at DC, I went to Thailand for gender reassignment surgery and it was the best decision of my life. I was at a hospital in Thailand called Yan Hee and had an amazing doctor called Dr Sombhoon Thamrungrang.

I told him I wanted to undergo gender reassignment surgery and that I had already done my hormone therapy and was happy with that. He kept me under observation for three months. I stayed in Bangkok for eight months during which I went for boot camp sessions and lost the weight I had gained with the hormones. My mum and dad were with me for the surgery.

My dad actually made it incredibly difficult.

He made me cry three days before and after the surgery saying a lot of insensitive and rude things, and referring to me as ‘he’ quite knowingly. He wasn’t supportive at all. It was hard for me.

On one side, there was excitement that I was finally going to do this. I have never done anything behind my parents’ back.

So I wanted to have my parents with me. Three days before the surgery, I was very nervous because the survival rate of these surgeries is low. In the surgery, they use your private parts to create a vagina without any artificial substance.

The skin and flesh are reworked to create a vagina with sensation. However, there

No woman would dare ask another woman how her vagina was doing in front of a man, but they found it okay to do that with me! are no guarantees. There could be prolonged pain and complications.

But I was determined to go through with it. For me, the surgery was important as I wanted to be a woman completely, organically and holistically.

So I conditioned my mind three days before the operation that it was going to work. I went with my mum to a temple.

But my dad said some nasty and unfortunate things like: ‘We will never be able to lift our head again, why were you born to us?’ and stuff like that. The reason I took him along was because my mum never travels alone. My mother is truly, deeply and madly in love with my father and that is the only reason why I respect him. She needed that extra person with her in the hospital. She couldn’t handle it by herself. But he was really demoralising me.

But I steeled myself and didn’t shed a tear. He tried to break me but I thought that I had come so far and I would Cooking up a storm

not look back or let people like him bother me. I would face things with dignity.

Before I was wheeled in for surgery, my mom very emotionally held my hand and told me that I could still change my decision. I told her that I would come back more beautiful than I ever was...

GENDER CHANGE It was an eight-and-a-half-hour long surgery. After anaesthesia, I was brought out and placed under observation for an hour-and-a-half. When I regained consciousness, it was painful as hell! I can’t even verbalise the pain. Deep down, however, I felt good, despite it all.

I came out of the operation theatre and my parents were outside. I looked at mom and gave her a big, bright smile.

I went to the room and had a nice long chat with mom.

My dad, however, continued being his usual harsh self.

A nurse and doctor told him not to visit me for a few days because the tension with him was palpable. I was discharged in four days and stayed at an apartment.

SURGERIES Thailand is the centre for transition as many gender surgeries are done there. It cost me ` 2,20,000 including the hospital stay and food. I was on painkillers and there were times when I couldn’t move. For 15 days after the surgery, I was on bed rest. Dad and I didn’t speak at all. In fact, I decided to shut him out and not speak. It was not worth my while.

After the operation was a success, I very excitedly started planning what and where to shop for my new wardrobe. A lot of friends called me up and I told them that I had done the most liberating thing in my life, and the last thing I wanted to know was what the party circle in Chennai was thinking of me.

When I came back home, it was initially awkward because people asked very weird and hilarious questions like: ‘How do you have sex now? How does it work?’ Telling people how a vagina

Most men dare to date me, but are unwilling to dignify the relationship with marriage. works was not my ideal dinner date conversation!

I’d just say that I was glad I went through the operation, but could we talk about something else? But the question would pop right back!

No woman would dare ask another woman how her vagina was doing in front of a man, but they found it okay to do that with me! And I would always look at the boyfriend and say ‘better than hers, I’m sure’. Those were difficult times. Really, what do you say to them?!

WORKING AGAIN But my work opened up new dimensions for me. I did a TV show called ‘Natpudan Apsara’ on Thandi Network. In fact, I had an offer from Thandi TV and other television channels too to do a talk show. But I had a bad experience in the initial interaction with a television producer.

A former ‘DC’ employee was now working as a television producer. I took a friend along and went to the meeting.

The guy’s attitude was demeaning. He wanted me to flirt on camera, make fun of myself, dress freakishly and be animated. I was going to be the butt of all jokes. I refused and walked out, feeling disappointed that a man who heads a major network in South India, had such an impression of me.

Then Thandi TV approached me again. And I had a fantastic Season

It was touching to hear people like actor Dhanush saying he was a fan of mine and that I inspired him.

Another actor Sharat Kumar told me that he valued me for who I am and not for what I had between my legs. It was all so reassuring!

1 - the ratings were high, it was the most talked about show and a lot of actors tweeted about it. I had so many A-listers on the show. It was touching to hear people like actor Dhanush saying he was a fan of mine and that I At different events

inspired him. Another actor Sharat Kumar told me that he valued me for who I am and not for what I had between my legs. It was all so reassuring!

Then I had an offer from an investor Sasidhar Reddy, who is my father’s close friend, to head a weekly tabloid in South India. My father was always a thorn in my flesh.

His friendship with the investor influenced decisions in the functioning of the business. The whole world thought it was my baby but no one knew the goings-on of what had happened. I had to risk my reputation as a journalist when I walked out of this project. My dignity was far more important.

People thought I had given up. But I am a fighter. I wouldn’t let a bad incident stop me. Now I head ‘Provoke’ magazine. I am also conceptualising and launching a leadership academy based on the journey I have had, and the people and the luminaries I have met.

LOVE & HAPPINESS As for my love life, there are a lot of interesting men

I feel ashamed to say I am a part of the transgender community.

I know I will draw a lot of flak from the community, but it is shameful to want empowerment and progress and then give it all up by doing what you do. who are happy to date me and rather openly too.

But for the moment I am not in that space after having let go off my long term partner. We had a great relationship but we were evolving as separate individuals. I believe in individual excellence and for me, individual ďŹ nancial security and growth are very important. Our pace and passions never matched. So we mutually called it off. He did end it in a bitter way. But I have no regrets or memories I wish to hold on to. I’m practical that way.

As for marriage, most men dare to date me but are unwilling to dignify the relationship with marriage.

They still fear the stigma. But most, if not all, reconnect with their trans-partner even after their marriage. I wish men had the courage and conviction to stand by their love and make a home with an individual of their choice. The world dictates far too many formulaic relationships. It’s more fun and sensible to be different and happy.

POLITICS & ME I am keen on joining politics now. I think transgender politicians are on the fringes and are not in a position to effect change. I think it is about time mainstream parties consider transgender candidates as important members. Ignoring us in the political equation is injustice.

Recently, I met up with the State President Tamilisai Soundarajan and Muralidhar Rao, the National

I am happy to be a part of a party that is helmed by a visionary like Modiji. I want to effect change in terms of women’s welfare and children’s rights.

General Secretary of the BJP, who invited me to join the party and push the agenda of change and development. I am happy to be a part of a party that is helmed by a visionary like Modiji. I want to effect change in terms of women’s welfare and children’s rights. I want to work on child protection and women’s welfare. I think it is important for women to empower women. Her economic calibration inspires me.

BUT NOT FOR TRANSGENDERS I am very clear that I don’t want to do anything for the transgender community. People ask me why I won’t be an activist for it. But who was there for me? Who helped me? Each individual has the power and strength to live life meaningfully. The transgender community should make meaningful choices. No one can prescribe a perfect potion for happiness.

Yes, my life can be a message, but I am not there to hand hold anyone. I have a vision for myself and my own family.

to happened to be Sasidhar Reddy. My father was spending borrowed cash at his gambling den. And Sasidhar Reddy was fuelling that habit by lending him money. My mother always thought that Sasidhar was a well-wisher and would guide my father out of alcoholism and gambling. Instead, we had to sell our home and move into our uncle’s place.

Dad even started staying at Sasidhar Reddy’s home.

There was no record of money given to my dad either. My mother just went by my dad’s word. Today, Sasidhar Reddy is using my father to fight the battle against us. Alcohol and gambling can do so much damage to families and women who are dependent on their men. I feel women should use their own minds and control their own finances. This is a hard lesson that we’ve learnt from this. But we are poised as we are together, and the only way is up.

MY JOURNEY The journey was tough but there were also high points. I was awarded the Women’s Excellence Award

by Jaguar in 2012. I have presented a speech as a keynote speaker at Princeton University in the US on the foundations of liberty and the importance of plurality in society. When I look back, I am proud about making this decision. As for all those who throw their religious books at me, I have just one thing to say: Go say a prayer because I ain’t going no where!

I have never been the type to stop living my life and wait for the world to come around. Instead, I show the way and the world seems to have been quite happy in embracing me. So to engage specifically with a community that has no will or inclination to change, would be denigrating my entire journey to mainstream myself.

MY FATHER’S PROBLEMS My father recently teamed up with Sasidhar Reddy who also runs a gambling den and in a murky deal that reeks of a pre-planned motive, duped my mother and me of money and our home. My father used to frequent the gambling den. My mother was forced to sign papers because of my dad’s mounting debts. Much later did we realise that the man we owed money For more jaw-dropping and inspiring cover stories (I Believe), log on to magnamags.com

Women’s Day

Special

They’re fiery, feisty and completely out-of-the-box! ‘SAVVY’ pays tribute to fabulous ladies who have chased unconventional dreams and are making an impact in unchartered territories!

SAVVY SPECIAL

Out Of

THE RING Ritika Singh tells Sumita Chakraborty how she became a boxer, and now an actress, despite the odds.

Her heart was set on learning karate from the age of three, and her doting father decided to train the tiny tot in all kinds of martial arts including kick-boxing.

And though they belonged to a very conservative family where girls weren’t allowed to walk around without a ghunghat or a dupatta, her resilience and strong will made 21-year-old Ritika Singh break out of narrow social constraints.

“I know I am

very good at

boxing, but I want

to push myself

to be a fine

actress.”

Today, she is considered as one of the most promising female boxers in India. She says, “In India, it’s tough for a female to be a boxer. In fact, whenever I tell anybody that I am a professional boxer, people look at me with complete surprise. But I don’t care. I was determined to represent the country and despite the many problems I faced, I am now listed amongst the top 20 female boxers in India.”

And though Ritika laments that her journey as a boxer was beseiged by too many ungainly woes - from not having the right equipment and coach, to even being asked for sexual favours - she refused to bow down to any kind of pressure. Ritika avers, “I kicked a lot of butts to reach this far. That’s because I honed myself to be strong physically and mentally. And I think my hard work paid off and I was included in many prestigious boxing championships.”

However, it was a stint at the prestigious MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) reality show that caught the eye of actor R Madhavan who recommended her to acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani for his film ‘Saala Khadoos’.

And voilà, Ritika turned actress! She says with a grin, “Imagine, I, who has had no connection with Bollywood, has become an actress!” So what would she call herself now? “An actress boxer!” Ritika laughs, “I am very good at boxing, but now I want to push myself to be a fine actress too.” More power to her!

Water Works

Cynthia Koenig shares with Sumita Chakraborty her reasons for creating the much-needed ‘Water Wheel’.

Canadian born social innovator Cynthia Koenig’s heart was set on designing a device to transport water in a more efficient and hygienic way in places where water is scarce. She says, “While based in a remote village in Mexico, I struggled to haul enough water to meet my daily needs.

And I saw for myself how this affected the women and girls’ access to opportunity; ultimately

“Wello is a

social venture

with the ambitious

goal of

delivering clean water to a thirsty world.”

trapping them and their entire families in the cycle of poverty. As time went by, I noticed that this was not only in Mexico but across many different cultures and geographies. I actually mused whether a business approach to poverty alleviation might offer solutions. So I pursued an MS/ MBA at the Erb Institute for Global Sustainability at the University of Michigan, US.” After which, Cynthia designed the ‘Water Wheel’, a round 50-liter container that enables people to roll water from water sources rather than carry it on their heads. This allows for three to five times more water to be transported at one time as compared to traditional methods.

After receiving the $100,000 Grand Challenges Canada Prize to develop the ‘Water Wheel’, Cynthia founded Wello. And the first ‘Water Wheel’ was manufactured in 2012! By the next year, Wello rolled out its revolutionary ‘Water Wheel’ in the desert lands of Rajasthan in India to joyous villagers. Cynthia says, “Wello is a social venture with the ambitious goal of delivering clean water to a thirsty world. We design products and solutions that people not just need, but want.”

And today, Cynthia’s Wello is on a roll. It has won the Dow Sustainability Challenge Grant and earned the Social Impact Award at the 2010 Michigan Business Challenge. Additionally, Wello has been approached by the United Nations and is in discussions with the organization about providing ‘Water Wheels’ to the troubled Darfur region of Sudan.

The Tireless CRUSADER Aftab Siddiqui tells Adelaine Kane why she fights for the rights of various citizen groups despite the threats.

Aftab Siddiqui is extremely popular in Khar and Bandra West (H-Ward) of Mumbai and can be seen daily making the rounds of the BMC and Government offices, filing RTIs, serving notices to errant officials and questioning irregularities. Along with being the Chairperson of ALM (Advanced Locality Management) 144, she also acts as a guiding light to many citizen groups fighting civic issues like encroachments, traffic woes, tree cutting etc in Mumbai.

“We

have to be

prepared

- in a field like this,

anything

may

happen.”

Nothing stops this brave lady. She has spent nights at the BMC office, refusing to leave until her RTI papers were produced, and has taken on 500 hawkers at a time - a feat that invited threats to her life and got her 24/7 police protection for two years. But thanks to these efforts, Bandra’s famous Linking Road is largely free of hawkers today and the BMC of H-Ward has won the title of the cleanest suburb in Mumbai.

Aftab is, incidentally, the first cousin of Congress MP Baba Siddiqui. But she steers clear from politics.

“How can activists and politicians ever work together?” she asks us with a smile. It’s very well though, as her sincere efforts have been appreciated and awarded – she bagged the News 24 Activist Award, the Khar Residents Award and also was a nominee of the Mumbai Mirror’s Heroes of Mumbai campaign in 2013.

So what does she do to unwind when it all gets too much?

“That’s why I have this job as a teacher,” she laughs.

“Activism comes later. Teaching balances my mind because getting into activism is actually depression.

You’ll get a nervous breakdown or a heart attack!”

Winding up, as a single lady, isn’t she afraid for her safety? Aftab says, “We have to be prepared - in a field like this, anything may happen. In my mind, the Almighty is there. I may cross the road and I may die. That may be my fate. So what is there to be afraid of?”

Photograph Sanjit Sen

The Bold & The

BEAUTIFUL Pooja Bhatt tells Sumita Chakraborty why she’s spotlighting orgasms for her new web series.

She’s bold and loves to tread where every man or woman fear to tread. Meet the ‘I-give-adamn’ Pooja Bhatt who now plans to make a web series ‘12 Women, 12 Stories & Multiple Orgasms’. Pooja avers, “I actually first told my dad, Mahesh Bhatt, about this and though he

“Bold is not

posing

in a swimsuit

or stripping, it’s talking about

taboo subjects like

orgasms.”

is normally quite unflappable, he just looked at me and said, ‘What happened to you?!’.”

She adds, “I have always done the unimaginable.

At the age of 17, I announced to the world I wasn’t a virgin and had a boyfriend.” And from posing nude with just body paint on her for the cover of ‘Stardust’, to a host of other stuff that has made the world gasp with shock, Pooja has always walked the untrodden path. She says, “It’s not really for the shock value that I insist on handling things which are ‘supposedly’ taboo. I am at that stage in life where I want to be provoked into going to the sets. Bold is not posing in a swimsuit or stripping, it’s talking about taboo subjects like orgasms, which even today is a mystery to most women.”

Pooja’s stories in the web series will be shot all across India. There’s an item gal who turns on the world but has never been turned on herself; a prostitute who teaches a young girl to pleasure herself to escape the brutality at the hands of men night after night; a widow at 50 who takes on a lover and for the first time, experiences the pleasures of sex.

Pooja says, “A woman is not truly empowered unless she is liberated financially and sexually.

It’s time we respected and revelled in our bodies rather than treat them as a man’s fantasy.”

Kudos to this gutsy woman!

FASHION Blue hues are classy… Plunging necklines, gingham prints and slip dresses make a splash! Gorgeous fashionistas help you make the right fash-dash!

Come, get haute, slinky and sexy with ‘SAVVY’!

FASHION FERVOUR

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HAUTE COUTURE

Melissa Joy Manning’s 14-karat gold earrings handcrafted in a three-drop design ` 3,00,000

Pomellato’s 18-karat rose gold earrings with blue topaz encased in an 18-karat white gold setting ` 3,00,000

CAPITAL

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Accessories Photographs Courtesy H www.net-a-porter.com

CHIC CAPERS

Global

eye Debbie Hitkari – the

stunning, globetrotting industrialist – guides you through the international fashion circuit with élan.

Spring 2016 celebrates blossoming femininity expressed by a clever blend of Victorian inspiration and subtle tweaks of modernity.

COLOUR CODE The colours that are trending this season are red, pale pink, white, royal blue, navy, grey, yellow, emerald green and black ‘n’ white monochrome.

— Cropped tops and shorts worn under jackets are much sought after.

— Feminine off-shoulder tops, subtly exposing a little shoulder, worn over pleated skirts, look immensely chic.

— Silk satin tops teamed with silk organza ruffled skirts feel sweetly ‘60s!

JACKET CHIC — Jacket dresses with fluid pleating are trending.

— Nautical striped shirts, skirts and trousers look wow!

— Parkas embroidered with glittering flowers are very much in demand!

— Organza beaded tops teamed with silk tulle skirts give a feel of Victorian luxe and are a great choice to wear for an evening out.

— Long, navy blue bar jackets worn as dresses get a big thumbs up!

TOP NOTCH — Tailored white shirts with oversized cuffs and subtle detailing showcase the expression of extraordinary savoir faire.

DRESSED UP! — The slip dress is one new piece this season that you must invest in. Beloved of the ‘90s supermodels – it is your new evening essential!

The colour red is trending! And handbags in exotic skins – crocodile, lizard, python, ostrich – are coveted!

— Suits have made a comeback – wear a pantsuit with a lace camisole or with a cropped top for an instant style update.

— Broderie anglaise – this essential summer dress – is spring’s prettiest trend and will see you through all your seasonal soirées.

