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LETTERS agl
Oct issue -2012
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Interviews rock! I love your Fashion interviews, Spotlight and Cover stories….am a voracious reader and in-depth interactions like these are my weekend highlights. Good job AGL….keep up the good stuff! Smitha, East Marredpally
Suggestion… This is one magazine I regularly read and enjoy it too. I have a suggestion, maybe you could keep a section dedicated to new restaurants and new boutiques, as this would enable readers to know what’s new in the city. All the best AGL! Upasana, Hi-tech city
TO
Television… Fight over Fashion Police The moment AGL comes in my house each of us fight to grab it as we all want to be the first to get our hands on Fashion Police. Love the way you write that section in particular…even though at times it’s a little harsh, am sure it’s all taken in a sportive way! Harshita, Secunderabad
One thing missing in your magazine is a section dedicated to television. New serials, reviews of shows, interviews… Almost all of us are hooked to the small screen and would definitely love to know more about the television stars. Shweta, Begumpet
Why only men on Cover?
I love your magazine, interviews, travel info, party popper news, crazy fashion police, awesome work on interiors; gadget news… everything in your magazine is supa cool I love to read it after my work. Keep Rocking as usual!!!! Rupzolic Hyderabad
Every issue has only men celebs on cover…just the other day we friends were discussing about this and came of opinion that women and glam gel better on cover than men and macho… You can have men on cover but a little oomph and glamour would definitely look better on the cover. Just a suggestion from us! Riddhi, Himmayatnagar
Bollywood Wanted
More Bollywood Masala….
I understand AGL is based out of Hyderabad but somehow it’s just Tollywood all the way. Can we have more Bollywood in the form of Celeb interviews (not just Tollywood celebs), also Bollywood covers…otherwise the magazine looks very prejudiced! Namita, Madhapur
AGL is a great magazine but I feel what is lacking is Bollywood masala… true you are based out of Hyderabad but am sure even people in the South love watching Bollywood movies and are Bollywood fans as well. So can we have more Bollywood please… Simran, Jubilee Hills
Heyo AGL!!!!
Send us your views, opinions and suggestions to: Email: admin@aglmagazine.com Tel: 040 - 23420077 Mail: 8-2-696/1/K/B, Banjara Hills, Road #12, Hyderabad, 500 034, India (Please mention your full name and address) 8 aglmagazine.com
chairmAn’s Letter Greetings to all the AGL Readers! This time we have the magazine packaged in a brand new way for you and hope you enjoy the change and like reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you! While Actor Navdeep sizzles on the cover and takes us through an interesting journey of his life, Director Trivikram Srinivas and Choreographer Prem Rakshit share priceless moments from their life’s diary. Celebrating Deepavali, the festival of light we give you essential tips for your wardrobe in the Fashion pages as well as give you important hair and skin tips to glitter in the festive season. King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck shares his food preferences and Allu Arjun takes you on a tour of his much talked about Guest house. With Reality Shows taking a lead, we thought it best to discuss it in our Déjà vu section. The Relationship Section delves into the priceless Father-Son relationship and also throws light on the relationship shared by a few celebs. Hot Wheels discusses the latest rages DS3 Cabrio, Evoque Convertible and the sporty Agility Saietta R bike. This time we have the gorgeous model and actress Soumya Bollapragada on the Hot Seat while Tara D Souza shares her travel experience to Valencia. Last but not the least, here’s wishing one and all a very Happy Diwali! May this festival fill your life with happiness, success and prosperity!
12 aglmagazine.com
Anith Reddy
Chairman chairman@aglmagazine.com
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Maadhavi President Ajuli tulsyan Senior Features Writer Ipshita Features Writer Sunil Kumar Head Branding &Communications Sadaf Ambareen Head Sales & Marketing Danish Zubairy Editorial Contributors Swarnalata Janardana Deeksha Marur Manoj Tyagi Marketing Team Roshni Ahuja Juhi Karamchandami Vinyatha Vemulapalli
Art Director Vikas. K Graphic Designer K.Sridhar Photographer Venkat Reddy Head Circulation S.S.Sudesh Circulation Executives Md.Ameer Uddin G.V Ramana Reddy Courtesy Mrs. P.Padma - Health& Fitness Aston Pierra Chetna Parekh (Astrology) Clive Christian Heidsieck Sonos Cannon Apple Panasonic
For Advertisements advertise@aglmagazine.com Ph-040-2342 0077/72 RNI - APENG/2009/30578. Edited, Printed, Published and owned by Anith Raj Laxman Reddy Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt.Ltd. Registered office and city press: 1-1-60/5, RTC Cross Roads, Musheerabad, Hyderabad 500 020 AP, Published on behalf of ALR Media Pvt.Ltd,8-2-686/B/12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034. Copyright © 2008 ALR Media Pvt. Ltd. Avant Garde Life is a registered trademark owned by ALR Media Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved. Avant Garde Life is published monthly by ALR Media Pvt. Ltd, 8-2-696/1/K, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034, Andhra Pradesh, India, Ph: 040 23376296, 040 2342 0075, Fax: 040 66759191. For subscription assistance contact: ALR Media Pvt. Ltd, 8-2-696/1/K, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad – 500 034, Andhra Pradesh, India, Ph: 040 23376296, 040 2342 0075, Fax: 040 66759191. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner is prohibited. Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt.Ltd. Registered office and city press: 1-1-60/5, RTC Cross Roads, Musheerabad, Hyderabad 500 020 AP, Phone : 040- 2764 5536 , Fax : +91-040-2761 2323. Url: www.kalajyothi.com, Email: marketing@kalajyothi.com. Avant Garde Life does not take any responsibility for returning unsolicited publication material. All disputes are subjected to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts and forums in Hyderabad only. Opinions expressed in the articles are the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publishers. While the editors do their utmost to verify information published they do not accept responsibility for its absolute accuracy.
www.aglmagazine.com
Chairman Anith Reddy
Contents VOLUME II ISSUE IX · NOVEMBER - 2012
MUST READS 54
deja vu The Reality of Reality Shows
64
KITCHENETTE
74
COVER STORY
urban asia & Kailash Parbat
70
health & fitness Bhutan’s Royale Kitchen
98
relationship father & son
88
HOT SEAT
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS 52
spotlight Ko van den Hil
92
Director’s take Akella Naga Srinivas Sarma
96
Choreographer Prem Rakshit
EXCLUSIVE features 40
AGL LUXURY Bond No. 9 perfume Heidsieck vineyard sailor
46
HOT WHEELS Citroën DS3 Cabrio Evoque Convertible
106
Fashion Interview Sagar Tenali
14 aglmagazine.com
58
TRAVEL
Vacationing at Valencia
Oct 2012
EVENT
Gloria Britta
Bringing in Christmas Cake Mixing at The Park, Somajiguda had all the socialites participating amidst smiles and giggles...
Sunila
Deepa Gupta
Surabhi , Shashank , Sameera
Manju Narsa Bharathi
CAKE MIXING The socialites had a blast at Taj Krishna in the Cake Mixing Ceremony to bring in Christmas in style! Ashu Gowri 16 aglmagazine.com
Namita Singhvee
Seema
F1 Time Machine | Banjara Hills | Road No 12 | Hyderabaad | 040 2342 0075
EVENT
Chhaya Momaya
Ajitha Reddy
Anjum Babu Khan
Darshana
Divya
Juhi
Kavitha Reddy
Mourya
Pallavi
Radhika
Rekha Reddy
Priyanka Ganeriwal Allahabadi
Sunitha Reddy
Branding thyself FLO members got together to attend a session on You-The Brand by Chhaya Momaya at The Park. The session also saw the release of Ficci Ladies Organisation’s annual newsletter
Ribhuti 18 aglmagazine.com
EVENT
Sahari & Swetha
Esha
Kanu
Kashish & Sunny Anand
Deepa & Amit Saxena
Nikitha & Nirmish
Vandana Saboo & Shilpa Saboo
Fashion show The Park showcased the Children’s Fashion Show by Kashish and Sunny Anand. The little ones left the spectators mesmerized...
Saritha
Reena
Mahima
Manisha
Pooja
Reema
Komal
Neha Gandhi
Shailaja aglmagazine.com 19
EVENT
Jagadeesh Mittal
Jaya Baheti & Amala
ART EXHIBITION
Ekta , Beenu Singh
Anju Poddar
Upasana Kamineni
Cherry Zaveri
Raunaq
All Smiles!
Jaya Baheti had her Art Show , Unspoken Harmony at Taj Deccan. The event was presided by Amala Akkineni and Upasana Kamineni
Smita Zindal 20 aglmagazine.com
Mamatha
Shalini Bhupal
Indrani Ali Khan
Ravita
EVENT
Kamal Kama Raju
Aparna & Madhu
Ramakanth & Ananda
Saleema & Raj Kumar
Hena Srivastava
ARTISTIC DISPLAY Ananda Priya Foundation and Muse Art Gallery launched the Multiversal Group Show - a display of paintings by various artists at Muse Art Gallery, Marriott Chandana Chakrobarti
Pratiba
Dr. Sneha
Bhanusree Mehra
Divya
Noopur
Awesome twosome!
Varsha
Suriti,Eena aglmagazine.com 21
EVENT
Sheetal, Shikka
Aparna Reddy, Padma Reddy
Amala
Deepti
exhibition The Petals Exhibition by Aparna Reddy and Padma Reddy at Taj Krishna had visitors in abundance who couldn’t stop praising the exhibit...
Kalpana 22 aglmagazine.com
Mansi
Shraddha
Sheetal
Divya
EVENT
Niharika Priyanka
Upasana
Rashi Agarwal
Nikhila
Juman Shobha
Vinitha
Radhika
Mita Mehata
Ruchi Agarwal aglmagazine.com 23
EVENT
Sahari,Swetha,Brihtathi
Geeta
Mona
Bina Mehta
dandiya nite! Megha
Palak
Paru
Ushma
Urvi
Tina
Disha 24 aglmagazine.com
Kalpa
Siddha
Tulasi
Sri Satya Sai Nigamam held a Dandiya competition in a huge way where more than 30 teams participated...The event was organized by Bina Mehta
EVENT
Honey
Nikhitha Reddy, Preeti, Sheetal
Bathukamma Festival Bathukamma Festival was celebrated at Awasa and saw a fusion of cultures...
Prakruti
Payal
Neeta
Sruti
Lakshmi , Bindhu
Shanti
Karishma
Mala
Deepti aglmagazine.com 25
EVENT
Shazahn Padamsee, Gaviin Miguel
Shantanu ,Sarah Jane Dias , Nikhil
Vikram Phadnis , Rahul Khanna
Raghavendra Rathore
Fashion extravaganza Blenders Pride Fashion Tour saw beauties like Shazahn Padamsee and Sarah Jane Dias along with the charming Rahul Khanna heat up Hyderabad at N Convention...
Sadvi , Vaibhav
Elegant Poise ! 26 aglmagazine.com
Archana
Siddhartha the heart- throb!
Hameed Saberi
Priyanka
Rachana
Nishma
EVENT
Diksha Seth , Neeta Lulla
Rana , Asmita Marwa
Falguni & Shane Peacock
Nandita Mahtani , Namruta
Ramana Gogula , Nicky
Harvesh Marwa
Vishunu Vardhan Induri
Sridhar
Prardhana
Charmi
Pretty Girl !
Rekha Reddy
Antra
Jyoti , Anusha aglmagazine.com 27
EVENT
Gurleen Bagga
Anju Jain
Archana
Aanchal
store launch Aanchal launched her boutique in Banjara Hills and had all the socialites rushing in to congratulate her on her success... Aruna
Swapna, Sannjit 28 aglmagazine.com
Sunila
Neelu Bagga
Dimple
Varsha
Simran
Neha
EVENT
designers galore Akritti Elite, an exhibition and Sale at Taj Krishna saw a variety of designer sarees, kurtis, bags, footwear, etc creating a rage amongst those present. Neeta Lulla and Nakshatra inaugurated the exhibition while Sashi Nahata organized the event
Amruta Sweta
Rajitha
Anees
Mayuri
Prim Grim!
Aishwarya
Fulki
Ishita
Divya
Bhavana
Varsha
Poonam Singh
Sheetal
Sakshi
Reena aglmagazine.com 29
EVENT
Oktober fest Oktober Fest was celebrated at N Convention. The event was spread over 3 days and various bands performed in the event. Abhijit, Neha
Vishal , Arpita
Sahitya Reddy
That’s the spirit!
Ruby 30 aglmagazine.com
Harshita
Mojtaba
Trisha , Ayesha
Nancy
Disha
Monica Dogra
Bhumika
EVENT
Seema
Sangeeta Lohiya
Sangeeta
DANDIYA FUN Sushila organized a Dandiya Night at the Residency Hotel and had everyone joining in the fun ...
Nidhi
Sushila Bokadia
Dimple
Orange beauty!
Pretty looks!
Radhika
Sharmila
Sapna aglmagazine.com 31
EVENT
Harshit
Reena
Kosha
Amrit
Shivani Shroff
Manisha
Krutika
Manjula
Shobha
Vinita
KLC celebrates Dussehra Kakatiya Ladies Club pays ode to Dussehra in the form of Disco Dandiya at ITC Kakatiya. Members walked in dressed in their finest of ethnic attire...
Shalini 32 aglmagazine.com
EVENT
Jagadeesh Mittal
Megha Banker
exhibition time Jharokha, Exhibition and Sale at Taj Deccan saw a huge crowd. The event was inaugurated by Nandini Mallu , while Dr Shailaja was the Guest of Honour...
Megha .
Rupa
Sneha
Vidhi Rizwana
Ekta Patel
Kanchan Preeti
Krishna Veni aglmagazine.com 33
EVENT
Bindu Madhavi
Moni
Glitz... Glamour Moni Agarwal & Dolly Gurbani showcased their jewellery collection at Diyaash (the jewellery store). Shilpa Reddy and Bindu Madhavi inaugurated the event. Shilpa Reddy
Shubi 34 aglmagazine.com
Dolly
Deepa
Sushma
Shweta Goud
Ritika
Cherry
EVENT
Mahima
Neha
Calvin
Krishna Das Radhika
Sameera Reddy
Solitaire experience Caratlane.com opened its second ‘Solitaire Experience Lounge’ in Jubilee Hills. Sameera Reddy inaugurated the event.
Madhu Jain
Suhani Pittie
Lona Logan
Rummy Azad
Sridevi
Archie
Shailu Reddy
Radhika
Dolly aglmagazine.com 35
EVENT
Anand Agarwal
Ashok Chand Agarwal
Gopal Chand Agarwal
Purshotham & Rakhee Agarwal
Life’s finer offering Tansi- The Signature Diamond Boutique, was launched at Basheerbagh. Witnessed was a fusion of progressive and classical design ideologies...
