Luxury Life & Style February 2018|Rs100
R Balki On Pad Man and Padmaavat
DAring and dashing
Haute Dining
For the amorous palette
siddharth
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February 2018
EDITOR'S
NOTE
“Y
ou are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.� I read this quote online in a Harvard Business Review article. These words really got me thinking. Who are the five people I
spend the most time with? The answer was a mix of my immediate family, colleagues at work and a friend or two. It made sense to me; we do tend to imbibe characteristics from those we are with. I want to grow, learn and constantly improve. To achieve this, I now believe I need to actually watch my 5. I plan to surround myself with inspiring company, with people smarter, wiser and kinder
than me. Our lives are defined by the company we keep. So ask yourself: Do you want to grow and learn so you can leave a bigger impact? Then spend time with people who want to grow so they can have a bigger impact. Spend time with people who have grown and have had the impact you wish to have. Surround yourself with these people who inspire you. Those who push you to be better. This is what I believe. This is what I want to work towards. Hope you enjoy this issue of LIVING with the most versatile personality as our cover star, Siddharth! I learnt from him to work harder for social causes. Catch up with him and much more in this power-and romance-packed Valentine's edition of LIVING!
Rohini Manian Editor-in-Chief rohini@globaladjustments.com February 2018
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is online: www.culturamaliving.com www.issuu.com www.magzter.com To subscribe to this magazine, e-mail culturamaliving@globaladjustments.com For advertisement Call : 98416 28335
INBOX Living magazine is so elegantly brought out. I picked it up at Chamiers although I saw it conveniently placed all over town. Kudos to Rohini and team for keeping ahead of the times. Rathika Sunder Narain Karthikeyan is truly a national hero. How nice to see his face on the cover of LIVING magazine. His interview was a pleasure to read. Sushil Kumar Jain Your story on top cars to look out for in 2018 was a great read. I loved how you had Narain Karthikeyan on the cover and the car story inside. Keep up the good work. Suraj Reddy
Rohini Manian
Editor-in-Chief
DEEPA KALUKURI managing Editor Anupama arvinD vice president – business strategy Paneer selvam business head Prem Kumar Creative Head V Ramkumar vice president – Finance P DEVARAJ CIRCULATION Ishani vellodi reddy | DEVANSHI MODy | Preeti Verma lal Antara kothari | Shruti RAvinder Ankita S | suraksha bhatla acharya | Contributors Chennai (Headquarters) 5, 3rd Main Road, R A Puram, Chennai – 600028 Telefax +91-44-24617902 E-mail culturamaliving@globaladjustments.com Bengaluru #333/1, 1st Floor, 9th Main, 14th Cross, 2nd Stage, Indira Nagar, Published and owned by Rohini manian at #5, 3rd Main Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai – 600028, and printed by K Srinivasan of Srikals Graphics Pvt Ltd at #5, Balaji Nagar, 1st Street, Ekkattuthangal, Chennai – 600032
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Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed by writers do not
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Mumbai – 400013 Tel +91-22-66879366 E-mail mum@globaladjustments.com
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INSIDE
this issue 14
The Eligible Bachelor
24
Time out
A chat with the perfect Valentine: Siddharth
38 Why It’s Time To Ditch Your Resolutions It's time to assess your New Year promises
40
We bring you the best dials of the season
Cupid's Cocktail
Drop the cliche and impress your date
30
ictuals Valentine's V world's for two at the nner A romantic di poshest tables
52
Cherished ‘MOM’ents! Inside the minds of moms-to-be!
46
The Ark of Living Join us on a luxurious sail
66 R Balki
On his first biopic: Pad Man 10
February 2018
February 2018
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12
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February 2018
13
Small Talk
The Eligible Bachelor When Boys hit the screens in 2003, a star
was born! Siddharth stole a million hearts and is one of the most gifted actors in the country. No matter which genre, he went on to prove that he can nail any character with elan. In a candid conversation with Rohini Manian, Siddharth talks about movies, film-making and his future plans Photography: Nithin Barath |
Styling: Shilpa Vummiti |
Location Courtesy: Hyatt Regency, Chennai 14
February 2018
Make up & Hair: Sam & Riwaz, Page 3
Small Talk
Suit: Osman Abdul Razak (Gabbana Life) T-Shirt: Malgaadi Shoes: A Tailor's Tale
February 2018
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Small Talk
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February 2018
I
Small Talk t’s difficult to remove the tag of ‘The Boy Next Door’ from Siddharth and looks like it will forever be his synonym! With over 15 years in the industry and an array of stunning films in his kitty, he’s a star to reckon with! In this interview with him
after his smash hit, Aval, he reveals his thoughts on movies and his pet love, and shares secrets that we never knew before. What would you have wanted to be if you weren’t an actor? I have thought about this many times in my life… if I had not become an actor I would have been a director. That’s what I came to do in the first place. I have dreams of becoming a filmmaker someday. You are known for your commitment to help others. Tell us how you became a contributor to social causes, whether it was the Chennai 2015 floods, anti-piracy or others. I think more than being a philanthropist, if I have to give credit to myself it is for speaking my mind. I go with my conscience and I believe that without integrity we are nothing. I voice what I feel. There are lot of philanthropists that people don’t hear about, and they speak their minds without fear. It’s best to go about what you think makes the big difference. If that happens, great things will happen. We know you are an animal lover. So tell us what lessons you have learnt from your pets from Tacho and your other pets. Dogs have been a large part of my life. I always adopted rescue
pets. I have never bought a life as far as a pet is concerned. Because I kind of think there are so many animals that need care. There’s something magical about an animal finding its way to you.
Look: A Tailor's Tale
February 2018
17
Small Talk We’ve had three dogs and now we have a cat. Having
individual, I did all the specific things I wanted to
an animal around shows you love. It’s so comforting!
achieve. It was difficult to find a role model and I
The relationship a human being has with an animal is
never really had one. I’ve believed that there is a trim
the other connection of love; it’s what you show the
mind between confidence and arrogance. I always
animal – that’s what I’ve learnt. I have a very unique
try to do what my parents taught me to do, which is
relationship with each of my pets. My friends often
never not try. And anything I do is because I try. So
joke that an animal is lucky to find its way to my
I like to try everything. I don’t think it’s possible to
family, and it sometimes even gets better than the
have a role model, and that has kind of worked out
human beings in the house.
for the best, I think.
Who is your role model and why?
You are arguably one of South India’s most
I’ve always had a problem with the concept of role models, because as a child growing up
eligible bachelors. What are your thoughts on this? I’ve had a huge disconnect of a general fan
I didn’t have a role model.
expectation of my life, which is really far more
As a child, I wanted to do
romantic than my on-screen performances. I have a
too many things; as an
very simple family life and some close friends. You speak so well. I’ve always admired that in you. How did you develop this skill? I’ve taken speaking very seriously all my life, and I like the art of communication and the art of speaking. Since my school days I’ve been in the International Parliamentary Debate and have always spoken my way through things. I’m someone who watches and hears more than reads; and that kind of helps because it’s a part of my personality. I’ve a quick grasping power and when I hear and see things, I remember them very well. However, I’ve always been curious about topics and constantly getting to know what’s going around and that kind of leads me to talk about it. Where do you see India in
Outfit: Gatsby Aliph Shoes: A Tailor's Tale Diamond Watch: Viswa and Devji
2025? India, not just in 2025 but for a much further period, will remain in the best of its times
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February 2018
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Small Talk
and worst of its times, which is what makes India
You’ve completed 15 years in the film industry.
what it is. We’ve been in this state for some time in
Are you happy with how these 15 years have
the past, too. In 2025, hopefully, India will be a far
contributed to your personality and tell us what
more united country, and that’s a hope!
you’ve learnt and what you regret?