— Ruffled tops and dresses are very in - feminine but not too girly, a modern take on traditional ruffles.

— Cotton-lace-tulle beaded dresses look stunning!

— Embroidered macramé lace dresses look ethereal.

— Floral printed chiffon dresses are much sought after.

— Tulle and net dresses with metallic detailing look fabulous!

ADD ONS — Flat forms are the trending footwear of the season.

— Metallic handbags make a big comeback!

— Handbags in exotic skins – crocodile, lizard, python, ostrich – are coveted!

— The tangle bag – bunched at the top, this paper bag style leather bag with chrome hardware is definitely a contender for ‘bag of the season’!

BLING! — The hair accessory of the season is the tiara.

— Accessorize your ears with big hoops this spring.

— Big chokers worn on the neck get a thumbs up!

— Classic pearls make a great style statement.

Photograph Vikram Bawa Outfit & Jewellery Debbie Hitkari’s personal collection

T REND SPOT

Dipping Necklines: As necklines dip lower and lower, the fashion quotient gets so much higher. It suits most women.

wow Parade!

Sumitta Chakraborty scales S t fas f shion heights with dipping the necklines, retro designs, slip necklin dresses and gingham.

Retro Desig R igns: Bold, geometrical, abstract d i designs aree in. They actually are attention nd make a fashionable impact. grabbers an

Slip i Dresses: D Are sensuous yet chic. Though they look like glorified slips, they have a sslinky i y and sexy edge. You can wear them aat an elegant do and come out looking fab!

Gingham: This has been trending for some time now. It has a very summeery ffeel and looks great as day wear. Team wi f with colourful footwear to make a chic stateme ent..

STYLE PICKS

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t ` 2,995 S

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SUMMER LOVIN’ Elegant grey bag with a dainty floral pattern from Lavie.

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t ` 5,260 S Across Lavie outlets, Bagzone, Shopper’s Stop, Lifestyle, Pantaloons, Amazon, Myntra, Jabong and Flipkart.

STYLE SAVVY

CHIC

RADAR Glamazon Roohi Jaikishan gives you the haute edge.

I have really thin shoulders. But I hate the idea of shoulder pads.

Is there any way I can make my shoulders fuller without wearing shoulder pads?

Jasmine Barucha, Mumbai Shoulder pads are an ‘80s trend that people are apprehensive to embrace. If worn properly, it’s the most flattering trend. They work best with a jacket (think Balmain as inspiration) or even a jumpsuit, always long sleeved and nipped at the waist. Team the jacket with skinny jeans. Keep your accessories to the minimum.

I’m 22 and 5’ 2” tall. I am meeting my online boyfriend for the first time soon. He has already told me that he loves fashionable women. Though I stick to salwar kameezes or jeans, what else can I wear to impress him?

Misha Kapoor, New Delhi What to wear on the first date? It’s always a dilemma and

comes with an attack of wardrobe panic.

A few rules: A little research about the venue, so you are appropriately dressed. Comfort, you can’t be fidgety. Plan ahead of time what you will wear. Go with casual jeans, flats, t-shirt or a smart shirt with sunnies for a casual daytime look. For lunch or dinner, try a shift dress or skinny jeans with a silk camisole blazer, heels and a clutch. All the best!

I want to wear short mini dresses like all my college mates but I have fat calves. What do I wear so that I don’t end up looking tacky?

Anandita Mehra, Mumbai It’s all about visual balance; take the attention away from your calves and towards a more flattering feature.

Choosing the right shoe is essential.

With a mini, I would choose a shoe that’s a nude colour. Wear a monochromatic look; darker colours. Do not colour block the mini!

Fashion frazzled? Send in your questions to hot-stepper Roohi Jaikishan at ‘SAVVY’, Magna House, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai -25. E savvy@magnamags.com

STREET STYLE Who: Saloni Mehta | Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai Style Check: “Block shirts are very comfortable for the perfect day-to-day look.”

SAVVY Loves: The watch S Fossil salonimehta1997

CHECKMATE!

Darius Xavier Fernandes snaps

collegians who show us how to jazz up block shirts this season.

Who: Velda Nair | Don Bosco College, Mumbai Style Check: “Block shirts make me look very elegant with a few cookout combinations.”

SAVVY Loves: The neckpiece S Colaba Market, Mumbai thezellda

Who: Arantxa Aquino | St Andrew’s College, Mumbai Style Check: “Block shirts are easy to match and carry off. Style it casually or formally.”

SAVVY Loves: The earrings S Bandra Market, Mumbai arantxa2610

Photographs Darius Xavier Fernandes Think you are trendy and cool? Follow us on facebook and instagram, plus send in your pictures. savvymagzineindia /savvymagazineindia

body & beauty

Diabetes – the rising nemesis of working women. Mickey Mehta’s cool stay-fit mantras.

Actress Chitrangada Singh’s get-wow secrets.

The magic asana to beat anxiety. Your body has ‘fat’ memory… Be in top shape with ‘SAVVY’!

BODY TALK

anxiety, dietary changes, poor personal hygiene etc. Laser treatment for hair removal does not affect the sweat secretion or bacteria on the body in any way. In fact, it would help eliminate body odour by removing hair which can trap the bacteria. It is best if your friend gets evaluated by a dermatologist to find out the cause of increasing body odour.

Is rebonding advisable? Please help!

Urvashi Ranga, Delhi

Be Beautiful Recently my friend did hair removal laser therapy on most parts of her body. She feels that her body odour has increased ever since. Is that a side effect of the treatment?

Ruhi Sippy, Mumbai

Dr Bindu Sthalekar

helps you look ‘n’ feel beautiful!

Body odour occurs due to the breakdown of proteins and fatty acids present in sweat by bacteria residing on the body. An increase in body odour can occur due to a variety of factors like change in hormonal levels, emotional stress,

Rebonding involves breaking the bonds that exist in curly hair with the help of a chemical formula. And then the application of neutralisers restructures the bonds of your hair. Since it involves chemical manipulation of hair, I do not advise undergoing it.

What should I do to have longer and thicker eyelashes?

Kaushala Tambe, Pune

Eyelashes frame the eyes and draw attention to the face, making the eyes look even more beautiful. Apart from artificial measures like use of mascara and fake eyelashes, application of a medicine called bimatoprost can give thicker and longer eyelashes, but this is best done under medical supervision. A few home remedies like application of almond oil, green tea or vitamin E on the eyelashes gives the appearance of thicker eyelashes.

Send in your beauty queries to: ‘Body Talk’, ‘SAVVY’, Magna House, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 25 E savvy@magnamags.com

Sleep Well

Actor Govinda’s daughter Tina Ahuja, who recently debuted in ‘Second Hand Husband’, talks to Sumita Chakraborty about her sleep mantras.

“As an actor, I need my beauty sleep so that I wake up looking radiant, happy and alert.

“Obviously, to get good sleep, you need a good mattress. I prefer sleeping on a soft mattress and like my blanket to be soft and cozy.”

“I have a glass of warm milk or milk mixed with cocoa just before I go to bed. I also do a little bit of deep breathing, it makes me feel light and peaceful... and I sleep well.”

Maybelline Fit Me! Liquid Foundation t ` 525

Colorbar Sheer Glass Lip Gloss t ` 675 C

Maybelline Street Wear Color Rich Lip Balm t ` 150

Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Enamel t ` 425

L’Oréal Paris La Vie En Rose t ` 995

THE LOOK

Naturally

Maybelline Super Black Kajal t ` 299

GORGEOUS Expert makeup artiste Clint Fernandes cues Sumita Chakraborty into looking perfect this season!

DAY WEAR The look is subtle, simple yet well-defined. Light hues in gloss or lipstick give a natural look. Fresh colours are in. For the eyes, the look is natural. They are well-defined with a dash of kajal or eyeliner.

Maybelline Fit Me! Blush t ` 400

Maybelline New York HyperMatt Liquid Liner e t ` 325

Revlon Bold Lacquer Length & Volume Mascara t ` 895

Lip Gradation t ` 500 Maybelline Color Sensational Li

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gradation t ` 500

ColorBar All Day Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick t ` 850

Revlon Ultra Lipstick p t ` 1100

Maybelline y Color Show t ` 299

L’Oréal Paris La Vie En Rose t ` 950

Revlon ColorStay Shadowlinks t ` 195

Colorbar Sheer Gl Glass Li Lip Gl Gloss t ` 675 C l b Sh

Maybelline Hyperglossy Electrics t ` 275

Maybelline Hyperglossy Electrics t ` 275

NIGHT SIGHT Shades of vibrant pink, rich burgundy, scarlet and orange rule the lips. For the eyes, use kohl - smokey as well as strong lines. Kohl layered with glitter looks ultra glam. Play with metallic eyeshadows too.

YOGA SAVVY

Stretch It Off!

Rinaldo D’souza shows you how to improve flexibility,

curb back pain and reduce anxiety with a simple asana.

T

he trikonasana or the triangle pose is an exceptional yoga pose which is extremely simple.

It doesn’t require much space either. Just stand, breathe, bend and loose yourself to this lovely asana.

STRIKE THIS POSE: Stand straight with your feet comfortably spread wide apart (about 3-4 feet). Turn the right foot out 90° and move the left in by 15°. Raise your arms to shoulder level, making sure that your feet are pressing against the ground to balance your body weight equally. Take a deep breath and as you exhale, bend towards the right, keeping your waist straight. Your left hand must rise up in the air as you bend, touching the right arm to the floor so that your arms are perpendicular to the floor.

Try to touch your right hand on your ankle or shin without hurting your waist. Then, tilt your head to the left, gently gazing at the left thumb. Stretch as much as your body allows, bending your body sideways instead of falling forward or backward. Inhale as you finish and straighten up, bringing your arms and feet back to starting position.

Repeat on the other side.

BENEFITS: Stretches the legs, ankles, arms, chest, hips, hamstrings, calves and spine. It also helps improve digestion and flexibility; while curbing anxiety, back pain and sciatica.

AVOID: If suffering from migraine, low or high blood pressure, neck or back injuries.

STAR SECRETS

n n t ! u n S ig

The gorgeous Chitrangada Singh tells Sumita Chakraborty that positive thinking and the right skin and haircare regime make her look WOW! BOD TALES Back To The Basics: “Thanks to my genes, I have healthy skin. So I avoid wearing makeup when I’m not working.”

My Beauty Regime: “Is simple. I drink lots of fluids throughout the day and avoid eating spicy food. Also, I always stay positive and this reflects on my skin.”

Makeup Regimen: “ I try not to use any beauty products with chemical content. My M.A.C liner gives me my signature look and my SK-II lotion keeps my skin moisturized throughout the day. Also, I look after my eyebrows a lot as I feel they give the perfect shape to my face.”

Hair Care: “A regular weekly massage with coconut oil does wonders for my hair.”

Diet Dos: “I start the day with a glass of fresh juice

and a few almonds. For breakfast, I either have oats with honey or egg whites and toast. Lunch is a bowl of dal with roti, or brown rice. Dinner is either a bowl of soup, dal and roti; or grilled chicken and salad. I snack on digestive biscuits and fruits throughout the day.”

DRESS SENSE Closet Tales: I like stylish, simple ensembles. No specific fave designers, though I love Dolce & Gabbana, Zara and Topshop.

Shoe Shine: “I love a pair of nice heels. Even if you’re wearing a smart dress with good accessories but your heels aren’t good, everything goes for a toss!”

Perfume Power: “I love perfumes. I tend to buy a perfume I really like and even before I finish it, I buy more. I like the fact that when I open my cupboard, it smells of the perfume I like.”

FITNESS SAVVY

FaT

TRAP? Amber Dias gets to the bottom of how

your body’s fat memory keeps you fat.

m

ina has been battling obesity for a long time. After undergoing a very strict, supervised diet and exercise regimen, she was able to lose 20 kgs. Ecstatic, she decided to treat herself to a small vacation. However, when she returned, she found that she had regained more than half the weight she had lost, despite maintaining a healthy diet, though not as strict as before.

Sounds familiar? How many times have you battled the bulge only to regain what you lost the moment you took a breather? It definitely puts a damper on things, especially after all that hard work you put in. But did you know that your body actually puts up a fight against weight loss? It all comes down to a phenomenon termed as ‘fat memory’.

FAT FACTS When understanding ‘fat memory’, it is first essential to understand that there are two types of fat gain hypertrophic – when existing fat cells get bigger – and hyperplastic – when new fat cells are created. Fat cells are created and established between childhood and adolescence. Post adolescence, the number of fat cells in the body is set. However, when an individual gains weight, the fat cells are enlarged to accommodate the excess. But when the existing fat cells reach their limit, new cells are created – this is to protect the body from a spillover of fat into the liver or other organs.

When we lose weight, fat is pulled from the existing cells and they shrink in size. However, the number of fat cells does not reduce. A formerly fat or obese individual like Mina who has reduced up to 20% of body fat, still has the same number of fat cells as she did before losing weight.

THE GAMES HORMONES PLAY Obesity specialist Dr Donna Ryan, Associate Director, Clinical Research, Pennington Biomedical Research Centre, LA, USA, says, “It is a popular

Increasing your daily dose of physical activity will improve your chances of maintaining your weight loss. misconception that losing weight is strictly a matter of willpower. It’s a gigantic task because not only do we move through an incredible buffet of food spread before us every day, but we also have a fierce battle with our biological responses.”

Researchers explain that when an individual begins to lose weight, the body registers the loss and actively tries to resist the weight loss. This is largely due to the physiology of fat cells and the secretion of the hormone leptin.

Leptin, also known as the satiety hormone, is produced by the fat cells to regulate energy. In other words, it inhibits hunger by sending out signals that the body is ‘full’. When an individual loses weight, the leptin levels in the body begin to drop. This sends a signal to the brain indicating that the fat storage is shrinking and energy must be conserved. As a result, metabolism drops as do energy levels, discouraging you from participating in any kind of strenuous physical activity. At the same time, appetite is stimulated; prompting the individual to consume more food to regain lost energy.

In this scenario, the already established fat cells are likely to regain the lost weight in the presence of excess energy that the body is prompting you to consume. Therefore, Dr Ryan suggests that in order to keep weight in control, the individual who has lost weight will need to consume fewer claries as compared to a an individual who has not lost weight – a caloric handicap, as she terms it.

BATTLING BIOLOGY While it may seem like your body is against you in the war against unwanted body fat, all is not lost. You can fight back against lowered metabolism with a little dose of good old-fashioned exercise and a strict diet.

Keep in mind though, reversing hypertrophic (when

existing fat cells get bigger) weight gain is easier to accomplish and maintain. Whereas in the case of hyperplastic (where new fat cells are created) weight gain, an individual would have to work much harder to shrink his/ her fat cells to a size below normal.

However, this too is doable.

Researchers studying the effects of diet and exercise on fat cells at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, North Carolina, USA, discovered that exercise, perhaps more than diet, can help reduce the size of fat cells, especially that which accumulates around the waist.

Some studies demonstrated that high physical activity levels can help maintain weight loss. In one study, subjects who expended 1,000 calories per week regained most of the weight lost, but subjects who expended 2,500 calories per week maintained their weight loss.

Obesity experts insist that if you want to lose weight and maintain it, at least an hour of moderate intensity exercise is essential. Be it walking briskly, cycling, jogging, aerobics or hitting the gym, find an exercise routine and stick to it.

Additionally, increasing your daily dose of physical activity throughout the day will dramatically improve your chances of maintaining your weight loss for the long haul. Small things like riding a bike to work, parking a car further away from a destination or taking the stairs instead of the elevator/ escalator will boost your overall calorie burn. However, be aware that activity tends to decrease on an unconscious level – in part, due to decreased energy levels. You need to make a deliberate and conscious effort to get as much activity as possible throughout the day, every day.

And, of course, keeping an eye on your diet is a must.

For most, high fiber, low fat and low sugar diets win the day. But consulting a specialist about your specific dietary needs is advised. Most importantly, do not starve yourself. When the body does not receive sufficient nutrition, it enters something scientists have termed as ‘starvation mode’ and holds on to energy reserves aka fat to sustain itself, making weight loss almost impossible.

New research conducted in the USA reveals that the body can perform a process termed as ‘adipocyte

Keeping an eye on your diet is a must. For most, high fiber, low fat and low sugar diets win the day. apoptosis’ or the process of cell death. This is achieved by eating the right foods, exercising and losing weight followed by the use of several natural substances such as turmeric that have shown to produce apoptosis in fat cells. However, this is still under speculation and should be treaded over cautiously.

In the end, it bottles down to one thing - you. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, you have to be willing to put in the effort. It’s a lifelong challenge, but once you find what works for you and keep at it, keeping your weight down will be just another part of your day!

FIT BIT

Shapin

Up

Holistic wellness guru Mickey Mehta helps you stay fit and healthy.

I’m 23 and severely overweight. I am determined to lose weight and even sorted out a workout regime for myself.

However, I just can’t wake up in the morning to exercise and by the time I get back from work, I am too drained to do anything. How do I get my energy levels up?

Gauri Shah, New Delhi I hope you understand the importance of regular, productive activity. Any lack of this and a bad diet are the main contributing factors to weight gain. If you persistently keep putting off your exercise schedule, you are going to do more harm to yourself and your determination and goals of losing weight will go for a toss. No weight loss goal has seen the light of day

without a good, sensible eating plan as well. Since you have not mentioned your food likes and dislikes, let me also suggest that you keep a check on what you consume. Incorporate fruits, veggies, salads, sprouts, vegetable juices, a few nuts etc with moderate quantities of whole grains. A combination of these food choices and waking up to exercise or taking brisk walks will up your energy levels and motivate you to wake up early for your workout. No compromise on that.

I’m 25 and tend to put on flab on my hips, thighs and arms.

What kind of exercise should I do to tone up?

Alexa D’souza, Mumbai If flab on your arms is making you unhappy, here are a few simple exercises that you can do daily. Start with a good warm-up session consisting of jumping jacks, spot running, skipping, side bends, toe touches, neck and shoulder rotations etc. You can start with 8-10 rounds of suyranamaskar which is an excellent full body workout.