Dharam Chand Agarwal
Rahul & Ruchika Agarwal
Rudrakash Agarwal
Aashna Agarwal
Sneha Agarwal
Sonam Agarwal
36 aglmagazine.com
Rakhee & Shweta Agarwal
EVENT
Nikki’
Ishita
Shipali
Namita & Pooja Bedi
Designers’ paradise The much talked about ‘Khwaaish’ exhibition at Taj Krishna saw all the city’s socialites rushing to the venue. Organized by Namita, the event was presided by Pooja Bedi Neha
Savitha
Shazia
Ritu
Rekha Malpani
Nidhi
Jazz
Samiya
Namrata aglmagazine.com 37
/AGL/11.12/ POLITICS & NEWS
Politics & News
YS Jaganmohan Reddy denied bail Responding to queries from the bench, the CBI said it would complete the investigation by March 31, 2013. However, it later told the bench that it would try to complete it much more expeditiously.
It has been more disappointment for the YSR Congress leader and Member of Parliament Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy as he was denied bail and will have to be in jail for some more time; though this is against statutory rights under article 21 of the constitution.The court reasons it as an important stage where it can’t grant bail to Jagan Reddy. The Central Bureau of Investigation has the judicial custody of the minister in Hyderabad’s Chenchalguda Central Prison. He is under scanner for the corruption, essayed out in his father, YSR Reddy’s reign, who was the then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.
38 aglmagazine.com
Jagan Reddy and his close aides are being questioned for the properties disproportionate to their income. They have been issued attachment orders by the ED (Enforcement Directorate) on the properties worth Rs 51 crore. A bench of justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai ruled that Jagan can apply for bail only after the CBI completes its investigation in all the seven other cases lodged against him.“The contours are much larger,” the bench observed while refusing to entertain the persistent plea of senior counsel Gopal Subramaniam, who appeared for Mr. Jagan.
The apex court passed the order after Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Mohan Parasaran and senior counsel Ashok Bhan appearing for the CBI contended that Mr. Jagan cannot be granted bail as investigations were still underway in seven cases against him and letter rogatories have been issued to various countries as the cases have international ramifications. Responding to queries from the bench, Mr. Parasaran said the total amount accumulated by Mr. Jagan and his associates, insofar as the four charge sheets have been filed, amounted to over Rs 3000 crore. Mr. Parasaran’s argument, however, was countered by Subramaniam who said bail was a statutory right and Mr. Jagan was entitled to the same as otherwise it would violate his right under article 21 of the Constitution.
Sharmila’s Padayatra YSR’s entire family is striving towards getting people their deserving rights in the State. Jagan’s sister, Sharmila announced her arrival in the political field in the state as she campaigned for YSR Congress candidate Konda Surekha during the by-elections in Parkal in Warangal in June this year. While Surekha lost, Sharmila stole the thunder with her feisty speech. Recently, Sharmila was her usual fiery self before launching the ‘Maro Praja Prasthanam’ Padayatra at Idupulapaya, the YSR family’s home turf. And this time, the sister of YSR Congress president Jaganmohan Reddy brooked nothing less than a victory for her brother and the party in the 2014 elections. Comparing herself to Arjuna’s sarathi, she roared, “I am the missile fired by Jagan to dethrone this Congress government. My brother is the archer and I am his arrow.” Repeating what she said in Parkal, Sharmila introduced herself as “YSR’s daughter, Jagan’s sister and an ordinary worker of YSR CP... I am launching this padayatra to bring back Rajanna rajyam (YSR’s rule).” While her late father YSR brought the Congress to power in 2003 with his Maha Prasthanam (1,500-km padayatra), Sharmila is scheduled to walk over 3,000 km covering all the 23 districts. Sharmila’s padayatra was flagged off by her mother Vijayamma. “One of my children is in jail and I am sending another to you,” Vijayamma said and added they were surviving because of the people’s love and support despite Congress’ witch-hunt.
/AGL/11.12/ POLITICS & NEWS
Robert Vadra targeted… Hyderabad
Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy has said that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi could be his next targets in the 2G spectrum allocation scam. Speaking to Headlines Today, Swamy claimed he had enough proof against the two in the case as he continued to attack Home Minister P. Chidambaram over the issue.
anyone who has knowledge (regarding a case) has to be interrogated.” “So, I will say that the CBI needs to interrogate Chidambaram and I have brought many documents on board which the CBI does not seem to have seen. So I have asked the court to direct the CBI to investigate,” he added. Asked about Law Minister Salman Khurshid’s statement that the 2G note, sent by finance ministry to the prime minister’s office (PMO) pointing out then finance minister Chidambaram’s role in the scam, was misinterpreted by the media, Swamy said, “It was serious document and a senior official wrote it. It says finance ministry officials always pleaded with Chidambaram that do the auction, don’t allow this first come, first served basis. But he rejected them all. He sided with Raja and to the extent that he emerged as the senior partner.”
Asked about his oft repeated allegation of “many big fishes being involved in the 2G mess”, Swamy said he was to make a choice between Karunanidhi and Vadra. Pulling up the CBI for its investigation in the case, Swamy said, “In the Supreme Court, I say that since I am a private individual, I want the CBI to enquire and the CBI has been enquiring in this matter while they have been avoiding making any enquiry in case of Chidambaram, even though under Section 161 of the CrPC
In an oblique reference to the allegations levelled against Robert Vadra by activist Arvind Kejriwal, Janata Dal (U) president Sharad Yadav today said “some people” are trying to divert attention from the larger issue of corruption by raising a “new scam of Rs 300-500 crore”. In an apparent reference to Vadra and Kejriwal, though he did not take any names, Yadav said, “by raising the issue of Rs 300-500 crore scam, an attempt is being made to divert focus from big scams”.
Last Nizam Named All time Richest Indian Osman Ali Khan the last Nizam of Hyderabad on 16 October 2012 was named in list of the 25 richest people across the world who ever lived by US website Celebrity Networth. Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam, who ruled Hyderabad between 1886-1967, was ranked sixth in world and the richest in India with $236 billion. He died in 1967 at age of 80. The list declared by US website Celebrity Networth was compiled after adjusting the fortunes of people across history for inflation. For example, $100 million in 1913 is equivalent to $2299.63 billion in 2012. As per the report, The 25 richest who ever lived had a combined fortune of $4.317 trillion, of which 14 are American.
Mumbai to have the First Museum of Indian Cinema
Films Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India nnounced its plan of establishing a National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC). The Museum would be located in the Films Division Complex, Dr. G. Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai and is predicted to come up by June 2013. The development of the museum was planned to mark the occasion of Indian Cinema that will complete its 100 years of journey from the day of first screening of Raja Harishchandra in 1913. The Museum would come up in two different phases
and developed at an initial budget of 120 crore rupees. This museum would be serving as the monument of Indian cinema and the first phase of the museum would start functioning from May 2013, the very day of release of Indian first film, Raja Harishchandra. The first phase will be in a portion of Gulshan Mahal, the heritage building renovated recently in a total area of 6000 square feet. To design the concepts and exhibits of the museum the ministry of culture has appointed National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). The Museum that
is being developed will also showcase the technical aspects like screening and production of cinema and the social aspects covered by the Indian cinema in 100 years of its journey. To guide NCSM, an advisory committee that is being headed by Shyam Benegal the renowned Indian filmmaker has been appointed. The Museum will portray the step-by-step-development of Indian cinema in different phases comprising silent films, studio period and the times when Indian Cinema show its stars and mega stars.
aglmagazine.com 39
LUXURY LIST
Clive Christian’s Imperial Majesty: British designer Clive Christian’s creation has recently been voted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive perfume in the world. The 16.9-ounce perfume bottle is stuck into the 18-carat gold collar that is adorned with a five-carat diamond. Only five bottles are made annually, justifying the eye-popping price.
Price $215,000
40 aglmagazine.com
LUXURY LIST
piperheidsieck louboutin It took many years to finally reach their destination. Over eighty years to be exact! But a collection of hundred year old bottles of champagne from the Heidsieck vineyard in Champagne are being enjoyed by wealthy guests at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Moscow. The champagne was originally planned to ship to the Russian Imperial family in 1916. But a shipwreck off the coast of Finland resulted in the champagne being lost at sea. In 1997, divers actually discovered over 200 bottles of the 1907 Heidsieck champagne. So if you ever stay at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Moscow, you can actually enjoy a glass of champagne, remember its long journey and savoir the taste!
Price: $275,000
aglmagazine.com 41
LUXURY LIST
With the advent of the festive season William Penn has yet again excelled in creativity and craftsmanship and has come out with another masterpiece, the Sailor Sri Venkateshwara Limited Edition pen. A fine tribute to the Lord of The Seven Hills, the Sailor Sri Venkateshwara Limited Edition pen is an artistic masterpiece that exudes an aura of spirituality designed especially for the Indian audience.
Sailor Sri Venkateshwara from William Penn
Hand crafted by the renowned Japanese Maki-e artist, Kousen Oshita, the body of this pen is first urushi lacquered (an ancient Japanese technique), and, then, the image of Lord Venkateshwara is meticulously hand painted, using real gold, silver and abalone. Hands drawn on the lower half of the cap are the seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha - the cosmic serpent, thus earning the sobriquet ‘Seshachalam’. Flawlessly depicted on the cap of the pen, are the three symbols of Lord Venkateshwara: the Shanka - Panchajanya, the Chakra Sudarshana, and the Namam. The Nib is solid 21k gold, engraved with the Namam - a symbol that represents the scales of justice.
Price: On request
GET IN TOUCH
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/AGL/11.12/
techno savvy
GADGETS
A sound investment Sonos ZonePlayer S5 Ditch that iPod docking station and access every tune you own — and millions of online songs and podcasts — in any room in your home. The Sonos ZonePlayer S5 ($479.99 per room; sonos.com) is a clever wireless music system that lets you stream your entire music collection to compact yet
powerful five-driver speakers — whether it’s stored on your PC, an external hard drive or from an Internet radio station. Control it all remotely on your iPhone or iPod touch, plus you can also connect other devices to any ZonePlayer (such as an iPod or CD player) and beam it around the home…
iPad couldn’t get better
Pick up the new iPad and suddenly, it’s clear… it’s a revolution! You’re actually touching your photos, reading a book, playing the piano. Nothing comes between you and what you love. To make that hands-on experience even better, we made the fundamental elements of iPad better — the display, the camera, the wireless connection…all of which makes the new, third-generation iPad capable of so much more than you ever imagined. Everything you do with iPad, you do through its large, beautiful display. And 44 aglmagazine.com
when the display is better, the entire iPad experience is better. The Retina display on the new iPad features a 2048-by-1536 resolution, 44 percent greater colour saturation, and an astounding 3.1 million pixels — in the same 9.7-inch space. That’s four times the number of pixels in iPad 2 and a million more than an HDTV. The A5X chip with quad-core graphics drives four times the pixels of iPad 2 yet it delivers the same smoothness and fluidity iPad is known for. Even with all that extra oomph, the new iPad still gets an amazing 10 hours of battery life. The new iPad features Apple’s 5-megapixel iSight camera. Designed with advanced optics, it lets you shoot gorgeous
photos and 1080p HD video. Megapixels matter. But the quality of a photo is determined by other things, too — like the camera’s optics, image signal processor, and software. The iSight camera uses advanced optics to give you the best picture possible. With an ƒ/2.4 aperture and a five-element lens, it captures light efficiently to produce a sharper overall image. And the hybrid infrared filter — typically reserved for expensive SLR cameras — keeps out harmful IR light for more accurate, uniform colours. Where supported, iPad can share its high-speed data connection as a personal hotspot. You can connect up to five devices — such as a Mac Book Air, an iPod touch, or another iPad — over WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. So now you can boast of being techno savvy and fully technologically equipped!
/AGL/11.12/ GADGETS
Picture this — Canon’s EOS-1D Mark IV Capture, save and share memories in extraordinary quality with Canon’s new EOS1D Mark IV ($5,499.99 for body only; canon. ca), a 16.1-megapixel digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera for uncompromising professionals and hobbyists alike. Featuring a redesigned 45-point autofocus system, fast 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting,
exceptional ISO sensitivity and dual DIGIC 4 imaging processors — all packed in a rugged body. Canon’s latest can also shoot 1080p high-definition video (with selectable frame rates and manual exposure control) and supports an optional Wi-Fi module that lets you wirelessly transfer files to a PC. Now that sure is picture perfect, what say?
iPhone 5 gets even more priceless… Apple’s iPhone 5 is creating quite a rage in the market. For those who love the flashy, Gold & Co. of London has created a 24-karat goldplated iPhone 5. This latest luxurious iPhone sports a larger four-inch retina display screen that is 18 per cent thinner and 20 per cent lighter than its predecessor. The roomier screen of the iPhone 5, which has 40 per cent more
colour saturation, can be used by app makers to provide most accurate display in the industry. The iPhone 5 comes with Apple’s newest ‘A6’ processor, which executives say runs twice as fast as the previous generation. It will pack three microphones - enhancing builtin voice and an 8 megapixel camera that can take panoramic views. The iPhone 5 has chips that support additional
bands and frequencies and it’s capable of delivering up to 100 Mbps per second. Word of caution though The iPhone 5 is getting a new connector to attach to computers and chargers. It had been using the same one from the iPod. That means the new iPhone won’t be compatible with old accessories. So it would be newness all the way!
Size Matters Panasonic 103-Inch HDTV You have to see this to believe it, yes, about the size of a garage door (seriously), Panasonic’s 103-inch high-definition plasma TV ($69,995.00; panasonic.ca) offers a stunning widescreen and 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) picture. It gives a 4,000:1 contrast ratio (for ultra-deep blacks) and multiple HDMI ports to attach all your high-def devices
such as a cable/satellite box, blu-ray disc player, game console or camcorder. Um, did we mention it is 103 inches? A word of warning though: You might not be able to get rid of your friends and neighbours so fast. Oh, and at 485 pounds, it’s probably something you don’t want to mount to your wall!
aglmagazine.com 45
/AGL/11.12/ HOT WHEELS
Citroën DS3 Cabrio :
The Ultimate luxury car
/AGL/11.12/ HOT WHEELS
A cabriolet version of the company’s award-winning DS3, the DS3 Cabrio comes equipped with a soft-top roof which is available in three different designs – black, infinite blue and DS Monogrammed. In terms of the internal décor and tech, it’s all well planned with white LED ambient lighting, a CD player, USB connectivity, built-in satellite navigation and Bluetooth for making hands-free calls. Another USP of the car is the usage of Aerodynamics technology, which helps maintain low CO2 emissions. In accommodating the roof mechanism, which allows the fabric roof to be opened and closed up to speeds of 75mph, the DS3 has gained 25kg in weight. Citroen promises sound-proofing ‘comparable to that of a hatchback’ with the roof closed and, when opened, an aerodynamic deflector stops people in the back from being blasted with wind. Whoever is in control of the mechanism can choose from three settings: intermediate, horizontal and total, the latter of which folds the fabric neatly at the back of the car, resulting in what looks like a sort of fabric spoiler. Citroen has also blessed the back of the car with refined LED rear lights previously seen on the Revolte and Survolt concept cars. 31 LEDs and semi-reflecting mirrors arranged in rectangular fashion should provide more light when braking and at night, but the unit itself is the same shape. Even with a new roof, the cabin space and luggage capacity remain the same so you won’t have to downsize your weekly grocery shopping any more than you’d have to with a standard DS triple. Like the current DS3 models, a choice of engines is available depending on the budget and your level of eco-guilt. These range from 1.4 petrol found in the VTi 95 model up to 1.6-litre THP 207, which develops 204 horsepower. Production of the DS3 Cabrio will begin in early 2013. Price is still undisclosed.
