An insightful power play

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‘Fashion is a way of life’

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‘FAIT’H ACCOMPLI of a bookish kind An illustration from the book Secret of the Nagas

This investment bankerturned writer weaves stories rich with Indian mythology and believes that a higher force guides his writing

(From left) Shekar, Ravi and Prakash

An insightful

power play Amish Tripathi

City boys Ravi Siddhappa, Prakash Jayaramiah and Shekar Naik are all set to play in the T-20 World Cup for the Blind AYSWARYA MURTHY DECCAN CHRONICLE

SINDHUJA BALAJI DECCAN CHRONICLE

He is currently working on his third novel and is under a lot of pressure from his publishers. But, that hasn’t taken away the charming demeanour, candour and wit of this bestselling author. With successful novels like The Immortals of Meluha and Secret of the Nagas in his bag, investment banker-turned-author Amish Tripathi is speeding up to complete his third novel — The Oath of the Vayuputras. He will be in the city next weekend as part of the Bangalore Literature Festival from Continued on December 7 to 9 at Jayamahal Palace.

Some of the most successful authors never imagined they would, one day, pen their thoughts on paper and attract a 24-25 queue of publishers.

Q u ote r i e

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The air is lush with excitement, as the warm winter sun shines down on those gathered at the Shree Kanteerava Stadium for the opening ceremony of the very first T-20 World Cup for the Blind. The sportsmen representing India are seated together, smiling and chatting, but the air of controlled calm is unmistakable. To their side are the other teams of visually-challenged players from all major test playing nations — England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Bangladesh and more, in distinct, formal jackets, basking in the high of playing for their respective countries in this inspirational sport.

Karnataka player Prakash Jayaramiah is the team’s opener. Their coach Patrick Rajkumar is full of glowing praise for the 26year-old. “He is one of our big-hitters... knocks centuries without breaking a sweat,” he says.

But you couldn’t tell, looking at him. He is unassuming and endearingly modest. “We are very lucky to have a great coach and we want to make sure the cup doesn’t leave the country,” Continued on Page 24-25

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Monday 3 December 2012

quoterie ‘FAIT’H accompli Continued from Page 17 Amish is no different, “I was always into sports and academics. I wanted to be a historian but chose a career in finance instead.” It was not a wave of inspiration that suddenly struck him to ditch an illustrious banking career to write a mythological book. Ask Amish why he chose to write on Lord Shiva and he says, “He is probably the most democratic and contemporary god in Hindu mythology. He was responsible for bringing me back to spirituality.”

A self-confessed atheist for a long time, Amish’s views on God and religion changed. He believes a higher force guides him while the thoughts flow on paper. “I haven’t experienced a writer’s block till date! I hope it never happens,” says the 36-year-old author. At a time when several novels showcase a futuristic India with contemporary themes, did he feel he was jeopardising his literary debut with mythology? “Every writer has his own motivation. At first, my manuscripts were rejected by several publishers. I believed my story deserves to be told and if you have that conviction, nothing can stop you.” With vernacular and regional literature still propagating religious and spiritual books, English language publishers are now opening up to the idea of showcasing the real India. “There is no place better than India to write such books.

With lakhs of copies sold, this stands testament to the fact that Indians are

keen on learning about their roots.”

Writers like Ashok Banker, Vikram Chandra and Aruna Sharan have created a niche for themselves by reinventing Hindu mythology and Amish joins this rank of thinkers. “I do not believe in raking up controversy to generate publicity. If you write something with respect in your heart, you needn’t fear the world. I admit mythology is a delicate genre to write about but I never doubted my capabilities.”

And he shouldn’t either. Karan Johar will be recreating The Immortals of Meluha, and Hrithik Roshan is reportedly playing the lead role. Amish maintains a diplomatic stance on this, “I have no idea who is playing the lead role and it’s best if the announcement comes from Dharma Productions.” As of now, the author is excited to be in the city for the Bangalore Literature Festival. “This is a beautiful city, very green and pleasant. I am really happy to see how literature festivals are picking up across cities. We already have Mumbai, Jaipur and Kolkata setting the trend. I do hope that the local language gets highlighted in these fests; it should not be restricted to English alone.”