It is a series of postures and is a complete body workout that stretches, strengthens and aligns the entire body including your arms and shoulders. It also helps weight loss, promotes flexibility and stamina. Apart from this, you can do tricep dips, bicep curls, arm rotations and punching or boxing moves. These are effective exercises to strengthen and tone your arms. These exercises can be done even at home and you can use light dumb-bells or resistance tubes. Eat smart with loads of fiber rich foods like fruits, veggies, greens, sprouts, nuts etc to regulate your blood sugar levels, rev up your metabolism and for better immunity.

HEALTH SAVVY

Decoding

Diabetes Dr Ramen Goel, Director, Center of Bariatric and

Metabolic Surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals, talks about the dangers of the rise of diabetes among working women.

Diabetes as a disease is as unsparing to women as it is to men... leaving them at an equal risk of developing the disease and the related complications. It is believed that over 35 million women in India suffer from diabetes, even though studies have shown that 65% of diabetics in India remain undiagnosed.

ON THE RISE As busy lifestyles take precedence, women are constantly exposed to high calorie consumption, stress, caffeine intake and substance abuse like alcohol and cigarettes.

These factors together or individually predispose an individual to weight gain and consequently, diabetes.

Obesity is one of the leading causes that predisposes women to diabetes through various mechanisms. These include wild blood sugar fluctuations after consuming high sugar foods, insulin resistance due to lack of exercise and hormonal changes. These factors are also responsible for a commonly seen problem in young girls, usually known as PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome), which manifests in irregular menses and infertility. That most of the PCOS girls are either diabetic or pre-diabetic is not so well-known a fact. Women diagnosed with PCOS should take precautions accordingly, even if their blood sugar levels are normal.

DANGER ZONE The fear associated with raised sugar in diabetes should be understood in the right perspective. Physicians target

blood sugar control and do not attempt to cure diabetes.

If the blood sugar remains even marginally uncontrolled, complications ensue. These include raised blood pressure, heart attack, kidney failure, brain stroke, nerve damage causing ulcers in feet and loss of vision.

Almost four times more women now have gestational diabetes which manifests during pregnancy. The increased diabetes incidence during pregnancy could be the end result of changed dietary habits, lack of exercise etc.

This predisposes them to complications during pregnancy and birth defects.

BEING PRE-DIABETIC Most overweight women suffer from a condition termed as a prediabetic state. This condition can be diagnosed by measuring insulin levels in the blood or by measuring the body’s response to a blood glucose challenge. Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are normal even though insulin is not effective; just like in diabetes. This results in excessive production of insulin by the pancreas to overcome the resistance. If allowed to continue, the pancreatic cells become exhausted and it is believed that

Eat healthy and restrict consumption of polished rice, refined sugar and flour, calorie dense and packaged food, alcohol, sodas and preservatives.

50% of pancreatic damage happens even before diabetes manifests. It is important that all overweight women should undergo evaluation to diagnose their pre-diabetic status and take corrective measures accordingly.

TAKING CONTROL Everyone knows that diabetes is treated with medicines, but not many appreciate that regular exercise is even better when it comes to controlling blood sugar. Muscles are voracious consumers of energy and regular exercise reduces insulin resistance. This results in movement of sugar or carbohydrates from the blood to the muscle cells. It is recommended that irrespective of age, every woman should exercise for healthy living and to avoid diabetes and its complications.

Eat healthy and restrict consumption of polished rice, refined sugar and flour, calorie

Regular exercise is even better than medication when it comes to controlling blood sugar.

dense and packaged food, alcohol, sodas and preservatives.

Unfortunately, some women accord low priority to their own health and thus do not eat right, exercise or take adequate/ timely medication for sugar control.

Medical management of diabetes is an important component and should only be done under a physician’s supervision.

Every medicine has its own set of side effects and thus should be consumed after due consideration of drug interaction and outcomes. Most anti-diabetes medicines result in weight gain and may thus worsen obesity.

Despite understanding this disease, over 50% of people remain uncontrolled diabetics with resultant complications, poor productivity and a shortened lifespan. For such extreme cases, metabolic surgery is an option to conquer what was once considered not only a lifestyle, but also a lifetime disease.

SEX TALK

h t!

SUPER

Racy, sexy or just adventurous, Salome Mitter

has the answers to all your questions on sex.

I am getting married soon and I’m really worried. I have very little experience with men and have never been intimate with one. I have heard that the first night will be painful. What can I do to ease the pain?

Vijeta Shah, Mumbai Before you go thinking of ways ‘to ease the pain’ Vijeta, I suggest a nice, friendly chat with your groom-to-be. Share your doubts and fears openly with him, including the fact that you are a virgin and would be a little afraid. It will give you both a chance to prepare yourselves for what lies ahead and he will be prepared to be gentle; for all you know, he could be wracked by a few fears himself and expect some gentleness from you! A few guidelines for the big night…

There needn’t be a first night at all – how about a first morning?? Sex is supposed to be fun and pleasurable, and should be had only when you are ready - mentally, physically and emotionally. If you’re both completely tired out by the endless rituals and tiring reception, sex would be best indulged in the morning after! Pick a time that’s right for both of you. A bit of pre-planning is needed as

Sex is supposed to be fun and pleasurable, and should be had only when you are ready. regards to protection, to keep unwanted pregnancy at bay and protect you from STDs. Again, discuss with your fiancé about the method you want to use, whether condoms, birth control pills, a diaphragm or any other for which you can also consult your gynaecologist. Now to bust one big myth – all women do not bleed during their first time.

The hymen, which is an extremely delicate tissue present across the mouth of the vagina, can split very easily, even while engaging in normal activities like running, jumping, cycling, swimming, exercising etc. Remember that it could take a bit of time for you and your husband to really get into the swing of things. There could be initial awkwardness but as you discover and explore each other’s bodies and feelings, things will warm up. Relax and enjoy each other.

I suggest a warm shower together to break the ice, so to speak. It will also leave you both feeling clean, refreshed

and sweet-smelling. Indulge in lots and lots of foreplay including kissing, stroking, etc – the more turned on you are, the more the natural lubrication produced by your body, and the more smooth and easy the intercourse.

Some degree of pain during your first time is normal, but it differs for different women. Anxiety about the pain only makes the situation worse. The pain goes away after a short period and pleasure starts to take over. Wishing you plenty of wedding wows!

I have a very weird problem. My husband has this odd habit of ejaculating outside me which really freaks me out. How do I gently persuade him to be natural and comfortable with me and stop this?

Anita Kulkarni, Mumbai Anita, honey, not such a weird problem at all! I’ve heard of many men being uncomfortable climaxing inside their female partners. Mostly, it is the fear of unwanted pregnancy and that fear, trust me, is enough to make them scoot even while hitting the highest notes! Think about it, if you both are not ready to become parents yet, it is an extremely responsible act on his part. The ‘pulling out’ principle is generally commonly seen in younger men and couples who are not financially or emotionally

The act of lovemaking is also about trust. A major part of sex is communication. prepared for pregnancy. Many couples actually use the pull-out method along with other forms of birth control like condoms and birth control pills to ensure an absolutely non-procreative act. On another level, the act of lovemaking is also about trust. The intimacy puts each of us in a vulnerable position. Some men could have issues with being in this state of vulnerability with another human being. To take the guesswork out of his behaviour, I suggest you gently broach the topic with him. Talk about it - a major part of sex is communication!

- and you could probably discover that you were overthinking the issue after all. If there’s a specific reason for his behaviour, you’ll hear it and you would then be in a position to share your own misgivings and allay his fears. Good luck, girl!

Want to sex up your life? Write to Salome Mitter at ‘SAVVY’, Magna House, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 25 E savvy@magnamags.com

BEAUTY BLOOM

Juicy Red In Spain, cranberry juice is a favourite for bringing out the red in your hair - if you’re a redhead or brunette, that is.

How To: Mix the cranberry juice with water, approximately half portions of each, and pour it on your hair after a bath. To enhance the effect, spend time in the sun.

RINALDO D’SOUZA SPOTS THE LATEST IN BEAUTY TRENDS ACROSS THE GLOBE. Lash Flash Mexican women always seem to get it right when it comes to twirling and tilting their eyebrows.

What’s their secret? A spoon.

How To: Close your eyes and place the teaspoon vertically over your eye so that it cups the eyelid. The bottom curve of the spoon should touch the roots of your upper lashes. Press your lashes against the spoon and use your thumb to push the edge of the spoon to the end of your lashes. Finish by applying mascara so that your beautiful lashes stand out.

Tip: Be careful as the sharpness of the spoon may hurt your eyes.

Wrinkle-Free The traditional Indian mixture of fresh ginger and honey is ideal for preventing wrinkles.

How To: Scrub on a mixture of honey, ginger and a little water. Honey and ginger equally contribute to give a rejuvenating look. Do this daily after you wake up to feel fresh instantly!

Ricey!

Women in China use rice water for a glowing complexion and as an antiageing tool. Full of antioxidants, it washes and combats the harmful free radicals that are responsible for aging.

How To: Immerse the rice in water for 20 minutes, then strain. Use a washcloth to dab the water on your face. For best results, do this once every week.

Luminous!

Chilean women reveal that the secret to their glowing skin is simply crushed red grapes mixed with white flour.

How To: A handful of grapes and a couple of tablespoons of flour will do the trick. Mix well and simply apply it to the face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then wash off to reveal a lovely glow.

6

STYLE FILE SMELL WELL

Nivea Protect & Care Deodorant t ` 199 for 150 ml; Dark Spot Reduction Crème for men t ` 260 for 150 gm.

MAKEUP LESS Lotus Make-Up Remover. t ` 375.

HAIR FLAIR

Matrix Opti Black Serum t ` 410 for 100 ml; Conditioner t ` 420 for 196 gm; Shampoo t ` 540 for 400 ml.

GLOW MORE

Oshea Herbals UV Shield Sun Block with SPF 50 PA+++. t ` 395 for 120 gm.

SILKY SOFT

F FEEL FRESH

Denveer Batman Knight D W or Deodorant.

Warrio t ` 249 for 250 ml.

t

Asta Berry Gold Bleach Crème. ` 55 for 42 gm.

o

oo

o k b k C

Celeb Chef Vicky Ratnani’s delicious and healthy lunch box recipes. Lip-smacking goodies to munch on and more… Tuck into fun treats with ‘SAVVY’!

CUISINE SAVVY

f Ti fin Tales Celebrity Chef and author Vicky Ratnani shows ‘SAVVY’ how to whip up quick ‘n’ easy meals to make lunchtime a delectably enjoyable affair!

If

you’re a working woman and you’re racing against the clock to get to work, you might find it bothersome to whip up lunch for yourself in the morning.

But eating out isn’t exactly a healthy option and will eventually take a toll on you, both physically and mentally.

Celebrity Chef and author Vicky Ratnani, also the Culinary Director of Everstone Capital, helps you turn the tide and take better care of yourself with recipes that are simple to put together and tote to work. “With a little pre-planning, you can create delicious and wholesome lunchtime meals,” avers Vicky. Enjoy!

PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATOES & BASIL Serves 2 INGREDIENTS 2 cups pasta (penne) 1 tbsp onion, chopped 1 tsp garlic, chopped ½ tsp dry red chilli flakes 1 tbsp olive oil ½ cup tomatoes, crushed Salt to taste ½ tsp cracked black pepper 2-3 fresh basil leaves Parmesan cheese to garnish METHOD 1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 9 minutes. Drain, set aside.

2. In a pan, heat up some olive oil, sweat the onions, garlic and red chilli flakes for about a minute or so.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, cook briefly for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Place the pasta in a dish and top with the tomatoes. Finish with some grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

MARKET GREEN SALAD Serves 2 INGREDIENTS 1 cup lettuce leaves, cut into chunks 4 tomatoes, quartered 1 red onion, cut into roundles/ rings

4-5 black olives, pitted 1 cucumber, sliced Salt and pepper to taste For the dressing: 1 tsp olive oil ½ tsp lemon juice 1 /3 tsp mustard Salt, as required Pepper, as required

METHOD 1. Wash the lettuce. Rinse well, pat dry and reserve. Arrange in a dish.

2. Toss in the rest of the veggies and the olives.

3. Whisk all the ingredients for the dressing. Set aside.

4. Mix the dressing with the salad before eating.

OLIVE, TUNA & CORN SALAD Serves 2 INGREDIENTS ½ cup green olives, sliced 1 cup corn kernels, blanched 1 tin canned tuna 2 cups lamb’s lettuce Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp parsley, chopped

METHOD 1. Blanch the corn kernels in boiling salted water for 3 minutes.

Drain and shock in iced water.

Drain and reserve.

2. Drain the tuna into a clean bowl.

Flake with a fork.

3. Mix together the olives with the tuna.

4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil and add the chopped parsley.

5. Mix along with the lettuce just before serving. Tastes better when chilled.

CHICKEN TACOS Serves 2 INGREDIENTS 4-6 taco shells For the mince 300 gm chicken mince 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp red chilli powder ½ tsp oregano 2 tbsp tomato purée Coriander leaves, chopped, as required

For the salsa 1 tbsp onions, chopped 1 tbsp tomatoes, chopped 1 tsp coriander leaves, chopped 1 tsp green chillies, chopped 1 tsp lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Iceberg lettuce leaves and tomato quaters to garnish

METHOD 1. Sweat the onion and garlic in olive oil for a minute. Add the chicken mince and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the ground spices and seasonings and cook well until the meat is cooked and most of the moisture has

been absorbed. Add the chopped coriander and reserve until needed.

2. Mix all the ingredients for the salsa except the lettuce and tomatoes. Season to taste.

3. Cut the lettuce into fine chiffonade or strips.

4. To assemble: Line the tacos with the lettuce at the bottom. Spoon over the chicken. Garnish with the salsa and tomato quarters.

Tidbit: You can easily carry each element separately and put together your masterpiece at work.

Also, this is a good option to perk up your leftover mince.

GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD Serves 2 INGREDIENTS 1 boneless chicken breast, skinned 1 cup mixed green lettuce 1 cup chickpeas, cooked 1 egg Croutons, as required Parmesan cheese to garnish Marinade for chicken Salt and pepper to taste 1 tsp olive oil 1 tsp parsley, chopped (optional) 1 tsp garlic paste

½ tsp cumin powder Dressing for lettuce 1 tsp olive oil ½ tsp lemon juice ½ tsp mustard Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD 1. Marinate the chicken for an hour or so. Then grill the chicken breast on a hot pan or in the oven until cooked (this can be done in advance).

2. Toss the lettuce with the dressing.

3. Poach or boil the egg in water.

Drain and set aside.

4. Season the chickpeas and toss them with the leaves.

5. Slice the chicken breast into slivers.

Top with the egg.

6. For the croutons: Use any kind of bread. Cut the bread into cubes.

Season with a touch of salt and olive oil. Toast in the oven or in a pan until golden brown. Cool and store in an airtight container. You can even flavour the croutons with any spice of your choice.

7. Assemble the key ingredients together and garnish with the croutons and grated parmesan cheese.

VEGGIE OMELETTE Serves 2

1 tsp parsley or coriander, chopped 1 tbsp butter/ olive oil

INGREDIENTS 4 eggs ½ cup cream Salt and pepper to taste 1 tbsp onion, chopped 2 tbsp bell peppers, chopped

METHOD 1. Whisk eggs and cream in a bowl until fluffy.

2. Heat olive oil or butter in a nonstick pan. Sauté the veggies for a couple of minutes.

3. Add the egg mixture and using a

spatula, scramble the eggs a little.

When the eggs are set, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid or a plate. Cook for 3 minutes.

4. Turn over the eggs onto a cutting board and cut into any shape you like. Serve with toast or a crunchy salad.

SHOPPING CART

ET M UR FOR O G YS R .

BU YOU ER..

RD A L Crunchy and packed with flavour – meet the perfect buddy for your soups ‘n’ dips. t ` 85 for f 150 gm

Spruce up your fishy treats with this perfect mix of spices. t `199 for 45 gm

Make snack time a cheesy affair with these crunchy bites. t ` 250 for 155 gm

Refresh with a tangy gy ’’n’’ ffruity it sip. i t ` 185 for 473 ml

Whip up a scrumptious meal for two in 35 mins with Haute Chef.in.

Chef in. t ` 299 99 for o the t e chicken c c e cafreal. ca ea .

Contributors will receive gifts.

Send in your favourite food tip to: SHOPPING CART, ‘SAVVY’, Magna House, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 25 E savvy@magnamags.com

Add a dash of flavour to your coffee or desserts with this aromatic syrup. t ` 180 for 250 ml

SAVVY PROMO

Choco

Delight Start your day with a scrumptious bowl of Tops Choco Flakes.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it replenishes our body’s energy after an all-night fast. A healthy breakfast significantly improves mental and physical performance of both children and adults. Essentially, breakfast should be low in fat and cholesterol, and high in vitamins and minerals. A good breakfast recharges the body. However, when one has to rush off to school or work, it tends to take a backseat.

Now, Tops from G D Foods brings you a delectable, hassle-free way to start your day on the right note. A delicious combination

of healthy cereals and yummy chocolate, Tops Choco Flakes is high in fiber and lets you kick-start your day with a bang. It is also a good source of calcium, iron and other essential vitamins that contribute to a balanced diet.

This lip-smacking breakfast is quick, costeffective, affordable, ready to eat and the most convenient breakfast that can be relished with hot or cold milk. Tops Choco Flakes comes with an attractive pouch and mono carton packaging. Enjoy!

SHOWCASE SAVVY Tea Fiesta Hamper Large t ` 3,859

L’exclusif! Gourmet Tray t ` 707

Healthy Treats Godrej Nature’s Basket

salutes the spirit of women with an array of healthy gourmet and tea hampers.

SAVVY SAYS: Beautifully presented in attractive hampers, these healthy yet tasty gourmet treats are fabulous!

“Health has emerged as a significant trend among consumers, therefore there has been an increase in the demand for organic food, low fat and high fiber products.

Women are discerning buyers when it comes to grocery shopping as the health and well-being of the family is at the back of their minds. Godrej Nature’s Basket has a wide range of food that suits the need of every customer,” reveals Mohit Khattar, MD, Godrej Nature’s Basket.

Festive Celebration Hamper - Small t ` 1,995

S Across all stores in Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Bangalore

and Hyderabad. You can also order online on www.naturesbasket.co.in or through Nature’s Basket android and iPhone applications.

