Luxury Life & Style March 2018|Rs100
8 Women Who shattered the glass ceiling
Coco Chanel Celebrating the Fashion legend
Sridevi
A tribute to India's first female Superstar
vidya balan A Woman of Substance
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EDITOR'S
NOTE
I
'm delighted to share with you that LIVING has now been around for a year! We couldn't have done this without your support. 2018 is going to be the year for us – we promise to keep
delivering power-packed engaging issues month on month. I am an advocate of women empowerment, and I feel Women's Day is an integral reminder for everyone to remember, honour and treat women with equality. March is a month very close to my heart. We have a unique music concert called Aikya, through the proceeds of which we educate young girls and support retiring artistes. March is also special to me because it is the start of spring, my favourite season, and brings with it new, bright and positive ideas and opportunities. I'm feeling more inspired than I have in a very long time and I vow that I will use this inspiration to better the lives of women around me. In Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's words, the country is moving from “women development to women-led development�. As we look forward to an empowering future, it is not with sadness, but with pride, that we remember a woman who inspired us for five decades.
She remains immortal and I will always celebrate Superstar Sridevi's strength and perseverance. She will forever be the Queen of our hearts.
Rohini Manian Editor-in-Chief rohini@globaladjustments.com
March 2018
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INBOX Thanks to your response, I received the online link for the February issue. However, I tried looking out for the
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
hard copy of the magazine in Mumbai, but couldn't find it. I really loved reading your Valentine's edition and kudos to your efforts. I wish I knew where to find the hard copy. Kindly let me know. Will also subscribe to your website. Good luck! V. Vijay, Mumbai I love Siddharth and I missed reading his candid interviews. I have also not seen him on a magazine cover for years. He looks smashing as always! I look forward to your future cover stars. Marosh Kotikala, Hyderabad I'm writing in reference to your cruise article in the February edition. I'm not sure if I can suggest this, but it would be really helpful if you can include a small box mentioning the travel expenses for the cruise package. I am curious as I'm planning a European cruise. It was a great read! Sowmya George, Chennai 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 Ranjini manian | Ishani vellodi reddy | Antara kothari
Cover Photography: Rohan Shrestha
Shruti RAvinder | Zainab khan | gabriella paulet | Contributors Chennai (Headquarters) 5, 3rd Main Road, R A Puram, Chennai – 600028 Telefax +91-44-24617902 E-mail culturamaliving@globaladjustments.com Bengaluru
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INSIDE
this issue 16
Rest in Peace Sridevi Our tribute to India's first female Superstar
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44 Self defence for the Geek Goddess Download these apps this Women's Day
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The Women Warriors From Kiran Bedi to Aruna Sairam; 8 path breakers share their inspiring stories
The Queen of Vivid Dreams Vidya Balan gets candid
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Runway Season's hottest fragrances
32 Eat Chocolate Every Day! Ishani Vellodi Reddy tells you why! 10
March 2018
56 La magie Parisienne Parisian Gabriella Paulet reveals local secrets
66 Opulent Bathrooms Modern bathrooms 101
March 2018
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Tribute
A Tribute To The Immortal
Sridevi Chandini wanes, forever
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March 2018
I
t was 1.45 a.m. on Sunday, February 25. A news
as a child artiste in 1969 Tamil film Thunaivan, she
flash from a popular daily read, “India’s first
had not looked back and gave many unforgettable
female Superstar Sridevi has passed away.”
blockbuster performances. She made her debut in
Was it yet another of those hoax news items
a lead role in 1976, opposite Kamal Haasan and
on social media about a celebrity’s death? Alas!
Rajinikanth in Moondru Mudichu. This top star from
It turned out to be true; her brother-in-law Sanjay
the South, hardly fluent in Hindi, shattered the glass
Kapoor soon confirmed the sad news.
ceiling and started her Bollywood career (lead role)
Millions of Sridevi’s fans woke up to the most heartbreaking news. It was untimely and tragic. Just 48 hours earlier her fans had seen her dancing away at nephew Mohit Marwah’s wedding in Dubai. She was
in 1979 with Solva Sawan. That was one of the biggest blockbusters of Sridevi’s career and the world knew a star had arrived. From the late NT Rama Rao to Shah Rukh Khan,
accompanied by some of her relatives, her husband
Sridevi has acted with most superstars known to
Boney Kapoor and her younger daughter Khushi.
the country. In Moonram Pirai (Sadma) she proved
Her older daughter Jhanvi was shooting in Mumbai
she could give tough competition to one of India’s
for her debut movie. Boney Kapoor had returned to
strongest actors, Kamal Haasan. Their chemistry
Dubai on Saturday evening after dropping off Khushi
and screen presence were applauded and are still
in Mumbai, to surprise his wife. The couple had made
celebrated. Innumerable honours and awards came
plans to dine out. Initial reports said the 54-year-old
the way of this actor par excellence. Her movies
star had reportedly suffered a massive cardiac arrest
Lamhe, Chaalbaaz and Mr. India showcased her
in her Dubai hotel. As we go to print, reports are
impeccable comic timing. Sridevi was ranked among
coming in of an accidental drowning in the bathtub.
the highest paid actors in 1980s and 1990s and with
Be that as it may, her death has no doubt left a
her talent, there was no way she was ever going to
void in the Indian film industry. An era has come
settle for less. She proved her mettle and got better
to an end.
with each movie.
Many of her colleagues and fans took to social
Not only was she a great actress but she was
media to express their grief. The question uppermost
also a loving mother, who went on a 15-year hiatus
on many a mind was no doubt how the health- nd
to bring up her two daughters. When her comeback
fitness-conscious star could have suffered a cardiac
movie, English Vinglish hit the screens, the break
arrest. Her Khuda Gawah co-star, the legendary
was forgotten because her talent was as fresh in
Amitabh Bachchan’s tweet, posted 20 minutes
our minds as it was in the 1990s. While many think
before news of her death came in, has shocked
MOM was her last movie, it’s a little known fact that
the star’s fans. Expressing a sense of inexplicable
her final screen appearance will be a cameo in the
fear, Bachchan tweeted, “Najane kyu, ek ajeeb is
yet-to-be-released Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Zero. Her
ghabrahat ho rahi hai. (I don’t know why there’s a
legions of fans and heartbroken colleagues will look
sense of weird and unknown fear).” Maybe that’s
forward to watching her on the silver screen one last
the way life tells us that we need to love, respect
time.
and care for each other before it’s too late. Sridevi was known for her care and affection towards her daughters, co-stars and fans. Born as Shree Amma Yanger Ayyapan in
We are at a loss for words to express our grief, as we mourn the demise of one of the most successful women in the country ahead of Women’s Day. To write about Sridevi in the past tense breaks our
Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, to a Tamil father and a Telugu heart. We pray that her soul rests in peace! mother in 1963, Sridevi started her 50-year-long film career at the tender age of four. Since her role
– TEAM LIVING
March 2018
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Small Talk
The Queen of Vivid Dreams From Parineeta to Tumhari Sulu, Vidya Balan has stood strong, breaking stereotypes with her power-packed performances on the silver screen. In a candid chat with us, she speaks about movies, marriage and her motto for 2018!
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March 2018
Small Talk
Vidya Balan March 2018
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Small Talk
W
ith an array of awards in her kitty and a long list of successful movies in her resume, Vidya Balan has proved that one can achieve
dreams and walk past success and failure with elan. She was one of the first stars in Bollywood who proved that marriage and movies are compatible, unlike the cliched belief that actresses slow down post their wedding. We love her honesty, humility and humour! As Vidya continues to wow fans with her performances, we speak to her about the challenges she has faced over 13 years in the film industry.
Who is your favourite co-star till date, and why? There are quite a few favourite co-stars. There is Farhan Akhtar and Arshad Warsi; I get along really well with them. I laughed a lot during the shoot. It was just easy shooting with them. Ali Fazal is someone I got along well with, too.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? The best piece of advice – every time I asked my family for advice, especially in the early years of my career, I was always told, “Do what feels right to you.” I would go with that as a piece of advice, because, there is no right or wrong, there are no absolutes. I just listen to that inner voice, to my gut instinct and follow my heart. At least, I try to most of the time!
What do you do when not shooting? Any special hobbies? When not shooting for films, there is a lot
will say is that love and accept yourself. Because, if you don’t, who will? And even if it means that initially you start off by saying I love and accept myself even when you do not mean it, it is okay. Over time just a repetition of that will make you believe it. I have learnt that this industry, or rather being in films, has taught me to value myself more than anything else; and as a woman I think that is the most precious learning I have had.
What are you working on at the moment? Future projects? I have just acquired the rights of a book on Indira Gandhi. I do not know in which way I am headed at this point – whether it is going to be a film or something else, let’s see. And I am in the process of reading scripts to decide which film I want to do next.