LIVING is a luxury lifestyle magazine. What would be your tips for living well? 1. Food - People should approach it with the foremost spiritual attitude; there is a certain relationship in what you eat and what you feel. You
Firstly, I am incredibly grateful I’ve been asked a question about what is the happiness I get in these 15 years, rather than I’ve been in this industry too much. I take this as an award. In terms of my personality, I am quite specific.
need to find the kind of happiness through food. I’m
A huge part of me where I am today is exactly who I
a total foodie and I live to eat; and that’s my first
was when I was a kid. So, the majority of me hasn’t
mantra. If you give attention to certain things and
really changed. I am glad that I went with the right
make yourself happy, you will see a huge change in
belief and I don’t take my success lightly; I take my
your lifestyle.
work very seriously. So, my fundamentals are pretty
2. Always try to meet new people and experience new things, because your lifestyle is exactly your growth. 20
February 2018
good. And, in this industry I’ve learnt that nothing is permanent; things keep changing and everything is temporary and everything is good. If something good
February 2018
21
Small Talk is happening, it means something bad will happen and vice versa. That’s what helps me stay grounded and be realistic about my future. As an actor you have box office superhits and not-so-hot films. How do you deal with your successes and failures? When people ask me what are my favourite films, I talk about the films that didn’t work. It’s like a bunch of puppies everybody talks about and plays with and some people don’t play with. It doesn’t mean that they aren’t cute. It means there is some disconnect. I like talking about films that don’t work. As far as the box office success is concerned, I am as good as the films. I am not bigger than any a film. It doesn’t matter if the film is a hit or a flop. When I see the film and it’s satisfactory for me, that’s a success. I am responsible for my producers and responsible to get my money back. So I spend a lot of time thinking about what I am trying to do. Your fans and media often call you “The boy next door”. Behind the camera how do you describe your personality? People who know me are aware that I am a different person from my acting persona. More importantly, to be called a boy, at 38, is great. As far as my personality is concerned, I like to make people laugh and I laugh at myself easily. I like my privacy. I like my friends and am very loyal; that pretty much sums me up. I am obsessed with the whole idea of music, cinema and entertainment. It’s something that keeps me occupied for hours a day. Do you love travelling? Which is the one place you wish to travel to? I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many places with my friends and family. One thing I never want to stop doing is travelling. In terms of bucket lists, I have a lot of places to see. I would like to go back to a few places again and again. A city like Istanbul, which I haven’t been to in a while; I would love to go back again. I am a huge fan of New York; it’s a place
like to travel to the North-East and explore its beauty. What are the movies you’re doing this year and when can your fans except to see you on screen? I have four releases in 2018. Three of them in
filled with people from all over the world and still
Tamil and one of them is a Malayalam debut. I am
feels like home. As far as India is concerned, I would
extremely happy about it. It comes out this summer!
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February 2018
February 2018
23
Runway
$ 60,223
Audemars Piguet
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Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver Chronometer
$ 39,328 Rolex YachtMaster II
Time Out
$ 412,100
Blancpain Le Brassus Minute Repeater Carousel
$ 121,377
Cartier Ballon Blanc de - white gold
It's time to flash that shine on your wrists with these hot dials. Choose from the top watches to hit the
$ 7,287
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runways this season! $ 28,700
Patek Philippe Calatrava
$ 26,400 A. Lange and Sohne Saxonia Mother-OfPearl and Diamond
* All prices are subject to change
24
February 2018
$ 28,495
ROLEX Day-Date Sundust Stripe Dial 18K Everose Gold Automatic
February 2018
25
Runway
Prada Cahier Straw shoulder bag
$ 3,227
$ 1,247 Prada structured logo tote bag
$ 2,750 Chloe pixie tote bag
$ 1,928
Gucci GG Marmont MatelassĂŠ shoulder bag
Bagging the Best Here's a steal from season's best bags for the lover of
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accessories $ 2,347
Miu Miu woven cross body bag
$ 1,973 26
February 2018
JW Anderson pierce bag
$ 2,141 Fendi Can I shoulder bag
$ 2,288 Marni Pannier tote bag * All prices are subject to change
February 2018
27
Techiela
Wrap it up! With hundreds of gifting options and
I
t always feels good to do a little something that brings a smile to your special someone. While most of you might have it all figured out, we're sure there are a few lastminute planners for the V-day. Planning the perfect date,
to the perfect gift doesn’t always have to be a hard day out. If you're having trouble finding the time to get things together for Valentine's, check out four fabulous websites that’ll up the romantic quotient.
All You Need In a Red envelope The Chinese red envelope is a form of gift that’s given during holidays or special occasions
easy-to-buy online
such as weddings,
products, we’re spoilt
and more. The red
for choice. What do
graduations, birthdays envelope website caters perfectly to all
you gift your loved
your gifting needs.
ones when they have
pendants to creative
it all? Team LIVING
From chocolates and gifts like personalised puzzles and 'Hidden Message Collar Stays', express your love old
picks four of the
school way with an 'Embellished Monogram Charm Necklace', or go
trendiest websites
couples out there, the website also sells activity books, so you
from which you can grab a gift this season.
classy with a 'Channel birthstone bracelet'. For all the adventurous can plan your next adventure. ‘Where we met puzzle’ is one of the website’s best-sellers. Falling in love always feels like getting the jumbled pieces of puzzles fall into place. Recreate your journey this Valentine with a made-to-order puzzle that features the actual place you met. All you have to do is provide the address of your special meeting place in their website. And Voila! You’ll have your own customised puzzle wrapped in pretty wrapper delivered to your doorstep. Now there’s your next puzzle to solve together!
www.personalcreations.com 28
February 2018
Techiela
What’s your story: Love Book
Telling your special someone how much you love
Gift A Day Out With Experience Saga
What better gift than time spent together!
him/her every day might not always be an easy task.
Gift your loved one an experience like no other.
So let your gift do the talking. Love Book is an online
A dinner under the stars, or by the pool, with a
website which helps you create your own storybook.
special menu just for you two. Nothing screams
With a custom-made list of everything that makes
Valentine’s Day louder than a candlelight dinner.
your Valentine special to you. Choose your character
Scroll through the Experience Saga website to
and star in your own book of love. Choose every
find an array of surprises and experiences to gift
small detail from hair colour to the skin tone of each
your Valentine. Choose from a simple bouquet of
character. Post that, design your own cover and
roses and chocolates to booking a private cabana
let the book speak volumes on the bond you two
candlelight dinner. All you need to do is click, and
share. Finally, look through each page, make your
everything is taken care of. From getting the right
changes by adding illustrations, text and position
ambience with rose petals, candles and lithium lit
the characters. It’s ready to print! Wrap and win your
decor to setting the right feel with mist fans and
Valentine’s heart.
mocktails. It's all about the romance in the air.
www.lovebookonline.com
www.expereincesaga.com
Picture perfect with Social Print Studio Use the Print Studio website to deliver quality prints, photo books, calendars, surprise box and more to your Valentine's doorstep anywhere across the globe. You can use the app or the photo studio website that has everything from wood prints, canvas, postcards, panoramic prints, stickers, posters, magnets, wall frames… the list is endless. The website and the app are user-friendly, and have each option put into a different category that’s easy to comprehend and use. A picture is worth a thousand words.
www.socialprintstudio.com February 2018
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The Big Picture
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February 2018
Valentine’s Victuals A lot can go right when the food is scrumptious and the company precious! Pamper your tastebuds as Devanshi Mody picks the most romantic spots to fine dine with your Valentine!
February 2018
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The Big Picture
I
f you are a gourmet globe-trotter and a highend romantic, we propose the poshest tables for you to play out your passions on this Valentine’s Day.