Tea Celebration Pack t ` 895

Organic Gourmet Hamper Small t ` 938

SHOWCASE SAVVY

Soul Food This season, Food-E presents delicious hampers for women to encourage empowerment.

“Empowerment should be all about uplifting oneself. My personal belief is empowerment from within. Like soul food, it makes you happy and boosts your confidence. So to raise a toast to women empowerment, I present delectable hampers from Food-E,” says Chef Aditi Goel, Founder, Food-E.

Hampers cost

t`

3,000 onwards

S www.food-e.in Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/e.foodies/ Instagram - efoodies

Features

Spotlighting Mrs Melania Donald Trump - America’s probable future First Lady. Get dazzled by charming Dublin. Why young men are flipping for older women.

Actress Rekha and her sisters have a glam reunion...

Be on top of your game with ‘SAVVY’!

LIFE SAVVY

I Photograph: Sushant Chhabria

Learning

CURVE

I am a 34-year-old woman who lies awake at night with a whirlwind of thoughts buzzing through my head. From work to my kids to chores, I just can’t seem to stop thinking and get some sleep. As a result, I am grumpy and end up lashing out at my husband and kids which makes me worry even more. I am really tired and want to break this cycle. Any suggestions?

Kavita Singh, New Delhi

Stylish ‘n’ sensible, the very savvy industrialist Pinky Reddy helps you celebrate life!

Strangely, you are sleepless worrying about your kids and husband and you’re snapping at them only! You need to meditate or try yoga to relax your mind. Also try homeopathic medicine.

I’m 28 and have always been slightly overweight. It’s never bothered me, but I recently overheard someone make a comment about my weight and how I will never get ahead in my career because of it. It’s made me look back and wonder if my weight really is such a problem where my career is concerned. What do you think?

Ritika Sen, Kolkata It’s good to know you are very confident about yourself.

Don’t let anyone’s comments affect you. But there’s no harm in working out and getting fit. You will feel good!

I’m 25 and have this irrational fear of driving. I have signed up for classes at least four times but always freeze at the last moment and don’t go through with it. I’ve wanted to drive ever since I first sat in a car, but the moment I get behind the wheel, the first thing that jumps into my brain is the image of me crashing. Do you have any advice as to how I can overcome this fear?

Pooja Shetty, Mumbai There is nothing to be so nervous about. Get a good driver to teach you and drive slowly on empty roads until you are confident. You will definitely feel liberated once you get over your stress.

Whatever your lifestyle problem, Pinky Reddy is passionate about helping you out.

Write to her at E savvy@magnamags.com

SIBLING REVELRY

Rekha and her siblings

Family time for Rekha!

CSS Latha interacts with

actress Rekha and all her sisters who bond big time at the launch of Dr Kamala Selvaraj’s new GG Super Specialty Hospital.

g

lam, glitzy and super fun! Yes, when Dr Kamala Selvaraj, South India’s first test tube baby expert, launched her new GG Super Specialty Hospital in Chennai, her beautiful step-sister, the diva of Bollywood, Rekha, arrived to wish her sister good luck.

Dressed in an off-white sari, with strings of fragrant jasmine tucked in her juda and sindoor on her forehead, she looked an absolute stunner. Not only that, when all six sisters from her father’s (late actor Gemini Ganesan) different wives trooped in, it looked as if it was some sort of a grand reunion for the Ganesan siblings.

THE LAUNCH The launch was indeed a grand affair. The event was kick-started by lyricist and novelist Padma Bhushan Vairamuthu who was the Chief Guest and legendary A V Saravanan lit the lamp. Biggies

“I must thank God for giving me such a beautiful sister like Rekha. In fact, she has promised to take care of me as her child in my old age.”— Dr Kamla Selvaraj of Kollywood all made an appearance. Stars like Shiva Kumar, Radhika Sharat Kumar and Saraswati Sacchu were among those who attended this starry affair.

BONDING BEAUTIFULLY Rekha, who is Dr Kamala’s younger sister, spoke very fondly about her. She started off with, ‘Akka (sister) I have a question...” So saying, she broke into a hit Tamil number, ‘Unnai ondru keten (What can I say about you, when you ask me to say something?)’ to uproarious applause from the guests. Dr Kamala interjected immediately, “I must thank God for giving me such a beautiful sister like Rekha. In fact, she has promised to take care of me as her child in my old age.” Rekha grabbed the mike then and said, “Now let me say something.”

Calling it a ‘historic moment’, Rekha expressed how elated she was at the ‘overwhelming love’ of her extended sisters who bonded as one family. She averred, “I have never seen this kind of love overflowing in the universe. I have not experienced it anywhere - not in real life, not even in films, and I am so grateful to the universe for giving me all these people who gave birth to us - starting from appa kutti (dear father) and Babji amma (Dr Kamala’s mother), Pushpavalli amma (her own mother), Savitri amma, Gangai amma, Ramakootam amma and Suryaprabha amma! The list goes on and on.

All I want to say Kamala akka is that I want to grow up and be like you.”

Dr Kamla Selvaraj and her sister Rekha

Glimpses of the inauguration; Rekha poses fondly with her sisters

SIBLING LOVE Rekha’s listing down of her very romantic father’s wives was a head-turner! Her legendary father, the late Gemini Ganesan, was called the ‘kadal mannan’ (king of romance) of Kollywood and he lived up to it! He fathered eight children - Revathi, Kamala, Narayani and GeeGe or Jayshree from the first wife, Rekha and Radha from Pushpavalli, Vijaya Chamundeswari from the legendary actress Savitri, who also had a son.

Though the growing up years did not expose any of Gemini Ganesan’s children to each other intimately, their love and bonding has seen exceptional heights in later years. The onus of binding them all together goes to Dr Kamala’s efforts.

Dr Kamala said, “We are scattered all over the world but for family occasions, we meet up in Chennai and have great quality time catching up with each other.

In fact, this time around Rekha flew down especially for the hospital inauguration. I took her cosmetic shopping to a mall in Chennai. She had wrapped her face with her dupatta and it was quite funny that people were recognizing and smiling at me, but no one realized that I was accompanied by my star sister Rekha. We had a blast shopping for her.”

“All I want to say Kamala akka is that I want to grow up and be like you.”— Rekha

EMOTIONAL MOMENT It was indeed a momentous occasion. Dr Kamala was so overwhelmed at the display of love from Rekha and her sisters that her eyes glistened with tears. Rekha too seemed quite overwhelmed and in a public display of affection, she kept hugging her sister and posed for family pictures with Dr Kamala’s children and grandchildren.

Family bonding time, indeed!

Photographs Raj Kumar

RELATIONSHIP SAVVY

ve, o

L

In the Bollywood flick ‘Wake Up Sid’, Ranbir

Kapoor’s character falls in love with a much older Konkona Sen, breaking all conventional diktats of filmi romance. If we are talking Bollywood, the chirpy Preity Zinta is dating the very dashing Gene Goodenough who is 10 years her junior.

As for regular people, did you know that almost one-third of women between ages 35 and 69 globally are dating younger men (defined as 10 or more years younger)? In India too, despite old fangled social constraints, the trend of younger men dating older women is actually catching on in a big way.

According to a recent AARP poll done in the USA, one-sixth of men in their 20s actually prefer women in their 40s or 50s. Furthermore, scientific research enumerates that the perfect mate for a woman in her 40s is a man between the ages of 22-25. And that’s just not only

Lust & The Older WomAn Sumita Chakraborty

spotlights the growing trend of younger men and older women bonding amazingly!

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Brahim Zaibat and Madonna

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness Casper Smart and Jennifer Lopez

ARCHANA PURAN SINGH, actress: “I think an older woman is confident, sure about herself and is financially secure. She is rarely dependant on anybody. And everybody loves a confident woman. No wonder young men are falling in love with such women!”

Parmeet Sethi and Archana Puran Singh

because of the ‘sex’ or the stamina of the younger male in bed. Women like the flexibility and sense of adventure of their more spontaneous, younger companions; while the younger men like the maturity and experience of the women.

Mumbai-based psychologist Seema Hingoranny asserts, “In pre-Y Gen India, couples would date only if they were sure that the relationship was leading somewhere serious. However, now in this digital era, the trend is the opposite – it’s all about going the whole way only because it isn’t serious. So gone are the days when people would be shocked if a young man would date or marry an older woman. In fact, today, more and more men are actually just enjoying the experience of being an older woman’s love interest.”

Seema adds, “As for the older woman, she knows what she wants. Her self-awareness comes from years of experience. She doesn’t have any delusions of hooking the man into marriage and/ or to start a family. This takes the pressure off a man who just wants to have fun without obligations. Sex too is great with an older woman who is spontaneous and comfortable. This is a huge turn-on for men who may have been with young girls who are just learning the ropes.”

THE YOUNGER, THE BETTER Besides the perennial ‘robbing the cradle’ much-told jokes, according to Seema, there are several reasons why older women prefer younger men.

— Younger men are very finicky about their appearance, so look fit and good. Most of them still have hair on their heads which may sound funny, but is a huge turn-on for older women.

They can also keep the woman on her toes and make her feel sexy.

— They radiate an energy that is infectious and as they have no middle-aged hang-ups, the woman tends to lose her own after a while.

— Belonging to the digital era, these boomers have a refreshing sense of honesty and say things as they are.

— The sex is energetic and fulfilling.

KISHWER MERCHANT, MEN LIKE ‘EM MATURE What about the men? What do they see in older women? Tina B Tessina, the author of ‘The Unofficial Guide to Dating Again’, affirms, “As you peel back the decades, the men get ‘cooler’. Belonging to a metrosexual age, Y Gen men are more considerate.

Such men (at least the ones interested in older women) are stable and mature. They don’t want to be mothered. They want a woman who knows who she is.”

She adds, “Younger men also like the sophistication and life success of their older mates as women peak between the ages of 30 to 50. They find older women more interesting, experimental, fun to talk to, financially settled and more adept sexually.”

Tina also says, “The older woman is too mature to play mind games with the younger man. She is confident enough to make the first move. She will indicate what she wants from the relationship. She will openly share her sexual needs and desires. She isn’t worried about losing the man if she expresses herself. And that is the turn-on for the younger man.”

She continues, “Not too many women are looking for the ‘picket fence and two cars’ dream any more. Now companionship, travel and fun are at the forefront.

Also, women are more likely to come back on the dating market because of a divorce and a longer expected lifespan. And thanks to medical advances and a gym at every corner, they too take keen interest in their appearance and look appealing enough to lure younger men.”

THE FLIPSIDE But Seema argues, there is also a ‘con’ to things.

She says, “Most times, this trend of younger men dating older women is not for keeps. The men sway in and out, flexing smooth ‘n’ broad shoulders, but this doesn’t last. They have too much choice, and the women have less. It’s actually all good until the woman gets attached emotionally and then it can go downhill for some...”

TV actress: “My boyfriend Suyyash is 26 and I’m much older than him. But age doesn’t matter to either of us.

We are extremely compatible.

We’ve been together for five years and are taking this one step further by getting married this year.”

Kishwer Merchant and Suyyash Rai

CELEB SAVVY

Adelaine Kane

spotlights the stunning Melania Trump, wife of one of the strongest contenders for the next US Presidency, Donald Trump, as she readies herself for her probable new role as First Lady.

THE NEXT

a ? y d L FIRST

e

ven as Americans brace themselves for the November 2016 Presidential elections, the election polls seem to be dominated by two strong candidates – Hillary Clinton from the United States Democratic Party and Donald Trump from the Republican Party. Bill and Hillary are no strangers to the Americans, the White House, or indeed to the rest of the world. But should Trump take the mantle, the White House will have an all-new set of gentry.

Whether or not Prez Obama was a success might be open to debate, but the one member who shone all through was Michelle Obama.

Impeccable at hosting state dinners, socializing with political accquiantences and maintaining the image of being a ‘regular’ mom to her two girls, Michelle was a real role model. So while it’s time to bid her farewell from her post, ‘SAVVY’ spotlights the lady who seems most likely to fill her shoes – Melania Trump.

Wife of Donald Trump, breathtakingly gorgeous Melania Trump (nee Knauss) is a former model.

She is Slovenian by birth and had a modest upbringing. Her father Viktor Knavs managed car and motorcycle dealerships.

While Donald is out-spoken to the point of being labelled ‘boorish’, Melania has been called ‘shy’ and keeps largely away from the public eye.

Melania met Donald in 1998, during her modelling days, at a fashion show party in New York. The had a long courtship and were engaged in 2004, and married on January 22, 2005. They have a 24-year-old age difference. But despite this, Donald says they get along just fine: “We literally have never had an argument, forget about the word ‘fight’. We just are very compatible.”

Although it was Donald’s third marriage, it was Melania’s first. In true Trump style, the wedding was a majestic statement – Melania’s dress alone cost a whopping $ 200,000 and was specially designed by the legendary John Galliano of the house of Dior.

Melania and Donald have been constant companions since their marriage.

“Maybe because she’s so pretty, we don’t expect her to be as smart as she is.”

—Barbara Walters Their stunning reception cake was a 50-pound orange Grand Marnier chocolate truffle cake with Grand Marnier buttercream filling, and covered with 3,000 roses. A jaw-dropping masterpiece!

Melania and Donald have been constant companions since their marriage and are often seen and photographed together at New York society events and receptions.

In 2006, Melania welcomed son Barron William Trump. According to Melania, the nine-year-old is “very, very smart, very energetic and a special boy.” Barron idolizes his dad and likes to wear a suit and tie like him, leading Melania to nickname him “Mini-Donald”.

Although Melania is known not to interact much with the press and give few or no interviews, she is not as reports claim ‘dumb’. She is a jewellery designer and has studied interior design. Television personality Barbara Walters was impressed by her and said: “Maybe because she’s so pretty, we don’t expect her to be as smart as she is.”

Melania describes herself as ‘very political’ but only at home. “That (politics in public) is my husband’s job,” she says, adding, “I’m not shy. I’m my own person and have my own opinions. I’m not that person who would say stupid stuff so they would write about me.”

“I’m not shy. I’m my own person and have my own opinions. I’m not that person who would say stupid stuff so they would write about me.”

—Melania Of the First Ladies Melania admires, Betty Ford and Jackie Kennedy come first. But were she to become First Lady, she says, “I would be my own person.”

Melania and Donald live the life of American royalty in their 50,000 sq-foot mansion in New York’s Westchester County. Melania has redone the interiors completely.

“Selecting furniture and designing sofas

Melania during her modelling days posing for a magazine cover

Donald with his wife Melania and his children and grandchildren from his previous marriages

Barron idolizes his dad and likes to wear a suit and tie like him, leading Melania to nickname him “Mini-Donald”.

Melania and Donald with son Barron

was very exciting. It’s a passion. It was a great full-time project and I enjoyed every minute.”

The 60–room mansion boasts 15 bedrooms, three pools, one bowling alley and is spread over a whopping 230 acres!

They also alternate between their grand penthouse on the top three floors of the Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, with breathtaking views of Central Park and Manhattan. The Trump apartment, decorated in 24K gold and marble, was designed by Angelo Donghia in Louis XIV style. The stunning penthouse apartment is the epitome of elegance and perfection.

Were Donald to become the US President, one thing is for certain, their First Lady will not fail Americans in style, elegance and glamour!

iSAVVY

APPS FOR YOUR GIZMO-SAVVY MIND! KEEP IT UP! Runkeeper Savvy h this GPS tracker that has detailed logs of all your walks and jogs. After which, it calculates how many calories you’ve burnt. It also has a record of your progress over a week’s time.

Compatibility:

OFFLINE MAPPING HERE Maps Savvy h this offline navigation app which could prove to be very handy when travelling to another country or state. The app is similar to Google Maps. However, the desired place must be downloaded in advance to find or navigate a particular location. The offline feature could be a handy companion when you plan an expedition or a remote holiday and have absolutely no internet access.

Compatibility:

SOCIAL ANIMAL Duolingo Savvy h this language app. Learning a foreign language can be extremely challenging, but mastering the art has numerous benefits. Pick the language you want to learn from the app’s collection and let the app do the rest. The icing on the cake is the reminder function that tells you its language learning time if you haven’t used it for a day or so.

Compatibility:

WORKAHOLIC! Office Savvy h this Microsoft Office Mobile app that works perfectly well from your phone or tablet. With it, you no longer have to be on your workstation to make presentations, edit word documents or calculate numerical data.

Compatibility: Compiled by Rinaldo D’souza

DESTINATION SAVVY

Dublin

A panoramic view of Dublin

Dazzles!

Sumita Chakraborty

goes on an enriching and enjoyable literary, food, fashion and history trail in Dublin.

Dublin, touted as the city of dreamers and chancers, is a wonderful mix of cosmopolitan modernity and old world charm. This city is considered to be the world’s biggest literary hub as it is the land where literary greats like James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and so many more were born and bred.

And though I am a HUGE fan of Literature and History two aspects Dublin is really famous for - I confess I had butterflies fluttering in my tummy as my coach raced through the intertwining lanes of Belfast and moved into the smooth tarmac of Dublin. After all, I was a ‘single Indian woman’ travelling on my own in a strange land.

And this seemed a bit intimidating!

Dublin is a wonderful mix of cosmopolitan modernity and old world charm.

DUBLIN LITERARY PUB CRAWL By the time I reached, it was already 4 p.m. and the air was chilly. My hotel, the very comfortable Clayton Hotel on Cardiff Lane, overlooked the Ha’penny Bridge and the view was picture perfect. I had an early dinner and marched to Duke’s Pub at the stroke of 8 p.m. where I was ready to attend The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. Sigh!

I had reached way ahead of time and by the time the show started, I had already convinced myself that I’d hate this - simply because it was quite dark, I was alone and I don’t drink! But once it started and the talented Colm Quilligan and his fellow actor from The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl enacted the characters of James Joyce, Beckett, James Larkin, Oscar Wilde and so many others, and took us through a maze of pubs and landmark sites like Trinity College, these literary giants frequented, I was hooked - line and sinker! The pub crawl was funny, informative and engaging. This was indeed the best experience of my life, and I really recommend it as a must try for everyone.

was now going on a ‘Fab Food Trail’ with my very charming guide Pamela. And so we went on a food trippin’ trail – from a quant Sicilian restaurant where we ate delicious canapés, to a cheese store which stacked mountains of all kinds of cheese. From a bite at an authentic Irish café, a chocolate tasting tryst, to coffee at a Polish store, we walked through the narrow lanes tasting, eating and laughing merrily as we skipped through the myriad delights. After gorging various delights, I was satiated and all I wanted to do was find a nice little armchair to curl up in. And then Pamela informed me that it was time for lunch. Some more food?! But despite my protests, Pamlea took me to Krab, a cute seafood restaurant, to try oysters. Absolutely yum!