With a degree from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, little did Amish know he would churn out bestsellers. “I am lucky my books have worked and now, I’m a fulltime writer. I spend my time reading, travelling and writing.”

Bengaluru Chronicle From sunny beaches and haute resort wear, the second day at IRFW was a riot of colours

Beach wear gets a

I would love to ride

desi twist in Goa

AN ELEPHANT ... says Paris Hilton who was in Goa to DJ and model during IRFW 2012 ANISHA DHIMAN DECCAN CHRONICLE

Bhoop Yadhuvanshi, Madhurima Tuli and Riyaz Gangji

The T-20 squad

Continued from Page 17 says a determined Prakash. His love for the sport started with gully cricket and he says it was his mother and school’s coach who encouraged him to see past his disability and pursue his passion.

“A win here would mean no end to my happiness,” he smiles, saying cautiously, “We know that England and Pakistan are going to be tough to beat, though.”

His teammate and fellow statesman Ravi Siddhappa is reminiscent of the Little Master both in stature and enthusiasm. “I want to keep playing cricket till I am 40,” he declares. Hailing from a modest farming family from Davanagere, Ravi made his debut for the Indian team only this year. Fresh from the tour of Pakistan this year, he is raring to clinch the cup this time.

“Pakistan is going to put up a great fight, I know,” he says, “But, we are going to win and the celebrations are

and anarkalis qualify as resort wear? “Even though wedThe sex symbol of the 70s dings take place at resorts and the and 80s — Zeenat Aman, themes are contemporary, it’s still imporand the bubbly actresses tant to retain the Indianness,” answered Genelia D’Souza and Riyaz.

Eye candy was not the only ‘sweet- Shahzan Shahzan Padamsee were among those who ness’ one could get at the IRFW, as Padamsee scorched the ramp on people were greeted with cupcakes day two of the at the entrance; all part of the drama India Resort presented by designer Sushma Patel.

Fashion Week “I was inspired by cupcakes and the sugar rush they offer. I tried to con(IFRW) in Goa. The second edi- vert this inspiration into something tion of the glam- more sensual with my clothes,” said orous event, being the designer of the collection titled held at sunny Candolim beach, show- ‘Cupcake Massacre’. A burst of cased a curious mix of collections candy colours, the outfits included innovative jumpsuits in lace. The inspired by Picasso, Japanese beaches, show-stopper for this one cupcakes and more. Pegged as was young B-town Asia’s largest fashion festival, actress Shahzan the IRFW inspired some I was inspired Padamsee. designers like Vikram Paying tribute to Phadnis to carry along 40 by cupcakes and the paintings of bags of luggage!

Pablo Picasso were Fifteen young designers the sugar rush Pria Kataria Puri’s from the Rachna Sansad they offer ensembles in black, School of Fashion and white, tangerine and Textile Design opened — SUSHMA PATEL, shades of blue. the second day with a colA DESIGNER Neeta Lulla’s showlection doused in vibrant stopper was the gorgeous colours like orange and Genelia D’Souza (now blue, paired with bronze and silver accessories. Next up was Arti Vijay Deshmukh) in free-flowing and spirGupta’s work, summing up her one- ited resort bridal wear. “I’ve been to liner ‘I love to doodle’. Souina Goa five times in the last six months Gohil’s fluorescent and blue ensem- and I’ve attended so many weddings bles celebrated the irresistible that by the end, one is usually so charm of the ancient Greek goddess tired. Neeta’s light and flowing outfits are ideal for a destination wedin a collection titled ‘Aphrodite’.