Le Relais Bernard Loiseau, Burgundy: Eric Goettelmann, spruce and sharp, is the canniest of sommeliers. He tosses you to giddy realms with startling pairings and can even beguile you into accepting a ménage-à-trois, yes, on this momentously romantic day of Valentine’s. But love’s labour’s not lost. Each of Two-Michelin-Starred Chef Patrick
Bertron’s 7 courses, an artful weave of fine regional produce, is married with not one but unexpectedly with two wines which toy teasingly with the dish’s nuanced personality. Eric’s repertoire swings from the loftiest Burgundy Grand Crus, the crowning glory of the vinous hierarchy, to lesser-known treasures from exclusive producers. We like all that sparkles – solitaires or champagne – but the restaurant also 32
February 2018
proposes signature cocktails comprising their own Crémant Bernard Loiseau blanc de blancs. Swig them at the chic bar-lounge over demure canapés and tales of the late and legendary Three-MichelinStarred Chef Bernard Loiseau who acquired such fame that a hotel was created round his restaurant to accommodate guests travelling from far to dine
The Big Picture
The Yeatman, Porto selection of exquisite port. and you can try some of it over a bespoke wine tasting in a gorgeous and gardened heritage house you stroll to from the wine cellars. Not advisable to ascend that grand staircase to the gastronomic restaurant in this swaying state, which is why you must insist your beau carries you here. The grand dégustation unfurls in the intimacies of a glasshouse-like restaurant wrapped in curated gardens. You fall hopelessly in love with the varietal breads, fresh and warm like a maiden stepped out of a hot bath. Dessert “Chocolat Grand Cru du Perou,” devious like desire itself, stops the heart. The heart revives next morning, after slumber in the smart refurbed suites with raunchy stand-alone bathtubs.
up for supper. So, gentlemen, you might find your arms swiftly disembarrassed by a butler. Ladies, you won’t mind, The Yeatman is endowed with some rather fine specimens who’ll gently deposit you on plush armchairs in a green-bathed restaurant with a long mural amorously evoking the Garden of Eden. Here you have haute gastronomy in every sense, for this is Porto’s only Two-Michelin-Starred restaurant and it is perched high on a hill overlooking
The Gastronomic Restaurant, The Yeatman,
the UNESCO-classed historic town of Porto laced
Porto: A deep red carpet flows down from a high and
along the river across-stream from the hotel-bearing
majestic marble staircase. It’s like a gush of velveteen
hill. Vast windows frame the view and you’re torn
red wine tumbling. Befitting, for this is amongst the
between what to look at: Historic Porto prostrate
world’s most renowned wine hotels, besides being
below you; Chef Ricardo Costa’s sequence of 14
Porto’s most prestigious address. It’s colonial and
courses, each contorted on the plate like some
it’s classy and it has owners with vineyards in the
marvellous acrobatic pose from The Kama Sutra; or
Douro Valley who have produced premium port since
the hungering eyes of the neglected “Loved One”
1692. The Yeatman boasts the world’s largest cellar
beside you. After 14 heady glasses, all negligences
of Portuguese wines including perhaps the immensest
are attributable to the wiles of wine. Drunk enough? February 2018
33
The Big Picture The Knolls, The Capella Singapore, Sentosa
floor-to-ceiling glass giving sensational sea views.
Island: You’d think you’re in some exotic far-far-
Best not to have breakfast in bed (even if Madonna
away retreat. You’re sitting on a sexy terrace by a
is in it, The Capella being her favourite Singapore
cascading three-tiered pool embowered in soaring
address), for breakfast is a veritable banquet at
tropical trees. From the interlace of verdured
The Knolls. Extract yourself you must from even the
branches you descry a tranquil sea. Shooting
most impassioned embrace, for the irresistible call
straight up before you is a young blond German.
of choice foods and fresh juices including sugarcane
“Champagne?” He asks. “Depends,” you say with
juice ticklingly limed and fierily gingered to inflame
reserve. “One doesn’t drink Möet & Chandon, you
passions mid-morning!
know.” He looks discomfited – what an outrageous suggestion! He swings forward the bottle in hand. It’s Tattinger Brut. “That’s acceptable,” you say, slyly concealing the bubbles of excitement effervescing within you. “But is it chilled just right? Needs to be killingly crisp like a knife.” He puts the bottle to your hand. Not quite right, but Ulli’s winsome youth and smile decide you. Ulli submerges the bottle in ice so it will keep you cool company as romance sizzles you over a five-course meal including caviar, salmon and duck at this Mediterranean restaurant. Your eyes rove the view. You request another table that captures a comelier corner of the bosky pool. “Wherever you sit, the view will be as good. For I shall be standing before you,” quips the mischievous Ulli. Not an altogether unhandsome view. If gentlemen feel it’s a little too appealing a view, then rush your lass up to those swish Capella rooms with their curved balconies and
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February 2018 The Knolls, Capella Singapore
De Mondion, Xara Palace, Malta: Xara Palace is an enchanting 17th century palace within the fortified embrace of the old Maltese capital Mdina. It is also a Relais & Châteaux, and you don’t get to be one unless your cuisine cuts the mustard. Michelin hasn’t yet graced Malta with its stars; but if it did, then De Mondion might twinkle with one. Until then, this charming restaurant, poised on Mdina’s romantic ramparts, looks upon stars that seem to have come down to earth as the medieval city glitters by night with myriad trembling lights. There’s brilliance on the plate too as Chef Kevin Bonello plays pleasingly with seasonal produce. Rustic Maltese breads and cheeses are a fabulous discovery. Rabbit, nevertheless, is the Maltese specialty; but Chef can pull the rabbit out of the hat and effect a magical vegetarian dégustation too. Magical Malta certainly is. Indeed, its quaint, captivating suites elegant in
De Mondion, Xara Palace
Rasoi, Mandarin Oriental
the romance of antiques lured even Prince Charles
is little-swayed by romance. Anna, eccentric and
and Camilla. The deliciously hushed Xara Palace
entertaining, is vegetarian, single and recommends
is a consummate (in every sense) romantic haven.
awaking to yoga than to a stupid man!
And if you intend getting very romantic, then always convenient to have soundproof rooms, n’est-ce pas, dahlin? We mean, the continual whispering of sweet nothings can roll into a mighty roar.
Rasoi by Vineet Bhatia, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva: Geneva is smitten and it’s with Europe’s only Indian restaurant, Rasoi, by a Michelin-starred chef, Vineet Bhatia, at the Mandarin Oriental, a hotel
Zagara, Rocco Forte Verdura, Sicily: Stretched
with blushing crimson rooms made for romance. The
out before you is the sleekest Mercedes in Sicily. It’s
hotel is banked on the river from where a spice-
been sent to convey you to Sicily’s most glamorous
heaped corsair seems to have sailed onto Rasoi’s
resort, more immense than Monte Carlo. Here
menu. Geneva’s most sought-after restaurant
you’re presented Sicilian prosecco Terrazze del Etna
pulsates with locals, international diplomats,
Brut with champagne-like fine bubbles that award-
businessmen, sweeps of Arabs and ardent lovers
winning sommelier Nando Papa has excavated
who’ve succumbed to the igniting aphrodisiacal
from a boutique winery near Etna that produces
ensnarement of spices cadenced over seven courses
but 10,000 bottles/annum, of which Nando buys
including pumpkin panna cotta, a supremely dainty
a third. Nando avers there’s no talent in selling
starter, soft like a damsel’s touch. These delicacies,
famous wines; a good sommelier sells you obscure
hot with cardamom, cumin, fennel seeds, saffron,
but outstanding wines like the Helios Rosso di
and so on, excited CNN Travel into featuring them.
Giovanna he seduces you with when not flattering
Newsworthier still is that the iconic Rasoi has a
you with Casanova-esque suave. After obscenely
deft young Tamil chef C Baskar, who says playing
good Sicilian specialty Pasta alla Norma, you ask to
with spices at a gastronomic restaurant in Geneva
marry the chef. He’s young and single, for once. But
exhilarates, especially when you’ve an expert
soon there’s another demand on your attention –
sommelier Fabien pairing spiced cuisine with piquant
potent coffee gellati; and then the sweet sensuality
wines. But Baskar yearns for Chennai where he hopes
of tender amaretti leaves you fluttering like first
someday to open his own gastronomic restaurant
love. Verdura is Confectionary Cupidom, confirm the
and agrees that there’s nothing more impassioning
breakfast buffets long like the pool streaked across
than a Madras filter kaapi. We’ve a date in Chennai to
the green beyond which languish long seas ravished
romance the filter coffee, sorry kaapi. Paris the City
by the voracious Mediterranean sun. Titivate yourself
of Love? Chennai, surely, inspires the most raging of
for Valentine’s over an energetic Pevonia facial at
love affairs!