/AGL/11.12/ HOT WHEELS
Evoque Convertible:
Love at First Sight!
Sporty yet a tough fighter‌the adorable Evoque Convertible would cost around $50,000 48 aglmagazine.com
/AGL/11.12/ HOT WHEELS
Similar to its coupe sibling, the Evoque Convertible Concept looks fabulous from all angles and has its own unique appeal. Being a convertible, you obviously do not get a hard top but you do get a retractable soft top with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). While on the exteriors Evoque’s dynamic design and features have been retained, on the interiors the car offers a complete four seat package. Evoque Concept features 21-inch Titan Silver Alloy wheels and a new metallic Causeway Grey body paint. Interiors feature Lunar and Ivory tone with leather seats. The seats flaunt their sporty perforated panels which get ivory coloured stitching.
Apart from this the convertible is packed with a number of distinguishable features such as: Terrain Response System | Surround cameras | Park Assist | Class leading infotainment system featuring an 8-inch dual view touch screen | A sound system from British audio experts, Meridian
aglmagazine.com 49
GET IN TOUCH
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Tech Specifications: 120 Nm Torque, instantly from 0 rpm 0-60mph in 4 seconds 175 kg full wet weight 100 mile range
Salient Features: Zero emission electric sports bike Confident upright Naked Bike/Street fighter riding position Double wishbone front suspension Advanced suspension geometry achieves both exceptional stability and razor-sharp direction changing agility Clutchless transmission for maximum intuitive control Composite monocoque chassis Body design maximises battery space by using the area behind the handlebars, which is normally only used for tank-bags on conventional motorcycles
Plug-and-play upgrades to higher power levels, with new component options throughout its lifetime - your bike grows with you‌now that sure is a dream come true! 50 aglmagazine.com
/AGL/11.12/ HOT WHEELS
A dream come true! Agility Saietta R:
With the traffic going worse with every passing day, what one needs is an outstanding electric sports bike…. Designed for urban living, the Agility Saietta R Bike is a perfect compendium of powerful performance and Hollywood looks. As the specs show, this isn’t simply an exercise in style. Thanks to the Saietta R’s electric motor, the engineers have stripped out all of the bulk that once dictated a bike – letting the design evolve beyond the traditional petrol-driven motorbike shape.
Since it uses battery power over petrol, the bike is incredibly economical to run and creates zero emissions. But don’t let the eco tag fool you. For those expecting a glorified milk cart, the Saietta R will shift from 0 to 60 in just four seconds. The ergonomic shape, precision weighting and advanced suspension geometry make for an incredibly stable ride and exceptional manoeuvrability.
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/AGL/11.12/ SPOTLIGHT
Throwing light on the vibrant
Hospitality Industry Ko van den Hil, General Manager, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
Tell us about yourself…your journey so far It has been quite a journey so far! Born and raised in a small town in The Netherlands. Graduated from hotel school in 1990 and have been ‘on the road’ since. Started my professional career on the Holland America Line cruises and moved from there to the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba. I met my lovely wife on that island, so we have many fond memories of that place for sure. Via St. Lucia we returned to Europe. First in Portugal, then Luxembourg, Spain, Dubai, Egypt… and now India. We consider ourselves global citizens, but The Netherlands is still ‘home’. My children have been born in Luxembourg and have moved schools and countries multiple times, truly amazing how they adapt. Has it always been the Hospitality Industry? What is it that prompted you to venture into this industry? My entire career has been in hospitality, although for quite some time on the Finance side of the business. In 2007 I moved to operations as Hotel Manager and General Manager. I think the glamorous image of luxury hotels appealed to me so much, that I decided to go to hotel school. How do you find the Hyderabad market vis-à-vis other cities in terms of food palette, preferences and acceptance? Hyderabad is a metropolitan city with more and more cosmopolitan characteristics in food and beverage. The entry of international hotel chains and their venues in Hyderabad has introduced an international palette and flavour to Hyderabad. The Hyderabadies have accepted the non-Indian cuisine very fast, which allows the hotel and restaurant operators to become more adventurous in the future. How competitive is the Indian Hospitality Industry with respect to the global market? The Indian upper-upscale and luxury hotels can measure themselves to the best hotels in the global market. The associates are generally speaking, well educated and very service oriented. First time guests at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, often arrive with low expectations in India, but leave
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the hotel overwhelmed with the level of service and quality of the facilities. Your personal favourite cuisine and restaurant… Difficult question, my favourite restaurant is probably Zuma in Dubai. For me, it has the right mix of great food, superb ambience, service and guest profile. The combination is just a great experience. My favourite cuisines are Japanese and Italian, but I now get more acquainted to the Indian cuisine at the Kangan Restaurant, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. Don’t be surprised if that restaurant ends up as one of my favourites! Your take on the Hospitality industry… What to say? It is ultimately the most vibrant industry. Ever changing, always dynamic and really a ‘people business’. Hospitality industry has many facets and has transformed itself over and over in the last decade. Traditionally hospitality was a conservative branch, but now has become a front runner in branding, technology, marketing, innovations and very important, sustainability. But let’s not forget that one thing will never change: the difference between a good hotel and a great hotel is being made by the associates. With so many new hotels mushrooming in the city, has this affected business? The increase in supply has outperformed the increase in demand that is no secret. They call Hyderabad-Secunderabad the twin cities, but it should really be the tri-cities with Cyberabad as the third part. The majority of the business is in Cyberabad and the demand for hotel rooms in Cyberabad is still stable and strong. Of course, with the future openings in Hi-Tech city, we look forward with concern, but with cautious optimism as well. The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, with arguably the best loyalty program like Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). Therefore we are confident that we will remain the hotel of choice for our current guest base. When not working…where can we find you? Your favourite
/AGL/11.12/ SPOTLIGHT
pastime… Time off work is a rare commodity. Golf is one of the favourite pastimes and of course, spending time with my family! My family allows me to travel all around the globe, so all credits to them! What would be your advice to young professionals aspiring to become GMs? Passion and patience are the key words. Passion for the hotel industry and passion for excellence. In this business, you are not allowed to have an ‘easy’ day. The guests will not allow you, so you have to be able to handle the pressure. If you enjoy what you are doing, it does not feel like pressure. Patience is equally important. It takes time and experience to climb up the ladder. If you climb too fast, the chances to crash and burn become larger. If you have passion, patience and talent, nothing can stop you to reach the top, but it will not happen overnight. What is the key to success in your industry? Most important is to have a motivated and empowered team around you who are aligned with the hotel’s objectives. It is impossible to run the hotel on your own, so you must have trust and faith in your team! I consider myself blessed with an incredibly talented and motivated team, which is reflected in the hotel’s results. What part of your job is your personal favourite and why? Innovation and implementing new ideas makes my clock tick. At The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace we are re-inventing the services almost on a daily basis to keep on reaching the Wow factor for the guests. The best ideas are coming from associates of all levels, that level of engagement, is my personal favourite! What are some of the most common issues that you have to tackle in your day-to-day duties? As a General Manager, you are exposed to a variety of issues on a
daily basis. Of course, operations take a substantial part, but most important is the guest feedback. I have a weekly one-to-one meeting with all the department heads to stay informed of any particular concerns. Based on that information, we can plan and resolve the issues. What makes Westin Hyderabad Mindspace different from the others…? The culture in this hotel is uniquely different from any other place I have ever experienced. It is definitely a winning culture, as The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace was rewarded with the Highest Guest Satisfaction in the Asia Pacific Division. The culture is a result of empowerment, drive, initiative, engagement and the competitive mentality of the team. The management team and the associates are so eager to be successful that most things just work out well. We empower the associates to take initiatives and risks; therefore the level of responsibility is high. The general opinion about people working in the hospitality industry is that there is no life other than work …how true is this? Unfortunately true to a large extent. We work when other people are off and enjoying themselves, but it is our vocation. Therefore you must have the passion to work in this industry and know how to have a good work life balance. Your take on Hyderabad and Hyderabadis…How easy or difficult was it settling down in this city? My family and I are seasoned expats, but we had no idea what to expect in Hyderabad. It was really easy to settle down in Hyderabad. The hotel team offered great help in sorting out our house, the school is great and the children have made many friends. The Hyderabadis I meet professionally are all welcoming, friendly and interested and I find the Indian culture more respectful and courteous than most other cultures I came across.
- Ajuli Tulsyan
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/AGL/11.12/ dejavu
The Reality of Reality Shows By Swarnalata Janardana
T
elevision the so called idiot box has now become an indispensable part of our lives. Right from a school kid to an aged person, there is hardly anyone who does not watch TV. It won’t be an exaggeration if said that television has taken over cinema and is an integral part of every household. This is the reason why many from the big screen are
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trying their hands on television and television has become a powerful medium for publicity and promotion. I still remember serials like Mahabharata and Chandrakanta that used to air on Doordarshan being a huge craze. Over the years television has been flooded with channels and now Tata Sky and other digital boxes have widened the
scope for entertainment and viewership. In this struggle to increase and achieve supremacy serials and reality shows have taken reign. Since a decade the number of reality shows has increased drastically. From KBC to Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Dance India Dance, Sur Shetra to Paaduthateeyaga and the latest rage, Bigg Boss‌ there are reality shows of all
/AGL/11.12/ dejavu
kinds entering the day to day lives of everyone. With technology at its peak Reality shows too have gone for a 360 degrees makeover. Reality shows a few years back were a wonderful medium to showcase talent and from the audience perspective a great source of information and knowledge. Entertainment business is all about perspective. Over the years, the focus of reality shows slowly shifted from creativity to masala. The shows are definitely showcasing creative concepts and bringing talent but the presentation is filled with excessive dramatization. So are these aspects of reality shows real???? What actually happens on reality shows??? Is the talent genuine??? These questions have been arising in viewer’s minds followed by speculations about shows like KBC, Indian Idol and many more. Many are of opinion that winners are manipulated and many a times pre-decided, etc. Though TRP of such shows is always high, trade experts are of the opinion that weighing the pros and cons, negative impact cannot be ignored either. The fight on the shows, the open insults of contestants, personal quarrels, harsh criticisms and showcasing of scary stunts have increased and is definitely a major concern. Needless to say almost all shows are high on drama and less on talent! So is this drama real or staged? What goes behind the scenes? Is usage of glycerine on a high or is there a genuine outburst of emotions? Shows that showcase individuals doing dare devil
stunts make people wonder how someone could choose to be a part of a show where it’s risking your life and personal security. Some reality shows use abusive language as well which has a bad impact on children and the young generation. Though the shows say it’s for adult watch, television is one medium where it is tough to control the viewing access. These days some shows have some irrelevant and unworthy judges as well making it a namesake show with no value addition. Such shows are made
just because reality shows are a craze and the show owners want to cash on the craze. But the sad part is that they don’t realize that for any reality show to be successful concept and talent should be the basis and masala and drama are to be mere addons. They keep the drama quotient high and the concept quotient weak making the show go into doldrums. Coming to the positive side of the reality shows amidst all this drama and emotion tactics, it has given various great talents to various industries. The successful singers like Hemachandra, Shreya Ghoshal, Abhijit Savant, etc are the products of reality shows. These reality shows have given a great platform to deserving talents and with reality shows roping in experts from fields, it is a great learning and improving platform for contestants. Viewers not only absorb knowledge from these shows but also get motivated and aptly rewarded. Coming to the viewer’s point of view, Reality shows with all their drama are loved as viewers love to see some action on the show. Strange but true, these days viewers have come to a mindset where they don’t prefer smooth happy go lucky concepts. They prefer watching shows that have action, gossip, and drama...in other words a perfect Masala for the otherwise bored senses! Cinema & Television are considered to be powerful mediums in the recent times and leave strong impacts on the viewers. Therefore, many educationalists and psychologists suggest that television and cinema should go sensible in their
concepts. They should along with the TRPs and popularity concepts also give importance to the impact it can have on the viewers. Anything that is capable of creating a negative impact should be avoided. Reality shows should cater towards motivating talent and generating knowledge rather than creating a fear that participating in a reality show is sheer mental trauma and an emotional journey better left untried!
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/AGL/11.12/ dejavu
What do viewers have to say? AGL caught up with a few people to get a feel of what they have to say about Reality Shows… I watch some reality shows like Paadutha Teeyaga etc. Some of the shows are so scary that I feel like running away from the television. When I watch reality shows with kids, I feel that the kind of exposure and pressure the kids go through has ruined their childhood, exposing them to adult things and robbing them off their innocence which is not healthy for their mental growth. I feel reality shows should be sensible and also strict in terms of language and drama. N. Mahalaxmi, Homemaker I don’t watch any of the reality shows. Though it showcases some really good talent, I don’t like the quarrels, criticisms and comments the judges make on the shows. The reality shows with kids are just not good. For example dance shows, the kids are made to dance in such outrageous songs which they don’t even understand yet perform leading them to know adult stuff and ruin their childhood. The competitive spirit is so negatively injected in them, that rejection shatters them. I can’t see all this so I don’t prefer reality shows. My piece of advice would be focus on talent, give the contestants true learning and make it clean, decent and worth watch programs. P.Sridevi, Homemaker I don’t watch reality shows. This answer applies to Indian reality shows. While these are meant to be about talent, our country produces shows that are everything but just this! Priyanka Suryaneni, Film Maker I like watching reality shows like Jhalak Dhiklaja, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and few more. I like them because they showcase some real talent and are fun filled better than the Saas-Bahu serial saga. Coming to the drama part I just avoid them and don’t take them seriously. I know it’s a program and they have to manipulate certain aspects to increase the TRP. So I just watch them for fun and talent sake and avoid the rest. Aakansha C
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/AGL/11.12/ TRAVEL
Vacationing @ Valencia... Swarnalata Janardana
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/AGL/11.12/ TRAVEL
Gone are the days, when going for a vacation needed lots of planning and effort. Now, with loads of information available on the internet, exploring new destinations has become very convenient and hassle free. Valencia, the capital or the autonomous community is the third largest city in Spain. Founded by the Roman Colony in 138 BC, Valencia is an untouched destination which has lots of attractions in store. The city Valencia, which was discovered by a small set of Roman soldiers, beautifully blends ancient structures with modern renovations. With various attractions and peaceful atmosphere that just add up to your vacation, Valencia is soon picking popularity as one of the favourite destination for holidaying. Read on to plan your next holiday destination! Also catch up with Tara D Souza’s interesting narration of her trip to Valencia‌ Travelling to Valencia
Staying In Valencia
Dining at Valencia
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/AGL/11.12/ TRAVEL
Travelling to Valencia
If you are looking for adventure with a pinch of rejuvenation, Valencia is the perfect place. Be it the beaches, the ancient museums or cruise, or perhaps the traditional temples, Valencia has a host of activity options for the tourist. It is a perfect place to chill out with family and friends either for a long trip or a short stay. The easiest way to Valencia is to fly to Spain and then hire a cab to the Roman city. With various day adventures, Valencia has an amazing night life as well. The city is flooded with some really happening pubs, bars and discos, that can make your evenings complete with some great wine and music. Some of the popular evening hangout places are Barrio del Carmen, Avenida Blasco IbĂĄĂąez and many more. With various airlines connecting almost every part of the world, reaching Valencia is quite easy. There are frequent flights from Hyderabad and Mumbai that connect to Spain. Valencia also proves to be a hot favourite amongst kids. With a host of parks, zoos and amusement parks, kids have a variety of places to explore. One of the major attractions for kids is the Gulliver with a mini golf, skating rink and other conventional playground features. Parque Natural de la Albufera is a park where you can be in tune with nature. Oceanografic is a large aquarium, and the 25-acre Bioparc Valencia is a zoo with safari-like experience.