Riyaz and Reshma Gangji’s collec- ding,” said the fairly recent bride tion exuded the ‘wow’ factor with herself, who drew quite a few whismodels dancing on the ramp, clad in tles from the audience.

“This is my first time at the chic traditional Indian ensembles.

Inspired by the beaches of Japan, IRFW and I love Goa, so it was the outfits were high on glitter and natural for me to accept the offer to be here,” she added, throwing intricate embroidery.

But the question on everyone’s in the tid-bit that when it comes mind was — how can saris, gowns to fashion, shoes are her ‘poison’.

DC CORRESPONDENT

‘Power’ play... going to be great.” Gautam Gambhir is one of his favourite players. “He is a patient player who knows how to adapt to the situation. Just look at his recent knock. He managed a 97 in a critical situation.”

For Bengaluru-boy Shekar Naik, this is an extremely special tournament.

“It is my first World Cup as the skipper and I can’t describe the feeling of playing in my home country and home state.” Born visually-impaired, the man is a silent testimony to the strength of the human spirit and it’s easy to picture him delivering his locker room pep talk — calm and matter-offact, but firm and determined. Ravi, who has been playing cricket since his school days, wants the government and the BBCI to give their sport more support and recognition. “I want to request cricket fans to come witness our matches. You’ll find that same excitement and thrill of a regular match here too and spectators won’t go home disappointed,” he says.

One can’t help but feel a certain amount of pride when contemplating the fact that India, where living with a disability is particularly a struggle, is hosting this inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup. That here, in our hallowed cricket grounds, the world can witness the triumph of inner strength over physical limitations.

The tournament will be on till December 13 at Kanteerva Stadium

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Models in Riyaz and Reshma Gangji’s resort wear

When hotel heiress Paris Hilton walked in fashionably late (only three hours) for her meeting with the media during the India Resort Fashion Week 2012 in Goa on Saturday, the organisers said there was a glitch with her dress. But, when she walked in wearing a short dress and boots one wondered what the glitch was? Perhaps it was the massage she had, earlier in the day, tweeted about: Just had an amazing energizing massage at the spa with@RiverViiperi. Relaxed and ready to rock it tonight in Goa! “Namaste,” she greeted the crowd. “This is the first time I am DJing and walking at a fashion event, not just in India, but also in the Pacific region. As a little girl, my mum would take me and my sister to a lot of couture shows and that’s how I came to love fashion. I would play dress-up with my sister and friends. I got a call to come here and it just sounded fun,” she said, adding, “I love Indian fashion and the last time when I was in India, I met Falguni and Shane Peacock; I have met them in New York too — they are good friends and I am looking forward to be walking the ramp tonight for them.”

The diva also indulged in a bit of shopping. “I landed yesterday and checked out a few saris by them and also bought a few gifts for people back home. I went out for a walk yesterday and bought some spices, curries and tried out Goan food, which is delicious. I have bought some trinkets and showpiece elephants, for friends and family. I love elephants. Now in Goa, I would love to ride an elephant,” she said.

And, how Paris Hilton does she was the showmanage to stopper at the India balance so Resort Fashion many proWeek held in Goa jects? “I

am an Aquarius and we are generally multi-talented. But more than anything, I love being identified as a business woman and IRFW is a perfect blend of music, fashion and business,” she added.

Apart from walking the ramp for the finale, Paris is also going to DJ at Sandkastle, the music arena next to the ramp. “Right now, on my iPod, you will find Britney Spears, David Guetta and Michael Jackson,” she reveals.

“For the event, I’ll be playing a lot of electronic dance music, hip-hop, partystyle music and so on.”

Later in the evening, unlike show-stoppers, Paris was a “show starter” for Falguni and Shane. She started the show walking arm-in-arm with the designers wearing a silver gown with peacockcoloured embellishments. The new DJ then played at the music arena till 11 pm which wrapped up the four-day fashion and music extravaganza.

Genelia D’Souza Deshmukh