Verdura’s spa. But Venetian spa manageress Anna
After reading Physics, French and Philosophy at Oxford, Devanshi Mody gallivanted about the globe and stumbled into travel writing fortuitously. Vagabond urges notwithstanding, she's ever lured back to Chennai for masala dosas! February 2018
35
Health Wise
The Food
Affair D
o you have a healthy relationship with
chemicals like preservatives, unhealthy fats, fake
food? This might sound like a strange
colours, sweeteners, and so on.
question to ask someone; but in today’s
Eat in Moderation, but Eat Everything
fast paced world, when self-esteem is
at an all-time low and food disorders and unhealthy lifestyles are rapidly scaling, it’s worth one’s time to pause and reflect on eating habits. Team Living decodes the biggest myths sourrounding our food habits Many people have an unhealthy relationship with food, where they are on–off and on yo-yo diets, and in-between these dieting fads they binge eat. After
This means that one should not avoid a macronutrient (fat, carbs). Many fad diets over the years have supported replacing a critical category of food: fat-free, low carb, and so on. This is unhealthy. A healthy diet consists of healthy fats, clean proteins and complex carbs, everything in moderation.
Blindly Follow the 80/20 Food Rule Accept the fact that you are not going to eat the
the binge comes the self-punishment and self-
best foods all the time and that it’s okay – as long
loathing. This is one of the worst things to do.
as you eat good foods for 80 percent of your daily
It’s time for us to redefine food. Food isn’t the devil in disguise, but it isn’t the reward either. It is merely fuel for your body, and helps sustain you. Once you understand that food is fuel, you will realise that it can help boost your immunity, fend off ageing and ailments, give you energy and make you look and feel good. The steps listed here will help you eat in the most
calorie allowance. The remaining 20 percent can be treat foods like a piece of cake or even a burger! When you allow yourself these small indulgences, you eliminate that sense of deprivation that can cause you to mindlessly binge on junk food.
Relax Health isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, and when it comes to nutrition it’s about balance. A
optimal way to maintain your physical as well as
more moderate and relaxed approach about clean
mental health.
eating is not only the key to weight loss but also to
Eat Clean
weight maintenance. It will help you to be at peace
This means eat real food in its most natural form. Avoid over-processed foods that are loaded with 36
February 2018
mentally, too.
February 2018
37
Fitness
Why It’s Time To Ditch Your Resolutions I t’s February, and for some of us it feels like
Here's a question you must ask yourself when you assess the success of your New Year resolutions. Ishani Vellodi Reddy tells you why should you relook at your promises!
it’s been 2018 forever, and our New Years
So don’t give up sweets, instead think about
resolutions are already a thing of the past.
adding a giant bowl of greens to every single meal;
I, for one, spent years promising myself the
same things: lose 15 pounds in a month, stop eating sugar for a year, exercise for an hour every single
day, and on and on the list went. This year, however,
do that and you probably won’t have room for the cookie you might have had after your meal (or at least an entire cookie). Don’t give up socializing in order to be healthier;
was the fifth year that I didn’t set a New Year’s
instead, add in a walk with friends. You’ll get to catch
resolution… it’s also the fifth year that I haven’t felt
up, and you will have eliminated at least a couple
the need to!
hours of sitting around and chatting over food
That couldn’t be a more different attitude than where I was a few years ago, but breaking free from the recurring resolution-regret cycle was as simple as doing just these three things:
Stop thinking “less”, and start thinking “more” When we pursue goals, we tend to think in absolutes: if you want to lose weight, you have to give up food; if you want to be healthy, you have to give up fun. The reality is that life isn’t really isn’t a series of absolutes, but rather a pie that consists of many different things in different proportions; if you add more of the good stuff, you automatically crowd out the things that might be getting in your way. 38
February 2018
and drinks. Over time, these small daily choices ultimately shift the balance in our lives to achieve major changes.
Set some “mini-goals” I was, admittedly, the number one offender of this rule. I routinely told myself I was going to be a size 0, without a plan to get from a size 8, to a size 6 first! I would get on the stair master for 15 minutes, do 15 minutes on the elliptical, do some crunches, and repeat that routine a few days in a row and then get upset that I wasn’t a size 0 yet and give up. For someone like me, with a totally sedentary lifestyle and a lifelong anti-exercise agenda, “going
to the gym every day to go down four dress sizes”
do something that makes you feel guilty. Instead of
was nowhere close to being a real plan.
punishing yourself or making the situation worse, just
Finally, in college when I saw friends going to the gym regularly, I decided to join them by spending just 30 minutes on the treadmill three days a week. It had
get right back on track. The quicker you can do this, the less progress you will have lost! So what’s the moral of the story here? Sometimes
nothing to do with losing weight, or any of the other
instead of getting hung up on the things we want,
stuff; this was its own separate “mini-goal” that I just
we’ve got to focus on living life in a way that helps
planned to stick with.
us achieve those things. The very best (and really the
Over time, three days became four days and then five days, 30 minutes became 45 minutes and, sure enough, the weight actually did fall off, but, in the meantime, my loathing for exercise had turned into love. All I had ever needed to do was find just one thing I could commit to doing consistently to help me
only) way to get where we want to go is to find the little things we can do every single day so that as we put one put in front of the other, we’re getting a little closer to our goals. Ditch the annual resolutions for good, and set some daily intentions instead… trust me, you’ll thank me later.
move towards my goal.
If you go off course, just cut yourself some slack! If you never stop, then you never have to start over… so don’t force yourself to stop! For most people, it’s usually just one or two pieces of cake that leads to eating a whole cake, or a couple days off from working out, which turns into a whole week off, or longer. Before long, progress slips away, and it feels like you have to start from scratch all over again. Success or failure only hangs on a few pieces of cake or a couple of missed workouts, if you let it. Remind yourself of that right after you eat or
Originally from New York, Ishani now lives in Chennai with her husband and son. Though she previously had a career in Finance, she is now a wellness coach who loves helping people achieve balance so they can live their fullest lives possible. In her spare time, Ishani loves spending time with her son (a.k.a. her best friend), working out, eating, and travelling. February 2018
39
Couture
40
February 2018
Cupid’s Cocktail As St. Valentine descends upon the loveland this 14th, we can’t help but wonder what the fashionistas would choose to wear! Along with the special day’s whizz of chocolates, hearts, gifts and good ol’ romance comes the dilemma of wearing just the right dress! Sruthi Ravinder speaks to couturiers this season and shares some expert advice on how to charm the fashion Cupid this Valentine's Day!
F
rom choosing the perfect outfit to finding the right pair of accessories, finding perfection is taxing! If you overdo it, you might look like a bride walking down the aisle, or if you keep it too casual, you might seem uninterested. How to keep away from all possible fashion faux pas? Don’t
worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s all you need to know to pick the perfect dress that would catch more eyes than just your date’s.
February 2018
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Couture
Cut Straight
Go Bold, Go Backless
While the straight-
Backless cocktail
cut dress is apt for
dresses are ruling
corporate and formal
the runway this
events, you need to
season. Take a
go out of proposition
plunge and choose a
this Valentine’s. Cut the
dress with a bold neckline
symmetry with a short
that exposes your sexy
trail that would flow
back. Wear your hair up
elegantly behind, or
in a bun or let it flow
you can ruffle it up with a
on one side of your
bouffant skirt. You can also
shoulders to make the
choose a flirty lush skirt
most of the design. You
that opens up just below your
need to pair the dress up
knees. But keep in mind that these
with the right brassiere,
cocktail dresses are best matched with
so you don’t have the
a closed top. Avoid flare or
straps ruining the look.
bell sleeves!