Staying In Valencia
Though there is an array of luxury hotels in Valencia, there are also fully equipped guest houses, service apartments and villas. For all those who would love to get a feel of the city in its true sense and prefer interacting with the local people and want to enjoy the local cuisine should better stay in guest houses, villas or service apartments. The accommodation tariffs may range from 90Euros to 250Euros depending upon the kind of accommodation selected.
Dining at Valencia
All food lovers can relish their taste buds at Valencia with the amazing Spanish dining options. With the city flooded with many downtown restaurants, people can try the local cuisine as well. In addition there are local coffee shops as well that run 24*7 and serve amazing snacks with a flavor of local music. The lively streets and high spirited people make the touring experience memorable and fun filled. The only word of caution is to ensure you make your bookings right before you leave for a vacation to Valencia to avoid any travel hiccups.
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/AGL/11.12/ TRAVEL
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Valencia is a favoured destination for many, AGL caught up with Tara D Souza to get her opinion on the place….Excerpts… I’ve lived on my own since I was 16. With my mother living in Boston, I was left with seeing her just about once a year! So when she got offered a teaching job at a university in Castellon, about an hour south of Valencia, it seemed the perfect opportunity to spend some quality mama and me time! Little did I know that I would soon fall in love with an entire country! I haven’t seen all of Spain, not even close, but what I did see was magical. A sliver in my journey, like a tiny slice of the most amazing pastry ever is the only way I can describe Valencia! We’re an adventurous family of sorts so we rented a car and drove to Valencia. There is so much to do and so much to see that I could easily live there for at least three months and discover something new and magical every single day! I was most impressed by the city of arts and sciences with the largest aquarium in Europe! I wouldn’t even call it an aquarium, that’s not word enough and doesn’t describe the amazing
world they have created! Although I have to say here that I’m not a huge fan of animals in captivity. The architecture itself is a sight to behold! The buildings were designed inspired by the skeletons of sea animals and are stark, unusual and drop dead gorgeous. Its not so often that one feels inspired enough to just sit and stare at buildings for hours! These somehow command it! What I loved most about Valencia was the combination of the old and the new that fit so seamlessly together! On one hand you have the city of arts and sciences and on the other the ‘old city’. It’s historic and alive! There are the cutest little cafes to eat and drink in and, being an extreme lover of the concept of tapas, I was in seventh heaven! There is so much to take in it’s like a heavenly assault on all your senses at the same time! One thing very common in Spain is a ‘square’. There is usually one every couple of blocks, or at least a random unique piece of art standing tall, demanding attention. Fountains are very common and it was beautiful to see the number if blushing brides (I am aware that this
sounds clichéd, but it’s true! They are blushing brides in every sense you could imagine!) That seemed to gather with their dashing grooms to take cheesy wedding pictures! Here people watching became a whole new art and my favourite pastime! (It’s harder to do this in Mumbai! explaining why is another story altogether!) Another place close to my heart is the wine growing region of Requena! Like the older city side of Valencia, Requena has that historic charm. There are so many vineyards there that you can just drive through and stop wherever you feel like without planning it all too much in advance! That’s my favourite way to discover new places, with hardly any planning and tons of spontaneity! I have tasted some of the most delicious wine in Requena, including one that was extremely delicious and cost just 2 Euros a bottle! So now that I’ve described a little of what I saw in Spain let me tell you about why I love this country so much! Siesta is an afternoon nap of sorts that lasts 5 to 6 hours between 2 and 7 or so that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE takes! It can be a little confusing and frustrating at first as nothing is open for that time! However if and when you get into the Spanish rhythm of things (if you’re anything like me it won’t take very long!), it becomes the best part of the day! It’s amazing to watch how much time families spend together! They even have little playgrounds outside most pubs so that the kids can play while the parents enjoy a little pre-siesta drink! I think the Spanish have gotten the ‘enjoy your life’ part right! If you’re a foodie (again like me), Spain will blow your mind, or your stomach! The menus are endless and each dish more delicious than the next! One of my favourite meals there is more a snack of sorts, fried calamari, green olives and a large pitcher of sangria! My mum and I spent many an evening by the water ordering plate after plate, pitcher after pitcher! I somehow felt right at home in Spain! I can’t wait to go back! If you get a chance trust me... don’t think it over...pack a bag, or not, and prepare to be blown away!
SureTara...we just cant wait to explore Valencia! aglmagazine.com 63
KITCHENETTE
QUANTITY
UNIT
INGREDIENTS
10
gms
Corriander
10
gms
Ginger garlic
10
gms
Green chilli
10
gms
Lemon grass
10
gms
Galangal
10
gms
Oil
5
gms
Turmeric
1
cup
Coconut milk
to taste ½
Salt cube
Magi seasoning
Method of preparation: 1. Grind together the first 5 items into paste
Accompaniments (optional)
2. Heat oil in a wok
Satays and peanut sauce ( optional )
3. Add the paste and turmeric and cook. 4. Add coconut milk and the remaining ingredients. 5. Stir till it comes to a boil 6. Serve with steamed rice
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KITCHENETTE
The Chefs Chef Suran Tamang, the Exec. Chef and his second in command Chef Amol, have been with Urban Asia since the very beginning. With almost 28 years of work experience between them and having worked with some of the best groups like ITC , BJN , Ohris to mention a few , both of them form the back bone of the establishment.
QUANTITY
UNIT
INGREDIENTS
15
gms
Shrimp paste
1
no
Chopped onion
1
tsp
Chopped ginger
2
tsp
Chilli paste
2
tbsp
Ketchup
2
tsp
Naam Pla
2
tsp
Maggi sauce
1
cup
Sticky rice
½
no
Bell peppers
6
pcs
Prawns
2
tbsp
Oil
Method of preparation: 1. Make paste of top 7 ingredients. 2. Heat oil in a wok and saute diced bell peppers 3. Add the paste and cook 4. Add the rice and prawns. 5. Stir and mix well for 5 mins. 6. Serve hot garnished with a sunny side up
Accompaniments: Recipe Courtesy: Urban Asia, Jubilee Hills
Prawn Crackers Satays and Sausages
aglmagazine.com 65
New Kid on the Block Kailash Parbat, a name that is very popular in the north has now paved its way into the Nawabi Sheher. Located in Jubilee Hills, the place is gaining immense popularity amongst the foodies of the city. Pani Puri, variety of Chaats, Gulab Jamun, Kulfi Falooda, Dahi Vada, Sai Bhaji, Koki…each delicacy is made with expertise and care and the melange of cuisine is designed to appeal to all
palettes. A perfect blend of rich legacy of taste and tradition, the brand has more than 55 years of unbeatable history that only a few restaurants can boast of. Kailash Parbat has enjoyed the patronage of four generations of loyal guests who relish the flavours and aromas of the cuisine which is made using the highest of standards.
This festival, try the Kulfi Falooda recipe from Kailash Parbat…
What is Kulfi Falooda? Rich creamy kulfi topped with falooda and rose syrup is a dessert which finds a place at every Indian buffet counter. Kulfi is our very own Indian ice-cream made from thickened and reduced milk flavoured with cardamom.
For the falooda
For the Kulfi QUANTITY
UNIT
INGREDIENTS
1
ltr
Full Fat Milk
1/3
cup
Sugar
1/4
tsp
Cardamom (elaichi) Powder
10
gms
Lemon grass
QUANTITY 75
gms 10
5
Put the milk in a broad non-stick pan and bring it to boil. Add sugar and mix well. Simmer over a medium flame, stirring continuously till the milk reduces to a little less than half the original quantity (approx. 450 ml.). Cool completely, add the cardamom powder and mix well. Pour into 5 kulfi moulds and freeze overnight till it sets. To un-mould the kulfi, allow the kulfi moulds to remain outside the refrigerator for 5 minutes and then un-mould by inserting a wooden skewer stick or a fork, in the center of the kulfi and pulling it out. Put 3 teaspoons of rose syrup and 1 tablespoon of falooda “sev” in a serving bowl. Top with cubes of kulfi. Serve immediately. 66 aglmagazine.com
INGREDIENTS Sev
Preparation method for Kulfi:
How to serve:
UNIT
Corn Flour Ice-Cubes
tbsp
Rose Syrup
Preparation method for Falooda:
Mix the corn flour very well in 450 ml. of water to make a smooth solution. Put the mixture to boil on a slow flame. Go on stirring and cooking until the mixture becomes translucent. Put the mixture in a ‘sev’ press and squeeze by hand through the sieve into a vessel which is filled with chilled water and with ice cubes. The falooda “sev” must be preserved in water till required.
/AGL/11.12/ HEALTH & FITNESS
Yogurt Top Health Food for all Ages By: Mrs. P Padma, Chief Dietician, Star Hospital
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Yogurt has innumerable health benefits apart from its excellent taste. It has been part of the Indian diet since time immemorial. It is mentioned in ancient Indian texts, and so is buttermilk… In ancient Indian records the combination of yogurt and honey is called, “The food of the Gods”. The concept of yogurt is not new for the Indian consumer; what’s novel is the kind of variety you get on retail shelves now from the portfolio of a range of domestic and international brands. For those seeking newer tastes, tangy combinations of ice-cream and probiotic yogurt with real fruit pieces are available in the market. Lassi is a traditional Indian beverage, made by blending yogurt with water, salt, and spices until frothy, that is enjoyed chilled as hot-weather refreshment. Traditional lassi is sometimes flavoured with ground roasted cumin.
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Srikhand, a popular dessert in India, is made from drained yogurt, saffron, cardamom, nutmeg and sugar and sometimes fruits such as mango or pineapple. Increase your yogurt intake by using it for salad dressings, substituting yogurt for dips instead of sour cream, marinating, mix fruit yogurt smoothie instead of milk shakes. Yogurt which is full of protein, calcium, vitamin D and probiotics (the healthy bacteria that aids digestion) provides delicious benefits for your insides. It can also do beauty wonders for your skin. When topically applied to the skin, yogurt will help moisturize, fight acne, prevent premature aging, relieve sunburn and reduce discoloration. It’s an all-around beauty multitasker. Just be sure to use a plain, organic variety without unnecessary additives and sugar. Low-fat yogurt is a healthy food choice because, in addition to being rich in high-quality protein and energizing carbohydrates, it contains many vitamins and minerals. As a fermented dairy product, low-fat yogurt also contains healthy bacteria or “live active cultures� that offer additional health benefits. Vitamin D and calcium present in milk help in prevention of osteoporosis. Calcium also contributes to colon health and decreases the risk of colon cancer. Yogurt is a significant source of potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Yogurt also contains B12, which maintains red blood cells and helps keep your nervous system functioning properly. Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal products, such as chicken and fish, so strict vegetarians can easily fall short. Persons who suffer from gastrointestinal conditions such as lactose intolerance, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, may find relief through the consumption of yogurt. Yogurt is easier to digest than milk, it improves natural defense, is useful for people with osteoporosis, is a healthy way to get calcium for the body, is useful for lactose intolerance people(people who cannot digest milk), live and active cultures in yogurt help boost immune system, live bacteria in yogurt is helpful in indigestion of food, can prevent stomach infections, active cultures protect against diarrhea, prevents yeast infection, relieves ulcers. Antibiotics kill not only harmful bacteria; they also kill the healthy ones in the intestines. The live bacterial cultures in yogurt can help replenish the intestines with helpful bacteria before the harmful ones take over. A daily dose of yogurt while a person is on antibiotics and for two weeks thereafter is beneficial.
Yogurt improves the bioavailability of other nutrients. Culturing of yogurt increases the absorption
of calcium and B-vitamins. The lactic acid in the yogurt aids in the digestion of the milk calcium, making it easier to absorb.
Yogurt can boost immunity. Research has shown
that persons, who consumed two cups of live-culture yogurt daily for three months, produced higher levels of immunity boosting interferon. The bacterial cultures in yogurt have also been shown to stimulate infectionfighting white cells in the bloodstream.
Yogurt - Good for Young and Old
Yogurt is a valuable health food for both infants and elderly persons. For children, it is a balanced source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and minerals in a texture that kids love. For senior citizens, who usually have more sensitive colons or whose intestines have run out of lactase, yogurt is also a valuable food. Elderly intestines showed declining levels of bifidus bacteria, which allow the growth of toxin-producing and, perhaps, cancer-causing bacteria.
So, reach out for that yummy yogurt right now!
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From Bhutan’s
Royale Kitchen This month we take you on a Royale Tour…Ever wondered what a King eats, prefers…. savours? His Majesty the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck loves food from his heart and is a foodie in all its true sense. His food liking is a mix of both classic western as well as modern and with Indian food he love’s a mix of Delhi’s street food. Having spent quite some time in Delhi, his Highness developed taste for chaat and specially ordered for the same. Indian classics too are in his list of preferences
Sneak peek: His favourite area in summers is his garden for breakfast with a nice array of English and French breads. While dinner is in his royal chambers and is kept very light…preferably Bhutanese curry or Bhutanese soup. When in an indulging mood, his Highness does dig into tandoori chicken!