Tumhari Sulu was another success in your long list of powerful movies. Tell us at what point during the narration did you know you were meant to be Sulu? At what point did I know I wanted to play Sulu? I think invariably when someone is narrating a story, I imagine myself as one of the characters. If I imagined myself in the character that I am supposed to play or that the writer/director wants me to play, then it makes sense. Sometimes it happens that I imagine myself as one of the other characters and then I know that I am not going to do the film. In this case, I think by the end of the first narration – that happened exactly two years ago. I knew that I wanted to do the movie. Every character came alive in that
of other work that happens – like appearances,
narration and I could see the film play out. I could
meetings, reading scripts and dubbing. But when I
see the story play out.
am completely free from work, I like to spend time
You rock the sari look each time; who is your favourite designer?
with myself, with Siddharth, with my family and watch shows or movies. Currently, I am watching this show called ‘This Is Us’ on Hotstar and I absolutely love it. I read a little, listen to music and sometimes just do nothing. I also just like to sit and watch trees and the waves.
Since this is our Women's Day (month) special, what's your advice to younger women? I do not like giving advice at all, but one thing I 20
March 2018
Thank you for saying I rock the sari look. At different points in my career, I would wear one particular designer's sari; but about five years ago that changed. I think it is because there is such good work happening across the country. I wear a lot of hand-woven garments, a lot of hand-woven saris; and I am glad that I get to pick from a wide range of the great work that’s happening around the country.
Small Talk I am sure I am going to miss out on a lot of names, but when it comes to Kanjeevarams, for example, I love Gaurang’s work. Talk of Maheshwaris and you have Mira Sagar and then there is Anavila Mishra…just so many people I know, I am missing a lot of names – let’s stick with these three for now. If I remember any more, I will add them to the list.
What is the secret behind a happy marriage? That is very, very tough to tell. I think in these five years of being married, my understanding of marriage has changed. At different points in life, you look at relationship, love, marriage, success and happiness differently. Your perspective keeps changing. So I do not know if there is a secret really. And if it is a secret, let it remain a secret. I do not even want to know.
What has been your greatest challenge? Biggest achievement till date? My greatest challenge, I think, is really to retain my sanity. I think it would be for anyone, and I don’t mean just celebrities in this day and age. There is so much of information overload with the media becoming all pervasive; and with social media, the loss of privacy. We are allowing that. And then for an actor or a public figure, it is that much more. To shut out all the noise is a big challenge, but I think I managed to do it most of the time and that I think would be a big achievement. And, that’s what really helps me see
Photography: Rick Roy
who I am; and I am happy with who I am. So, I think being happy with who you are – for me – qualifies as a big achievement. Of course, success and
March 2018
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Small Talk all that is there, but it is more than that, because all that adds up to how you feel about yourself, about love, about life.
Is there any other career path that you would have chosen if not acting? Honestly, from the time I watched Madhuri Dixit Photography: Rohan Shrestha
in ‘Ek, Do, Teen’ – which released in 1987, when I was eight years old – the only thing I have wanted to do is act. Actually I wanted to be junior Madhuri Dixit, but I think by the time I was eleven years old, it was absolutely clear that there was nothing else I want to do in life but act. I am so glad and grateful that it worked out for me, because I did not have a plan-B.
Of all your films, which one is closest to your heart? One of my films which is the closest to my heart – I cannot answer that question, because every film is like a child. I have given everything I have to every film that I have done. But I guess we are human
You have changed the notion that marriage can be a roadblock for an actress' career. Are you happy with your colleagues continuing to change this? Honestly, I used to be extremely offended every
beings, so sometimes we give more, sometimes we
time someone says an actress’s career is over when
give a little less. So I do not know. I think there are
she gets married, that marriage is a roadblock. But
quite a few films that are very special. Parineeta
actually it was also because somewhere that was
will always be special because it is my first film. But
inspiring fear. And then as luck would have it, after I
besides that, I think Ishqiya was extremely special.
got married I had a spate of films that did not work,
It resurrected the actor or rather it resurrected my
did not meet the expectations we all had from them
desire to act and reaffirm that this is what I want to
and I began to question whether that really was the
be doing for the rest of my life. Then, of course, more
truth – that marriage is a roadblock. But, thankfully,
recently – Tumhari Sulu – because she is the first
things are changing because they ought to. Good
happy-go-lucky, happy character I have played in the
films work. Period!
truest sense. I enjoyed that.
What is Vidya's goal for 2018? I do not have any plans for 2018. I am not someone who plans like that. I just go with the flow. But I think I want to enjoy 2018 more than I ever have. Be easier with myself; be kind and gentle with myself. Just be. I think I am reverse ageing. I am someone who took life very seriously, but over the years I have taken baby steps towards enjoying life. And now I think I am more than ready to just be – enjoying every moment. I do not want to do things that I do not want to. Even for a moment I do not want to do something that I do not feel like doing.
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March 2018
It does not matter what the marital status is or, for that matter, what the mental state of someone is. A good film works, that’s all! So that is what I have learnt over the years and I am very glad. Basically, women’s lives are not coming to an end with marriage or childbirth and the industry is a small part of this world we live in, our society. What happens around us is what happens in the industry also. Only thing is that what happens in the industry with actresses and actors gets magnified, but the reality is pretty much the same. Which is why it is wonderful that now we can continue to act for as long as we want to.
March 2018
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March 2018
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March 2018
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Brand Me
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March 2018
It is in I giving that you receive
have been a ‘successful’ entrepreneur running a niche business in India. I have worked with 78 nationalities, set up branches in five cities in India. On any given day I might well have
interacted with leaders of Fortune 500s from three different continents and explained to them the nuances of doing business in India. I was tallying up the profit and loss of my business, handling HR issues and always thinking of the next new idea to add to the pile. I wrote books; published monthly magazines; went all across India and the world as a speaker. Business was my way of life. When I looked back, there were followers. So I suppose I was leading as well.
A change of course One day, after 22 years, I suddenly decided
to put the brakes on. I came to a halt, got off the express bus. I handed over the driver’s seat to a new
Ranjini Manian never stopped believing in her dreams; and
CEO and offloaded myself. Instead of asking ‘What can I get?’ I decided to think of what I could give. And so I got myself
in the two decades of leading
a seat on a new coach that was headed towards
some of the most talented
had taught myself along the way – self-confidence,
empowering other women and girls to enjoy what I
women in her organisation,
mental and emotional well-being, holding strong
she has broken innumerable
dots and feeling like a true contributor to the kitty
glass ceilings. She shares her experience this Women’s Day,
relationships with oneself and others, connecting the and to the world.
Staying the course I had a rough start as a social entrepreneur,
and gives an insight into her
running workshops to teach women to be
second successful career.
my workshops on holistic life excellence were ‘free’,
empowered. I was shouting out to the world that but the world’s time wasn’t, it seemed. I stood up to speak and interact. Not many queued up to listen. When a hall did fill, there was no one to introduce me to the audience as in earlier times, no one to tech check and do the many things I’d taken for granted.
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Brand Me
I didn’t give up. I had a deep driving desire to give back; to build a girl so she builds the nation. And to fulfil that desire, I used my will. The will showed the way to doing one workshop at a time. I was dissatisfied. To be honest, I missed the applause I had been used to. Then, a second, and a third workshop happened. Some women at least, it seemed, were listening. Others were still speaking over me. The 20th workshop ... and they were asking to take selfies with me! Slowly it added up and my dream of giving back began to look like it was taking shape. One amazing director joined me, a bundle of energy. Two more appeared, forming the core team of our Foundation. A dozen trainers lined up to be trained. The year 2017 was filled with training sessions. Over 17,000 women were empowered.
On course for the sky It all hinged on a deep driving desire and a strong will. That’s all it takes for us to break any ceiling, glass or otherwise. Here are four steps to propel you upward. 1. Desire Right First, develop singleness of purpose. Forming the right desire is crucial – whether it is a career, project or family goal. Articulating the desire to yourself clearly helps. Writing it down in 250 words, accompanied by timelines, the outcomes and milestones to hit, is energising. 2. Will It Next, simply use the power of your will to get started. Execute it in small steps. Realising we can’t do it alone, and forming partnerships with people is critical. Drop the ego. Welcome the help. Complementary skill sets abound and help us reach a specific goal. If the intention is right, opportunities are aplenty, and people come up to make things happen. In the for-profit business too, doing small things for people is what helped clients remember how we made them feel, and repeat business happened. 30
March 2018
Ranjini Manian 3. Act mindfully The third step is to repeat those acts that take us towards the goal. This includes saying ‘no’ to so many things that could be masquerading as ‘opportunities’ along the way. Emotionally and physically we may feel drawn in other directions. Resisting these diverse pulls is key. The bandwidth we have is limited and all energy has to be used on that one overriding goal we set ourselves in Step 1. Don’t get sidetracked. Stay focused. For this, use the first 20 minutes of the day to mind the mind. Stay quiet and alone, guiding your attention to focus on positivity. The rest of the day, the mind will be available for clarity, decision-making, concentration and kind, yet firm, responses. 4. Embrace Destiny Finally, watch your destiny unfold. As you do the right things well, life presents so many opportunities for you to ‘become’ exactly what you wanted to. A teacher who made his lessons interesting saw his students get top grades. He got more students, and more toppers; now he runs one of the country’s top tutorials for competitive examinations. Fame and fortune have followed him. Byju’s has a foreign investor. I met the investor who corroborated my reading of Byju’s success: “His passion made it happen.”