There are a lot of options to choose from, the transparent back, the
Frenzy for Fringe The fringe made its awesome comeback after the 1980s in the Fall/Winter 2017-2018 collections. Luxury houses turned to muted gold and metallic sheen dresses to get that perfect vintage look and wondrously succeeded in creating the perfect fit to rock that party. While choosing a fringe cocktail dress, try not to opt for grand shiny shades. Keep your colour options light, minimalistic and neutral. Let the fringe create the frenzy. 42
February 2018
lower back strap or the silicon stick-on. Apply medicated concealer to remove tan marks, if any, and you’re good to go.
White Is the New Black Spare your little black dress this Valentine’s and wear a white cocktail dress instead. With the Hollywood celebrities Alessandra Ambrosio, Ashley Tisdale and Hailey Baldwin donning white cocktail dresses, it is evident that these are the latest buzz in the fashion arena. But keep it simple and elegant with minimal crystal or bead embellishments.
like
Couture
Caution Divas Décolletage over Halter Stay Away from Clichés Halter necks made all the noise last year, but now let’s put that in the closet. Choose a cocktail dress with a décolletage to up your game this Valentine's. A short dress would be a better option to keep it casual yet very sexy, but cocktail dresses with tailored décolleté are perfect for any special occasion.
Red might be the colour of Valentine’s Day, but it better not be the colour of your dress. Forecasted colours of 2018 are ranging from green, blues, happy yellows to minimalistic nudes and white. Give that clichéd red dress a toss and choose a different shade to wear this Valentine’s.
Don’t Let the Dress Own You “Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.” Well, Coco Chanel said it right. While you might want the dress to do all the talking, it’s YOUR big day. It’s important your date sees you over your dress because if you aren't comfortable in your own attire, it will be apparent. Own whatever you choose to wear and make it yours!
Cocktail Slip The elegant slip dresses from the
Keep the Chills Away in a Fashionable Way
1990s are back on the red carpet
For an evening drink or a dinner date,
in both nude and bright tones to
a coat over a cocktail dress would be
suit everyone’s colour choices.
a bit too prudent, whereas a simple
This cocktail slit dress worn by Gigi
light wrap or a formal jacket would
Hadid is sure to turn heads.
look more elegant. You’ll enjoy your company more if you’re not shivering from the chilly sundown.
February 2018
43
Couture
Let the Dress
While every dress looks perfect in the limelight or on a
Choose You
mannequin, it’s important that you pick the dress that fits you the best, especially when it comes to a cocktail dress. The most important factor is to choose the right cocktail dress for your shape — a dress that would highlight your positives and underplay your negatives. Understanding your body type is essential before you shell out on your purchase. Every figure is different and beautiful in its own way, and the fashion hub has varied silhouettes and cuts that would cater to the needs of different body shapes. Keep in mind these simple tricks that
Pear-Shaped Figure
will make you a smart shopper.
If you have a slender elongated upper body with a smaller bust and hips/ thighs larger than the upper body, then an empire waistline or a dress with an A-line cut would compliment your figure the best. Go for a double-shaded dress that has a light colour on the top and a darker shade at the bottom to give a balanced look. Halter-neck dresses will give you an advantage by balancing your lean shoulders and broader hips. You can also choose cocktail dresses
Straight Figure Petite and slender all the way? Look for dresses that are layered. A dress that accentuates your waist is exactly what you need to rock the show. Since knee-length ruffled ballerinas are back, it would be the perfect match for a V-neck blouse or a wrap shirt top. If they’re too frilly for you, any flowing skirt would do the trick. If you are slightly on the athletic side, a
that come with padded shoulders
cocktail dress with ruffled top, collars,
so that it de-emphasises your
and embellishments around the chest
lower half and gives a
will create volume around this area.
proportional structure.
You can also go for a
Hourglass Figure Narrow waist with curvy/large chest
peplum dress that would give you a curvaceous figure.
and hips? First, embrace those curves!! Second, you would never go wrong
Everything said, no matter how
with tight-fitted dresses, strapless or
gorgeous your dress is, it’s what you
off-the-shoulders. You can choose
feel within that reflects on how you
monotone colours and get flashy with
look. So whatever you chose to wear,
the accessories. You need to keep
wear it with a smile and a stride of
away from that flair from the waist. It’s
confidence. Let’s keep Cupid busy
also important to be cautious about
this Valentine's!
your dress length. Choose the right length that stops at the thinner parts of your legs; if not, the dress might
With inputs from Shweta Malpani, Celebrity Fashion Stylist.
make you look shorter.
Sruthi Ravinder, is always up for coffee and zany conversations. A NIFT-ian and an aspiring fashion journalist, she’s off chasing her dreams in high-heels. 44
February 2018
February 2018
45
Tripster
Living The Ark of
The Anchor is off, the sea
is ready and Preeti Verma Lal gears up to sail through Europe giving us an insight into her luxury cruise diaries. It’s time to choose your cruise as we bid adieu to the winter sun and welcome the sunny spring.
46
February 2018
N
oah’s Ark. I knew all about the Biblical ark: 510 ft long, 85 ft wide and 51 ft high. Large enough to save the world before the deluge. For me, there was no command from God. It was on a whim that I booked
a bed on an ark of another kind. No premonition of a deluge, just the expectation of bliss on an eight-day cruise through Europe and Russia. Six cities and 1,992 nautical miles. That frigid morning, my eyes laden with the imagined ark images, the cab screeched in front of Terminal 2 of Copenhagen Port. There lay my ark, Norwegian Getaway Cruise Liner (NCL). Standing still on the icy waters. With a painted mermaid on the white hull, her tail dipped in the Baltic Sea. This was no itsy-bitsy ark. An ark weighing 146,000 tonnes,
February 2018
47
Tripster
measuring 1,068 ft with its arms stretched, and a rotund 170 ft girth. An ark that can hold 4,500 guests and 1,600 employees. Noah’s Ark looked puny. NCL, my ark, mountainous. At check-in, a polite woman handed an orange key card for Stateroom 13906 complete with a private deck and Bvlgari toiletries. I stepped on the plush carpet to find temptations. Everywhere. Twostoried television screen. Three-storied chandelier. A heated pool on the top deck. Twenty-two eating joints. Glitzy shows. Musical performances. An art gallery. Bazaars onboard. WiFi on the go. NCL seemed a bustling neighbourhood. And I was ready to live in it for one week — sailing from Copenhagen (Denmark) docking at the ports of Warnemunde (Germany), Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland), St. Petersburg (Russia), Nynashamn (Sweden) and two days entirely at sea. 48
February 2018
The next morning, I sat in the NCL theatre amidst curious tourists, waiting to punch the key card, walk out of the ship and take the train to Berlin. “This is Warnemunde. The train to Berlin will take 3 hours”. The next morning, I sat in the NCL theatre amidst curious tourists, waiting to punch the key card, walk out of the ship and take the train to Berlin. An apple, a shortbread and few stories later, I was standing next to the Berlin Wall, a nearinsurmountable 11.8 ft high wall stretching 155
Photo Courtesy: Preeti Verma Lal
Tripster
Tall Hermann tower, Tallinn
Hermitage Museum 10 years and 20 km In St. Petersburg, wear comfy shoes and tick 10 years off the calendar. You’ll need all this and non-blinking eyes to look at the 3 million artefacts spread over 400 rooms of the Hermitage Museum. Simple mathematics adds that
Fat Margaret, Tallinn km around West Germany, of which 43.1 km cut through the belly between East and West Berlin. Not too far from the East Side Gallery is the infamous Checkpoint C, commonly referred to as Checkpoint Charlie, a single crossing point (by foot or by car) for foreigners and members of the Allied Forces. Berlin was a burden on my heart. I would have retreated to my Stateroom 13906. But a song lured me to Deck 7 where a man in black was belting Elvis Presley. Elvis brought joy and a Teppenyaki chef ensured giggles as he juggled three eggs on a spatula and pulled a toy chick out of his toque. Day 3, with a ticket in hand, sticker on the chest, following the guide like an obedient schoolgirl, abiding by the clock, I strolled in the rainy city of Tallinn, a city where medieval towers are called Tall Hermann and Fat Margaret, where everything is pickled, and there’s a drink called kali (a basic cross between a beer and a soft drink). Tallinn is old-fashioned, musical (holds a song festival) and considers free WiFi as its birthright.