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his favourites:
• • •
Top in Indian food is Tandoori Chicken and Butter Chicken In Chinese he loves beef stir fries and fish stir fries In Western he loves all sorts of grills and some classics such as baked fish and vegetables
Trivia Who invented Caesars salad? The myth is that Julius Caesar invented Caesars salad. So what’s Roman about the salad? The funny part - As far as the Romans are concerned is the mere use of romaine lettuce in the salad. Caesars salad was actually invented in a small town in South Mexico when a bar man went out of ingredients and mixed all the left overs and came up with a creative salad which slowly was refined and eventually went on to become a popular salad. Caesar Cardini (1896 – 1956) was the actual inventor of the classic salad. According to his daughter Rosa when her father ran out of ingredients to feed his drunken customers he responded by throwing together what was left over in the kitchen which included eggs, olive oil, lettuce, lemon juice, breads, parmesan cheese, and Worchestire sauce. From here this dish travelled to Hollywood and thus becoming a hot favourite in all their parties.
Courtesy: Balaji Srinivasan Executive Chef, Leonia Holistic Destination
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Q A Q: A:
I have diabetes. Do I need to know anything special before I get pregnant? Diabetes is one of the best examples of how preconception preparation and control of a disease can make a huge difference in a pregnancy’s outcome. Before insulin was discovered, diabetic women were rarely able to have successful pregnancies, and about 65 percent of babies died in utero or shortly after birth. This statistic has fallen over the years to less than 2 percent, so that when diabetes is really under control during pregnancy, the risks of pregnancy loss are similar to those for non-diabetic pregnancies.
Unfortunately, birth defects are still two to four times more common in diabetic pregnancies. We don’t know for certain why that’s so, but it’s probably largely due to abnormal blood glucose levels — those that are constantly outside the normal range as well as those that fluctuate in and out significantly. Since the majority of heart, kidney, and central nervous system birth defects have their start during the first seven weeks of pregnancy, it’s critical to get your blood glucose level under control before conception and throughout your pregnancy. It may help to get counseling before you get pregnant; studies have shown that the rate of birth defects decreases from 10 percent to about one percent if an expectant mom gets help. If you want to do your best to prevent birth defects (and miscarriage), follow this strategy: Aim to achieve normal glycosolated hemoglobin levels (an indicator of blood sugar control) before conception, and then manage your diet carefully and monitor your glucose levels carefully and frequently. These techniques, combined with taking folic acid supplements before you become pregnant and having an ultrasound screen for possible problems, will maximize your chances of delivering a healthy baby.
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Q: A:
I think my husband is having an affair. He’s started staying late at work and has become more secretive than normal. I don’t know what to do next. Your intuition tells you he’s having an affair and intuition is a powerful tool, but it’s important to remember it’s not always right. Keep listening to it though, while you do the following: 1. Chill out Be relaxed when he’s behaving normally - if he’s innocent of any affair you don’t want to stress out the rest of your life worrying. 2. Be straightforward When he acts ‘secretive’, that’s the time to say something like, “you are acting a bit worried - what’s up?” Use this straightforward technique every time you feel he’s behaving secretively. You’ll begin to get a sense of what his answers reveal - an innocent person or a guilty conscience. 3. Try to share Suggest that when he has to work late that you pop over for a late dinner with him. Stress how much you’d love to do this, you know, share his load, etc. If he welcomes the idea that’s the behaviour of an innocent man, but if he gets stressed and makes excuses then you definitely need to get alert. 4. Keep your sex life alive Try to enhance all the good in your relationship and make sure his long working hours doesn’t kill off your sex life. If he’s innocent this will have great pay-offs anyway and if he’s guilty it may make him think twice about continuing an affair. 5. Be honest Once you’ve done all these things, if you still have suspicions you’ll have to be honest with him and tell him you want honesty in return.
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Q: A:
My husband and I have been together for 10 years and it feels as if we’ve stopped talking to each other. The only conversations we have are about boring everyday things. What can we do to improve things? It’s so true that the daily grind and routine of most relationships can become “Ho hum” to the point it puts the relationship to sleep! But it is possible to do something about it. You can shake things awake by doing the following: 1. Kick-start a new phase in your relationship Suggest to your husband that you take up a fun and new hobby together. Something like dancing that is sexy too - with the popularity of Strictly Come Dancing you can find dance classes in most areas. 2. Ban talking I don’t mean all chat, but specifically any conversations about your children (if you have any) or problems, at least two evenings a week. When children arrive couples forget to talk about things besides baby-talk. Couples also go round and round discussing certain basic issues, so their time together can seem so dull. You’re entitled to some nights off of these topics replace them with chatting about films, what you’ve seen on the TV, or something that’s interesting and pleasurable to you. 3. Make a wish list Have a think about things you want to do or places you want to visit and then write them down. Obviously these are things you need to plan for like a special holiday. 4. Go somewhere new Make a pact to try some new restaurants, pubs, etc. to broaden your horizons. New venues give you new things to talk about. 5. Visit your past Take a few strolls down memory lane - relationship research shows this brightens up the gloomy times. Revisit the place you first met, occasionally look through photo albums, and regularly remind yourselves of lovely times you’ve shared.
Q: A:
I had premarital sexual relationships but now I am getting married and now I again want to be a virgin...Is it possible via any pills or medicines? The word virgin means “untouched” (as in “virgin stand of timber”). If you’ve had sexual relationships, you have been touched, and are thus not a virgin anymore. There are no pills or medicines that can make you a virgin again. Don’t let anyone tell you differently, because if they do, they are lying. To the extent that you define virginity in purely physical terms, there is a way to become sort of like a virgin again. Women have a structure known as a hymen which is part of their genitals. This structure is typically torn or partially damaged upon first vaginal intercourse, and this makes regular adult intercourse possible. A plastic surgeon can repair or (more likely reconstruct) your hymen so that it looks like you has never had intercourse before. However, this won’t make you a virgin again; it will just help you fool someone. You’ll still know you aren’t a virgin in your heart, and if you tell someone differently, you’ll be lying. Lying is not a good way to start out a marriage.
I don’t think it is a good idea for you to get too worked up about not being a virgin anymore. You can’t unrig this bell, so you might as well learn to live with the music it produces. It is no tragedy if you aren’t virgin anymore. There need be no shame in not being a virgin on your wedding day. What is important is that you feel good about your marriage plans, and that you take care to insure that your future decisions are made with more care than some of the past ones you now regret.
Q: A:
My boyfriend and I have a long-distance relationship. To tide us over between visits, he really wants to have phone sex. I have no idea what to say, and I always feel foolish. Any advice? Phone sex is the perfect way to make a carnal connection when you and your man are apart. And while the thought of it may leave you speechless, tantalizing talk isn’t as tricky as you think. Just use your erotic imagination. Share your steamy desires, describe details from your favorite fantasy or tell him, step-by-step, what you wish you were doing to him. Remember, aural sex isn’t all talk and no action. Up the erotic ante by simultaneously masturbating. Explain to each other exactly what you’re doing (“I’m tracing circles on my inner thigh”) and how it’s feeling (“I’m getting so wet”). He’ll go nuts. Giving good phone is a lot easier -- and more fun -- if you get into a lusty mood before you dial his digits. Lie back and envision a supercharged bedroom scenario with your guy. Start stroking yourself, and when your pulse is pounding, give him a call. Since this is your first time starting sexy phone speak, you might be a little tongue-tied. But don’t feel forced to say something XXX-rated. Just chat with him as you normally would and ease into a more intimate exchange by saying something as simple as “I wish you were lying next to me.” Or lift his libido by reminding him of an incredibly hot sack session you had together. You’re guaranteed to get a rise out of him. If you aren’t comfortable initiating a kinky conversation, suggest your boyfriend take the lead. Close your eyes and concentrate on every wanton word. As you touch yourself, fantasize that you’re feeling his tantalizing fingers caressing your skin. If at first you feel shy, just moan or sigh while he narrates a naughty story. As the encounter escalates, you may be very surprised at the frisky phrases that pop out of your mouth.
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COVER STORY
TheDark
Horse By: Swarnalata Janardana
is the official blue eyed boy of Tollywood. He is fair and has looks that can make any girl go weak in the knees. His chocolate boy looks and down to earth attitude has gained him quite a huge fan base not only in Tollywood but also in Russia. His twitter account is flooded with Russian fans going gaga over his acting skills and stunning looks. He is none other than the dark horse of the Tollywood industry… Navdeep! He debuted as a college boy in director Teja’s Jai and touched the hearts of many, with his breathtaking performance in Gowtham SSC, a movie that every student or every youngster could connect. After Gowtham SSC, he wooed all the girls with his lover boy character in Chandamama. When all were in this hangover, he amazed everyone by playing the second hero in Aarya 2 which was a risk in its true sense, but Navdeep proved that he knows how to make his presence felt. He has had a roller coaster Tollywood graph, so here we bring you a conversation with this dynamic and daring actor…
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Navdeep!
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Life before entering films… I was born and brought up in Hyderabad and used to live near ECIL. My dad worked in the electronic industry. I studied in DAV and did my first year in Nalanda and was preparing for IIT when the foray into films happened. What made you get into films? Was it a deliberate attempt? It was an accident. When I was in Nalanda Vijayawada, people out there implanted the acting seed in my mind by complimenting my looks and encouraging me to venture into the world of stardom. Like many I believed that life reaches a saturation point in search of films and roles. Also I had no plans of carrying my portfolio to offices and directors. I anyways did a photo session after a lot of encouragement and persuasion from family and friends. One day I luckily met Prasad Garu who was the producer of the film, Nidhi. He was the brother in law of the cameraman Sameer Reddy. Sameer told me that director Teja is in search of fresh and new faces,
why don’t you send your pictures. I sent and the third or fourth day I got a call from Teja’s office. The experience while shooting your very first film… When I went to Teja’s office, I was 17 and the first thing he asked me, whether my parents were okay with me acting, not very convinced with my “yes”, Teja met my parents. Till Teja met my parents, my dad didn’t have the complete picture of my role. After Teja explained the movie and my role in detail, my parents were happy and encouraged me to give it a try. I considered it a red carpet entry! Though Jai was a flop, I got great reviews as an actor. When I was shooting for Jai, I did not know what was happening, how I was acting, what would be the final outcome of the film, etc. I only remember having done the shoot for two months in the film city. After Jai, what made you decide to continue 76 aglmagazine.com
working in films? After Jai, when I got good reviews and was contemplating my career in the film industry, K S Rama Rao Garu said, “You got the chance to work with Teja in your very first film. Though the movie did not do well, you have got good reviews as an actor which means you have great potential and a future as an actor.” That was it! Positive reviews from people like Sameer Garu, Rasool and like helped me make my decision. Journey as an actor over the years...From Jai to the last, Oh My friend I am the only guy in the industry who has been here since the last eight years and is not just surviving but surviving successfully. None of my films have been blockbusters, but films like Gowtham SSC, Chandamama have been hits. Over these eight years, there has been no incident where a director has given bad remark about my acting abilities. In a nut shell my journey as an actor has been a smooth ride.
Chandamama created a buzz and brought you the lover boy image...Experience working in that film? Working with Vamsi Garu is an experience. Anybody who works with him, starts looking at cinema in a different way. I still remember after Chandamama was screened Chiranjeevi Sir was telling Vamsi Garu, “All the stars performed really well.” I was silently standing behind Chiranjeevi Sir when he was saying this, and suddenly he turned, he saw me and said, “This guy was mind blowing; in fact he gave a rocking performance.” For that Vamsi Garu said, “I designed and implemented all characters, but only for this guy’s character, my contribution was a mere 25% while the rest 75% were his efforts.” So, I will always cherish Chandamama. Other than Chandamama, the movies that have been an experience worth remembering…
COVER STORY After my first film, Gowtham SSC has been a memorable journey. Today there are people who love Gowtham SSC more than Chandamama, as the character in Gowtham SSC had a lot of variation and myriad shades. After Gowtham SSC it was Yanam. Yanam did not get a release as expected, but the team and I had put in our blood and sweat into it and I will always cherish the experience. Has there been any strategy over the years in designing you career? No...If so, there wouldn’t have been so many gaps between my films. In these eight years, I have been very selective about my movies. I work on my terms and do not stoop or compromise on any account. Also, coming to the selection of films, I choose the
options that I feel are the best in that particular circumstance out of the given options and go for it. Though acting happened by accident, do you think, you had these actor qualities within you always? I guess it’s in your personality, though you keep learning as you do films. For me, the films that I say have been a journey are the films in which I have genuinely learnt something. Otherwise, I feel acting is mere common sense. It’s all about how you react to things. If you are dumb, you won’t react, If you are smart you are little better, if you are very smart you will know various ways to react. I have always been on the smarter side. People say I was born to be an actor. You have done diverse roles and taken challenges of even playing second lead… Yes. I am an actor and should be ready and able
to do everything and anything as an actor. In this aspect I admire Nag. He takes lot of risks and has no insecurity. When I take up a role, I study the character needed in the film and perform accordingly. If a director has approached me, it means he feels that I am suitable for the character and he has confidence in me. Be it professional or personal, whether good or bad, I take my own decisions. I can’t imagine someone else being responsible for my decisions good or bad. When everybody dreaded to get to the small screen you successfully hosted Super (reality show) and made the show a hit… When I was approached with the concept, I found it interesting and new and so took it on. There were
many speculations, that I have no film career that’s why I am doing television, etc. This isn’t true, I am always ready to implement anything different and out of the box. Be it films or anything. So that’s the reason I took on the show. What is your attitude towards your detractors? You will always have some people complimenting you on your job and some criticizing you for the same. I personally feel that people discuss only for a few days and then they forget and find a new thing to discuss or talk about. So, I don’t bother about all the detractors. See I believe, one film can make a person but just a film cannot break a person. I set my own standards. The day I keep doing the same thing, I am finished. Who is your best critic? There are a couple of people. If I get 10 comments aglmagazine.com 77
I pick two. I listen to all of them. The best part with me is my family and friends. They know I won’t get annoyed or angry if they criticise me. So when they have to criticise, they can openly rip me apart and I take it in a positive stride. What is Navdeep’s best quality? I follow the mantra “Self criticism is the best feeling.” If I come across something bad about me or my film, before anybody can point it out, I criticise it. So, I am my best critic. I know what I am and how people perceive me. I am constantly under reality check. People don’t get a chance to tell me, “Hello you think you are this but you are actually not.” There is a notion that film stars have no personal life… This is an individual decision. Take Nag for example, he is the most popular hero and he has a social life too. When I am not acting, I am travelling, chilling out, etc. I am a trained and licensed paragliding pilot, I do horse riding, I play golf... Thus I do have a life other than just my films. There are stars hiding in a protective shell and fear getting out of their comfort zone. I have no such fears and so enjoy a perfectly normal life.
step. With the I Am She association, the winner of the South Indian beauty Pageant will get a direct entry into the final 20 of the I am She contest, which means she is getting the chance of being the possible one out of the chosen 20 to represent India at the Miss India Contest. What are your upcoming projects? Right now I have five films in the pipeline. Four are solo hero projects and one (Baadshah) with Jr. NTR as the lead and I am doing a negative character. The rest four are - Vasool Raja, Bangaru Kodipetta and two thrillers, Maitri and Poga. One thing about you that would amaze our readers… Nothing can affect me. Good things can make me happy but bad things fail to make me sad. I am prepared for the worst and I am prepared for the best.