March 2018
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Healthwise
Eat Chocolate Every Day! 32
March 2018
There are few in the field of modern nutrition who would skip a beat before singling out sugar as the single-most dangerous thing we consume on a daily basis. As the
Sugar, the bad guy It’s important to realise that there’s some sugar in almost every single thing we eat, not just breads and cakes and chocolates. The only difference between the sugar in a bowl of green vegetables and a slice of white bread is the speed at which your body responds to, and can process, it. Many factors affect this processing speed, but sugar universally increases the hormone insulin
epidemic of obesity spreads,
in the human body. If the insulin spike happens
so has the understanding that
to burn it off, then your body begins a process of
sugar is largely to blame for it… not to mention the causal connection to diabetes and
too quickly and isn’t followed by a burst of energy storing fat. Over time, if this cycle repeats often enough, your body can even become resistant to these spikes, and just always be in a state of fat storage. Once the resistance kicks in, our bodies lose the
heart disease. Ishani Vellodi
ability to regulate the metabolic process naturally,
Reddy tells you why you
this, sugar also triggers spikes in
should treat your sweet tooth and still stay healthy!
P
the “feel-good” chemical in the human brain, making it a highly addictive substance, and increasingly
ersonally, I limit my own sugar
addictive over time.
consumption by adhering to a strict policy
Why we still need it…
of not eating or drinking a single thing with over 10 grams of sugar. I religiously check
labels for my family, and make sure the snacks and beverages that my son consumes never exceed the 10-gram threshold. We do make one very important exception to this rule, though. Almost every single day, my son and I sit together, treats in hand, each taking one bite at a time. Sometimes it’s a cookie, sometimes it’s a square of chocolate, and once in a while it’s even a small bowl of ice cream. Confused? Why would someone who is so careful about sugar 23½ hours out of the day suddenly condone a half an hour that revolves around sweet treats? Well, it’s as simple as arming yourself with information, and then making decisions that work for you.
increasing the risk of heart disease. On top of all of
For all its faults, however, sugar is still absolutely critical for our bodies to operate. The same increases in insulin that can trigger the fat conversion process can simply provide energy and fuel for our bodies to function if these spikes are low and gradual enough to be burnt as they are happening.
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Healthwise For example, a slice of cheesecake before
reserve that 10% of our time for sitting together,
bedtime is likely going to trigger an insulin spike
eating something yummy, and usually joking around
that will most certainly not get burnt off while you
or making silly faces while doing it. After all, as
sleep through the night. On the other hand, a banana
I always try to teach my son, the ultimate key to
before a hard workout might just be the thing that
control is letting go of a little bit of control.
helps you optimize your workout. It all simply comes down to timing your sugar
In the end, anyone would tell you there’s no two ways about the fact that sugar really can be
consumption, and the type of sugar, according to
dangerous and we all have a responsibility to actively
your activity levels. If all that seems like it’s too much
monitor the quantity or type that we, or our families,
to manage, then the way to go is just sticking to high
consume. I, however, would also tell you to make
fibre, unprocessed carbs throughout your day, so
room for that bit of chocolate here and there since,
your insulin levels stay nice and even and you aren’t
in the grand scheme of things, one small square of
busy trying to catch up with a roller coaster!
chocolate doesn’t even begin to tip the balance if
But why the chocolate?
you’re balanced the rest of the time… in fact, that
Now that we’ve gone through the pros and cons
is balance!
of sugar on a detailed level, you’re probably still wondering about that whole eating chocolate every day thing. In our household, for all the time that we spend being careful and diligent, the time we spend doing the opposite is almost mandatory. The truth is that we, like so many others, all have a giant sweet tooth, and in the middle of all the good, bad, and ugly in life, you’ve got to keep in mind that it’s still life, and you’ve still got to live! For us, it certainly wouldn’t be living without our sweet treats. So, 90% of the time, while we are extremely controlled, we
Originally from New York, Ishani now lives in Chennai with her husband and son. Although 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.
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Feature
Rising stars It often seems easy when someone ventures into an established family business. However, the pressure of continuing the success streak can be overwhelming. We speak to young and successful women entrepreneurs - Swathi Nimmagadda, Aishwarya Guptha, and Ananya Malhotra about the challenges they have faced when they ventured into their family businesses. 36
March 2018
Small Talk
Swathi Nimmagadda VP - Business Development & Strategy, IQUEST Enterprises PVT. Ltd., Business is in her genes and she went on to not only venture into her family business but also co-founded an app company. Daughter of a wellknown businessman Prasad Nimmagadda, Swathi is one of the most successful young entrepreneurs in the country. When did you venture into your family business and how did you feel about taking up the responsibility? I formally joined the business in 2012, but I had interacted with our teams much earlier and provided my inputs wherever I felt I could add value. As I understood our different businesses better, I could take up more responsibilities. The transition was fairly smooth, so I wasn’t nervous or apprehensive about coming on board formally. I always looked forward to it. Many think it’s easy to take over family businesses since everything is set on an automotive success path. How easy or difficult is it to make sure you continue the legacy? I think every profession is challenging and unique, self-employed or otherwise. We face challenges in every sphere; but, yes, some people do presume that joining a family business is fairly easy because it’s all laid out for you. That’s definitely not the case. Once we step in, there are a number of challenges and obstacles we face like anyone else. Inheriting a business isn’t just about titles or fancy offices – protecting values, streamlining operations and improving areas that are probably not doing as great as others all require a tremendous amount of hard work. I think the most challenging and satisfying part of owning a business are the people who are with you. Without the right team that combines people with different competencies and creating an environment that keeps them together, we couldn’t have come this far.
What message would you like to give young women entrepreneurs who are starting out on their careers? Every woman has goals she sets for herself, and it is encouraging to see that women are making their presence felt in different professions be it in sports, as pilots, as executives in the corporate world, and so on. It is also exciting to see that women entrepreneurs are growing in number, not just in developed countries but in emerging ones like India. With time I think the gender gap will eventually narrow and people will stop distinguishing women entrepreneurs from men. At the end of the day, we are all working to grow our businesses and that is what matters. So for any woman who is thinking about joining or starting a business, all I can say is set smaller goals and tick them off one by one. Before you know it, you’d have learnt so much from the experiences that both your confidence and competence will allow you to scale greater heights! You just have to start!!! March 2018
37
Feature
Aishwarya Guptha Associate Director Viswa & Devji
sure this never perturbed my father, who used to adore my younger sister and me. He even addressed
Aishwarya Guptha, the Associate Director of Viswa & Devji Diamonds and Diamond City Developers, has always lived a highlife when it comes to work and career. An alumnus of prestigious institutes such as the Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, she has faced several challenges, including doing business in a world dominated by men, but yet emerged unscathed. But through it all, Aishwarya remains strong and confident in her belief of making changes at the grassroots level to help make India shine. She has handled all kinds of assignments with courage and conviction, with a recent goal and underlying aim to work towards the protection and welfare of kids by giving educational assistance to at least 100 children in the near future. Tell us when and how you decided to get into the business?
When I was younger, I always used to hear this comment from various people in society that my father did not have a son to carry forward the legacy and assist him in growing his business. I am 38
March 2018
us on multiple occasions as the future chairmen of the company in front of my family, friends and his business partners. Although his words motivated and comforted me, it always used to bother me why society thought a girl child cannot assist her father’s business. I made it a point to know more about the business and somehow help my father out. I remember those days when I used to come back from school and get going to our factory. Being a family business, I didn’t see much distinction between family and business. I never really know when I got involved seriously in business. It was a part of life by the time it actually got serious! You're a Diamantaire and a builder! How does that work? I find it very interesting to wear different hats at the same time. They are two different industries, yet the underlying principle remains the same... passion for what I do. Time and resource allocation are also vital, and I plan each day out so that things don't overlap. Breaking things down into simple tasks and delegating work to the right person simplify the decision-making process that one will eventually be facing. Building a team that is specialised in multiple avenues helps. What message would you like to give women? Have the ability to charter unknown territories unabashedly and fearlessly. Have the courage and the strength to achieve and conquer new levels in the field you are in. Have confidence in yourself and trust your ability; and with each passing day of constant hard work and dedication, you will help yourself make a mark in this male-dominated work environment. Don’t mind getting your hands dirty, get to the nitty-gritty, understand things from your perspective, take an effort to understand the market, build your own process and system, balance your work life and always take timeouts to celebrate even your small victories.