if one were to stare at every artefact in this museum for only 30 seconds each, it would take 10 years. Without eating, drinking and sleeping. And 20 km of walking around the 400 rooms. Without catching a breath. Those 10 years of staring is worth every minute — the Hermitage has the world’s largest collection of Rembrandts, 2 of the 10 surviving paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, an unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo. Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Peter Paul Rubens, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse — they are all framed in the museum. Add to it the glimmer of gold and diamonds in the Gold Room that has the famed Faberge Easter eggs, a 46-piece gold toilet setting for Empress Anna Ioanovna, and a horse attire encrusted with 16,000 diamonds. February 2018
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Tripster
Stadshuskällaren Restaurant By Day 4, I was a pro at the morning exodus. In St. Petersburg, I meandered through 800 bridges and 8,000 landmarks to meet the man I adore — Alexander Pushkin, Russia’s greatest poet. He was sitting on a bench in a park near Catherine’s Palace, famed for its gold rooms and the chapel’s golden cupola. Later, in The Hermitage, I poked around the 400 rooms. After a rest day at sea, I was hotfooting Nobel in Stockholm. Nobel, the prize, not the man who started it. In the Golden Hall, Nobel laureates dance on 18 million golden mosaic tiles; in the Blue Hall, 470 metres of cloth cover 65 tables laid for the banquet topped with 6,730 pieces of porcelain, 5,384 glasses and 9,422 pieces of cutlery. I could have stayed back in Stockholm to order a Nobel banquet menu at the Stadshuskällaren Restaurant, which serves all Nobel dinners from 1901. I would have picked the 1901 menu — poached fillet of brill in white wine sauce, followed by breast of hazel grouse with Madeira sauce and fruit tartlette for dessert. There was so much to do on NCL that the last day at sea
Table Tales “If music be the food of love, play on.” Shakespeare beseeched so in Twelfth Night. On the cruise liner, if food be the food of love, eat on. On the NCL, the food list is gargantuan: 75,000 eggs, 10,000 pounds potato, 6,000 pounds of chicken, 5,000 pounds of strip loin, 700 kg of salt… Tyson Pinto, Executive Chef, Norwegian Getaway, leaves the shore with mounds of raws. Call it too many cooks, he has 233 chefs cooking 25,000 meals every day served across 22 onboard
seemed taken off heaven’s calendar. Glasses were clinking in
restaurants. No slumgullion for
the Ice Bar, Russian matryoshka dolls were tidily arranged on
breakfast, nothing insipid for lunch —
shop counters, a man sang, a woman jived, a girl in a frilly frock
slow-roasted meats carved tableside
giggled with gay abandon, hostesses packed art for buyers in
by passadors in Moderno Churrascaria;
the art gallery and music piped through the decks. In the happy
the 1940s Miami redux in the Tropicana
neighbourhood of NCL, everything looked perfect. Away from the
Room; pulled pork, empanadas,
din, I stood on the private deck and watched my ark cut through
Cuban coffee in Flamingo Bar; French
the placid Baltic. All I could see was the blue of the sea melding
macaroons, chocolate pralines, and
with the blue of the sky. My cruise was about to end, but I could
cupcakes in The Bake Shop; a cigar
live in the NCL neighbourhood for another life.
corner. Even an Ice Bar, where walls,
Preeti Verma Lal is a freelance writer and photographer. If God had asked her what she wanted to be, she'd tell Him to turn her into a farmer who also writes lyrically; her fingers stained with wet clay and deep blue ink. Visit www.deepblueink.com 50
February 2018
sculptures, tables and seating are made of ice. At -8 degree Celsius, the bar is butt-numbing cold, but there’s a parka on the rack.
February 2018
51
Parenting
Cherished
‘MOM’ents!
A million search links online, grandma’s advice on speed dial and dozens of exciting moments; no matter what you do, no one can prepare you for the adventures of motherhood. Antara Kothari is one such mother who reveals what runs in the mind of a mom-to-be!
Y
ou know that moment when you see those two pink lines, the entire world just seems to fade away and you are left with your resounding thoughts. It is a moment when you know your life is going to change forever. It is a moment where you feel a rush of emotions and you don’t know whether to laugh or cry. It is a moment when
joy and excitement along with uncertainty, fear and questions are staring you in the face. It is a moment of emotional ambiguity. I believe that a woman is already a mother from the time she conceives. As a realist, I will say that pregnancy is not filled with all hallmark moments, contrary to television ads and magazines that showcase moms-to-be measuring their expanding stomachs with glee on their faces and cheeks glowing. Women bear the physical effects of pregnancy for the rest of their lives, but those are superficial. They fade with time; and if we didn’t have to see them every day on our stomachs even well after the baby arrives, we would probably even forget that they exist. The emotional effects of pregnancy, however, are far more draining and life-altering. This is the period where preparation for the arrival of a baby is in full swing and when people address the emotional and psychological state of a mom-to-be, very often the sub-conscious fears are overlooked. There is nothing more daunting than knowing that in nine months, you will no longer be the priority in your life, and more so, if the pregnancy is unexpected. A certain sense of freedom that defined the decisions made till then takes a back-seat; and within nine months, a mom-to-be is expected to gain the ability and maturity required
52
February 2018
February 2018
53
Parenting to be responsible for a tiny human. No matter how
mind, appears. The only one thing that I can say
long we spend with family, friends who are veteran
with utmost certainty based on my own experiences
mothers and Google, no mom-to-be can ever be
is that motherhood gets easier over time and there
completely prepared for motherhood. However, there
is nothing that we cannot achieve with the inner
should be something said for unrealistic expectations
strength that we are all born with.
of motherhood which, according to me, is directly related to how a new mother adapts to mom life. The psychological effects during pregnancy can be multifold as you slowly wrap your mind around all the stories you inevitably hear about sleepless nights, feeding issues, diaper blow outs and more. There were days where I would be shopping for baby clothes from morning to evening, elated that finally after one-and-a half-years of doctor visits, scans, endless Internet research and, finally, resorting to old-fashioned praying, I was finally becoming a mother. However, along with all the happiness and exhilaration came overwhelming feelings of frustration over the loss of control of what was happening to my body. Sometimes undue stress can be created over your body image based on unrealistic expectations. Self-doubt peaks. There wasn’t a month that passed during my pregnancy where I didn’t question myself and my inside voice didn’t insist that I was still a child myself in many ways. As a first-time mother, all that you know is what you are told. Some of it is frightening and some of it makes you wish that the days, weeks and months would fly by so that your baby can be in your arms that much sooner. I remember a wave of peace watching over me knowing that I would be giving someone the gift of life soon. The fear of birth, which is common among most expectant mothers, is soon overshadowed by the indescribable love you instantly feel when the picture of your baby that you have painted so many times in your
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February 2018
Antara is a mother of two and is the founder of a parenting blog, The Bubbly Blogcast. She writes about everyday challenges moms face and uses her blog as a platform for global discussion on parenting.
Small Talk
February 2018
55
Sparkle
Lotus Samsara rose sapphire ring by Ananya
Diamond and rose gold ring by JCS (Chennai)
Celeste Pink Diamond and yellow gold ring by JCS (Chennai)
Lotus ring by Ananya
Ring in
Romance
Lock your love and put a ring on it this Valentine's! We picked the best gifts to celebrate the season of love with. Ring it in with a bling!