FOOD & MORE FOOD The next morning, I woke up feeling fresh and happy. I

Ha’penny Bridge

SPIRITED TOUR My next visit was the Guinness Storehouse at St James Gate. They say the Guinness in Dublin tastes better here than anywhere else! And my guide Ian insisted on taking me through the many floors of this tall building just so that I’d know why Guinness is such a hit worldover!

Guinness was launched by Arthur Guinness in 1725 and

Jameson Distillery

it has grown to lofty levels over the years. And if you are in Dublin, this tour is definitely a must visit!

And so is the amazing Jameson Distillery, known for its fine Jameson Irish whiskey that all Irish men and women keep talking about. My guide walked me through the process that produces this whiskey and since it is absolute sacrilege that I don’t drink whiskey, my guide made me sniff at a barrel of whiskey to get a whiff of it. At the little Jameson café, Chef Richard Carmody shared some insights on cooking with Jameson whiskey. And though I could hear my tummy protest, I dug into the lovely delicacy he whipped up just for me. After my very enjoyable tour ended, I took a green Hop on-Hop off bus half-way back to my hotel; the other half, I briskly walked through the bridge. The cool invigorating air rejuvenated my senses and I was rarin’ to see more of this lovely city.

Several hours later, a lovely dinner at Fade Street Social completed this amazing experience. Incidentally, all my Actors from the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl

Guinness Storehouse

They say the Guinness in Dublin tastes better here than anywhere else! trepidation of being a single woman alone in a strange place vanished into thin air. Dublin is extremely safe and welcoming, and even late night, you can walk through the cobbled lanes and even stop to watch a musician play his saxophone soulfully.

MOUNTAINS AHOY! The next morning, I was off to the Wild Wicklow Tour with a busload of tourists from all across the globe. My bus driver cum tourist guide Joe was an absolute delight.

He warbled old Irish songs as he showed us the sights, regaled us with naughty anecdotes and drove like a maniac to the mountain top. The Wild Wicklow Tour includes a coastal drive through DunLaoghaire Harbour, Dalkey and Killiney, home to the rich and famous. It also takes you through Glendalough’s enchanting 6th century monastic settlement and the magnificent Upper Lake. And if you are a film buff and a fan of ‘Excalibur’, ‘Braveheart’ and ‘P.S. I Love You’, say hurrah! You get to see Sally Gap, the amazing location where these films were shot. …My three-day visit to Dublin was fabulous. This unique city has everything – a fabulous shopping hub, colourful literary history, amazing food and spirits, and of course, wonderful people. I love you Dublin, and yes, some day, I’ll visit you again!

Sumita Chakraborty was on an invitation from the Nothern Ireland Tourism Board.

L Ve HEART TALK

O Prahlad Kakar

gives your love life roots ‘n’ wings...

I have been married for three long years. My husband is preachy, irritating and keeps flirting with other women in front of me. I am so fed up of him, but I can’t leave him because I don’t have a job, have a two-year-old kid and parents who disapprove of divorce. But I want a way out. Please help!

Samika Sharma, Mumbai There are many ways to skin a cat before you think of divorce or separation from your boorish husband. First, you can also play the flirting game. If you are at a party, before he starts pawing the women, pay special attention to the best looking man in the room. Your husband will be so stunned, he’ll forget to even look at another girl.

Secondly and more importantly, pay more attention to yourself. Join a gym, go to the beauty parlour, buy fashionable clothes and start decking up to the hilt. Watch your insensitive husband suddenly metamorphosize in front of you into a little pup begging for some TLC. So before you think of any drastic steps, the secret of success

& LONGING

lies within you – work on yourself, and you can turn around and tell your husband to ‘get lost’!

I am a 21-year-old girl who has been in a relationship for two years. My boyfriend recently told me that though he loves me a lot, he is attracted to another girl. He doesn’t want to leave me but his attraction for the other girl is very strong. I am confused. Though he sounds sincere about his love for me, I am not sure I can handle him cheating on me.

Juhi Patel, Delhi Actually, he’s been very straight-forward with you. He’s told you outright that he’s planning to cheat on you. The problem is: Can you handle sharing him with another woman? Not too many women can do that so if you can, you are indeed unique. And if you can get attracted to the good qualities of your boyfriend, you should also accept his bad qualities. But having said that, if you do accept your boyfriend’s philandering ways, in the long run, you’ll find yourself in a mess especially if you’ve accepted it half-heartedly. What you can do is tell your boyfriend that what is good for the goose, is good for the gander too. So if he can be attracted to another woman and still be in love with you, you too can be attracted to other guys. And if he cheats, so will you! Trust me, this will suddenly change your Casanova boyfriend’s mind about getting attracted to other women. So get set to checkmate your boyfriend!

Write to: PRAHLAD KAKAR at ‘SAVVY’, Magna House, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 25. E savvy@magnamags.com

EVENT SAVVY

STUNNER! The ravishing Raveena Tandon unveils the latest issue of ‘Health & Nutrition’.

Gorgeous, super talented and the quintessential yummy mummy, Raveena Tandon took centre stage on the cover of the latest issue of ‘Health & Nutrition’. Raveena wowed the media when she stepped into Magna Lounge, Mumbai, to unveil the cover along with Nari Hira, Chairman, Magna Publishing Co Ltd and Vinodini Krishnakumar, Editor, ‘Health & Nutrition’.

Nari Hira, Raveena Tandon, Vinodini Krishnakumar and Rupali Suri

Emcee Rupali Suri kicked off the event by asking Raveena how it felt to be on the cover of the magazine, to which she joyously replied, “All my life, I was plump. Now, after being on the cover of ‘Health & Nutrition’, I feel I have achieved something. I am thrilled!”

About her fitness regime she confessed, “I don’t want to puncture the fact that I’m on the cover but I’m very lazy, and I hate to work out. I have to motivate and push myself, but I make sure I walk, swim, run or do yoga. And I don’t believe in starving at all.”

She sportingly answered a barrage of questions on her cinematic journey, revealing that had she not been an actress, she’d have been a cop.

The event came to a close with the shutterbugs vying for a final shot, closing the curtains on yet another fabulous event!

SHOW TIME

Nari Hira, Dr Anjali Mukerjee, Vinodini Krishnakumar and Dipna Patel

RIGHT BITE Dr Anjali Mukerjee’s

interactive workshop at Magna Lounge left everyone invigorated!

‘To eat or not to eat?’ is a question that vexes us all! To solve this, ‘Health & Nutrition’ got onboard one of the country’s best known nutritionists, Dr Anjali Mukerjee, to conduct a lively and informative workshop - ‘You Are What You Eat’, at Magna Lounge, Mumbai. In the presence of Nari Hira, Chairman, Magna Publishing

Co Ltd and Vinodini Krishnakumar, Editor, ‘Health & Nutrition’, the charming emcee Dipna Patel flagged off the event with brief introductions. Dr Anjali took centre stage with a powerful slide show and discussed different foods and their rejuvenating impact on the body. “Let food be thy medicine,” Dr Anjali urged as she warned against increasingly rampant unhealthy food habits plaguing Indians. Participants picked up some great tips like consuming no more than 500 ml of oil a month, maintaining a gap of four hours between meals and winding up dinner before 8 p.m.

The floor was then thrown open for a Q & A session.

The event wound up with guests being served delicious cold pressed fruit juices from ‘Jus Divine’ and with an announcement of a free health check-up service for each by Anjali’s ‘Health Total’ team… Just what the doc ordered!

PARTY ZONE

Chhaya Momaya and Varuna D Jani hosted an elegant dinner at Four Seasons, Mumbai, to showcase Varuna’s new jewellery collection and announce Chhaya as the business partner of the jewellery brand.

Varuna D Jani

Rohit Bal and Chhaya Momaya

Chhaya and Nirmal Momaya with Ravi and Madhu Ruia

Schauna Chauhan and Bikram Saluja

Divya and Sameer Gehlaut Radhika Goenka and Raghvendra Rathore

BK and Dipali Goenka

Usha International and Nisha JamVwal hosted a lunch at ITC Central, Mumbai, for Chef Vikas Khanna who launched the Usha Infiniticook Halogen Oven in Mumbai.

Kunal Vijayakar with Sajjid and Laveena Mitha

Kim Sharma

Nisha JamVwal, Aditi and Arzoo Govitrikar with Vikas Khanna

The 1st Jagjit Singh Music Festival 2016 celebrated the legend’s timeless music.

Deepika and Abhinov Upadhyay

Deepak Pandit, Suresh Wadkar and Sonu Nigam Zakir Hussain, Deepak Pandit, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Hariharan and Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia

Lucio Brissolese, Silvia, Chandni Kumari and Abhimanyu Bansal at a furniture launch at Warisan Experience Centre, New Delhi

Tanusree Shankar, Richa Agarwal, Mamata Shankar, Pallavi Chatterjee, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Arpana Caur at the launch of Arpana’s solo paperwork exhibition in Kolkata French Ambassador Francois Richier conferred the ‘Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur’ award on designer Manish Arora

Divya and Bhushan Kumar at the success party of ‘Sanam Re’ in Mumbai

Sumona Parekh and Esha Gupta at the launch of Sumona’s jewellery line at Minerali in Mumbai

Tarun Sarda and Eli Avram at a fashion show to celebrate 10 years of the BETI Foundation hosted by Tarun Sarda and Anu Ranjan in Mumbai

Ritika Nandkeolyar, Avanti Deo Mishra, Rajshree Bakshi and Sophie Choudry at ‘The Spirit of the Zoya Woman’ panel discussion in Mumbai

Saurabh Khanijo and Ramola Bachchan at the 10th anniversary celebrations of Kylin Sky Bar in New Delhi

Rajendra Jain, K Srinivasan, Hema Malini and G V Sreedhar at Swarovski’s Gemstones National Jewellery Awards in Mumbai

Shallu Jindal and Payal Kapoor at Harvest 2016 at The Stainless Gallery in New Delhi

Biswajit Chakraborty presenting an award at Sofitel Mumbai’s Vintage and Classic Car Rally

Bharthi S Pradhan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan, Sonakshi and Poonam Sinha at the launch of Shatrughan’s autobiography ‘Anything But Khamosh’ in Mumbai

Mohammad Kaif Hungund, Hamdan Mohamed Al Murshidi, Kulwant Singh and Esmail Amin Hungund at the first edition of the Dubai Festival in Mumbai

Jayshree Burman and Vikram Bawa at the inauguration of Tao Art Gallery’s 16th anniversary show in Mumbai (Standing) Dr Hrishikesh Pai and Dr Nandita Palshetkar, (seated) Collin Dick with Arya and Diana Hayden at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai

Shalini and Dilip Piramal, Dr Suman Agarwal, Dr Malavika Kohli and Tara Sharma at the book launch of ‘Super Kids’ in Mumbai

Maria Goretti, Brinda Miller, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Ashish Shelar at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2016 in Mumbai Aryan Singh and Rahul Dev at the launch of Jugaad Bar in New Delhi

Alesha and Samvit Tara at the launch of Roche Bobois’ second store in Mumbai

Princess Diya Kumar of Jaipur at a polo match in New Delhi

Anupam Kher and Munmun Ghosh at her book launch in Mumbai Tomio Isogai, Subhash C Sarin, Dr E B Khedkar, Dr Geoffrey Clements and Malusi Mogale at the International Conference on Innovation and Technology in Mumbai

Dr Kamath during the CGSI Consumer Redressal Mega Camp at G S College in Nagpur

COOL PICKINGS

BOOKS

B

In ‘Shakuntala – The Woman Wronged’, author Utkarsh Patel retells the story of one of the ‘Mahabharata’s’ most underrated heroines. “This book compares Shakuntala to today’s modern day woman and wife. A woman who is independent, courageous and yet endowed with tenderness,” says the author.

Rupa Publications, t ` 295

Author Munmun Gosh brings you a tale of love and struggle in her novel ‘Thicker Than Blood’. It tells the story of a couple who are desperate for a child, the tribulations they go through in order to conceive, and the strain that befalls their relationship when things do not go as planned. Says the author, “The novel ‘Thicker Than Blood’ is my most serious literary endeavour. It has been inspired by a real-life story that moved me and I felt it needed to be told. Also, the story appealed to the romantic in me. This book is my ode to love.”

Jaico Books, t ` 299

Author Ravi Subramanian spins a tale of love, betrayal and redemption in ‘The Bestseller She Wrote’.

Says the author, “I can promise my readers that ‘The Bestseller She Wrote’ will be as pacy, racy and full of intrigue as my other books.”

Westland Publications, t ` 295

Burger King, for its first anniversary celebrations in India, introduced the limited edition Bigg Boss Whopper as part of its tasting session in Saket, New Delhi. Available in three variants - veg, chicken and mutton - the whopper is juicy, saucy, fiery, crunchy and double in size, taste and experience.

Meal for two: Approx t ` 450 q 011 33107636

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Sundays won’t be the same again with the free flowing Moet & Chandon Champagne Brunch at Tamra, Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel, New Delhi. This newest addition is a gastronomical bouquet, offering authentic South East Asian cuisine as well as Japanese, Indian and European fare from its five interactive cooking theatres.

Tuck in! t ` 2,750 + taxes per person q 011 4119 1010

Dig into delicious aromatic biryanis from Charcoal Biryani. Juicy meats and scrumptious veg, mixed with perfectly cooked rice, make up biryanis that are just oozing with flavour.

Take your pick from their delectable menu and order in. Enjoy! t ` 210 – t ` 250 per serving H

charcoalbiryani.com

SPA y Taj Palace, New Delhi, brings the finest and most contemporary Indian luxury spa experience to the city – JIVA. It offers various massage therapies like Vellana, Vishrama, Sushupti and Vishuddi that leaves you languid and thoroughly pampered from head-to-toe.

They have also introduced the Salt Room... t ` 1,000-10,000

JEWEL TIME P C Chandra Jewellers, the leading jewellery brand in Eastern India, organized a preview of their latest showroom. The gorgeous Bengali film actress Mimi Chakraborty was present at the ceremony. The 35th showroom in Siuri, Birbhum, features a wide array of innovative and contemporary designs for its discerning customers.

“PC Chandra Jewellers wants to maintain the momentum of its expansion and reach out to our wide customer base in various parts of Bengal and also nationally. With our strong presence in Kolkata, we feel it is important to provide similar service and quality jewellery to our customers in other parts of the state as well,” said Amitava Chandra, Deputy Managing Director, PC Chandra Jewellers.

FASHION HUB Fashion designer Rima Melwani introduces you to the world of draping – saris, dupattas, scarves, turbans and dhotis. Apart from teaching you the intricate art of draping, Rima also shows you how to create experimental body coverings. In addition, she also offers special lectures on fashion and costume design. q +91 9867764237 E rimamelwani@gmail.com

Photograph Lalit Rana Photograph Late Jagdish Mali

SINK WIN y Nirali, India’s No. 1 stainless steel kitchen sink company, presents the ORUS kitchen sink. Using advanced state-of-the-art manufacturing expertise, this evergreen antiscratch feature is specially suited for today’s rough and tough cleaning of Indian cookware.

The ORUS kitchen sink has two deep bowls.

ORUS also incorporates a special silent sound reducing coating that reduces vibrations from dishes and running water. The ORUS sink is also available in futuristically designed glossy and satin finishes. q +91-22-24315500/11/22 H www.niralisinks.com

BLING! Jazz up your ensembles with trendy costume jewellery from Cuban. “Cuban’s focus is to make each woman look and feel beautiful through unique jewellery collections. Our quality and designs complement various clothing styles and up your fashion quotient,” says Romil Zaveri, Founder, Cuban.

H www.storecuban.com

A

GEEKY GIZMO Glide your way to your destination on the IO Walk – a self-balancing scooter. This intelligent personal mobility device is easy to maneuver and a fun and exciting substitute to walking. Just step onto the board and lean in the direction you want to go, pushing your toes down. But remember to practise well.

H www.ioindia.co.in

RAH RAH BAH

KISS

The Viva N Diva ad featuring acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal

ON THE CHEEK RAH RAH!

Fashion designers Manan Shah and Rupesh Jhawar of Viva N Diva Couture who made acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal their ‘Face Of Courage’ brand ambassador for their ad capaign.

“Discrimination against women is illogical. We are living in the 21st century.”

SUPRIYA SULE NCP MP from Baramati, Maharashtra

KICK

ON THE REAR “Women in Saudi Arabia should not be allowed to drive on the grounds that they might get raped if their cars break down.”

SALEH AI-SAADOON Historian, during a television debate

A minor girl and a pregnant woman were among several women allegedly gangraped, assaulted and looted by security personnel in a remote, Maoist-dominated area of Chhattisgarh.

WIN

Contributors will receive gifts.

Send your ideas to: RAH RAH BAH, ‘SAVVY’, Magna House, Old Prabhadevi Road, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 25 E savvy@magnamags.com

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MARCH 2016

HONOURS CELEBRATING

SUCCESS

HONOURS CELEBRATING

SUCCESS ` 75 MARCH 2016

ER! INDIA’S CAITLYN JENN

REDDYT APSARANSEL Y ABOU TALKS INTE

HER SEX CHANGE

!

THE BOX OUT OF DAY SPECIAL WOMEN’S

DREAMY

DUBLIN

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9739661925

CONTENTS 08 Shilpa Jain

Social Entrepreneur

20 Sneh Dalmia

Jewellery Designer

36 Meety Bagga Fashion Designer

12 Leena and Aashkara

HONOURS

Fashion Designers

24 Aarshi Jain

Matrimonial Services

40 Parull Mahaajan Interior Designer

16 Bharti Taneja Beautician

28 Asma Gulzar Fashion Designer

44 Jaya Mishra

Fashion Designer

32 Madhuri Bhaduri Artist

48 Jai Madaan Astrologer

Editor’s Note Savvy Inspiration

05 06

Rosy Alhuwalia

52 Prreeti Kumar Fashion Designer

56 Dr Sushi Singh Social Worker

60 Dr Deepika Krishna Gynecologist

Savvy Finale

64

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome to the inaugural issue of ‘SAVVY Honours – Celebrating Success’!