Feature
Ananya Malhotra Founder & Creative Director Ananya Fine Jewellery Creativity comes naturally to her as her family is deeply rooted in the fashion industry. With a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Saint Martins, London, Ananya has proved that success can follow at any age. As one of the youngest women in the jewellery designing business and a recipient of the Suffragettes Design Award, she tells us what inspires her. As a young business woman, what are the three messages you have for women who want to venture into the jewellery business? The key to establishing a career in jewellery, or a career in any field for that matter, is passion. You have to be truly passionate and love what you do. Patience, definitely! Jewellery is an extremely old industry and you have to honour that. You also have to have patience while building a brand. The key component would be persistence in everything that you do. Your designs are popular, unique and elegant! What do you keep in mind when you plan a new collection? Our brand's ethos is deeply rooted and inspired by cultural philosophies. It celebrates the special bond created between the wearer and the piece of jewellery. Every collection that I create and design stays true to the pillars of my brand, for instance, the Celestial Lotus collection, inspired by the lotus which is symbolic of rebirth. This collection is crafted with a selection of rubies, pink sapphires, diamonds, pearls, and so on. The Nazar Talisman collection symbolises the protective nature of emeralds, thus creating unique talismans. Colours, shapes, inspirations, research and the sourcing of stones all play a vital role in the development of the collection. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when you ventured into your business? Venturing into a new business will always have its
challenges. It is what and how you learn from them. It will always be an ongoing process. Jewellery is such a widespread industry. You have to source stones from mines in Tanzania, Zambia, Columbia, and so on. Have them cut to your specifications. Every intricate detail counts while making a piece of jewellery. My jewellery is composed of a large portion of couture cut stones or usual cuts made specifically to design. The biggest challenge was to encourage the cutters to be as adventures and imaginative. March 2018
39
Couture
Mademoiselle Gabrielle to Coco Chanel “My life didn’t please me, so I created my life,” said Coco Chanel. Born as Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel at the end of the 19th century, she’s a legend who lives through her luxury brand, ‘Maison Chanel’. Haifa Caleb writes this tribute to the genius who strengthened the confidence and ambitions of women through the past century.
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March 2018
W
ith a difficult childhood in an
The quilted pattern on the Classic
orphanage and a failed love life,
Flap bag, which now costs upwards
Gabrielle Chanel knew she wasn’t
of 2500 Euros, was inspired from
meant to be like the other women
the jackets worn by stablehands
of her times. She fought for and revolutionised
(male) who she was said to
fashion without losing her successful business even
be extremely fond of. Chanel’s
during the World Wars. Here’s a look at how the
burgundy uniform at the orphanage
fashion icon laid her successful path amidst global
is now the colour of the inner
economic depression and a stringent patriarchal
opening of the classic flap leather.
society.
Poverty to Power Gabrielle was born to unwed parents and was left to live in the harsh conditions of an orphanage after the death of her mother. In some letters which were recently auctioned for undisclosed amounts, she explained how she spent the six years of her early teenage years learning how to sew and living a poor and motherless life. However, in those letters Chanel gave credit to the time spent at the Aubazine orphanage for her excellent tailoring skills. Once she turned 18, she was considered too old to live in an orphanage post which she started working as a seamstress. Not many know that Chanel wanted to be a stage performer and sang at a cabaret for extra income. That’s where she acquired the name ‘Coco’ chosen by her audience when she sang the song, “Qui qu'a vu Coco”! She started making hats by hand, and soon her popularity and unique designs reached the
never for once let society define her unmarried status without dignity. She not only was known to be persistent and demanding with her lovers but also made them fall head over heels for her. Her first lover Etienne Balsan was a wealthy textile heir who financed her stores in Paris and introduced her to the richest socialites of the city. It was through him that she met the love of her life Arthur Capel, who tragically passed away in a car accident. She wrote in a letter that he was the one true love of her life; and thanks to him, she was a successful businesswoman. She remained unmarried throughout her life and stayed alone in her luxe apartment at the Ritz Hotel, Paris.
Royal Couturiere Chanel often remarked how she found it disgusting that women had to wear tight and uncomfortable corsets. She was the first couturiere who changed the cliched silhouette of women’s
creme de la creme of Paris. At the age of 29, she set up her first shop at 21 Rue Cambon in Paris; and to this day, lovers of the luxury brand flock the flagship store to purchase clothes and accessories. Her fans look forward to visiting and taking pictures on the iconic stairs where Chanel sat through her collection display.
Chanel and her love Coco Chanel’s love life was the exact opposite of her career! She wrote to her friends about how she longed for love, yet never found it. Women born to poverty were often not
Now considered a classic, Chanel Boy bag is a tribute to her true love Arthur ‘Boy’ Capel.
considered marriage-worthy in France and she ended up being a live-in mistress. She March 2018
41
Couture
Although many fashion houses stopped manufacturing due to the lack of opportunities during the World Wars, Coco Chanel stood by her brand and worked in her basement. However, she temporarily closed her business stating that it wasn’t a time for fashion. clothing. She famously said that women need to be more comfortable and stirred a controversy among the elite at a derby when she turned up in her boyfriend, Balsan’s pant suit. She found it impossible to believe that women can better horse racing in their corseted Victorian gowns. That's how she designed and introduced baggy pants and tweed jackets for women. Come 2018, her legendary tweed designs are still a huge part of Chanel’s creative head Karl Lagerfeld’s designs. During the early 1920s, she made her way through the royal circles and designed hats and clothes for noble and aristocratic families.
The advent of Dior While middle-aged and successful Chanel was still ruling the elite fashion scene in Paris, a 41-year-old Christian Dior made headlines with his classic yet modern couture. Although his popularity was growing during the 1940s, it did not affect the unique and chic style of the House of Chanel. As of 2018, Dior and Chanel’s flagship store in Avenue Montaigne and 21 Rue Cambon, respectively, boast of huge turnovers and profits.
Chanel No. 5 To this day, Chanel No. 5 is one of the most sold perfumes in the world. Coco Chanel was all about liberating a woman’s inner desires. She was quoted as saying
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March 2018
that, “A woman who doesn’t wear a perfume, has no future”. This was the first perfume launched by the couturiere who took inspiration for the design of the bottle from her lover, Capel’s favourite toiletry bottles. The floral fragrance was put together by French perfumer Ernest Beaux. Cistus, a fivepetal rose, was also Chanel’s favourite which was compounded when Ernest was working on the perfume.
Couture
Chanel symbols of Haute Couture Media archives suggest that Chanel relaunched her store in anger after the huge success of Dior’s ‘New Look’ collection in 1954. She also infamously stated (allegedly) that a women sitting down in a Dior dress looked like an old armchair. Ouch!
Chanel 2.55 Classic Flap Chanel first introduced this bag in 1929 when she noticed soldiers’ bags carrying minimal supplies during the war. The 2.55 is a classic; and even after 90 years, it’s a must-have for any bag lover.
The Little Black Dress No matter which part of the world, most fashionistas believe every woman needs at least one Little Black Dress in her wardrobe. It’s
Tweed Jacket and Chanel suit In her bid to liberate women and make them more comfortable, Chanel designed these practical pieces which are timeless and immortal in the history books of fashion.
practical, comfortable, dressy
Camelia This is one flower that is still used as a decorative accessory on Chanel suits and on the gorgeous Chanel box packaging. Coco Chanel was in awe of La Dame aux Camélias, a literary work, and hence it remains as one of the most popular symbols of
and classy. Chanel was the first designer to have designed the iconic LBD! She believed that the LBD would become a uniform for women across France!
the brand.
Coco Chanel’s last words to her maid ‘Celine’ were, “You see, this is how you die”. She worked till her last day in 1971 and passed away in her sleep, of course with style! Her casket was decorated with her favourite Camelias and orchids. She rests in peace in Lausanne, Switzerland, and her legend is immortal at the 21 Rue Cambon! March 2018
43
Techiela
self defence for the
keeGGoddess Every woman deserves love, care, and, most of all, confidence! Confidence in herself and the people around her. Although society is evolving each day, it’s a long way to go before a woman can walk on the streets without fear of harassment. Gift yourself one of these smart wearables that are more chic than geek. Shruti Ravinder lists five must-have accessories that are more than just a piece of jewellery. 44
March 2018
Techiela
SAFELET BRACELET Designed with the key mission that safety is a fundamental right for all, the Safelet keeps you connected and protected all the time. The smart bracelet helps you build your own SOS system with your smartphone, where you create a web that connects to the nearby police station, friends and family. In short, it creates a guardian network you can rely on. At any point, if you feel you’re at risk or in an unsafe situation, all you need to do is touch the bracelet to activate the alarm that’ll notify
www.safelet.com
friends and family where you are. And that you need help. They will be able to access your location and also listen to sound recordings. No matter where you are, what time it is on the clock, you are never alone with Safelet, a bracelet that’s more than just appeal.