Ajmer Emerald ring by The Gem Palace
Halo Pave ring by The Gem Palace
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February 2018
Soleste yellow diamond ring by Tiffany & Co
Soleste sapphire and diamond ring by Tiffany & Co
Couple's ring by
Bridal ring by
Viswa & Devji
Mehta Jewellery
Razzle men's collection by Viswa & Devji
Bridal ring by Mehta Jewellery
February 2018
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Table For Two
58
February 2018
A Dollop of Pumpkin Hues The Three Musketeers! Some of the best friendships are always in a group of three. Ankita Santosh speaks to one such trio - Chindi Varadarajulu, Rajarajeshwari Ravi and Bhuvaneshwari Ja, who never thought they would launch a one-a-kind restaurant; Pumpkin Tales.
W
e ask them how did they come
with a wide range of options for dessert lovers to
up with this name; “Pumpkin is
pamper their taste buds.
the most versatile fruit and tales because, satisfied tummies and
happy hearts make the best of conversations,” says Chindi who moved to Chennai in 2012 from Canada and met her two friends, Raji and Bhuvaneshwari. Their idea of starting a small café took them forward to venture into the restaurant business. Their desire to bring a change in the food scene in Chennai, by taking inspiration from Chindi’s life abroad was how Pumpkin Tales started. Pumpkin Tales stands out with a menu specially
The first dish on the table we tried was Chicken Laksa, a typical Singaporean dish made with coconut milk and noodles garnished with spices. Authentic Laksa is hard to find in India, and Pumpkin Tales has done a very good job. We also tried the salad of the day which was refreshing and tasty, filled with unique ingredients like seasonal fruit and nuts. To finish the meal, I was served the most decadent and delicious carrot cake. It was a moist carrot cake covered with the most delicious coconut flake topped cream cheese icing. A definite must try for dessert lovers.
curated with a range of options for breakfast and
The unique menu takes you on a whirlpool
lunch and a well-lit ambience with pumpkin hues
of flavours!
along with the aroma of freshly baked products.
With an all-female team serving its customers and
The sound of light acoustic music and peaceful
the three women entrepreneurs, Pumpkin Tales is out
conversations of foodies fills the air and makes it an
to take the continental food scene in Chennai
experience to remember. The menu is a mixture of
by storm.
Asian, Korean, Chinese and Mexican cuisine along February 2018
59
L
ove conquers and evolves, and for many couples it becomes the strength and the reason for their success. Beyond the love stories of Shakespeare, there are couples who
fight the tide of time, the challenges and failures. As we celebrate love and strength this month, we look at our pick of 5 most powerful and extraordinary couples in the world.
Around the world in The world’s richest man and the woman who stole his heart; Melinda and Bill Gates together made decisions that yielded successful results both professionally and personally. Not many know that the couple who tied the knot in 1994 did not start off on the right note. Melinda was working in IBM and moved on to work as Product Manager in Microsoft. At an official picnic, her then boss Bill asked her out. She wasn’t impressed with her boss' move and found it unprofessional. Melinda confessed in many interviews that she was
Melinda & Bill Gates
shocked at his move. However, they were meant to be, because Bill Gates did not back down. She finally said ‘yes’ and the power couple got married in Hawaii. Melinda advised Bill Gates on setting up a charity foundation to give back to society. Couples who receive love, give it back!
Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bartelli The Devil wears Prada, and the mastermind behind the luxury house is Mario Prada's granddaughter, Miuccia Prada. She elevated the brand's popularity in partnership with her husband Patrizio Bartelli, and together they broke all the runway records. The couple is worth over a few billion dollars and have stood together through the ups and downs in the retail industry post the recession. Known for their love for contemporary art, the couple encourages young and talented artists. Miuccia Prada and Patrizio have also founded the quirky fashion brand, Miu Miu! As long as the power couple works together, the fashion world will continue to be spectacular. 60
February 2018
Mackenzie & Jeff Bezos Writer and partner Mackenzie met Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and now the owner of Whole Foods and the Washington Post, when the duo was working together for D. E. Shaw. Mackenzie was with Jeff when he was on a road trip to Seattle and founded Amazon. They were engaged a month after meeting each other in an interview and were married three months later. Gushing about her husband of 24 years, Mackenzie said in an interview that even to this day Jeff helps her with the household chores. The writer has published two books and is an active partner in his personal and professional decisions.
Michelle & Barack Obama The former First Couple met in 1989 at a law firm when young Michelle Robinson was a trainee. She met her mentor at the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin. The two were soon inseparable and the rest is history. Michelle campaigned along with Barack Obama and stood by him as he created history by being the first black President of the United States. Although many of their predecessors shied away from public displays of romance, Michelle and Barack Obama let their hair down and broke the rules! We just love their pictures together!
Nita & Mukesh Ambani Not many know that there’s a romantic side to the world’s richest Indian. Mukesh Ambani and Nita came together after Mukesh’s father, the late businessman Dhirubhai Ambani approached Nita post her Bharatanatyam show. Dhirubhai was so charmed with her that he knew he had found the bride for his son. He called her landline phone and when he revealed his identity she responded, “If you are Dhirubhai, then I am Elizabeth Taylor”. She later realised it was not a joke and their parents introduced Mukesh and Nita to each other. She famously said that they were driving through Poddar Road and Mukesh refused to move the car at a signal unless she accepted his proposal to marry him. Wow!
February 2018
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Inside Out
The saying “Good things come in small packages� definitely holds good when it comes to studio apartments. Less really is more because even though they are smaller in terms of living space, they come along with plentiful advantages. Suraksha Acharya takes us through one such studio wonder designed by Midori Architects in Chennai. 62
February 2018
Inside Out
A Tale of the
Studio Life! T
o begin with, the cheaper price tag and the energy efficiency associated with smaller living spaces are most definitely a win-win. Because there is a smaller space to work with, decorating and maintaining a studio apartment is quite an easy job. And let's not forget, cleaning time is next to nothing!
After recognising these benefits of studio life, you may think twice when you next go property hunting. When it comes to design and dÊcor, we are all too familiar with common small apartment problems, such as lack of storage, unified spaces with lack of privacy and space only for one bed. Besides, having guests over can be a problem because of the space constraints. If you are living in a small space and are spatially challenged, look no further as we have come up with clever space-saving solutions for you. This featured apartment located in Chennai’s IT corridor of Porur was planned as an urban second
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63
Inside Out home that can be used by family and friends while
The result is a clean, minimal interior where the
providing a source of relaxation and recreation. Dayal
TV feature wall faced with white grained polished
Studio is a perfect example of ultra-small studio
black marble against the light Danish oak wooden
apartments that teaches organisation, smart usage of
floors helps shape a cheerful and elegant ambience.
space and clever design.
The dark veneered shelves reinforced by tinted
Open up the room with contrasting colours and light shades
mirror below the flat-screen television double up
A chic combination of black and white is used throughout the home to ensure that each space flows into the next. An entryway with a view of the small balcony not only offers a tiny retreat to introduce an open bar for cityscape sips but also extends the living space visually to bring in plenty of natural light. Wooden flooring and yellow upholstered seating add inviting warmth to the space, reducing the visual fragmentation. Yet, it does not relegate aesthetics to
as storage units, and the white wall adjacent to the plush leather sofa-bed adds that touch of richness amidst the neutral backdrop. A retractable fitting allows the flat-screen TV to tilt, ensuring that you can enjoy it from a perfect angle whether you are dining or are cozily tucked away in your bed.
Incorporate Modular Pieces and Light Treatments A couple of shelves lead the way into a tiny open kitchen. The heavier matte black laminated top
the backdrop, because the tiny apartment is draped
in a coherent black and white colour scheme that exudes understated class.
Go Compact and Clean-Lined Furniture Every square foot in this studio is absolutely invaluable, hence the design of this one-room setting allows the homeowner to configure the same common space into the bedroom, living room or dining area over the course of the day simply by transforming furniture. It is equipped with a hide-away sofa bed and extending dining table that are not only space-saving but also add to the flexibility of the tiny apartment. 64
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Inside Out
shelves sit harmoniously above narrow-leaved elm-laminated bottom unit shutters that are light and cheerful. The black mirrored backsplash offers contrast and showcases the Quartz countertop that terminates with a tall unit. This floating bar unit encases backlit glass shelves that can be accessed through a Murano glass shutter. It also provides a nice, built-in look. This is an apartment where aesthetics seem as important as ergonomics and each one complements the other!