Recently you got associated with Sushmita Sen’s ‘I Am She’… We wanted to have a South Indian beauty pageant wherein the entire process of selection and grooming would be shown in the form of series on television. The major hiccup recognized was the end result wherein the winners were ignorant of the next Having said this the humble and straight forward Navdeep signs off. He is no doubt a wonderful actor, but he is also a genuine, honest and an extremely hardworking individual!
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COVER STORY
Rapid Fire: Favourite Tollywood film Arundhati Favourite Bollywood film OMG Favourite actor Chiranjeevi Favourite actress Sonali Bendre Favourite car I love cars. I have changed 10 cars in the last 8 years and right now I drive an Audi Q7 Gadgets… I am a gadget freak...have the best phone i.e. Samsung Galaxy S3 Shopping Stop Bangkok… I don’t prefer buying costly stuff and hanging on to it for ages; instead I buy reasonably priced stuff wear it two or three times and then go for a change. Memorable moment as an actor After watching Gowtham SSC I had tears in my eyes and the people who saw the movie with me also had tears in their eyes! Favourite food Fruits… I can eat a kg of any fruit. I simply love fruits Your latest fitness regime I am into Body Building at the moment under the expert supervision of my American trainer, Daniel Partying mantra Partying out with family and friends One thing that Navdeep always has with him Humour Favourite pastime Watching movies…There have been days when I have watched five films back to back in a theatre! If not actor Navdeep would have been... Don’t know but would have been definitely out of India and not doing a 9 to 5 job. I always had an inclination towards automobiles so may be an automobile engineer. But one thing is for sure, whatever I would have been; I would have been definitely doing something dynamic, interesting and challenging!
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Guest Houses and Farm Houses are in vogue these days allowing people to run away to these hideouts away from the madding crowd to enjoy hours and days of peace and solitude. Many a times these exquisite places are also used to throw exotic parties! The stylish Allu Arjun has also joined this list and has brought forth all his style and creativity in his guest house built in the outskirts of the city. Named as ‘Togetherness’, Allu Arjun’s guest house is simple, cosy yet stylish. It is a blissful place for relaxing and partying hard.
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Contemporary Abode of Blissful Romance
Photo Credit : Bhavani Shankar Konduju
Named as ‘togetherness’, Allu Arjun’s guest house
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The house is a contemporary marvel in white and has lush green lawns around the house. The swimming pool right in front of the house spreads an aura of peace and tranquillity. The environment surrounding the house is filled with natural sounds of the chirping birds, hens, ducks and baby peacocks. The pool area has a seating area with caned sofa sets that give a picturesque view of the lawn and the pool. The living area, bar area, dining and kitchen are beautifully spaced out in a sleek way. The entire house follows the theme of white and the furniture is done in white as well. The glass walls on one side keep the house naturally lit and helps attract life through the glass
doors. The old style scooter painted in red stands in the centre of the house and is definitely the house’s show stopper. The dining table is a one piece glass made dining which can comfortably hold four people in one go. The living space on its left side has a huge white door which leads to the cleverly hidden and beautifully designed bedroom. Mildly lit and elegantly designed, the bedroom is just perfect in design and ambience. The two major walls of the bedroom are artistically decorated. The right wall has a huge abstract painting done by Truptika Kanjani and the other side wall has a cute collage that holds the pictures
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of Arjun and Sneha right from their wedding to the pictures showcasing the various moments of their togetherness. The bedroom holds a funky artefact, i.e. trunks (traditional suitcases) right in the centre of the bedroom. Adjacent to the bedroom is the extraordinary and stylish washroom; ‘open to sky’ - a unique concept! The washroom gives an authentic look but is beautifully equipped with modern fittings. The real plants in the washroom furnish the natural look. Arjun’s house has a hidden rural look to it; right from the huge spaces around the house to the cocks and ducks right at the entrance of the house…it’s rural all the way! The lawns around the house aptly complement the white theme. The architects have diligently avoided clutter and have given lots of free space around the house. Another attraction is the marble rabbits placed around the house. There are these cute little marble rabbits of small and medium size placed around the house and in the lawn. From a distance they almost look real. Due to the open space, the house has natural air in abundance and helps give a fresh feel. All through the day, the house shines like a pearl reflecting purity and serenity while night shimmers in various night colours making it an abode of blissful romance!
By: Swarnalata Janardana
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Photo Feature BANNER
PRODUCER
Universal Media Banner
DVV Danayya
Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu DIRECTOR Puri Jagannath
MUSIC Mani Sharma
STAR CAST Pawan Kalyan, Tamannah, Prakash Raj, Ali and others
Almost after a decade, the dynamic team of ace director Puri Jagannadh and Powerstar Pawan Kalyan come together with their film Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu. After creating waves with Badri, this dynamic team is all set to put the theatres on fire with CGR that promises to have full dose of action, drama, romance and all that needed for a complete entertainer. So this edition we bring you some of the stunning stills of CGR.....
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What to watch out for ? The climax song which would be the highlight of the movie
Photo Feature BANNER First Frame
PRODUCER Saibabu Jagarlamudi, Y Rajeev Reddy
Aravind-2 DIRECTOR
MUSIC
Krish
Mani Sharma
What to watch out for? Sameera Reddy’s item number, Rana’s six pack abs… Venkatesh’s interesting cameo
STAR CAST Rana Daggubati, Brahmanandam, Kota Srinivasa Rao, Posani Krishna Murali and Others
Like its name the movie promises to be unique… Directed by ace director Krish who is known for his thought provoking stories beautifully blended in cinematic extravaganza has teamed up with Rana Daggubati who is equally known for experimenting and doing out of the box stuff! With a strong story line and backed up with the music from music sensation Mani Sharma, KVJ will surely prove to be a treat to the audience. The movie is all set to hit the screens in November... aglmagazine.com 87
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on the ho Soumya Bollapragada Passion…. Making films Favourite holiday destination... Any place with my man Turn on: People who wear good perfumes
3 things you can’t live without: My man, my phone and my gloss Favourite watch: Guess Favourite cosmetics brand: Mac
Turn off: bad odour, ill maintained Favourite designer: teeth and dirt filled nails Manish Malhotra
Favourite watering hole: Favourite director: 10D Francis Ford Coppola & Christopher Nolan Favourite cuisine: Italian Your inspiration: My aunt, actress Favourite hangout: Gautami CCD You have hots for… You drive: Harrison Ford Swift Favourite pastime: Dream date: Writing poetry With Enrique Iglesias Favourite attire: Worst pick up line: Sari Hey! I know you..... Upcoming projects: Favourite perfume: Poga by Anand Ranga Givenchy & Shankar Marthand As told to: Ajuli Tulsyan
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Obsession: My phone Your sex appeal… My smile Favourite actor & actress: Harrison Ford & Salma Hayek Dream role: None 1 thing which not many people know about you: I can’t cross roads at all Your man should be…: My man is “Sri” If given a chance… I would settle on Mars First thing that you do when you wake up: Rush to the loo with the newspaper and my phone Last thing you do before going to sleep: Wish my man a good night with a big huggy and loads of kisses
Photo credit: Avinash Gandi | Make up: Sri Lakshmi Bolisetti | Stylist: Srikanth Nagothi
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Officially Saifeena…! After all the speculations and dilly dallying Saif and Kareena have finally tied the knot silencing the gossip mongers in one shot! Surprisingly though the ceremony was kept discreet and simple followed by a justified extravagant and star studded after party. Kareena adorned Saif’s grandmother’s traditional gharara for the private ceremony at Saif’s residence. For the after party she sizzled in a Manish Malhotra creation; burgundy colour embellished gharara with maroon dupatta. Saif donned a Banarasi brocade achkan by designer Raghvendra Rathore. Here’s wishing the couple a happy married life! Good to see reel life getting real!!
Paris Hilton will rock India! Our birdie told us that Paris Hilton is all booked to perform in India at the upcoming Fashion Week in Goa. Hold on…she will be DJing the event! Now should we take this as a shock or a surprise? Well let’s not fret as Hilton has dabbed in music with her debut as a solo artist in the track Stars Are Blind. But hope she realizes the audience here isn’t blind and for that matter neither deaf too!!
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/AGL/11.12/ CINEMA GOSSIP
Welcome back!
Success in store…
After the news that Samantha halts her shoots due to her unknown illness, Samantha is finally back on the sets. Tired of the news, for the first time Samantha clears the air about her unknown illness by saying, “I was overloaded with work therefore off from work. I am healthy and back to my work.” Whether it was illness or vacation, we don’t bother, we are happy that the pretty Samantha is back on sets and shooting in full vigour. We wish you happy shooting and good health!
Lakshmi Manchu and Sundeep starred Gundello Godavari promises to be a rare cinema and gets the blessings of the superstar Rajinikanth and has the maestro Illayaraja doing its music. With everything in place, we hope it creates waves in the Telugu industry. Well if it has Godfather Rajnikanth’s blessings who would dare deter its success?
Wow what dedication! The Allu Sirish and Yumi Goutham starrer is shooting in full swing in places like Pollachi, Rajamundry etc. Allu Sirish is leaving no stone unturned to have a bang on début. He is so involved that he got hurt while shooting an action sequence but continued shooting....Great going Sirish but please we would rather see you in single piece!!
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/AGL/11.12/ DIRECTORS TAKE
The Self Made
Director Akella Naga Srinivas Sarma Born as Akella Naga Srinivas Sarma, he entered the industry as a dialogue writer and entertained the audience with his unique and witty dialogues. He redefined the Telugu diction used in the Telugu industry and his words brought a fresh breath into cinema. Very soon people started identifying him as a successful dialogue director, he swept the audience with his first film Nuvve Nuvve as director. He with his very first film roared that he was here to stay and is all set to redefine cinema his way. He is none other than the magician of words and the master of emotions Trivikram Srinivas. Excerpts from an interview with him‌
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Born in a place like Bhimavaram, how did you land up in the film industry? I am from Bhimavaram and was born in a middle class family. I always had this fascination for films since my childhood. I decided very early in my life that I want to become a director. However, I hid my dreams from my parents. An ambition so big seemed like a mere dream since I hailed from a poor family. However, I finished my bachelors and went to do my Masters in Science in Vizag from Andhra University. I used to watch movies almost every day out there. Memories of the struggling days… After my Masters I came to Hyderabad and through my friend’s contact got the job of taking tuitions. I use to take tuitions to earn my livelihood and search for opportunities in free time. It was Kommanapalli Ganapathi Rao who in a way gave light to my talent. He once invited me to his house and asked me what I do. I told that I am a writer and have written a story called “Road.” He sent that story to Andhra Jyothi and got it printed. That’s how the base was laid for my future.
Irani Cafe called “Try Luck” that used to be there at the ETV office. During these visits, I used to interact with actor Venu (hero of Swayamvaram) and producer Shyam. One day during our regular chat I narrated the story of Swayamvaram and both of them believed in the soul of the story. To convey the gist of the story I said a one liner, “Prema ane swargam nundi 7 adugula dooramlo vunde narakame pelli’ and I had hit the bull’s eye. As soon as I said this, Vijaya Bhaskar immediately gave a green signal to me and insisted me to pen down the dialogues for the film
How did your debut film Swayamvaram happen? I was searching for opportunities and used to visit the
The after effects of Swayamvaram…
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Though Swayamvaram was a big hit, I was not getting interesting offers after the film. So, I went off to Bhimavaram and stayed for a year and a half. During this time is when I got a call from Sravanti Ravi Kishore with a proposal to pen dialogues for his next film. I travelled with him to Chennai and saw the original version of the film which was remade as Nuvvekavali in Telugu. When I saw the film, I believed in the soul of the film and absorbed it and decided to write dialogues all over again than just translating the Tamil ones. That is how my journey in the true sense started again. From dialogue writing you decided to direct a film. How did Nuvve Nuvve happen? As I said, I always had this conviction to become a director. One day I narrated the story of Nuvve Nuvve to Sravanti Ravi Kishore and he liked the story. That is when I presented my wish that I wanted to direct the film as well. He believed in me and my abilities and gave a go ahead. I asked him for some time to gain confidence and control as a director. This time duration I asked for was to enhance and bring out my directorial side. Trivikram has the credit of giving hit cinema. What has been your experience with the hits Athadu, Jalsa, Khaleja and Julayi? Athadu was narrated to Mahesh babu before Nuvve Nuvve and he liked and agreed the script. The only thought while doing Athadu was not to compromise and to make the film the way I envisioned. Every scene I saw from the audience’s view managed to bring 80% of what I envisioned it on the script level. It was during Bangaram climax shoot that I met Pawan Kalyan and narrated the story and charac-
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books but also absorbs the essence of the same. I am very happy that I got an opportunity to work with him. I was happy when Jalsa shooting was happening that I felt like narrating another story and start working with him again. On screen or off screen Pawan Kalyan is a hero. I have learnt a lot about life
terisation. He liked the story and told me to improvise the story and Jalsa was created. Jalsa mainly focussed at being a romantic comedy with a subtle satire on the relationship of a terrorist and police. Honestly I would say Khaleja has been my most difficult and problem filled movie. With production
issues, delays etc, me and Mahesh finally did that film as a responsibility and concentrated more on its practicality. Julayi talks about goals of life and pursuing them. Setting goals is easy and it seems even easier to achieve them but the actual scenario is understood when we start working towards that goal. That is the essence of Julayi. You are one director who has worked with Prince Mahesh, with powerstar Pawan Kalyan and Stylish star Allu Arjun. Your opinion…experience…working with them Mahesh babu is very jovial, lively and a soft spoken person. Unlike others, Mahesh gives least importance to materialistic aspects of life. He is one actor in the industry who is always cool, well behaved and down to earth. Pawan may be a superstar to the audience but he is the most simple man off screen. From his attire to his nature he is very simple and close to reality. He is a voracious reader and a guy who not only reads
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from him. Allu Arjun is one rare guy who thinks he knows nothing and has lots to know. He is very close to reality and does not get carried away by praises and accolades. He is always ready and enthusiastic to learn new things. The one thing Trivikram is known for is his Telugu diction, the another man in the industry who is considered to be the Guru of Telugu language and poetry is lyricist Sirivennela Seetarama Sastry. Your comments… My vocabulary will fall short if I start describing. He is one man who with his very first song in Sirivennela, made me wake up to Telugu language and made me rush to get a dictionary and rose the curiosity in me to know the meaning of the wonderful words he used. He is one writer who made people realize that film music can have poetry. He is the only lyricist who successfully managed to write beautiful, sensible poetry when the industry was focusing on the hero’s image, director’s ignorance, producer’s business aspects and audiences’ zero knowledge. He proved that sensible songs can be made for a commercial and introduced cinema and people like me to poetry in its true sense. Trivikram’s upcoming projects I have a film with Pawan Kalyan which we start shooting after the release of Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu. This film focuses on human values and Telugu traditions. I am sure the audience will like to see the powerful and mass hero Pawan Kalyan playing sensitive and intense character.