SIREN RING Here’s a ring for the bold, beautiful you. The SIREN is one of the world’s first wearable alarms designed with the central idea of empowering women and keeping them safe and confident. This powerful alarm that is hidden within the ring can be activated instantly during an emergency. The tiny fashionable ring can emit a high-frequency sound that can be heard from more than 50 feet away. This not only will keep the attacker at bay but also wake the entire neighbourhood if it means your safety. All you need to do is turn the ring left, and after two seconds it will emit a piercing 110-decibel sound. The smart ring comes in a variety of different colours, with a huge stone embedded into a rose-gold or silver base; the ring can easily fit into any
www.sirenring.com
fashionable wardrobe. March 2018
45
IVY AMULET Ivy is a simple amulet that is designed intelligently to help women in any case of emergency. Be it a physical attack, robbery, medical emergency, hostage situation or fire. The device works on Bluetooth Low Energy and pairs with the phone App. Tap the amulet twice for activating a sound alarm, three times for sending your location to your guardians and four to directly call help. All this without you having to reach out to your mobile. It is available in different colours, with an interchangeable bracelet and necklace attachment to match your personal aesthetic appeal.
www.getmyivy.com
FYB LONDON HANDBAGS
Definitely more than just your average handbag! Wireless charging pocket, fingerprint lock, distance alerts, RFID credit card protection, FYB London has it all and more. The FYB SMART App that can be downloaded in both App Store and Android gives you complete control and security over your bag. You can unlock your bag using the App and even get alerts if you accidentally leave your handbag behind. And, let’s not forget, it keeps your phone charged all day. All you need to do is tuck it in while you’re off having a busy day.
www.fyblondon.com
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March 2018
BELLABEAT LEAF PENDANT
This health-tracking pendant can be every woman’s best friend. Designed to suit women’s lifestyle, the elegant accessory connects to your body and mind. It keeps track of daily activities, sleep, mindfulness, stress levels and menstrual cycles, too. Accessing essential information about your health is made so much easier and prettier with LEAF.
www.webshop.bellabeat.com
March 2018
47
The Big Picture
The Women Warriors They have fought, they have won and they continue to stand by their values. These women have successfully contributed to changing the mindset of millions of people. No matter what field they’re from, they inspire us each day to fight for our dreams and for equality. Deepa Kalukuri talks to these path breakers this Women’s Day to celebrate diversity, equality and strength. 48
March 2018
Kiran Bedi
Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry
With reports of celebrities being trolled on Twitter and other social media handles, what are
In your decades of service to this nation and continued
your thoughts on the trolling
leadership, what are the three biggest motivation factors for
culture?
you personally? Three things that motivate me are: Inner conscientiousness, Sense of duty and Attitude. Most of all, it is inner energy that drives me. With regard to how women in the country are treated today, do you see a change in society today than it was a decade earlier? It is a change driven by compulsions of society.
It is cheap entertainment for people with enough time on hand. What message would you like to give the young girl who looks up to you? Groom yourself to be self-reliant in all respects; don't depend on anyone else. Be ready for challenges and adversities. And, most of all, believe you can win!
I see more women joining the work force for both economic and personal reasons.
Sudha Ramalingam Human Rights Activist As a lawyer and human rights activist, do you think we are turning a blind eye towards men who are victimised, assaulted and harassed? No, absolutely not! There are general laws
a great extent. Understand that you are not alone. There
available to protect the interests of men. It is the
are individuals,
women who are voiceless and faceless and need
organisations
special laws. Despite special laws for women, they
and counsellor
are still silenced and made to compromise and
services available.
withdraw complaints/cases. Securing justice is a
Fight and you can get justice.
far cry for any victim, more so for women and the
As someone who's closely working with human rights, are
disadvantaged. We read about how NRI women are helpless in seeking justice in abusive marriages. What advice would you give women who are stuck in such marriages? Network with other women or welfare
there any changes in the situation of human trafficking cases in Tamil Nadu? Human trafficking continues in different forms in Tamil Nadu, just like in other parts of the country. Trafficking for bonded labour is found in a number
associations in the country of domicile. Do not
of industries. Sexual exploitation of trafficked
suffer in silence, but converse, discuss and confront.
women and children are rampant. There are very few
Keep the Indian High Commission's contact details
rescue homes and rehabilitation centres. There is no
handy. Even the knowledge of such preparedness
consistent approach to deal with trafficking in our
will thwart the husband from harassing the wife to
state. March 2018
49
The Big Picture
Leslee Udwin Director, India’s Daughter It’s been over three years post the release of 'India's Daughter'. As someone who speaks up for rape survivors and works towards the betterment of thousands of women worldwide, what are your thoughts about the current statistics of rape and abuse in India? I have no thoughts about nor focus on statistics any longer, either in India or elsewhere. Statistics have ceased to even interest me, and that is because they are so worthless and meaningless. I have been sickened to find how little the crime of rape and sexual abuse is reported, both in countries where the deterrent to reporting is the fear that shame and dishonour will adhere, or in countries like Canada where the reporting figures are as low as 3% to 6%... and that’s a country that supposedly is graced by a feminist Prime Minister! Against this background, how can statistics possibly be of any value, in any context? I also always abhorred the way in which misguided nationalists, eager to shift the glare of the spotlight on their country, would dare to say “my country rapes less than your country” — how utterly, shockingly perverse and petty... as though this was
planets around the world as nations, institutions and civil society have finally woken up to the fact that a foundation of emotional and social intelligence and sensitisation is crucial and can only meaningfully be achieved through the very early years. Having a ‘curriculum’, which lists outcomes and objectives, falls far short of ensuring the children get the education they require (and I don't, of course, mean literacy or numeracy). Out of seven pilot countries last year, four are in various active stages of adopting the programme in all schools. And, we have a total of 22 countries now actively involved in Think Equal.
some kind of competition or game. So I try hard now
What do you think we should change to get everyone to
to focus only on the solutions, and I know what they
understand the meaning of feminism and the efforts women
are thanks to the searing insights I gleaned from
have made over the century for equal gender rights?
India's Daughter.
I thought I knew what a feminist was — once — but
Think Equal’s set goal is to start education early on social
not anymore. I know what a feminist should be though.
and emotional learning among children. What kind of
A feminist should be an activist who works towards
response are you getting from people with regard to the
equality between men and women and who will not
project?
rest until this is achieved; a feminist is someone (man
The responses from countries around the world are extraordinary. And people are immensely generous and supportive in volunteering their commitment and assistance. I started the Think Equal Program straight after the film — the one flowed logically into the other. Essentially, one yielded the insights into the root cause of the problem and the other presents the solution for discrimination and violence. There is definitely an alignment of 50
March 2018
or woman) who is not egoistic, nor territorial, who will not be content with protests or hashtag campaigns or pretend that progress is being made for women, or that a tiny little bit of effort is ‘enough’ The situation is as dire and as appalling as it has ever been. The world over. A feminist is someone who is realistic about how discrimination against women and girls is of epidemic proportions and prevention is needed, not patting oneself on the back for dealing with a little bit of the fallout, but demanding an overhaul of the whole system, like a warrior.
The Big Picture
Sunitha Krishnan Social activist and Padma Shri Awardee Prajwala has been continuously striving to change the lives of many Indian women. To what extent has the number of women trafficked changed in the past three or five years? Has the recent movement and awareness on such issues brought in considerable change? The problem has not decreased in its magnitude. On the other hand, with technology the numbers have increased, and the problem of sex trafficking is now slowly spreading to middle-class families. Technology is being used to trap young emotionally gullible girls in a situation of exploitation, most often for cyber pornography. What Prajwala has been able to achieve is to break the silence around
This is not about our country, but it is a global
this issue and also demonstrate to the world that
situation. And, in many ways, it is not about just
it is both possible to rescue and rehabilitate such
women; even men get trolled. But with women people
victims. Prajwala also has been able to demonstrate
try to hurt them in a way that it hurts, so they use
that a safe home with the best standards of care
the body to pull down a woman’s confidence. It is in
that is therapeutic is a possibility. By rehabilitating
this context that we need to start questioning the
18,500 victims of sex trafficking, the organisation is a
‘freedom of speech’ that a technologically enabled
testimony of possibilities.
platform provides and the need to exercise rights
The #MeToo movement brought together millions of women
with utmost respect for each one’s duties.
from across the world in sharing their stories. What are your
Padmaavat created a huge controversy recently. After the
views on the movement and its effect on society?
movie released it was met with mixed reviews, of which one
While I appreciate the #MeToo campaign for breaking the silence regarding the issue of sexual harassment at the work place, I think if it is not followed up with a more robust movement of #MeTooWillReport there cannot be any deterrence in society. The perpetuators continue to act with
was an open letter by actress Swara Bhaskar. Her comment on how she "felt reduced to a vagina" after watching the movie was slammed by many women too. What are your views on the outrage and online bashing of anyone with an opinion? An opinion is an opinion. When you make one,
impunity because they are confident that nobody is
be sure that others may have a differing opinion
going to take action.
and that they may choose to express it in the best
With online trolls on an all-time high, many comments are
way they feel. I thought the entire controversy was
filled with hatred and indecency (especially on Twitter), whether it's a quote by a celebrity or a political opinion given by women. Many may ignore them, but does this pattern of trolling show that we as a country are far from respecting women no matter who they are?