Photograph: Sanjit Kundu

This edition of ‘SAVVY Honours – Celebrating Success’ features ladies of courage ‘n’ conviction from the fields of social work; jewellery, fashion and interior design, art, beauty and more…

Despite battling several challenges, these ladies are gung-ho! Focused on their destination, they are forging ahead in warrior woman style!

‘SAVVY Honours – Celebrating Success’ applauds them for carving out a niche for themselves in their respective lines of calling… and for accomplishing all that they have!

May they continue to reach for the stars… and while doing so, motivate us to do the same!

Let’s raise a toast to them and their tales of strength and triumph! Cheers!

“I wanted to be an independent woman, a woman who could pay for her bills, a woman who could run her own life – and I became that woman.”

— Diane von Furstenberg, internationally renowned fashion designer E andrea@magnamags.com

SAVVY INSPIRATION

Hot Stepper Rich craftsmanship and beautiful designs - fashion designer Rosy Ahluwalia’s immense talent has earned her the title of a designer extraordinaire.

Meet Delhi’s well-known designer Rosy Ahluwalia who beautifully melds rich craftsmanship with stunning fabrics. Her amazing bridal collection and snazzy semi-western silhouettes are the talk of the town! Excerpts from her interview...

Fashion Foray My career as a fashion designer took course when I first felt the urge to dress people. My taste of fashion and clothing was always praised and that made me start something. To be precise, my sister asked me to design something for her, which turned out to be great, and this is what paved the way into my fashion designing career.

Design Right My designs spotlight a woman’s personal style as well as reflect her inner beauty. Each design is embedded with my personal signature style that makes it stand apart.

Juggling My Personal & Professional Life Well, I try and give equal importance to both – my personal and professional life. This is how i manage to maintain a balancing act. Being a business-oriented woman, I am extremely focused on my work.

Plans For The Future My foremost dream is to be renowned worldwide; I hope that more people recognise what I do. As for my upcoming projects, the 2016 film ‘One Night Stand’ will have my collection being showcased; this excites me! The film stars Sunny Leone who is extremely talented.

Copy Rinaldo D’Souza

SAVVY HONOURS Social Entrepreneur

Shilpa Jain

Fostering A

Revolution Shilpa Jain talks about her foray into social services and fostering.

Shilpa Jain is a fine example of a woman who had fostered the lives of many children who were deprived of the basics in life.

Born and raised in Delhi, she has diverse experience in the service, education, HR and business management fields. As the Co-founder and Director Operations of UK Fostering Ltd, Chief Strategy Officer of RoundArk Pvt Ltd, CEO (Country Head India) of Ukindo and Founder and Managing Director of Iconix HR, she further promises to bring in the requisite change in the mindsets of people across the globe.

Extremely talented and dynamic, what made you want to be in social services and fostering?

As Dr APJ Abdul Kalam puts it simply: ‘Every successful story has a painful beginning and every painful beginning has a successful ending. If you give your heart and soul to your dream and never give up, things can happen for you’. I had very restless growing up years where I questioned God about socio-economic diversity in the world. Though I was a kid myself, I loved kids and would tell my mother that when I grew up, I would adopt all the children of the world.

I started fostering when I was in Class 10. My domestic help used to bring her daughter Kaveri along with her to work. It was

a shocker for me to see an eight-year-old washing, mopping and doing other household chores. Every time little Kaveri would come home, she would show her keenness towards my books, learning the alphabet and writing. This happened for a few months and I could not resist asking my domestic help if Kaveri could be a part of our family. We would sponsor her education and she would live with us like family, and the domestic help could visit us every day to see her well-being. Having six children and an alcoholic husband, the idea of seeing her child provided with education and good living standards elated my domestic help.

She was more than happy for us to make Kaveri a part of our family. Though my parents said an emphatic ‘no’ as it was a very big responsibility, I kept my foot rooted to this decision. I got her enrolled in a government school and then sponsored her education at university along with a couple of IT courses. Today, she is earning a decent living by working as a receptionist.

I think giving a new life to Kaveri marked the beginning of my dream of helping children...

How did you start out on your career?

At the age of 18, I touched the skies by opting for a career in flying. I had an opportunity to fly as an interpreter for KLM

“I am here in India now to promote the concept of fostering in this country.�

I decided to join UK Fostering, one of the premium fostering brands in England. In fact, in just a span of three years, UK Fostering established four offices in England and had a staff of 16 members with 100 children in placement and 60 foster parents.

What are the trails and tribulations you faced in your career?

I strongly believed in my cause and in myself, and so plunged into learning new skills. At first, I did two jobs - flying and learning about the fostering business simultaneously for one year. And that was the most challenging part - I traversed through two countries, worked two jobs simultaneously and also looked after my family. My little boy was six when I finally quit Virgin Atlantic. And the challenges piled up... new country, new rules, new laws, new culture and a different style of business... you name it, and I faced it! It was a little disheartening to face complete discouragement from some of my near and dear ones.

I was actually told that it was too challenging and I would come back facing failures. But I believed in myself and promised never to quit. I studied day and night about policies and procedures, and learnt everything from scratch.

Royal Dutch Airlines and as Flight Manager with Virgin Atlantic Airways. Though I was making decent money, I still nurtured a dream to do something in the social care sector and was always on the lookout for a medium to kick-start something for children.

My flying career with Virgin Atlantic gave me the opportunity to travel to England. And soon, my association with like-minded professionals, who were passionate like me about changing the lives of children, prompted and inspired me to work in the social care sector in the UK. I was exposed to the good work being done in the social care sector, particularly fostering. Fostering actually was a complete new terminology for me and I could not believe that England had an act in the legislation which intended to reform the statutory framework for the care system in England and Wales. It also made provisions in relation to the well-being of children and young people, private fostering, child death notification to Local Safeguarding Children Boards and appropriate national authorities.

Being the only Indian female director in the team as well in the country in the fostering business, made it more challenging for me. And when my husband and seven-year-old son moved to the UK, it became more challenging.There is no concept of house help in the UK, so I had to do everything myself at home as well as rush to office. Going to a new school, a new system of education and class culture came as a surprise to my little one, so I had to make sure that I was there to support him and make him feel at home. But I faced all these challenges chin up, and worked very hard to prove myself. And prove, I did!

How did you foray back into India?

With my fostering business going well, India too was calling me to bring back what I had learnt abroad. To begin with, I started looking at various business ideas and investments to bring back to India. And my answer was outsourcing. After a lot of persuasion, as the directors were a little skeptical to enter Indian shores, I was able to push them to invest in India in

“I have dared to break the so-called norms women are expected to follow.”

YNG Media which resulted in a co-association, and RoundArk Pvt Ltd was formed. I was able to create 90 jobs for the young aspirants in RoundArk within two months of the merger. Now I am in talks with several UK-based companies to bring in investments and business to India for better and well-priced services, plus create employment.

What are your achievements so far?

UK Fostering is the only agency to get an outstanding report from local government authorities in its first inspection and we are holding on to that record since 2013. Ukindo was registered in England and Wales in 2014, and within three months of operations in India, we have started two schools in Rohtak (one each is in the pipeline in Noida and Gurgaon) which are giving full-time quality education to 40-odd slum children and providing skill development courses in English, and IT courses for young girls from government schools.

RoundArk’s merger with YNG Media has also created 90 additional jobs for the young aspirants.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

Societal views are still too restrictive towards women who aspire to do something in their lives and dream big. Even today, living in the 21st century, a woman is expected to follow age old rules. But I have dared to break the so-called norms women are expected to follow. I do my work very meticulously. When I wake up in morning, I prepare a to-do list for both personal and professional tasks I need to complete for the day. I spend my break time, especially the weekends, with my family. I make sure I cook for my little one and try to do as much work online as possible so that it curtails my travel. I am also inculcating similar values in my son to be sensitive towards other children and I hope he follows in the same footsteps.

Who has been your inspiration and what are your future plans?

I think in the beginning Kaveri was my inspiration. Since then, I promised myself that I’d help children like her. My sources of inspiration are also my fellow directors Amar Dhull, Urs Bielmann and Tim McArdle who have been in the social care

sector contributing to this noble cause for a long time. They inspired me to take on new challenges and not be afraid of venturing into social causes.

Today, I want to see Ukindo on an international scale with a special focus on India. I am now in India to promote the concept of fostering in this country. Also, I have plans to bring fostering services into India under project Ukindo where I am planning to raise funds from western countries. I also would like to urge families to come forward to foster children of deprived families to give them a better life. ...The way Shilpa is scaling the ladder, looks like she will ace her mission to foster all those who need care.

H www.ukfostering.org.uk H www.ukindo.org

Copy Trisha Mahajan

SAVVY HONOURS

Fashion Designers

Leena and Aashkara Bidani

CREATIVE

SOULS Fashion designers Leena and Aashkara Bidani reveal how they strike a balance between art and fashion.

New Delhi-based mother-daughter duo Leena and Aashkara Bidani are fashion designers par excellence. Leena’s background as an artist and Aashkara’s fashion styling fused together led to their venture of a retail store which has a vast range of their wearable art collection under the label LEENA & AASHKARA’S Bling Closet. Together they have been on the cover of four magazines and have walked the ramp for designer Annaika and for the Festival of Hope, an initiative to felicitate cancer survivors. Their designs, sense of style

and creativity stand out from the rest and are meant for the urban chic population.

What made you’ll want to be designers?

I have always been interested in art, sketching and painting.

After a series of solo and joint exhibitions, I transformed my art work by digital printing my work on ties, scarves, stoles, handbags and apparel. Aashkara, on the other hand, has a God-gifted talent for fashion styling and graphic designing. Our backgrounds tilt more towards the creative side and that made

“Our backgrounds tilt more towards the creative side and that made us pursue the designing part seriously and passionately.” us pursue the designing part seriously and passionately. The beauty of silhouettes on the human body, the idea of draping and the idea of playing with different fabrics and creating outof-the-box designs inspired us to become fashion designers.

Please tell us about your work.

Our journey is not that old but touchwood, so far it has been a wonderful experience. Right from our first collection of all my paintings being digitally printed on fabric, to our latest

collection of holographic and colourful apparel, our designs have all been different from others.

What about the recognition you have received?

Our collections have been hits with majority of our stocks sold out. We have been widely accepted and appreciated. In fact, Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week has invited our label for a fashion preview for emerging designers to showcase our products later this year.

“Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week has invited our label for a fashion preview.”

How do you’ll maintain a balance between your work and personal life?

Work and personal life are very well balanced. Both of us work a lot during the nights when we are at our creative best. We also need to thank our family for their support in allowing us to pursue our dreams and be occupied professionally.

Who do see as your inspiration and what are your future plans?

We do not have any role model as such. As far as

future plans are concerned, we want to keep creating new designs. Besides our store in Delhi, we want to have a presence in Mumbai and other cities in India as well as go global.

Looking at Leena and Aashkara’s creative pursuits, looks like they will create a sensation in the field of fashion designing.

Copy Trisha Mahajan

SAVVY HONOURS

Beautician

Bharti Taneja

Beauty Idol

Bharti Taneja shares nuances of her world of beauty and her future plans.

Famous aesthetician, cosmetologist and director of the ALPS Beauty Clinic and Academies, Bharti Taneja is a name that is synonymous with the who’s who from the industry. Fondly known as ‘The Golden Lady’, this feisty woman is on the top of the skin and hair domain because of her success mantra, which is nothing else but being happy and spreading happiness through her work. She is honest, has an appetite for learning, is passionate, perseverant and always says yes to whatever comes her way. All these attributes she fuses with hard work and because of being so grounded in life, she has been able to win hearts all across the globe. She has been in this industry for decades and her experience has given the world answers to all skin and hair related problems - through her first ever introduced 24 karat gold facial, non surgical laser treatments, special masks, permanent makeup and nail extension services among others. Crowned with more than a dozen awards, this beauty pioneer has brushed her magic on stars like Madhuri Dixit, Sushmita Sen, Jaya Prada, Nafisa Ali, Tom Alter, Moonmoon Sen among many others. This woman stands tall with her enigmatic personality, her master recipe that fuses science with beauty and a strong belief in the fact that no matter how others step up on the ladder in business, she will always be stringent in following her success mantras.

Excerpts from the interview…

Extremely talented and dynamic, you have aspired to reach the skies in your choice of career. What made you want to be a beauty personnel?

The imaginative soul in me kept me busy doing all sorts of creative work ever since my childhood. Be it crafting toys with my hands, giving shape to handmade jewellery or trying my hand at painting, I adored doing it all. The word beauty itself fascinated me and when I pondered over it again and again, I made the word itself look and sound beautiful. Also, being a science student allowed me to instil a logical connection between things. Mixing science with beauty became my passion and it slowly reached a place where I had the clinical answer for every skin or hair problem in the world. This love for beautifying things gradually progressed into making people beautiful with the game of colours called makeup. In fact, beauty caught my fancy in a way that I decided to open a beauty clinic to impart confidence to people through clinical beauty services and by spreading millions of smiles through them.

Tell us about your work.

Long ago, there used to be either beauticians doing beauty jobs or dermatologists who would look into people’s skin problems and guide them on the right way to take care of their skin. I started with services like non surgical laser treatments and special masks that could make any woman look nearly 5-10 years younger than her actual age, or could even help remove

Gold Medal Excellence in Beauty Care 1992

With Madhuri Dixit in 1993

With Nafisa Ali in 1994

burn marks and keloids from the skin. This became a rage and was accepted and appreciated widely. I also introduced the 24 karat gold facial treatment which became famous as it has the power to beautify skin and immediately show positive results. Another revolution came into the industry when I started permanent makeup in 1990 which helped women solve their problems like changing the shape of their eyebrows, or making them a little darker, or even adding them for those who lacked them due to medical issues. Along with that, my efficiency in hiding leucoderma patches not just brought confidence in women, but also helped them find a suitable job or life partner.

Coming to nail extension which is now a next door thing, it was introduced by me in the very same year.

What are the trials and tribulations you faced in your career?

Beauty wasn’t considered an esteemed vocation in the days when I decided to open ALPS. I was a science teacher at a reputed school, a profession any family felt proud of during those days. So quitting teaching and barging into the beauty business by opening a salon came as a slight surprise to everyone. However, things changed as I progressed and my parlour started getting great reviews in the initial days itself.

People used to be impressed not only with my services, but also with the way I amalgamated science and beauty to provide them expert clinical jobs at a nominal cost. They also praised

With husband Mr Balraj Taneja and daughters Gunjan Gaur and Ishika Taneja

“I am proud that the single-room venture has today sprouted to 20 centers.” my interpersonal skills and used to get astonished seeing them. And, all thanks to word-of-mouth publicity, footfall in the salon went way beyond my expectations within three months of opening. I felt like I was flying in the sky. As far as other challenges are concerned, money was a real and practical issue which I faced during my initial days. With just Rs 2,000 as my investment - quite an insufficient sum, even in those days - and my zeal and passion, I ended up inaugurating ALPS in my bedroom in my house itself. And I am proud that the single-room venture has today sprouted to 20 centres. Another challenge that I encountered were numerous health issues which troubled me during my pregnancy. However, people were amazed to see my hard work during that time as well. But as if my destiny developed a lifelong relationship with hurdles,

Opening of Lajpat Nagar clinic in 1997

unfortunately, I got diagnosed with arthritis after my delivery which further deteriorated my health. Despite all these hurdles, I never looked back and kept on marching towards success.

What are the awards and felicitations that you have received?

My biggest achievement lies in bringing smiles on the faces of different women. This eventually gives me immense happiness and inspires me more towards my goal. I was awarded the first ever gold medal of my life after entering the profession of cosmetology. Although after this I won many other awards in my field again, the same pride of that first one wells up whenever I see that medal. My list of awards includes the PhD Chamber of Commerce Award, Magicka Lifetime Achievement Award, Indian Global Women Achiever Award, Woman of the Year Award, Gold Medal for Beauty Care, The Millennium Women Award, Talented Woman Award, The Excellence Award, Indian Women Power Award, Rajdhani Ratan Award, Silver Shield for Excellence in Beauty Care, Rashtriya Ekta Puruskar, Grihalakshmi Goodwill Ambassador Award, Global Fashion Woman Award and Women Achiever Award. I feel happy and proud to be associated with radio, TV channels, popular magazines and print media... BBC London, Aaj Tak, Zee News, Sahara Channel, News X, News Nation, Total TV, Focus News, Radio Mirchi, AIR Rainbow, ‘Hindustan Times’, ‘Times of India’, ‘Dainik Bhaskar’, ‘Amar Ujala’, ‘SAVVY’, ‘Femina’, ‘Cosmopolitan’, ‘Vanita’ and ‘Manorama’ among others.

With Jaya Prada in 1998

always inspired me to be successful while doing my deeds with utmost passion. With this inspiration I am able to implement my passion with utmost hard work, sincerity and concern. I feel that all these qualities are injected in my blood itself and have a great role to play in my success.

“I was awarded the first ever gold medal of my life after entering the profession of cosmetology.”

How do you balance work and your personal life?

Juggling between work and the personal space can be quite cumbersome and I feel blessed to do so with élan. I always make sure I have a deep conversation with my family, my husband and two daughters before going to bed no matter how late it is.

In fact, my husband and I love doing things together - be it our morning jog, breakfast, random tea sessions or worship - we get ample time to spend with each other. Luckily both of us are in professions that complement each other and allow us to discuss business matters which gives us a chance to share each other’s views. All three of them remain my business colleagues who work towards achieving success for the brand ALPS. Who has been your inspiration and what are your future plans?

I have inherited honesty and hard work from my father who

It is with his blessings that after creating a revolution in the beauty and wellness domains, we are planning to expand our horizons both nationally and internationally.

Currently, we are looking to handover more and more franchises all over North India and are looking to spread our wings to other states and eventually overseas. We want ALPS to spread widely just like the ALPS mountain range. Therefore, we are now inviting franchisees as well as investors to join us by opening franchises and reaping profitable benefits along with us.