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Tell us something about yourself… I was born in Pondicherry and did my education in Chennai. My father had some crisis with his family and so we split from them and moved out on our own with zero money. My father took up a job in the Dancer’s Union in Chennai and my mother also used to work. We hardly made money for our livelihood. How did you get into films and dancing? As I said, our earning was less and I have a physically challenged brother. The money brought home was falling short and that is when I decided to work. I joined as a helper cum assistant in a tailoring shop for a very meagre amount. When I was working there, the shop owner Raju who was a dancer told me that dancers earn Rs. 500 a day. Keeping our family conditions in view, the amount attracted me. I thought it was big money and decided to get into dancing by all means and managed to join the Dancers Union. Initial days of struggle After joining the Union, I used to extensively visit choreographers with request for work and used to come back disappointed. To travel across the city in bus was an expensive affair for me. So I hired a cycle for my daily transportation and used to wander around the city in search of work. Days turned weeks and I kept getting disappointed. I was in such a bad condition that I did not even have money to pay for the rent of the cycle. Life changing moment… Desperate and dejected I went to the Sai Baba temple which I used to visit frequently. I was shattered at my condition and wept there. I was so disheartened that I decided to commit suicide as Dancer’s Union would compensate the enrolled member’s family with Rs. 50,000. Flooded with such thoughts I determined to commit suicide and went to the beach. After 96 aglmagazine.com
reaching the beach I realized that I had the rented cycle with me and I felt I should atleast return the cycle to avoid more expensesQ to the man who rented it to me. With this thought I went to the Dancer’s union to give the cycle to my dad. Destiny played a big role…When I reached the union office, the office was empty and the phone on the desk was ringing. As a matter of courtesy, I answered the call and to my amazement the man on the phone said that he needed a dancer for a shoot in Hyderabad which was being choreographed by Master Shiva Subramaniam. I was amazed at my luck and grabbed the opportunity and left for Hyderabad the very moment. That is how I got my first chance… Criticisms and complaints make a man… Though I got my assignment and did it, I faced quite a bit of criticism about my dancing skills. I still remember, Sampath master told me that my dancing was bad. All the criticisms I received I took them in a positive way and with all courage and determination enhanced my skill as dancer. For six months I just kept learning dance from all the sources possible and the very same Master Sampath complimented me on my improvement and determination. Debut and journey on the big screen… In Hyderabad I was constantly in search of work and was trying all ways and means to enter the industry. One day I landed up at R B Choudhary’s office who was introducing his son. He was very impressed with my work and I am thankful to him that he took the risk of giving chance to a newcomer. It was Vidyaarthi through which I debuted in the film industry. Your mentor and Guru… No doubt R B Choudhary launched me and for that I will always be grateful to him. But if there is somebody who I must say
/AGL/11.12/ Choreographer
Dancing on his Fingers...
He is a simple, soft spoken and otherwise shy guy. The moment you see him, one would wonder is this the same guy who made Jr.NTR dance in Yamadonga or Ram Charan in Magadheera? With a subtle beginning he rose to become one of the most popular and successful choreographers in south cinema. Right from Jr.NTR in Telugu to Vijay in Tamil to Punith and Yogi in Kannada he has all the top heroes and heroines dancing to his tunes. He is none other than the perfectionist choreographer Prem Rakshit… groomed me, shaped me and made me understand the nuances of film making, it is Rajamouli Garu and his wife Rama Rajamouli who gave me the chance to choreograph Jr.NTR in Yamadonga and made me a popular name in the industry. Choreography is an art…your definition of the same I feel choreographing a song is a task in itself. It needs lot of acumen of not only dance but also how to shoot and conceptualize it. In other words, I have always believed that shooting a three minute song is equally difficult and challenging as much as shooting a three hours film. The reason I say this is, a song also needs to have lot of creative aspects and expressional values. It is not just about dancing. In fact when you choreograph, the characterisation of the artists also has to be kept in mind. Thus, for a choreographer to choreograph a song he has to go through the story of the cinema at length. Industry is a dream place for many. For a person like Prem Rakshit who paved his own way, here is his mantra for aspiring choreographers… Value time, don’t waste it and utilise it effectively and toil hard. Continuous learning is essential. Keep updating and improving your skills and complement it with creativity. Cinema means creativity. Learn from all but try to have your own style and be passionate about your work. Don’t imitate! This simpleton has won many awards and accolades and is one of the busiest choreographers down south. Truly Prem Rakshit is a perfect example of the quote, “Determination and the vigour to achieve can lead you to great heights…”!
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Father & Son An Eternal Bonding By: Ajuli Tulsyan
“A son looks up at the stars and wonders…. A Father lifts him on his shoulders and helps grab the stars…!” True enough a Father and Son relationship is an eternal and priceless bonding. Look at a father holding his new born son in his arms that sure is one of the proudest moments of his life. Nothing could make him prouder that this much waited moment of holding his new born son in his arms. A father-son relation is an eternal bonding. While on one hand he receives mother’s love, the father lends him his finger to tread on the ground that he is so unsure to take. A twirl around Daddy’s finger and the task of taking the first step on the ground is accomplished in a jiffy. Later in life the son becomes Dad’s best buddy, polishing his good moves and correcting the wrong ones. Different ages of the child call for different roles for his father. Lest everything, one thing always remains… a father is always his son’s hero, his idol! 98 aglmagazine.com
The Toddler to Teen phase
This is the growing and learning phase…the most delicate years of a boy’s life. New friends, new school atmosphere, new tasks, everything makes him nervous and insecure. The father instils confidence in his little one, making him believe that no matter what he is there for him; to support him, guide him and stand by him. Those little father-son moments of cricket, fishing, grocery shopping…leave a permanent impact on the child. The father on the other hand too studies his son at length, explores his skills and takes the first step towards harnessing them. The father thus becomes the hero, the idol for his son.
The Teen Phase
Soon the son hits the difficult teenage. And his entire life takes a turn. Peer pressure, the irritation of rigorous physical development, the first infatuations, life couldn’t have been more difficult. The Father steps in handling these jitters like a buddy and yet rendering
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AGL spoke to a few Father-Son celebs to get a sneak peek into their relationship… Rana Daggubati: My father gives complete liberty to explore knowledge. The knowledge he shares with me is in abundance but he gives me the freedom to follow my heart. Without him I think I am a nobody… I am lucky to have been born in this family…Am proud of my dad! Suresh Babu: Rana is a talented son. I am proud of his achievements! As a young boy he was always very curious, loved experimenting and learning new things. Dr. ANR: My son Nagarjuna is the finest actor in the industry and a great son. Even as a kid, he used to do lot of acting. He also carried forward my dream to have a film school at the studio. Am proud to be his father! Nagarjuna: Dad is a fantastic father. He always wanted all his kids to study first and graduate with a degree, and later pursue the field of our choice. He is an encyclopaedia of knowledge and I have learnt a lot from him and idolize him.
“What was silent in the father speaks in the son, and often I found in the son the unveiled secret of the father.” - Friedrich Nietzsche. Rightfully said, a Father and Son relationship is truly one of the most beautiful and priceless relationships in life and each moment spent together is truly memorable. While the Father guides his son, the son is his image and helps fulfil his incomplete dreams and desires! the apt advice to overcome each worry confidently and move on in life like a winner. During these years of trial the skills and abilities are ready too and no one else but the father recognizes it. He introduces his son to the real world, the world of reason, discomfort, and hard work. He helps him handle difficult situations and plays a vital role in developing of skills like negotiation and street smartness. He gives him his first bike and teaches him to ride. In the teenage phase the father remains a silent guardian, keeping track all along and rushing to his son’s aid as and when required.
The Professional Phase
As teenage ends a whole new professional world steps in. This world is demanding, confusing and scary at
times. The son looks up to his father as his best advisor and counsellor… his best consigliore. Work pressure, stress, office politics…these become regular words in the day-to-day diary. Father stands by rendering emotional support and helps the son come to term with numerous life skills and helps incorporate them seeing him succeed in his walks of life. Thus a father stands by his child in every possible way at every phase of his son’s life, expecting nothing in return. A Father-son relationship is selfless and beautiful. From the first pocket money to the first ball game, the first movie, the first day of school and college to the first day of work… The father loves and cares for his child and the degree of love, care and af-
fection is consistent throughout. Then comes a day when the son walks ahead of his father in life that is the day when the latter considers his job almost done. Finally the roles are reversed and a second phase comes when the father needs his son’s support and care. That is the final testing phase for the relationship. A complete and successful circle is established only when a son is able to give back his attention and support in the same way his father gave him. Failing which is a black mark in the relationship.
Father & Son An Eternal Bonding
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How to work an LDR
long distance relationship By Deeksha Marur
Making a long distance relationship (LDR) work is like waking up early in the morning and heading to the gym. Why do I say that....? Well, because just like going to the gym needs some determination, discipline and dealing with, a long distance relationship too requires the same‌ The fact that you are away from your beloved can be very disheartening. With the chances of getting distracted because of the physical absence of your man/ woman, long distance relationships can be tricky. But, what would you do to make your relationship last? Or what are the things you would do to make your partner stay interested in you without your full time presence. Here are a few things we think will help keep that distant heart growing fonder by the day!
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Talk and not stalk Getting minute by minute updates may seem cute initially but if you want this long distance romance (LDR) to work, then you have to give each other space. Talk every alternate day so you do have something more to share otherwise, monotony could step in and ruin things.
Texting + Sex = Sexting Everybody loves a little bit of dirty talking. In an LDR, while everything else adds to the growth, a little of ‘sexting’ always helps keep each other interested.
Skype Hype Webcam date anyone? Get yourselves a webcam and have a video chat... Make it exciting, probably dress up for each other, have a meal and a drink through the webcam. If that’s not enough, then spice things up a little. Ladies, you can show off your sexy lingerie and show him what he’s missing out on.
Surprise, Surprise
Take a dirty picture for me
Keep the romance alive no matter how far you are away from the one you love. Send surprises to each other; send some love in the form of just about anything. Get working on your creativity and don’t repeat ideas…let a surprise be a surprise and don’t play spoil sport by letting out the secret in advance!
Game on Boys will be boys, and so their love for gaming lives on. If you’ve got yourself a gamer boy, then get online and both of you join a multiplayer game. Turn on the competitiveness via gaming, and trust when we say, he’ll find it turning on as well.
In today’s world of Blackberry’s, Androids, Windows Phone and the works, sending pictures of yourself to your partner isn’t rocket science. Listen to Kesha and Taio Cruz’s song Dirty Picture; it’s a lesson by itself.
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Go Ethnic
Glam it up with ethnic wear this festive season. Forget the mundane designs and regular accessories because we bring to you a few ethnic pieces straight off the runway that you could add not just to the ethnic look but add funk to your outfit…
L.A.M.B-y judaai If you’re young and love experimenting with fashion, then these LAMB babies... erm, wedged heels are made just for you. Try a colour blocking simple outfit and add the ‘x’ factor by strutting away in these.
Put your best vest forward You can leave your topi on Taking cue from Vikram Phadnis’ collection at the Blender’s Pride Fashion Tour 2012, and from the trends from the various fashion weeks’ that have been held across the globe; headgear pieces is a fashion accessory every girl must have. To add to the festivities that are lined up this month, get your hands on one of these neta topis. Style your outfit with less jewellery, probably a heavy designer salwar or ghagra and take the attention to the head. Try it if you think you can handle the head on attention.
This one’s for the guys... glam up those oh so boring sherwanis and kurtas this season and add some ethnic vests to your wardrobe. Guys, you might want to try Raghavendra Rathore’s Club Jodhpur twist, if you’re looking for something smart and hip…
Style it with a Chaand Aishwarya wore it in Kajra Re and it was a trend that followed suit. If you want to stand out, wear a chaand on the side of your hair like she did or like some of the models who showed off Neeta Lulla’s collection at the Blenders’ Pride Fashion Tour in the city last month. Whether it’s a medium sized chaand or a small one, go for the ones that ooze out glam, chic and sexiness. Go for the detailed one, which adds character to your outfit. By Deeksha Marur 102 aglmagazine.com
Ladies, it’s time to get your bling on and add some spark this festive season. With glitter being the color this month, we would want you to be the ones who’d be the silver, platinum and gold and definitely not Justin Bieber. Bring out those Jimmy Choos, Christian Louboutins or Burberrys and flaunt your shimmery sides. Whether its Swarovski crystal chandelier earrings, a Cartier
bracelet with intricate work or even a pair of slick Louboutin strappy heels… shine on this season! When Cyndi Lauper sang True Colors, and the lyrics went, “I see your true colors shining through...” She may have not meant it in the literal sense but since it’s the festive season, we’re pretty sure she wouldn’t mind if we took it literally. Here are our AGL scintillating picks that we think will add that extra spark to the festive season!
Shine bright like a diamond:
Glam it up with some Swarovski diamond jewellery like their Strawberry Dangling pierced earrings if you prefer silver. Otherwise, check out their Gold teardrop earrings that are elegant and chic.
Glitter for the sole:
If simplicity is your flavor then stick to the plain sheer shiny footwear like these Burberry (pastel saw dust strappy heels). Then again, giving simplicity a little texture is a good idea if you’re going simple on the outfit. Check out the Isabel glitter pumps by Jimmy Choo, a must have for the season.
Bag it:
If you’re choosing a simple outfit with not too much shimmer or shine, then to glam up the outfit, a glittering clutch bag like Alexander McQueen’s Bone Flower Stud Skull Knuckle box Clutch bag with its silver flower studs, silver finish hardware and Swarovski crystal rings add just the right amount of bling to an outfit.
Light up like a firework:
Taking a cue from Manish Arora’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection at the Paris Fashion Week, we think, trying something bold and beautiful like the golden leggings is a good option. Even Vikram Phadnis’ collection showcased at the Blender’s Pride Fashion Tour saw models strut the ramp in shimmery, golden leggings, glittering silver vest and jackets… This year’s festive season can see a lot of experimentation with all things shiny and glittering.
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Beauty tips for the festive season
There is festivity in the air and all are busy cleaning and decorating their houses. But what is important is personal beauty care too. You need to glow as the ambience around shimmers and scintillates… Here are a few beauty tips to focus on as you get set to sail into the festive mood… • Exfoliate dead skin cells 2-3 times a week as it helps the skin to detox. • Exfoliating of the skin can be done in the morning which will leave it glowing all day • Cut orange into 2 pieces and massage it on your skin. Leave it for 10 minutes…your skin will become shiny and glowing. • Wash your face at least twice a day.