a publicity stunt. It was a feature film based on somebody’s imagination and giving it too much of importance takes away the need to focus on much more current relevant issues that affect women in this century. March 2018
51
The Big Picture
Vimmi Deepak Cancer survivor and activist I have read about how you’re tirelessly working on multiple sclerosis and breast cancer awareness. Since the time you started working towards these causes, what developments have you seen among the ones affected. There has been great progress in terms of awareness and support. In fact, we have a rehabilitation centre where we provide patients with multiple sclerosis the necessary physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Also, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India, Chennai Chapter, headed by Dolly Khanna is doing some amazing work. I have supported numerous initiatives with regard to breast cancer awareness and I can say this – that while science and technology is doing its best, the affected have more emotional support now. The awareness campaigns are helping in early detection, besides helping them make informed decisions today. You are a breast cancer survivor. Having overcome it with such strength, what message do you want to give the women who are fighting the battle at the moment? I didn’t do it alone. Right from my family and friends to my medical care-givers, it was a collective effort. I would like to say that it is okay to lean on them. I find that it is the small things that gave me the motivation and support to go through the treatment in a positive frame of mind. In fact, one of the daunting challenges was dealing with the change in physical appearance – like losing hair. I would like to really applaud those who have donated hair for
I like to believe that our environment today supports all ventures without any gender bias. However, in some fields there still remain some challenges, but it is just a matter of time.
this cause, because wigs do boost your confidence
While feminism in definition is as simple as equal rights for
and does make a difference to your self-esteem.
both genders, do you think the word has been misused and
When I look back, I realise that the entire experience
misunderstood by many modern citizens of the country?
has made me so grateful and eager about living life to the fullest.
Well, in all fairness, our country is a potpourri of traditional values and modern thoughts. So
Tell us how women entrepreneurs have evolved in the recent
there is bound to be confusion. When you say
times as per your observations.
modern citizens, my concern would be the women
Women entrepreneurs have broken the glass ceiling, right from big corporate to home businesses.
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March 2018
themselves. Often we have no clue how far we have come, and about our own rights. Yes, awareness initiatives in this field are definitely wanting.
Flavia Agnes Gender Rights activist and Director of ‘Majlis’ You have faced a long and strenuous battle with the divorce system yourself. Now when you look back, how do you think the divorce system in India has changed? I see a lot of change since the time of my own legal battle around four decades ago. Things have become much easier and there is acceptance of divorce within the legal system. Even among Christians, divorce is now accepted, and there has been the necessary change in the law governing Christians. Of course, the procedure is still tedious, but now we have family courts in Mumbai and other
decision in a number of cases to secure the rights of
major cities in India. They provide the possibility
Muslim women. There was also another decision in
of a speedy settlement and also divorce by mutual
2001— Danial Latifi — a full bench decision of the
consent. So every divorce does not have to go
Supreme Court which secured the economic rights of
through the acrimonious procedure. There are
a divorced Muslim woman and entitled her to claim a
marriage counsellors in court who are supposed to
lump sum settlement from her husband. According to
help the couple sort out their differences amicably.
me, nothing really has changed even after the recent
Earlier, divorce was not accepted in society and also
ruling. Because when a husband pronounces arbitrary
by our courts. But today the situation has changed.
triple talaq, the woman has to believe that it has not
We also have laws such as the Protection of Women
dissolved her marriage. She must approach the court
from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 that helps the
either under the Domestic Violence Act or using the
woman secure her right of residence, maintenance,
Shamim Ara ruling and the recent FB judgement in
child custody, and so on, without having to go
the Shaira Bano case to challenge the triple talaq
through a divorce.
and secure her rights.
The Supreme Court of India's ruling on the triple talaq has
Majlis is continuously striving to stand by women who need
given hope to a lot of women. What do you have to say about
legal advice and aid. What is Majlis’ ultimate goal for women
the system of triple talaq and the effect it has had on many
seeking help?
women over the past decades? The triple talaq decision is welcome, but it is
Majlis hopes to provide adequate and accurate knowledge about legal rights to all women who
nothing new. The issue had already been decided
approach the forum. We also strive to spread legal
by the Supreme Court in 2002 in the Shamim Ara
awareness in colleges and in communities through
case, and any woman who had been given arbitrary
NGOs working on the ground. When a woman
triple talaq could challenge it in a court of law. The
approaches us, we explain the law to her and she has
judgement prescribes a very elaborate procedure
to choose what legal strategy would best suit her
about how a Muslim man must pronounce talaq as
own specific situation. Once she decides, we ensure
per the Quranic stipulations. Unfortunately, this
that she is able to secure her rights. We use the
decision was not highlighted in the media, and
legal strategy not only to secure rights but also to
even activists, women’s groups and lawyers were
boost the woman’s confidence so that she is able to
unaware of it. But our organisation has used this
negotiate all difficult situations in her life. March 2018
53
As someone who’s been a part of the classical music industry for decades, what is it like to be a successful woman? Oh, it was very difficult! At times I thought I should give up on my career. My first instinct was not to venture into music in a professional way. That was an easier path then. My husband and in-laws were supportive, but raising a family in a patriarchal society and pursuing a career was very tough. We didn’t have the luxury then to have both, but I feel I’m extremely lucky that I got to balance my family life and still have a successful career. I really am grateful for it! What advice would you like to give young women who would want to follow their dreams of becoming a musician? I would tell them to find, if possible, a partner who has an idea of what a musician’s career and life are like! A person who appreciates it, that
Aruna Sairam Carnatic Singer, Padma Shri awardee
would be the first step. The second step would be to solve problems that may arise in the beginning by talking things through and not waiting till they become bigger and difficult to solve. My third advice would be to be patient. These days I see that the need for instant success is very high. Social media has really changed the patience levels. We want to make it known to the world that we are everywhere. You should understand it takes time and have the belief that everything will come at the right time. You should spend time with your family and have a balance! You really need a lot of patience for that. When you look at the classical music industry today, how do you feel it has evolved? I see that opportunities are much higher, and I'm very happy for the young musicians today. There’s more sponsorship, it’s like an ‘in’ thing to say that I’m young and have taken up classical music full-time. It’s becoming a viable livelihood! It's a wonderful thing, and I’m so happy for them!
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Meenu Tiwari First Batch of Women Navy Officers
In your area of service in the Navy, what are the biggest challenges you faced as a lady officer? I joined the naval service in 1992. I am from the first batch of women officers who joined the Indian Navy. Initially we had lot of apprehensions as we were entering the male bastion. But soon we could realise our potential and were able to undertake training just like our male counterparts and come up to the required benchmark. It was no doubt a big challenge for me to prove it to myself that I have selected the right profession. When you look back at your time in the defence service and see it today, what changes have you noticed? I have worked in the Navy for 9 years. This was the golden time of my life, as this profession has prepared me for life, taught me to face challenges and handle crisis situations. There is no doubt that this profession has evolved as a promising career for the youth today. Positive changes in the mindset of people have made this profession more suitable for women. I believe women don’t have to prove themselves at every step of their career in the Navy nowadays, and get equal opportunities compared to their male counterparts. What is the message you would like to give young women who want to join the defence service? The defence service is a broad continuum of operations which can be broken down into distinct roles, each demanding a specific approach to the conduct of operations. This profession instills courage, determination, dedication and patriotism. The intensive training makes a person physically and mentally strong. My message to the young women is that if you really have the ardent desire to join the Navy, then don’t think even for a moment; go ahead with a strong will power and serve the nation. Women are no less compared to men and can fulfil all the responsibilities of the profession. The mind block that certain jobs are better suited for men and men alone is redefined in the Navy. If you can prove your capabilities and persevere to toil hard, then no one can stop you from joining this profession, and you are sure to succeed in this dynamic field. Although the profession is challenging, it is empowering as well. I am proud to be a part of the Navy and feel fortunate to get the opportunity to serve my country.
Deepa Kalukuri is the Managing Editor of LIVING and an alumna of the 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. March 2018
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Tripster
La magie
Parisienne Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-ElysÊes‌..one must go beyond the cliche and discover the secrets of this magical city. Paris has a lot more to offer than the canvases of the Renaissance painters and statues of the Bourbon kings. Read on to discover the hidden jewels of the city of Love! By Gabriella Paulet
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March 2018
T
rust Parisians to keep their local hideouts hidden from the tourists! It takes a chéri (darling) like me to reveal
Marché d’Aligre
some of these places to explore this magic like a Parisian!