Bharti’s journey spanning decades makes us realise that the lady has a God-given artistic talent for beauty.

Copy Trisha Mahajan

SAVVY HONOURS

Jewellery Designer

Sneh Dalmia

Indianness

Redefined Fashion and jewellery designer Sneh Dalmia shares her love for designing.

Her love for design has helped fashion and jewellery designer Sneh Dalmia develop a name for herself in Surat. The 33-yearold designer is particularly known for her heavy bridal wear collection. Her delicate hand work outshines others in the same genre. Over the years, she has taken over a couple of cities and wishes to add more to her portfolio.

Excerpts from the interview‌

International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) followed by a course in jewellery designing from SNDT Mumbai. I secured a few projects as fashion and jewellery designer in parallel cinema which was enough to gain experience then. Thereafter, I went back to my native place Panipat and started working on my own in a smaller way. I got married and shifted to Surat. After taking a break for a year-and-a-half, I started working again.

Why did you decide to enter the world of designing?

While I was doing my graduation from LSR College I simultaneously did a course in fashion designing from the

Tell us about your work.

I really believe in karma so I wanted to register my brand as Karma. But because the same couldn’t be registered, I started

“My attire always has a mix of hand work consisting of rich zardozi, sequins, mukaish and pipe work amongst others.� working under the brand Veda La Robe. My work consists of heavy bridal wear as well as a few semi formal and formal outfits. From tunics, drapes, saris, lehengas, crop tops and skirts, gowns to anarkalis - I make everything. I work according to the seasons and choose a colour palette which is suitable for each. My attire always has a mix of hand work consisting of rich zardozi, sequins, mukaish and pipe work amongst others.

As far as materials are concerned, we use pure silk, organza, net, georgette, chanderi, chiffon and silk muslin.

What are the trials and tribulations you have faced in your career?

I started from scratch. And because I took a long break, it

seemed difficult to start all over again as there was a cultural and taste difference. I took time to understand the market and establish myself in Surat. I started slowly and steadily and in due course, I was able to create my brand and make a name here.

What recognition have you received so far?

Starting from a small home setup to having a proper studio is in itself an achievement. I don’t believe in advertising, but my work and word-of-mouth publicity really helped me fetch good clients. People come to me from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, US and other places for outfits, especially brides.

“My wish now is to expand my work and spread my wings in different parts of the country.”

I have done fashion shows in Kanpur, Indore and Nagpur among other places. Each day I grow in terms of orders and building a reputation with my clients. Everything is going in the right direction.

How do you balance your work and your personal life?

Both things go well with each other. It isn’t a tough task to balance both as my family members have always been supportive. When I took a break in between, I was more focused on my personal life, yet I never neglected work and built up contacts during that time. So, everything balanced out well.

What are your future plans?

I have worked really hard all these years. My wish now is to expand my work and spread my wings in different parts of the country. Additionally, I am looking forward to my forthcoming fashion show in Los Angeles.

Sneh’s passion towards her work is definitely going to help her conquer the world through her designs!

Copy Trisha Mahajan

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Matrimonial Services

Aarshi Jain

Effortless matrimony service New Delhi-based Aarshi Jain believes that Aarshi’s Matrimonial Solutions offers the best in matrimonial services.

42-year-old Aarshi Jain is the owner of Aarshi’s Matrimonial Solutions. She has been in the matrimonial solutions service sector for more than 18 years now. With her wealth of experience, she had seen quite a lot happening in the matrimonial domain.

She hails from a business family from Rajasthan. Aarshi strongly feels that in India, marriage is often a relationship between families and not two individuals, unlike what happens in western

countries. It is for this reason that match-making involves a thorough understanding of the cultures, religions, financial and social status of the two families involved. A deep understanding of this concept made Aarshi come up with Aarshi’s Matrimonial Solutions which is now one of the most preferred matrimonial service companies in the country. Her endeavour has always been to provide in-depth research, valuable services and

“The biggest challenge was to change the perception of people towards the matrimonial industry.” above all, highest quality customer service delivered with a sense of warmth, understanding, respect and spirit. Today, finding the right match is far easier because of Aarshi’s commendable efforts.

Excerpts from the interview...

Extremely talented and dynamic, you have aspired to reach the skies in your choice of career. What made you choose your profession?

I have always felt that I did not choose this profession, rather God has chosen me for this and with the passage of time, slowly and gradually, my profession became my passion.

What are the hurdles you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge was to change the perception of people

towards the martimonial industry. Earlier it was mostly handled by individuals and purohits. We have tried our best to modify it and give it a corporate shape that offers personalized services. Another tribulation is social changes. For instance, people have started relying more on information from Facebook and online patri matching services etc.

What are the milestones in the form of recognition, awards and felicitations that you have received?

The biggest milestone that stands as recognition for our company is 100% referral data. Every day we get positive references, which means that to run our organization, we don’t need publicity any

“My main strength is my family... they act as my support pillar and have always stood by me.” more. Just to spread awareness on a wide scale, we might take the help of the media which in itself is a big award.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

My main strength is my family... they act as my support pillar and have always stood by me, so balancing my professional, personal and social life has always been easy. A good team and well organized systems help me give adequate time to my personal life.

Who has been your inspiration and what are your future plans?

My motivation is society itself. When I look into this area of match searching, where a lot of misconceptions and

mishandling go on, I always think about what I can contribute from my end in order to ease the whole process with the help of my experience and knowledge. In addition, my thoughts move on to all the new methods and systems we can implement in order to make this matrimonial search process easier, beautiful and effective.

With Aarshi firm and determined to change the perception of people through her improvised services, we’re sure she’ll contribute a lot towards bringing about the required change in society.

Copy Trisha Mahajan

SAVVY HONOURS

Fashion Designer

Asma Gulzar

EXQUISITE

DESIGNS Noted fashion designer Asma Gulzar shares her passion for exquisite designs and colour play.

“From my childhood, I was passionate about designing clothes.

So my penchant for design made me veer towards designing.”

With her sense of style and élan, the beautiful Asma Gulzar could actually pass off as one of her gorgeous models.

Extremely talented, this enterprising lady is known for her very stylish ‘Aida Couture - The Fashion Hub’. A graduate from the prestigious NIFT, this incredibly talented designer is known for amazingly gorgeous bridal wear. Here, she lets us into her fashionable world filled with exquisite designs, amazing hues and styles.

Excerpts from the interview...

Tell us about your brand...

From my childhood, I was passionate about designing clothes.

So it was absolutely obvious that my penchant for design would make me veer towards designing clothes. Aida Fashion opened in 1996 in New Delhi with the idea of promoting and showcasing great design and craftsmanship. I have been in this business for around 12 years now and am enjoying

“I believe in designing clothes which are simple yet elegant.” every moment. We specialize in Indo-Western designs. We also have western wear like cape tops, crop tops, gowns, skirts and more.

Have you also participated in any shows or events?

Yes, I have participated in various premium exhibitions and shows like Wedding Asia, Jalsa, Medusa, London Market etc.

What is the USP of your brand?

Our fabulous bridal collection comprises Indo-Western styles with floor length jackets and elegant anarkali gowns with heavy zardosi work. Our creations are extremely popular.

What are your success mantras?

I believe in designing clothes which are simple yet elegant. …With her keen eye on style, we are sure Asma Gulzar will keep soaring high!

Copy Bhavana Doifode

SAVVY HONOURS

Artist

Madhuri Bhaduri

An Artist Par

Excellence The talented Madhuri Bhaduri shares light on her much celebrated 40 years of work as an artist and more.

She’s vibrant, vivacious and extremely talented. Meet Madhuri Bhaduri, one of India’s most versatile artists whose canvas reflects the intensity, serenity, strength and positivity of her mind. Noticed by art greats like Maharani Gayatri Devi, Jamshedji Bhabha, industrialist Harsh Goenka and SH Raza, Madhuri’s illustrious career as an artist spans almost four decades. Though she is rather reticent and modest about her many milestones, her successful exhibitions that have garnered much acclaim from critics and fans, speak volumes about her immense talent.

In an interesting tête-à-tête, the affable Madhuri speaks about her life, struggle, trials and tribulations, and her positive attitude that has triumphed over many adversities. ...No wonder, we were bowled over her by her magnetic personality, her joi de vivre and immense positivity.

Excerpts from the interview...

Taking Up Art: I loved to paint even as a child. But till the age of 19-20, I was an avid badminton player and had even been crowned as the National Champion though I didn’t even

have a coach. After that, I played five years of squash. But art was my passion and after painting for 9-10 years, I was encouraged by my friend industrialist Geetanjali Kirloskar, to hold an exhibition of my paintings at the Bal Gandharva Art Gallery in Pune in 1986. Out of the 60 paintings exhibited, 45 paintings were sold on the first day itself! Encouraged by the success of my first exhibition, I started painting in earnest. At that point, I was inspired by nature and life around me. By the ‘90s, I had mellowed as an artist and I wanted to experiment with the human form. I went on to do a series of tribal folk, clowns, nudes and many such figurative experiments until 2001. In 2002, I revisited nature more in abstraction now and continued my serious journey into the art world.

My Parents’ Blessings: My parents have always been very supportive. Whether as a badminton player or an artist, I have always been encouraged to give my best. My artistic inclinations come from my mother who was a classical vocalist on All India Radio for over five decades. My father and she

“My paintings reflect my inner sense and are always true to my being.” not only encouraged me to take up painting, but were also a driving force in my life.

My Art: I truly believe that you are what you paint. So my paintings reflect my inner sense and are always true to my being. Perhaps that’s why legendary art collectors, the illustrious Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur and Jamshedji Bhabha of TATA Sons, noticed me and I went on to be an integral part of the Tata’s corporate calendar in 1989. I rubbed shoulders with greats like MF Hussain, Anjolie Ela Menon, Ara, Laxman Shreshta and Bikash Bhattacharya. At that point, I was a young artist and this really boosted my confidence.

Trials & Tribulations: I have always been very positive about everything in my life, no matter what I faced. Yes, I’ve had my share of problems. My husband had a prolonged illness for 12 years, until he passed away in 2007. At that time, I was juggling between my little son, my ailing husband and my

work. Yet, I never gave up hope and battled all adversities.

Not too many people knew about my pain and struggle as I always kept a positive approach. Today, I feel all my efforts have been vindicated as my son is a professional golfer and a known name, and my art has given me an illustrious name...

My Art Is Cathartic: “All the emotional upheavals I have been through in my life have helped me develop as an artist. My canvas has been my most treasured friend. I have conveyed my innermost feelings on my canvas. I have played with colours. In fact, I am told that I handle colours very well.

Perhaps that’s why as an artist, I have had a winning streak.

Industrialist and art connoisseur Harsh Goenka noticed my work. And so did art lover Vikram Singh who told me that after Anjolie Ela Menon, he found my work interesting enough to open his residence to, to showcase my works to his exclusive guests. Legendary artist SH Raza had inaugurated one of

“All the emotional upheavals I have been through in my life have helped me develop as an artist.” my shows in 2009. And he told me that my paintings look like poetry on canvas. In terms of awards, I was awarded the Best Designer by the Centre of Excellence in Art and Design (CEAD) for their industrial calendar in 1988. I have had the opportunity of having more than 30 solo exhibitions in India and abroad in all the major galleries.

As a responsible citizen, I have auctioned my work and the proceeds were utilized for the earthquake victims of Bhuj, Gujarat. Recently, my paintings were displayed at a charity event held by SEC (Society for Education of Crippled). I have also donated my paintings to the Mata Amritanand Trust, Kochi and V Care, Gujarat. I did a solo show auctioned by Christel House for their organisation, and participated in ‘Save The Hills’ campaign for the environment, Pune, among other things.

Future Projects: There are various shows lined up in various cities in India and a few internationally too. I want to

spread my art in public spaces and touch many more hearts through it.

My Inspiration: I used to closely follow the works of the impressionist painters, my favourites being Vincent van Gogh and Paul Clee. Besides them, my grandmother, who lived till the age of 90, was my biggest inspiration. Her basic values of honesty, hard work and dedication have been imbibed by me, and that too reflects in my art.

I Believe: That when you singularly have the correct intention and work on your goal with honesty and sincerity, God will pave the way for you and make your dreams a reality. ...Madhuri Bhaduri is indeed an inspiration. Her positivity and never-say-die attitude make this unique artist stand out!

Truly, she is blessed!

Copy Sumita Chakraborty

SAVVY HONOURS

Fashion Designer

Meety Bagga

BACK TO THE

ROOTS Fashion designer Meety Bagga shares her passion for Benarasi weaves and fabrics, and her effort to reinvent them for iGen. Fashion designer Meety Bagga from Varanasi has been relentlessly promoting Benarasi weaves through her designs all over the world. She has been promoting and restoring these forgotten crafts for the past 25 years. The lady aims to bring back the glory of forgotten fabrics like Tanjore, Benarasi, Organza etc. She has closely worked with celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Padmini Kolhapure among others and has made her name in a field that needed much attention.

Excerpts from the interview...

Why did you choose designing as a field?

The first encouragement came to me from my mother who

wanted and encouraged me to be a designer. So, after pursuing a course in fashion designing, I realized that I was good at hand embroidery. Also, hailing from Benaras, I am very attached to my roots and I have always been passionate about Benarasi weaves. I have a creative thought process and it was easy to enter the field of fashion designing.

Who has been your inspiration?

My father-in-law has been the biggest driving force behind my successful career. He has supported me a lot. 25 years ago when I spoke to him about my passion, he not only gave me his permission, but also took me with him to parties where people from the Benaras circuit mingle. This helped

“With a modern twist to my garments, the young and old generation will start appreciating our own Indian textiles and art.� me a lot to set foot in the industry. Thereafter, my husband has always stood by me throughout my career.

What are the trials and tribulations you faced in your career?

I have still not attained the platform I deserve. It has been difficult all these years... setting my foot in Benaras. I want people to know me for my work. Apart from this, I am looking forward to some guidance that can help me build both name and fame.

Tell us about your work.

I like to sketch my own designs as I believe in exclusivity.

In the past few years I have designed home furnishings like bed covers, curtains, cushions etc. I have been exporting the same. I am into ethnic and western Benarasi style clothing and present them with a twist in my design. I am into making Benarasi handicrafts. I work with Benarasi weavers and use all traditional fabrics in my creations. I believe that with a

“My collections have been displayed in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Singapore and USA.” modern twist to my garments, the young and old generation will start appreciating our own Indian textiles and art. I don’t operate from a studio as all the orders are through courier. I organize fashion shows and my collections have been displayed in places like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Singapore and USA.

all of us make it a point to sit and discuss both our personal and professional lives as we start our day in the morning. I don’t work from a studio, but I am busy throughout the day meeting people and guiding workers about the tasks they have to complete through the day.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

I married in an industrialist family. Because of the busy work schedule, I get less time to interact with family members. But

We are sure that with Meety Bagga’s flair for style and her passion to revive forgotten crafts, she is sure to touch the sky.

Copy Vipul Kashyap

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Interior Designer

Parull Mahaajan

GIVING LIFE TO SPACES Interior designer Parull Mahaajan spotlights her life as a designer and her love for nature which inspires her creations.

Young and dynamic, Gurgaon-based Parull Mahaajan has immaculate skills which makes her an interior designer par excellence. With a penchant for designing and sensibilities towards detailing and aesthetics, in a career spanning 10 years, Parull has been successful in creating her own statement design and sample sites. What makes her living spaces bespoke is her ideology to keep in mind the functional, emotional, social and psychological needs of the client while designing.

Excerpts from the interview...

Why did you choose to be a designer?

I come from a family of bureaucrats and following the family

tradition, I graduated in law and started preparing for the Civil Services along with practicing law. But after two years, I gave it up for my love for designing and trained myself in interior and textile designing. I kick-started my career as an interior designer about a decade ago. I chose interior designing because I have always had that passion for enhancing the beauty of spaces. So, it took very little time for my passion to convert into my profession. I started only with design consultancy but gradually, I realized that often whatever I designed was not executed to perfection in terms of accuracy and workmanship.

This really put me off. So one ďŹ ne day, I decided to start with turnkey execution of my projects as well. Now I have full control

“Nothing can beat the sense of accomplishment and achievement which I get on creating something new and unique.”

What has been your inspiration?

My inspiration has been the joy which I get out of creation.

Nothing can beat the sense of accomplishment and achievement which I get on creating something new and unique.

and building requirements. It is a design consultancy and turnkey execution firm with expertise in sourcing of interior materials from all across the globe. Be it an apartment, villa, farmhouse or commercial project, ‘House of Design’ is able to tailor the best solution for its valued customers.

Please give us insights into your work.

Eager to grow and explore the field of interior design, I launched my firm ‘House of Design’ in Gurgaon. The main idea was to create a one-stop solution for all kinds of interior

What do you see as your moment of achievement in the field?

Having successfully completed about 100 sites in the past 10 years, I believe I have not just grown in my career, but have also become quite versatile with respect to my work.

on the execution part too which results in the perfect design.

“Balance is very important in life. I give equal importance to both the areas of my life.”

What are the challenges you’ve faced in your career?

The field of construction and interiors is highly unorganized and labour-oriented. I have had my share of difficulties, but have learnt with experience how to deal with them.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

Balance is very important in life. I give equal importance to both areas of my life. I feel what is important is not the quantity, but the quality of time which we spend in each area.

What are your future plans?

My future plan is to move towards making green and eco-

friendly spaces which are closer to nature. Also, I am a staunch believer in the ‘Make in India’ concept and try to incorporate it in my designs in some way or the other. I am also looking at strengthening our collaborations with good Indian and international designers. …Looking at Parull’s successful journey as an interior designer, proves that she has time and again scaled new heights in her entrepreneurial journey.

Copy Trisha Mahajan

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Fashion Designer

Jaya Misra

Fashion Fervour Jaya Misra spotlights her world of designing and more.

A designer will always bring an element of design in every aspect of her life. Fashion designer Jaya Misra is a living example of that. No wonder she is an international name in the world of fashion. She has showcased her work in places like Australia, Brooklyn, Boston, Philadelphia, London, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, as well as at the prestigious Vancouver and Belgrade Fashion Weeks. In India, Misra has showcased at the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week, the Audi group show, Surya Gold and Swarovski shows and India Resort Fashion Week. She has styled Bollywood hotties like Amitabh Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Jaqueline Fernandes and Shraddha Kapoor among others.