Illusion of Space with mirrors and lighting The trendy bed comes with bedside storage, with curved, post-formed, laminated plywood recessed handle shutters. A striking grey feature wall simply hides away the necessary electrical conducting, and displays curvilinear lines that break from the slatted rhythm. A spacious closet and smart lighting give the illusion of a floating sleeper. The open space underneath the bed visually enlarges the space. Sleek black pendants drop above the bed, offering soft reading lights in the perfect contrast to the neutral backdrop. Bathroom walls are sheathed in vitrified concrete-look tiles that flaunt the striking book-matched diamond-patterned flooring that will give anyone tile envy! Mirrors are one of the best ways to make any room appear larger. A compact bathroom with a floating mirrored vanity completes this space-conscious crib! Dividing a studio apartment into sections and creating the illusion of having a larger apartment with both colour and lighting is all-encompassing to streamlined living. One benefit of small-space living: you are forced to de-clutter on a regular basis, which educates you to clean out from time to time by “keeping it simple�! Yes, small spaces can be powerful, and confined spaces coerce you to make each room count. Plus, when you look to creative solutions out of necessity, splendid results are possible. A bookshelf as a room divider? A transforming table? These unexpected tools become unforgettable focal points in your cozy abode.
Suraksha Acharya is the founding principal of Midori Architects (www.midoriarchitects.com), Chennai – an award-winning firm, offering architecture, interior, landscape & masterplannning services. She is a cognitive member of the green architecture industry in India, championing the need to build better and more environment friendly structures. enquiry@midoriarchitects.com February 2018
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The Last Word
A storyteller who narrates intriguing stories on the silver screen and a film-maker who built his own path in the world of lights, camera and action, R. Balki is no stranger to blockbusters. His latest release Pad Man has proved he’s a master narrator. In a tête-à-tête with Deepa Kalukuri, he speaks about his thoughts, ideas and the vision behind his movie. 66
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The Last Word
F
rom Cheeni Kum to Pad Man, Balki Sir (as
Pad Man is one of the first releases of 2018. It’s
he’s known) has chosen scripts that stroke
your first biopic; what were your thoughts about
the sensibilities of his audiences. With a
how the audience will receive it?
pinch of quirkiness and unique scripts, he
has set the bar high. When we spoke last, he was working on Ki & Ka, a movie which subtly spoke of the patriarchal society in our country. His latest release Pad Man was initially clashing with 2018’s most controversial movie to date, Padmaavat! Of course, I asked him what he thinks about the so-called battle of the best. Read on to know what his thoughts are.
All the thoughts behind this story occurred before it was written. I was only hoping that the story is well received and liked by the audience. It’s a slightly emotional film and a simple story. It’s not a preachy film and we also thought about the entertainment factor in it. Yes, it’s about menstrual hygiene, and it was filmed in a way that entertains the audience and stays true to its story.
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The Last Word Even to this day, when we go out and buy sanitary napkins, it’s hidden in a black cover and is given to us as if it were forbidden. Do you think our audience was ready for a mainstream movie on a topic that discusses menstruation? Oh yes, of course! Our audience is ready for topics like this!! Conversations happen only when someone starts it. Only when the dialogue is raised, the discussion commences. If everybody is silent, then there’s no conversation! Did you meet Mr. Arunachalam Muruganantham when you were working on the script? How was it to meet the man whose invention of low-cost sanitary napkins improved health among many Indian women? It was lovely to meet Mr. Arunachalam. We have spent extensive time with him, studying him and knowing him better! He was the one who also installed the machine during our shoots. He demonstrated how to make the pads, too. He was actually the technical supervisor of the film…He was involved in the film right from the beginning. Did the on-screen Pad Man Akshay Kumar work with Mr. Arunachalam while preparing for his role? Akshay Kumar spent a lot of time with him. The beauty of an actor is to add his own style to any character. He did not mimic or duplicate Mr. Arunachalam’s mannerisms. Akshay studied
make a movie on sanitary pads every day and you
what kind of a person he is and how he thinks about
don’t get to narrate the story of such an influential
various things, his interpretations and views on
personality. For a conversation as important as
issues. The beauty of Akshay’s performance is how
menstrual hygiene, you need a star who’s loved!
he absorbed what he studied about Mr. Arunachalam
Akshay was obviously the only one I could have
and how he interpreted it in his own way. There can
made this movie with. He is a very simple person
be different interpretations of a character pointing at
and I don’t think anybody could have played the role
or speaking about the same fact!
this well.
Was Akshay Kumar your first choice for Pad Man?
Looks like Akshay Kumar is on a roll! He
Akshay wasn’t my first choice for Pad Man. He was my only choice! Akshay is the one who got the idea and proposed a movie on Mr. Arunachalam. After some thought, I went ahead as I’ve never done a biopic before! After all, you don’t get to
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has been making movies which are fuelling dialogues on many issues, like his previous release Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and now Pad Man. Akshay, I think has been on a roll for a long time…hahahaa!
The Last Word
How difficult was it to make a movie on a social
Did the Pad Man and Padmaavat initial release
issue like this, yet keeping in mind to make it
date clash bother you?
entertaining? You don’t make films on social issues; you make
I don’t believe that movies compete! All movies should succeed and all of them should do well
films on great stories! People come to hear stories
irrespective of when they release. One film’s
told in an engaging way! Whether it’s a social issue or
success or failure should not bother another one! If
a real-life story, if it’s powerful, it will be entertaining.
that happens by chance, it will hurt the economics
Coming to the topic that has topped headlines recently, do you think the outrage over the
of the movies in question. However, it should not be avoided!
release of Padmaavat was justified? Do you think
Mental health is another topic often discussed
our audience is intolerable?
as a taboo in our country. Do you think Gauri
Not one bit! I always hoped that Padmaavat becomes a success and a smash hit! I also hope everybody watches it. Our audience is not intolerable at all! It’s just one small group that’s raising an issue. Our audience is sane and doesn’t care about all this rubbish!
Shinde’s movie, Dear Zindagi has opened the dialogue? Firstly, Dear Zindagi is a special film and beautifully made. Yes, movies like this are opening the much-needed conversations. Of course, the world will not change with one film; however, it helps February 2018
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The Last Word
of unseen work happens behind a film and it could be a tiny detail that may go wrong; and just for that I’m not going to dismiss anybody! What message would you like to give young directors? Try your best! Don’t get upset when a movie doesn’t do well. Always know that it’s not your fault; and though the capability is the same, sometimes it will be a success and sometimes not. The success support discussions on therapy and counselling. Just this small conversation is a huge start! It’s about people saying that they are ready to seek help to tackle problems, and in my opinion it’s great. People are all about puzzles; and when we have an expert who will help us solve puzzles in life, why not seek help? Dear Zindagi is probably one of the most important films ever made. Among the present film-makers in the industry, who do you think has a great future in movie making? I don’t think there’s one such film-maker! Each one of them wants to make great movies and no one wants to make a bad one. All of them are geniuses in their own way! Just because sometimes things don’t go as planned, they don’t make one a bad film-maker! A lot
you are looking for will happen for another day with another film! Do you miss working with Ilaiyaraaja? I will always miss working with Ilaiyaraaja Sir, and I look forward to working with him. He’s the greatest musician this land has ever produced. We are planning to work together and have spoken about it already. What was your thought when Rajinikanth announced his entry into politics? First of all, I wished him all the luck. I always get scared for anybody entering the world of politics. As a fan you get worried for him, especially as it’s a world which is very ruthless. I’ll pray for his success and wish him the best always!
Deepa Kalukuri is the Managing Editor of LIVING and an alumna of Asian College of Journalism. She's a Mumbaikar and a Hyderabadi who loves the Nizami charm, Irani chai and a spicy Vada Pav at the Marine Drive. 70
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