Marché des enfants rouges
Every morning (except Mondays), the Place d’Aligre in the 12th arrondissement of Paris hosts the most sought-after souks in the city. It’s one The markets of Portes de Vanves and Marché Bourse are two of the most popular among tourists. Next time you plan a trip to the bazaar, take a walk through the Marché des Enfants Rouges. Located in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement, you can order one of the best burgers in the country. Enjoy a big cheese sandwich made with love and chunks of dairy heaven! Make sure you shop for fresh organic fruits, ramen, pasta and couscous. If you are visiting the market during the weekend, you can also go for a walk through the Rue de Bretagne, a flea market you’ll fall for in a glimpse! Marché couvert les Enfants Rouges, 39 rue de Bretagne – 75003 Paris
of the oldest markets in Paris and is divided in two parts – the covered market set amidst the beautiful halls that are a haven for architecture lovers. This part is dedicated to delicatessen, coffee, cheese, oil and spices. The open-air market is hosted at the square and overflows onto the street of Aligre. This part includes a food section (you’ve got to have food everywhere in Paris) and many antique shops (old books, fabrics, accessories, etc.). Marché Beauvau - Marché d'Aligre, Rue d'Aligre et place d'Aligre – 75012 Paris
The Hardware Société - Montmartre A walk up the Montmartre can be tiresome! Pamper your love for croissants and baked eggs at this hidden beauty, The Hardware Société. For a scrumptious Parisian brunch, take a break as you explore the Sacré Coeur and take one of the tables outside the eatery. People gazing is one of the most popular pastimes in the city. The menu has different flavours of tea, coffee, freshly baked bread and meals that are a witness to the popularity of French cuisine. However, the best things in life come at a price. In this case, it’s the waiting game! Getting a table here can be a task! Hardware Société, 10, rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris March 2018
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Tripster Le Très Particulier Standing still in the 18th arrondissement is a lesser known restaurant that serves an unforgettable brunch. Le Très Particulier hides within a cute garden and serves a generous array of yummilicious French dishes with a variety of appetizers and desserts. Hot drinks, smoothies, pastries and fresh breads from here are to die for. If that’s not enough, you can add a glass of champagne, évidemment! Le Très Particulier, Pavillon D, 23 avenue Junot 18e Paris
Le Cirque If you are the biggest foodie, head straight to Le Cirque. With an all-you-can-eat buffet, you can savour perfectly tossed salads, homemade pizzas, pancakes, salmon, pastries, cheese and much more. The bonus? A magic show is held here every Sunday to entertain you! That’s one trick you’ll fall for! Le Cirque, 141 rue Saint Martin, 75004 Paris 4ème
Le Parc de Belleville The beautiful view of Paris from Montmartre is one of the most popular in a tourist’s must-do journal. However, ever wondered what’s the view from the other side of the city? The view from Belleville Park is breathtaking! As you walk through, you will find scarcely filled streets, with Parisians
Galerie Polka If you are a lover of photography, Galerie Polka is a must-visit. Paris has a lot to offer in terms of exhibitions; however, this one takes the cake for some of the most spectacular photographs on display. Galerie Polka, 12 Rue Saint-Gilles, 75003 Paris, France
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reading, talking, resting and playing. But you’ll not find tourists flanking the park and the streets. There are some bars where you can drink a cuppa coffee and check out the tiny market. And here, unlike in Montmartre, you see the Eiffel Tower. That view is unmatched! Parc de Belleville, 47 Rue des Couronnes, 75020 Paris, France, La Coulée Verte
Tripster Cité du design et de la mode If you love fashion and design exhibitions, make note of the Cité de la Mode et du Design located in the 13th arrondissement. More than exhibitions, you can go to this creative place to see installations, performances and discover new talents. The exhibits are changed seasonally. During spring, it’s all about photography; in summer it’s interactive exhibition and during winter you will discover the country through its cultural exhibits in terms of the history of French fashion! Cité de la mode et du design, 34 quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris
Citadium Located next to the grand Galeries Lafayette, you will find this temple of urban brands. Four floors covering an area of more than 7000 sq. ft. and 250 brands, this really stands by its namesake. Street shopping in a mall! Now that’s one place which is a combination of the right price and less shoppers! Citadium, 56 rue Caumartin, 75009 Paris
Musée de l’Orangerie Nicholas Ghesquiere, the creative head of the French luxury house Louis Vuitton, brought back medieval art on the canvas of the brand’s handbags! If you love impressionist and post-impressionist
Merci Paris Close to the Marais Rue Beaumarchais, you will
paintings, head to the Musée de l’Orangerie, situated
find a huge concept store named Merci. In this old
in the former orangery of the Tuileries Palace of
fabric factory, which covers an area of more than
Paris. This beautiful museum displays priceless
16145 sq. ft., you will find various products to up
paintings by Claude Monet, Picasso, Pierre-Auguste
your style quotient. Even if you don’t want to buy
Renoir and many renowned art legends. At the end
anything, you must walk around and let yourself be
of your visit, stroll along the River Seine which flows
surprised by all the ethnic and aesthetical products
right in front of the museum.
of this shop.
Musée de l’Orangerie, Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris,
Merci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris,
France
France March 2018
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Tripster Kiliwatch This one is the den of vintage products. If you are looking for an old Levis jeans or vintage leather jackets, you should visit this concept store. You can also find clothes from brands like Christian Lacroix, Jean-Paul Gauthier, Isabel Marant and other designers for the price of a bargain! Kiliwatch, 64 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris, France
Chez Prune If you want to spend a good evening close to the Canal Saint Martin, you should go to Chez Prune. Also good for a lunch, you will be surrounded by Parisians looking for a good place to enjoy some time with friends. You can order a plate of cheese and cold cuts and a good bottle of wine and enjoy your night.
Le marché aux puces de Saint-Ouen (Saint-Ouen flea market) Two thousand traders and over two million visitors each year!
Chez Prune, 36 Rue Beaurepaire,
Although this market is flocked by tourists and locals, it’s a must-visit!
75010 Paris, France
This is the largest antique market in the world and you just cannot miss it. Located in the northern part of Paris in Saint-Ouen, this market is open every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Get set to dive into the adventure of the gold mine of vintage handicrafts. Saint-Ouen Flea Market, 93400 Saint-Ouen, France
Comestibles & Marchand de Vins You can’t go to Paris and not have a great glass of wine. This little restaurant in the 18th arrondissement is one of the best places to find seasoned wines. Do not miss the Croque Monsieur à la Truffe. ‘Truffle Croque Monsieur’. Delicious! There is also a grocery store with products from small regional producers. Pack some for home. Comestibles & Marchand de Vins, 65 Rue du Mont-Cenis, 75018 Paris, France 60
March 2018
Rue Mouffetard Le Paname If you’re up for a good laugh, then visit La Paname for a stand-up show! Le Paname is a bar and restaurant which hosts shows of some of the best known local comedians. The price? Buy yourself a drink for Five Euros, that’s all! Le Paname, 14, Rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 75011 PARIS
Paris is a young city, filled with students and revellers! If you love a great party, then you must visit Rue Mouffetard. This street is lively and filled with students and the residents of the 5th arrondissement. If safety is your concern, then make sure you are aware of where your wallet is! Now that’s one precaution you would want to take everywhere in the world, but especially so in Paris! Rue Mouffetard, 75005, Paris
La Maroquinerie If you want to listen to good music, La Maroquinerie is the best concert hall and it is located in the 20th arrondissement. With an open terrace, it is the perfect place to meet people in a convivial area. Since 2003, La Maroquinerie has hosted global stars like Vampire Week-end, MGMT, Wiz Khalifa, Bon Iver and a lot of other indie artistes. After all, la musique has no language!
Les Fontaines
La Maroquinerie, 23 Rue Boyer, 75020 Paris, France
Right next to the Centre Pompidou in the heart of Paris is Les Fontaines. It’s the most popular bar among Parisians. Situated right in front of the fountains, the beer is cheap and the atmosphere is trendy and friendly. The bartenders here will make you a drink that’ll bring you back here again and again! Les Fontaines, 12 Rue Brisemiche, 75004 Paris, France
Gabriella Paulet is a French-Brazilian citizen and a Parisian by heart. After living in Brazil and Australia, she went back to Paris and founded a French e-magazine Fler. She loves to share her travel adventures mixed with French love and Brazilian charm! March 2018
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Parenting
Mum, Dad!
Attention please?