Excerpts from the interview...

Why did you become a designer?

I grew up in Mumbai and since my childhood I have been interested in fashion. I always wore clothes designed by me. I got married at the age of 19, and the very next year I became a mother. When my children grew up, I joined NIFT, Bhawanipur in Kolkata for a course in Fashion Designing where I bagged the Best Fashion Designer Award during my graduation and before I knew it, my label Jaya Misra was recognised nationally and internationally.

Support & Obstacles I was a housewife who dreamed of becoming a designer and I

“The beauty of nature inspires me. This can be seen in the earthy colour palette and floral motifs I often turn to.� became one. It all depends on the hard work you put in. No one else can make it happen for you.

There were many firsts. I started travelling alone... It is not easy to do a show abroad, where you get no manpower and you have to do everything yourself, plus everything is so expensive. All this needs a lot of planning.

Balancing Act My husband and the whole family backed me up. People talk about a work-life balance, but I always balanced my work and

family life perfectly. I am a perfectionist in whatever I do. I never lose focus. I plan and do all my work. And when you do that, you have everything in place.

Inspirations The beauty of nature inspires me. This can be seen in the earthy colour palette and floral motifs I often turn to. They have emerged as a signature of my brand too. A fine showcase of Indian craftsmanship, intricate nakkashi embroidery, meenakari work, zardozi work and Swarovski embellishments

“Amitabh Bachchan is very tall and his hands are very long, so his clothes have to be very specifically tailor-made.” whilst experimenting with a cocktail of colours, is the mainstay of my brand.

and she is my favourite. She is so flexible with no hassles. It is a pleasure to work with her.

Dressing The Celebs Amitabh Bachchan is a very sorted person. He is very tall and his hands are very long, so his clothes have to be very specifically tailor-made. You just can’t give him something off the rack. Aditya Roy Kapoor is very simple, a darling.

He loves to wear rags like torn jeans etc. He just refuses to wear bright colours. I also dressed Jacqueline Fernandes

Future Plans My birds are flying quite high in the sky of fashion right now. I have a new design up my sleeve, but let it be a secret for the time being. I’ll tell you when I am completely ready.

Fashionable and formidable, this super talented designer is soaring towards the stars.

Copy Sudeshna Chakravarty

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Astrologer

Jai Madaan

Versatility At Its Best The multi-faceted Jai Madaan solves problems with her magic wand of astrology.

The beautiful Jai Madaan dons many hats. A multitalented personality, Jai offers various services in the field of palmistry, astrology, face reading, numerology, hypnotherapy, healing, tarot card reading and vastu consultancy for homes, offices, factories, projects and workplaces. In addition, she is a motivational speaker, relationship counsellor and at the corporate level conducts workshops on topics like the laws of attraction and human relationships. Her honest assessment of her client’s needs and simple yet practical solutions, bring about desired changes in their lives.

Excerpts from the interview...

What inspired you to be an astrologer?

Astrology just happened to me... surprisingly, I never thought of it. I believe that you never choose your profession, it is destiny that chooses your line of work.

I also firmly believe that divinity can change everything.

So God chose me as a medium to serve His people and I am trying my best to make Him proud.

What challenges have you faced in your career?

Being a daughter and daughter-in-law of a business class family, it’s really not easy to come out of the cocoon. I always wanted to be self-reliant. In fact, even to start my line of work, I never took a single penny from my

“Every struggle inspires you to be stronger. I don’t have any future plans because God gives me more than I can think of.” father or my husband. Initially, I started working out of a car garage which was not even maintained. But at that time, I didn’t have sufficient funds for a well sustained office. So, I started my astrology journey from there. At first it was tough, but I believe where there is a will, there is a way. And it wouldn’t have been possible without my guru’s (Guru Nanak Devji) blessings and love. I strongly believe that the divine forces are always with me.

What are the milestones in the form of recognition, awards and felicitations that you have recieved?

Currently, I am a columnist with ‘L’Officiel’, ‘The Man’, ‘Vistara’, ‘Wedding Vows’, ‘Ravishing’, ‘The Pioneer’ and ‘The Asian Age’. Talking about television, I appear on the ‘Family Guru’ show on India News. Before this, I was with India TV for their daily show called ‘Aaja Goodluck Nikaale’. I also contributed articles as a relationship expert to ‘Hindustan Times’. Apart from this, I also contributed to ‘Sahara Samay’ as a tarot card reader, and did several shows for Sahara NCR, Sahara MP and Pragya Channel as a motivational speaker, healer and affirmation expert, Zee TV as a motivational speaker for a show called ‘Lady Raaj’, plus writing columns on tarot predictions for ‘Vivaah’ and ‘Timeless Jewels’. My coverage usually appears in magazines like ‘SAVVY’, ‘Femina’ and ‘Asia Spa’.

Coming to my accolades, I was honoured with the ‘Most Promising Astrologer’ Award by ‘Ravishing’; honoured for my contribution in astrology by the Youth Welfare Council of India; and awarded the ‘Super Achiever of India’ Award for extraordinary services and outstanding contribution towards the growth of society by Tatva. I was also awarded as a contributor by Zoom, Delhi.

How easy or difficult is it to balance your personal life and work?

Initially, it was really not easy to balance my work and personal life. I always wanted to be a working mother.

So when my daughter came into my life 11 years ago, I was juggling between work and family. I used to picture the Assamese women who carry their babies with them as they work in the tea gardens. They were an inspiration to me. In fact, I have taken care of my daughter exactly like that. Usually, after school, my daughter comes directly to my office where I have a room for her. She plays and studies there. Ever since she was born, I have known that I have to juggle my two babies - my work and her. And I try to strike a balance to make sure neither feels neglected.

What has inspired you? Also, what are your forthcoming plans?

Every struggle inspires you to be stronger. I don’t have any future plans because God gives me more than I can think of. So, I have stopped making plans and instead live with the flow. My motive in life is to change the perception of people towards astrology and spirituality, as I strongly believe that there is no need to wear white or orange robes to be spiritual. You could be advanced and contemporary, yet be connected with God. I identify with today’s generation and use my approach to synchronize my knowledge of astrology, palmistry, numerology and vastu to offer comprehensive, simple and practical solutions for happiness and prosperity.

Jai’s problem solving skills prove that she’s definitely the lady with the answers!

Copy Trisha Mahajan

SAVVY HONOURS

Fashion Designer

Prreeti Kumar

Modernist

Designer Noida-based fashion designer Prreeti Kumar shares her life’s passionate journey and her vision to achieve her goal.

YOUNG

and beautiful, Noida-based Prreeti Kumar is a designer who has tasted the fruit of success on her own. Prreeti Kumar is a leading name from the brigade of designers whose pattern of simplicity and style has brought about a revolution in women’s clothing. This is a story of a woman who decided to become an entrepreneur and employ people from rural India.

the Congress Government. I lost my mother when I was only a year old. After her sad demise, as I grew up, I took on responsibility with courage and all my problems started to look tiny in front of me. I chose designing because I just love the idea of designing and creating things. I knew I had the ability to design well because I am a creative person at heart.

What made you choose designing as a profession?

Born on the Nepal border, I was the first baby girl in the family.

My father late Sh H C Gupta was the General Manager of State Bank of India and my grandfather was a Cabinet Minister in

Who do you see as your inspiration?

Since childhood, every person who reached great heights without anyone’s support inspired me. I used to dream about becoming an entrepreneur and being on the front page of publications

“I used to dream about becoming an entrepreneur and being on the front page of publications.” where everyone admires me, in the same way they adore people like A R Rahman. I love to be followed. I would say, the sky is my limit and that’s my inspiration. In design, Elie Saab and Zimmerman are my biggest inspirations.

Can you share someting about your work with us in brief?

I want to become the country’s number one fashion designer.

I started my business in 2009-2010 with my brother and co-partner Sandeep P Jain, which is now known as Phoenix

Design, a prestigious private limited company dedicated to design, manufacture and export of high quality fashion garments for women. Phoenix Design is known for its exclusive fashion designs that have no comparison and employs 160 plus staff. Our workforce is from rural India. The brand has supplied exclusive designs of world repute to its select clients who value design. French Connection, Orla Kiely, Falcon and M&S are some of my renowned clients.

“I easily balance managing my time between work, family and friends.”

What challenges have you faced in your career?

In the initial days, I faced a lot of problems due to a financial crunch as some customers didn’t pay me for my work. After that, it was difficult to build faith with customers as mine was a new firm. I faced all this for about a year-and-a-half but after sometime, things settled down steadily and everything went on smoothly.

it’s not difficult for me to manage between work and home. I easily balance managing my time between work, family and friends.

How do you balance work and your personal life?

I am unmarried at the moment, so compared to married women,

After hearing Prreeti’s success story, must say that just like waves can’t shake an ocean, problems can’t break her spirit!

What are your future plans?

I will continue operating from my company but want to open one or two more companies. I am looking forward to taking on more clients and hope to get some good names very soon.

Copy Vipul Kashyap

SAVVY HONOURS

Social Worker

Dr Sushi Singh

Community Queen Dr Sushi Singh shares how love for the community made her switch from education to being a social worker.

Excerpts from the interview...

impact assessment model to see the visible changes in children was my first organized community development program. Life exposed me to the real India while I was working as an educator trying to instil social responsibility amongst students. Then one thing led to another and soon I had made a switch from educator to social worker. Education still continues to be my passion and remains at the core while I am doing social work or practicing CSR. Today, as the CEO of a foundation of India’s largest education solution providing company, I engage with students and the community on one side and contribute to conceptualizing, designing and implementing social projects on the other. I have successfully created the Adolescent Village Girls’ Brigade in the village of Jaitpur to help sensitize women and children regarding breast cancer, self defense and capacity building.

What prompted you to become a social worker?

I have gone through a very interesting journey in my life so far. It has been full of challenges, with moments of despair as well as celebration. As time passed, the urge to give back to society started taking prominence in my life and I hit upon an idea of individual social responsibility, and the need for developing it in students as they are the future of our nation. I always believed, preached and practiced that an individual needs to be socially responsible first before she/ he can talk of corporate social responsibility. So, assisting and teaching primary school children with a strategy and

What are the trials and tribulations you faced in your career?

I have always gone through extremely trying times in my career as each change that took place was entirely different in terms of content and responsibility, apart from a totally different external and internal environment. To name a few - starting from primary school teaching in an undeveloped area of Arunachal where there was always a scarcity of teachers to a fully air-conditioned school with most modern amenities in Delhi, and I then went on to a start a new English medium school from scratch in Bangladesh in totally adverse circumstances. Coming back

Change should start from within and then it should be brought into the environment. This is the philosophy with which educationist, social activist, sportsperson and organizational leader Dr Sushi Singh works. With experience spanning over 22 years in the education sector, she is now committed to CSR advocacy. A PhD holder in Environment Science, Associate Fellow in H E from Lancaster University, UK, and with the added experience of Harvard Executive Education in CSR, she brings experience, knowledge and expertise to the platform of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry as a Governing Body Member and Convener of Centre for CSR, BRICS CCI. This makes the lady a role model not just for her own family, but also for people across communities.

“I hit upon an idea of individual social responsibility, and the need for developing it in students as they are the future of our nation.” to India to coordinate three different school curriculums and putting a cheating proof examination system in place gave me a lot of satisfaction on one hand, and a sense of pride for helping the system churn out empathetic leaders on the other. Later, I took on more challenges by joining an institute with foreign collaboration. It meant a lot of upgradation on my part which helped me fetch a few qualifications and also prompted me to design a few volunteering projects for the university students which became popular fast. When you push people out of their comfort zones, there is a natural resistance to change. I have faced it very often, be it as Founder Principal of a school in Bangladesh, or while devising a novel examination system for K R Mangalam Group of Schools, or while developing an International Volunteering Programme with Lancaster University while I was working with GD Goenka World Institute.

Also passionate people are often looked at by colleagues with suspicion; as if they have a hidden agenda. Workplace friction arises out of this fear and insecurity of why we do so much work and not just look busy and take it easy. My passion for holistic education (including sports and social

work) often put me in situations which I failed to understand in those days.

What are the milestones in the form of recognition, awards and felicitations that you have received?

My work and new ideas at the workplace have always been appreciated by students and they followed them with love and respect. It was humbling to be publicly recognized by achieving Best Blood Donation Organization Award, Delhi Gaurav Award and National Pride Award, plus Women Achiever Award for selfless contribution in the field of education with a focus on women and children. I believe life comes full circle and if you continue to work against the odds, you are recognized sooner or later. Some of the major awards and felicitations include Vice Chancellor of Lancaster University & British Parliament Member. In recognition of my passion for social causes and organizing skills, I was awarded a trophy of Best Blood Donor Organizer 2013 by the Indian Red Cross Society. I am humbled to say that my contribution in the field of education was recognized when I was awarded the National Pride Award and Dr S Radhakrishnan National Memorial Teachers & Media Award 2013 on the occasion of Teacher’s Day.

“My work and new ideas at the workplace have always been appreciated by students.”

In 2015, I was awarded by ‘Nari Udghosh’ magazine the Women Achiever Award for selfless contribution in the field of education with a focus on women and children. By donning the new hat of Convener of CSR Centre in BRICS Chamber of Commerce & Industry, additional new responsibility helped me launch the Centre for CSR, BRICS Chambers, with a mega event of the first edition of National CSR Roundtable Conference in collaboration with Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs which attracted media publicity and participation of genuine CSR practitioners.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

Family has always been a priority for me as I strongly believe that as a mother, you are the first teacher of your children. Even after acquiring a PhD, I preferred to join a school rather than the university or corporate world to help not only my children grow as responsible individuals, but so that they could also learn life’s lessons while watching me help other small school children transform into responsible citizens. A desire to be together creates opportunities to come together. My family has been supportive of my demanding schedules. We have found creative ways to spend quality time together. I always remind

my life partner that we cannot afford to relax for a minute while doing our duties and must take time out to help every needy person who comes to us. We are role models not just for our children, but for our students as well.

Who has been your inspiration and what are your future plans?

My inspiration comes from a few super heroes of this nation.

People like Kailash Satyarthi who has brought global respect for the nation; my husband who - in spite of having power, position and a lucrative job - preached and practiced honesty to oneself at the cost of a hard life... leaving modern day dreams behind, helping a struggling wife and children to grow on their own with self respect; and Amod Kanth who preferred to leave his lucrative career for children seeking justice. My future plan is to contribute in my areas of passion which include education, social work and sports. I keep thinking of ways in which I can club them together and create holistic education models.

The way Dr Sushi Singh is contributing to society, looks like she will keep on scaling the ladder of success.

Copy Trisha Mahajan

SAVVY HONOURS

Gynecologist

Dr Deepika Krishna

The Smiling Healer Dr Deepika Krishna shares how she has been curing cancer patients through her treatment.

As a pioneer in treating gynecological cancers, Dr Deepika Krishna has been practicing medicine since 2003 and has made a name for herself in the doctorate circuit for offering this exclusive treatment. Her credible and revolutionary approach towards science has greatly benefitted the world of medicine. Serving as the Director of the world-renowned Cancer Healer Centre, she looks after the administration of nine centres across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Indore. The centre is dedicated to helping cancer patients through advanced medicine.

Dr Deepika is constantly striving to reach all cancer patients through her awareness approach and has actively pledged to bring forth awareness amongst all through her innovative ideas.

Extremely talented and dynamic, you have aspired to reach the skies in your choice of career. What made you want to be a doctor?

Being a daughter and granddaughter of doctors and seeing them heal so many patients, providing them succor and relief for their ailments, always encouraged me to pursue medicine. I remember when I was 13, I was sitting in my dad’s chamber when a patient (a little girl) came in with her parents. They told her that she was saved because of him (my dad). This touched my heart and I felt so great and proud that my father is a doctor. When we aspire for something enthusiastically from the beginning, luck and charm work to make it happen. So, this too worked for me and here I am, a doctor healing lives. I did my training from the famous Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, and give exclusive training to the doctors who work with me.

“The pride in taking care of others and raising awareness for a cause gives me the drive to work more towards it.�

What are the trials and tribulations you faced in your career?

I lost my mother in a car accident and had to join the college in Pune as I was selected for admission. It was really tough for me to come all the way to Pune and leave my hometown Kolkata for studies. This was a time in my life I will never be able to forget. Being the eldest daughter in the family, it was really tough for me to deal with the loss of the pillar of strength of the family. I had to take care of my younger siblings too and provide them with strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss. But I stood firm and by God’s grace, I was able to provide the required strength to my family.

What are the milestones in the form of recognition, awards and felicitations that you have received so far?

It seems a blessing that I have been recognized for all the good work that I have done so far. I was a gold medalist in my college and was appreciated as the best student then.

When I began my medical practice, I received the Samaaj Rattan Samaan in 2011. I was also awarded the prestigious Jugal Kishore Award in 2013 by the Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi. I have been felicitated many times in various forums and have been actively involved with a NGO, Ladies Circle India.

“I take inspiration from the likes of Mother Teresa whose selflessness always gives me a new high.”

How have you balanced work and your personal life?

My husband has been a great support and has always stood by my side through thick and thin. He has been a motivating factor throughout and has taught me to balance my professional and personal life. My mother-in-law is another pillar of support and helps my kids study and play in my absence. Whenever I am home, I try to be there with them, giving 100% love and affection to my family. With the support of my family, balancing my work and personal life has been easy.

Who has been your inspiration and what are your future plans?

My inspiration is Audrey Hepburn and I look up to her for

she was a great fashion icon and social worker. I also take inspiration from the likes of Mother Teresa whose selflessness always gives me a new high. The pride in taking care of others and raising awareness for a cause gives me the drive to work more towards it. I want to raise awareness about cancer, its notions, and also want to work more on my project ‘Celebrate Life’ through which I want to help society .

Here’s to Dr Deepika and the amazing work she is doing for cancer patients! We wish her success in her endeavours.

Copy Trisha Mahajan

SAVVY FINALE

“Passion

is energy.

Feel the

power

that comes from

focusing

on what

excites you.”

– Oprah Winfrey,

Entrepreneur & Television

Personality