• Use toner before bed time. • For dry skin cleansing is extremely important; use a cream based cleanser. • Avoid wearing heavy makeup. • Potato slices kept on the eyes for 10-15 min help reduce dark circles. • Rose water is the best skin toner
The Latest Trend – “The Undercut”
Undercut hair gives your hairstyle a pleasingly fierce and warrior-like beauty. It is a unisex haircut whereby the top section of the hair is held in place whilst the side and back sections are cut, thus making the top longer and the back sides short. The good news is that an undercut hairstyle is easy to take care of and very low maintenance. Courtesy: Ashton Pierra Banjara Hills
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Hair Style Director / Ali
/AGL/11.12/ FASHION INTERVIEW
Sagar Tenali –
A perfectionist to the core With creativity at its peak and style that stands apart, Sagar Tenali has carved a niche in the genre of western wear, club wear, resort wear and wedding trousseau. Believing in ‘Confident subtlety’, his latest collection Bahamas has stylishly paved way into wardrobe and hearts of many. Ajuli Tulsyan chatted with him to get an insight into his creative mind….
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Walking down memory lane….how did you plunge into the world of fashion & creativity? As far as creativity is concerned, I started visualizing right when I was five to six years old, I used to visualize and draw things in air; just for fun. My dad used to ask me to draw in air different animals and flowers, and I used to do it. My creative cells started functioning pretty early but my parents wanted me to be doctor. Strange but true, in south you either become a doctor or an engineer, but I always wanted to do something different. One day I was watching a programme about Fashion Designing on TV and bingo! I had made up my mind. My parents were dead against it, but I followed my heart. How did the flagship store Sagar Tenali come into being? How has been the journey so far? How does designing your own label differ from working for a large corporation? Well after working for four years and gaining enough of experience, I decided to come up with my flagship store. Initially I started off with just 400 sqft and today we have moved to a bigger space into 2600 sqft at road no-3, Banjara Hills. Nothing like working for your own label…loads of freedom…freedom of self expression, freedom of time, freedom of decision making and power. Also not to forget more responsibility, hard work and dedication! What does Fashion mean to you? How would you define Hyderabad Fashion vis-à-vis Fashion in other cities? To me fashion is an expression, a medium a channel…to express myself, my thoughts, ideas, dreams, emotions and who I am. When was the first article of clothing that you designed and what was was it? The moment I passed out of NIFT…TOI called to design outfits for Miss India contestant. I can never forget that feeling when I saw her walking the ramp in my creations on national television. Who are some of your favourite designers nationally and internationally? I’m a big fan of John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier for their imagination and audacity. Issey Miyake, Hussein Chalayan for the technical strength and Roberto Cavalli for the understanding of wear ability in high fashion. And ofcourse Sabyasachi for his hold in the fashion business and Manish Arora for his fearlessness…the list just goes on! Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing… I don’t follow a set process…I just go with the flow! Sometimes I start from an idea, concept, a
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need, occasion or just a piece of Cloth. What matters to you most as a fashion designer? I love, enjoy and respect my profession because I know very well that I can make or break someone’s image! What’s your favourite part about conceptualizing a design? Visualization…imagination…and dreaming. There are no boundaries for these; you can fly as far as you wish and there is nobody to stop you.
I’m a very practical guy and have practical goals. Right now I’m concentrating to showcase in the Lakme ‘n’ Wills Fashion Week. What are your favourite colors to work with and why? I like bright colors. They make me happy and energize me. What are your favourite fabrics to work with and why? I use only natural fabrics and yarns…it makes me feel responsible and capable.
How do you prepare for a fashion shoot or show? Which has been your best show so far? I am a perfectionist, that’s what people say! Very meticulous and it’s really tough working with me. I pay attention to every detail, I want the best in everything best and that’s why I work with the best people. How would you define the style your line exemplifies? For me style has to more individual... it has to be you. My line exemplifies clean classy and edgy.
What are your favourite patterns [prints] to work with and why? I like creativity in my patterns; it allows me to think beyond the box.
What are some of your fashion goals? Where do you get your inspiration?
What is your forte in designing? Color, craft and comfort are my forte. My style reflects
What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion? Be original…be open to learning and enjoy every bit of the learning process to excel in your endeavors.
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confident subtlety and an inherent class with an edge statement. What according to you is a Fashion disaster? Anything you blindly wear merely following trends is a disaster. Understand your individual style and if you cannot recognize your style don’t hesitate to consult an expert for the same. With the festive season around the corner what is your ‘avant garde’ signature style this season? Fusion is the style this season. Right time for east meeting west! Pull up a heavy embroider or sequined trouser with heavy ghera anarkali, wear your dupatta as a turban and sport it with your boyfriend’s aviators. Your latest fashion show? My luxury resort wear at The Park where we had cool separates to wear for luxury holidays to Bahamas. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? I would like to see my brand’s presence in at least 5 cities internationally. Five essentials in a man’s wardrobe and five essentials in a lady’s wardrobe?
Must haves in a Lady’s wardrobe - One black dress, denim that fits like Heaven, intricately crafted gold/silver fusion blouse, antique traditional sari and expensive lingerie. Must haves in a Man’s wardrobe - Crisp white shirt, blue jeans, well fitted black bandgala, classic pin strip, buttoned suit and a cashmere silk pocket square. If not a designer…what would Sagar Tenali have been? Hmmmm….maybe an artist or perhaps a host in a Travel Show! Your mantra in life? Live life with determination, dedication and discipline. Be happy and enjoy every moment, spread love. Sagar Tenali as a person? Your favourite pastime? If not in your store where can we find you? Sagar Tenali is an optimist…happy go lucky and a perfectionist! If not at my store you can find me catching up with my buddies. Your message to the AGL readers… AGL is a fantastic magazine. I wish the magazine all the success. Readers expect more fashion and glamour from my end…stay cool and fashionable!
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AGL SNAP SHOT
MAHESH BABU 112 aglmagazine.com
RAHUL KHANNA
NAGARJUNA
AGL SNAP SHOT
ZARINE KHAN
SHAZAHN PADAMSEE
SARAH JANE DIAS aglmagazine.com 113
PARTY
Fareed Khan & Saba Khan
Aamer Javeed
Sara
Farah
Sakeen
Sofia
Sania
Happy Unison Fareed Khan and Saba Khan tied the knot amidst a gathering of family and friends at Taj Deccan
Sabaqua , Shahid 114 aglmagazine.com
Arshad,Fatima
Esa ,Raria
Men in black!
Omair , Sidra
Ruhina , Obaid
Roshna
PARTY
Divya
Hitika
Mamatha
Aarti Badruka
Aarti
Nisha
Pavani Khurana
Birthday fun Pavani Khurana celebrated her birthday with friends at Rain. The evening had the guests all letting their hair loose and dancing to peppy numbers... Gayatri
Anitha
Shubhi
Rashmi
Sruti, Palka
Rashleen
Suriti,Eena aglmagazine.com 115
PARTY
Soundarya
Shimonia
Priyanka
D J AS (Shanthi)
Surabhi
Pub Hop DJ AS spun foot tapping and rocking numbers at Rain and had everyone hit the dance floor...!
Charmine
Mohin & Sania
Pallavi
Sukrutha
Keerthi
Sanchita
116 aglmagazine.com
Archana
PARTY
Shalini , Sheetal
Deeksha Jain
Deepali
Varsha
Pooja
Priyanka
Koyal, Anup
B’DAY CELEBRATION Anup celebrated his birthday in a grand way at Bottles and Chimneys, Begumpet...
Pawan & Jasmine
Gautam & Vartika
Mansi & Abhishek Vuppala aglmagazine.com 117
PARTY
Shruti , Paritosh Agarwal,Rayaansh Agarwal
cradle ceremony Little Rayaansh was welcomed to the world by his proud parents, Shruti and Paritosh Agarwal as they threw a cradle ceremony in his honour at Taj Krishna
Raghu
Ajay Agarwal , Hansa Agarwal 118 aglmagazine.com
Rakhee
Menaka
Neha
Divya
PARTY
Sunitha & Anju Jain
Ayush & Harsha
Pratima & Vishesh
Sakshi , Anusha
Anand & Asmita
Archana
Munish Agarwal & Sandhya
Savita,Sujata,Deepa
Abhishek , Sruti aglmagazine.com 119
PARTY
Sunitha,Shail,Nirmala
Param,Nisha, Anju,Madhavi
Surender Singh
Diksha Agarwal & Manish Agarwal
Suman Agarwal
MUSICAL Nite!
Manish Agarwal threw a fun musical party for his friends at his farm house. It sure was a memorable evening for all...
Promod
Ravindra Agarwal 120 aglmagazine.com
Prem Agarwal
Shyam Kapoor & Vasu shree
Ajay garg & Rita
Vishaka
PARTY
Prerana & Ritu
Poonam
Madhu Jain
Roshini
Hina
Ishita
Sahibha
celebration time Prerana and Ritu launched their club YLC Season 2 in style. Friends rushed to Bottles & Chimneys to join in the celebration!
Komal with Friend
Ruchita & Reema
Rupal & Savi
Mamatha & Ruchika
Vinny
Nisha & Pooja
Alka aglmagazine.com 121
PARTY
Ranjitha
Varsha
Khushboo
Parleen
Aakanksha
Birthday in Style Akanksha’s b’day was celebrated at Taj Krishna amidst a lot of fun & glamour. Parleen from Bollywood Indian Idol put forth a special performance. Shikha
Sanju 122 aglmagazine.com
Lavanya
Radhika
Indu
Alka
Neelima
Payal
Jyothi
Suman
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ARIES (March 21 - April 21) The card drawn for this month for Aries is “The Hanged Man”. This indicates an element of surrender. It is time to sweep out all the dread woods of your life and unburden yourself of things that are holding you back. Relax and affirm to yourself that everything is unfolding as it should. Avoid adventure sports. Lucky Colour- Red
TAURUS (April 21 - March 21) The card drawn for this month for Taurus is “Temperance”. This indicates the need to be patient and keep cool. You need to stop and look at the options available in a given situation. Businessmen will have to invest in advertising and self promotion. You can seek advice of your friends in crucial matters. Lucky Colour- Pink
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) The card drawn for this month for Gemini is “Six of Pentacles”. The card depicts repayment, either money that is owed to you by others is repaid or payment you owe to someone has to be settled. It is a great week to restart your exercise program. Keep a watch on money flow and try and avoid unnecessary expenses. Lucky Colour – Green
CANCER (June 22 - July23) The card for Cancer this month is “Knight of swords”. This speaks of events happening quickly or completely out of the blue. Take control of the situation. You must also be careful about placing your trust too readily as you could easily get hurt. Health issues may need attention, so don’t neglect persistent symptoms. Lucky Colour - Purple
LION (July 24 - Aug 23) The card drawn for Leo this month is “Eight of Pentacles”. This represents a period of hard work. Organize yourself and also give responsibilities to others. It’s time to polish your skills as this will give you a better earning power. Be focused to your work to keep competition at bay. Lucky Colour - Orange
VIRGO (Aug 24 - Sep 23) The card for Virgos this month is “Seven of Pentacles”. This indicates assessment and deliberation. It also indicates progress and success. Put all your plans into action rather than waiting for things to happen. Look for balance and security while making any important decision. Lucky Colour –Yellow 124 aglmagazine.com
LIBRA
Horoscope for November 2012
(Sep 24 - Oct 23) The card for this month for the Librans is “six of wands’. This represents success. You will get your rewards for all your efforts. It shows a successful outcome of a tough situation. Plan your work ahead of time to streamline delay. Romance is on the cards, so just enjoy the new phase of your life. Lucky Colour – Blue
SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 22) The card drawn for Scorpio this month is “Ten of Cups”. This represents celebration. Success in business and relationship is seen in the cards. Career wise this is a good period for you and new opportunities are likely to come your way. Take time off to de-stress and re-energize yourself. Seize all opportunities that come your way. Lucky Colour –White
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 - Dec 22) The card drawn for this month for Sagittarius is “Seven of Cups”. It is referred to as a ‘choice card’. It is time to weigh all available options. You need to take the risk; to commit to a relationship or to a course of action that you are unsure of. Careful and objective analysis may be needed before successful implementation. Lucky Colour – Pink
CAPRICORN (Dec 23 - Jan 20) The card drawn for Capricorn this month is “Ace of Wands”. This symbolizes new beginnings. You will get the right opportunity especially regarding a new project. A new job is on the cards and also a chance to learn new skills which will help you to climb the Ladder of success. Travel is on the cards for some. Lucky Colour- Beige
AQUARIUS (Jan 21 - Feb 19) The card drawn is the “King of Cups”. At this point in life you are going through a low phase. Avoid any misunderstanding. Curb your expenses and plan your investments well. Be realistic with your expectations. This is a good time to review and update your long term goals and set new objectives to achieve these goals. Lucky Colour – Aqua Marine
PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) The card drawn for Pisces this month is the “Queen of Cups”. You are a day dreamer and a romantic person. It is time to take a reality check. Advice from close associates will be beneficial. Preventive measures and positive lifestyle will enhance your health. Be more open with your thoughts. Chetna Parekh is a renowned Tarot Card Reader and Reiki Healer Lucky Colour – Brown (Contact: 09391161312; Email: Chetna.healings @gmail.com)
Congratulationss!!!! This avatar of yours makes you the Queen of disastrous Fashion. The only word that strikes my head looking at you girl is “DISASTER”. Checklist: Starting from your Grey errr, is it a dress or a skirt? Ahh…confused! Just can’t decide and how on earth did you manage to match a golden watch, a green stoned jewellery and a blue Converse bag? You need to consult a Fasion Expert and change your entire wardrobe girl!
FASHION POLICE Red, black, brown, green, blue, yellow, white… OMG!! Please give me the contact of the person who you actually borrowed these shoes from... Was it a Clown from some circus….??? Next time don’t even think of wearing a Satin tie which is not even ironed and doesn’t go a wee bit with your entire outfit. For God’s have atleast some taste in your color co- ordination!
*Eyes Popped out*…. I’ve heard a line before, “If you have it, Flaunt it”, but pleaseeee every girl has a black bra, what’s new in that? SPARE ME the horror of your flowy gown and your make up ……!!!!!!! You got pretty eyes Lady, but keep it simple without your lenses….
“You sure have guts babe to face the camera this way!” Your dream of looking outstanding has come true as no one can ever walk confidently like you in such atrocious attire. Seems like you are wearing your younger sibling’s clothes, which will rip off your body even before you enter the party!!!! And what is with the Blingggg on your stockings along with the pink bag….. Coming to your face darlingggg, Ahhhhh….. looks like you have applied the cake’s cream along with cherry as your lipssss…! “Helloooo Sleeping Beauty!!!!” You will never find your Prince Charming in this dress nor will your plastic bellies make you Cinderella… even if you leave your shoes on the step, it will just be thrown away in the trash! Next time, try not entering a party in your “Nightie”…
S.S Sudesh with Amala Sadaf
Aqeel
Sridhar
Venkat
Ramana