What if your child turns to you and requests you to spend some time with him/her while you are
F
requent flashbacks are a norm for me. I suppose it is common among us mothers who are trying to constantly evolve and find new parenting styles, compared to the ones we have grown up with. They
say that we don’t remember too many details of our lives from when we were toddlers and pre-schoolers. That is in
‘busy’ on your phone?
fact true; however, there are certain moments from my pre-
Should there be a reality
mother swinging me on her legs with me beaming from ear-
check on when and how
school years which are ingrained in my mind. They are of my to-ear, not wanting anything else at that moment. I remember wishing that playtime with my parents would never end. My
we spend time with
father used to travel 20 days in a month on work; but when
our little ones? Antara
a different generation; a generation free from the glaring
Kothari talks about the impact that technology may have on parent– child relationship!
he was home, his eyes were always on his children. That was addiction of technology. A generation drastically different from the one today. The generation of millennials (born between 1981 and 1997) is an exceedingly interesting one. We are popularly known as “The Me Me Me Generation” mainly for the narcissistic tendencies that we are believed to have and are characterised in various ways, both negative and positive. One of the main qualities of this generation, however, is the ability to quickly adapt to a world undergoing rapid
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March 2018
technological change. According to me, this
had made me question my commitment to him as a
‘adjustment’ to technological change has its pros
parent and whether I was placing more importance on
and cons. The role that technology has played in
the quantity of time I spend with him rather than the
drastically reducing the amount of quality time that
quality.
families spend together actually talking about their day and discussing with children why the sky is blue and not pink, needs to be delved into further. Kores, one of India’s most respected brands,
The quality of time we spend with our children has more psychological effects than we realise. Our undivided attention provides them with a feeling of security that nothing else matters more than them.
has recently tugged at the heartstrings of parents
The security we provide for them sets the foundation
all over the world with its’ latest adhash tagged
for the kind of parents they will become; after all, we
#10minuteswithmummapapa. It questions the
learn from the examples set by our first teachers,
presence of mind of us parents when spending time
our parents. We are the ones our children watch and
with our children and whether we are mentally really
learn from every step of the way, not only from our
there. In the ad when roles are reversed between
successes but our failures as well. Work and social
parents and children to depict how the children view
media will always be there tomorrow, but the trust our
playtime with their parents, one child imitates her
children place in us and the security which comes in
father as continuously talking on the phone and
tandem with that may not be. Connections are built
waving her off when she tries to speak. Another child
with our children during playtime and strengthen
imitates his father scrolling through social media
the relationship between parent
during playtime. It pits quantity versus quality of time
and child, so showing them
against each other and makes us doubt if we have
that they matter and are
ever really asked our children what it is that they
important to us is key.
really need. The honest answer from Kores is that
After all, don’t some
“It’s not toys, it’s not TV time, and it’s not the latest
of our happiest
gadget. It’s #10minuteswithMummaPapa.
moments include
For many people, work doesn’t end at the office. Work often follows them home! Playtime with children is overshadowed by phone calls, text messages and social media. Very rarely do we think about what playtime means to our children and what their expectations are; yes, children do have expectations.
watching our children wonder, build, create and learn?
The other day, my elder son and I were playing a colour sorting game when my phone rang with a work call. Even though I did not make a move to answer it, my son without missing a beat said, “Mama please don’t answer the phone.” When I asked him why, he said “because you are playing with me.” This took place a day after I had watched the Kores video and what my son said struck me like a bolt of lightning. In a second he
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. March 2018
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Table For Two
The Super Large Sunday Brunch
F
or seven years Spice Haat has been the centre of spicy, mouth-watering food!
Tucked amidst some quirky art pieces, the food is laid out across the restaurant. As
we walked in, we bumped into the Chennaiyin FC footballers relishing the scrumptious delicacies. The restaurant was filled with families, friends, sportsmen and a team of 100 catering to everyone’s unique taste. Chef P Senthil greets us with a warm welcome and takes us through the entire spread. He explains, “We receive fresh produce each morning and the preparation starts early. We start the prep at 7 a.m. and it goes on till 12 p.m. We have a team of more than 25 chefs who are divided into teams. The teams work on continental station, South Indian, chaat counter, and so on.” Galauti kabab, tangdi kabab, malai kabab… there
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March 2018
When it comes to options, how much is too much? A chaat counter, a bar, Italian station and superhot kababs – this and much more make up for the biggest brunch in the city of filter kaapi; Chennai! Hyatt Regency invites Team LIVING for a larger-than-life food feast and we tell you what to expect! are many options for starters. One of our favourites was Lal mirch ka murgh tikka! It was soft, perfectly cooked and juicy. If you’re a lover of lamb, you must try Raan kabab with Rumali roti! Chef Hasibur Maula, Chef Arun Kumar and Chef Anil Mangubhaju take time off from their busy kitchens and drop by to explain which dish takes longer and what do the guests look for. The Indian main course menu consisted of dal, rasam, sambar, chicken curry, mutton curry and many delectable vegetarian dishes. Of course, there was a rich and savoury mutton biryani! Half way through our multi-course meal, Foccacia’s beloved Italian chef, Mauro Ferrari helps
us choose the yummiest dishes from the continental counter. If you love some cheese, the platter is a must-have! Try the warm baguettes with blue cheese and enjoy the European flavours! Right at the centre of the restaurant you have three bartenders mixing unique flavours with your favourite spirits. The Mojito here is one of the best you’ll have in the city. We ask Chef Senthil how different the menu is
a dessert for everyone’s taste buds! Mango pudding,
each week. “We change the menu every week and as
mixed fruit tart, coconut verrine, chocolate caramel
soon the Sunday brunch is done with, we sit down
tart, Nutella circle cake, tiramisu, gulab jamun, jalebi,
and decide what to plan for the next brunch. We have
and many more! With more than 120 items to choose
a Chef’s Table at 3 p.m. after the brunch, where all
from, this brunch is rightly named – The Super Large
the chefs sit down and give feedback on the menu
Sunday Brunch!
that particular day,” he adds. One of the must-have food items is the grilled prawn, which is seasoned and served at the live station. Last but not the least is the massive dessert menu that will lure you to cheat on your diet! There’s
Non-Alcoholic Brunch: INR 1,850 plus taxes Brunch Including Alcohol: INR 2,150 plus taxes Timings: 12.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. Location: Hyatt Regency, Chennai March 2018
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Inside Out
Opulent Bathrooms 66
March 2018
Inside Out
Privacy is luxury! That warm bubble bath, with a glass of red in hand and your favourite tune playing in the background makes for the best remedy after a tiring day at work. Zainab Khan speaks to Chennai-based interior designer Kavya Vaideeswaran about modern bathrooms and how to design your plush private rooms.
March 2018
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Inside Out
M
uch of the care that we lavish on
The modern style is inspired by the décor and
ourselves is possible thanks to time
architectural designs of the mid-20th century.
spent in the bathroom, and it is only fair that we turn our bathroom
into a small and private hideout heaven. Adding a dash of modern technique and design, to give it a touch of luxury, can have you relishing the time spent in there. Thinking of giving your bathroom a makeover? Keep in mind that you are not just redoing a bathing space, but you are recreating a sanctuary for cleanliness and comfort. Sleek to clutter-free, chic hotel-styled bathrooms – modern luxe bathroom spaces are trending. Every component and aspect must come together towards the goal of recreating your personal space to suit individual style. Modern bathrooms use plain tiles, distinct lighting, neutral colours, geometric shapes and patterns and minimal furniture. They range from bright to sophisticated spaces and the tiniest of tricks can transform the dullest of bathroom spaces.
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March 2018
Working around a confined space? Use oversized mirrors to add depth or materials not commonly seen in this space for the wall surface, like bricks. Opt for contemporary black and white tiles and lay them in a particular pattern. Add in a bit of wood detailing and use a long, sleek chandelier for the hanging light effect. If you’re looking for some vintage treasure, add an antique claw foot bathtub with plush curtains on all sides. What’s more? Throw in some bath salts, candles and travel back into the vintage world of calm and luxury. If you love a sparkle of glitz and glamour, you can’t go wrong with a hint of black and gold! Working on an expansive budget and looking to experiment? What could be better than a bathroom with a view! Plan your bathroom space in a way that it opens onto or looks upon a splendid view.
Inside Out
full glass cubicle with perfect ventilation installed according to the space in the bathroom to keep the other zone in the bathroom free from steam and unnecessary splashing of water,” says Kavya.
Nature’s Touch Turn your bathroom space into an interior garden by adding a pop of green. “Add a bit of greenery Here are a few ideas that you could use while recreating your bathroom space!
His & Her Bathroom His & her bathroom is the most ideal set-up for the new-age couple who want their space and comfort. The morning bathroom rush or a lazy, long evening shower indulgence is something that cannot be compromised on, and that’s when this concept comes into being! Separate a large walk-in space with individual controls and screens and individual bathtubs and washbasins. “It's advisable to have a
in the bathroom like Boston fern, snake plant or bamboos which can add aesthetics to the bathroom without much of maintenance,” says Kavya. These plants also act as air purifiers. Add the green touch not just with plants but by also adding rugs or giving the tiles and paint coat a refreshing and vibrant green makeover.
Bathroom Spa Craving a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home? Add a bathtub and voila! But here’s how you can enhance the whole look and feel of it. Add an infinite bathtub in your bathroom and feel March 2018
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Inside Out
the magic. An infinite tub allows water to overflow the edge into a surrounding channel; a pump then recirculates the water back into the tub and an in-line heater helps keep the water warm, adding to the whole spa-like feel. Add coloured lights in the tub to add to the special effects. Candles and aroma diffusers set the right mood.
Metallic Touch Chrome fittings have always seemed to rule bathroom dĂŠcor, but here are ways to recreate them. Using chrome shades in the right tone is the key. Rose gold or champagne shades must replace the gaudy bright orangey-gold tones to add class and substance to the space. The use of metallic shades must be very subtle, yet stand out. Adding glam without being too tacky must be the motto.
Matte Finish Gloss finishes have been in style for a long while now, and it is time to say goodbye to them! Matte is the new popular growing trend, and it is sure to stay that way for a long time to come. Choose subtle tones such as grey-blue and use natural materials with it such as stone and wood to add to the whole matte effect. 70
March 2018
Hanging Gardens, Bali
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